CRF450R & RX
For the MX1 CRF450R, Honda has introduced
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
which will work in conjunction with optimised
fuel injection settings and HRC Launch
Control to keep Honda’s promise of “Absolute
Holeshot!”
The HSTC system is pre-programmed with
three riding modes to assist riders in Honda’s
words “from beginner to pro, to manage rear
wheel traction and gain drive”.
The CRF450R’s frame and swingarm are
unchanged but there are new compression
damping settings for the Showa suspension.
The rear brake gets revised pad material
for durability, and the battery box is re-
positioned.
It’s a similar story for the CRF450RX, which
now also sports a thoroughly improved
electronics package.
The 2020 CRF450RX is now equipped with
Honda Selectable Torque Control, which
works hand-in-hand with optimisation of the
PGM-FI and HRC Launch Control mapping.
The HSTC fitted to the 20YM CRF450RX
doesn’t use a wheel speed sensor, and
importantly maintains feel at the throttle
while managing power; ignition timing is
retarded and the PGM-FI controlled when
the rate of change of rpm is detected to have
gone over a set amount.
As on the CRF450R, the HSTC system on the
RX features three modes to tailor the ride to
suit the conditions of the day. In Mode 1 the
system intervenes most lightly, and after the
longest time, which Honda says comes into its
own for reducing wheelspin and maintaining
control in tight corners. Mode 3 is the most
intrusive, with the system intervening more
quickly and strongly than the other two
modes, which naturally should be most useful
in more slippery, muddy conditions. Mode 2,
you guessed it, offers a mid-point between
1 and 3 in terms of speed and strength of
intervention.
HSTC can also be completely deactivated
should the need arise.
The 450RX’s Showa suspension features
revised settings, with new valving in the shock
and damping in the forks revised over the
previous model, plus there are also updates
to the rear brake and graphics.
New Zealand’s Honda motorcycle distributor,
Blue Wing Honda is still awaiting confirmation
from Honda HQ on availability for New
Zealand. Rest assured as soon as we know
more on when the 2020 Honda’s are likely to
land (and more importantly how much the
added electronics will sting the back pocket)
you’ll read it here in Kiwi Rider.
KIWI RIDER 91