The 2020 CRF450R puts more engine-management choices at the fingertips of racers with the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) - making it the ultimate holeshot taking, podium-winning powerhouse that will leave all others in the dust.
HSTC was developed through HRC’s worldwide racing effort, the system maximises rear-tire hook-up to keep all of the Unicam® engine’s horsepower driving the bike and rider forward, improving racing success regardless of track conditions.
In keeping with racing-body regulations, the system measures rate of rpm increase and adjusts delivery accordingly and a handlebar-mounted switch enables selection from three levels of delivery, which is most in class. In addition, the CRF450R’s front-rear balance is refined and handling is improved thanks to internal suspension updates and a new battery position that lowers the machine’s centre of gravity. Improved rear-brake pad performance and durability, and the exclusive specification of Dunlop Geomax® MX3S tyres round out a machine that’s ready to take 450 riders to the next level.
HANDLING
NEXT-GENERATION ALUMINUM FRAME
The CRF450R’s Next-Gen twin spar aluminum frame positions the rear shock’s mounting point lower, opening up the airbox area and contributing to a lower center of gravity for more holeshots. The frame geometry also helps improve traction, feeling and steering precision.
RELOCATED BATTERY/BATTERY BOX
For 2020, we designed a new battery box for the CRF450R that moves the battery 28mm lower. That helps lower the overall center of gravity, which is always a benefit for responsive handling.
NEW SUSPENSION SETTINGS
Not a big change, but hey, with a bike this good we’re talking about chasing perfection. What you’ll experience is better front/rear balance. The 49mm Showa fork features a conventional spring design that helps increase the CRF450R’s front-suspension precision, handling and feel. The spring rate provides better bottoming resistance and improved handling.
SWINGARM
The CRF450R’s swingarm uses a special fabrication technique that lets us fine-tune the flex to work with the chassis and give you better rear traction and cornering precision.
TWIN-MUFFLER EXHAUST SYSTEM
The CRF450R’s dual exhaust system is light, compact, and positioned close and low in the frame to take weight off the rear end and bring more mass to the bike’s center for improved handling. It also allows for more air flow, and that equals added horsepower.
ENGINEERING
Honda SELECTABLE TORQUE CONTROL (HSTC)
Notice that new button on the handlebar by the clutch perch? New for 2020, the CRF450R get Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). You can choose from one of three settings to perfectly dial your bike in depending on how much traction is available.
HRC LAUNCH CONTROL
We’re talking about a special ECU program here: push the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the CRF450R will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage. It turns your bike into a holeshot-seeking machine!
ENGINE MODE SELECT BUTTON
This simple handlebar-mounted button lets you dial in engine power delivery character with a push of your thumb. Choose between Standard, Smooth and Aggressive, depending on track conditions.
NEW REAR BRAKE PADS
Brakes are for more than just stopping: they help you set up the bike in turns and jumps. This year we changed the pads on the 2020 CRF450R so they’ll last longer and give you even more stopping power—a real win/win to help you win.
260mm FRONT BRAKE
The CRF450R’s large front-brake disc measures a whopping 260mm. You get great brake feel and a pattern that cuts down on weight. Front and rear brake-disc guards are part of the package too.
TITANIUM FUEL TANK
Grams and performance count, and the CRF450R uses a titanium fuel tank. Light and strong, it’s also thinner than our previous plastic unit, while maintaining the same capacity, freeing up more space and helping to centralise fuel mass.
PERFORMANCE
449cc UNICAM ENGINE
Honda’s Unicam cylinder heads combine the best of single- and double-overhead-cam designs. The configuration contributes to a compact engine that saves weight over a comparable dual-overhead-camshaft motor and also permits a narrow included valve angle. This flattens the combustion chamber to facilitate ignition flame propagation, allowing a high compression ratio. Since less space is taken up in the cylinder head, the camshaft sits lower in the head for a more compact engine and a lower center of gravity.
ELECTRIC STARTER
Kickstarting? Maybe if you’re riding in the vintage class, but not here. By ditching the kickstarter entirely, our engineers can make the CRF450R lighter. Electric starters and lithium-ion batteries are so light now and so good that putting them on a bike like this is a win/win combination, and winning is what a CRF450R is all about.
TITANIUM INTAKE VALVES
Lightweight titanium intake valves cut down on reciprocating mass and permit the use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height.
DOWNDRAFT FUEL INJECTION
The CRF450R features a downdraft intake tract and FI body to help increase both power and fuel-metering precision. It’s part of the reason the CRF450R offers such explosive power and massive torque, especially out of the starting gate and in the critical first 30 metres of the race to the first turn.
DOUBLE-SPRAY INJECTOR SETTINGS
The CRF450R’s fuel-injection system sprays twice per intake cycle. That helps increase fuel atomisation without adding the weight or complexity of a second injector. The better fuel atomisation means more power in the midrange and on over-rev—you’ll feel it the first time you race.
DUNLOP MX3S TYRES
Developed using Dunlop’s “block-on-block” design technology, the CRF450R’s MX3S tyres give excellent feedback and are a perfect complement to the CRF450R’s frame and suspension.
CYLINDER HEAD LAYOUT
The CRF450R uses our latest finger-follower rocker design. The Unicam cylinder head remains one of the most efficient in the MX world, giving you the design and performance of a double-overhead-cam layout but the compactness of a single-overhead-cam design.
13:5:1 COMPRESSION RATIO
The CRF450R features a refined squish area that helps boost compression to an impressive 13.5:1. That means improved combustion efficiency for more power.
STYLING
RENTHAL "FATBAR"
The aluminum Renthal Fatbar features a bend that’s even better than the legendary Honda “CR” bar. It’s the new standard of excellence—you’re gonna love it!
BLACK RIMS
They may not help you go faster, but the black DID DirtStar rims sure look good.
FLAT SEAT/TANK JUNCTION
The CRF450R features a flat seat/tank junction, including a titanium fuel tank. The superior ergonomics make it easier to move forward and back on the bike, increasing your control.
UPDATED "IN MOLD" GRAPHICS
With all the time you’ll be spending in victory circle, you need to look your best. The 2020 CRF450R has you covered. Our redesigned “in mold” graphics look great, for longer.
SKID PLATE
A factory skid plate is light and offers the engine and lower-frame protection that a racer demands.
