The best just got better in a whole bunch of ways. For 2012 the amazing Honda CRF450R boasts numerous changes that add up to one thing: faster lap times. Its high-tech Unicam™ engine has always made big power, and improvements to the Electronic Control Unit makes that power even crisper and easier to use. Starting has also been made easier thanks to an improved auto-decompressor system. Plus, modifications to both the front and rear suspension combine with the CRF450R's innovative Honda Progressive Steering Damper™ to make tough terrain even easier to handle.

   * Revised ECU programming and PGM-FI settings improve off/on throttle response, idle and stall resistance.
   * Redesigned engine auto-decompressor system enables easier kick-starting.
   * Liquid-cooled 449 cc four-valve Unicam engine produces more than 125.3 hp per litre and utilizes a four-lobe camshaft and individual rocker arms for each exhaust valve to reduce weight and contribute to a higher rpm ceiling.
   * Compact size of the Unicam engine allows it to be positioned closer to front wheel, resulting in a lower overall Cg and better weight distribution for better handling.
   * Positioning of the crankshaft main journal cradles (inside of flywheels) allows reduction of connecting rod big-end diameter, reducing weight while maintaining overall strength. Crankshaft cutaway eliminates piston skirt contact at BDC, also reducing weight.
   * Cylinder head combustion chamber is short yet has a large-volume squish area for better flame propagation.
   * Lightweight titanium intake valves and specially designed valve springs reduce overall engine height and permit higher rpm.
   * Low camshaft mount has been built into the cylinder head to reduce weight and engine height.
   * Cylinder attaches to engines cases with through-bolts instead of studs, allowing in-frame cylinder removal.
   * Forged slipper-piston material permits thinner crown, contributing to short cylinder height. Low-friction surface treatment assures high-rev potential.
   * Lightweight Ni-SiC cylinder lining provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
   * Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system utilizes a 50 mm throttle body design with 12-hole injection nozzle fed by lightweight 50-psi pump to ensure optimum fuel atomization and precisely targeted fuel charge. System also achieves an improvement in fuel consumption.
   * PGM-FI system monitors throttle position, intake air and coolant temperatures, air pressure and gear position to accurately map fuel charge and ignition spark, significantly improving partial-throttle response and helping assure excellent rideability.
   * Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil and reduces the amount of circulating oil, allowing the oil pump size to be reduced.
   * Exhaust system incorporates a left-side cylinder head exhaust port, increasing header length and allowing the muffler to be positioned closer to centre of mass, contributing to significantly improved weight distribution and handling.
   * Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump.
   * Coolant flow routed outside engine cases via bolt-on flange/jacket, allowing reduction of crankcase and cylinder width, and overall weight.
   * Oil pump strainer built into the engine case to reduce parts and weight.
   * Eight clutch plates handle the engine's massive torque.
   * Kashima coating applied to the clutch basket, clutch centre and pressure plate improve clutch life and clutch feel.

   * Fifth-generation Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head is 397 grams lighter than previous design.
   * Forged swingarm pivot plates increase rigidity for improved handling.
   * Removable rear subframe is designed to eliminate brackets and cross-members.
   * Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) features a compact damper attached to the lower triple clamp and the steering head to allow more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
   * Front and rear wheels feature HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples.
   * Rear axle diameter of 25 mm and large diameter bearings provide additional rigidity.
   * Sophisticated inverted Air-Oil-Separated (AOS) fork features exclusive Honda 48 mm diameter fork made by Kayaba..
   * Revised valving and greater oil volume in the Kayaba fork combine for improved handling, while the rear Kayaba shock boasts a new piston design and a new compression adjuster for an easier ride and stronger acceleration over rugged terrain.
   * Pro-Link rear suspension features exclusive Kayaba integrated reservoir.
   * Large 50 mm rear shock damper piston diameter for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
   * HRC works-style rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate reservoir and hose.
   * Works-style 240 mm front and rear brake rotors contribute to strong, controllable braking.

   * Honda First: Engine stop switch features an integrated LED pre-ride check indicator with EFI diagnostic capability to ensure that the CRF450R is operating at maximum capacity.
   * Radiator shrouds are narrow to aid rider movement.
   * Removable engine mounts allow easy engine removal.
   * Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height for improved comfort and handling feel.
   * Lightweight aluminum brake pedal and shift lever are designed to complement new ergonomics.
   * Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master-cylinder design.
   * Wide, cleated stainless steel footpegs provide excellent grip and are self-cleaning and corrosion resistant.
   * Adjustable front brake lever for improved control.
   * Quick-adjust clutch perch for easy cable adjustment.
   * Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
   * Handlebar holders provide two different mounting positions to match rider preference.
   * Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
   * Repackable silencer for maximum performance and minimal noise.
   * Comfortable, durable controls and high quality fasteners.
   * Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.