Dirt an Trail July 2022

1985: CR500R
The ‘golden era’ of 500s. Originally launched in 1984 in an
air-cooled form, (with over 70Nm torque on tap), the CR500R
was water-cooled in 1985. Now very much a bike of myth and
legend, it perhaps defined the motocross heydays of the 1980s
with an aesthetic that has inspired the 2023 CRF450R 50th
Anniversary model. It tested the limits of chassis technology
and most riders’ ability to the very limit. If you have ever ridden
one, you’ll understand.
1997: CR250R
The revolution begins. To make use of the advancements
in engine technology and consequent increases in power
and torque, Honda took the bold step of producing the first
aluminium frame for a production MX bike. Tubular steel’s
rigidity was replaced by twin-spar flexibility and other parts
combined for a more high tech feel, like fully adjustable Showa
suspension and disc brakes front and rear. Recognised as one
of the most influential machines of the ‘90s, the CR250R started
an off-road revolution that can still be seen in the MX bikes of
today.
2002: CRF450R
Open-class power in a 250-sized package: Honda kicked off
a new MX mission with its first generation of 450, the first
four-stroke and a direct replacement for the CR250R. And with
its 250-based chassis, it was slim and lightweight. The 449cc
engine was powerful, smooth and with a wide powerband which
made it no less potent, but much less intimidating, than a
comparable 250cc two-stroke engine. The CRF450R made going
faster, easier.
2009: CRF450R
An injection of technology: After steady evolution the CRF450R
was reborn with a fuel-injected engine with a 50mm throttle
body and 12-hole injector. Owners were also able to make
adjustments to fuel delivery and ignition timing via an HRC
PGM-FI setting tool. The engine redesign and new chassis were
built together with a focus on mass centralisation, making for a
compact machine carrying its weight more forward and lower.
Suspension was by Kayaba: 48mm Air-Oil-Separated (AOS) USD
forks and compact rear shock.
2017: CRF450R
All-new and made for the hole shot: Under the concept of
‘ABSOLUTE HOLESHOT!’ The open-class MX machine was given
a ground-up redesign, with completely new chassis, full Showa
suspension and a major top end power boost from a brand-new
engine. Standard-fit electric start was a convenient addition a
year later and in 2019 an HRC-developed cylinder head upped
power and torque considerably; HRC launch control was also
added. In 2020 3-level Honda Selectable Torque Control, (HSTC),
gave the rider options to manage rear wheel traction.
2022: CRF450R 50th Anniversary
Success builds success, and celebration: In 2021, aside
from the wheels and fundamental engine architecture, the
CRF450R was effectively a totally new bike, drawing heavily on
developments from the 2019 MX GP championship-winning
CRF450RW of Tim Gajser. He and HRC secured the title for a
second year in 2020 and finished a close third in 2021. As ever
with motocross, and the CRF450R, the game moves on and the
latest machine is armed with a host of factory rider led and HRC
updates to engine and chassis aimed at making going fast -
really fast - that much easier.