From NGPC to WORCS and GNCC, closed-course off-road racing requires a high level of versatility from both rider and machine. The CRF450RX is designed and developed to deliver just that, with motocross-inspired engine and chassis performance and off-road-focused features like dedicated ECU and suspension settings, an 18-inch rear wheel, an aluminum side stand, a large 2.1-gallon fuel tank and hand guards. For 2025, the CRF450RX benefits from the same chassis, engine and suspension updates as its motocross relative, the CRF450R. These advancements enhance handling characteristics, with greater stability and comfort—especially in rough terrain. The CRF450RX’s race-winning pedigree and legendary reliability are continuously proven in the toughest conditions by teams like SLR Honda, Phoenix Racing Honda and JCR Honda.
NEW FOR 2025
- Updated main-frame constructed of 70% new components to optimize rigidity and improve handling characteristics.
- New subframe mounting point optimizes lateral rigidity and reduces energy transmission from the rear of the bike to the front.
- The rigidity of the steering stem, triple clamps, outer fork tubes and front axle have all been revised to match the frame updates.
- The fork features new springs, kit-fork-inspired Bending Control Valves, seals and oil for a consistent feel throughout the stroke while minimizing harsh feedback.
- A new shock spring, reservoir, shaft and oil seal contribute to a consistent stroke feel to match the fork updates.
- The updated linkage structure enhances rigidity and features a new leverage ratio for improved initial stroke comfort and bottoming resistance.
- The front brake caliper has an updated piston and seal grooves for consistent performance throughout the ride. It also features new machined accents.
- The redesigned airbox provides a straighter pathway for airflow, improving throttle control and top-end power
- The revised header-pipe design is longer, creating more controllable power in the low-to-mid rpm range.
- New ECU maps offer smoother delivery while retaining strong torque and power throughout the rev range.
- The redesigned bodywork features smooth, flat surfaces to promote freedom of movement and offer a large contact point for gripping the bike.
Off-Road Features: The CRF450RX comes with several off-road-focused features that set it apart from its motocross-focused CRF450R sibling.
Softer suspension settings enhance performance over rocks and roots, while the dedicated ECU map optimizes power delivery for low-traction off-road conditions. The 18-inch rear wheel allows for a taller tire sidewall, improving compliance over rough terrain, and the 50-tooth rear sprocket (compared to the R’s 49) adapts the gearing for increased torque. A 2.1 gallon resin tank increases range between fuel stops.
Lightweight plastic handguards provide knuckle coverage from brush and roost and can be easily removed. The CRF450RX is also equipped with a forged-aluminum side stand for convenient on-trail parking.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The CRF450RX’s new frame and suspension components are optimized for stability, comfort and precise handling. On the track, these advancements translate to a confidence-inspiring ride character, greater comfort and lower lap times for riders of all skill levels.
Frame / Subframe
The redesigned mainframe is constructed from 70% new components, leading to a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. An 8% increase in torsional rigidity improves overall stability while a 5% increase in the torsional/lateral rigidity ratio allows for precision cornering. Vertical torsional rigidity is increased by 4%, enhancing stability in rough track conditions.
Additionally, the subframe mounting point has been relocated to a stronger position on the mainframe. This reduces energy transmission from the rear of the motorcycle to the front, offering greater stability and comfort, especially late in the race, when track conditions are at their worst.
Despite the increase in overall frame rigidity, the ride character of the CRF450RX is much more compliant and composed compared to the previous generation. The frame updates are complemented by revised chassis and suspension components, allowing for greater stability and ride comfort.
Suspension
The suspension components have also been revised to match the changes made to the frame. The rigidity of the steering stem, triple clamps, outer fork tubes and front axle have all been revised, improving bump-impact absorption and front-end feel, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
Plus, the 49mm inverted Showa coil-spring fork benefits from new internal components, including springs, kit-fork-inspired Bending Control Valves, seals and oil. These advancements help to control the stroke for a consistent feel—from initial movement, all the way to the end of travel, minimizing harsh feeling back to the rider.
The Pro-Link rear-suspension system has a revised linkage structure that increases rigidity by 11%, allowing for smoother rear-suspension actuation. The leverage ratio has been adjusted to maintain a balanced feel, even under braking, and improve bottoming resistance without losing comfort over small bumps.
The shock spring, reservoir, shaft and oil seal have all been updated to achieve a consistent feel throughout the stroke. These updates contribute to an overall balanced feel, as they’re designed to complement the updates to the frame and fork.
The shock is also easier to remove for service and adjustment, only requiring the removal of the side covers, muffler and ECU. The shock takes half the time to remove compared to the previous-generation CRF450RX.
Wheels
Black D.I.D rims deliver durable performance and good looks. Petal-style brake rotors disperse heat, and a low-expansion front brake hose gives strong feel and consistent stopping power. The CRF450RX comes with Dunlop’s AT81 tires, designed for all-around performance across a variety of off-road terrain.
