#1 Honda TRX450R
Heading into its second year of production, the Honda TRX450R has had its fair share of moments in the sun. Factory rider Tim Farr and crew won the brutal Baja 1000 in 2003 with the machine, and Farr went on to capture the Pace Indoor stadium series aboard his 450R. At the final round of 2004 GNC MX competition, Joe Byrd nabbed the 450R its first National win. Most riders in our test felt the Honda offers the best blend of power and handling of all the machines. Somewhat surprisingly, every pro rider gracing our panel made the Honda his or her top choice (all the more wild considering most of them actually compete aboard a YFZ). The 2005 Honda 450R is now the proud recipient of a target on its back until next year's shootout.
While there were no changes for '05, the very nature of this test took away the performance edge of the Yamaha and brought out the trail-friendly features of the Honda. Relaxed ergonomics, a broad powerband, a big 3.2-gallon gas tank and a light thumb-throttle spring made for easy going; while a stout motor and neutral handling rounded out the package. The frequent oil changes mandated by the 450R are a bit of a drag, however. Honda's race mechanic Steve Litz did one before the test (after our photo sessions) and one at the break, and we can safely assume that it was ready for another when the day was done. Not having an electric starter is still a liability, but with an electric-start 450 dirt bike (the CRF450X) out now, will Honda keep up with the Joneses next year?
What's changed from last year:
You can now get it in black, and that's about it.
What broke: Over the duration of the test, there were no major mechanical failures. The only problem worth noting was the rims seemed to take more of a beating than any other machine's rims, despite an equivalent number of flat tires. East Coast Editor John "Doogie" Howell provided us with the best flat tire of the session on the 450R--you could put your hand through the hole!
+ Superb ergonomics
+ Tractable powerhouse engine
- Doesn't always kick easily
- Gearing a little tall for casual woods riding
= Does all well
| Honda TRX450R |
| Retail price: | $6499 |
| Engine |
| Type: | Single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Displacement: | 450cc |
| Cooling: | Liquid-cooled |
| Carburetion: | Keihin 42mm |
| Lubrication: | Twin sump |
| Starting | : Kickstarter |
| Drivetrain |
| Drive system: | Chain, 2x4 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
| Suspension (Type/Travel) |
| Front: | Dual A-arms/8.4 in. |
| Rear: | Swingarm/9.0 in. |
| Tires |
| Front: | 22x7-10; rear: 20x10-9 |
| Brakes |
| Front: | Dual hydraulic discs; rear: disc |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase: | 49.2 in. |
| Claimed dry weight: | 350 lb |
| Ground clearance: | 4.2 in. |
| Length/width/height: | 72.6/46.3/43.6 in. |
| Seat height | : 32.6 in. |
| Fuel capacity: | 3.2 gal. |
| Electrical |
| Taillight: | Yes |
| Headlight: | Dual 30-watt high/low beam |
| Instrumentation: | NA |
| Colors: | Black, red |