2023 Honda CRF450RWE: FIFTY YEARS OF DOMINATION.
Introducing the 2023 Honda 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.
When Honda introduced the first CR250M Elsinore fifty years ago, we changed motocross forever. And for 2023, we’re launching three new ways for you to dominate on the track: the CRF450R, the CRF450RWE, and the limited edition 50th Anniversary 450R trim. Updates include changes to the intake tract to give the engine more low- and midrange torque – giving you faster corner exits and the ability to pull taller gears. The updated chassis is more robust at key points, resulting in better stability, optimized suspension performance, and improved handling. There’s even a new, stronger muffler.
And here’s the biggest news: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Honda Elsinore, we’re producing a special, limited run of the CRF450R complete with blue seat, gold handlebar and rims, commemorative graphics, and more.
Finally, there’s also our CRF450RWE (WE for Works Edition). It gets all the 2023 improvements plus special touches like a new, exclusive Yoshimura exhaust, Twin Air filter, Throttle Jockey seat cover, Hinson clutch basket and cover, premium DID DirtStar LT-X rims, Kashima and titanium oxide-coated fork, a red cylinder head cover, and hands-on touches like special cylinder-head porting.
We’ve put 50 years of know-how into our latest 450Rs. Choose your model, and let the winning commence.
2023 Honda CRF450RWE Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Compared to the CRF450R, the Works Edition version has several special components:
- Hinson clutch basket and cover
- New Yoshimura exhaust with stainless-steel header pipe and titanium muffler
- Twin Air air filter
- Throttle Jockey Team Honda HRC graphics
- Throttle Jockey seat cover
- Red cylinder-head cover
- Hand-polished cylinder ports
- D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims
- Kashima-coated outer fork tubes
- Titanium oxide-coated fork legs
- Titanium oxide-coated 18 mm shock shaft
- D.I.D-DM2 Gold chain
- Gray metallic coated triple clamps
- Renthal Kevlar grips
- Dedicated ignition and injection mapping
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 CRF450RWE Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
UPDATES FOR 2023
- Narrower intake-port shape and longer intake funnel, for improved engine response and torque, resulting in improved acceleration on corner exits.
- Cam profile is changed, further increasing torque.
- Throttle body diameter is reduced from 46 mm to 44 mm, for smoother power deliver at low speeds.
- Frame rigidity optimized by increasing material thickness at joint where horizontal braces meet down tube, and at upper shock mount, enabling freer functioning of front and rear suspension.
- Engine hangers changed from aluminum to steel, to match frame changes and improve front traction.
- Because changes to frame rigidity allow freer suspension movement, shock’s spring rate is increased without introducing harshness.
- Fork setting changed to match rear suspension and ensure front/rear balance.
- Radiator-shroud graphics feature new HRC logo.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CRF450RWE engine boasts exceptional bottom-end and midrange power and torque, making for a linear delivery that is strong but manageable, even as the rider tires, while peak power is also very good. A five-hole piston oil jet and dual 12 mm drum scavenge pump manage lubrication.
Cylinder Head: The design of the Unicam® cylinder head, with the decompressor system’s counterweight on the left end of the camshaft, contributes to combustion stability in the extremely low rpm range and for a strong-but-manageable power delivery on corner exits, for example, as well as resistance to stalling. For 2023, engineers followed the direction of Team Honda HRC by updating the cam profile for better low-end torque. The cylinder head of the CRF450RWE features hand-polished ports, delivering precise power characteristics. As before, the cylinder head cover is magnesium, with a thin-wall design for weight savings.
Intake: The CRF450RWE features a downdraft intake design that delivers strong, efficient power, and a large air boot (4.1 liters on the clean side of the air filter) achieves in strong torque at low rpm. Following feedback from HRC, the throttle body has a smaller diameter (44 mm instead of 46), for smoother power delivery at low speed. In addition, the intake port has a narrower shape, while the air funnel is longer, a combination that results in increased low-end torque and improved throttle response. The Works Edition is equipped with a TwinAir air filter, which is easily accessed with the removal of a single side-panel bolt. The 60º fuel-injector angle enables the spray to reach all the way to the back of the butterfly, thus cooling the upstream side of the intake path for maximum intake efficiency and torque feel.
