2023 Honda CRF450RL: RIDE IT ALL.
Introducing the 2023 Honda 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.
Building a great dual-sport bike has to be one of the toughest jobs in motorcycling, but also one of the most rewarding. And that’s why we’re so proud of our Honda CRF450RL. When it comes to versatility and features, it’s way better than just a motocrosser with a license plate. And when it comes to off-road riding, it offers stellar performance where others compromise. Why is this bike so good? One reason is because we start with our CRF450X, with its six-speed transmission and excellent chassis geometry. And it’s not what we’ve added, but what we haven’t—which is how we’ve kept the CRF450RL light and nimble. What you get is a true dirt bike that can handle a wide range of terrain, that’s built for long-term reliability, and that lets you ride just about any trail or terrain a motorcycle can handle—including pavement, which makes finding fuel (or lunch) a lot easier. So, ditch the pickup or the trailer: discover the world on a Honda CRF450RL.
2023 Honda CRF450RL Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Base Features
- 450cc liquid-cooled Unicam® single-cylinder engine
- Fully street-legal equipment package
- Fuel injection
- Electric starter
- Next-Generation twin-spar aluminum frame
- Six-speed transmission
- Titanium fuel tank
- Handguards
- Lightweight, protective hand guards defend against the elements and trail-side shrubbery
- Lightweight, 2.0-gallon titanium fuel tank
- Riding time maximized by lightweight, compact LED lighting system, featuring a headlight with high-intensity projection for illuminating a broad area
- Rear-view mirrors
- Lightweight lithium-ion battery with increased capacity compared to CRF450R, to power electrical components
- Lightweight, compact digital meter with black characters on a white liquid-crystal background is easily legible while riding
Honda Celebrates 50 Years of Motocross With 2023 CRF450R
50th Anniversary Edition version honors 1980s CR models
CRF450R, RWE and RX receive significant engine and chassis updates
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.
2023 Honda CRF450RL Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
- 449.7cc Unicam® engine specially tailored for trail-to-trail riding
- Finger rocker arm contributes to compact layout while using dedicated design to attain on- and off-road-specific power characteristics. DLC surface treatment reduces friction
- Dedicated valve timing for smooth power delivery in technical riding
- High crank inertia (up 12% over CRF450R) for tractable power delivery in technical terrain
- 12.0:1 compression ratio
- New piston with three-ring design
- Wide-ratio six-speed transmission is ready for a wide variety of off-road terrain and on-road riding
- Special clutch design enables light lever pull. Primary damper mechanism with friction springs suppresses engine torque fluctuations, ensuring smooth running
- Large-capacity radiators with high heat-exchange efficiency for strong performance in demanding off-road conditions
- Electric fan and thermostat control engine temperature in harsh conditions
- ECU with dedicated settings
- Noise emissions minimized via covers on the left and right crank cases
- Powerful AC generator for street-legal lighting
- Air cleaner box
- Dedicated single-muffler exhaust system provides great sound while meeting emissions requirements
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
- Aluminum twin-spar frame designed for nimble-yet-stable handling on trails
- Subframe designed to ensure optimum rigidity balance appropriate for carrying tools
- 49 mm Showa fork with dedicated settings for trail-to-trail riding
- Shock based on that of the CRF450R but with dedicated settings and link ratio for off-road riding
- Front brake uses design from CRF450R, but with additional fade resistance thanks to thicker discs and large-capacity reservoir
- Endless sealed chain withstands the elements
- Front and rear sprockets, produced in durable steel material, feature damper system for smooth, quiet running
- Urethane injection in swingarm to reduce road noise
- Fuel tank cap with a cut-off valve prevents fuel from flowing out of tank if the bike is on its side
- LED turn signals with flexible mounts for durability
- Easily accessible electronic component box on left side of the frame
- Black 7/8” Renthal handlebar with red pad
- Compact, lightweight handlebar switches
- In-mold graphics are resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion
- IRC GP-21F/GP-22R tires provide great balance of on- and off-road performance
- Black rims for strong presence
2023 Honda CRF450RL – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $9999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ 12499 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
ENGINE
Type 449.7 cc liquid-cooled 10º single-cylinder four-stroke
Valve Train Unicam® OHC, four-valve
Bore x Stroke 96.0 mm x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio 12.0:1
Induction Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 46 mm throttle bore
Ignition Full transistorized
Starter Push-button electric starter
Transmission 6-speed wide ratio; manual
Clutch Multiplate wet (6 springs)
Final Drive #520 sealed chain; 13T/51T
SUSPENSION
Front 49 mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork w/ 12.0 in. travel
Rear Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock w/ 11.8 in. wheel travel
BRAKES
Front 2-piston caliper hydraulic; single 260 mm disc
Rear 1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240 mm disc
TIRES
Front IRC GP21 80/100-21 w/ tube
Rear IRC GP22 120/80-18 w/ tube
MEASUREMENTS
Rake (Caster Angle) 28.5°
Trail 122 mm (4.8 in.)
Length 89.6 in.
Width 33.3 in.
Height 49.9 in.
Ground Clearance 12.6 in.
Seat Height 37.2 in.
Wheelbase 58.9 in.
Fuel Capacity 2.0 gal.
Color Red
Curb Weight* 291 lbs.
2023 Honda CRF450RL – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine type Liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement 449 cc
Bore & stroke 96 mm x 62.1 mm
Compression ratio 12.0:1
Valve train Unicam, 4 valves
Fuel delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 44 mm throttle bore
Transmission Six-speed
Final drive #520 chain; 13T/51T
Chassis & Suspension
Front suspension 49 mm inverted Showa fork with rebound and compression damping adjustability; 268 mm (10.6 in) travel.
Rear suspension Pro-Link® system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 300 mm (11.8 in) travel
Dimensions & Additional Information
Tires Front: 80/100 – 21 Rear: 120/80 – 18
Brakes Front: 260 mm disc Rear: 240 mm disc
Ground clearance 315 mm (12.4 in)
Seat height 940 mm (37 in)
Wheelbase 1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Curb weight 131 kg (289 lb.)
Fuel capacity 7.6 litres
Colour Extreme Red
Warranty 12 months, unlimited mileage
2023 Honda CRF450RL – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
