Web Riding ImpressionThis Is Huge.

Sure it was only last week when we all learned what the real deal was with the 2009 Honda CRF450R, and now we've ridden it. And it is just about all you'd expect from such a radically changed motorcycle. No, actually, it's more.

Our first day riding the bike was at the Lake Whitney former National MX track in Texas at the bike's introduction. We've ridden new models here in the past, and for sure it isn't our typical diet of California hard pack, but we got a great feel for the bike in our day of riding. The track was blessed, by the way, from the Man upstairs with a perfectly timed and calculated rain storm the night before.

Right away you... // Dirt Rider Magazine

BusinessWeek (Enlarge photo)

Pros: Fuel Economy, Nimble Driving and good cargo space management.

Cons: No Sat radio available.

Honda isnt always a master of good timing. Remember the Ridgeline pickup? But with an all-new 2009 Fit sub-compact hitting showrooms in a few weeks, it looks like the smartest kid on the block.

The old Fit, which was launched in overseas markets in 2001 but only arrived in the U.S. in 2006, was already being sold at many Honda dealers over MSRP. This new model, slightly roomier and more refined than the old one, and with an up-market version sporting a Navigation system, is also piling up an order list at dealers.

The biggest design change to the Fit is what the company calls a super-forward aero-form. That gives the top of the Fits dashboard an overly elongated and more exaggerated... // BusinessWeek

In the all-new and lighter 2009 CRF450R, a brand-new engine with electronic fuel injection, developed concurrently with an entirely new rolling chassis, work together to deliver 450-class-leading power along with 250-style handling. It’s an unprecedented blend of power, suspension and handling that together bring a genuine revolution to the premier motocross class.

Features 449cc engine produces more than 125.3 hp per liter and now utilizes a four-lobe camshaft and individual rocker arms for each exhaust valve to reduce weight and contribute to higher rpm ceiling.

* Engine completely redesigned to lower the overall height and position it closer to front wheel, resulting in a lower overall Cg and better weight distribution for better handling.

* Engine height reduced by shortening... // PR-CANADA.net

In the all-new and lighter 2009 CRF450R, a brand-new engine with electronic fuel injection, developed concurrently with an entirely new rolling chassis, work together to deliver 450-class-leading power along with 250-style handling. Its an unprecedented blend of power, suspension and handling that together bring a genuine revolution to the premier motocross class.

Features s massive torque while the number of clutch springs is reduced from 6 to 4. This reduces centrifugal weight, allowing the engine rev quicker.

* Kashima coating applied to the clutch basket, clutch center and pressure plate improve clutch life and clutch feel.

* Numerous transmission modifications narrow transmission width and reduce weight without sacrificing durability.

* Fifth-generation Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame... // WebWire

Honda rocked the motocross world when they released the original CRF450R in the spring of 2002. Honda's original 4-stroke moto machine blended a rigid yet lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame, ultra-high quality Showa suspension, and a high-tech earth-flinging 449cc liquid-cooled Single. Not only was it the bike to be riding on the track, it proved to be versatile enough for the rigors of the desert, forests and trails. It could be found on the pavement or even frozen lakes as CRF450R riders pounded all surfaces they could spin their wheels on.

Over the years engineers refined the flagship CRF model, making it lighter, faster and most importantly—easier to ride. Its success was apparent as it almost ritually took top-honors in various 450cc shootouts including MotoUSA's own 2005... // MotorcycleUSA.com