2026 Honda CRF450R Review

Carrying half a century of race-winning DNA, with Unicam engine power, precision Showa suspension, and podium-proven durability, the CRF450R is everything you’d expect from Honda’s top-tier motocross weapon. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just a bike built to leave the competition in its roost.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2026 Honda CRF450R: TIME FOR NO GIMMICKS.

Introducing the 2026 Honda CRF450R…

Combining cutting-edge technology with unmatched performance, the CRF450R boasts a championship pedigree, as it was developed with significant input from Honda HRC Progressive riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence, as well as MXGP ace Tim Gajser. Delivering exceptional power and torque, along with industry-reference durability and ergonomics, the CRF450R is the ultimate motocross weapon.

450 reasons to Ride Red
Carrying half a century of race-winning DNA, with Unicam engine power, precision Showa suspension, and podium-proven durability, the CRF450R is everything you’d expect from Honda’s top-tier motocross weapon. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just a bike built to leave the competition in its roost.

2026 Honda CRF450R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 450cc liquid-cooled Unicam single-cylinder engine
• High-volume airbox
• Twin-spar aluminum frame
• Showa® spring fork
• Hydraulic clutch
• Engine Type
  450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
• Transmission
  Close-ratio five-speed
• Front Suspension
  49.0mm inverted Showa® fork; 12.2-inch travel
• Rear Suspension
  Pro-Link® Showa® single shock; 12.2-inch travel
• Seat Height
  37.8 inches
• Curb Weight
  249 pounds (ready to ride)

450cc Unicam® engine
The Unicam® cylinder head offers a compact, lightweight design with a narrow valve angle, which improves combustion chamber efficiency, increases compression ratio, and lowers the center of gravity.

Responsive frame
A superior frame is crucial for excellent handling, and the chassis delivers. It’s lightweight and responsive, with narrow main spars, and was designed with direct input from Team Honda HRC riders.

Hydraulic clutch
Inspired by our Grand Prix MX machines, the hydraulically actuated clutch offers a 10% lighter clutch lever pull compared to a cable equivalent. It also eliminates the need for adjustments, delivering optimal performance for even the longest motos.

Engine mode selection button
Customize your engine’s power delivery on the fly with the convenient left-side handlebar-mounted blue button, allowing you to easily switch between Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive modes to suit varying track conditions or rider preference.

HISTORY
Having established a reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance two-stroke motocrossers with its CR line—originally launched in 1973 with the legendary CR250M Elsinore—Honda introduced its first four-stroke motocrosser for the 2002 model year. An immediate hit, the CRF450R received performance updates for 2003, then a complete makeover in 2005, including a new frame, suspension and bodywork, resulting in a machine that was head-and-shoulders above its peers. For 2009, Honda brought fuel injection to the CRF450R, and revamped the model with a focus on weight savings.

In 2013, Honda introduced twin exhausts to its flagship motocrosser, along with several engine updates. The 2017 edition received a complete makeover, including electric start, and the 2021 model featured a slimmer profile and a return to a single exhaust. For 2023, Honda celebrated its motocross heritage by introducing a special 50th Anniversary Edition of the CRF450R.

The model has enjoyed success on the professional racing front, starting with Ricky Carmichael’s perfect AMA Pro Motocross season in 2004. More recently, Chase Sexton rode the CRF450R to the 2023 AMA Supercross crown, and Jett Lawrence secured the ’23 AMA Pro Motocross and ’24 AMA Supercross Championships, as well as the ’23 and ’24 SuperMotocross titles. The model has also earned a number of accolades in the FIM MXGP World Championship, with that crown going to Tim Gajser in 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

Updated Transalp and NC750X Lead Honda’s Product Announcement

• XL750 Transalp receives comfort- and convenience-focused changes for 2025
• Improved styling and handling for the NC750X DCT
• Also: Nine CRF Performance models confirmed for 2026 model year

American Honda today announced the return of two standout motorcycles for the 2025 model year: the XL750 Transalp and the NC750X DCT, both of which receive important updates. The ADV category is famously varied, and while these two models share a common class, they represent very different approaches to adventure.

