New red dawn
The 2021 Honda CRF450R has been one of the most hotly anticipated motocross bikes for years. The hype surrounding this machine, which went viral after Tim Gajser started dominating MXGP for the second year in a row, has been reminiscent of when Yamaha introduced the YZ400F in ’98.
It might have had something to do with the pandemic locking motocross riders up and leaving them with too much non-riding time on their hands, or was it the new look of the bike that captured people’s attention?
WHAT’S NEW
Without a doubt the bike is far removed from previous efforts. It’s sleek lines, hydraulically-actuated clutch and single muffler have caught the attention of punters who normally wouldn’t even consider riding in red.
Just like any model that has been totally revamped, there will be positives, along with bits and pieces that need to be ironed out with the next generation. That’s all part of the process. But did Honda nail the brief and what do we need to tinker with?
Almost the whole bike has been altered in some way, shape or form and
