Once up and running, the CRF’s powerband feels akin to the RM-Z. Looking at the dyno chart confirms this as the two bikes are almost identical until you’re around 7500 revs, or the upper edge of the engines mid-range, that’s when the RM-Z begins to sign off as the CRF continues pump out power. Almost everyone's immediate reaction to the Honda is one of excitement, and once we spent time on the track it remained posititve. Proper setup is more important than on other machines, but spend the time and it will reward you. Without a question the single most critical aspect of suspension setup on this year’s CRF is sag. Our motley crew preferred settings between 108 and 112mm. But even a slight variation really had a big effect on the Honda’s handling. Coming into this comparison, Honda’s all-new 450 was perhaps the most hyped motorcycles of this model year. And ever since we first laid eyes on it during our First Look report we’ve couldn’t wait to turn a wheel on the new machine.
2009 Honda CRF450R
Engine: 449cc liquid-cooled Single, SOHC, 4-valves
Bore x Stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-Injection
Horsepower: 48.1 hp @ 8100 rpm
Torque: 31.8 lb-ft @ 7900 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Suspension: Kayaba AOS 48mm fork, 16-position compression and 18-position rebound damping adjustment; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link equipped Kayaba, 20-position low-speed and step-less high-speed compression damping, 18-position rebound damping and adjustable spring preload; 12.6 in. travel
Front Brake: 240mm disc, double-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 240mm disc, single-piston caliper
Handlebars: Renthal
Tires: Dunlop D742FA 80/100-21, D756 120/90-19
Curb Weight: 237 lbs. (ready to ride)
Wheelbase: 58.7 in.
Length: 86.0 in.
Width: 32.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 13.1 in.
Seat Height: 37.6 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.5 gal.
MSRP: $7599 Red 
2009 New Honda CRF450R Review and Specification
