2020 Honda CRF250R
The machine that took Chase Sexton to the 2019 AMA 250SX East Region Supercross Championship and Jace Owen to the 2019 Kicker Arenacross title gets a host of important updates for 2020, including engine enhancements aimed at bettering low-to-midrange power, and chassis revisions that improve handling. To increase torque and improve driveability, the cam profile is new, the intake and exhaust valves have been revised, the combustion chamber is reshaped, and the exhaust resonator has been removed. At the same time, maneuverability has been improved through a lighter frame and swingarm with optimized flex characteristics, along with a lower battery position and internal front-and-rear suspension updates.
2020 Updates
– New cam profile delays opening of exhaust valves and has reduced valve overlap, resulting in improved torque and power in the 6,000-10,000 rpm range.
– Optimized combustion-chamber shape.
– Ignition timing is optimized at 8,000 rpm for improved torque and power.
– Gear-position sensor added to allow dedicated ignition maps for each gear.
– Header-pipe resonator is removed for improved power character when shifting from second to third gear.
– Muffler is revised for improved low-to-midrange torque.
– New air-filter element is 10% larger for increased airflow.
– Enlarged left-side radiator for efficient cooling with higher engine-power output.
– Second gear has revised (higher) ratio for improved drive, while second and third gears have a new WPC surface treatment for improved durability and reduced friction.
– Clutch capacity is increased by 18%, and clutch spring has a higher rate.
– New lighter aluminum perimeter frame and aluminum swingarm are designed to achieve increased yaw-angle stiffness while retaining lateral and torsional stiffness, resulting in improved stability.
– Newly shaped footpegs are 20% lighter and shed mud more easily, giving the rider great feel and confidence in all riding conditions.
– Thanks in part to revised internal suspension settings (fork has increased low-speed damping, while shock has increased low-speed compression and reduced high-speed compression), handling has been improved in the following areas: stability, tracking, turning and traction.
– Battery repositioned 28mm lower to drop center of gravity for better handling.
– Rear brake has a shorter hose and longer, lighter pedal, as well as a new pad material with improved power and better durability in muddy conditions. Lower-rear brake guard removed for reduced unsprung weight and improved cooling.
– New graphics.
2020 Honda CRF450R
For 2020, Honda’s flagship CRF450R—the same platform raced by Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen and Cole Seely—puts more engine-management choices at the fingertips of racers, with the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). Developed through HRC’s worldwide racing effort, the system maximizes rear-tire hookup to keep all of the Unicam engine’s horsepower driving the bike and rider forward. In keeping with racing-body regulations, the system measures rate of rpm increase and adjusts delivery accordingly, and a handlebar-mounted switch enables selection from three levels of delivery. In addition, the CRF450R’s front-rear balance is refined thanks to internal suspension updates and a new battery position that lowers the machine’s center of gravity.
2020 Updates
– All-new Honda Selectable Torque Control with three levels of intervention. HSTC monitors rpm spikes and responds by temporarily reducing torque to aid rear traction. A handlebar-mounted switch allows selection between three modes, depending on conditions and rider preference.
– Revised mapping for riding modes in Standard, Smooth and Aggressive options, selectable via a separate handlebar-mounted switch, enables simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
– Revised internal fork and shock settings for improved chassis balance and overall handling.
– Battery position lowered by 28mm accentuates moves center of gravity downward to further improve chassis balance and handling.
– New rear brake-pad material for improved performance and increased durability.
– Elimination of lower rear brake-rotor guard, to improve heat dissipation and reduce unsprung weight.
– Updated graphics.
Honda has again announced the CRF450RWE – Works Edition, but sadly it won’t be coming to Australia. The Works Edition features a host of performance accessories including full Yoshimura exhaust system, Kashima fork-tube coating, Titanium nitride coating on fork legs, Shock shaft processed with Super Finisher and coated with titanium nitride for superior performance, throttle Jockey factory Team Honda HRC seat cover, Unique cylinder head with factory hand-polished ports, ECU settings optimize performance advantages of the Yoshimura exhaust and cylinder-head updates, HRC launch control with special settings influenced by Ken Roczen, Stronger D.I.D LT-X black rims with special laser-engraved logo, High-performance gold RK chain, Top and bottom triple clamps in black complement high-end look.
