Reviews

2021 Honda CRF450RL MC Commute Review

Big Red gets a piece of the 450 dual sport pie with its 2021 CRF450RL.

February 23, 2021

Honda returns its 450cc dual sport to its US model lineup for 2021. Equipped with a new model name, to better align it with its R-spec CRF motocross and off-road racing motorcycles, the 2021 CRF450RL is Big Red’s bike of choice for riders who want to see it all at the upright Renthal handlebar of a dirt bike. In this MC Commute video review we talk about what it’s like to ride on and off-road, as well as during night rides.

Honda’s 2021 450cc dual sport gets plastic hand guards and a $400 price decrease. An updated “RL” naming convention shows the family tree where the dual sport came from.Adam Waheed

Honda’s legendary 449cc Unicam single powers the CRF450RL. For street use, it benefits from a heavy-duty cooling system and a six-speed transmission.Adam Waheed

Because it’s a dirt bike, Honda’s CRF450RL offers room only for the rider. The seat height is tall compared to most streetbikes.Adam Waheed

All LED lighting looks modern and helps the CRF450RL rider stand out on the street or dirt.Adam Waheed

Instrumentation is basic but functional. We appreciate the low-fuel light, which lets you know when it's time to top off the 2-gallon titanium fuel cell.Adam Waheed

The CRF450RL shares the R’s swingarm with special noise damping material on the inside to help the RL ride more quietly on the street.Adam Waheed

Dual hydraulic disc brakes keep speed in check on the 2021 CRF450RL.Adam Waheed

The CRF450RL offers an upright riding position. Plastic hand guards help protect the rider’s mitts when riding on trails.Adam Waheed

Honda carefully re-engineered certain components of the vehicle to reduce road noise. The drive sprocket has a special rubber material to reduce noise.Adam Waheed

We appreciate the above-average size of the rider’s footpegs compared to other manufacturers’ dual sport offerings.Adam Waheed

Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR
Jacket: Alpinestars Tailwind Air Waterproof
Gloves: Racer Mickey
Pant: Alpinestars Copper 2
Boots: Alpinestars Faster-3

2021 Honda CRF450RL Price and Specifications

PRICE	$9,999
MOTOR	449cc, OHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; 4-valve
BORE x STROKE	96.0 x 62.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	12.0:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Programmed fuel injection w/ 46mm downdraft throttle body
CLUTCH	Wet, multiplate
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
FRAME	Twin-spar aluminum
FRONT SUSPENSION	49mm inverted telescopic Showa fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Fully adjustable Showa single shock; 11.8 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
REAR BRAKE	1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	D.I.D DirtStar; 21.0 in. / 18.0 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	IRC GP; 80/100-21 / 120/80-18
RAKE/TRAIL	28.5°/4.8 in.
WHEELBASE	58.9 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	37.2 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	2.0 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT	291 lb.
WARRANTY	1 year, transferable, unlimited mileage
AVAILABLE	Now
CONTACT	powersports.honda.com