Long regarded as the bike of choice in the big-bore motocross division, the 2011 CRF450R incorporates improvements that will help this bike retain its premier standing. The prodigious powerband is now even stronger thanks to more low-end pull and midrange grunt along with enhanced throttle response via a new throttle body. Revised suspension linkage and settings yield improved control, increased ride plushness and enhanced rear-wheel traction. A new Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) produces even better tracking traits than before, and a new muffler meets the 94-decibel sound level required by some racing organizations in 2011. All this and more make the 2011 CRF450R a shoo-in to maintain its dominant role among open-class MX bikes.

New for 2011

• Revised engine tuning and new 46mm throttle body increase low-end and midrange power and give improved throttle response.
• Front fork features a lighter cartridge cylinder and all-new valving for improved control and increased ride plushness.
• Revised shock valving yields improved control and increased rear wheel traction.
• New suspension linkage produces improved chassis balance and increased rear wheel traction in rough-track conditions.
• Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) features larger piston diameter (20mm to 24mm) for improved tracking traits.
• Redesigned muffler lowers sound emissions to 94 dB.

Features/Benefits

Unique Features

• ABS combines with Combined Braking System (CBS) for a wide range of braking and steering control. ABS features an electric-motor-driven modulator that gives quick, precise braking-pressure adjustments and smooth ABS operation. The system incorporates an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) controller, self-diagnostics with an interactive ECU test function and automatic protection against system failure (see Technology Section).
• CBS uses a second master cylinder and a proportional control valve (PCV) to couple the three-piston calipers of the dual-disc front and single-disc rear brakes. Using the front brake lever activates the outer two pistons of the front calipers and the two outer pistons of the rear caliper. Rear pedal engagement activates the center piston of the rear brake caliper and the center pistons of the front calipers, and a delay valve slows initial front brake response to minimize front-end dive.
• A motor-driven adjustable windscreen offers 7.4 inches and 13 degrees of adjustability for greater wind protection and touring comfort. A thumb-operated push-button on the left handlebar operates the windscreen motor. An additional 2.3 inches of manual adjustment is possible by repositioning the windscreen on the mounting brackets.
• New special patrol speedometer is graduated in 2-mph increments above 10 mph.
• Adjustable three-position dual-density solo seat.
• Handlebars raised 25mm and width increased 13.5mm for rider comfort.
• Specialized brackets for lights, sirens, antenna mount and radio/electronic equipment.
• Rear component cover for electronics weather protection.
• Left and right lower engine guards have built-in brackets for mounting accessories.
• Right-handlebar-mounted multi-function switch controls.
• On/off headlight switch.
• 8mm side fairing air-deflector set.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Compact, powerful 1261cc DOHC 90-degree V-4 engine with an oversquare bore and stroke of 78mm x 66mm and longitudinal engine mounting improves power flow and drivetrain efficiency.
• The ST1300P’s low overall center of gravity contributes to improved low-speed handling. The 360-degree crank contributes to a very broad powerband. Two engine counterbalancers virtually eliminate primary and secondary vibration. Both gear-driven counterbalancer shafts are installed in the lower crankcase to the left side of the crankshaft. The first shaft is driven directly by the crankshaft at a 2:1 ratio. The second shaft is positioned below the first and is driven in the opposite direction by the first balancer shaft’s drive gear. The combination of these two balancers ensures a supremely comfortable ride.
• Aluminum-composite cylinder sleeves are high-pressure-formed from sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The composite sleeves provide better wear resistance and superior heat dissipation compared with conventional sleeves.
• Large 31mm intake valves and 27mm exhaust valves feed a combustion chamber with a 10.8:1 compression ratio.
• Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation system ensures high-rpm durability and allows 16,000-mile valve-maintenance intervals.
• Four 36mm throttle bodies.
• High-pressure Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) delivers fuel at 50 psi into each injector (see Technology Section).
• Fuel is delivered through eight holes in each injector, producing a very fine spray and a highly combustible air/fuel charge for maximum combustion efficiency and power.
• PGM-FI combines a sophisticated throttle sensor, advanced 3-D digital fuel-injection and ignition mapping and precisely metered fuel delivery to produce smooth and linear throttle response.
• ECU-controlled closed-loop emissions control system utilizes two oxygen sensors to constantly deliver a precise air/fuel mixture, while two exhaust catalyzers further reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen.
• Auto-enriching system is integrated into PGM-FI module, optimizing the air/fuel mixture on cold starts and eliminating the need for a manual choke.
• 4-into-2 stainless-steel exhaust system features a pair of attractive, triangular-section 5.4-liter mufflers with stainless-steel heat shields.
• Dampers on the transmission mainshaft, clutch and driveshaft reduce noise, vibration and driveline lash.
• High-output 660-watt air-cooled alternator is relocated between the cylinder banks, contributing to a shorter and more compact engine design.
• U-shaped aluminum radiator has excellent cooling capacity; a ring-type fan draws air through the radiator at low speeds to ensure stable operating temperatures for consistent performance and long engine life.
• Sturdy eight-plate hydraulic clutch.
• Cassette-type five-speed transmission features gear ratios that allow for quicker acceleration and excellent roll-on performance.
• Quiet and reliable shaft-drive system is virtually maintenance-free.

