For Immediate Release
MARKHAM, ON. (May 9, 2017) – Honda revealed today that the CRF450R gets even better for the 2018 model year, with electric start now a standard feature. Designed following an “Absolute Holeshot” philosophy that resulted in a downdraft-intake layout achieving optimum power and centralized mass, the revolutionary motocross model has been a huge success this year, with it being among the industry’s top-selling 450cc motocrosser. This year the electric start which was previously offered as an accessory, is now standard for 2018, as is a lightweight lithium-ion battery. Topping off the updates for 2018 for this model is updated suspension settings aimed at improving chassis feel and overall action.
Today’s 2018 model-year announcement also includes the updated CRF450RX closed-course off-road bike and the returning CRF150R mini motocrosser.
“It’s been amazing to see the success of the CRF450R this year, and we’re even more excited about this model with the improvements we’ve made for 2018,” said James Marchand, Assistant Vice President, Motorcycle, ATV & Power Equipment at Honda Canada. “In addition to the obvious convenience, the electric start can save valuable seconds following a mid-moto mistake, and with the use of a lithium-ion battery, we can still achieve an extremely light weight. These changes make the CRF450R more competitive, and of course customers can continue to count on the Honda durability, quality, and reliability.”
2018 Honda CRF450R
CRF450R The CRF450R’s downdraft air-intake and fuel-injection layout achieves a potent, broad spread of torque, but it also allows for heavier components to be located as centrally and low as possible so that all that power can be effectively utilized. In addition, the vehicle packaging results in nimble cornering, while updated suspension settings to the Showa® shock and 49mm coilspring fork improve handling. Corresponding with the addition of an electric starter (powered by a lightweight lithium-ion battery), the kick-start lever has been removed in order to shave precious weight. An updated ECU setting means power delivery is more useable than ever, and the big CRF still has great features like a titanium fuel tank, engine-mode select button, and wave-pattern 260mm front brake. Add it all together and you’ve got a bike that delivers on its promise of the “Absolute Holeshot.”
Color: Red Availability: July 2017
CRF450RX Currently being campaigned in the GNCC series by JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger, the CRF450RX already came stock with electric start, for 2018 the model gets a weight reduction with the removal of the kick-start lever and the same light-weight lithium-ion battery as on the CRF450R. The CRF450RX is based closely on the flagship CRF450R but with off-road-focused updates like a larger 2.2-gallon fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, side stand, optimized ECU and suspension settings, and more. When it comes to closed-course competition like GNCC, hare scrambles, and Grand Prix racing, the CRF450RX may just well be the ultimate off-road weapon.
CRF150R / CRF150R Expert Honda’s smallest motocross machine is more than competitive against its two-stroke competition, thanks to a Unicam® four-stroke engine (based on the power plants of the larger Honda motocrossers) that offers a spread of ample, useable power and torque across the rev range. Suspension duties are handled by Showa, with a 37mm inverted fork and Pro-Link® rear link system, and new graphics for 2018 align the model with the CRF450R. In addition to the standard version, Honda offers the CRF150R Expert, which features larger wheels, a taller seat and a longer swingarm.
Color: Red Availability: July 2017