The Honda CRF450R has been turning heads at the track for over 50 years. This Honda 450cc dirt bike has plenty of low- and midrange torque, giving riders faster corner exits and the ability to pull taller gears on the track. The CRF450R is a winner! Honda GDR racer Dylan Wright rides the CRF450R, and took home his fourth Triple Crown Series championship in 2023.
The chassis is robust and results in great stability, optimized suspension performance, and tight handling. As a bonus, its muffler is strong, helping to prevent excess noise from your bike.
450 cc Unicam EngineHonda Unicam cylinder heads combine the best of single- and double-overhead-cam designs. The configuration contributes to a compact engine that saves weight over a comparable dual-overhead-camshaft motor and also permits a narrow included valve angle. This flattens the combustion chamber to facilitate ignition flame propagation, allowing a high compression ratio. Since less space is taken up in the cylinder head, the camshaft sits lower in the head for a more compact engine and a lower center of gravity. |
Smoother AirflowTo help the CRF450R breathe more freely, engineers redesigned the entire air-intake system. A new airbox, new filter position, and new intake funnel combine to reduce restrictions to airflow. The result? Better throttle control and more consistent power delivery. |
Revised ExhaustIn combination with its less-restrictive air-intake system, the CRF450R’s revised exhaust with straighter airflow means smoother engine operation in the mid- to high-rpm range and more-controllable acceleration. |
Hydraulic ClutchBig power requires a strong clutch, and this bike delivers with a smooth-operating hydraulic clutch. The CRF450R ditches the cable for consistency, solid control and strong feel at the light lever. A generous clutch capacity maintains a focus on maximized power transfer and durability - without much slippage at peak power. |
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) works to minimize rear wheel spin (thus wasted forward drive) and maximize traction. It doesn’t use a wheel-speed sensor, and, importantly, maintains feel at the throttle while managing power — ignition timing and the PGM-FI system are adjusted when the rate of change of rpm goes over a set amount. With three settings plus off to choose from, you can have your bike dialed no matter how much traction there is. |
HRC Launch ControlWe’re talking about a special ECU program here: push the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the bike will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage. |
Engine Mode Select ButtonThis simple handlebar-mounted button lets you dial in engine power delivery character with a push of your thumb. Choose between Standard, Smooth and Aggressive, depending on track conditions. |
Electric StartKickstarting? Maybe if you’re riding in the vintage class, but not here. By ditching the kickstarter entirely, our engineers were able to make a light bike even lighter. Electric starters and lithium-ion batteries are so light now and so good that putting them on a bike like this is a win/win combination. And winning is what a CRF450R-series bike is all about. |
New ECU SettingsOur engineers never stop searching for ways to make it easier to go faster. Revised ECU settings combine with the other chassis and powertrain improvements to make the CRF450R an all-around better performer. |
New Aluminum FramThe CRF450R’s aluminum frame has been radically improved for 2025 with the aim of increasing rigidity and stability. Using 70% new components, Honda engineers have managed to improve torsional and lateral rigidity in every direction, resulting in more-controlled and predictable handling — particularly in rough conditions. |
Improved Showa ForkTo complement the new frame, the CRF450R also boasts an extensively revised Showa spring fork. Everything from the outer tube to the axle was rethought and redesigned, resulting in improved low-speed damping, reduced friction, and enhanced rigidity. It all adds up to better control and lower lap times. |
Easier Shock AccessWhen you’re riding, you’ll appreciate the revised Pro-Link rear suspension with a new link system that’s less prone to flexing, and the redesigned shock with smoother action. When you’re wrenching, you’ll love the new ease of access to the rear suspension assembly. Removing the shock used to take about 21 minutes, by our watch, but can now be done in about 9 minutes. No more removing the seat, muffler and rear frame. |
Single-pipe ExhaustThe CRF450R uses a single-pipe header. It routes close to the center of the bike, and its light overall construction helps improve weight distribution. The single muffler uses a pressed-alloy design that lets us shape the muffler body for better rider ergonomics and lighter weight. |
Large Front BrakeThe large front-brake disc measures a whopping 260 mm, giving you superior stopping power while also being easy to modulate. |
Black RimsThey may not help you go faster, but the black D.I.D® rims sure look good. |
Electric StartKickstarting? Maybe if you’re riding in the vintage class, but not here. By ditching the kickstarter entirely, our engineers were able to make a light bike even lighter. Electric starters and lithium-ion batteries are now so light and so good that putting them on a bike like this is a win/win combination. And winning is what the CRF450R is all about. |
Easy Filter CleaningBecause the CRF450R’s air filter has no rubber gasket where it interfaces with the intake boot, cleaning and servicing the filter is faster and less messy. |
Cool RunningAnother way the CRF450R keeps its cool: a large radiator, with fins that are angled for efficient airflow. |