Motocross · model year 2027 · all-new
Does the Motocross bike Honda CRF450R match your riding skills?
At the top of Honda’s off-road range sits the motocross bike Honda CRF450R. Honda designed it exclusively for motocross on closed tracks, and it belongs in the hands of experienced riders. The Honda Motoshop of the MX-Academy explains what the 450 demands, when moving up makes sense and how buying and servicing work.
Key facts Honda CRF450R
- Displacement
- 449 cc
- Tank
- 7.1 l (titanium tank)
- Rider aids
- HSTC, HRC Launch Control
- Clutch
- slipper clutch
- Ground clearance
- 333 mm
- Model year
- 2027
Data as published by Honda Switzerland and the dealer; for power and weight please ask the dealer.
What the 450 demands of you on the track
449 cc, 108 kg and a new engine: according to Honda, the CRF450R delivers over 10% more peak power and 4% more torque than its predecessor. Its chassis is designed for jump crests, tight turns and rutted braking zones.
All that power has to be kept under control. A 450 calls for strength, fitness and clean technique; if you ride tense, you tire quickly on a long lap. That is why the Motoshop recommends the CRF450R above all to riders who are already confident on a 250.
Rider aids and a clutch that count in a race
The HSTC traction control and HRC Launch Control each offer three modes. One meters the power at the rear wheel when the ground is slippery, the other supports a controlled start from the gate.
The slipper clutch with back-torque limiter keeps the rear wheel calmer when you shift down hard before a corner. Honda has redesigned 70% of the aluminium frame and quotes a weight saving of up to 5.6 kg in this context; the titanium tank has a capacity of 7.1 l.
From the CRF250R to the 450: the right moment
For getting started in motocross, a 250 is generally the more sensible option, sporty adults included. Moving up to the CRF450R makes sense once you have the CRF250R firmly under control, train regularly and can use the extra punch of the engine in a measured way.
A motocross course on closed-off terrain will show whether you are ready. The CRF50, CRF110, CRF125 and CRF250 are available as rental bikes on every MX-Academy course; on the 250 you can see clearly how much reserve you still have.
Standard version, HRC Works Edition or used
The motocross bike Honda CRF450R is available as a standard version and as the HRC Works Edition, which among other things adds a titanium exhaust. Advice and purchase are handled by Honda Motorrad Zürich, official Honda Dream Dealer and also the source of the Honda Motoshop’s vehicle stock.
Used motorcycles come and go all the time. With a pre-owned 450, ask for the service records and how it has been used so far, for leisure or racing, and have the suspension and engine checked before you buy.
Care, tuning and the MX-Academy’s Honda racing team
After motocross training, you should wash the motocross bike Honda CRF450R, clean the air filter after dusty heats and check the chain, spokes and bolted joints. That way, wear shows up early.
Repairs, servicing and tuning of the suspension and engine are carried out by the Honda Motoshop of the MX-Academy. The MX-Academy also supports, coaches and organises the racing team, the official Honda MX-Academy Motocross Team of Switzerland. If you race on a Honda yourself and would like to carry advertising, the Motoshop offers tailor-made sponsorship.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CRF450R suitable for getting into motocross?
Not really. The 450 shows its strengths when technique and fitness are in place. If you are new to the sport, you will usually learn in a more relaxed way on a 250 such as the CRF250R and move up later, once you can really make use of the extra displacement.
How do I find out whether I am ready for a 450?
Sign up for an MX-Academy course: you ride on closed-off terrain and need no driving licence. On the CRF250 from the rental range, you will see how confidently you already control speed, jumps and corners.
What is the slipper clutch on the CRF450R for?
It limits back torque when you shift down under braking. The rear wheel hops less, and you hold your line into the corner more calmly, especially in rutted braking zones.
Can the Honda Motoshop adjust the suspension of my CRF450R?
Yes. The Honda Motoshop of the MX-Academy tunes suspension and engines and also carries out repairs and servicing. A set-up that takes into account your weight, your riding ability and the tracks where you train makes good sense.
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