Honda’s CFR450R is the nuclear option in the motocross wars. Light, powerful, nimble, responsive, it offers the most performance and refinement of any bike in its class. For 2013, we’ve made some fine-tuning changes that make it a little better, but the big features that separate it from the pack remain. Out on the track the bike feels very different from the 2012, and in a positive way. The motor is still soft down low compared to other 450s (KX-F,YZ-F) but once in the mid-top it is very good and the key words are useable power. The 2013 CRF450R is easy to ride because it doesn’t hit super hard off the bottom and try and tear your arms out of socket exiting corners. Yes, I would like to see a little more pulling power down low through 2nd gear but again, the bike stays easy to handle once fatigue starts to creep in. I’ve tried a couple different ignition maps that made some gains down low, but we haven’t finalized any settings as of yet. The next step is a 49 or 50-tooth rear sprocket to close the 2nd to 3rd gear gap. I like the clutch lever reach adjusted out more than stock to get the clutch to disengage easier when entering corners. It wants to surge thru the middle of the corner and adjusting the lever out gave it a better engagement feeling on the track. ”
