Honda unveils 2018 motorcycle lineup

Honda has announced its 2018 motorcycle lineup, including details on the 2018 CRF450R, CB650F, CBR650F and Grom. The 2018 model-year announcement also included the updated CRF450RX closed-course off-road bike and returning CRF150R mini motocrosser.

“It’s been amazing to see the success of the CRF450R this year, and we’re even more excited about this model with the improvements we’ve made for 2018,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “In addition to the obvious convenience, electric starting can save valuable seconds following a mid-moto mistake, and with the use of a lithium-ion battery, we can still achieve an extremely light weight. These changes make the CRF450R more competitive than ever, and of course customers can continue to count on Honda durability, quality, and reliability.”

CRF450R

The CRF450R’s downdraft air-intake and fuel-injection layout achieves a potent, broad spread of torque, but it also allows for heavier components to be located as centrally and low as possible so that all that power can be effectively utilized. In addition, the vehicle packaging results in nimble cornering, while updated suspension settings to the Showa shock and 49mm coil-spring fork improve handling. Corresponding with the addition of an electric starter (powered by a lightweight lithium-ion battery), the kick-start lever has been removed in order to shave precious weight. An updated ECU setting means power delivery is more useable than ever, and the big CRF still has great features like a titanium fuel tank, engine-mode select button, and wave-pattern 260mm front brake. Add it all together and you’ve got a bike that delivers even better on its promise of the “Absolute Holeshot.”

• Color: Red
• Price: $9,149
• Availability: July 2017

CRF450RX
Currently being campaigned in the GNCC series by JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger, the CRF450RX already came with electric starting, but for 2018 the model gets a weight reduction with the removal of the kick-start lever and the switch to a lighter-weight lithium-ion battery. The model is based closely on the flagship CRF450R but with off-road-focused updates like a larger 2.2-gallon fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, side stand, optimized ECU and suspension settings, and more. When it comes to closed-course competition like GNCC, hare scrambles, and Grand Prix racing, the CRF450RX constitutes the ultimate off-road weapon.

• Color: Red
• Price: $9,249
• Availability: August 2017

CRF150R / CRF150R Expert
As Amsoil Honda hotshot Carson Mumford demonstrates on the amateur national circuit, where he regularly posts moto wins and podium finishes, Honda’s smallest motocross machine is more than competitive against its competition, thanks to a Unicam four-stroke engine (based on the power plants of the larger Honda motocrossers) that offers a spread of ample, useable power and torque across the rev range. Suspension duties are handled by Showa, with a 37mm inverted fork and Pro-Link rear link system, and new graphics for 2018 align the model with the CRF450R. In addition to the standard version, Honda offers the CRF150R Expert, which features larger wheels, a taller seat and a longer swingarm.

• Color: Red
• Price
  • CRF150R: $5,099
  • CRF150R Expert: $5,299
• Availability: July 2017

CB650F
Honda’s newest middleweight naked bike is powered by a compact 649cc inline four-cylinder engine that provides a satisfying rush of power and torque while emitting a throaty growl through beautiful side-swept exhaust headers (a Honda signature) and a single, organically shaped, under-swingarm muffler. With minimal bodywork, the view of the handsome engine and twin-spar frame is unobstructed. Suspension comprises a Showa Dual Bending Valve fork and adjustable shock, and both the headlight and taillight feature LED bulbs. All three brake rotors are wave-style, the dual 320mm front discs being squeezed by Nissin calipers. Longer rides are made comfortable by the sporty-yet-natural riding position and a rubber-mounted handlebar.

• Color: Red
• Availability: August 2017

CBR650F
The full-fairing sibling of the naked CB650F, the CBR650F touts an unorthodox 650cc displacement size that offers a great mix of midrange torque and low reciprocating mass, earning the model praise as a powerful, nimble midsized four-cylinder sport bike that’s ideal for a broad spectrum of users, from weekend canyon carvers to weekday commuters. The competitively priced CBR650F benefits from a number of revisions for the 2018 model year, including enhanced power via updated intake stacks and muffler changes that also deliver an improved sound. The gear ratios have also been revised for improved acceleration feel. The fork is now a Showa Dual Bend Valve unit that has better damping action for more comfort over varying road conditions, and the headlight now has LED bulbs. Rounding out the changes are L-shaped air valves on the wheels to simplify air-pressure adjustment. While the sporty bodywork provides wind-cheating aerodynamics, strategically placed windows offer peekaboo views of the handsome cylinder bank and sculpted exhaust headers.

• Color: Red
• Availability: August 2017

Grom
G-R-O-M: For anyone remotely familiar with the cultural revolution birthed by Honda’s 125cc sport bike, that simple four-letter word conjures thoughts of enjoyment and fun. An instant cult classic, the Grom has captured the hearts and throttle hands of riders of all sizes and ability levels through its unique ownership of the small-bore sport category. A major portion of its charm is due to its diminutive stature, which is friendly to new riders, offers nimble handling, and is an absolute blast for carving turns. The pint-size Honda’s lightweight feel and peppy powerband contribute to its broad appeal, while the big-bike-inspired styling turns heads in every environment. With a four-speed transmission, manual clutch, and disc brakes, the Grom is as serious as it is delightful.

• Colors
  • Grom: Matte Gray Metallic, Pearl Red, Pearl White, Bright Yellow
  • Grom ABS: Matte Gray Metallic, Pearl Red
• Availability: August 2017