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Honda didn't mess around this year when they set out to redesign their already impressive, category dominating, CRF450R. How can I bike that has won so many shootouts possibly be improved, you may ask. Lets start with a completely redesigned engine, throw in EFI, strap on some new suspenders and wrap the thing up in a new set of plastics...and the list goes on. We're anxious to get our hands on the new bike to test, but for now here are a few photos and details to get you started.

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Here are some of the major revisions for 2009:

• All-new lighter engine. Spins faster, up to 11,450 rpm, pumping out 56.3 bhp at 8500 rpm and 37.5 lb/ft. of torque at 7000 rpm.
• Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) - utilizes a 50mm throttle body design with 12-hole injection nozzle fed by lightweight 50-psi pump to ensure optimum fuel atomization and precisely targeted fuel charge. System also achieves an improvement in fuel consumption.
• PGM-FI system monitors throttle position, intake air and coolant temperatures, air pressure and gear position to accurately map fuel charge and ignition spark, significantly improving partial-throttle response and helping assure excellent rideability.
  
• All-new fifth-generation aluminum frame with forged-aluminum steering head is now 14 ounces lighter than previous design. Spar height was reduced (70 to 66mm) and width was narrowed (27 to 26mm). Stronger downtubes improve front-end feel.
  
• Kayaba front and rear suspension.
  
• Innovative exhaust system - incorporates a left-side cylinder head exhaust port, increasing header length and allows muffler to be positioned closer to center of mass, contributing to significantly improved weight distribution and handling.
  
• Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) revalved for more linear damping. HPSD features a compact damper attached to the lower triple clamp and the steering head to allow more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
  
• Pro-Link Rear Suspension features exclusive Kayaba integrated reservoir with all-new damping and spring settings.
  
• HRC works-style rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate reservoir and hose.
  
• Engine stop switch features an integrated LED pre-ride check indicator with EFI diagnostic capability to ensure CRF450R is operating at maximum capacity.

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2009 CRF450R Specifications

Model: 2009 CRF450R
Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel
Induction: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 50mm throttle body
Ignition: Full Transistor with three-gear-position electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48T

Suspension
Front: 48mm inverted Kayaba Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with 16-position rebound and 18-position compression damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link Kayaba single shock with spring preload, 20-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (18 positions) and high-speed (1-1/2 turns); 12.6 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm disc

Tires
Front: 80/100-21
Rear: 120/80-19

Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 26° 52'
Trail: 114.2mm (4.5 inches)
Seat Height: 37.6 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.1 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.5 gallons
Curb Weight*: 234.8 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride Consult owner's manual for optional parts.

HRC PGM-FI Setting Tool
Honda also has available an HRC PGM-FI Setting Tool, which allows CRF450R owners to alter EFI fuel delivery as well as ignition timing over a wide range of settings to alter engine power characteristics. The price of the HRC PGM-FI Setting Tool is $349.

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