Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2024 Honda CRF450RWE: SURGICALLY PRECISE.
Introducing the 2024 Honda CRF450RWE…
The CRF450WE (“Works Edition”) was designed and engineered with the singular focus of winning races and championships. In 2023, it accomplished that mission at the hands of Chase Sexton, winning six races en route to the AMA 450 Supercross Championship. This special-edition version takes the CRF450R platform to the next level with a long list of upgrades that have been tested and proven on the Team Honda HRC factory race machines. The knowledge gained from countless test days, top-qualifier positions, race wins and championships has been poured into the CRF450RWE and the result is a potent combination of efficient, useable power and surgically precise handling.
2024 Honda CRF450RWE Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Special Features
- Hand-ported cylinder head
- Premium DID DirtStar LT-X rims
- Yoshimura exhaust system
- Kashima and titanium oxide-coated lower fork legs
- Hinson clutch basket and cover
- RK gold chain
- Special ECU settings
- Throttle Jockey gripper seat
- Revalved suspension
- HRC decal package
- Twin Air filter
Base Features
- 450cc liquid-cooled Unicam single-cylinder engine
- Fuel injection
- Electric starter
- Hydraulic clutch
- Titanium fuel tank
- Light twin-spar aluminum frame
- Close-ratio five-speed transmission
- HRC launch control
- Selectable engine modes
American Honda Announces Return of Championship-Winning CRF Models
- CRF Performance lineup returns for 2024 with nine great models
- Four-model CRF Trail family is back, ready to deliver off-road fun
- Sport-naked CB300R and Pioneer 700 multipurpose side-by-side return
Following one of the most successful AMA Supercross seasons on record, with Team Honda HRC riders Chase Sexton, Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence sweeping all three championships, Honda’s iconic line of CRF Performance and Trail dirt bikes returns for the 2024 model year. Also included in the announcement is the return of the sport-naked CB300R and Pioneer 700 multipurpose side-by-side.
Between the CRF Performance and CRF Trail lineups, Honda offers a wide range of off-road motorcycles that covers nearly every category, from elite-level motocross to family-friendly trail riding. The CRF Performance line includes the CRF450R, CRF450RWE, CRF450R-S, CRF450RX, CRF450X, CRF450RL, CRF250R, CRF250RX and CRF150R, each of which are tailored to push the upper limits in its respective realm of off-road riding and racing. For riders seeking a more relaxed or beginner-friendly experience, the CRF Trail family—including the CRF250F, CRF125F, CRF110F and CRF50F—offer user-friendly design, unmatched reliability, ease of maintenance and hours of fun. In addition to the CRF models, the agile and responsive CB300R brings signature sport-naked styling for 2024, and rounding out the announcement is the middleweight Pioneer 700, a multipurpose side-by-side known for its endless versatility and capability.
“It’s been an unprecedented year for Honda and the CRF Performance line,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “Team Honda HRC has done an incredible job of showcasing just how capable Honda’s dirt bikes are. The knowledge gained from our championship-winning racing efforts trickles down to every model in the lineup, and even to the fun, friendly CRF Trail models, helping owners to make outdoor memories with family and friends.
We’re also pleased to welcome back the CB300R and the Pioneer 700 for 2024. We’re proud to deliver this diverse and capable range of products, offering customers numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors.”
2024 Honda CRF450RWE Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
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 12mm 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 strong-but-manageable power delivery on corner exits, for example, as well as resistance to stalling. Engineers followed the direction of Team Honda HRC by optimizing the cam profile for 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 strong torque at low rpm. Following feedback from HRC, the 44mm throttle body ensures smooth power delivery at low speed. In addition, the narrow intake port shape and long air funnel result in strong low-end torque and crisp 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. 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.
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. Frame rigidity is optimized, allowing the front and rear suspension components to move freely and avoid binding, improving stability and bump absorption.
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 optimized frame rigidity, the shock moves freely, minimizing harshness, while offering hold-up for big impacts and performance in ruts.
Front suspension comprises a 49mm inverted Showa coil-spring fork and a gas-liquid separation structure. The fork setting is paired with that of 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
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 Chase Sexton and Jett Lawrence.
2024 Honda CRF450RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $12,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 449.8cc liquid-cooled 10º single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Valve Train | Unicam® OHC, four-valve; 38mm intake, titanium; 31mm exhaust, steel |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0mm x 62.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Induction | Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 44mm 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 | 49mm 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 (30mm, 27mm) hydraulic; single 260mm disc |
| Rear | 1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240mm 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 | 114mm (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. |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Specifications subject to change
2024 Honda CRF450RWE – 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
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
2024 Honda CRF450RWE – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
NA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
