Main image courtesy of Honda Racing Corporation.
Is there anything sexier than a Honda CRF? I’ll wait… No, there isn’t! I walk out into my shop, and I see that all red machine over there just looking at me and it makes my dirt bike heart melt. Even though I am critical of the CRF450R, there is not another bike made that I want to ride more than the CRF450R. Chassis rigidity has been an issue for me over the years and I have been vocal about it, but now with the changes that Honda made in 2023, could we see a more compliant Honda? A more forgiving West Coast dirt chassis? If you live on the East Coast or ride tracks that have soft dirt, this CRF450R chassis is one of better chassis’ available, but us West Coast riders are looking for a little more comfort. I may or may not have had some time on the ‘23 chassis in pre-production form so I do have some things to say about it for all you Honda lovers out there. If you’re looking to get a 2023 Honda CRF450R, reading this may help your purchasing decision. Below are the changes that Honda made to the 23 CRF450R and with each of those changes I give you a rider’s perspective what that means on the track. Look for a complete breakdown of this machine as soon as Honda releases it to us media folks.
CRF450R: UPDATES FOR 2023
Honda: To celebrate the milestone of Honda producing motocross models, an available 50th Anniversary Edition features graphics and colors that are a nod to the CR models that dominated 1980s AMA Supercross and Motocross. This version features a blue seat cover, white number plates, gold rims, gold handlebar, gray-metallic triple clamps and special graphics.
Keefer’s perspective: I am usually not a gold type of guy, but this homage to the old school of HRC is pretty bad ass! As I get older, the more I appreciate the history and what it means behind it, so seeing this 50-year Anniversary machine takes me back to when my dad used to take me to Honda Valley (a riding spot in the high desert) to watch Johnny O’Mara, David Bailey, and Rick Johnson pound out motos on a whoop filled desert course. Those memories came flooding back to me once I saw this machine!
Honda: Narrower intake-port shape and longer intake funnel, for improved engine response and torque, resulting in improved acceleration on corner exits.
Keefer’s perspective: This change made the bike’s engine character feel longer. The current Honda CRF450R engine is a powerhouse and although has got smoother since 2020, it still could afford to be even more linear when rolling the throttle on in area two and three of corners. The herky/jerky feel of the CRF450R has lessened over the years, but Honda was looking to make more connectivity to the rear wheel while making the CRF450R pull harder out of corners. This intake port/longer intake funnel helps this! I am still a map one kind of rider and when in map one on this engine, this sucker gets the power to the ground!
Honda: Cam profile is changed, further increasing torque.
Keefer’s perspective: I don’t know/remember too much about this cam profile change, but I am sure Honda engineers saw that the profile could change once the intake shape was changed.
Honda: Throttle body diameter is reduced from 46 mm to 44 mm, for smoother power deliver at low speeds.
Keefer’s perspective: Again, we don’t need more power from a 450cc motocross bike, but it would be nice if we can get the power we have and stretch it out in order to make that power more rideable. The smaller throttle body gave my throttle hand a better feel at low rpm situations which in turn actually helped the chassis.
Honda: Frame rigidity optimized by increasing material thickness at front joint and at upper shock mount, enabling freer functioning of front and rear suspension.
Keefer’s perspective: Now we are getting to the good stuff! If you asked me what one thing I would want to change about the Honda CRF450R, it would be the chassis rigidity! This change has been the most significant (in comfort) that I have felt from Honda since they went to an updated frame in 2017. In 2021 this current generation frame came out, but the comfort (to me) was only minimal. In 2023, the CRF450R has found another gear in bump compliance and this makes me excited to ride one! When Honda talks about “increasing material thickness” you may think, “don’t we want less rigidity Keefer”? Well, we want “more comfort” and in this case increasing rigidity in certain areas of the frame gave me more comfort on the track. I am no engineer and am basically a one trick pony and that trick is to feel what the bike is doing on the track. The 23 Honda is more compliant on initial bump touch, slap down landings and to me has more rear end feel. I had a problem with the rear of the 2022 bike beating me up on acceleration and de-cel bumps, but with the updates Honda made in 23, it made the CRF450R feel softer in the rear, which in turn gave me more rear end traction and feel.
Honda: Engine hangers changed from aluminum to steel, to match frame changes and improve front end traction.
Keefer’s perspective: Going to steel mounts gives the Honda more compliance through the fork. This especially came into play when hitting braking bumps.
Honda: Because changes to frame rigidity allow freer suspension movement, shock's spring rate is increased without introducing harshness.
Keefer’s perspective: This was key as the rear of the 2023 chassis felt softer, going to a heavier spring was important to keep the shock from blowing through the stroke on high-speed damping.
Honda: Fork setting changed to match rear suspension and ensure front/rear balance.
Muffler is quieter thanks to change of inner-pipe design. Switch to heat-treated aluminum for the muffler body increases strength without increasing overall weight.
