Also, the frame is reconfigured to lower the centre of gravity and improve mass centralisation( a phrase which Honda itself coined). The engine is new too with 11 % more power up top. Riding off the CRF feels very slim and the ergonomics package feels natural and neutral. The seat is great, decent foam depth and very flat. The radiator side covers are 30mm narrower than last year’ s already slim bike. Getting forward for turning is probably about as good as it gets. It does flair out towards the rear because of the twin mufflers, but I liked this as it helped anchor my boot legs when gripping the 450 in the whoops.
I’ m still not sure why Honda has persisted with the twin mufflers? Other manufacturers make great power without them. I can’ t see a benefit, but I can see more weight, cost and complexity. The cynic in me thinks it’ s more about marketing and point of differentiation. The all-new engine is a big step-up power wise from last year, but more importantly retains that easy to use and deceptively quick acceleration that is a Honda hallmark. The engine retains the single Uni-cam setup but now has a steep downdraft intake with higher compression, different valve angles and valve springs and a host of other up-grades. The clutch has thicker plates but fewer of them to narrow the engine. The power is very responsive, but the CRF engine can effectively used two ways; you can either‘ torque it’ using a high gear or rev it like a 250 machine – this is awesome for cross-country work but no doubt the fast MX boys will have it bouncing off the limiter. There seems to be less engine braking effect from memory; rolling into turns is a little like a two-stroke, which could be helpful on slick terrain. Overall this engine is excellent with a smooth, strong and wide mid-range its best feature... and the fact that it now has a decent over-rev. Its only weakness comes in the form of slightly fickle starting, and it will flame out occasionally at very low revs. There are three power modes which means there is a mode from mild to wild, relatively speaking. In the mild mode, it is definitely easier to control, particularly for single track style riding and the aggressive mode is surely the business on an MX track. The handling is superb. The Honda feels light( the titanium tank saves 0.5kg of weight high up on the bike), the steering turn-in is slower than
52 KIWI RIDER