Honda has been in the racing scene since the beginning. ATVs have evolved since the mid-80s, and Honda has led the charge. In the racing world, the TRX450R has had more race wins than we can count. Baja, anyone?

For 2008 Honda has redesigned some of the features on the most popular sport ATV. The new color addition is Black/Blue and joins White and Red on the TRX450ER.

The TRX450 is powered by a 450cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Depending on the option model, the starter is an electronic on the 450ER or forward kick start on the 450R. An equal low torque ratio is spread out through the five-speed transmission making it a great all around race and play.

A round-tube steel frame chassis has a lightweight aluminum subframe within it and is removable. The front independent, double A-arm shocks are adjustable Showa Shocks with 8.4 inches of travel. A cast-aluminum swingarm is in the rear with Pro-Link Rear Suspension Showa Shocks, these provide 9.3 inches of travel. Front braking comes from the dual 174mm front disc brakes with twin-pistons calipers, and a 190mm rear disc brake with a single piston caliper. Riding on an aggressive set of Dunlop tires and lightweight aluminum wheels are only top notch.

Additional features for the racers include a high-impact plastic skidplate to protect the engine case, wide footpegs, aluminum shifter and brake pedals, bright LED tail/brake lights, removable aluminum rear grabrail and front bumper, and low handlebar position.

Features

• New Black/Blue color joins White and Red on the TRX450ER.
• High-Performance Unicam® cylinder head design
• Electric-start version features an electric starter that drives the clutch side of the crankshaft to provide superior lubrication of starter gears and to produce a narrow engine with a short, strong crankshaft.
•  Kickstart version incorporates ATV-type forward kickstarting for ease of starting and light weight.
•  Nikasil cylinder lining is lightweight and provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
• Durable five-speed transmission with low ratios designed to match engine power characteristics.
• Transmission ratios designed for racing applications and trail use.
• Round-tube steel frame with removable aluminum subframe is lightweight and durable.
• Honda Racing-inspired colors and graphics

• Specifications
•  Model: TRX450R (kick start) / TRX450ER (electric start)
•  Engine Type: 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
•  Bore and Stroke: 96mm x 62mm
• Compression: 12.0:1 
• Valve Train: Unicam; four-valve; 36mm intake, Ti (TRX450R); 30mm exhaust, steel (TRX450ER)
•  Induction: Keihin 40mm flat slide carburetor with throttle position sensor (TPS)
• Ignition: CD with electronic advance 
•  Starter: Electric or forward kick
• Transmission: Five-speed
• Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain 
•  Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with Showa shocks, featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping; 8.4 inches travel
• Rear Suspension: Pro-Link with single Showa shock featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping; 9.3 inches of travel 
• Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic 174mm discs with twin-piston calipers
• Rear Brakes: Single hydraulic 190mm disc with single-piston caliper 
•  Front Tires: Front: 22 x 7-10 knobby radial
• Rear Tires: 20 x 10-9 knobby radial
• Length: 73.3 inches 
•  Width: 43.3 inches 
•  Seat Height: 32.8 inches
• Ground Clearance: 4.4
• Wheelbase: 50.2 inches
• Curb Weight* : 383 pounds (TRX450R) / 390 pounds (TRX450ER) 
• Fuel Capacity: 2.7 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
• Colors: TRX450R: Red TRX450ER: Red, White, Black/Blue
• MSRP: $  RX450R8Red,849.00; TRX450ER8White,999.00; Red,999.00; TRX450ERF8Black/Blue Flame,149.00