Already popular after just one year on the U.S. market, the contemporary XL750 Transalp is a true adventure machine that is maneuverable and compact, ready to tackle dirt roads and backroads alike. It’s back for 2025 with revisions aimed at improving comfort and convenience, including better aerodynamics, lighting, instrumentation and suspension.

On the other end of the ADV spectrum is the NC750X DCT, long familiar with U.S. customers as an exceptionally comfortable commuter and weekend explorer—and improved for 2025 with refreshed styling, lighting, braking and more.

“The XL750 Transalp and NC750X DCT demonstrate Honda’s ability to appeal to the varying needs of powersports enthusiasts,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “While both machines are midsize adventure bikes, each is developed with a different application in mind—and each is extremely effective in its particular realm. That Honda not only offers both options, but has also improved them both for 2025, is just the latest example of our commitment to meeting the demands of any customer.”

Also included in this announcement are nine dirt-focused models returning for the 2026 model year. In the race-winning CRF Performance family are the Baja-dominating CRF450X, the closed-course off-road CRF250RX and CRF450RX, and the CRF450RL dual-sport bike, as well as the motocross-focused CRF450R, CRF450RWE, CRF250R, CRF250RWE and CRF150R.

2026 Honda CRF450R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

450cc Unicam® engine
The Unicam® cylinder head offers a compact, lightweight design with a narrow valve angle, which improves combustion chamber efficiency, increases compression ratio, and lowers the center of gravity.

Sealed airbox and filter
We’ve maximized torque output with a unique airbox shape and filter design. The filter is easily accessible and features a gasket-less design for quicker and easier cleaning and servicing.

Central-port cylinder head
The engine features an oval-shaped centralized exhaust port, which, along with the single-muffler exhaust, boosts power from 5000 rpm up and increases exhaust efficiency.

Titanium intake valves
Lightweight titanium intake valves reduce reciprocating mass and permit the use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height.

Fuel injection system
Meticulous details like the 60-degree angled fuel injector put this bike ahead of the competition. It delivers a cooler and denser fuel charge, increasing power and torque.

13.5:1 compression ratio
The combustion-chamber shape allows for a 13.5:1 compression ratio, producing superior power and efficiency, with a generous squish area.

Double-spray injector settings
The system sprays fuel twice per intake cycle for better atomization and increased power in the midrange and on overrev. You’ll feel it during your first race.

Single-pipe exhaust
The single-pipe header routes close to the center of the bike, and its light overall construction helps improve weight distribution. It also produces more controllable power in the low- and mid-rpm range than the previous generation.

Yoshimura exhaust
The CRF450RWE’s exhaust is another premium item. It uses a stainless header with a titanium mid-pipe and muffler made especially for us by Yoshimura. Super light and super trick, the exhaust tucks away for better ergonomics, too.

Exclusive works edition
The CRF450RWE Works Edition gets a hand-ported red cylinder head, Hinson clutch basket and cover, Twin Air filter, gripper seat cover, DID DirtStar LT-X rims, Yoshimura exhaust system, Kashima-coated fork legs, revalved suspension, an RK gold chain, special ECU settings, and black triple clamps.

Responsive frame
A superior frame is crucial for excellent handling, and the chassis delivers. It’s lightweight and responsive, with narrow main spars, and was designed with direct input from Team Honda HRC riders.

Tripleclamps, axle, and steering stem
Compared to the previous generation, we revised the tripleclamps, frame, fork, and steering stem for improved chassis rigidity and responsiveness to give the bike better cornering feel.

Showa® spring fork
A 49mm Showa® fork with a conventional spring, 39mm piston diameter, and 25mm rod diameter is designed to have a supple feel that still resists bottoming under heavy loads like big jumps, bumps, or ruts.

Rear suspension
A specially optimized rear shock has been tailored to the frame, complemented by a lightweight steel spring that maintains exceptional performance.

Light narrow frame
Experience faster cornering with the lightweight, superior chassis design, which maintains finely tuned lateral rigidity.

