Finest Motocross Bike sixth Place—2023 Honda CRF450R


For the second 12 months in a row, Honda’s CRF450R will get sixth place in Grime Rider’s 450 Motocross Shootout. Though definitely not the place Huge Purple desires to be, it may possibly nonetheless declare the 2023 model of its flagship motocrosser is an enchancment over final 12 months’s mannequin due to notable engine, suspension, and chassis updates. Regardless of that, a number of the destructive elements that held it again in prior years are nonetheless outstanding and obvious sufficient to maintain it down within the rankings. The CRF450R is an superior bike, however wants extra consideration each on and off the monitor in comparison with others on this phase.

“The CRF450R is a love it or hate it machine.” <i>—Casey Casper</i>

“The CRF450R is a like it or hate it machine.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Honda CRF450R Engine

On our in-house dyno, the Honda produces 52.5 hp at 9,100 rpm and 35.1 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,600 rpm. It ranks fifth in peak horsepower, first in most torque, and makes essentially the most peak horsepower and torque of all of the bikes from 5,200 rpm to eight,000 rpm. Energy supply is among the smoothest within the class with a controllable low-end that transitions into a powerful midrange and top-end.

Associated: 2022 Honda CRF450R Lengthy Haul Evaluation

From the outside, Honda’s CRF450R looks identical to last year, save for different radiator shroud graphics and the introduction of the 50th Anniversary Edition colorway pictured here. However, Big Red gave its flagship motocrosser a mid-generation update with notable engine, suspension, and chassis revisions.

From the skin, Honda’s CRF450R appears to be like similar to final 12 months, save for various radiator shroud graphics and the introduction of the fiftieth Anniversary Version colorway pictured right here. Nevertheless, Huge Purple gave its flagship motocrosser a mid-generation replace with notable engine, suspension, and chassis revisions. (Jeff Allen/)

Three engine modes and three ranges of torque management are efficient, however toggling by them through the handlebar-mounted electronics suite is usually a bit tedious. Apart from having a barely agency pull, the Nissin hydraulic clutch system doesn’t miss a beat and shifting is buttery easy.

At 35.1 lb.-ft. of torque on our in-house dyno, Honda can claim it produces the most peak torque of all 450 motocross bikes.

At 35.1 lb.-ft. of torque on our in-house dyno, Honda can declare it produces essentially the most peak torque of all 450 motocross bikes. (Robert Martin Jr./)

2023 Honda CRF450R Suspension

Honda as soon as once more improved the suspension settings on its flagship motocrosser, however dialing in the Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and Showa shock nonetheless takes some work. In inventory trim, the fork travels too low within the stroke, which makes it really feel stiff. Stepping into on fork compression helps forestall that and reduces some pitching. Shock motion is inconsistent, particularly when hitting bumps. These Showa elements have the potential to be nice, however lack consolation in inventory trim.

Associated: 2023 Honda Motocross, Off-Highway, and Twin Sport Bikes First Look

“Although the engine has good midrange power, when I try to take corners in third gear on the CRF450R, it doesn’t have enough bottom-end punch to pull it.” <i>—Cody Johnston</i>

“Though the engine has good midrange energy, when I attempt to take corners in third gear on the CRF450R, it doesn’t have sufficient bottom-end punch to drag it.” <i>—Cody Johnston</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Honda CRF450R Chassis/Dealing with

At 245 kilos moist on the Grime Rider automotive scales, the CRF450R is heaviest on this comparability, however you wouldn’t assume that after using it. That is one sharp, nimble, and responsive bike that rewards a rider utilizing correct approach. Though dealing with is improved for 2023, it may possibly nonetheless turn out to be uncontrollable out of nowhere and is as soon as once more the twitchiest bike.

“The Honda’s suspension setup is not my favorite. It wasn’t unrideable, but really hard to find comfort.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“The Honda’s suspension setup isn’t my favourite. It wasn’t unrideable, however actually onerous to search out consolation.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

The fork and entrance wheel really feel like they’re instantly beneath the rider’s fingers. Ergonomics are a number of the finest, however the CRF450R nonetheless has essentially the most inflexible chassis of the bikes gathered right here, which turns into all too obvious when the monitor will get tough.

Associated: 2023 Honda CRF450R fiftieth Anniversary Version First Journey Evaluation

The CRF450R is heaviest of those gathered here at 245 pounds wet on <i>Dirt Rider</i>’s automotive scales, but not by much over the other two offerings from Japan.

The CRF450R is heaviest of these gathered right here at 245 kilos moist on <i>Grime Rider</i>’s automotive scales, however not by a lot over the opposite two choices from Japan. (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Honda CRF450R Ought to Have Gained

It boasts essentially the most linear energy supply, sharpest cornering functionality within the class, and ergonomics that make you’re feeling proper at residence.

“This is a Formula 1-like motocross bike—sharp, nimble, and responsive.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“It is a System 1-like motocross bike—sharp, nimble, and responsive.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Honda CRF450R Didn’t Win

Huge Purple continues to be temperamental with setup, and essentially the most troublesome and intimidating bike to journey at race tempo.

“From the confusing electronics suite to the sensitive setup, I just hope Honda can improve the CRF450R greatly in its next revision to keep up with the green and blue Japanese offerings…” <i>—Casey Casper</i>

“From the complicated electronics suite to the delicate setup, I simply hope Honda can enhance the CRF450R vastly in its subsequent revision to maintain up with the inexperienced and blue Japanese choices…” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai VX-Pro4

Goggle: Fox Racing Vue

Jersey: Fox Racing Flexair

Gloves: Fox Racing Flexair

Knee Braces: Alpinestars Bionic-7

Pants: Fox Racing Flexair

Boots: Fox Racing Intuition

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 Honda CRF450R Specs

MSRP: $9,599/$9,899 (fiftieth Anniversary Version)
Engine: SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x Stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 13.5:1
Transmission/Closing Drive: 5-speed/chain
Grime Rider Measured Horsepower: 52.5 hp @ 9,100 rpm
Grime Rider Measured Torque: 35.1 lb.-ft. @ 6,600 rpm
Gasoline System: EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch: Moist, multiplate; hydraulic actuation
Body: Aluminum twin-spar
Entrance Suspension: Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. journey
Rear Suspension: Showa shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.4 in. journey
Entrance Brake: Nissin 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear: Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 120/80-19
Rake/Path: 27.1°/4.5 in.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Floor Clearance: 13.2 in.
Grime Rider Measured Seat Peak: 37.8 in.
Gasoline Capability: 1.7 gal.
Grime Rider Measured Moist Weight: 245 lb.
Availability: Now
Contact: powersports.honda.com