Sparks Racing does what Honda wont
- Updated: June 19, 2001
The 2001 TRX 450R?
Well sort of. Curtis Sparks Racing is currently developing the CRF450R motor for ATV racing.
And since, Curtis has plans to build the very first Sparks chassis for the CRF450R motor, a Sparks interpretation of the TRX 450R will be available — even though Honda wont give it to us directly.
That means that a limited number of Sparks Racing TRX 450R’s will be available as a complete chassis & motor package or as just a motor package. Whichever you want, Sparks is getting everything in place for this potently fast thumper motor.
You can’t get one just yet, but it could be a reality very soon! There will likely be a limited supply of motors available for sale at first, but none the less customers wont need to buy a complete dirt bike to get at the modern day technology invested in Honda’s new weapon.
Sparks is in the development stages of the projects as you read this. We will post more details as they become available, but if you are interested, in this sure race winning set up, you should talk to Sparks Racing right away.
More on the motor
Displacement comes in at 449cc (96mm x 62.1mm). SOHC, four valves, 11.5:1 piston. The carb will be a Keihin 40mm FCR. Honda is claiming 55bhp at 9000 rpm and 36 lb/ft at 7000 rpm. The engine weighs in at 65.4 lbs. Honda chose Titanium intake valves and a system to make cold and hot starting superbly easy.
We’re thinking Curtis will come up with a desleeved system to get the displacement down to the 440cc limit for GNC racing. Otherwise this set up will only be legal in the open class. And dont even think that the ATVA will increase the fourstroke limit again.
