So, this is one for the riders, not the collectors. This bike has no historical value whatsoever: it’s a mongrel roadracing single-cylinder track bike based on Honda’s four-stroke CRF450 dirt bike. But it’s a very well put-together mongrel, and one that looks like it’d be a ton of fun at the track!
This sort of thing has become popular in recent years, with a number of manufacturers making suspension, fairing, and rearset-control kits to create race and track day bikes to compete in Sound of Singles classes and the like.
Just add dirt bike.
Singles make ideal bikes for budding track day junkies: torquey, flexible, and reliable, with incredible light weight that stresses handling over power. Like a 250cc two-stroke, but easier to ride, and with much longer service intervals.
From the original eBay listing: 2008 Honda CRF 450R-Based Race Bike for Sale
The most amazing motorcycle ever!
511 big bore with 0 miles on re-build
Brembo EVERYTHING
Marchesini wheels
Catalyst Bodywork Audi Racing Blue Pro Paint with spare set new unpainted unmounted
Custom EVERYTHING from Race-Tech
I will throw in MANY SPARES inc piston ,cylinder, radiators, hoses, sprockets, cams, valve spacers, un-painted never mounted full set or race faring and many more extras
Well, I’d say that calling this “the most amazing motorcycle EVAR” is probably crossing the line into hyperbole just a bit, but we’re looking at a nicely put together bike, with a spares package to keep you riding
The seller also includes a link to a very comprehensive walk-around of the bike that’s worth a look if you’ve any interest in these bikes at all.
$7,000 isn’t cheap, but I doubt you could replicate a bike like this for anywhere near the price. And while it isn’t as sexy as an Aprilia RS250 or RGV, it will likely be far less of a headache to run, with no worries about binning a future classic!
-tad
Just in looking at these pictures, it seems like a nicely put together bike that you would be hard pressed to replicate for the cost. It’s probably a blast on the track.
I feel like the swingarm pivot point is too low though. Is it just me? Or does it just feel like the swingarm looks wrong on there? Is it because I’m used to seeing beefy swingarms and this one looks spindly and too low? I wonder how that would affect its handling?
Funny you should mention that: reading about these, that’s one of the challenges converting a dirt bike to a road bike. Making sure that pivot isn’t too low. Race-Tech claim they’ve got it right and I’d lean towards believing them, but good eye!
What would the pivot point too low do to the handling?
Been thinking about doing this to a road legal enduro. It is on the long list of things that I will do when I have the mythical “time and money”
Always thought I would make a ‘Ninja 450’ and freak people out. The Roland Sands bikes really solidified it. A super moto would be a great start for a ‘budget’ version. In looking up parts and bikes, the price is not out of the park.
Good to see you are keeping up the great work Tad!
Thanks Patrick! Yeah, I’d really love to have money and space for something like this: an inexpensive, dedicated track bike that’s easy to keep running. Paint it up in Gulf Racing colors and go out-corner and out-brake much bigger bikes on track…