The Honda CRF450X has proven to be the most successful off-road racer in the west, with numerous victories in events such as the SCORE Baja 1000, Baja 500, and 24 Hours of Glen Helen. However, it is not known for being a particularly fast motorcycle, and Honda doesn’t even classify it as a race bike in its stock form.
The Honda CRF450X has enjoyed its success due to a combination of its reliable performance and good handling at high speeds, as well as the modifications made by skilled individuals who have transformed it from a trail bike into a competitive racing machine. One such person is Colton Udall, who recently teamed up with Nic Garvin and Ciaran Naran to compete in the 10-Hours of Glen Helen on a stock 2023 Honda CRF450X test bike. In order to prepare the bike for the race, Udall had to make several modifications, including adding CRF450R parts such as the intake valve springs, intake rocker arm, right side radiator, and camshaft (which required some additional machine work).
Udall also incorporated aftermarket parts into the CRF450X, starting with a Vortex ECU and his own custom mapping. He also developed a coolant outlet kit, installed a Pro Circuit T4 exhaust system for weight reduction, and had the bike’s suspension modified by Brandon Peterson at AHM Racing. The modifications included revalving the forks, using stiffer springs and a DLC coating on the lower tubes, and replacing the shock shaft with a larger diameter shaft from AHM. Other additions to the bike include an IMS 2.4-gallon fuel tank, Scott steering damper, IMS footpegs, and Works Connection levers.
The modifications made to the Honda CRF450X proved successful, with Nic Garvin reaching speeds of 109mph in a previous event with a similar setup. During the 10-Hours of Glen Helen, the team faced some challenges, including a faulty exhaust mount that required pit stops for repairs. Despite these setbacks, they were able to work their way up to fourth overall, an impressive feat considering the bike was a stock test bike just days prior to the race.
The noteworthy aspect of this project is that it is not experimental or exclusive. Anyone can build and race a similar bike. Colton Udall is happy to share his knowledge and provide information on where to obtain the necessary parts. For more details, you can contact him through Championadventures.com.
THE LAST CZ
While I may not be an expert on CZ motorcycles, I have a deep respect for the brand. Although I have never owned one myself, I did have the opportunity to test a CZ bike back in 1991 when I was a relatively new member of the Dirt Bike team. At the time, CZ had re-entered the export market with motocross bikes after the Soviet Union’s dissolution. I tested a liquid-cooled 125 two-stroke model with a case-reed, power-valve motor, which seemed to be a cutting-edge motocross bike for that year.
Unfortunately, the bike was not ready for the western market and performed poorly during the test. Many of the fuel system’s gaskets and O-rings disintegrated upon exposure to American gasoline, leading to the project’s cancellation. The bike was returned, and the test never made it to print. Two years later, CZ was purchased by Claudio and Gianfranco Castiglioni of Cagiva, but their plans for the brand never materialized, and CZ went out of business in 1997. As far as we know, the 1991 test bike was the only one imported to the U.S., and the photos taken during the shoot are the only evidence of its existence. I believe Chris Hultner took the photos.
SCARY PHOTO SHOOT DEPARTMENT
On another note, I stumbled upon a photo from a KTM shoot featuring Mike Young. In the photo, I can be seen after Mike refused to ride over a razorback in Ritchie Canyon, claiming it was too dangerous. The actual experience was even scarier than the photo shows. Ritchie Canyon was known for intimidating newcomers, and I was considered a local rider. After the demonstration, Mike successfully crossed the razorback and declared it easy. Chris Hultner captured both of us in the photo, and as a playful jab, I chose to use the shot of myself instead of Mike in the test. I still bring it up whenever I have the chance.
BIG RACE WEEKEND
This weekend is host to several exciting races. Firstly, it’s the Fourth of July Weekend, which means it’s time for RedBud. Notable riders like Chase Sexton and Justin Cooper will be participating in the event, and you can catch the live action on the Peacock app. Here are the broadcast details:
BROADCAST TEAM
Play by Play: Jason Weigandt
Analyst: James Stewart
Reporter: Jason Thomas
HOW TO WATCH
Saturday, July 1
Pro Motocross Championship: Race Day Live
Peacock @ 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET
Pro Motocross Championship: RedBud National [LIVE]
Peacock @ 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
Monday, July 3
Pro Motocross Championship: RedBud National Replay
CNBC, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App
11 p.m. PT [Sunday] / 2 a.m. ET
Additionally, the 2023 World Supercross series kicks off this weekend. U.S.-based fans can watch the series live and on-demand through WSX.TV, with access to the WSX Pre Show available for free. There are three pass options available: Freemium (limited access to WSX Championship content), Pay-Per-View (direct streaming of races), and Champ Pass (access to all 2023 WSX Championship races).
Finally, the Tour de France is also starting this weekend (also available on Peacock).
That’s it for this week. See you next time!
