Honda produces excellent bikes that will give you the best adrenaline rush. It’s the Honda CRF450R we’re talking about. This bike is a true masterpiece from one of the world’s best motorcycle manufacturers due to its fullness, lightweightness, and superb performance. The Honda CRF450R top speed is also exceptional.
Honda CRF450R is a popular motocross bike in its class, and the new model comes with plenty of updates. It has a single-cylinder UNICAM engine and a five-speed gearbox with a close ratio. Similar to the smaller Honda CRF150R, this motocrosser features a fresh design. Honda offers two more variants of the CRF450R, S & RWE, for $9,599 each.
We will be taking a closer look at the Honda CRF450R Top Speed, Specs, and Review here in this article. Additionally, we will discuss the bike’s advantages and disadvantages. There will also be ways to speed up the process. Let’s begin.
Overview of Honda CRF450R
The CRF450R was first unveiled in 2002 by Holda. In 2004, the first generation of the CRF450R ended its production after two years. CRF450R has an aluminum frame, upgraded camshaft, and upgraded exhaust system compared to previous generations. Additionally, the handlebars measured 22mm wider than those on the original bike.
From 2005 to 2008, the second-generation CRF450R was available. These bikes had Honda’s new Progressive Steering Damper. This resulted in a more aggressive geometry. Fuel injection was available from 2009 to 2012. Fourth-generation Honda CRF450Rs (2013-1016) have dual exhausts.
A few major changes were made in the Honda CRF450R 5th generation (2017-2020). With a new engine design, the bike also had an eclectic optical start. There were now Showa forks on the bikes. In 2021, Honda released the sixth generation of the CRF450R, further advancing its innovation. With a slimmer profile and a plastic design, this new-generation bike stands out from the competition.
| Price | $9,599 |
| Engine | 4-Stroke, single-cylinder |
| Displacement | 449cc |
| Transmission | 5-Speed |
| Power | 55.2 hp |
| Seat Height | 38 inches |
| Curb Weight | 244 pounds |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.7 gallons |
What are the Specifications of the Honda CRF450R?
Engine and Transmission
There are two overhead camshafts on the 449cc liquid-cooled UNICAM engine in the CRF450R. Besides the fuel injection system, it also gets a 46 mm downdraft throttle body. It has a hydraulic 8-plate clutch assembly and a 5-speed close-ratio gearbox. This 450cc motocrosser features an electric starter and a DC-CDI ignition system. Powered by a four-stroke Unicam engine, the Unicam delivers plenty of power and torque. A simple button push can also engage the HRC launch control system.
| Engine Type | Four-stroke, single-cylinder, 4-valves |
| Engine Displacement | 449cc |
| No. of Cylinders | 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Supply | Programmed fuel injection |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooling |
| Bore | 96 mm |
| Stroke | 62.1 mm |
Horsepower & Top Speed
According to Honda, the CRF450R produces 55.2 horsepower at 9,300 rpm and 35.1 lb-ft of torque at 7,300 rpm. With the push of a button on the handlebar, you can choose between three different engine modes: standard, smooth, and aggressive. It also comes with Honda selectable torque control, which is an excellent safety feature. The top speed of the Honda CRF450R in fully stock condition is 87 mph.
Body & Suspension
Due to Honda’s fine-tuning, the CRF450R now has a more responsive, updated, lightweight chassis. The frame is also lightweight, and the swingarm is compact. It features a 49mm Showa inverted fork at the front with rebound and compression damping adjustments. A Pro-Link Showa single-shock absorber at the rear end with adjustable spring preload. The latest model offers improved handling thanks to its optimized suspension.
| Body Type | Motocross |
| Chassis | Narrow frame with lightweight subframe |
| Front Suspension | 49 mm Inverted Showa forks |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link Showa single shock |
| Front Wheel Travel | 12.2 inches |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 12.4 inches |
Brakes & Wheels
Front-wheel disc brakes measure 260 mm, and rear-wheel disc brakes measure 240 mm on the Honda CRF450R. There are 21-inch wheels on the front and 19-inch wheels on the rear. On both ends, the CRF450R rides on premium Dunlop MX33 tires. Its front tires measure 80/100-21, while its rear tires measure 120/80-19.
| Front Brake | Single disc with 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | Single disc |
| Front Brake Diameter | 260 mm |
| Rear Brake Diameter | 240 mm |
| ABS | No |
| Front Wheel | 21 Inch spoke rim |
| Rear Wheel | 19 Inch spoke rim |
Dimensions
An 85.9-inch body length and 58.3-inch wheelbase make up the dimensions of this motocrosser. Despite its 49.9-inch total height, the Honda CRF450R does not have a low seat height. The fuel tank holds 1.7 gallons of fuel and offers 13.2 inches of ground clearance. With all standard equipment, the CRF450R has a curb weight of 244 pounds.
| Wheelbase | 58.3 inches |
| Length | 85.9 inches |
| Width | 32.6 inches |
| Height | 49.9 inches |
| Seat Height | 38.0 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 13.2 inches |
| Curb Weight | 244 lbs |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.7 gallon |
What are the Best Features of the Honda CRF450R?
