2018 Honda CRF450RX

Big Red gets racy.

2018 Honda CRF450RXHonda

Based on the CRF450R motocrosser but intended for wide-open enduro racing, the CRF450RX includes most of the components that riders would buy separately if starting a racebike build with an MX machine. For starters, the fuel tank holds 2.2 gallons versus 1.7 gallons for the CRF450R. There’s also an 18-inch rear wheel that can accept huskier tires than the MX bike’s 19-inch rim, enduro-spec suspension settings, and, handily, a sidestand.

There are plenty of trick bits (common with the CRF450R) hidden away inside the 449cc Unicam single’s engine cases too, including titanium intake valves, high-atomization fuel-injection programming, and even a launch-control setting. Honda has kept weight in mind, and the enduro equipment adds only 10 pounds to the wet weight of the moto-specific CRF450R, putting the CRF450RX at a claimed 257 pounds fueled and race ready. Make no mistake though, this is a big, serious bike: The 58.1-inch wheelbase is 2.2 inches longer than a CB500X adventure bike’s and the seat towers 37.8 inches above terra firma.

Likes: Maximum-strength MX tech in an enduro platform

Dislikes: Tall seat can create issues for shorter riders

Verdict: Great for enduro racers but also for highly skilled trail junkies

2018 Honda CRF450RX Specs and Pricing

MSRP $9,249
DISPLACEMENT (CC) 449
SEAT HEIGHT (IN) 38
WET WEIGHT (LBS) 257