2010 Honda CRF450R Comparison Photo Gallery

When it comes to its powertrain, everyone appreciated the friendlier starting and power delivery characteristics of the CRF engine. The updated fuel-injection and ignition map settings greatly reduce engine starting gremlins.

Watch as MotoUSA attacks the motocross track aboard Honda's updated CRF450R dirt bike. Read how it performs in our 2010 Honda CRF450R Comparison.

Yamaha, Honda and KTM mounted an attack on reigning champion, Kawasaki, in the 2010 450 Motocross Comparison.

Honda was quickest to the first turn with Yamaha, KTM and Kawasaki in tow.

Kawasaki used its monster motor to stomp the timed third-gear roll-on.

Yamaha had the slowest top speed at the end of the start straight, but it gets up to speed quicker than most.

All of the 2010 450 motocross bikes are close in weight, but the Honda CRF450R continues to shine as the lightest of the bunch.

Sound emissions are one of the most important ongoing issues for dirt bikes. KTM has a significant advantage with its quiet 450 SX-F.

Kawasaki continued its dominance once we strapped the bikes on the dyno at Mickey Cohen Motorsports.

KTM showed the most peak torque on Mickey Cohen Motorsports dyno and it coninues to make the most as revs climb.

The 2010 CRF450R is the most agile 450 motocross machine on the market.

When Honda announced last year that they had completely revamped the then class-leading CRF450R for 2009, we were eager to experience what Big Red had in store with its new generation CRF

We loved certain attributes, including its razor sharp handling, svelte size and potent-yet-friendly power delivery.

Our lighter testers complained that the shock absorber spring rate was too stiff, while heavier riders faulted the overly soft fork.

The Honda’s bottom-end power manages to be stout and rider friendly.

The Honda’s engine is not only powerful but very easy to manage.

One of the Honda’s key attributes is maneuverability.

The front and rear suspensions balance and lack of high-speed stability held it back in this year’s shootout.

The 2010 Honda CRF450R will be available in February, 2010 for $8099.

The Honda CRF450R uses a twin-sump lubrication system with separate engine and clutch/transmission reservoirs which reduces mechanical power losses and lengthens oil service life.

A Kayaba 48mm AOS fork graces the front end.

Honda’s Unicam solo camshaft design ensures a slim cylinder head.

The Honda CRF450R is the only 450 motocross bike to make use of a steering damper to quell headshake.

Honda’s reduced outright mass works in unison with those exceptionally quick steering manners, making the bike feel significantly lighter than any other 450 machine both on the ground and in the air.

While it doesn’t feel as explosive as the Kawasaki or Yamaha at lower revs, pin the throttle and the Honda motor gets with the program.

In the braking department, most notable is the enhanced level of feel at the end of each lever. This is in contrast to the relatively “wooden” feel of other Japanese machines.