Exhaust: True to its “Works Edition” name, the CRF450RWE is outfitted with a Yoshimura exhaust system, featuring a stainless-steel header pipe and titanium muffler. For 2023, the Yoshimura exhaust system utilizes a resonator to increase power and torque. The engine’s exhaust port is centrally located, has an oval shape and is very straight, optimizing exhaust efficiency and torque characteristics. With the engine’s central exhaust-port location, the exhaust header and muffler are positioned close to the vehicle’s centerline for a slim profile, contributing to freedom of movement for the rider.
Clutch: The clutch is hydraulically actuated and has eight plates and a large volume for good durability with minimal slippage and light lever pull. The Works Edition comes standard with a Hinson clutch basket and cover, further enhancing clutch performance.
Electronics: The CRF450RWE has dedicated ignition and injection mapping for refined power delivery. A gear-position sensor allows the use of three specific ignition maps for first and second, third and fourth, and fifth gears. There are options for Standard, Smooth and Aggressive ignition maps, selectable via an all-new handlebar-mounted switch, enabling simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
In addition, Honda Selectable Torque Control offers three levels of intervention. HSTC monitors rpm spikes and responds by temporarily reducing torque by retarding ignition timing and controlling PGM-FI to aid rear traction. The three different modes differ in drive-management level, for differing riding conditions or rider preferences:
- Mode 1: The system intervenes most lightly and waits the longest to do so—useful for reducing wheel-spin and maintaining control in tight corners.
- Mode 2: A midpoint between modes 1 and 3 in terms of how quickly and assertively the system intervenes.
- Mode 3: The system intervenes most quickly and assertively, which helps in conditions that are slippery or muddy.
The CRF450R’s handlebar-mounted switch allows selection between three modes, depending on conditions and rider preference. The HSTC system can also be switched off completely.
HRC Launch Control provides the best option for a strong start and also has three modes to choose from:
- Level 1: 9,500 rpm, for high-traction conditions and/or advanced riders
- Level 2: 8,500 rpm, for high-traction conditions and/or average riders
- Level 3: 8,250 rpm, for slippery conditions and/or novice riders
The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) alters the engine’s characteristics and three maps are available to suit riding conditions or rider preference:
- Mode 1: Standard
- Mode 2: Smooth
- Mode 3: Aggressive
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The motorcycle’s heavier components are positioned centrally and as low as possible for precise cornering without sacrificing high-speed tracking, and to achieve minimal squat under acceleration and negligible pitching during hard braking. For 2023, updates to the suspension settings and frame improve stability and turning.
Frame / Swingarm / Subframe: The frame uses narrow main spars and features optimized reinforcement ribbing on the backside of the pivot plate, contributing to the low frame weight of just 18.5 pounds. For 2023, frame rigidity has been optimized by increasing the thickness of the aluminum material at the joint where the twin horizontal braces meet the down tube, from 4 mm to 6 mm. Similarly, the material at the upper shock mount has been increased from 4 mm to 6 mm. These changes allow the front and rear suspension components to move more freely and avoid binding, improving stability and bump absorption. In addition, the engine hangers are now made from steel instead of aluminum, a switch that works with the revised frame rigidity to improve front traction.
As before, the subframe features a simple design that weighs just 2.0 pounds. The swingarm is narrow, providing good clearance in ruts, with rigidity tuned to maximize rear traction and cornering.
Suspension: As before, the Pro-Link® rear-suspension system uses a Showa shock absorber with adjusters on the right side and an ultra-light steel shock spring. Because of the updates to the frame rigidity, the shock now moves more freely, which allowed the switch to a stiffer spring rate (from 54N/mm to 56N/mm) without introducing harshness. Hold-up is improved as a result, for better performance in ruts.
Front suspension comprises a 49 mm inverted Showa® coil-spring fork and a gas-liquid separation structure. For 2023, the fork setting has been updated to the changes to the shock, for proper front-rear balance. The CRF450RWE’s lower fork legs and shock shaft are coated with titanium oxide to minimize stiction and improve ride quality, while the outer fork tubes are Kashima coated to enhance the Works Edition aesthetic. The upper and lower triple clamps are gray and are designed to offer a good rigidity balance for optimum handling and feel through corners.
