2001 HONDA CR500R

The Honda CR500R is widely known as the “Ping- King” of dirt bikes due to it’s racing pedigree and insane power delivery. HRC initially developed the RC500 in 1976 for factory racers, but its success spawned the CR450R which was then released to the public in 1981. This model received a capacity increase the following year to 480cc, and evolved into the CR500R that rocked on from 1984 until 2001.

What it’s got

The CR500R is powered by a liquid-cooled, two-stroke 491.4cc, piston-port, reed valve, single cylinder engine with a Keihin 38mm flat-slide carburetor. Power runs through a five-speed constant mesh gearbox. The front suspension is a Kayaba 46mm telescopic USD fork with adjustable compression and rebound and 310mm of travel. The rear has a Pro-Link Kayaba monoshock with 320mm of travel. Braking is by twin 240mm discs on the front wheel, and dual-piston calipers. The single 220mm disc at the rear is clamped by a single-piston caliper. Fuel tank holds 9 litres.

Geometry

Frame: Alloy frame and subframe. Rake: 27.4°. Trail: 116mm. Wheelbase: 1490mm. Seat height: 952mm. Weight: 106.4kg (dry). Wheels: S/S spokes (21-inch front and 19-inch rear).

Performance

Power: 48.2kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 75.5Nm @ 6000rpm Compression Ratio: 6.8:1
Bore and stroke: 89mm x 79mm Noise: Ding-da-ding-da-ding-ding-ding

Price

$9190 (+ ORC in 2001)

2015 HONDA CRF450R

Since the introduction of the 4-stroke CRF450R in 2002, Honda has focusedon providing a lightweight package that is balanced enough to keep up with the Yamahas on track. The model was revamped in 2005, and again following the introduction of fuel injection in 2009. In 2013 it was redesigned and restyled and became a hit with amateur racers everywhere.

What it’s got

The CRF450R is powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke 449.7cc, 4-valve, single cylinder engine with a SOHC and Keihin PGM-FI. Power runs through a five-speed constant mesh gearbox. The front suspension is a Kayaba 48mm PSF2 telescopic USD fork with adjustable compression and rebound and 310mm of travel. The rear has a Pro-Link Kayaba monoshock with 315mm of travel. Braking is handled by twin 260mm discs on the front wheel, clamped by dual-piston calipers. The single 240mm disc at the rear is clamped by a single-piston caliper. The fuel tank holds 6.4 litres.

Geometry

Frame: Steel frame/sub-frame. Rake: 27.8°. Trail: 114mm. Wheelbase: 1488mm. Seat height: 937mm. Weight: 101.2kg (dry). Wheels: S/S spokes (21-inch front and 18-inch rear).

Performance

Power: 39.5kW @ 9000rpm Torque: 48Nm @ 7000rpm Compression Ratio: 12.5:1 Bore and stroke: 96mm x 62.1mm Noise: Braaaaaaappppp

Price

$10,499 (+ ORC))