2025 Honda CRF450X Review

2025 Honda CRF450X
Don’t let the CRF450R-style graphics trick you—the 2025 CRF450X is a whole other animal, crafted for the wilds of off-road racing. Think Baja 1000. Think WORCs series. Sure, it borrows the Unicam® engine from the CRF-R lineup, but this beast packs a six-speed wide-ratio transmission and steering tuned for the trail.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications
2025 Honda CRF450X 2025 Honda CRF450X 2025 Honda CRF450X 2025 Honda CRF450X 2025 Honda CRF450X

2025 Honda CRF450X: OFF-ROAD DOMINANCE DEFINED.

Introducing the 2025 Honda CRF450X…

Known both for being bulletproof and for performing at a high level, Honda’s CRF450X—developed with extensive input from off-road legend Johnny Campbell—is the winningest motorcycle ever in the Baja 1000, with an incredible 16 victories in the grueling off-road event. As if that weren’t enough, the iconic model 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. It’s an impressive combination of attributes, confirming the unmatched versatility of the CRF450X.

Don’t let the CRF450R-style graphics trick you—the 2025 CRF450X is a whole other animal, crafted for the wilds of off-road racing. Think Baja 1000. Think WORCs series. Sure, it borrows the Unicam® engine from the CRF-R lineup, but this beast packs a six-speed wide-ratio transmission and steering tuned for the trail. It’s kitted out with an 18-inch rear wheel, a sidestand, hand guards, tailored ECU settings, a beefier fuel tank, and a skid plate that keeps it the king of the dirt. Plus, it’s California Green-Sticker compliant. This isn’t just any dirt bike—it’s a dirt-busting marvel.

 

 

2025 Honda CRF450X Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • 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
  • California green sticker legal
  • Endless sealed chain withstands the elements
  • Lightweight, compact halogen headlight and LED taillight extend riding time

 

 

 

2025 Honda CRF450X Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

  • 449.7cc 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
  • 49mm 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

 

ENGINEERING

WIDE-RATIO SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION
Having six speeds in the transmission, as opposed to a typical five on an MX bike, provides more versatility. This bike can handle everything from single track riding to wide-open Baja blasts.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
Conventional batteries can be heavy, but this premium battery is compact and lightweight, providing excellent performance for your bike.

INERTIA-TUNED CRANK
The bike has a unique crankshaft that differs from our MX and dual-sport models. The crankshaft’s weight and inertial characteristics play a big role in power delivery.

DUAL RADIATORS
The dual radiators feature a refined core for superior heat dissipation, while the coolant recovery tank is located in front of the engine between frame downtubes for improved center of gravity.

TITANIUM FUEL TANK
The premium titanium tank is durable and lightweight, with a capacity of 2.0 gallons.

SKID PLATE
The factory skid plate is light, yet it also offers the engine and lower-frame protection that serious riders demand on a machine like this.

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

ELECTRIC START
The electric start system ensures trouble-free starting. It drives the clutch side of the crankshaft, providing superior lubrication to starter gears while allowing a narrow engine with a short, strong crank.

GEAR-DRIVEN COUNTERBALANCER
The gear-driven counterbalancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump.

SIDESTAND
A sidestand may seem insignificant, but this forged alloy piece is an exceptional example of this bike’s attention to detail.

SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS
Placing the rider’s legs at the narrowest part of the frame helps improve comfort and handling.

FUEL MILEAGE METER
The fuel mileage meter is a key feature that displays current and average fuel mileage and fuel consumption and can show data in miles or kilometers. It’s in the same digital display as the speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, and clock.

CALIFORNIA GREEN-STICKER COMPLIANT
California riders can ride this bike off-road year-round in any open OHV area since it’s Green-Sticker compliant.

PERFORMANCE
450cc UNICAM® ENGINE
Honda’s Unicam® design creates a compact engine that saves weight. The included valve angle flattens the combustion chamber for easier ignition while the camshaft sits lower, making it more compact and lowering the center of gravity.

FUEL INJECTION
Our proven fuel injection system provides excellent torque, spot-on metering, and response, especially in the critical low-rpm range. Additionally, it automatically compensates for changes in elevation and weather.

TITANIUM INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVES
Lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves permit smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height.

HANDLING

TWIN-SPAR CHASSIS
The motorcycle has a lightweight, stiff, twin-spar aluminum chassis with excellent handling. It’s wider than the standard MX frame to fit the six-speed transmission.

DUNLOP MX52 TIRES
The Dunlop MX52 tires provide excellent off-road traction across various terrains and conditions, making them a critical component for on/off-road bikes.

LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY
The Unicam® engine’s compact design and our center-of-mass engineering reduce the bike’s weight and improve handling.

WORKS-STYLE FRONT BRAKE
Improved stopping power and handling thanks to the compact twin-piston front brake caliper, anodized aluminum brake pistons, and lightweight 260mm front disc that minimize unsprung weight.

WORKS-STYLE REAR BRAKE
An HRC works-style rear brake system uses a 240mm brake rotor that integrates with the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the need for a separate reservoir and hose.

18-INCH REAR WHEEL
The 18-inch rear wheel provides a great selection of off-road tires, and the black DID rims add to the aesthetic appeal.

STYLE

WORKS MX STYLING
The “X” graphics may remind you of our MX bikes because they’re derived from them, while the smooth bodywork makes it easy to move around, and the in-mold graphics look cool and are durable, too.

FACTORY HANDGUARDS
Designed exclusively for off-road riders and manufactured to Honda standards, these guards protect against rocks, branches, thorns, and brushes while giving the bike a polished look.

TECHNOLOGY
LIGHTING PACKAGE
It has a complete lighting package (headlight and taillight) for improved visibility in low-light conditions.

 

 

 

2025 Honda CRF450X – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Model  CRF450X
ENGINE
Type 449.7cc liquid-cooled 10º single-cylinder four-stroke
Valve Train Unicam® OHC, four-valve
Bore x Stroke 96.0mm x 62.1mm
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/ 260mm disc
Rear Single 2-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc
TIRES
Front Dunlop Geomax MX52 80/100-21 w/ tube
Rear Dunlop Geomax MX52 110/100-18 w/ tube
MEASUREMENTS
Rake (Caster Angle) 27.6º
Trail 143mm (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

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Specifications subject to change

 

 

 

 

2025 Honda CRF450X – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

 

 

 

2025 Honda CRF450X – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

 

 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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