Super Single – 2006 Honda CRF450X Road Racer

In Japan, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

Last year while spending the day at Chuckwalla (A local SoCal circuit) I had the privilege of trying out what is referred to as a “super-single.” They’re essentially 450 (single-cylinder) MXers that have been fitted with new suspension and bodywork (along with all the other parts you need to partake in road racing/track riding.) Companies like Beon and Mototech sell these completely transformative race-kits for a few grand, making this CRF Super-single (or Su-Sing) example a pretty sweet deal, and that’s before you start calculating the value of the boatload (or bikeload rather) of high-end aftermarket parts and custom work to attach said parts.

These little racers (usually) weigh in at under 250lbs and deliver some of the most entertaining riding and best performance available for the price of a new entry level bike that could never deliver these kind of thrills. Having now ridden one of these I’m baffled as to how they’re not the most popular bikes at the track. Official leagues for these bikes do exist but they still seem under-valued/appreciated to me.

This machine started its life as a 2006 Honda CRF450R before it was converted to a su-sing set-up. The 450’s suspension and tuning was done by the good folks over at Racetech who also created a custom triple-clamp for this bike. The suspension is further kept in check by a Scott’s steering damper, a component that is genuinely noticeable at speed on a featherweight machine such as this. This Su-Sing features the stock internals from the 06′ CRF with a Hinson Slipper clutch (love my 07 GSXR600’s slipper clutch!) protected by a Hinson clutch-cover, Boyesen water-pump, a K & N race air filter with custom mounts and an FMF Apex exhaust.

A custom forkboot has enabled the bike to wear a full front and rear Brembo brake set-up. Forged Marchesini wheels only compound this two-wheelers status as a bonafide track weapon. A custom subframe and custom fully-adjustable rear-sets are just two more of the many custom parts found on this racer in addition to the seller making it clear that the bike comes with “many custom machined parts for retrofit”.

One of the first things you’ll notice about this motorcycle is the ridiculous amount of carbon on it, a diamond might even be a little jealous. All jokes aside this bike has got carbon-fiber everything; chain-guard, lower-fairing, tank cover and rear-fender, all of which have been handmade (according to the seller though I don’t doubt it). The remainder of the machine’s quick-release bodywork is from Catalyst Racing. The sale also includes the non-carbon tank-cover and lower-fairing. In total this bike weighs in at only 230lbs! and should make between 50-60bhp, though that figure may be higher due to all the trick mods.

In addition to delivering an awesome track experience, many “super-single” owners enjoy their ability to convert these racers back to their dirt or road going form with relative ease. Owning a 450 and a Super-single kit allows you to truly own a single bike that can do it all. (Maybe not touring though…) It isn’t only the simplicity of a single-cylinder workhorse that makes these bikes so cool, they have a unique spirit and personality that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, and a damn positive one at that.

You can buy a Su-Sing kit for pretty much any 450 made by any of the major manufacturers (Kawa, Yammy, Aprilia, Suzuki, KTM) but the Honda CRF Su-Sing has proven itself as king in organized 450 leagues. By a wide margin, this is the most heavily-modified and race-ready super-single I’ve ever seen. It’s not a 100% pristine example, revealing little scratches and scrapes here and there but nonetheless this is something special. This 2006 carbon-clad CRF Super-single is currently being sold on here on Craigslist in Syracuse, NY with the seller asking for $6,500.