Brakes
Based on feedback from Team Honda HRC riders, the front brake caliper has an updated piston and seal grooves. This delivers a smooth, linear feel that’s consistent throughout the race. The caliper also receives new machined accents.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CRF450RX engine boasts exceptional bottom-end and midrange power and torque, making for a linear delivery that is strong but manageable, even as the rider tires, while peak power is also very good. A five-hole piston oil jet and dual 12mm drum scavenge pump manage lubrication.
Cylinder Head
The design of the Unicam cylinder head, with the decompressor system’s counterweight on the left end of the camshaft, contributes to combustion stability in the extremely low rpm range and for strong-but-manageable power delivery on corner exits, for example, as well as resistance to stalling. Engineers followed the direction of Team Honda HRC by optimizing the cam profile for low-end torque. As before, the cylinder-head cover is magnesium, with a thin-wall design for weight savings.
Intake
The redesigned airbox has a more direct pathway for airflow, resulting in improved, precise throttle control and increased top-end power. A large air boot (4.1 liters on the clean side of the air filter) achieves strong torque at low rpm. Following feedback from HRC, the 44mm throttle body ensures smooth power delivery at low speed. In addition, the narrow intake-port shape and long air funnel result in strong low-end torque and crisp throttle response. The airbox is accessed with the removal of a single side-panel bolt. The 60º fuel-injector angle enables the spray to reach all the way to the back of the butterfly, thus cooling the upstream side of the intake path for maximum intake efficiency and torque feel.
Exhaust
For 2025, the header pipe has been revised, with a longer and straighter design, creating more efficient and usable power in the low-to-mid rpm range. The engine’s exhaust port remains centrally located, has an oval shape and is very straight, optimizing exhaust efficiency and torque characteristics. With the engine’s central exhaust-port location, the exhaust header and muffler are positioned close to the vehicle’s centerline for a slim profile, contributing to freedom of movement for the rider. The muffler is constructed with strong A6061-T6 aluminum for impact resistance and weight savings. A dual resonator design optimizes power, while simultaneously minimizing noise.
Clutch
The clutch is hydraulically actuated and has eight plates and a large volume for good durability, with minimal slippage and light lever pull.
Electronics
To mimic what the HRC factory riders were seeking, the signature Unicam engine uses new, selectable ECU maps that offer a smoother delivery while retaining strong torque and power throughout the rev range.
A gear-position sensor allows the use of three specific ignition maps for first and second, third and fourth, and fifth gears. There are options for Standard, Smooth and Aggressive ignition maps, selectable via an all-new handlebar-mounted switch, enabling simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
In addition, Honda Selectable Torque Control offers three levels of intervention. HSTC monitors rpm spikes and responds by temporarily reducing torque by retarding ignition timing and controlling PGM-FI to aid rear traction. The three different modes differ in drive-management level, for differing riding conditions or rider preferences:
- Mode 1: The system intervenes most lightly and waits the longest to do so—useful for reducing wheel-spin and maintaining control in tight corners.
- Mode 2: A midpoint between modes 1 and 3 in terms of how quickly and assertively the system intervenes.
- Mode 3: The system intervenes most quickly and assertively, which helps in conditions that are slippery or muddy.
The CRF450RX’s handlebar-mounted switch allows selection between three modes, depending on conditions and rider preference. The HSTC system can also be switched off completely.
HRC Launch Control provides the best option for a strong start and also has three modes to choose from:
- Level 1: 9,500 rpm, for high-traction conditions and/or advanced riders
- Level 2: 8,500 rpm, for high-traction conditions and/or average riders
- Level 3: 8,250 rpm, for slippery conditions and/or novice riders
The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) alters the engine’s characteristics and three maps are available to suit riding conditions or rider preference:
- Mode 1: Standard
- Mode 2: Smooth
- Mode 3: Aggressive
DESIGN
The CRF450RX receives new bodywork for 2025, featuring smooth, flat surfaces that promote rider movement. Plus, the wider side plate profile and flat surface provide better contact for gripping the bike. The radiator grilles optimize the number of fins and their angle, maximizing cooling performance.
The seat base has rearward-facing tongues and front-located mounting tabs, easing installation, and using acceleration forces to keep the seat securely in place. The larger polyethylene fuel tank holds 2.1 gallons
Only 10 fasteners are used to secure all of the main bodywork components—both radiator shrouds, both side panels and the seat, and all of the bolts for the main bodywork parts have 8mm heads, simplifying maintenance.
A single switch cluster addresses several functions: engine stop, ride-modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The starter and HRC launch control are on the right side of the Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar. There are two locations for the handlebar clamp, and the clamp can be turned 180º; as a result, four different mounting positions are possible, through a range of 26mm.
