Racer X Films: Honda CRF450R Garage Build | Bike Build | Project Bike

Text: Kris Keefer
Build: Chad Braun/Kris Keefer
Video: Spencer Owens
Photos: Spencer Owens
When you see a Honda CRF450R, the look of it just makes you want to ride. I walk out into the shop every day and see the 2022 450R sitting there and it just makes me want to go shred. However, when I do get to ride it, that thought quickly leaves my mind and I’m focused on just holding on to big red. The CRF450R can be a handful to ride with its rigid-feeling chassis and soft suspension setting, so I set out to make a CRF450R that’s more compliant and easier to ride. I enlisted the help of Chad Braun from XPR Motorsports as well as Factory Connection, and although not much different than the stock-looking Honda, this one makes you want to ride more when you’re actually on it!
PARTS LIST:
XPR
High Compression Piston, Hand Ported Head, Titanium Valves, Carbon Fiber Intake Runner, XPR Custom Camshaft, Vortex ECU with Custom Maps
xprmotorsportsparts.com
VP RACING FUELS
VP-T4 Fuel
vpracingfuels.com
AKRAPOVIC
Full Exhaust System
akrapovic.com
RENTHAL
13/49 Gearing, 827 FatBar
renthal.com
FACTORY CONNECTION
Fork/Shock Re-Valve, Knuckle/Linkage
factoryconnection.com
DUNLOP
MX3S Front (13.5 PSI)
MX33 Rear (12.5 PSI)
dunlopmotorcycletires.com
DECAL WORKS
Graphics Kit
decalworks.com
GUTS RACING
Ribbed Seat
gutsracing.com
About DeCal Works
Founded in 1989 by Ron and Janeen Joynt, DeCal Works has been the industry leader in pre-printed decals and custom graphics for 30 years. With a passion for racing and innovation, DeCal Works has, since its early days, focused its attention on high-quality products with great customer service.
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[@NickW90]

Great close up of the clutch cable routing and the shock tower filing

[@ikonlenses9812]

Where's the shock tower close up?

[@mouthofpower8492]

Well… thank god Honda got rid of their beautiful, dominant, simple, and affordable 2 strokes.

[@TheCnelson3]

Did I miss the close up of the filed edge on the shock tower?

[@dekancaine]

I’ve tried to figure out what he’s talking about for months. I’m assuming it’s the top of the shock housing

[@TheCnelson3]

@@dekancaine same here. I’d just like to see it so I know exactly what he’s referring to. Simple mistakes happen.

[@NickW90]

Can anyone tell me how to reroute the clutch line?

[@jamesshaver7977]

Because of the clutch hydraulics

[@troyhubbard50]

It's an ah-Crapo-vich pipe

[@jessetrauma556]

Ive said this 100 times, and i will say it again. Honda hasnt made a good 450 since 2008. That 2008 crf450 is still better today than anything they have put out since. Period.

[@OGLD]

You’ve only said that 100 times in 14 years?

[@jessetrauma556]

@@OGLD ok maybe a 1000 times

[@dekancaine]

These new gen bikes r better imho in every way. Any other not so much.

[@HairryBushjr]

My thoughts exactly !! Hearing someone else say the exact same thing makes me feel like I’m not crazy after all

[@jamesshaver7977]

I didn’t think you could run a 14T front sprocket on these bikes

[@brentyancich]

14/52 has been awesome since I got a 2010 crf. Highly recommended 👌

[@timothykamholz7222]

I find it very difficult to have to dump another 5 grand into a Honda just to get it to feel like any other Japanese bike. Absolutely rediculious. I am just going to wait for the 23 Yamaha YZ450F and be done with having to go through all the extra labor and $$$ to get the comfort of a Yamaha. And you never showed filing of the cross member of frame by shock area. Come on man, you know the thing.

[@DH-ib9xc]

oh how poorly this comment aged

[@timothykamholz7222]

@DH2000 We are talking about a Production model. Not after it's been massaged by HRC, which nobody can get.

[@MXJEFF94]

BUY A KTM/ HUSKY....PROBLEM SOLVED MY MAN. Honda's are junk