Enduro · enduro · 18 in rear wheel
The Enduro motorcycle Honda CRF450RX for races and long laps
The enduro motorcycle Honda CRF450RX is the off-road version of the CRF450R motocross bike, set up for enduro races, trails and long laps away from the circuit. The Honda Motoshop of the MX-Academy shows how the RX differs, where it may be ridden and who the 450 enduro is worthwhile for.
Key facts Honda CRF450RX
- Displacement
- 449 cc
- Wheels
- 18 in rear, enduro tyre
- Set-up
- own ECU mapping and suspension set-up
- Equipment
- hand guards, side stand, larger skid plate
- Based on
- CRF450R
- Model year
- 2027
Data as published by Honda Switzerland and the dealer; for power and weight please ask the dealer.
Endurance instead of a sprint lap: what enduro is about
On a motocross track, it is all about the short, hard moto with jumps and berms. Enduro, by contrast, is long-distance riding off-road, with special tests and terrain that keeps changing: scree, roots, mud, steep climbs and descents.
That is why Honda sets up the two sister models differently: on the CRF450R the focus is on precise riding on the motocross track, on the RX it is on stamina in cross-country.
Rear wheel, mapping, protection: how the RX is equipped
At the rear runs an 18-inch wheel with enduro tyres. The RX has its own specific ECU mapping, and the suspension also has its own set-up for enduro use.
The RX is fitted with a side stand and hand guards, plus a skid plate of larger size. At 109 kg it weighs slightly more than the CRF450R at 108 kg; both share the 449 cc displacement. According to Honda, the entire 450 range has become lighter, faster and stronger.
Where the 450 enduro may be ridden
As a competition motorcycle, the CRF450RX has no road registration. Its place is at enduro competitions, on closed tracks and on terrain where riding is expressly permitted.
So before every ride, clarify permission with the landowner or organiser and plan a trailer or van for the journey there.
CRF450RX, CRF250RX or CRF450R: making the right choice
The 450 enduro is intended for experienced off-road riders who compete in events or want demanding laps. With a lot of displacement, you tire quickly on long stages if technique and fitness are lacking.
If you want something more manageable, the CRF250RX is the alternative; if your focus is circuit training with jumps, the CRF450R is a better fit. Riding technique that matters just as much in enduro can be trained on a motocross course, without a driving licence and on closed-off terrain.
Buying advice, care and workshop for the RX
You can buy an enduro bike through Honda Motorrad Zürich, the official Honda Dream Dealer with the complete Honda model range in stock. The current CRF450RX carries the 2027 model year.
After a day of enduro, you should wash the enduro motorcycle Honda CRF450RX thoroughly, including under the skid plate, and check the air filter, chain, radiator and hand guards. Workshop jobs, namely repairs, servicing and tuning of suspension and engine, are handled by the Honda Motoshop of the MX-Academy. The MX-Academy’s off-road school has relied on Honda motorcycles for ten years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the larger skid plate on the CRF450RX for?
In enduro, rocks, roots and edges hit the underside of the motorcycle more often than on a motocross track. The larger skid plate shields the engine from below against impacts of this kind.
Does the CRF450RX have a different engine from the CRF450R?
The displacement is the same at 449 cc, and the RX is based on the CRF450R. What differs is the ECU mapping, which Honda has designed specifically for the RX; on top of that comes its own suspension set-up.
Does the CRF450RX make sense for enduro beginners?
Usually not. If you are new to enduro, you will generally get on more easily with the more manageable CRF250RX. The 450 is worthwhile once you can ride longer laps confidently and use its power in a controlled way.
Who maintains and sets up the Enduro motorcycle Honda CRF450RX?
The Honda Motoshop in Schlatt TG does. Repairs and servicing are part of what it offers, as is tuning of suspension and engine, for example a set-up that suits your weight and the tracks you ride.
MX-Academy
Ride first, decide later
Courses, rental bikes and gear at the MX-Academy – no driving licence needed, kids from 4 years.
Honda Motorrad Zürich
Buy, finance, trade in
New Honda offroad models, used bikes, leasing and workshop at the official Honda Dream Dealer in Zurich.
honda-motorrad.eu
All Honda models
Road, city and offroad: the whole Honda range with data, versions and categories.