A NARROW, LIGHT FRAME
Honda’s CRF450R chassis puts you out front when it comes to handling, which starts with a solid frame. Firstly, it’s lighter than the previous generation by over a pound and a half. Making the frame’s main spars narrow saves weight, but more importantly, fine-tunes the chassis’ lateral rigidity to make it more responsive. As a result, the bike gets into, around, and out of corners more quickly.
A NEW ENGINE HANGER
As of 2023, the cylinder-head engine hangers have been strengthened, and the frame thickened where the hangers attach. For better handling, the entire assembly is now more rigid.
POINTS FOR MOUNTING THE SUSPENSION
The chassis and suspension are more stable this year thanks to more robust suspension mounting points. A good suspension means a good chassis and a good chassis means better drive and handling.
ONE-PIPE EXHAUST
It is common for Honda CRF450Rs to have single-pipe headers in addition to single-muffler exhausts. As a light overall construction, its route is close to the bike’s center, enhancing the weight distribution.
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH
Honda’s CRF450R dirtbike clutch is the first hydraulically actuated clutch outside of its works bikes. Designed by Nissin, it performs better than third-party conversions and is the same as in our Grand Prix MX machines. Even though it comes with an eight-plate clutch, the clutch lever pull is ten percent lighter at its peak.
HRC LAUNCH CONTROL
With this special ECU program, you press the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the Honda CRF450R takes care of the rest, launching you into the turn with enormous confidence. Using it makes your bike a holeshot machine!
Honda SELECTABLE TORQUE CONTROL (HSTC)
With the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) button located on the handlebar, you can change the torque. You can choose from three settings to dial in your bike according to the available traction.
ELECTRIC STARTER
Kickstarting? If you’re riding in the vintage class, it might be possible, but not here. The Honda CRF450R can be made lighter by ditching Kickstarter altogether. Putting electric starters and lithium-ion batteries on a bike like this is a win-win combination. A CRF450R is all about winning.
What is the Honda CRF450R Top Speed?
One of Honda’s first innovations was off-road motorcycles, known today as dirt bikes. Honda isn’t usually thought of as having the fastest machines today. Most people are familiar with Honda because of its reliability.
Nevertheless, Honda’s professional riders, such as Chase Sexton and the Lawrence brothers, have been proving otherwise.
A CRF450R can reach a top speed of 80-90 mph.
The top speed of the CRF450R is about 10-20 mph higher than the top speed of the CRF250R and about 5-10 mph higher than the top speed of the YZ250. Having said that, there are a few factors that have a big impact on this CRF450R’s top speed.
What are the Factors Affecting Honda CRF450R Top Speed?
Modifications to the CRF450R can increase top speed, but other factors can also affect it. When riders are heavier, their maximum speed is generally lower than when they are lighter. Track conditions can also affect lap times, as a track with more corners and technical sections will cause lap times to be slower and top speeds to be lower.
How Do You Increase the Honda CRF450R Top Speed?
The Honda CRF450R is undoubtedly one of the fastest dirt bikes in the world. The bike can reach up to 87 mph speeds, making it faster than many commuter bikes. We don’t see any problem with a better Honda CRF450R.
We’re talking about faster acceleration, higher power, and less jerking. That sounds interesting, doesn’t it? As a result, you will learn about some modifications in the following sections. Adding these mods to your Honda CRF450R can take it to the next level.
1. Piston Mod
The first modification you can make to your Honda CRF450R is to replace the piston. It’s not about making the Honda CRF450R better but about improving the stock pistons. Put JE Pistons 14:1 pistons in place of the stock pistons.
You will gain more power in the low to mid-range with these high-compression pistons for your Honda CRF450R. You can try Wiseco Pro-Lite 4-Stroke Piston – Stock Bore 12:1 Compression if you can’t find the piston we mentioned. The piston kit can also improve the performance of your Honda CRF450R.
2. Clutch Mod
There has always been a problem with the clutch on Honda CRF450Rs. Honda still neglects this area, I’m not sure why. Just because Honda neglects doesn’t mean you will! Therefore, you should get a better clutch. For a clutch pack, we recommend Rekluse TorqDrive.
Fan favorite; easy winner; no question. Installing this clutch will immediately remove all the judder from the Honda CRF450R’s spring clutch. There are extra steel plates and fiber absorbers included with the Rekluse TorqDrive clutch pack. This addition effectively absorbs excess heat and significantly reduces jerking.
The Tusk Competition Clutch Kit is another clutch pack. This is something to consider! Kits like this are designed to give you that extra edge when hitting the trails hard, such as during competitions. The kit also includes friction material made from Aramid fibers. In addition to being highly heat resistant, this material is also highly durable. Aside from that, the high-quality steel plates within this kit prevent heat from distorting and warping.
