Honda TRX450R

by Nick Harris on May 26th, 2008

Honda TRX450R ATV - Introducing in the red corner, the Honda TRX 450R ATV with its liquid cooled 450cc motor and enough aftermarket TRX450R parts available to fill the biggest of garages.

The Honda TRX450R is not just another quad. The TRX450R is a result of over a decade of rumors, waiting and anticipation. The Honda TRX450R model is Honda’s replacement for the FourTrax 250R model that was taken out of production in 1989. The 250R version dominated ATV racing circuits for over a decade and was the basis for many race proven ATV projects so when production was halted a void was created for fans.

The TRX450R, which is sometimes called the TRX450ER or simply 450r, is part of the Honda SportTrax ATV family and has been well received. It shares the same engine as can be found in its two wheeled counterpart, the CRF450R motorcycle, but don’t let that fool you because not many parts are interchangeable. The TRX450R motor was redesigned to stand up to the demands of a heavier 4 wheeler. Increased oil capacity, smaller steel valves, a stronger clutch pack and three ring pistons were among the improvements.

The TRX450R has several stock aluminum parts to help reduce weight including the front bumper, front fender stays, shifter, brake pedal and rear grab bar. The TRX450 is also easy to convert into a full on racer with its TRX front fender’s “ears” being held on with four pop rivets and its LED brake light comes off in seconds. The engine oil can be checked through a sight glass, the air-filter maintenance is a snap and the swingarm’s axle adjustment makes chain-slack adjustment easy.

Honda TRX450R Picture

Here are the stats as found on the Honda ATV website for 2008

Engine Type : 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke : 96.0mm x 62.0mm
Compression Ratio :12.0:1
Valve Train: Unicam four-valve
Carb : Keihin 40.0mm flat slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition : CD with electronic advance
Starter : Electric (kick version available)
Transmission : Five-speed
Drive-line : O-ring sealed chain
Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with Showa shocks, featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping; 8.4-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link with single Showa shock featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping; 9.0-inch travel
Front Brakes : Dual hydraulic 174.0mm discs with twin-piston calipers
Rear Brake : Single hydraulic 190.0mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front Tires : 22 x 7-10 knobby radial
Rear Tires : 20 x 10-9 knobby radial
Length : 73.3 inches
Width : 46.3 inches
Height : 43.3 inches
Wheelbase : 50.2 inches
Seat Height : 32.8 inches
Ground Clearance : 4.4 inches
Fuel Capacity : 2.7 gallons, including 0.8 gallon reserve