Honda’s Secret Rally Bike Components: Why Aren’t These for Sale?
It’s meant for me, but not for you.
A long time ago, I tried out Honda’s impressive engine.
CRF450RX
It’s quite a powerful machine, able to go anywhere you direct its rugged front tire. I tested it out on our young dirt track in the backyard, ventured up into the hills on somewhat maintained paths, and even tackled some challenging single tracks. The competition-ready dirt bike performed flawlessly throughout all these conditions.
The sole issue I had was the absence of a headlight. Although the CRF450RL exists, many find its headlight performance lacking when riding from dawn till dusk. Additionally, there were several smaller concerns as well.
However, Honda possesses the components needed to make the CRF450RX impeccable. The firm plans to start offering these parts for sale.
European Rally Raid
Teams beginning this year will have access to these components exclusively. This implies that, even though Honda possesses the parts needed to resolve all of my concerns, they refuse to sell them to either me or you.
This kind of seems like a personal issue, but seriously, Honda, deliver these parts to the market!
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Based on a statement released by Honda’s HRC, the team plans to “start providing kit components for the CRF450RX, intended for use in Rally Raid competitions such as the Dakar Rally.” These components will be sent to RedMoto located in Italy, where they will assemble these parts into a full competition-specific CRF450RX Rally motorcycle before selling it.
Boo, Honda, boo.
What exactly are these components you’re curious about? The newly developed kit, tested prior to this release, encompasses several enhancements: an updated lightweight but robust aluminum frame tailored specifically for the demands of off-road competitions; larger fuel tanks; a refined engine calibration that reduces revolutions per minute during high-speed travel to boost fuel efficiency and longevity; a light carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic roll cage capable of supporting various lighting setups along with storage space for rally guides; specialized race-grade suspension systems at both the front and rear ends; a sturdier competition-specific chain; a protective front mudguard; and a windscreen designed explicitly for rallying conditions.
The overall cost remains uncertain, but the basic version of the Honda CRF450RX comes with a price tag of $10,000. Considering how impressive these new components are, one would imagine they significantly bump up the initial cost from the standard price point. The previous complete build had been quite pricey as well.
cost $27,000
. With that being said, I would really appreciate it if Honda and HRC made the CRF450RX accessible to everyone. Just think about all the exciting journeys you could embark upon with this bike equipped with some awesome LED lights illuminating your path.
Picturing the fear you would bring to the forest during the nighttime!