The Honda CRF450R has been around for a while and is known as one of the best dirt bikes this brand has made. This doesn't come as a surprise at all. Honda has been updating and fine-tuning this specific series ever since the first bike rolled out in 2002, making it only better over time. Twenty years is a long enough period to perfect a design, and the 2022 Honda CRF450R doesn't disappoint.
When we look at the 2021 model, we can say Honda already provided us with plenty of improvements. This year's CRF450R came out faster, slimmer, and even more fun than its predecessors. It made its way to the top of the competition really well, taking down some of the biggest dirt bike names. Would it be so for the much-expected model in 2022?
We'll have to wait and see how the new CRF450R performs in-real time rides and testing, but we do have set expectations about the revealed stats. Take a first look at the 2022 Honda CRF450R with us, and find out its availability, price, and more.
Our Favorite Honda Dirt Bike Returns Refreshed In 2022
Compared to the 2021 Honda CRF450R, the new model doesn't offer a radical change because one is not needed in the first place. This year's dirt bike came as a complete overhaul that impressed everyone on the market. However, we have to admit some slips were made along the way, maybe due to the pandemic-caused rush in production. The 2022 CRF450R aims to change that.
The new model retains tremendous and instant power but fixes the lack of fine-tuning in mapping and suspension. Now we have a chance to look at the much more refined version. Let's see just how far ahead the 2022 Honda CRF450R goes in specs and performance.
2022 Honda CRF450R Engine And Performance
First thing first, the 2022 Honda CRF450R comes with a standard Unicam cylinder engine with 449 ccs. It features fuel injection and six-speed transmission, packing the configuration into the compact engine to save weight for the tracks. The camshaft also sits lower for a better center of gravity.
The Honda team updated the automatic decompression system for 2022, allowing riders to take deep turns without downshifting. An oval-shaped centralized exhaust port also helps increase exhaust efficiency.
To cut a long story short, there were a couple of more updates for 2022, perfectly balancing the power and performance of the new model. The Honda CRF450R we are examining speeds up effortlessly and takes turns swiftly. In essence, it's a real joy to ride.
Handling
The biggest news for 2022 is the update in the suspension that allows for super-sharp handling, much better than in 2021. The previous dirt bike had front and rear suspensions too soft at higher speeds. The 2022 Honda CRF450R fixes that with fine-tuned suspension that provides just the right feeling over rough terrains.
Overall, the lucky ones who already had a chance to test the model reported the new Honda providing a highly satisfactory experience. It looks like the 2022 updates are spot on!
Comfort And Convenience
It goes without saying, Honda made quite a few investments into the CRF450R design. Firstly, the bike features super slim bodywork for easy handling and better connection to the ground. Secondly, it comes a little refreshed in exterior design too, speaking to all fans of the red sporty motorcycle looks.
The new CRF450R is intuitive and convenient in other aspects as well, providing an ergonomic and easy-to-access seat, neat cable routing, sealed airbox and filter, and much more. The controls are also light, and one can access the selectable power mods and other features without effort during the rides.
We should also highlight the 2022 Honda CRF450R is comfortable to ride on longer distances, especially compared to much earlier models such as 2019 one. Our first impression tells us its proud owners will have so much fun on the tracks.
2022 Honda CRF450R Release Date And Price
You'll be pleased to hear the new model is already available for purchase! Interested motorheads can go straight to the Honda website and send a quote or look for available offers nearby. The base MSRP of the 2022 Honda CRF450R is $9,599. A destination charge of $400 is not included.
Our verdict on the price is simple – the 2022 Honda CRF450R is well worth it. Considering we've seen the updates and fixes made compared to the last year, there is a truly little fault in this motorcycle. We didn't say it is the best dirt bike Honda made without reason. With such models on the market, the 2022 looks promising indeed.