How can I get a replacement ignition key?

You can order replacement ignition keys through your local authorized Honda Powersports dealer. The dealer will need your key code to cut a new ignition key. If you do not have the key code, we first recommend contacting your original selling dealer since they may have recorded this information at the time of sale. American Honda Powersports division is unable to provide a key code that corresponds with your VIN. If you are still unable to find your key code, please contact your local authorized Honda Powersports dealer for further assistance in obtaining a replacement key.

What does my warranty cover?

Your warranty covers the repair or replacement, at American Honda's option, any part which is defective in material or factory workmanship under normal use for the applicable warranty period. For further details please see your warranty booklet. (Competition models are excluded from warranty coverage.)

How do I obtain warranty coverage?

In order to obtain warranty coverage, the first step would be to take your product to an authorized Honda dealer for diagnosis. Your dealer will determine if there is warranty coverage.

Does a 2015 Honda CRF450R have electric start?

Honda offers an electric start kit for the motocross version of the 450 for those riders who want the button but don't want all the off-road stuff that comes with the CRF450RX. The kit comes with everything you need except the battery. Honda expected the job to take about 3.5 hours of labor.

Honda 2015 CRF450R Off-road Competition User Manual

Owner Manual Scooter

Operation Component Locations

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Always follow the proper starting procedure described below.

Your CRF can be kickstarted with the transmission in gear by pulling in the clutch lever before operating the kickstarter.

Fast Idle Knob

The fast idle knob has two functions:

When pulled out, the fast idle knob assists in first-time start-up for cold weather starting.
When pushed in, it acts like an idle adjustment screw. Refer to Idle Speed Adjustment on page 60.

Preparation

Make sure that the transmission is in neutral.

Starting Procedure

Always follow the proper starting procedure described as follows.

Check the engine oil, transmission oil and coolant levels before starting the engine (pages 49, 52, 53).

Cold Engine Starting

Shift the transmission into neutral.
If the temperature is 95°F (35°C) or below, pull the fast idle knob (1) fully out.
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With the throttle closed, operate the kickstarter starting from the top of the kickstarter stroke, kick through to the bottom with a rapid, continuous motion.
About a minute after the engine starts, push the fast idle knob back all the way to fully OFF. If idling is unstable, open the throttle slightly.

Warm Engine Starting

Shift the transmission into neutral.
Kick-start the engine. (Do not open the throttle.)

If Difficult to Start After Stalling

Shift the transmission into neutral.
With the throttle fully opened, repeat kickstarter operation approximately 10 times to discharge excessive fuel from the engine.
Kick-start the engine. (Do not open the throttle.)

Snapping the throttle or fast idling for more than about 5 minutes may cause exhaust pipe and muffler discolorations.

How to Stop the Engine

Normal Engine Stop

Shift the transmission into neutral.
Lightly open the throttle (1) two or three times, and then close it.
Push and hold the engine stop button (2) until the engine stops completely.

Emergency Engine Stop

To stop the engine in an emergency, push and hold the engine stop button.

Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?

Competitive riding can be tough on a motorcycle, so it’s important to inspect your CRF and correct any problems you find before each ride. Check the following items (page numbers are at the right):

WARNING: Improperly maintaining this motorcycle or failing to correct a problem before riding can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Always perform a pre-ride inspection before every ride and correct any problems.

Troubleshooting

The items that are serviceable using this Manual are followed by the page number reference in parenthesis. The items that require use of an official Honda Service Manual are followed by an asterisk (*).

ENGINE DOES NOT START OR IS HARD TO START CHECK

CHECK		POSSIBLE CAUSES
Check the spark plug condition (P.66)	INCORRECT	Incorrect spark plug heat range Incorrect spark plug gap Dirty air cleaner element
Try spark test*	WEAK OR NO SPARK	Faulty spark plug (P.66) Fouled spark plug (P.66) Faulty ECM* Broken or shorted spark plug wire Faulty alternator* Faulty ignition coil* Faulty engine stop button* Loose or disconnected ignition system wires Faulty CKP sensor* Faulty regulator/rectifier* Faulty condenser*
Check the PGM-FI system (P.7)	INCORRECT	Faulty PGM-FI system (P.9)
Check the fuel pump operation and inspect the fuel flow*	INCORRECT	Faulty fuel pump* Clogged fuel pump filter (P.44)
Check the fuel injector operating sound	INCORRECT	Faulty PGM-FI system (P.9) Faulty fuel injector
Test cylinder compression*	LOW	Valve clearance too small Valve stuck open Worn cylinder and piston ring* Damaged cylinder head gasket Improper valve timing* Seized valve
Start by following normal starting procedure	ENGINE STARTS BUT SOON STOPS	Insulator leaking Improper ignition timing (Faulty ECM or CKP sensor)* Fast idle knob stuck open or damaged Fuel contaminated

