Ok, i've been lagging on the four-five-oh project update. The bike has actually been done for awhile, and is already broken in. This is one serious piece of motocross engineering. This is actually my second 450cc, however i've been primarily riding a 250cc for the last couple of seasons.
The red RG3 triple clamps help control deflection in the forks for more precise cornering and wheel placement.
The Honda HPSD is a steering dampening system, that allows you to 'tune' the steering characteristics to your personal preference. You can increase the dampening for increased stability or reduce dampening to improve turn-in response in corners. Honda is the only company with a system like this, so far..
The steering dampener is the little widget in the center. It articulates with the steering, and helps control the front end of the bike.
This hour meter tracks every hour the engine is running, so you can keep track of all your maintenance through the life of the bike.
Carbon fiber fork guards don't actually improve anything - they just look cool.
Titanium exhaust by FMF. Sounds good. Looks good. Adds a couple HP.
The bike handles brilliently! After five hours of track time though, I've concluded I still prefer a 250cc for a couple of reasons. The 250cc can be ridden high in the RPM's and 'on the throttle' most of the time, where as the 450cc requires pro level skills to be ridden that aggressively. Another factor is the increased crank mass of the 450. It feels like a 250 until you start to roll on the throttle in a corner (the crank mass makes the bike want to stand up in corners) and then it feels like the 'big bike' that it is. I prefer the more playful feeling 250cc for my style of riding. A 450 with 50+HP on a motocross track is serious; grab a -tiny- bit too much throttle and next thing you know you are flying 120ft on a 90ft jump. It demands respect, and requires precise throttle control at all times.
Bottom line is a 450 is 'serious' while a 250 is 'playful'. And a well ridden 250 can be as fast or faster than a 450 on some tracks. So now that i've finished the 450 project, I've decided to hit the restart button and start over with a 250!?.
Anyone interested in a race ready, mint 2009 CRF450R, contact FYI ASAP.
TR