First Test of the 2021 Honda CRF450R

In addition to the new Honda being the most asked about bike for 2021, admittedly, it is the bike we have been the most eager to get our hands on. The 2020 machine was dynamic in both brute power and quick cornering, however, it’s anxious character also hampered its results in our 2020 450 Shootout. High-speed stability was not the red machine’s strong point and a lack of confidence in the machine from our test riders relegated it behind the more planted Yamaha and Kawasaki bikes.

An all-new chassis and significant refinements to the engine and suspension had us hoping the Honda’s performance would match our eager anticipation. Did it live up to the hype? Well, yes and no. The 2021 Honda is certainly a calmer version of the 2020 when it comes to handling. The bike is more planted and less nervous at speed than last year‘s model. The new frame is narrower and lighter than last year, adding to the Honda’s already quick and nimble handling traits. Over 3 pounds lighter for the whole bike as a matter fact – and you can feel it on the track. The Honda is every bit as agile and responsive as I had hoped for. The bike is quick to react to rider input, easy to change directions on, and loves to carve the corners. Likely, the best cornering bike in the class. However, the 2021 model is sensitive to bike set up and it took some time to find a good balance front to back. The bike naturally carries a front-end bias, which contributes to its excellent cornering but also causes the bike to pitch forward and put significant weight on the front wheel under heavy deceleration. In an effort to balance the bike we stiffened the compression clickers on the forks two clicks, we added a few clicks of rebound dampening in the shock to hold the rear end down, and we drop the forks down in the clamps about 3 mm to shift some of the weight towards the rear of the bike.

This certainly helped create a better foundation under heavy braking without hampering the excellent cornering. As we have stated, the Honda’s cornering mannerisms are already amazing, and we had room to play with. In some ways, these adjustments actually helped the cornering because while the Honda loves to carve tight inside ruts, in the longer, more drawn out sweeping turns the Honda had a tendency to over-steer. By transferring more weight to the rear of the bike the cornering character was calmed allowing the bike to carve a smoother arch in the sweeping turns.

How about the motor? We were happy to hear that the Honda engineers did not alter the character of last year’s motor much. Most of the focus was aimed at ECU settings trying to deliver a smoother, more broad power delivery which would be easier to ride and more usable than last year. We believe they succeeded. While the Honda is a little smoother down low and easier to manage, the delivery is fast and downright fun. The bike hits hard down low and is super fun to ride. There are three map settings standard, smooth, and more aggressive, with pretty distinct character differences, however all three are very effective in their own right. The standard map is the most effective at putting down long, broad, usable power where map two is too mellow down low down low. Map three, meanwhile, hits hard down low but revs out too quickly. Overall, the delivery is exciting, however, on the very low end, the ECU settings are not clean and run a little on the rich side. There is a small hiccup at the initial throttle turn that causes a momentary disconnect between your right hand and the rear wheel. It is minor but can use some attention.

As was the case last year, the Honda’s ergonomics are likely best in class. The rider triangle, the relation between the seat, handlebars and footpegs is comfortable, easy to move around on, and provides a fantastic cockpit to take advantage of the Honda’s agile handling. Fit and finish are excellent. We love the feel and easy pull of the new clutch and the brakes are extremely strong yet progressive.

Is the 2021 CRF450R better than the 2020 version? Yes! Is it enough to improve it’s finishing position in our upcoming Shootout? We will find out soon.