Narrow swingarm
Our swingarm design matches the chassis’ lateral rigidity for balanced frame stiffness. This allows for faster cornering and a better feel.

Lightweight subframe
The subframe is nearly three-quarters of a pound lighter than the last generation’s part. We’ve simplified its construction too.

Rear brake pads
Brakes do more than stop the bike. They help set up turns and jumps. Our brake pads last longer and provide more stopping power to help you win.

260mm front brake
The front brake disc measures 260mm, providing excellent brake feel and weight reduction. We’ve also included a guard to protect against roost and rocks.

Dunlop MX33 tires
Dunlop’s MX33 tires feature an intermediate design that works well in a wide variety of conditions, providing superior rider feedback and improved cornering grip.

Renthal Fatbar
Renthal’s aluminum Fatbar comes standard, featuring a bend superior to the Honda CR-bar, making it the new benchmark in excellence. You will love it!

Hydraulic clutch
Inspired by our Grand Prix MX machines, the hydraulically actuated clutch offers a 10% lighter clutch lever pull compared to a cable equivalent. It also eliminates the need for adjustments, delivering optimal performance for even the longest motos.

High-capacity radiator
A six-percent larger radiator compared to the previous generation provides the cooling capacity needed to sustain the engine’s high power output.

Gear-position engine mapping
The smart ECU delivers tailored engine mapping for each gear, giving riders the edge with optimal power for every track, turn, jump, and rut.

Eight-plate clutch assembly
The eight-plate clutch design delivers 85% less slip at peak horsepower and 27% more torque transmission than a seven-plate clutch. Due to the hydraulic actuation and super-strong spring lockup, it maintains a light clutch-lever pull.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
Easily control your bike’s traction with the left-side handlebar-mounted green button, activating our Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system. It offers three customizable settings to optimize your ride based on conditions or preference.

Titanium fuel tank
Every gram counts, so we gave the bike a titanium fuel tank. Light and strong, it’s also thinner than our previous plastic unit, freeing up more space and helping to centralize the fuel’s mass.

One-piece radiator shrouds
Our engineers used Computational Fluid Dynamics to fine-tune the radiator shrouds for increased cooling efficiency. The one-piece design ensures consistent power output and prevents overheating.

Slim bodywork
Slim bodywork gives the bike more freedom, while reduced fasteners allow for easier off-bike maintenance.

Stacked CRF logo
Like our factory racebikes, our CRF competition lineup features the vertically stacked CRF logos that look fast even sitting still.

HRC Throttle Jockey graphics
The CRF450RWE gets an exclusive Throttle Jockey graphics package inspired by our HRC works bikes, while the durable “in mold” graphics ensure long-lasting visual appeal even after intense track sessions and repeated cleaning.

Black rims
The DID DirtStar rims are lightweight and strong, while the black color looks good and is easy to clean.

Detailed bodywork mounting
It may seem small, but every second counts when you’re servicing your bike between motos. Fewer mounting bolts mean enhanced serviceability at the track or in your garage.

Electric starter
To keep the bike light, our engineers use an electric starter with a lithium-ion battery.

Engine mode selection button
Customize your engine’s power delivery on the fly with the convenient left-side handlebar-mounted blue button, allowing you to easily switch between Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive modes to suit varying track conditions or rider preference.

HRC launch control
This special ECU program allows you to select a start mode, then simply hold the throttle open and release the clutch, letting the bike do the rest. Trust us when we say it turns it into a holeshot-seeking machine!

STYLING / DESIGN
The standard CRF450R is known for its excellent ergonomics. The radiator shrouds and side plates promote freedom of movement thanks to a smooth, flat surface, and although the bike is notable for its slim profile, the side-plate profile is wide enough to provide good contact for gripping the bike. Cooling the CRF450R’s engine is crucial to maintaining performance and overall durability. Computational fluid dynamics were used to design the air-outlet vents in the shrouds, and the radiator grilles are optimized in terms of both the number of fins and the fin angle. Each radiator shroud is produced in a single piece.

