Honda's all-new 2009 CRF450R Motocrosser gets fuel injection

Honda's CRF450R motocross bike has been hugely successful since its launch in 2002 - and although the bike is already recognized as the class leader, it's receiving a kitchen-sink included upgrade for 2009. Lighter, quicker, more powerful and with even tighter mass centralization for quick handling, the 2009 CRF450R also sports a Honda first - battery-free, programmable fuel injection that raises output power and control while dramatically reducing fuel consumption. Out of the box, Honda says it's two seconds faster around a supercross track than this year's bike.

The class-dominating CRF450R didn't need major updates to keep it ahead of the motocross/supercross pack, but Honda has built a completely new bike from the engine outward for 2009 that offers even higher levels of performance.

Most noticeably, the 450cc 4-stroke single cylinder engine now features programmable fuel injection, which gives the rider pinpoint control over even higher levels of power - 56 horsepower is what Honda's claiming. The system also drastically reduced fuel consumption, to the point where Honda have downsized the tank by a liter and a half without the bike losing any range from the previous model.

The fuel injection system is powered by a new battery-free AC generator, and uses gear position, throttle position, coolant temperature, intake air pressure and temperature sensors to decide how much fuel to use in a given circumstance. Racers will appreciate the US$350 HRC settings kit, which allows simple, quick and precise reprogramming of the injection to set the bike up for optimal performance on particular tracks.

An entirely new chassis is slimmer and lighter than the old one, with better aerodynamics and a longer swingarm to help the rear shock deliver better traction on the gas. Just about everything on the bike has been redesigned for light weight, and mass centralization - with a few nods to easy servicing, like the easily removable air filter, and the ability to remove the cylinder with the engine still in the chassis.

The suspension is all new from Kayaba - not Showa. Forks are fully adjustable 48mm KYB Air-Oil-Separate units with 12.2 inches of travel, and the shock is a 50mm unit, adjustable for preload, high and low speed compression, and rebound damping. It offers 12.6 inches of travel.

Honda is claiming the 2009 CRF450R has proven itself an instant 2 seconds a lap faster around its sandy supercross test track than the current model. It takes off faster, turns easier and goes quicker than the already dominant previous model, and it uses less petrol. Now that's progress!

Check out the very tasty photos in the gallery, or read on for full specifications.

New for 2009

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