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 |
Engine | 4-Stroke, single-cylinder |
Displacement | 449cc |
Transmission | 5-Speed |
Power | 55.2 hp |
Seat Height | 38 inches |
Curb Weight | 244 pounds |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.7 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 Type | Four-stroke, single-cylinder, 4-Valves |
Engine Displacement | 449cc |
No. of Cylinders | 1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Fuel Supply | Programmed fuel injection |
Cooling System | Liquid cooling |
Bore | 96 mm |
Stroke | 62.1 mm |
Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
Valves Per Cylinder | 4 |
Starting | Electric |
Ignition | DC-CDI |
Transmission | 5-Speed, close ratio |
Clutch | Wet-type, Eight plate |
Final Drive | Chain, 13T/49T |
Top Speed Performance, & Mileage
Power | 55.2 hp @ 9,300 rpm |
Torque | 35.1 lb-ft @ 7,100 rpm |
Top Speed | Honda CRF450R’s top speed is 87 mph |
Mileage | 30 mpg |
Chassis & Suspension
Body Type | Motocross |
Chassis | Narrow frame with lightweight subframe |
Front Suspension | 49 mm Inverted Showa forks |
Rear Suspension | Pro-Link Showa single shock |
Front Wheel Travel | 12.2 inches |
Rear Wheel Travel | 12.4 inches |
Brakes, Wheels, & Tires
Front Brake | Single disc with 2-piston caliper |
Rear Brake | Single disc |
Front Brake Diameter | 260 mm |
Rear Brake Diameter | 240 mm |
ABS | No |
Front Wheel | 21 Inch spoke rim |
Rear Wheel | 19 Inch spoke rim |
Tire Type | Dunlop MX33 |
Front Tire Size | 80/100-21 |
Rear Tire Size | 120/80-19 |
Dimension & Capacity
Wheelbase | 58.3 inches |
Length | 85.9 inches |
Width | 32.6 inches |
Height | 49.9 inches |
Seat Height | 38.0 inches |
Ground Clearance | 13.2 inches |
Curb Weight | 244 lbs |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.7 gallon |
Seating Capacity | 1 |
Electricals & Lighting
Battery Type | Sealed battery box |
Battery Capacity | 12V |
Headlight | No |
Pilot Lights | No |
Taillights | No |
Turn Signals | No |
Pass Light | No |
Instrument Console & Speedometer
Console Type | No instrument console |
Speedometer | No |
Tachometer | No |
Odometer | No |
Trip Meter | No |
No. of Trip Meters | 0 |
Fuel Gauge | No |
Gear Shift Light | No |
Gear Position Indicator | No |
Low Fuel Indicator | No |
Engine Temperature Indicator | No |
Service Indicator | No |
Other Features
Electric Starter | Yes |
Engine kill Switch | Yes |
Stand Alarm | No |
Stepped Seat | No |
Pillion Seat | No |
Pillion Grabrails | No |
Pillion Footrest | No |
Underseat Storage | No |
Additional Features | Launch 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.