Honda Europe has released information and specs for an off-road version of its’ CRF450R, called the CRF450X. This has now also been announced as a U.S. model for 2005. Featuring lights, electric starter, larger gas tank, and wide-ratio transmission, this should be an excellent off-road weapon. Check out the full text of the Honda Europe press release below.

Starting from the CRF450R, the world’s most phenomenal big-bore 4-stroke motocross champion, as their winning design base, Honda’s off-road engineers have now created the world’s lightest and most powerful off-road racer and fun bike to ever raise a roost and put a smile on your face. Featuring dynamic, wheel-lofting power, a slim form and rugged, long-travel suspension systems for light, neutral handling—and the ease of push-button electric starting—the all-new CRF450X is the exciting new bike to have for every kind of high-powered off-road riding fun you can imagine.

2005 CRF450X – E2
Features and Benefits

Unique Features

• Push-button electric start system for easy start-ups in all conditions.
• Exhaust emissions comply with all local regulations for off-road motorcycles.
• Large 8.3-litre fuel tank capacity.
• Resettable, easy-to-read three-digit competition odometer.
• Spark arrester-equipped silencer complies with all local fire and noise regulations.
• Powerful 35-watt halogen headlight features new lens type for wide range of illumination.
• Eye-catching LED taillight integrated into rear fender.
• Convenient sidestand.
• Easy-access urethane foam air filter.
• Smooth-shifting wide-ratio 5-speed transmission.
• Suspension tuned for enduro riding needs.
• 18″ rear wheel provides enhanced protection against flat tyres.
• New T-ring sealed chain is narrower, stronger and lighter compared to conventional chains.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Powerful liquid-cooled 449cm3 4-stroke 4-valve Unicam engine is designed to produce power across a wide rpm band for easy-to-control operation.
• Electric starter drives the clutch side of the crankshaft to provide superior lubrication of starter gears, and produce a narrow engine with a short, strong crankshaft.
• Lightweight, compact, internal auto decompressor system provides superb coldstarting and hot-starting operation.
• Compact, lightweight engine assembly weighs only 32.2kg.
• Unique Honda Unicam valve train provides both the light weight of a compact singlecam design and an optimum combustion chamber shape for maximum power at all engine rpm.
• Unicam valve train features a single carburised camshaft directly actuating two 35mm titanium intake valves from above. The camshaft’s centre exhaust lobe actuates two 30mm steel exhaust valves via a forked, low-friction, roller rocker-arm.
• Lightweight titanium intake valves permit use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height.
• High-strength, low-carbon steel crankshaft with carburised main journals for maximum durability at sustained high-rpm operation.
• ACG cover, clutch cover and cylinder head cover are made of magnesium to reduce engine weight.
• Forged 12.5:1 compression slipper piston is lighter than conventional designs, for quick-revving response while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power.
• Double-carburised connecting rod utilises an updated big-end needle bearing and thrust washers for maximum high-rpm performance and durability.
• Lightweight NiCaSil cylinder lining ensures cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
• Press-fitted aluminium spark plug pipe fits between forked exhaust rocker arms, further contributing to compact cylinder head design.
• 40mm Keihin FCR-type carburettor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in very light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability.
• Carburettor features a throttle position sensor (TPS) that helps maintain linear throttle response throughout the rpm range.
• Twin-sump lubrication system separates oil supply to crankshaft, piston and valve train from supply to clutch and transmission. This ensures a steady supply of cool oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil, reduces the amount of circulating oil and permits the use of a smaller oil pump.
• Vertically split crankcases feature a built-in oil pump, reducing weight compared to conventional designs.
• Exhaust system uses a lightweight stainless steel exhaust header and muffler equipped with spark arrester.
• Dual radiators feature a refined core area for improved heat dissipation compared to conventional dual-radiator designs. Coolant recovery tank is located underneath engine for improved mass centralisation. Coolant tank is protected by a plastic shield.
• Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump. Eight clutch plates provide the surface area necessary to handle the engine’s massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
• New T-ring-sealed chain is approximately 1.6mm narrower, and stronger compared to conventional chains.
• Durable 5-speed wide-ratio transmission.

