2026 Honda CRF450RX Review

Built on the race-proven CRF450R platform, the CRF450RX is loaded with off-road essentials like terrain-taming Showa suspension and an 18-inch rear wheel. From tight trails to wide open spaces, this bike delivers podium-grade performance with Honda’s signature durability. Fast. Tough. Ready for wherever the course takes you.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2026 Honda CRF450RX: FAST AND TOUGH.

Introducing the 2026 Honda CRF450RX…

With an ideal blend of motocross performance and trail-focused features, the CRF450RX is a highly capable machine for closed-course off-road series like GNCC, NGPC and WORCS. With features like a larger nylon fuel tank, handguards, a side stand and dedicated suspension and ECU settings, this motorcycle is a popular choice with teams like SLR Honda, Phoenix Racing Honda and JCR Honda.

Track built. Trail tuned.
Built on the race-proven CRF450R platform, the CRF450RX is loaded with off-road essentials like terrain-taming Showa suspension and an 18-inch rear wheel. From tight trails to wide open spaces, this bike delivers podium-grade performance with Honda’s signature durability. Fast. Tough. Ready for wherever the course takes you.

2026 Honda CRF450RX Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• 450cc liquid-cooled Unicam single-cylinder engine
• Close-ratio five-speed transmission
• Twin-spar aluminum frame
• Showa® suspension
• Factory handguards
• 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; 12.1-inch travel
• Seat Height
  37.7 inches
• Curb Weight
  256 pounds (ready to ride)

  450cc Unicam® engine
  Honda’s Unicam® cylinder heads combine single- and double-overhead-cam designs to create a compact engine with a narrow valve angle. This allows for a higher compression ratio and lower center of gravity.

  18-inch rear wheel
  Designed for enduro use, the 18-inch rear wheel and tire combo provides better bump absorption and a broader contact patch to smooth out the roots, ruts, and rocks that come with off-road riding.

  Hydraulic clutch
  This bike has a hydraulically actuated Nissin clutch, which is the same design as our Grand Prix MX machines and has a ten percent lighter pull. Plus, you won’t need to make clutch-cable adjustments, even during long events.

  Larger fuel tank
  We gave the RX a bigger, 2.1-gallon resin fuel tank. This will allow for fewer fuel stops, which can save valuable time over the course of a longer enduro.

HISTORY
Introduced for model-year 2017, the CRF450RX was based on the CRF450R motocrosser but developed for closed-course off-road racing. The model was updated for 2019, with a new cylinder head, a refined oil-management system, new ECU settings, HRC launch control, a Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar, black rims and redesigned fork protectors. For model-year 2021, the CRF450RX benefited from improved power and handling, plus the addition of handguards and a revised fuel tank. Honda gave most of the CRF Performance family a makeover for 2025, with updates to the CRF450RX focused on chassis-rigidity optimization, plus a new airbox, header pipe, ECU mapping, suspension valving and bodywork.

OFF-ROAD-SPECIFIC FEATURES
Compared to the CRF450R motocrosser, the CRF450RX has the following differences:

• A resin 2.1-gallon fuel tank (instead of the R model’s 1.7-gallon titanium cell) provides enough range to compete in closed-course off-road competition.
• Front and rear suspension have dedicated settings developed specifically for the closed-course off-road application, for good compliance over technical terrain like rocks and roots.
• The CRF450RX’s ECU features a different fuel-injection map, with settings that deliver a smooth spread of power, maximizing traction in slippery, off-road conditions.
• Whereas the CRF450R has a 19-inch rear wheel, the CRF450RX has an 18-inch rear wheel, for a taller tire sidewall that better absorbs obstacles typically encountered off-road. In addition, front and rear tires are Dunlop Geomax AT81, which offer all-around performance, plus high levels of ruggedness for off-road racing and riding.
• The CRF450RX comes standard with plastic hand guards, to help fend off trailside bushes and brush.
• A 50-tooth rear sprocket (compared to the R’s 49) adapts the gearing for technical off-road conditions.
• The model also has an aluminum side stand, which facilitates parking away from the pits but tucks out of the way when not in use.

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 CRF450RX Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

450cc Unicam® engine
Honda’s Unicam® cylinder heads combine single- and double-overhead-cam designs to create a compact engine with a narrow valve angle. This allows for a higher compression ratio and lower center of gravity.

Decompression system
Compared to the previous generation, our engineers improved the motorcycle’s auto-decompression hardware, moving it from the right side of the cam to the left. This results in less stalling at low rpms and better rideability, especially when turning.

Cylinder head
Together with the single-muffler exhaust, the oval-shaped centralized exhaust port boosts power from 5000 rpm up and increases exhaust efficiency.

