Honda announces details of two significant new arrivals to the off-road racing world – a totally revised CRF450R motocrosser and a new enduro machine, the CRF450RX.

We’ll get our hands on these for a test soon. For now, you can feast on the full press release below and check out the gallery:

Ground-up redesign for Honda’s CRF450R motocrosser; new CRF450RX shares same engine and chassis, bringing a major new presence to the enduro market.

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  • HRC-inspired new engine gives CRF450R 11% boost in top end power and stronger torque across the rev range
  • New frame with lower centre of gravity and revised geometry provides outstanding rear wheel traction and even more agile handling
  • Electric start available as an option
  • New CRF450RX machine has larger tank, 18″ rear wheel, sidestand, electric start, revised suspension and engine mapping for uncompromising enduro focus

A motocross benchmark since its introduction in 2002, the CRF450R has been redesigned ‘from the ground-up’ for 2017 under the development theme of ‘Absolute Holeshot’. Honda’s open class motocrosser has earned a reputation for being the best-handling 450cc motocrosser available, with strong, useable engine power and a chassis that allows riders of all experience levels to put every drop of that power to good use. For the 2017 year model, the full re-design brings a dose of heavy-hitting top end performance in an even sharper, more rider-friendly overall package.

17MY CRF450R

The new CRF450R features:

  • An HRC-inspired power-up engine with an 11% top-end power boost provided by revised cylinder head with greater valve lift, higher compression ratio and new intake giving a straighter pathway into the inlet ports.
  • Stronger torque, particularly low down, but right throughout the rpm range, for a 5% improvement in acceleration out of the gate.
  • New seventh generation aluminium frame with lower centre of gravity, shorter wheelbase and shorter distance between swingarm pivot and rear wheel, offering unprecedented levels of rear traction.
  • Race-kit specification 49mm Showa steel spring front fork.
  • Titanium fuel tank, smooth, aerodynamically-efficient plastics and the option of electric starter

Mikio Uchiyama, Large Project Leader for the 17YM CRF450R outlines the intention behind the new CRF450R: “Our focus has been on producing a machine with exceptional engine performance, outstanding traction and a low centre of gravity – to create a 5% improvement in acceleration on the previous model. The phrase underpinning development was ‘Absolute Holeshot’. The CRF450R is already proving its worth in the Japanese MX championship, winning the first five races. We are proud to give this kind of performance to motocross lovers worldwide.”

Alongside the CRF450R, Honda can now also provide enduro riders with a race-ready machine – the new CRF450RX. Sharing the CRF450R’s new engine and frame package, the CRF450RX has crucial changes to create an uncompromising enduro focus.

  • Revised suspension settings for enhanced control.
  • Revised PGM-FI settings and an 8.5 litre fuel tank for range of approximately 65km.
  • Three revised engine maps, selectable at the handlebar using Honda’s Engine Mode Select Button.
  • 18″ rear wheel.
  • Sidestand and electric start as standard.

Mr M. Uchiyama, Large Project Leader (LPL) of the 17YM CRF450RX: “The CRF450RX is a pure, race-ready enduro tool like nothing else Honda has ever made. It uses the greatly improved performance of the brand new CRF450R and we made no sacrifices in producing this ‘RX’ enduro version, which offers something completely new to expert riders everywhere. It is built to win straight from the crate, at the highest level of competition.”

Honda CRF450RX

Both the CRF450R and CRF450RX will be unveiled at the Assen MXGP August 26 – 28.

Honda’s MX2 World Champion Tim Gajser currently leads the MX1 standings by 99 points in his first season in the MXGP category.