The seat base has rearward-facing tongues and front-located mounting tabs, an arrangement that eases installation, and acceleration forces keep the seat securely in place. Maintenance is simple, with only eight fasteners used to secure the main bodywork components, including the radiator shrouds, side plates and seat, all with 8mm bolt heads.

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 26mm.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CRF450R 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 for strong-but-manageable power delivery on corner exits, as well as resistance to stalling. The cam profile is optimized for low-end torque. The cylinder-head cover is magnesium, with a thin-wall design for weight savings.

Intake
The airbox has a direct pathway for airflow, resulting in precise throttle control and excellent top-end power. 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 airbox is 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
The engine’s exhaust port is centrally located, has an oval shape and is very straight, creating efficient, usable power in the low-to-mid rpm range. The centralized exhaust-port location enables the exhaust header and muffler to be positioned close to the vehicle’s centerline for a slim profile, contributing to freedom of movement for the rider. The muffler is constructed with strong A6061-T6 aluminum for impact resistance and weight savings. A dual-resonator design optimizes power, while simultaneously minimizing noise.

Clutch
The clutch is hydraulically actuated and has eight plates and a large volume for good durability with minimal slippage and light lever pull.

Electronics
To mimic what the HRC factory riders were looking for, the engine uses selectable ECU maps that offer a smooth delivery while retaining strong torque and power throughout the rev range.

A gear-position sensor allows the use of three specific ignition maps for first and second gears, third and fourth gears, and fifth gear. There are options for Standard, Smooth and Aggressive ignition maps, selectable via a handlebar-mounted switch, enabling simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.

• Mode 1: Standard
• Mode 2: Smooth
• Mode 3: Aggressive

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. A handlebar-mounted switch allows selection between modes, depending on conditions and rider preference. The three different modes differ in drive-management level, for differing riding conditions or rider preferences:

• Mode 1: The system intervenes the least 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 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.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The CRF450R’s frame and suspension components are optimized for stability, comfort and precise handling. On the track, these advancements translate to a confidence-inspiring ride character, greater comfort and lower lap times for riders of all skill levels.

Frame / Subframe
The mainframe contributes to a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. Optimized torsional rigidity contributes to overall stability, while an ideal torsional/lateral rigidity ratio allows for precise cornering. Vertical torsional rigidity is designed to enhance stability in rough track conditions.

Perhaps counterintuitively, a relatively high overall frame rigidity helps give the model a compliant, composed ride character. The subframe mounting point is positioned at a rigid location on the mainframe, minimizing energy transmission from the rear of the motorcycle to the front, contributing to excellent stability and comfort.

Suspension
The 49mm inverted Showa coil-spring fork features kit-fork-inspired Bending Control Valves, and provides a consistent feel throughout the stroke, from initial movement to full compression, minimizing any harsh sensations. The outer fork tubes were developed in tandem with the steering stem and front axle to optimize rigidity for excellent bump-impact absorption and front-end feel, resulting in a comfortable, controlled ride.

The rear Pro-Link system has excellent bottoming resistance while preserving comfort over small bumps. The shock spring, reservoir, shaft and oil seal are designed to ensure a smooth, consistent feel throughout the stroke, complementing the frame and fork rigidity for an overall balanced performance. The shock absorber is easy to remove for service and adjustment, only requiring the removal of the side panels, muffler and ECU.

Wheels
Black D.I.D rims deliver durable performance and good looks. Petal-style brake rotors disperse heat, and a low-expansion front brake hose gives strong feel and consistent stopping power. The CRF450R 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.

Brakes
The front-brake caliper was developed based on feedback from Honda HRC Progressive riders, and it features two pistons (sized 30mm and 27mm), allowing for a smooth, linear feel that’s consistent throughout the race. The caliper also features machined accents. The rear brake has a single piston. The brake rotors (sized 260mm front, 240mm rear) have a petal design to disperse heat.

2026 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,699 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

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

2026 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

2026 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

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

Posted on Thursday, July 31st, 2025 by Michael Le Pard