American Honda announced today at its annual dealer convention in Las Vegas, that the company will return to full-time ATV racing with champion racer Tim Farr and the new TRX450R.
"We are excited to return to ATV racing," said Ray Blank, Honda's Motorcycle Division Vice President. "Racing is part of Honda's DNA, so it's only natural we make a return to ATV racing with the TRX450R. Tim is the perfect choice for us. He has been racing and winning on Hondas for years. We are glad to have him as part of Team Honda." Farr, who has won numerous titles aboard the now legendaryTRX250R, will be contesting the Clear Channel/SFX Pro Quad Stadium Series, ATVA MX Series and the ATVA TT Series aboard the new TRX450R. "The TRX450R is the best ATV I've ridden in my career," said Farr. "I can't wait to start competing and winning on it. It's awesome to have Honda get back into ATV racing." In addition to the series mentioned above, look for Farr to be competing on the TRX450R in the 2003 Baja 1000.
We caught up with Farr (who coincidentally promised that his next column would be well worth tuning in for), and asked him what it's like to be the newest member of the Red Riders!
ATV Rider: Congratulations Tim! This is amazing news!
Tim Farr: Yeah-I still can't believe that it happened! It hasn't totally sunk in yet...it's been a long time coming. I've been waiting my entire career for an opportunity like this, and it's finally here.
ATV Rider: So tell us a little bit about the 450R
Tim Farr: The new 450R is incredible. There's been a ton of R&D with this machine, and it's been in the works for a long time. I don't feel that they've left anything untouched-it's light, and incredibly powerful. It has smooth, torquey power, yet it still has good peak power and overrev. It has excellent suspension, good ergonomics...everything on it is top notch. It's aimed at the high-performance market, and you can see they really did their homework.
ATV Rider: Were you surprised that it's kick-start only?
Tim Farr: No, not at all. This is exactly what you'd expect from a machine at this level. Have you ever seen a CRF with an electric start? Well, that was the same goal Honda had with the 450R-it's a true high-performance ATV. The 450R starts great-first kick every time. It's nice not having the electric start and being able to save the weight like that too. Real racers kick-start their bikes...
ATV Rider: You've had your fair share of time on other bikes-how does the 450R compare?
Tim Farr: I think the Honda is above everyone else right now. I think that Suzuki set the benchmark early when it was released over a year ago, and I think that the new Yamaha was a strong entry into the market, but the Honda simply steps it up a notch over both of them. The Honda has a much lighter feel than either the Yamaha or Suzuki. One of the biggest differences is when you compare the two motors. The Honda motor is super smooth and provides more useable linear power. The Yamaha has a somewhat soft bottom-end, and a hard mid-range hit. I think the Honda's power characteristics make for better use in an ATV package. You need that torque down low, especially when it's in a heavier vehicle (when compared to a dirt bike).
ATV Rider: It sounds like you're going to be doing a lot of different types of racing with the 450R next year as a Honda racer. You must be excited about that?
Tim Farr: Definitely-I think it's going to be a really versatile machine for all types of racing be it desert, cross country, motocross, or TT.
ATV Rider: How does it feel to be the first Honda team rider since the late '80s?
Tim Farr: It's a total honor that Honda has chosen me to come back into ATV racing alongside them! This is the beginning of something big in our sport. This is not only good for me, but for future racers as well.
ATV Rider: Right on-and again, congrats Tim, you totally deserve it!
Tim Farr: Thanks, and I'll make sure I get you my column for the magazine on time next issue (laughs).