Also , the frame is reconfigured to lower the centre of gravity and improve mass centralisation ( a phrase which Honda itself coined ). The engine is new too with 11 % more power up top . Riding off the CRF feels very slim and the ergonomics package feels natural and neutral . The seat is great , decent foam depth and very flat . The radiator side covers are 30mm narrower than last year ’ s already slim bike . Getting forward for turning is probably about as good as it gets . It does flair out towards the rear because of the twin mufflers , but I liked this as it helped anchor my boot legs when gripping the 450 in the whoops .
I ’ m still not sure why Honda has persisted with the twin mufflers ? Other manufacturers make great power without them . I can ’ t see a benefit , but I can see more weight , cost and complexity . The cynic in me thinks it ’ s more about marketing and point of differentiation . The all-new engine is a big step-up power wise from last year , but more importantly retains that easy to use and deceptively quick acceleration that is a Honda hallmark . The engine retains the single Uni-cam setup but now has a steep downdraft intake with higher compression , different valve angles and valve springs and a host of other up-grades . The clutch has thicker plates but fewer of them to narrow the engine . The power is very responsive , but the CRF engine can effectively used two ways ; you can either ‘ torque it ’ using a high gear or rev it like a 250 machine – this is awesome for cross-country work but no doubt the fast MX boys will have it bouncing off the limiter . There seems to be less engine braking effect from memory ; rolling into turns is a little like a two-stroke , which could be helpful on slick terrain . Overall this engine is excellent with a smooth , strong and wide mid-range its best feature ... and the fact that it now has a decent over-rev . Its only weakness comes in the form of slightly fickle starting , and it will flame out occasionally at very low revs . There are three power modes which means there is a mode from mild to wild , relatively speaking . In the mild mode , it is definitely easier to control , particularly for single track style riding and the aggressive mode is surely the business on an MX track . The handling is superb . The Honda feels light ( the titanium tank saves 0.5kg of weight high up on the bike ), the steering turn-in is slower than
52 KIWI RIDER