Powered by an innovative, high-tech liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, the CRF450R has generated a whirlwind of anticipation. And for good reason: in its first-ever outing, it won the final round of the 2000 All-Japan National Motocross series.

The CRF450R's big advantage starts with big-time power, specifically 55 bhp and 36 lb./ft. of torque at 7000 rpm. Moreover, the designers of the CRF450R have pared away grams wherever possible to establish new standards for light weight, with a class-leading dry weight of only 225 pounds. That makes the CRF450R the lightest mass-produced four-stroke motocrosser ever created.

With a bore and stroke of 96mm x 62.1mm for a displacement of 449cc, the four-stroke 450R engine features an inventive single overhead camshaft design. The Unicam™ SOHC, four-valve configuration allows for a narrower and lighter head than a double overhead cam design, and contributes to the incredible 11,200-rpm rev ceiling.

The CRF450R 's valve train includes two lightweight titanium intake valves. For compactness, the two steel exhaust valves are actuated by a forked rocker arm design. A roller bearing on the rocker arm reduces friction and therefore wear, so the cam lobe can be narrower-and lighter-than usual. This compact valve arrangement flattens the combustion chamber and lets the 450R run a high compression ratio of 11.5:1.

The forged, double-ring piston is stunningly short, with an ultra-mini skirt; it measures 96mm in diameter, but it's only 33.6mm tall and amazingly lightweight at only 263 grams. This is cutting-edge stuff that comes straight from Honda's Formula 1 race car technology!

The CRF450R features a five-speed gearbox with a separate lubrication system for the engine and gearbox. Separating these systems makes for a smaller oil pan, less weight and less power-robbing oil drag around the crankshaft. In addition, the oil bath surrounding the eight-disc clutch will be subjected to a lower heat load.

Honda's engineers made easy starting a priority for the CRF450R. Some big racing four-stroke singles carry a well-deserved reputation for being hard to start, but the CRF450R features a small, lightweight and automatic kickstarter- actuated decompression and hot-restart system, so the 450R won't leave a racer stranded mid-track if he stalls the bike.

Other trick parts include a flat-slide carburetor with bearings; the slide runs on rollers to reduce the throttle pull resistance. A titanium head pipe leads to a stainless steel exhaust that terminates with an aluminum muffler-quality components all.

The CRF450R chassis is Honda's latest aluminum design, essentially identical to the new frame used on the 2002 CR®250R. Although not interchangeable with the CR250R frame, the 450R frame uses the exact same concept and execution, so it's less than half a pound heavier than the CR250R frame. Fully adjustable suspension and CR-style brakes completed the chassis package. Expect the 450R's handling to be on par with the CR250R.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model:	2002 CRF450R
Suggested Retail Price:	$6,299
Engine Type:	449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:	96.0mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio:	11.5:1
Valve Train:	SOHC; four-valve
Carburetion:	Keihin 40mm flat-slide
Ignition:	Solid-state CD with electronic advance
Transmission:	Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive:	#520 chain; 13T/50T
Front Suspension:	47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.0-inch travel
Rear Suspension:	Pro-Link® Showa single-shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.4-inch travel
Front Brake:	Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake:	Single 240mm disc
Front Tire:	80/100-21
Rear Tire:	110/90-19
Wheelbase:	59.4 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):	28.6 degrees
Trail:	119mm (4.68 inches)
Seat Height:	37.2 inches
Ground Clearance:	13.0 inches
Dry Weight:	225.0 pounds
Fuel Capacity:	2.0 gallons
Color:	Red