Chassis/Suspension

• All-new 4th-generation twin-spar aluminium frame is derived from Honda’s CR series of championship motocrossers.
• Forged aluminium steering head and tapered down-tube section designed for optimised frame rigidity. In addition, tall swingarm pivot plates and narrow frame spars create a narrow overall frame cross-section for superb rider comfort and manoeuvrability.
• Semi-double-cradle frame design features a single, large-diameter tapered downtube. Two rugged box-section rails attach to the base of the downtube and support the engine. A forged aluminium steering head provides a compact and extremely durable mount for the frame spars and engine downtube.
• The aluminium frame design is matched to rider ergonomics to maximise handling and control operation.
• Lightweight, 47mm Showa inverted twin-chamber cartridge-type fork with aluminium dampers is derived from the CRF450R and features settings unique to the CRF450X. The fork offers 315mm of travel, 16-step rebound and 16-step compression damping adjustability. The inner surfaces of the front fork outer tubes receive the same honing treatment as Works bikes for low-friction operation.
• Pro-Link rear suspension system features a single, fully adjustable Showa rear damper and 315mm of wheel travel, separate low-speed (13-step) and high-speed (3.5 turns) compression damping adjusters, and 17-step adjustable rebound damping.
• Large 50mm rear damper piston diameter provides consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
• Swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper design with a large cast aluminium crossmember offering high strength and light weight.
• Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.
• 18″ rear wheel features same lightweight rear hub and HRC Works-type lightweight aluminium spoke nipples as used on CRF450R for reduced unsprung weight.
• Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide optimum rigidity and strength to withstand torturous track conditions.
• Large, 240mm front and rear brake rotors.
• Compact dual-piston front brake calliper, anodised aluminium brake pistons and lightweight front brake rotor minimise unsprung weight for improved turning and handling.
• HRC Works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the need for a remote master cylinder reservoir and hose assembly.

Additional Features

• All plastic body components (radiator shroud, side covers, rear fender, seat base, fuel tank, front fender, and front headlight) are designed for slimmer, more aggressive styling and light weight.
• Airbox features easy access to reusable foam air filter.
• Rider ergonomics are optimised by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider’s legs at the narrowest cross-section of the frame for improved comfort and handling feel.
• Seat cushion uses foam construction that follows the shape of the fuel tank, providing a smooth transition to increase rider mobility and comfort.
• Non-slip seat cover enhances rider control.
• Rear brake pedal and shift lever made of lightweight aluminium and designed to complement the riding position. Brake pedal features optimised ratio to match integrated rear brake master cylinder design.
• Wide, cleated stainless steel footpegs are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
• Aluminium Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
• CR handlebar holders provide three different mounting positions: standard CRF450X holder (CRF450R/CR125R/CRF250X-type) provides +/-3mm fore or aft position to match rider preference, and optional holder (CR250R-type) provides neutral position.
• Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort.
• Adjustable front brake lever.
• Quick-adjust clutch perch.
• Chain guide material offers improved wear resistance, with service life five times greater than conventional materials.
• Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and calliper from damage.
• Removable rear sub-frame allows easy maintenance.
• Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
• Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
• Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.

Specifications CRF450X (ED-type)
Engine
Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve SOHC single
Displacement 449cm3
Bore x Stroke 96 x 62mm
Compression Ratio 12 : 1
Max. Power Output 41.5kW/9,000min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque 50.7Nm/6,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Carburation 40mm Keihin FCR flat-slide carburettor with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition System Computer-controlled digital capacitor discharge with electronic advance and lighting coil
Starter Electric/Primary kick

Drivetrain
Transmission 5-speed
Primary Reduction 2.739 (63/23)
Gear Ratios 1 1.800 (27/15)
2 1.470 (25/17)
3 1.235 (21/17)
4 1.050 (21/20)
5 0.909 (20/22)
Final Reduction 3.923 (51/13)
Final Drive #520 T-ring sealed chain

Chassis
Frame Semi-double cradle; aluminium twin-spar
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2,186 x 825 x 1,254mm
Wheelbase 1,478mm
Caster Angle 27° 17′
Trail 112.8mm
Seat Height 963mm
Ground Clearance 348mm

Fuel Tank Capacity 8.3 litres
Dry Weight 115.7kg
Kerb Weight 128.9kg

Suspension
Type Front 47mm Showa inverted leading-axle twin-chamber cartridgetype telescopic fork with 16-step adjustable compression and rebound damping; 315mm axle travel
Rear Pro-Link with Showa damper, adjustable low-speed (13-step) & high-speed (3.5-turn) compression and 17-step rebound damping; 315mm axle travel

Wheels
Type Front 21 x 1.60 aluminium rim/wire spoke
Rear 18 x 2.15 aluminium rim/wire spoke
Tyres Front 80/100–21 51M
Rear 110/100–18 62M

Brakes
Type Front 240 x 4.5mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
Rear 240 x 4.5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

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