LAPC Honda CRF450 Piston Kit Review - MXA Team Tested
November 07, 2013 by L.A.SLEEVE
WHAT IS IT? LAPC's 2013–'14 Honda CRF450 piston kit is a performance-based piston that enhances power without diminishing reliability. LAPC is the piston division of L.A. Sleeve.
WHAT'S IT COST? $279.95.
WHAT STANDS OUT? Here's a list of things that stand out with the LAPC 2013 CRF450 piston kit.
(1) Purpose. The stock 2013-'14 CRF450 produces the least horsepower in the 450 class. This isn't a dealbreaker, as the powerband is easy to ride and very tractable. But since it gives up as much as 5 horsepower to the competition, it needs more oomph.
(2) Craftsmanship. L.A. Sleeve's in-house CRF450 piston is designed for improved power and reliability, thanks to double-pin oilers, X-forgings, a shortened wrist pin and high compression. The double-pin oilers transfer twice as much oil to the wrist pin. L.A. Sleeve's proprietary X-forgings minimize friction and reduce weight without compromising strength. Using a shorter-wrist piston reduces the overall weight. Compression on the LAPC piston goes up from the stock 12.5:1 to 13.5:1.
(3) Performance. Back to back against the stock OEM piston, the LAPC piston livened up the hit off the bottom (thanks to the higher compression ratio). The most noticeable improvement was on the exit of corners where the CRF450 pulled stronger without the rider having to abuse the clutch. If you're looking for a perkier piston that doesn't lack any of the stocker's ease of use, this is your piston.
(4) Gas. Just to be on the safe side with the higher compression, we brought both race gas and 91-octane pump gas to the first test. We were surprised when the CRF450 ran cleaner on the pump gas. We believe that we could get more horsepower with the race gas, but the EFI mapping would have to be altered for the engine to run as clean as with pump gas.
(5) Installation. To confirm our test data, we changed from the stock piston to the LAPC piston at the track between runs. We don't recommend this. Installing a four-stoke piston requires more than a modicum of mechanical skill.
(6) Best use. If your bike has high hours on the stock piston and you would like a cleaner-running and harderhitting feel, a new piston is the first thing to try.
WHAT'S THE SQUAWK? You can find cheaper piston kits, but there's no guarantee on the quality.
MXA Rating: 4 Stars - The LAPC piston game the mild-mannered CRF450 a solid power boost and a longer lease on life. If your bike is due for a piston replacement, then LAPC is a good source.