Wheels: The CRF450RWE features robust D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims for increased handling performance and durability. Petal-style brake rotors disperse heat, and a low-expansion front brake hose gives strong feel and consistent stopping power. The CRF450RWE comes with Dunlop’s excellent Geomax MX33 tires, generally considered to be the industry standard for soft to intermediate terrain. Developed with the help of top motocross pros, MX33s feature technologies that deliver superior grip, slide control, bump absorption and durability.
DESIGN
As before, the CRF450RWE has slim bodywork, with a smooth junction of the radiator shroud and side panel, facilitating rider movement and cornering. Each radiator shroud is produced in a single piece instead of two separate parts, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were used to design air-outlet vents in the shrouds. The radiator grills optimize the number of fins and their angle, maximizing cooling performance.
The seat base has rearward-facing tongues and front-located mounting tabs, easing installation, and using acceleration forces to keep the seat securely in place. A special edition Throttle Jockey gripper seat cover comes standard on the CRF450RWE. The 1.7 gallon fuel tank is made of lightweight titanium.
Only eight fasteners are used to secure all of the main bodywork components—both radiator shrouds, both side panels and the seat, and all of the bolts for the main bodywork parts have 8 mm heads, simplifying maintenance.
A single switch cluster addresses several functions: engine stop, ride-modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The starter and HRC launch control are on the right side of the Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar. There are two locations for the handlebar clamp, and the clamp can be turned 180º; as a result, four different mounting positions are possible, through a range of 26 mm.
To complete the Works Edition package, the CRF450RWE comes with a red cylinder head cover, a D.I.D-DM2 gold chain and Throttle Jockey graphics, matching the Team Honda HRC factory machines of Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton.
2023 Honda CRF450RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $12399 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ 14499 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine type Liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement 449 cc
Bore & stroke 96 mm x 62.1 mm
Compression ratio 13.5:1
Valve train Unicam, 4 valves
Fuel delivery PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 44 mm throttle bore
Transmission Five-speed
Final drive #520 chain; 13T/49T
Chassis & Suspension
Front suspension 49 mm inverted Showa fork with rebound and compression damping adjustability; 273 mm (10.7 in) travel.
Rear suspension Pro-Link® system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 315 mm (12.4 in) travel
Dimensions & Additional Information
Tires Front: 80/100 – 21
Rear: 120/80 – 19
Brakes Front: 260 mm disc
Rear: 240 mm disc
Ground clearance 336 mm (13.2 in)
Seat height 965 mm (38 in)
Wheelbase 1,481 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight 111 kg (244 lb.)
Fuel capacity 6.3 litres
Colour Extreme Red
Warranty No warrranty
2023 Honda CRF450RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
ENGINE
Type 449.8 cc liquid-cooled 10º single-cylinder four-stroke
Valve Train Unicam® OHC, four-valve; 38 mm intake, titanium; 31 mm exhaust, steel
Bore x Stroke 96.0 mm x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio 13.5:1
Induction Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 44 mm throttle bore
Ignition Full transistorized
Starter Push-button electric starter
Transmission Constant-mesh 5-speed; manual
Clutch Multiplate wet, hydraulically actuated (6 springs, 8 plates)
Final Drive #520 RK gold chain; 13T/49T
SUSPENSION
Front 49 mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork; Kashima coating on fork tubes, titanium-nitride coating on fork legs; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 12.4 in. wheel travel
BRAKES
Front 2-piston caliper (30 mm, 27 mm) hydraulic; single 260 mm disc
Rear 1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240 mm disc
TIRES
Front Dunlop Geomax MX33 80/100-21 w/ tube
Rear Dunlop Geomax MX33120/80-19 w/ tube
MEASUREMENTS
Rake (Caster Angle) 27.1°
Trail 114 mm (4.48 in.)
Length 85.9 in.
Width 32.6 in.
Height 49.9 in.
Ground Clearance 13.2 in.
Seat Height 38.0 in.
Wheelbase 58.3 in.
Fuel Capacity 1.7 gal.
Color Red
Curb Weight* 245 lbs.
2023 Honda CRF450RWE – 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).
