Honda CRF450R Top Speed, Specs, Review, and Features

Looking for a fast dirt bike that can handle climbs and jumps on dirt roads for an exciting riding experience? I’m here to introduce you to the Honda CRF450R.

This excellent bike from one of the best motorcycle manufacturers is remarkably light, incredibly fast, and has exceptional performance.

All credit goes to its liquid-cooled, four-stroke 449cc engine, which allows you to traverse any dirt track while racing. This machine is super fast! Its Showa forks make jumping easy and safe.

Amazingly, there are various ways to make it even faster.

Additionally, Honda CRF450R has perfect genomics, an unbelievably lightweight frame, and an excellent balance.

After this profound review, you’ll be able to decide whether to go for the CRF450R as your next racing bike. Let’s dive in.

Honda CRF450R Review

The Honda CRF450R motorcycle is an excellent dirt bike for experienced riders and racers. The amazing makeup, lightweight structure, balance, and speed are just what every racing champion can look for. CRF450R provides all this fantastic experience in one package.

Get to know more about this bike from the different angles below.

Top speed: 80-90 mph (128- 144 Km)

Top Speed Increase

While it is clear that Honda CRX450R is among the leading dirt bikes in speed, you can improve your bike’s functionality even more. That means better acceleration, more power, higher speed, and minimal jerking.

Wondering how? Here are the modifications you can make:

  • Sprocket: You can upgrade your bike’s 48-teeth stock sprocket with a 50-teeth one. That increases the power at a low cost as the extra teeth will accelerate the bike, allowing you to move at a higher speed.
  • Exhaust: FMF Factory’s 4.1 RCT Single Exhaust System is the ideal remedy for stock exhaust problems. It modifies the mid-range power, allowing you to navigate around corners with full power.
  • Piston:  Get rid of the stock piston and install high-compression ones like the JE Pistons Pro Series 14:1 pistons. The new pistons give your Honda CRX450R motorcycle more power.
  • Clutch: The factory clutch has many issues, and you can replace it with a better one, like the Rekluse TorqDrive clutch pack. That helps in excessive heat removal and jerking reduction.

History and Updates

Honda CRF450R dates back to 2002 and has undergone various changes since then. The different phases include the following:

2002-2004: The first generation of CRF450R bikes was manufactured during this period. They were an advancement of the initial bike. The motorcycles comprised an upgraded camshaft and exhaust, plus an aluminum frame. Also, their handlebars were broader.

2005-2008: Here is the CRF450R second-generation release. The new Honda Progressive Steering Damper was an advancement made from the previous model. As a result, the bike’s geometry became comparatively more aggressive.

2009-2012: The third-generation bikes were produced, fitted with fuel injection.

2013-2016: Fourth-generation twin exhaust CRF450R Honda bikes released.

2017-2020: Fifth generation CRF450R was out, having a few significant changes, a new engine design, eclectic optical start, and Showa forks.

2021: Sixth-generation motorcycles with a plastic design and a slimmer profile.

2022: Seventh-generation of lighter, faster, and more robust CRF450R bikes. The model has better race distance endurance, enhanced agility, and improved corner exit acceleration.

Honda XR650L Weight, Seat Height, & Specs

Key Specifications

Price$9,599
Engine4-Stroke, single-cylinder
Displacement449cc
Transmission5-Speed
Power55.2 hp
Seat Height38 inches
Curb Weight244 pounds
Fuel Tank Capacity1.7 gallons

Top Features

  • Light and narrow frame and subframe
  • Compact swingarm
  • 49 mm Showa upside-down forks
  • Prolink Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload
  • Front and rear rebound and compression damping adjustability
  • 260 mm Front disc brake with 2-piston caliper
  • 240 mm Rear disc brake
  • 21 Inch front wheel and 19 Inch rear wheel
  • Tuned triple clamps
  • Titanium fuel tank
  • Dunlop MX3S tires
  • DOHC Unicam engine
  • Double spray injector settings
  • Lightweight titanium intake valves
  • Automatic decompression system
  • Engine mode selection button
  • Honda selectable torque control
  • HRC launch control
  • Eight plates hydraulic clutch assembly

Engine & Transmission

Engine TypeFour-stroke, single-cylinder, 4-Valves
Engine Displacement449cc
No. of Cylinders1
Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel SupplyProgrammed fuel injection
Cooling SystemLiquid cooling
Bore96 mm
Stroke62.1 mm
Compression Ratio13.5:1
Valves Per Cylinder4
StartingElectric
IgnitionDC-CDI
Transmission5-Speed, close ratio
ClutchWet-type, Eight plate
Final DriveChain, 13T/49T

Top Speed Performance, & Mileage

Power55.2 hp @ 9,300 rpm
Torque35.1 lb-ft @ 7,100 rpm
Top SpeedHonda CRF450R’s top speed is 87 mph
Mileage30 mpg

Chassis & Suspension

Body TypeMotocross
ChassisNarrow frame with lightweight subframe
Front Suspension49 mm Inverted Showa forks
Rear SuspensionPro-Link Showa single shock
Front Wheel Travel12.2 inches
Rear Wheel Travel12.4 inches

Brakes, Wheels, & Tires

Front BrakeSingle disc with 2-piston caliper
Rear BrakeSingle disc
Front Brake Diameter260 mm
Rear Brake Diameter240 mm
ABSNo
Front Wheel21 Inch spoke rim
Rear Wheel19 Inch spoke rim
Tire TypeDunlop MX33
Front Tire Size80/100-21
Rear Tire Size120/80-19

Dimension & Capacity

Wheelbase58.3 inches
Length85.9 inches
Width32.6 inches
Height49.9 inches
Seat Height38.0 inches
Ground Clearance13.2 inches
Curb Weight244 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity1.7 gallon
Seating Capacity1

Electricals & Lighting

Battery TypeSealed battery box
Battery Capacity12V
HeadlightNo
Pilot LightsNo
TaillightsNo
Turn SignalsNo
Pass LightNo

Instrument Console & Speedometer

Console TypeNo instrument console
SpeedometerNo
TachometerNo
OdometerNo
Trip MeterNo
No. of Trip Meters0
Fuel GaugeNo
Gear Shift LightNo
Gear Position IndicatorNo
Low Fuel IndicatorNo
Engine Temperature IndicatorNo
Service IndicatorNo

Other Features

Electric StarterYes
Engine kill SwitchYes
Stand AlarmNo
Stepped SeatNo
Pillion SeatNo
Pillion GrabrailsNo
Pillion FootrestNo
Underseat StorageNo
Additional FeaturesLaunch control, Honda selectable torque control

See also:

Parting Shot

A good bike gives you the confidence to ride with your head high. And Honda CRF450R is that kind of bike. Its four-stroke engine and lightweight frame are just some of the fantastic features that contribute to the excellent performance of this bike.

Moreover, this bike is reliable, fast, well-balanced, slender, and has superb build-up quality. These qualities make the bike a world leader in its category, while the users can’t go for any other choice.

However, it has inconvenient side panels and broad footpegs that most riders may not be impressed with.

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