2021 Honda CRF450RL Features and Benefits

Through a winning combination of performance, durability and comfort, Honda's road-legal dirt bike has made a name for itself in the dual-sport world. And for 2021, it gets a distinguished title befitting its level of performance. Now called the CRF450RL, this capable dual-sport machine powers on with a trail-connecting approach that broadens customers' ride-planning possibilities. Powered by Honda's proven 449cc Unicam® engine and wide-ratio six-speed transmission, plus premium long-travel suspension and twin-spar aluminum frame, the CRF450RL now comes standard with lightweight handguards for increased comfort and protection no matter where the ride leads.

CRF450RL Key Features

  • Lightweight, protective hand guards defend against the elements and trail-side shrubbery
  • Lightweight, 2.0-gallon titanium fuel tank
  • Riding time maximized by lightweight, compact LED lighting system, featuring a headlight with high-intensity projection for illuminating a broad area
  • Rear-view mirrors
  • Lightweight lithium-ion battery with increased capacity compared to CRF450R, to power electrical components
  • Lightweight, compact digital meter with black characters on a white liquid-crystal background is easily legible while riding

Engine/Drivetrain

  • 449.7cc Unicam® engine specially tailored for trail-to-trail riding
  • Finger rocker arm contributes to compact layout while using dedicated design to attain on- and off-road-specific power characteristics. DLC surface treatment reduces friction
  • Dedicated valve timing for smooth power delivery in technical riding
  • High crank inertia (up 12% over CRF450R) for tractable power delivery in technical terrain
  • 12.0:1 compression ratio
  • New piston with three-ring design
  • Wide-ratio six-speed transmission is ready for a wide variety of off-road terrain and on-road riding
  • Special clutch design enables light lever pull. Primary damper mechanism with friction springs suppresses engine torque fluctuations, ensuring smooth running
  • Large-capacity radiators with high heat-exchange efficiency for strong performance in demanding off-road conditions
  • Electric fan and thermostat control engine temperature in harsh conditions
  • ECU with dedicated settings
  • Noise emissions minimized via covers on the left and right crank cases
  • Powerful AC generator for street-legal lighting
  • Air cleaner box
  • Dedicated single-muffler exhaust system provides great sound while meeting emissions requirements

Chassis/Suspension

  • Aluminum twin-spar frame designed for nimble-yet-stable handling on trails
  • Subframe designed to ensure optimum rigidity balance appropriate for carrying tools
  • 49 mm Showa fork with dedicated settings for trail-to-trail riding
  • Shock based on that of the CRF450R but with dedicated settings and link ratio for off-road riding
  • Front brake uses design from CRF450R, but with additional fade resistance thanks to thicker discs and large-capacity reservoir
  • Endless sealed chain withstands the elements
  • Front and rear sprockets, produced in durable steel material, feature damper system for smooth, quiet running
  • Urethane injection in swingarm to reduce road noise
  • Fuel tank cap with a cut-off valve prevents fuel from flowing out of tank if the bike is on its side
  • LED turn signals with flexible mounts for durability
  • Easily accessible electronic component box on left side of the frame
  • Black 7/8" Renthal handlebar with red pad
  • Compact, lightweight handlebar switches
  • In-mold graphics are resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion
  • IRC GP-21F/GP-22R tires provide great balance of on- and off-road performance
  • Black rims for strong presence


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