Chassis/Suspension

• Rigid aluminum upper triple-clamp and a 45mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) cartridge front fork provide excellent suspension control in a wide range of riding conditions.
• The rear suspension incorporates a single shock, which mounts directly onto the swingarm. The shock offers 1.2 inches of spring preload adjustability.
• Large 310mm stainless-steel floating front brake discs and 316mm rear disc for ultimate stopping power.
• Wheels are three-spoke, U-section cast aluminum. The 5.0-inch-wide rear wheel sports a large, low-profile 170/60ZR-17 radial tire. The 3.5-inch-wide front wheel carries a 120/70ZR-18 radial tire.

Additional Features

• Full-coverage bodywork offers superb wind and weather protection, low noise and superior high-speed aerodynamics.
• Integrated lockable and detachable saddlebags hold 35 liters each. The saddlebags contain straps to limit bag opening to 90 degrees to better secure the contents. The straps are easily unbuckled when the bags are dismounted, permitting full access.
• Rugged, plastic-covered body-protector stays extend outward to protect the bodywork in case of a tip-over.
• Dual-section fuel tank places 5.5 gallons of fuel in the conventional tank location with an additional 2.2 gallons located in a sub-tank located low in the chassis. This results in an increase in fuel capacity and creates an even weight distribution for fuel.
• Electric fuel pump operates inside the sub-tank, providing consistent fuel pressure for the PGM-FI system.
• Headlight features dual lenses with twin-filament H4 low/high-beam bulbs and multi-reflectors.
• A convenient push button located on the left side of the fairing electrically adjusts the headlight angle over a 2.5-degree range.
• A locking left-side fairing pocket offers the carrying capacity of an automobile console; a weather-resistant vinyl flap covers the right-side pocket.
• Breakaway rearview mirrors minimize damage in the event of a tip-over.
• Convenient centerstand assist-lever folds neatly away when not in use.
• Integrated front and rear turn signals.
• Integrated ignition switch/fork lock. A single ignition key operates all locks.
• Non-transferable three-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty.

Despite winning numerous comparison tests and awards in 2010, the CRF250R enters the new season sporting a number of improvements that will help it continue its winning ways. A new Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) with a larger, 24mm damper piston aids tracking precision, and new suspension settings front and rear help give this stellar-handling machine even better chassis balance for 2011. Changes to engine tuning now give the CRF250R a stronger bottom-end and midrange hit, and this model also features a new muffler that meets the 94-decibel sound level required by some racing organizations in 2011.

New for 2011

• New engine tuning produces added response and midrange power production.
• Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) features larger piston diameter (20mm to 24mm) for improved tracking traits.
• Revised fork valving offers improved balance and bottoming resistance.
• New shock valving helps deliver optimum chassis balance and improved suspension action.
• Redesigned muffler lowers sound emissions to 94 dB.

I really wanted to hate the Honda. Anything that looks this bland has to be utterly boring to ride, and it’s true that the CBF isn’t exactly going to blow your socks off with a turbine-like rush of bhp. Compared to the handsome Yamaha and Kawasaki it really is spectacularly ugly; I liken it to a bath-tub on wheels. Compared to the others, the CBF is just old-fashioned. But in typical Honda style it goes, stops and handles better than all the other bikes here. It’s a rounded, considered motorcycle that’s been developed with the rider in mind and it completely belies its budget moniker; why they wrapped it in such a god-awful design is a mystery, because otherwise I’m certain this thing would sell bucketloads.

The Honda NT700V isn’t the kind of bike that’ll impress the sportbike throttle jockeys at the local weekend hangout. In fact, it probably wouldn’t turn a head amongst the hardcore iron-butt Harley crowd or the BMW sport-touring crew either.

Nope. This bike is an entry-level sport tourer so subtle and non-threatening it slips almost anonymously amongst the sea of more macho two-wheelers. But that’s a big part of the reason we like it so much. We racked up more than 450 miles in the comfy saddle of the NT700V all over Southern California—from the Malibu Coast to the mountains above Santa Barbara to the high desert.

Read the rest of the review here.

Featuring long, low lines that embody what cruising is all about, the Stateline blends two worlds of motorcycling style: traditional looks plus progressive elements. The deeply valanced fenders arc downward in classic retro style, yet the all-new rolling chassis and overall lines bring a fresh look to the class. Add to that the deep throaty rumble of a big V-twin engine with Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection and that classic big Vee power pulse, and you have a machine that’s the perfect choice for cruising–any time you want.

• New progressive/retro styling with a raked-out front end and stylized curved frame downtube creates a unique custom look.
• Blacked-out engine and new-style wheels.
• Specially designed tank-mounted chrome housing features a speedometer.
• New, wide retro-styled pullback handlebar offers all day comfort.
• Sleek new one-piece seat plus deep, long flowing fenders for a classic look.
• Slim radiator mounts unobtrusively to accent the Stateline’s clean lines.
• 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin delivers strong low-end and mid-range torque, with ample power for passing and relaxed cruising. Unique dual exhaust offers throaty exhaust note.
• Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) incorporates a single 38mm-diameter throttle body.

Honda Genuine Accessories

• Boulevard Screen (tinted), Backrest and Pad (low/tall-narrow), Backrest and Rear Carrier Mounting Brackets, Leather Saddlebag (24L-plain/studded), Synthetic Saddlebag (18L-plain/studded), Saddlebag Bracket, Tank Belt (plain/studded), Rear Carrier, Custom Grips, Passenger Floorboard, Oil Dipstick, Engine Guard, Custom Footpeg, Lower Cowl Spoiler, Chrome Sidecover, Driving Light (PIAA Type), Throttle Cable (braided), Clutch Cable (braided), Front Brake Hose (braided), Rear Brake Hose (braided), Audio Attachment Kit.