2021 Honda CRF 450 First Impressions

Dizzy714 wrote:

Can anyone confirm if the 17’-20’ front plates directly bolt on? Looks like Trey was running one (Cycra) looking at this photo. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/10/02/452329/s1200_6DC9947A_F521_4A66_ADC7_B051F82AEF57.jpg[/img]

Can anyone confirm if the 17’-20’ front plates directly bolt on? Looks like Trey was running one (Cycra) looking at this photo.

zlowery wrote:

Looks good. Just loaded up [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/10/03/452382/s1200_5F486B7E_2F08_4546_BF9B_8DF1A6BA48F9.jpg[/img]

Looks good. Just loaded up

Dizzy714 wrote:

Can anyone confirm if the 17’-20’ front plates directly bolt on? Looks like Trey was running one (Cycra) looking at this photo. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/10/02/452329/s1200_6DC9947A_F521_4A66_ADC7_B051F82AEF57.jpg[/img]

Can anyone confirm if the 17’-20’ front plates directly bolt on? Looks like Trey was running one (Cycra) looking at this photo.

ML512 wrote:

I think Trey was running the older triple clamps in this photo so he needed the older front number plate design. The front number plate has...

I think Trey was running the older triple clamps in this photo so he needed the older front number plate design. The front number plate has a new mounting style for the new triple clamp.

LKHill wrote:

I am sure I will get slammed for saying this but... That is the shortest review I have ever seen, three sentences. To me he seemed...

I am sure I will get slammed for saying this but...

That is the shortest review I have ever seen, three sentences. To me he seemed unimpressed. What did you think he would say? I just spent 10G's and it's a turd?

It seems the honda guys all want to compare it to the old honda and everybody else is comparing it to the competition. This is not the first video I have seen that the front end looks twitchy. Might be why Trey was running clamps.

nascarnate326 wrote:

maybe hes just a normal dude and not a reviewer??

what the hell do you want him to say OMG BEST BIKE EVER SO MUCH WIN!!!!

zlowery wrote:

Just a few observations riding it around and having it in the garage. -Shifting is insanely smooth. Cant believe it. I removed judder springs from my...

Just a few observations riding it around and having it in the garage.

-Shifting is insanely smooth. Cant believe it. I removed judder springs from my 17 and 19 to smooth it out. I dont think they hydraulic clutch has anything to do with how smooth it now is, but holy cow they finally fixed it.
-No longer a torquey handful down low. I can tell cornering this thing is going to take less effort. Previous years had a strong engine breaking/bottom torque that made it a handful in turns. Starts and idles better than 17/19.
-Ergos improved. Couldnt think hondas could feel better but it does.
-Extra fork tube length is going to be nice. Been needed since 2009. Finally. Maybe no lowering link necessary?
-Cable routing is strange. Throttle cables look like they will eventually find their way to the razor sharp titanium tank edge and cause issue. The hydraulic clutch hose looks like a garden house strung through the bike. A KTMish tiny steel braided line routed better would be an awesome mod.
-A subframe for it better cost 200 and not 500 anymore. Cause they really went 2001 rm125/250 simplicity here. The previous gen was a complex combo of cast, billet, and formed tube. This is mostly just tube. My 17 and 19 stressed and flexed. Hope this doesnt.
-plastic layout is nice looking, but seems under built. I dont mind taking more screws off. Seems like ill go thru more plastic.
-Love the new header. Fits the bike well. Bike sounds way quieter. Idling and warming it up.

What old stuff fit the bike?
-front wheel only, not rear. So im told. Looks like the sprocket has moved outward toward the swingarm a good bit. Compared it side by side with my 19. Can someone confirm?
-lowering link is different. Same design, different length.
-clamps different based on front number plate mounting.

Anyone know about springs? Needing this asap. Assuming they would be the same.

zlowery wrote:

Just a few observations riding it around and having it in the garage. -Shifting is insanely smooth. Cant believe it. I removed judder springs from my...

Just a few observations riding it around and having it in the garage.

