I was a little suprised when I read the specs on the new CRF450R 4-stroke MX bike motor. The basic specs are very similar to the Cannondale motor which was developed over 2 years ago.

CRF450R bore & stroke - 96mm X 62mm = 449cc
Cannon bore & stroke - 95mm x 61mm = 432cc

CRF450R compression - 11.5:1
Cannon compression - 12.5:1

Both have 4 valves, 5 speeds, and a separate oil sump for the clutch (which Cannon was the 1st to do). Now of course we all know that Cannondale went out on a limb with the EFI and reverse cylinder, but I was still suprised with the other similarities.

The only reason I point this out is because I have read too many comments that people don't think a Cannon will work because they build bicycles and not motorcycles. It appears maybe they knew more than people realized since the new Honda motor is similar. It will be very ironic if we eventually see EFI in all dirt bikes.

This also proves that motors above 450cc's are not necessary to make good power. The AMA rules allow a 4-stroke up to 550cc to compete in the 250 class, yet the Yamaha = 426cc, Cannon = 432cc, KTM = 510cc, and Honda = 449cc. A 600cc plus motor does not make enough additional HP to offset the heavier weight of the motor. I would much rather have one of the above motors in a quad than the Raptor 660 or the Honda 650EX that everyone is asking for.

What does anyone else think?

 

the thought of a CRF450 motor in a 400ex/250r frame,,,i can't even explain. I wish i had the money and time to buy that motor and take the 400ex motor out and try a little swap. I would leave the motor stock for reliability and it would still eat up most anything and handle like a dream.

 

I hear the new dirt bike motor has 55hp?I don't know if this is true but if it does it would be awesome.

 

Yes, Honda claims 55 HP, but that is at the crank. That would put it in the mid 40's at the rear wheel.

 

WOW! there are a ton of things that can be said about this.

First. The most easy. Power. I have under the eyes a dyno of the 426 yzf and the 520 KTM. peak hp are 50 for the 426 and 55 for the KTM. Yep, we're talking rear wheel hp. And the source is VERY reliable.

Second. Comparison between the Cannondale and Honda engine.
The Honda engine is brand new, whereas the Cannondale is a deeply modified Folan engine. The CRF should have less inertia since it only has 1 camshaft (exhaust valves are pushrod actuated). But it still should be close. EFI should be on all bikes "soon". Oh, and Cannondale had someone else do the injection mapping and I think I have read that now it looks more like a normal stuff (compared to the original crap).

The 600cc can't be better than 400cc doesn't work because you're comparing engnes that have 10 year age difference (the 660 yamaha is 10 years old). KTM came out with a 520 that's very competitive (not to say better), with no annoying inertia, and a great torque bonus.

And applause to Cannondale for installing a magic button that wakes the beast. Starting a 400 YZF is annoying enough...did I mention it took 17 kick starts for Ernesto Fonseca to get his 250 YZF running again?

A modern chassis with a modern engine...that's all we want...can't the manufacturers get this? Cannondale did. Honda is still asleep, Yamaha think they can fool everyone with an old engine, and Kawi and Suzuki are dead.

Cannondale, VOR, Star Track (evolution of the GasGas quad, with a buttkicking 300cc 2 troke TM engine).
There isn't much choice. for now?

 

TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!!!
I would love a TRX450EXR, I do not want any 650EX, it will be too heavy.

HONDA PLEASE!!! DO 450EXR, NOT A 650EXR

THANKS

 

All I know is that at Saturdays Supercross Finale the Honda rider on the CR450F had at least two holeshots - one of them was in the main. I realize that is a works version of the bike but it is still very impressive.

I think it was Heath Voss on the Honda thumper.

 

I watched the supercross finals on pay per view saturday night and I must say... that new 450 rips! It pulled the holeshot in both of its moto's and stayed in about 3rd or 4th behind Carmicheal and Mcgrath with Heath Voss riding it. I wonder what it'd do with MC or RC on it...

 

The Cannondale has EFI and a dual overhead cam which the Raptor and 400ex don't have. Does the 450 Honda have a single or dual overhead cam??? Suzuki's new sport quad will have a dual overhead cam.

 

I dont want a 650ex right now either.
Personally I will not buy one. I'll try
putting a 450r engine in, before I'd buy the 650.

JMO

Later