[JimDirt]

Was just on Vital MX and someone posted what is said to be release photos of the 2017 450R and 450X , it looks like they have changed the subframe to lighten both bikes , changed the frame geometry somewhat , and done significant changes that seem to be aimed at reducing weight , and added EFI to the X as well as a complete different airbox design with a HUGE filter and a aluminum gas tank , both bikes seem to have E-Start or at least the R seems to have the "option" to have it added ,as there is a rubber plug on the R on the Clutch side case , where the starter inserts on the X

Both will have 38mm Intake Valves as opposed to the current 36mm which should produce more peak power and more torque , it looks to have a shorter swingarm for both models and a rocker arm for the Intake as well as Exhaust valves and basically a complete new head design , the X engine seems to be a R engine with a button , the cases are different as are the ignition cover and the bike seems to be a lot narrower than the current design

The rear shock seems to be lower on the swingarm as well as in a lower position in the frame , and the gas tank will be lower , smaller , and looks to be Aluminum or Stainless , i believe both models will be twin pipe , and what looks to be spring forks with dual adjusters on both bikes , no more air forks for the R it seems , with what i am guessing is high speed and lo-speed compression adjusters on top

Though this particular site is in a foreign language (have no clue what language it is) http://fullgaz.co.il/%D7%94%D7%95%D7%A0 ... 7%9C-2017/ , one of the Administrators that does a lot of bike testing for Vital MX , is actually at/will be at , the U.S. Honda plant and will be reporting back with pictures and info on the exact changes to be on the U.S. models within the next few days , but it seems that these pictures are what they will be like or very close , as they always change things during production due to costs/time/etc

There are more pictures of the R than the X , but you can definitely tell the X is a new bike

Don't shoot the messenger (me) if the bike does not end up on showroom floors as described in 2017 , but it seems to be fairly confirmed , and in some of the images you can see the typical Honda frame tag on the upper frame spar that clearly says 2017 , weather these are Euro models only is unconfirmed

On a related note , Ken Roczen will be sporting a bright red Honda at the beginning of 2017 SX or maybe even at the Monster Energy Cup this October , and longtime Honda rider Trey Canard will be switching to the Orange Kool-aid ......... allegedly ......

[crfsonly]

The "rumors" of Roczen and Canard are true. The 2017 CRF450R and the CRF450RX (yes, the Israeli publication is calling it a CRF450RX) are very interesting. Major changes from the motor design, frame, and suspension. I'm not sure what to make of the "CRF450RX". It doesn't have a headlight or tailight and the dual mufflers look like stock R mufflers (i.e. doesn't look like they have spark arrestors). One thought I have shared with Honda in the past is make an R with e-start. With lithium batteries and new lightweight starter motors there is less of a drawback to this as there once was and the competition has proven this to be true. Once you have an R with e-start, just make a version with a wide-ratio transmission, off-road cam and timing, 18" rear wheel, headlight and taillight. So, perhaps the RX is exactly this!

In any event, I would be thrilled to see a new CRF450X with the performance and frame improvements.

Ken

[JimDirt]

Yea that was my thoughts as well , again , no conformation as of yet , but it looks to be happening at least overseas , though i was under the impression they were referring to 2 separate models as the images say 450X and 450R , the only X specific picture i saw in the link was the overhead shot , which looked to have a headlight bezel , though it could just be a larger R number plate , but , if you notice "some" of the closeup engine photo's showed a Starter , and others only showed a round black plug in the clutch outer case where the starter gear would be inserted ......sooooo , it could be 2 separate bikes , which is what i see , IF they did do what your suggesting it would be on the lines of the YZ450FX , which would not be a bad thing , maybe making 1 dual purpose race/off-road bike would leave room in R&D for a 2 stroke 6 speed "off-road" specific bike as well .... ...though i just looked at what you posted (what i posted but just the pics) and the overhead shot does look like just a number plate , not a headlight bezel , but the 2 engine shots do show a starter and no starter , so maybe a "optional" part for those that want the kick only ???

Either way , its been far too long that the X has had any updates even closely resembling a major step forward , maybe this is the long awaited change we all begged for , lighter and EFI would be nice , headlight could be a "option" like KTM does

[crfsonly]

I would not be surprised if it's a CRF450RX that has a wide-ratio trans, starter, and 18' rear wheel. I'd be very pleased to see this as well as a true X with a 6-speed trans that was 50 state plateable. Oh and while I'm at it a CRF610L.

Ken

[JimDirt]

Yea , .....except the part about the 610 , all i remember is my old 84 XL600R that i rode single track with before my 450X was about 320+ lbs , i can't imagine riding that on single track anymore like i used to , even the X at about 285+ (with the 3.2 tank) is hard enough when you get in the real tight stuff , as you really feel the weight then , but i am guessing you want it as a "Dual Sport" not a serous off-road bike

[crfsonly]

The L models are Adventure Sport bikes. Not for tight single track or even dual sport. Honda has the CRF250L and the CRF1000L. We need something in the middle now.