The Honda hasn’t changed radically for ’05, but the press pack lists around 20 changes I would describe more as refinements to what is an already well-proven package.
Dry weight has been reduced by 1.2kg to just under 100kg, which is what a 250 two-stroke weighed not that many years ago. This is reflected in the ride as it feels the lightest handling of all the 450s I have ridden to date. Compared to the Suzuki RM-Z450, everything seems to be happening a lot quicker, and having less mid-range and five gears makes you feel like you are working harder.
Other changes include stronger rear hub, a new shift drum and forks for slicker gear changes and new front and rear suspension valving for better bump absorption. The Honda hasn’t changed radically for ’05, but the press pack lists around 20 changes I would describe more as refinements to what is an already well-proven package.
Dry weight has been reduced by 1.2kg to just under 100kg, which is what a 250 two-stroke weighed not that many years ago. This is reflected in the ride as it feels the lightest handling of all the 450s I have ridden to date. Compared to the Suzuki RM-Z450, everything seems to be happening a lot quicker, and having less mid-range and five gears makes you feel like you are working harder.
Other changes include stronger rear hub, a new shift drum and forks for slicker gear changes and new front and rear suspension valving for better bump absorption.
The Honda hasn’t changed radically for ’05, but the press pack lists around 20 changes I would describe more as refinements to what is an already well-proven package.
Dry weight has been reduced by 1.2kg to just under 100kg, which is what a 250 two-stroke weighed not that many years ago. This is reflected in the ride as it feels the lightest handling of all the 450s I have ridden to date. Compared to the Suzuki RM-Z450, everything seems to be happening a lot quicker, and having less mid-range and five gears makes you feel like you are working harder.
Other changes include stronger rear hub, a new shift drum and forks for slicker gear changes and new front and rear suspension valving for better bump absorption.
| Dryweight (kg) | 100 |
| Seats | 0 |
| Suspension Front | Showa usd, 47mm dia. |
| Suspension Rear | Showa monoshock |
| Brakes Front | Twin-piston caliper, 240mm disc |
| Brakes Rear | Twin-piston caliper, 240mm disc |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1491 |
| Chassis | Aluminium twin spar |
| Dryweight (kg) | 100 |
| Seats | 0 |
| Suspension Front | Showa usd, 47mm dia. |
| Suspension Rear | Showa monoshock |
| Brakes Front | Twin-piston caliper, 240mm disc |
| Brakes Rear | Twin-piston caliper, 240mm disc |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1491 |
| Chassis | Aluminium twin spar |
| Cubic Capacity (cc) | 449 |
| Max Power (bhp) | 48 |
| Max Power Peak (rpm) | 7500 |
| Torque (ft/lb) | 34 |
| Torque Peak (rpm) | 7000 |
| Bore (mm) | 96 |
| Stroke (mm) | 62.1 |
| Valve Gear | DOHC |
| Compression Ratio | 12 |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Delivery | Keihin 40mm carbs |
| Stroke Type | Four Stroke |
| Cubic Capacity (cc) | 449 |
| Max Power (bhp) | 48 |
| Max Power Peak (rpm) | 7500 |
| Torque (ft/lb) | 34 |
| Torque Peak (rpm) | 7000 |
| Bore (mm) | 96 |
| Stroke (mm) | 62.1 |
| Valve Gear | DOHC |
| Compression Ratio | 12 |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Fuel Delivery | Keihin 40mm carbs |
| Stroke Type | Four Stroke |