Keefer’s perspective: Increasing spring rate in the rear means new valving up front. Showa worked hard on getting a CRF450R that didn’t pitch on de-cel yet had some hold up/comfort when hitting square edge. Some of you dented your 2022 stock mufflers within a couple hours by simply squeezing the bike or pinching the muffler with your right leg. This new heat treatment with the muffler will help this.
Honda: Radiator shroud graphics feature new HRC logo.
Keefer’s perspective: I mean who doesn’t like the clean look of the Hondas! It’s simple, clean, and is not busy looking. A little added blue in the graphic didn’t hurt anyone!
Overall, on paper this might not seem like A LOT of changes, but to me this is the friendliest Honda CRF450R I have ridden in quite some time. There has been small improvements over the years, but with the 2023, there is actually noticeable change in calmness that I couldn’t quite claim that the other bikes had. I am looking forward to riding the production version sometime soon, so stay tuned to see if the production version is as good as I remember!
Below is the full press release on the new Honda models:
Celebrating five decades of elite motocross heritage, Honda today unveiled the latest edition of its flagship motocross bike, the 2023 CRF450R, during a media event. Held on the eve of the opening 2023 AMA Pro Motocross round at Fox Raceway, the function featured the entire Team Honda HRC lineup – Ken Roczen, Chase Sexton, Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence – as well as Honda legends from the past, including champions Gary Jones, Johnny O'Mara, Rick Johnson and Trey Canard, as well as former Team Manager Dave Arnold.
Introduced 50 years after the debut of the 1973 CR250M Elsinore – Honda's original motocross machine – the 2023 CRF450R receives key engine updates and chassis revisions targeted at enhancing corner-exit acceleration and improving handling. In addition, a 50th Anniversary Edition is offered, honoring Honda's motocross heritage with a special livery evoking the iconic CR models that dominated 1980s AMA Supercross and Motocross.
Honda's success in motocross started with the aforementioned 1973 CR250M Elsinore, which Jones piloted to Honda's first AMA Motocross Championship. In the half-century since, additional titles have been delivered by a long list of champions including Marty Smith, Chuck Sun, Johnny O'Mara, Ron Lechien, David Bailey, Darrell Schultz, Micky Dymond, Rick Johnson, Jeff Stanton, Jean-Michel Bayle, Mike Kiedrowski, Doug Henry, Steve Lamson, Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael, culminating in current Team HRC rider Jett Lawrence delivering the 2021 AMA Pro Motocross 250 crown, as well as the 2022 AMA Supercross 250SX West Region title. These renowned riders have played an integral role in the development and innovation of CR and CRF motocross bikes, while cementing Honda's legendary status in the sport. Originally introduced in 2002, the CRF450R continues Honda's tradition of race-driven innovation by incorporating feedback from Team Honda HRC riders.
"Honda is synonymous with motocross, and that's a direct result of our dedication to the sport for the past five decades, as well as the invaluable contributions of top riders – from Gary Jones in 1973 to Jett Lawrence in 2022," said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. "The 2023 CRF450R is worthy of that heritage, and the 50th Anniversary Edition pays tribute in a way that we're sure will be appreciated by motocross enthusiasts. We look forward to current and future Honda champions continuing to grow our motocross legacy."
For 2023, The CRF450R's engine and chassis updates also carry over to the premium CRF450RWE and the closed-course off-road-focused CRF450RX, raced by the SLR Honda and JCR Honda teams in the NGPC and WORCS competition.
While Honda celebrates 50 years of motocross heritage with the 2023 CRF450R, the rest of Honda's popular CRF Performance lineup, including the CRF450R-S, CRF450X, CRF450RL, CRF250R, CRF250RX and CRF150R, continues to deliver industry-leading performance and reliability.
CRF450R
The CRF450R's technical updates include a narrower intake-port shape and longer intake funnel, revised cam profile and smaller throttle body diameter, resulting in smooth power delivery and increased torque, improving acceleration out of corners. The frame's rigidity has been optimized by increasing material thickness in strategic locations and the use of steel engine mounts (replacing aluminum) helps improve front-end traction. A higher-rate shock spring and revised fork settings complement the rigidity-optimized frame without introducing harshness. To enhance strength and reduce noise, the muffler body is constructed from heat-treated aluminum, and a new inner-pipe design is used.
For 2023, Honda also offers a 50th Anniversary Edition of the model, featuring a livery reminiscent of the legendary '80s CRs that ruled AMA Motocross and Supercross. Easily recognizable to fans of that era, this version features a blue seat cover, white number plates, gold rims, gold handlebar, gray-metallic triple clamp and special graphics.
