Dirt Bikes Reviews

If you're going to set out to build the world's best off-road bike, then you'll need world-class inspiration, right? Enter the CRF450x. Bred from the MX Championship-winning CRF450x, this machine takes trail-riding to a whole new level, featuring the world-class four-valve Unicam engine, enduro-spec suspension, wide-ratio gearing, and hassle-free electric start. No wonder one ride is all you'll need to be hooked for life.

By winning the world-renowned Baja 500 and Baja 1000 races, the immensely popular CRF450X has earned its crown as the new King of Baja, and now in 2008 it grows more versatile than ever before.

Here's a bike that can win right out of the box, while also being quite willing to go along on those fun trail rides with your buddies. The CRF450X's 449 cc liquid-cooled Unicam four-stroke engine produces huge low-end and midrange power to get you through the gnarliest sections, yet it maintains incredibly strong top-end performance for when the trail straightens out. And for 2008 the CRF450X handles even better, thanks to the new Honda Progressive Steering Damper tucked neatly behind the front number plate. Other upgrades include lighter wave-style brake rotors front and rear, and a slimmer fuel tank for improved ergonomics.

HPSD features a compact damper attached to the upper triple clamp and the steering head to augment more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Tuned specifically for higher speed, non-motocross, off-road riding applications, the CRF450X damper incorporates different valving/settings compared to the units on the motocross models. HPSD provides straight-line confidence at high speeds, a planted feel in corners, less rider fatigue and outstanding control over a wider variety of terrain and riding conditions.

Rider ergonomics are optimized 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. Rear-brake pedal and shift lever are made of lightweight aluminum and are designed to complement the riding position. Brake pedal features optimized 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. Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.

After winning every Baja race it‘s entered, the CRF450X has established its racing cred—and then some. Hands down, it‘s the best big-bore trail bike ever built. And this year, it gets even better, with fine-tuning that includes a new Honda Progressive Steering Damper, chassis upgrades, and a slimmer fuel tank. Call it perfection, improved.