Downdraft fuel injection
The bike features a downdraft intake tract and fuel-injection body to help increase power and fuel-metering precision. This is part of the reason it offers such explosive power and massive torque.

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

Fuel injection body position
By steepening the angle from 30 to 60 degrees, the injector sprays fuel directly to the throttle butterfly. The engine gets a cooler, denser fuel charge, which produces more power and better torque.

13.5:1 compression ratio
The cylinder head features a highly refined combustion-chamber shape and generous squish for increased power and torque throughout the rpm range.

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.

Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires
Dunlop’s Geomax AT81 tires are specifically designed for Enduro use. They are spec’d at 21 inches for the front and 18 inches for the rear.

Battery box
The battery box is positioned low for an improved center of gravity. It’s also easy to service and watertight, so there’s less to worry about when racing in wet conditions.

Showa® spring fork
The 49mm Showa® fork is specially tuned for off-road racing and features a conventional spring design that helps increase front-suspension precision, handling, and feel.

Rear suspension
We’ve optimized the shape of the rear shock to match the frame design and gave it settings to work with the Enduro-tuned chassis.

18-inch rear wheel
Designed for enduro use, the 18-inch rear wheel and tire combo provides better bump absorption and a broader contact patch to smooth out the roots, ruts, and rocks that come with off-road riding.

260mm front brake
The large front brake disc measures a whopping 260mm. It offers great brake feel and a pattern that reduces weight, while the caliper is designed to reduce lever fade. A front brake-disc guard is also part of the package.

Renthal Fatbar
The Renthal aluminum Fatbar features a bend superior to the Honda “CR” bar, making it the new standard in excellence. You will love it!

Swingarm
The swingarm uses a special fabrication technique that lets us fine-tune the flex to work with the chassis and give you better rear traction and cornering precision.

Hydraulic clutch
This bike has a hydraulically actuated Nissin clutch, which is the same design as our Grand Prix MX machines and has a ten percent lighter pull. You won’t need to make clutch-cable adjustments, even during long events.

Airbox and filter
The air filter and airbox shape improve torque delivery. The filter can be accessed through the left number plate, and the intake boot’s filter interface has no rubber gasket, making it easier and less messy to clean and service.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
Changing terrain requires changing power characteristics. No worries: This bike features our Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). Depending on the available traction, you can choose from one of three settings to dial your bike in perfectly.

Larger fuel tank
We gave the RX a bigger, 2.1-gallon resin fuel tank. This will allow for fewer fuel stops, which can save valuable time over the course of a longer enduro.

Skid plate
A factory skid plate is light and offers the kind of engine and lower-frame protection that a racer demands.

Race styling
Like our factory racebikes, the CRF logo is stacked and features our “in-mold” graphics, designed to remain durable after repeated track sessions and cleaning.

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

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.

Lower seat/narrower body
Fine-tuning the seat height and narrowing the bodywork makes it easier for you to move around on the bike and helps enhance rider comfort.

Sidestand
Real enduro bikes need a sidestand, and we’ve given this bike a great one. Because there’s no muffler on the left side, we have tucked the sidestand closer when it’s folded for better clearance.

Factory handguards
Fully integrated handguards attach right to the control-lever pivots, are color-matched to your new bike, and are even vented.

Seat accessibility
Compared to the previous generation, we moved the attaching bolts from the rear to the front and the tongue from the front to the rear. The result? When it’s time for service, removing and re-installing your seat is easier than ever.

Flat seat/tank junction
It features a smooth seat/tank junction. The superior ergonomics make moving forward and back on the bike easier, increasing your control.

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 handlebar-mounted button, allowing you to effortlessly 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 mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and let the bike do the rest. Trust us when we say it will give you a significant advantage as you head into the first turn.

STYLING / DESIGN
The standard CRF450R is known for its excellent ergonomics; the CRF450RX retains those, but adds features designed specifically for closed-course off-road racing. 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 CRF450RX’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 2.1-gallon fuel tank is made of resin.

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 CRF450RX 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 Honda-supported off-road teams were seeking, the signature Unicam engine uses selectable ECU maps that offer a smooth delivery while also delivering strong torque and power throughout the rev range.

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 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 options for a strong start, with 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 standard CRF450R is known for its precise handling and overall rideability; those characteristics, which are also welcome in the gnarly conditions encountered in closed-course off-road competition, carry over to the CRF450RX.

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. As with the standard CRF450R, 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 CRF450RX comes with Dunlop’s AT81 tires, designed for all-around performance across a variety of off-road terrain.

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 CRF450RX – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $12,857 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 CRF450RX – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

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

Specifications subject to change

2026 Honda CRF450RX – 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