CRF450R
$9,699
*Product specifications and price may vary; this is an approximate reference.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 449.8cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; Unicam SOHC; four-valve |
| Displacement | 449.8cc |
| Power | 55 HP |
| Torque | 48 Nm (35.4 lb-ft) |
| Weight | 111 kg (245 lbs) curb weight |
| Seat Height | 965 mm / 38.0" |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.3L (1.66 gal) |
| Transmission | Close-ratio five-speed |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Electronics
Rider Modes
Performance & Efficiency
- Top Speed
- 85 mph
- 0-60 mph
- 3.4 sec
Reliability & Ownership
Reliability The CRF450R is a high-strung racing machine. Honda's Unicam design is legendary for its durability under race conditions, but this is not a 'set and forget' bike. Valve clearances should be checked every 15 hours of hard use. The 2025 model features reinforced engine mounts and a redesigned frame to better distribute stress, though the air filter seal remains a critical maintenance point to prevent top-end wear.
Maintenance Oil and filter every 15 hours; Valve inspection every 15-30 hours; Piston replacement at 50 hours for competitive use.
Comfort & Ergonomics
For 2025, Honda prioritized chassis 'compliance' over pure rigidity. The new frame is 70% redesigned to reduce harshness. Ergonomically, the bike is incredibly slim through the middle, with a flat seat profile that allows the rider to slide forward easily for cornering. The Renthal Fatbar comes standard, and the new Showa suspension settings are specifically valved to be more forgiving on square-edge bumps compared to the 2024 model.
Overview
" The Red Surgical Knife "
The 2025 Honda CRF450R marks a pivotal shift for the brand. For years, the CRF450R was known as the fastest bike on the track that only a professional could handle, largely due to a chassis that felt 'nervous' at high speeds. For 2025, Honda's engineers went back to the drawing board, redesigning the main frame, subframe, and linkage to introduce controlled flex. The result is a machine that maintains Honda’s famous 'corner-on-a-dime' agility while adding the high-speed stability it was previously lacking. It remains a powerhouse, driven by a 449.8cc Unicam engine that provides a linear yet terrifyingly fast delivery of torque. This isn't just a bike for the pros anymore; it’s a more accessible, though still uncompromising, racing weapon.
WikiMoto Verdict
"The most refined CRF450R in history, finally balancing its legendary power with a predictable, stable chassis."
In-Depth Review
Engine: The Heart of the Beast
The 2025 CRF450R continues to utilize the proven 449.8cc Unicam SOHC engine. While the peak horsepower remains around the 55-58 range, the way it delivers that power has been meticulously refined. The 2025 model features a straighter air-intake path, which increases mid-range torque and improves throttle response. On the track, this translates to a bike that pulls harder out of loamy corners without requiring excessive clutch work. The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) allows for three distinct maps: Map 1 is standard, Map 2 is smooth (perfect for slick, hard-packed tracks), and Map 3 is aggressive (best for deep sand or experts). The power is broad, and unlike some competitors, the Honda doesn’t feel ‘lazy’ at any point in the RPM range.
Handling: The Major Breakthrough
Historically, the CRF450R was criticized for being too rigid, which caused the bike to deflect off bumps rather than absorbing them. For 2025, Honda has solved this. The new frame features a different pivot plate and shock mounting point, reducing the rigidity by a significant margin. This ‘flex’ is intentional; it allows the bike to track straighter through high-speed chop. The Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and Pro-Link rear suspension have been re-valved to match this new frame. During testing, the bike feels significantly more planted. In tight ruts, it still tips in better than almost anything else in the 450 class, but now, when you’re pinned in 4th gear across a rough straight, the ‘head-shake’ that used to plague the CRF is virtually gone.
Tech: HRC Influence
The electronics package on the 2025 CRF450R is the most advanced in the segment without requiring a smartphone app. The Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) offers three levels of intervention. It works by sensing sudden spikes in RPM and retarding ignition timing to maintain rear-wheel traction. It is incredibly effective on dry, ‘blue-groove’ tracks. Additionally, the HRC Launch Control offers three different start modes, allowing riders to tailor the power delivery for the grate to ensure they get the holeshot. The updated hydraulic clutch system remains consistent even as the engine heats up, providing a light pull and precise feel.
Verdict
The 2025 Honda CRF450R is no longer the ‘pro-only’ machine that was often too stiff for the local racer. By focusing on chassis compliance and a more usable power curve, Honda has created a bike that is both faster and easier to ride. It is a masterpiece of engineering that rewards aggressive input while providing a newfound sense of security. If you want the most agile 450 on the market with the build quality Honda is known for, this is the bike to beat.