ENGINE LACKS POWER

CHECK		POSSIBLE CAUSES
Check the wheel spin smoothness	INCORRECT	Brake dragging Worn or damaged wheel bearings Bent axle shaft Drive chain too tight
Check the tire pressure (p.93)	INCORRECT	Faulty valve core Punctured tire
Check the engine speed change accordingly when clutch is engaged*	NO GOOD	Clutch slipping Improperly adjusted clutch lever freeplay (p.61) Worn clutch discs/plates (p.64) Warped clutch discs/ plates (p.64) Weak clutch springs* Sticking clutch lifter Additive in engine oil
Check the engine speed increase	NO GOOD	Dirty air cleaner element Clogged muffler Fast idle knob stuck open or damaged Restricted fuel fill cap breather tube Restricted fuel flow
Check the engine knocking when accelerate or run the engine at high speed	YES	Worn piston and cylinder* Use of poor quality fuel Excessive carbon buildup in combustion chamber Ignition timing too advance (Faulty ECM)* Lean fuel mixture
Check the ignition timing*	INCORRECT	Faulty ECM* Faulty CKP sensor*
Test cylinder compression*	LOW	Valve clearance too small Valve stuck open Worn cylinder and piston ring* Damaged cylinder head gasket Improper valve timing* Faulty decompressor system*
Check the PGM-FI system (p.7)	INCORRECT	Faulty PGM-FI system (p.9)
Check the fuel pump operation and inspect the fuel flow*	INCORRECT	Faulty fuel pump unit* Clogged fuel pump filter (P.44)
Check the spark plug condition (p.66)	INCORRECT	Incorrect spark plug Incorrect spark plug gap Dirty air cleaner element
Check the engine oil level and condition (p.49)	INCORRECT	Engine oil level too high Engine oil level too low Contaminated engine oil
Remove the cylinder head cover and inspect lubrication	INCORRECT	Faulty oil pump* Faulty pressure relief valve* Clogged oil passage* Clogged oil strainer screen*

POOR PERFORMANCE AT LOW AND IDLE SPEED

CHECK		POSSIBLE CAUSES
Check the spark plug condition (P.66)	INCORRECT	Incorrect spark plug heat range Incorrect spark plug gap Plug not serviced frequently enough
Check the ignition timing*	INCORRECT	Faulty ECM* Faulty CKP sensor*
Check the PGM-FI system (P.7)	INCORRECT	Faulty PGM-FI system (P.9)
Check the fuel pump operation and inspect the fuel flow*	INCORRECT	Faulty fuel pump unit* Clogged fuel pump filter (P.44)
Check the insulator for leaks	INCORRECT	Loose insulator Damaged insulator
Check the valve clearance (P.67)	INCORRECT	Faulty valve clearance Faulty valve* Faulty valve seat* Faulty camshaft*
Try spark test*	WEAK OR INTERMITTENT SPARK	Faulty, carbon or wet fouled spark plug (P.66) Faulty ECM* Faulty alternator* Faulty ignition coil* Broken or shorted spark plug wire. Faulty CKP sensor* Loose or disconnected ignition system wires Faulty engine stop button* Faulty regulator/rectifier* Faulty condenser*

POOR PERFORMANCE AT HIGH SPEED

CHECK		POSSIBLE CAUSES
Check the ignition timing*	INCORRECT	Faulty ECM* Faulty CKP sensor*
Remove the air cleaner (P.55)	DIRTY	Not cleaned frequently enough
Check the PGM-FI system (P.7)	INCORRECT	Faulty PGM-FI system (P.9)
Check the fuel pump operation and inspect the fuel flow*	INCORRECT	Faulty fuel pump unit* Clogged fuel pump filter (P.44)
Check the valve timing	INCORRECT	Camshaft not installed properly (P.73)
Check the valve clearance (P.67)	INCORRECT	Faulty valve clearance Faulty valve* Faulty valve seat* Faulty camshaft*
Check the valve springs*	WEAR	Faulty valve springs*
Try spark test*	WEAK OR INTERMITTENT SPARK	Faulty, carbon or wet fouled spark plug (P.66) Faulty ECM* Faulty alternator* Faulty ignition coil* Broken or shorted spark plug wire. Faulty CKP sensor* Loose or disconnected ignition system wires Faulty engine stop button* Faulty regulator/rectifier* Faulty condenser*
Remove and inspect the cam lobe height*	WORN	Faulty camshaft*