Honda TRX450R
The TRX 450R is high performance All-terrain vehicle manufactured by Honda powersports. First introduced in late 2003 for the 2004 model year. Its only other competitor at the time of its introduction was the Yamaha YFZ450.
Engine
While the CRF450R and the TRX450R share the same displacement number, there are very few of the same components between the two engines. Initially, many people were disappointed because the first TRX450R was very weak compared to the CRF450R. Honda claims that it designed the TRX450R engine to produce more torque so that the engine was more suited for ATV purposes. In 2004 and 2005, the only interchangeable part between the ATV and motorcycle engines was the camshaft. In 2006, Honda overhauled the TRX450R engine to make it more similar to its motorcycle variant. This included a more aggressive cam profile, a larger bore with a shortened stroke, a new, short skirt piston and titanium rather than steel valves. In addition, Honda changed the carburetor from a 42 mm Keihin butterfly type to a 40 mm Keihin FCR. This increased the power from about 33 horsepower (25 kW) in the first generation to over 40 horsepower (30 kW) in the second. The first generation engine had a 10.5:1 compression ratio while the second generation had a 12:1 compression ratio.
Racing
Because for many years the four-stroke class displacement limit was 440 cubic centimeters, many racing sanctions bumped this number up to allow the new 450 cc bikes and ATVs to compete.
Along with the introduction of the TRX 450R, Honda announced, after 17 years, it would once again support factory sponsored racing. The 450R would be the first factory sponsored bike out of any of the other atv manufacturers. Honda's first sponsored rider on the new 450r would be Tim Farr. The sponsored Honda team would compete in the ATVA MX and TT Nationals in the Pro-Production class. The 450r's first national race would be the 2003 Baja 1000.
The 450R was off to a good start even before its public launch. The 450r was first across the line in the ATV class with a total time of 22 hours, 27 minutes, and 24 seconds. With an average speed of 100 mph (160 km/h). In the 2004 National MX races, the 450r would place 3rd overall.
Desert racing, and track racing would not be the only events the 450r would race in. The 450r would also compete in the Grand National Cross Country series although Honda would not sponsor any riders.
Specifications
All specifications are manufacturer claimed.
| 2004/2005 TRX450r |
2006/2007/2008 TRX450r |
2006/2007/2008 TRX450ER | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine type | 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder Head, Single-Cylinder | |||
| Displacement | 449 cc until 2006, then was bumped up to a true 450 | |||
| Bore/stroke | 94.0 mm x 64.8 mm | 96.0 mm x 62.0 mm | ||
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | 12:1 | ||
| Fuel Carburetion | Keihin 42 mm round-slide w/TPS | Keihin 40 mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS) | ||
| Transmission | 5-speed | |||
| Final drive | O-ring-sealed chain | |||
| Front Tire Size | 22 x 7-10 knobby radial | |||
| Rear Tire Size | 20 x 10-9 knobby radial | |||
| Length | 72.6 in | 73.3 in | ||
| Width | 46.3 in | |||
| Height | 43.6 in | 43.3 in | ||
| Seat height | 32.8 in | 32.6 in | ||
| Front suspension | Independent double-wishbone with Showa shocks, featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping | |||
| Front wheel travel | 8.4 in | |||
| Rear suspension | Pro-Link with single Showa shock featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping | |||
| Rear Wheel Travel | 9 in | 9.3 in | ||
| Front Brake Type | Dual hydraulic 17 mm discs with twin-piston calipers | |||
| Rear Brake Type | Single hydraulic 19 mm disc with single-piston caliper | |||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 04-07= 3.1 gal/ 08-13= 2.6 gal | |||
| Seat Height | 32.5 in | 32.3 in | ||
| Dry Weight | 162/168 kg R/ER | |||
| Colors | 2004: Red 2005: Red or Black | 2006: Red or Black | 2007: 450R: Red, TRX450ER Red, White, Black/Flame. 2008: Red, White, Black/Blue | |
| Warranty | 6 months | |||
| Top Speed | 75 mph (everything stock) | |||
Model History
2005
- Untouched from the 2004 version
- Black plastics color sceme option added
2006
- Electric start or kick start models available now
- Engine compression raised from 10.5:1 to 12:1
- Engine bore increased to 96 mm and stroke lowered to 62 mm
- Maximum engine rpm is raised from 9800 to 9850
- New transmission ratios designed for racing applications and trail use
- Swing arm extended to help alleviate the "bucking" of the previous models. The "bucking" should be able to be tuned out with the correct (for the riders weight) spring. And by tuning the compression / rebound.
- Rider position is lowered by 8 mm
- Rear suspension travel is extended from 9 inches (230 mm) to 9.3 inches (240 mm)
- Head light changed to a more "race-derived look".
- Front knuckles changed making the front end "push". Extending the swing arm will affect the front end. = "push"
- Angle of engine changed.
2007
- New White and Black/Flame colors on the electric start version
2008
- New Black/Blue color joins White on the electric start version
- Style of and reposition of the auto decompression feature to other side of cam carrier
- Black Wheels became an option with the Orange Frame/White plastics
- Gas tank capacity decreased to 2.6 Gallons and addition of body plastic over tank.