Honda’s flagship motocrosser, the CRF450R is a pure racebike straight out of the box and best suited to experienced and faster riders. Two years ago, the CRF450R was all-new—engine, frame, bodywork, and 49mm coil-spring Showa fork. In ’18, the bike received a number of minor but effective updates that put it at or near the front of the class in most comparisons. For 2019, Honda has improved the R model once again with a different cylinder-head design, an updated twin-spar aluminum frame, a new swingarm and linkage, plus revised suspension settings.
These changes are not fully apparent until you hit the track. The engine makes the most horsepower and torque of any four-stroke 450cc motocross bike, cranking out 53.75 hp at 9,760 rpm and 33.24 pound-feet of torque at 7,390 rpm. More controllable power delivery from off-throttle to a quarter-throttle is a notable improvement. The latest chassis is on the rigid side, which testers say makes the bike handle incredibly well, with less pitching back and forth and better bump absorption. The $9,299 asking price is on par with other 450cc MXers.
Likes: More powerful engine is also smoother than in the past
Dislikes: Front-end feel is a little vague if you sit too far back
Verdict: One of the best bikes in its class made even better bike
The Honda CRF450R was chosen as the Best Motocrosser of 2017 because it was so much better than the previous model. The ’17 machine had a more powerful Unicam engine, a 49mm coil-spring Showa fork, and its chassis handled much better than did any CRF450R that came before it.
Ever since the CRF450R was completely redesigned in 2017, this competition-only machine has been well received and continues to improve from one year to the next. It is a fun bike to ride or race—some might even call it the motocross bike of choice—which is evident at many tracks.
The Honda CRF450R has become a top contender in the 450 motocross bike market in the past few years. It is a powerful, well suspended, and fun bike to ride. If you are interested in the Honda CRF450R, you should also consider these motorcycles that have similar pricing, specifications, and intended use:
Honda also makes a Works Edition, the CRF450RWE ($11,499), that comes with hand-polished cylinder-head ports, a titanium Yoshimura RS-9 muffler, revised ECU settings, titanium-nitride-coated fork legs and shock shaft, D.I.D LT-X rims, a gold RK chain, black triple clamps, a Throttle Jockey factory seat cover, and HRC replica graphics.
Manufacturer Claimed Specifications
Cycle World Tested Specifications