-Shifting is insanely smooth. Cant believe it. I removed judder springs from my 17 and 19 to smooth it out. I dont think they hydraulic clutch has anything to do with how smooth it now is, but holy cow they finally fixed it.
-No longer a torquey handful down low. I can tell cornering this thing is going to take less effort. Previous years had a strong engine breaking/bottom torque that made it a handful in turns. Starts and idles better than 17/19.
-Ergos improved. Couldnt think hondas could feel better but it does.
-Extra fork tube length is going to be nice. Been needed since 2009. Finally. Maybe no lowering link necessary?
-Cable routing is strange. Throttle cables look like they will eventually find their way to the razor sharp titanium tank edge and cause issue. The hydraulic clutch hose looks like a garden house strung through the bike. A KTMish tiny steel braided line routed better would be an awesome mod.
-A subframe for it better cost 200 and not 500 anymore. Cause they really went 2001 rm125/250 simplicity here. The previous gen was a complex combo of cast, billet, and formed tube. This is mostly just tube. My 17 and 19 stressed and flexed. Hope this doesnt.
-plastic layout is nice looking, but seems under built. I dont mind taking more screws off. Seems like ill go thru more plastic.
-Love the new header. Fits the bike well. Bike sounds way quieter. Idling and warming it up.

What old stuff fit the bike?
-front wheel only, not rear. So im told. Looks like the sprocket has moved outward toward the swingarm a good bit. Compared it side by side with my 19. Can someone confirm?
-lowering link is different. Same design, different length.
-clamps different based on front number plate mounting.

Anyone know about springs? Needing this asap. Assuming they would be the same.

ML512 wrote:

Your prior rear wheel will fit. The 21 swingarm puts more stress on the hub though, this the new part number as the oem hub has...

Your prior rear wheel will fit. The 21 swingarm puts more stress on the hub though, this the new part number as the oem hub has been beefed up a lil.

Front springs are same, rear spring is down one rate. I have a 56 spring for the rear that I got from Showa. These new spring is only a couple mm difference in LENGTH but the coil winding itself is different.

nascarnate326 wrote:

maybe hes just a normal dude and not a reviewer??

what the hell do you want him to say OMG BEST BIKE EVER SO MUCH WIN!!!!

LKHill wrote:

Lol! I am not the one that compared it to a review by the magazine guys.

zlowery wrote:

Just a few observations riding it around and having it in the garage. -Shifting is insanely smooth. Cant believe it. I removed judder springs from my...

Just a few observations riding it around and having it in the garage.

-Shifting is insanely smooth. Cant believe it. I removed judder springs from my 17 and 19 to smooth it out. I dont think they hydraulic clutch has anything to do with how smooth it now is, but holy cow they finally fixed it.
-No longer a torquey handful down low. I can tell cornering this thing is going to take less effort. Previous years had a strong engine breaking/bottom torque that made it a handful in turns. Starts and idles better than 17/19.
-Ergos improved. Couldnt think hondas could feel better but it does.
-Extra fork tube length is going to be nice. Been needed since 2009. Finally. Maybe no lowering link necessary?
-Cable routing is strange. Throttle cables look like they will eventually find their way to the razor sharp titanium tank edge and cause issue. The hydraulic clutch hose looks like a garden house strung through the bike. A KTMish tiny steel braided line routed better would be an awesome mod.
-A subframe for it better cost 200 and not 500 anymore. Cause they really went 2001 rm125/250 simplicity here. The previous gen was a complex combo of cast, billet, and formed tube. This is mostly just tube. My 17 and 19 stressed and flexed. Hope this doesnt.
-plastic layout is nice looking, but seems under built. I dont mind taking more screws off. Seems like ill go thru more plastic.
-Love the new header. Fits the bike well. Bike sounds way quieter. Idling and warming it up.

What old stuff fit the bike?
-front wheel only, not rear. So im told. Looks like the sprocket has moved outward toward the swingarm a good bit. Compared it side by side with my 19. Can someone confirm?
-lowering link is different. Same design, different length.
-clamps different based on front number plate mounting.

