Customize Your Honda CRF450R Dirt Bike with Black Plastic Bodywork

Customizing the Look of Your CRF450R with Black Plastics

When you're looking to customize the look of your Honda CRF450R dirt bike, one of the easiest ways to change up its style is by swapping out the stock red and white plastics for dark, sinister-looking black plastics. With the right combination of black plastic panels, you can transform your CRF450R into a mean-looking machine. Here's what you need to know about outfitting your CRF450R with black plastics.

Benefits of Switching to Black Plastics

There are a few key advantages to switching out your stock plastics for black:

• Aggressive styling - The dark color scheme gives your bike a more aggressive, race-inspired look.
• Customization - Black plastics allow you to put your own personal stamp on your CRF450R's appearance.
• Durability - Black shows fewer scuffs and scratches compared to lighter colors.
• Easy installation - Plastic bodywork is designed to be easily swapped out.

Overall, black plastics are a simple way to give your Honda CRF450R supercross-inspired styling.

Choosing the Right Black Plastic Parts

When buying black plastics for your CRF450R, you'll want to purchase color-matched kits that are specifically designed for your bike model and year. Here are the main plastic components you may want to swap out:

• Number plates - The front and side number plates are one of the first things people notice on your bike, making them a great choice for going black.
• Side panels - Black side fairings continue the dark motif along the bike's bodywork.
• Front fender - A black front fender completes the front-end customization.
• Rear fender - Switching the rear fender to black is another noticeable change.
• Gas tank cover - The black gas tank shroud is a simple way to keep a cohesive look.

You can mix and match different black parts to get the look you want. Some riders even opt for black anodized aluminum components like triple clamps and rim spokes to complement the plastics.

Tips for Installing Your New Black Plastics

Putting on your new black plastic bodywork is a fairly straightforward process. Here are some tips for getting the job done right:

• Refer to your owner's manual for panel removal instructions.
• Take your time and avoid forcing any pieces to avoid breaking tabs or fasteners.
• Inspect all the plastic tabs and mounting holes and make sure they are intact before installing.
• Try test fitting the parts first before fully tightening all the bolts down.
• Clean and prep all contact surfaces before installation for best adhesion.
• Apply light pressure when tightening screws to avoid cracking plastic tabs.

With a little mechanical skill and patience, you can swap out your stock red and white plastic parts for stylish black panels. Just be sure to only use high-quality OEM fitment replacement plastics designed for your make and model.

Completing Your CRF450R Black Plastic Makeover

Once you've bolted on all your fresh black plastics, there are a couple other things you can do to finish off your bike's dark custom look:

• Replace red anodized components like axle blocks, engine plugs, and frame guards with black versions.
• Swap out white graphics kits for more subtle grey or silver accents that complement the black plastics.
• Smoke or black out lighting components like headlights and turn signals.
• Upgrade to black aftermarket parts like skid plates, grab handles, and billet levers.
• Tint or replace the windscreen with dark transparent plastic.

With so many black accents and components available, you can really customize your CRF450R to have an aggressive blacked-out appearance. Just don't go overboard - you still want to maintain some contrast and readability for graphics and bike controls.

Maintaining Your CRF450R's Black Plastic

After putting in the time and money to trick out your CRF450R with black plastics, you'll want to take steps to keep them looking their best:

• Use mild soap and water to clean plastics after muddy rides.
• Wax or treat the plastic surfaces to help repel dirt and UV damage.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that can scratch or fade the plastic.
• Touch up or replace pieces that get cracked from impacts.
• Store your bike indoors or under a cover to minimize sun exposure.

With proper care and maintenance, your custom CRF450R black plastics will maintain their bold appearance for many miles of off-road excitement. So go ahead and give your Honda motocross machine the blacked-out treatment it deserves!

FAQs

Where can I buy black plastic kits for my CRF450R?

Most major online motocross and dirt bike parts retailers like Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, MotoSport, and BikeBandit carry various brand options for CRF450R black plastics from OEM Honda, aftermarket companies like Acerbis and UFO, or unpainted replacement plastics.

What's the easiest black plastic part to install on my CRF450R?

The front and side number plates are the easiest black plastics to install, just requiring basic tools to swap them out. Other external plastics like fenders, side panels, and tank shrouds are also fairly straightforward to DIY.

Do I need to modify anything to install black plastics?

Most direct OEM replacement black plastic kits are designed to bolt right on without any need for modifications. Some aftermarket plastics may require slight trimming or drilling for proper fitment.

Will black plastics fade or discolor over time?

Quality OEM and aftermarket black plastics are color-molded and UV-resistant to prevent fading and discoloration. However, exposure to sunlight and cleaning chemicals can still degrade them over time.

Can I just paint my stock plastics black?

You can rattle can or professionally paint your stock plastics, but this won't be as durable or fade-resistant as color-molded black replacement panels. Paint can also chip and scratch off more easily.