It would be interesting to hear what you think about the latest EFI CRF450 compared to your 2006 CR450R (I also owned a 2006 CRF450R). The last carb CRF450R I rode was (2) years ago - a 2008 model - which was basically the same as your model. For me the carb was smooth at low RPM (a little more classic "thumper" feel - more chuggy) and had a nice pull into the mid and upper RPM range. I think you will find the fuel injected 2022 CRF450R to have sharper response to throttle inputs and overall just more powerful - controllable but strong. With (3) EFI maps (standard, soft, aggressive) and Honda's Torque Control (other call it traction control) you can dial in the power character you desire. Turning the throttle plate in the throttle body is easier than lifting a slide in a carb so the effort at the grip is reduced. Finally there is push button electric starting...that is nice. Maybe you can bum a quick test ride on a 21 or 22 CRF450R and see if you want to upgrade. There are some people that think the 2008 CRF450R was the best 450 ever...I am not one of them!
I live in Ohio so not much desert riding here! I did get to spend some time in the desert about a year ago. KTM/Husky 350's are my favorite combination of power/weight/handling in a 4-stroke off road bike (they also have 6-speeds, 18" rear wheels, bigger fuel tanks, and kick stands). For tighter single track my choice of bike is a 300 TPI (KTM or Husky or now Gas Gas). The latest 300 TPI bikes are very good in the tighter stuff and actually do really well in the open too with the ultra smooth counterbalanced engines.
For me down here where I ride desert all the time Hondas have always been the obvious choice for desert racing. But if you do single track and some enduro it's up to you really.
Yes if you notice when I start the bike the green TC flashes 3-times then stays on (that is Traction Control level 3). TC smoothes out the power feel - takes the edge off if you really get hard on the throttle.
This bike had the updated EFI mapping installed by the dealer and I did not notice any decel popping. EFI mapping felt very good as the engine ran clean and smooth.
Thanks for the review I can’t wait to get one
How is the power delivery compared to my 06 crf450r? Thinking about upgrading.
It would be interesting to hear what you think about the latest EFI CRF450 compared to your 2006 CR450R (I also owned a 2006 CRF450R). The last carb CRF450R I rode was (2) years ago - a 2008 model - which was basically the same as your model. For me the carb was smooth at low RPM (a little more classic "thumper" feel - more chuggy) and had a nice pull into the mid and upper RPM range. I think you will find the fuel injected 2022 CRF450R to have sharper response to throttle inputs and overall just more powerful - controllable but strong. With (3) EFI maps (standard, soft, aggressive) and Honda's Torque Control (other call it traction control) you can dial in the power character you desire. Turning the throttle plate in the throttle body is easier than lifting a slide in a carb so the effort at the grip is reduced. Finally there is push button electric starting...that is nice. Maybe you can bum a quick test ride on a 21 or 22 CRF450R and see if you want to upgrade. There are some people that think the 2008 CRF450R was the best 450 ever...I am not one of them!
What is your preferred manufacturer for a 450/350 for desert single track bike?
I live in Ohio so not much desert riding here! I did get to spend some time in the desert about a year ago. KTM/Husky 350's are my favorite combination of power/weight/handling in a 4-stroke off road bike (they also have 6-speeds, 18" rear wheels, bigger fuel tanks, and kick stands). For tighter single track my choice of bike is a 300 TPI (KTM or Husky or now Gas Gas). The latest 300 TPI bikes are very good in the tighter stuff and actually do really well in the open too with the ultra smooth counterbalanced engines.
@@mxengineer1 thanks for the reply. I'm in the PNW and have a TE300I for woods...great bike for that, but not so much for higher speed whoops.
For me down here where I ride desert all the time Hondas have always been the obvious choice for desert racing. But if you do single track and some enduro it's up to you really.
Did you have the traction control on
Yes if you notice when I start the bike the green TC flashes 3-times then stays on (that is Traction Control level 3). TC smoothes out the power feel - takes the edge off if you really get hard on the throttle.
@@mxengineer1 thanks man for the review and info 👍👍🏁🏁
Does it have decel pop like the R?
This bike had the updated EFI mapping installed by the dealer and I did not notice any decel popping. EFI mapping felt very good as the engine ran clean and smooth.
Thats a 2022