Anyone know about springs? Needing this asap. Assuming they would be the same.

ML512 wrote:

Your prior rear wheel will fit. The 21 swingarm puts more stress on the hub though, this the new part number as the oem hub has...

Your prior rear wheel will fit. The 21 swingarm puts more stress on the hub though, this the new part number as the oem hub has been beefed up a lil.

Front springs are same, rear spring is down one rate. I have a 56 spring for the rear that I got from Showa. These new spring is only a couple mm difference in LENGTH but the coil winding itself is different.

Wolfey wrote:

So the rear wheel will fit the 21? I’ve seen others say it won’t . I have a extra set from my 20 that I would...

So the rear wheel will fit the 21? I’ve seen others say it won’t . I have a extra set from my 20 that I would love to swap to the 21.

ML512 wrote:

Welp...it can do this 😂 View this post on Instagram Looks like the 21 @honda_racing_us CRF450R is ready to go! The SchockRocket sent it today, should...

Welp...it can do this 😂

View this post on Instagram

Looks like the 21 @honda_racing_us CRF450R is ready to go! The SchockRocket sent it today, should he send it at the Fox National too??? // #Honda #RideRed #SendItSunday @fxrmoto, @chaparralmoto, @honda_powersports_us, @yoshimura_rd, @6dhelmets, @rjc_racing, @oakley, @alpinestars, @motulusa, @odigrips, @_xtrig_, @galferusa, @hinsonracing, @dubyausa, @rk_excel, @haan_wheels, @sunstar_ea, @boyesenfactoryracing, @epoxy_it_, @dcmxtools, @slfmotion, @workschassislab, @worksconnection, @engineice, @iwcmotorsports_tire_pros, @arcmemlon, @dt1filtersusa, @recmx, @ufoplastusa, @guts_racing_inc, @jepistons, @ridedunlop, @honda_racing_us, @renegadefuel, @xpr_motorsports

A post shared by FXR/Chaparral Honda Racing (@fxr_chaparral_honda) on Oct 4, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

ML512 wrote:

Welp...it can do this 😂 View this post on Instagram Looks like the 21 @honda_racing_us CRF450R is ready to go! The SchockRocket sent it today, should...

Welp...it can do this 😂

View this post on Instagram

Looks like the 21 @honda_racing_us CRF450R is ready to go! The SchockRocket sent it today, should he send it at the Fox National too??? // #Honda #RideRed #SendItSunday @fxrmoto, @chaparralmoto, @honda_powersports_us, @yoshimura_rd, @6dhelmets, @rjc_racing, @oakley, @alpinestars, @motulusa, @odigrips, @_xtrig_, @galferusa, @hinsonracing, @dubyausa, @rk_excel, @haan_wheels, @sunstar_ea, @boyesenfactoryracing, @epoxy_it_, @dcmxtools, @slfmotion, @workschassislab, @worksconnection, @engineice, @iwcmotorsports_tire_pros, @arcmemlon, @dt1filtersusa, @recmx, @ufoplastusa, @guts_racing_inc, @jepistons, @ridedunlop, @honda_racing_us, @renegadefuel, @xpr_motorsports

A post shared by FXR/Chaparral Honda Racing (@fxr_chaparral_honda) on Oct 4, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

z00 wrote:

Does anyone know if from my 18 crf 450 xtrig clamps fit to the 21? Will it have the same characteristics or i will need to...

Does anyone know if from my 18 crf 450 xtrig clamps fit to the 21? Will it have the same characteristics or i will need to buy a new set?

ML512 wrote:

Welp...it can do this 😂 View this post on Instagram Looks like the 21 @honda_racing_us CRF450R is ready to go! The SchockRocket sent it today, should...

