Christini AWD – 2012 Honda CRF450X

In Japan, Off-Road by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

This street legal 2012 Honda CRF450X example has been fitted with an array of solid aftermarket parts including a Christini AWD kit. The kits come complete with everything needed to turn a motorcycle into an AWD vehicle, including the modified forks, custom fuel tank, custom Talon front hub, engagement Switch, CNC triple clamp, and fork guards. These kits sell by themselves for $3,600 (for the Honda ’05-’13 250/450 kit), plus the cost (or time spent) actually rigging the AWD frame kit together which could be a headache. Christini also sells their own turnkey motorcycles, although I personally prefer kitted out proven existing models such as the well established and trusted CRF450X like this example here.

The idea is fairly simple, if the rear wheel starts to break traction, the front wheel then engages, allowing the rear wheel to regain traction. Power is always being given to the front wheel, though the rear wheel is moving faster unless it loses traction. The Christini kit surprisingly doesn’t utilize any digital sensors, though power is greatly reduced to the rear wheel if it loses grip and spins, this results in a much simpler traction control system. I’ve never personally ridden an AWD scoot, but from what I’ve read the kit seriously delivers. [Editor’s Note: I’ve ridden a custom KTM 950 with a modified Christini kit and it was awesome.]

According to reputable source, it supposedly performs incredibly in deep sand, especially when giving it power. Because the front wheel is being given power in low traction situations like sand, gravel, mud, or loose dirt, it manages to remain on the surface instead of being pushed forward as it begins to sink. Apparently the result takes a little getting used to as the bike actually goes in the direction you point the front wheel instead of sliding or requiring counter steering. With some from help the front wheel, the bike also is said to do much better than a standard at low speeds.

In addition to its full military-chic digital camo digs, this example boasts a host of solid aftermarket parts such as an FMF stainless Megabomb header, full Yoshimura RS-2 exhaust, Rekluse Z-Start Pro clutch kit, Trail Tech digital fan kit, Cycra hand guards, aftermarket Pro Moto Billet Kick-It kickstand, and some unidentified aftermarket skid-plate. This example also features a useful bright HID headlight, LED signals and xenon halo auxiliary lights, and a Trail Tech computer GPS system made to fit the CRF250X and 450X that also displays MPH’s, weather, direction, and a suite of data and info. It all sits on a brand new pair of Pirelli MT21 Rallycross dualsport tires.

This example is a solid machine that would allow for a few different riding applications. I don’t love the flush sportbike LEDs being haphazardly slapped into the tail but the custom tail light and license plate holder look good. It’s also a simple and cheap fix that the other modifications and parts more than make up for. In addition to the photos, the seller also posted a video to YouTube of more photos and a walk around of this example, including a demonstration of its upgraded head and auxiliary lights as well as other aftermarket features on this build.

You can find this 2012 AWD Chrinstini X Honda CRF450X for sale here on Craigslist in Sacramento, California with a price of $8,800.