3. Exhaust Mod
This mod increases mid-range power. Do you want to boast? You can get FMF Factory’s 4.1 RCT Single Exhaust System. Your Honda CRF450R will be complete with this kit upgrade, approved by many users. With this, you can go through all those corners with full power. Additionally, do you dislike the raspy noises that the stock exhaust makes? It will dramatically improve the sound!
4. Sprocket Upgrade
Would you like to have higher power at a low cost? Changing the sprocket is all it takes. In the Honda CRF450R, the stock sprocket has 48 teeth. You will see a drastic change in power if you simply change the sprocket for one with 50 teeth. Your bike will accelerate better if you have the other tooth so that you will go faster.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Honda CRF450R?
Pros of the Honda CRF450R
1. There is nothing better than the speed of the Honda CRF450R! The speed is 87 mph. There is no doubt that this bike is fast. You might not be able to handle this bike if your skills are beginner-level. This is a warning!
2. One of the best things about this bike is how reliable it is with its performance. Your speed will remain the same regardless of how hard or long you ride. No matter how badly it is beaten, this bike won’t compromise its power or speed.
3. The quality of Honda’s construction is among the best in the industry. Even though it is very slender and light, the frame is strong. Regardless of how challenging the ride or rush, this bike can handle it!
4. This bike is incredibly slender. Despite having 200cc less power, this bike weighs and looks like the CRF250R. The way Honda managed to pack so much power into this bike makes it truly mesmerizing!
5. Despite being very light and slim, this bike is well-balanced. As a result, hitting those high jumps will not cause you to be off-balance. In addition, the bike has a low center of gravity, which makes it easier to keep up with the group.
Cons of the Honda CRF450R
1. This bike has inconvenient side panels due to its pointed appearance. Despite their appealing appearance, you’ll be in trouble if any of these ever get stuck to your pants. You highly recommend keeping the pointy side panels in mind.
2. This bike has everything narrow except for the foot pegs. Our reason for saying almost is the wide footpegs we don’t understand. With such wide footpegs sticking out of a bike with a slimmer body, it looks odd.
What is the Price of the Honda CRF450R?
Even though the Honda CRF450R occupies the top spot in its class, it’s not overly expensive compared to other bikes in the same category. Its MSRP of $7,599 is $50 more than Kawasaki’s KX450F, $100 more than Suzuki’s RM-Z450, and $200 more than Yamaha’s YZ450F $7399. Is there anything more you could ask for?
Which Bikes Are the Competitors of Honda CRF450R?
As a top-of-the-line MX bike, Honda needs another rival to compete against it. The KX450F from Kawasaki fits the popular MX mold in every way. Honestly, these two bikes look nearly the same except for some minor color differences. The reason for this is that they are designed for competition, after all, and to be honest, all the major players have opted for a similar aesthetic.
With a 28.2-degree rake and 5 inches of trail, the Honda is just a hair wider/longer than the CRF’s 27.22-degree/4.6-inch rake, which will make it more maneuverable. Featuring an inverted Showa SFF-Air TAC fork with DLC-treated sliders and compression/rebound damping adjustments, Kawi supports the KX.
A Showa mono shock at the rear provides compression, rebound damping, and preload adjustability, and components at both ends offer 12 inches of travel at the axle. With its 270 mm discs up front, the Kawi has an ever-so-slight advantage over the CRF’s 260 mm.
Kawi also keeps its power numbers close to the vest, but the 12.8-to-1 compression ratio indicates a colder engine with lower output. Both engines carry 449cc, water-cooled engines. KXs lack EMSB, but they have Launch Control that retards sparks in the bottom two gears for increased traction during that critical takeoff, and they both have accessories to tune their engines.
Kawi won a small victory with an MSRP of $8,849, just under the CRF. Savings may not be enough to overcome brand loyalty, especially for those working up to the 450 class.
Conclusion: Honda CRF450R Top Speed
One of the fastest and most powerful motocrossers in this segment is the new Honda CRF450R. There are several hardware upgrades as well as a new paint scheme. Performance and acceleration are furious thanks to the single-cylinder engine. In addition to riding aids like launch control, torque control, and engine modes, riders benefit from various riding aids. With its all-round performance and great handling, the Honda CRF450R is a great choice.
FAQs
How fast will a 450 dirt bike go?
A 450cc dirt bike can reach 80-120mph speeds, making it a great choice for recreational and enduro riding. One of the fastest is a 450cc dirt bike with a fuel-injected, 4-stroke, four-valve DOHC engine and a 5-speed gearbox with a multi-plate wet clutch.
What is the top speed of the CRF450L?
Despite its top speed of 90 mph, the CRF450L doesn’t feel like it will explode at 60 mph. You can easily do some miles on the highway with the right tires.
Are 450 faster than 250?
The performance of 450cc bikes is much better than that of 250cc bikes, but choose your bicycles based on your weight, height, and riding ability, not just the speed.
How heavy is a CRF450?
It weighs approximately 244 pounds (including all standard equipment, necessary fluids, and a full fuel tank, ready to ride.)
Is a CRF450R a 4-stroke?
It is the successor to the Honda CR250R, a two-stroke racing motocross motorcycle built by Honda Motor Company.