2019 Honda CRF450R

Improved rideability is the name of the game with this updated motocrosser.

2019 Honda CRF450RCRS

Honda’s flagship motocrosser, the CRF450R is a pure racebike straight out of the box and best suited to experienced and faster riders. Two years ago, the CRF450R was all-new—engine, frame, bodywork, and 49mm coil-spring Showa fork. In ’18, the bike received a number of minor but effective updates that put it at or near the front of the class in most comparisons. For 2019, Honda has improved the R model once again with a different cylinder-head design, an updated twin-spar aluminum frame, a new swingarm and linkage, plus revised suspension settings.

These changes are not fully apparent until you hit the track. The engine makes the most horsepower and torque of any four-stroke 450cc motocross bike, cranking out 53.75 hp at 9,760 rpm and 33.24 pound-feet of torque at 7,390 rpm. More controllable power delivery from off-throttle to a quarter-throttle is a notable improvement. The latest chassis is on the rigid side, which testers say makes the bike handle incredibly well, with less pitching back and forth and better bump absorption. The $9,299 asking price is on par with other 450cc MXers.

Likes: More powerful engine is also smoother than in the past

Dislikes: Front-end feel is a little vague if you sit too far back

Verdict: One of the best bikes in its class made even better bike

2017 Best Motocrosser

The Honda CRF450R was chosen as the Best Motocrosser of 2017 because it was so much better than the previous model. The ’17 machine had a more powerful Unicam engine, a 49mm coil-spring Showa fork, and its chassis handled much better than did any CRF450R that came before it.

2019 Honda CRF450R Reviews And Comparisons

Ever since the CRF450R was completely redesigned in 2017, this competition-only machine has been well received and continues to improve from one year to the next. It is a fun bike to ride or race—some might even call it the motocross bike of choice—which is evident at many tracks.

2019 Honda CRF450R Competition

The Honda CRF450R has become a top contender in the 450 motocross bike market in the past few years. It is a powerful, well suspended, and fun bike to ride. If you are interested in the Honda CRF450R, you should also consider these motorcycles that have similar pricing, specifications, and intended use:

2019 Honda CRF450R Specifications And Pricing

Honda also makes a Works Edition, the CRF450RWE ($11,499), that comes with hand-polished cylinder-head ports, a titanium Yoshimura RS-9 muffler, revised ECU settings, titanium-nitride-coated fork legs and shock shaft, D.I.D LT-X rims, a gold RK chain, black triple clamps, a Throttle Jockey factory seat cover, and HRC replica graphics.

Manufacturer Claimed Specifications

Price $9,299
Engine Liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder
Displacement 449.7cc
Bore x Stroke 96.0mm x 62.1mm
Horsepower N/A
Torque N/A
Transmission 5-speed
Final Drive Chain
Seat Height 37.8 in.
Rake 27.3°
Trail 4.6 in.
Front Suspension 49mm fully adjustable; 12.0-in. travel
Rear Suspension Fully adjustable; 12.3-in. travel
Front Tire 80/100-21
Rear Tire 120/80-19
Fuel Capacity 1.6 gal.
Wheelbase 58.3 in.
Claimed Dry Weight N/A

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height N/A
Weight (With Fuel) 250 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower 53.75 hp @ 9,760 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque 33.24 lb.-ft. @ 7,390 rpm
0-60 mph N/A
1/4-mile N/A
Braking 30–0 mph N/A
Braking 60–0 mph N/A
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