F
or 2020 Honda has stayed with a winning
format and kept its CRF450R largely
unchanged from last year’s model. Rather
than focus on the chassis and engine, which
are substantially the same high-performance
package, Honda’s dirt-wizard engineers have
been working hard on the bike’s electronics
package. While the bike might look the same on
the outside, the big news for Honda’s open-class
big gun is under the skin, namely HSTC or Honda
Selectable Torque Control – which is traction
control to you and me.
In addition to our testing, we gave the stock bike
to Honda Team racers Cody Cooper and Wyatt
Chase to give it the ultimate photoshoot and
video workout – watch it in the link.
38 KIWI RIDER
Ok, before I get onto the traction control, I’m
going to cover the non-electronic changes. Yes,
while the bike looks the same from a chassis
perspective there have been changes. The
battery box has been lowered by 28mm and the
suspension at both ends has been firmed up. By
lowering the battery box Honda says there’s an
improved the centre of gravity and, probably most
importantly, it has opened up a significant area to
allow more airflow into the airbox. The suspension
changes are internal, firming up the low- to mid-
speed settings, with the aim of greater stability
on faster tracks. The rear brake guard has been
dropped too, to facilitate better cooling of the
brake disc. Another change is the brake pad
material at both ends has been improved.