Welp...it can do this 😂

View this post on Instagram

Looks like the 21 @honda_racing_us CRF450R is ready to go! The SchockRocket sent it today, should he send it at the Fox National too??? // #Honda #RideRed #SendItSunday @fxrmoto, @chaparralmoto, @honda_powersports_us, @yoshimura_rd, @6dhelmets, @rjc_racing, @oakley, @alpinestars, @motulusa, @odigrips, @_xtrig_, @galferusa, @hinsonracing, @dubyausa, @rk_excel, @haan_wheels, @sunstar_ea, @boyesenfactoryracing, @epoxy_it_, @dcmxtools, @slfmotion, @workschassislab, @worksconnection, @engineice, @iwcmotorsports_tire_pros, @arcmemlon, @dt1filtersusa, @recmx, @ufoplastusa, @guts_racing_inc, @jepistons, @ridedunlop, @honda_racing_us, @renegadefuel, @xpr_motorsports

A post shared by FXR/Chaparral Honda Racing (@fxr_chaparral_honda) on Oct 4, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

z00 wrote:

Does anyone know if from my 18 crf 450 xtrig clamps fit to the 21? Will it have the same characteristics or i will need to...

Does anyone know if from my 18 crf 450 xtrig clamps fit to the 21? Will it have the same characteristics or i will need to buy a new set?

ML512 wrote:

The fender and front number plate won’t work and I’m not 109% sure but I think there’s other clearance issues. The triple clamp companies are going...

The fender and front number plate won’t work and I’m not 109% sure but I think there’s other clearance issues. The triple clamp companies are going to be making new sets for this bike.

ML512 wrote:

Welp...it can do this 😂 View this post on Instagram Looks like the 21 @honda_racing_us CRF450R is ready to go! The SchockRocket sent it today, should...

Welp...it can do this 😂

View this post on Instagram

Looks like the 21 @honda_racing_us CRF450R is ready to go! The SchockRocket sent it today, should he send it at the Fox National too??? // #Honda #RideRed #SendItSunday @fxrmoto, @chaparralmoto, @honda_powersports_us, @yoshimura_rd, @6dhelmets, @rjc_racing, @oakley, @alpinestars, @motulusa, @odigrips, @_xtrig_, @galferusa, @hinsonracing, @dubyausa, @rk_excel, @haan_wheels, @sunstar_ea, @boyesenfactoryracing, @epoxy_it_, @dcmxtools, @slfmotion, @workschassislab, @worksconnection, @engineice, @iwcmotorsports_tire_pros, @arcmemlon, @dt1filtersusa, @recmx, @ufoplastusa, @guts_racing_inc, @jepistons, @ridedunlop, @honda_racing_us, @renegadefuel, @xpr_motorsports

A post shared by FXR/Chaparral Honda Racing (@fxr_chaparral_honda) on Oct 4, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

MontyMX815 wrote:

Would Coty Shock be able to ride this at the fox national? Or was that caption just meaning send it on his 2020 450.

ML512 wrote:

Your prior rear wheel will fit. The 21 swingarm puts more stress on the hub though, this the new part number as the oem hub has...

Your prior rear wheel will fit. The 21 swingarm puts more stress on the hub though, this the new part number as the oem hub has been beefed up a lil.

Front springs are same, rear spring is down one rate. I have a 56 spring for the rear that I got from Showa. These new spring is only a couple mm difference in LENGTH but the coil winding itself is different.

ML512 wrote:

Your prior rear wheel will fit. The 21 swingarm puts more stress on the hub though, this the new part number as the oem hub has...

Your prior rear wheel will fit. The 21 swingarm puts more stress on the hub though, this the new part number as the oem hub has been beefed up a lil.

Front springs are same, rear spring is down one rate. I have a 56 spring for the rear that I got from Showa. These new spring is only a couple mm difference in LENGTH but the coil winding itself is different.

RichieW13 wrote:

What causes the stress on the hub to change?

MontyMX815 wrote:

I didn't compare this review too the magazine crew. I said it was an average guy who gave first impressions. Never said he meticulously reviewed it...

I didn't compare this review too the magazine crew. I said it was an average guy who gave first impressions. Never said he meticulously reviewed it like the SwapMoto guys? Just wanted to show the forum a different perspective than the pro reviewers.