- MSRP
- CRF450R: $9,599
- CRF450R 50th Anniversary Edition: $9,899
- Availability
- CRF450R: July
- CRF450R 50th Anniversary Edition: September
- Info
CRF450RWE
Building upon the legendary CRF450R platform, the CRF450RWE ("Works Edition") is for the rider searching for the ultimate advantage. Purpose-built for lowering lap times and providing an unparalleled riding experience, it features an extensive list of premium upgrades inspired by the factory Team Honda HRC machines of Roczen and Sexton, including a stainless-steel Yoshimura exhaust, hand-polished cylinder ports, Hinson clutch basket and cover, Throttle Jockey seat cover and graphics, D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims and DM2 gold chain, coated fork tubes, fork legs and shock 18 mm shock shaft, gray metallic triple clamps, Renthal Kevlar grips and dedicated ignition mapping. In addition, the CRF450RWE benefits from the same engine and chassis updates as its CRF450R sibling to improve corner-exit acceleration and handling.
- MSRP: $12,399
- Availability: September
- Info
CRF450RX
From high-speed NGPC and WORCS tracks to the technical woods riding of GNCC, the CRF450RX is a versatile, yet refined machine that is perfectly equipped for the variety of terrain found in closed-course off-road racing. To improve corner-exit acceleration and handling, this model receives the same chassis and engine updates as its motocross-focused relative, the CRF450R. Built with off-road specific 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, the championship-proven CRF450RX is ready for the track or trail, which is why it's the motorcycle of choice for a variety of off-road racers, including the SLR Honda and JCR Honda teams.
- MSRP: $9,899
- Availability: October
- Info
CRF450R-S
Honda's flagship motocross machine – the CRF450R – continues to push the technological envelope in an effort to stay at the front of the pack, but some customers prioritize value. Honda addresses the needs of both groups, as the CRF450R-S (based on the 2022 CRF450R raced by factory Team Honda HRC riders Chase Sexton and Ken Roczen) is available at a very attractive price point without making a big sacrifice in terms of performance.
- MSRP: $8,799
- Availability: December
- Info
CRF450X
The undisputed King of the Baja 1000, Honda's bulletproof CRF450X has a record 15 wins in the legendary off-road event, the most recent coming in the 2021 edition at the hands of SLR Honda riders Justin Morgan, Mark Samuels, Kendall Norman and Brandon Prieto. Also campaigned in the AMA NHHA series by JCR Honda rider Preston Campbell, the CRF450X is an excellent trail machine too, thanks in part to its 50-state year-round off-road-legal status, plus off-road-appropriate features like a side stand, 18-inch rear wheel, headlight, sealed chain and six-speed transmission.
- MSRP: $9,799
- Availability: August
- Info
CRF450RL
A quintessential dual-sport machine, the CRF450RL is based on the legendary CRF450 Performance off-road platform, yet it's surprisingly smooth and comfortable on pavement. That combination of characteristics means there's nothing better at using asphalt to link together great sections of trail. Features like a quiet muffler, a vibration-damping urethane-injected swingarm and a wide-ratio six-speed transmission ensure the machine performs well on roads, while the 449 cc Unicam® engine, twin-spar aluminum frame and premium, long-travel suspension that make it a stellar performer in the dirt. Throw in Honda's legendary durability, and it's clear why the CRF450RL has made a name for itself in the dual-sport world.
- MSRP: $9,999
- Availability: September
- Info
CRF250R
Long the standard by which quarter-liter motocrossers are measured, the CRF250R has accumulated an enviable list of championships over the years, and it's consistently among the top sellers in its class. Noted for its exceptional handling (thanks in part to a narrow layout and low weight), excellent acceleration (achieved through notable torque and low- to midrange power) and endurance over race distance, the current platform was used by Team Honda HRC's Jett Lawrence to capture the 2022 AMA Supercross 250SX East Championship. Its performance and durability also make it a popular choice among privateers, as evidenced by the high ratio of Red Riders on start lists in 250SX Regional racing.
- MSRP: $8,199
- Availability: June
- Info
CRF250RX
Now in its second generation, the CRF250RX is an excellent choice for professional closed-course off-road racers, with SLR Honda's Tallon Lafountaine having raced it to the 2021 AMA NGPC Pro II National Championship and the WORCS Pro 250 title. Also campaigned in GNCC and U.S. Sprint Enduro competition by Phoenix Racing Honda riders Cody Barnes and Ruy Barbosa, the model is based on the motocross-focused CRF250R, but tailored for woods racing, off-road grand prix competition, desert racing and trail riding in legal off-road areas, thanks to application-specific features that provide appropriate suspension performance, power delivery, fuel range, hand protection and convenience.
- MSRP: $8,599
- Availability: June
- Info
CRF150R
The top-selling mini motocrosser in its class, Honda's CRF150R is offered in both standard and Big Wheel versions, the latter a great choice for taller riders thanks to its larger wheels, higher seat and additional rear-suspension travel. While the model is Honda's smallest motocross machine, it boasts big-bike features like Showa® suspension (a 37 mm inverted fork and a single shock mated to a Pro-Link® rear system), plus a Unicam four-stroke engine that is unique in the mini MX world, delivering a strong but smooth spread of power across the rev range.
- MSRP
- CRF150R: $5,299
- CRF150R Big Wheel: $5,499
- Availability: September
- Info
