by Tomasin Racing, an Italian motorcycle tuning company, has developed a conversion kit that transforms a standard Honda CRF450 into a widow production facility with a 500cc 2-stroke engine. While the CRF450 is already a powerful bike, 4-stroke engines only deliver power based on throttle input. For those in need of a wild, instant burst of power, a large-capacity 2-stroke engine is necessary.
In the past, major manufacturers like Honda and Kawasaki produced 500cc 2-stroke bikes known for their intense power delivery. However, these bikes have become relics from a time when motorcycles were notorious for their unapologetic attempts to throw riders off. Nowadays, bikes like the S1000RR and Panigale offer extreme horsepower with smooth and controllable power thanks to rider assistance systems. But there is still a group of riders who yearn for that unadulterated power and chaos that only a 2-stroke engine can provide.
Tuners like BRC Racing in Calgary have been offering conversion kits for late-model KTM dirt bikes, turning them into frenzied half-liter two-strokes. Now, Tomasin Racing has joined the fray with their T500 Engine Kit designed for Honda CRF450 owners. The kit replaces various components including the cylinder head, cylinder, valves, intake manifold, crankshaft, rods, piston, engine casings, exhaust, ECU, and water pump. However, the frame remains unchanged, making the modification reversible if necessary.
To ensure safety, the kit includes a decompression button and thumb start to mitigate the risk of the kickstarter causing harm. Additionally, the Tomasin ECU has built-in traction and launch control for improved handling. The ECU limits the engine’s acceleration based on ideal conditions, similar to a ghetto-style traction control system used in MV Agusta bikes.
While the kit offers traction and launch control, it somewhat tames the fear and violence that come with a 500cc two-stroke engine. Many enthusiasts of these kits are likely to disable this feature immediately, as the whole point of the conversion is the unfiltered power and adrenaline rush that a 2-stroke engine provides.
However, converting a Honda CRF450 into a widowmaker doesn’t come cheap. Tomasin Racing offers a fully converted bike for €15,570 ($16,500) or a DIY kit for €8,500 ($8,990) for those who provide their own gearbox.
Ultimately, the price may seem steep, but for passionate riders seeking ultimate power and excitement, it’s a small price to pay. It’s worth noting that life insurance policies do not yet account for the risks associated with these powerful machines, so riders should ensure their loved ones are well taken care of should the bike perform exactly as intended.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
