Who whould have thought there would ever be a day where MX bikes run without carbs.

We tested the new 450 last week with some impressive results. The first thing we noticed was

 - a. we didn't have to turn on the fuel, and

-b. we didn't have a choke to pull out... Welcome to EFI!                                 

  CRF450 hooked up to Laptop.                        Where the laptop plugs in.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 Note the fuel pump under the tank.

             No more Carb!

            
 Late last week the wrecking crew - Consisting of Hoppo, Mayo, Browny and "The Jolly Rodger"
 Hopped aboard and set about discussing the pro's and cons of the new weapon. Here's what they thought; 
 
Hoppo - The bike had great ground control with confidence in the handling. I would have liked the bike to rev more with a little more punch required off the bottom.
 The stock spring weights suited my weight and suspension after break in and clicker adjustments felt plush.
We found the best suspension settings for this for a 90kg rider was Shock - High speed 2 out, Comp 14 out, Rebound 8 out
                            Fork - Comp 14 out, Rebound 8 out

Mayo - For me the suspension was stiff - but Hoppo and Browny have 30kgs on me. I felt comfortable on the bike, with the machine easily allowing me to stay in control. The engine lacked power, but an aftermarket exhaust and jetting should allow the big girl to open up some.

Browny - "I agree on the power - i was suprized how quiet this bike is for a 450. She definitely needs to have her throat cleared. The cockpit was easy to more around and the gripper seat enhanced rider control. The suspension for me however was twitchy out of the box. The back end skipped under heavy braking. After some clicker adjustments the bike was completely different and a treat to ride.

 Jolly Rodger - "i suppose it was OK - but it will never be Bultago Frontera. Yamaha must have listened when i wrote asking to lighten swingarm to make it easier to whip. The bike was a pleasure to wheelie past the onlookers. The front brakes may need adjusting, i can normally endo for a few metres, but on this i went over the bars first up.