2023 Honda CRF450X: MOTOCROSS POWER, OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE.
Introducing the 2023 Honda CRF450X…
The Honda CRF450X may look like our CRF450R motocrosser (especially since we’ve updated the graphics this year), but look a little closer and you’ll see it’s really a totally different machine built especially for off-road, cross-country competition—think Baja 1000, or WORCs racing. It’s true that the CRF450X and our “R” model motocrossers share the same Unicam® engine architecture, but the CRF450X gets a wide-ratio six-speed transmission and a chassis featuring steering geometry more suited for off-road riding. Plus, there are plenty of other specialized touches too, like an 18-inch rear wheel for better off-road tire choice, a standard sidestand and hand guards, different ECU and fuel-injection settings, larger fuel tank, skid plate and more. East coast, west coast, and everywhere in between, the CRF450X rules the roost!
The undisputed King of the Baja 1000, Honda’s bulletproof CRF450X has a record 15 wins in the legendary off-road event, the most recent coming in the 2021 edition at the hands of SLR Honda riders Justin Morgan, Mark Samuels, Kendall Norman and Brandon Prieto. Also campaigned in the AMA NHHA series by JCR Honda rider Preston Campbell, the CRF450X is also an excellent trail machine, thanks in part to its 50-state year-round off-road-legal status, plus off-road appropriate features like a side stand, 18-inch rear wheel, headlight, sealed chain and six-speed transmission.
2023 Honda CRF450X Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Base Features
- 450cc liquid-cooled Unicam® single-cylinder engine
- Fuel injection
- Electric starter
- Twin-sump lubrication
- Twin-spar aluminum frame
- 21-inch front/18-inch rear wheels
- Six-speed transmission
- Handguards
- Lithium-ion battery
- Lightweight, protective handguards defend against shrubbery when riding down tight trails or wood sections
- Lightweight, 2.0 gallon titanium fuel tank enables extended rides
- Aluminum side stand facilitates trailside stops
- 18-inch rear wheel enables tall tire sidewall for optimum traction in technical conditions
- Lightweight, compact digital meter with black characters on a white liquid-crystal background is easily legible while riding
- Off-road-ready, emissions-compliant muffler with spark arrestor
- Endless sealed chain withstands the elements
- Lightweight, compact halogen headlight and LED taillight extend riding time
Honda Celebrates 50 Years of Motocross With 2023 CRF450R
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 CRF450X Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
- 449.7 cc Unicam® engine specially tailored for off-road riding
- Finger rocker arm contributes to compact layout, while its dedicated design attains off-road-appropriate 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
- Piston with three-ring design
- Wide-ratio six-speed transmission is ready for a wide variety of off-road terrain. Construction from high-strength material ensures durability in demanding conditions
- Special clutch design enables light lever pull. Primary damper mechanism with friction springs suppresses engine torque fluctuations for smooth running
- Large-capacity radiators with high heat-exchange efficiency for strong performance in demanding off-road conditions
- ECU with dedicated settings
- Specially developed exhaust system with optimized pipe length and diameter for excellent responsiveness at low rpm
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
- Aluminum twin-spar frame designed for nimble yet stable handling on trails
- 49 mm Showa fork with dedicated settings for challenging terrain
- CRF450R-inspired front brake but with dedicated master cylinder and hose for off-road-appropriate braking performance
- Lightweight lithium-ion battery with increased capacity compared to CRF450R, to power lighting
- Front and rear sprockets feature damper system for smooth, quiet running
- Fuel-tank cap with cut-off valve prevents fuel from flowing out of tank if the bike is on its side
- Easily accessible electronic component box on left side of frame
- Gray metallic Renthal handlebar with red pad
- Compact, lightweight handlebar switches
- In-mold graphics last long and are resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion
- Fork protectors are shaped to prevent damage in off-road riding
- Dunlop MX52 tires provide excellent traction and feel in wide range of conditions
2023 Honda CRF450X – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $9799 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ 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); 46mm 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 49mm 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 Single 2-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 260 mm disc
Rear Single 2-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 240 mm disc
TIRES
Front Dunlop Geomax AT81 80/100-21 w/ tube
Rear Dunlop Geomax AT81 110/100-18 w/ tube
MEASUREMENTS
Rake (Caster Angle) 28.6º
Trail 143 mm (5.6 in)
Length 86.3 in.
Width 33.3 in.
Height 50.3 in.
Ground Clearance 13.1 in.
Seat Height 37.9 in.
Wheelbase 58.7 in.
Fuel Capacity 2.0 gal.
Curb Weight* 275 lbs.
OTHER
Color Red
2023 Honda CRF450X – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
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2023 Honda CRF450X – 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).
