Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2027 Honda CRF450RL: STREET LEGAL. TRAIL READY.
Introducing the 2027 Honda CRF450RL…
Combining the thrill of high-performance off-road riding with street-legal versatility, the CRF450RL is built for real-world adventure. Based on Honda’s legendary CRF450R motocross platform, it delivers a 449cc engine, precision suspension, and rugged durability—ready to tackle technical forest trails, open desert terrain or paved connectors, with confidence and excitement.
Built for riders who want serious off-road performance without sacrificing street-legal freedom, the CRF450RL is rugged, responsive, and ready for real adventure. With high-performance roots and an agile chassis inspired by the CRF450R platform, it delivers dual-sport versatility, factory handguards and a wide-ratio six-speed transmission. Add fresh 2027 styling, and you’ve got a bike that’s just as capable on the trail as it is getting there.
2027 Honda CRF450RL Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 450cc liquid-cooled Unicam single-cylinder engine
- Wide-ratio six-speed transmission
- 49mm inverted Showa® spring fork
- Race-inspired graphics
- Fully street lega
HISTORY
Introduced for the 2019 model year, the CRF450L (as it was called at the time) was developed to be a street-legal version of the CRF450R motocrosser. Continuing a rich heritage of capable Honda dual-sport models like the XL series, this machine has always incorporated elements necessary for legal, comfortable on-road use while retaining impressive performance in the dirt. For 2021, the model gained plastic handguards for off-road protection and was renamed CRF450RL, emphasizing both its street-legal readiness and race-inspired heritage.
NEW FOR 2027
- New tricolor livery reinforces and unifies the Honda Racing brand identity.
- New fork oil from SS17 to SS37.
Completely redesigned CRF450 Performance Models Headline Honda’s 2027 Off-Road Announcement
In an extensive new-model announcement today, Honda unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its 2027 CRF450 Performance models, highlighted by the most comprehensive update to the CRF450R in a decade. Developed with direct input from HRC’s factory racing programs, Honda’s new flagship motocrosser combines a lighter, more powerful engine with comprehensive chassis and suspension revisions for a more capable, more confidence-inspiring race machine that gives riders a clear competitive edge.
The announcement spans the brand’s complete dirt bike portfolio. The same improvements to the CRF450R extend to its HRC WORKS EDITION and RX siblings, while the CRF250R, CRF250R HRC WORKS EDITION and CRF250RX receive targeted updates. Also returning are the trail-and-tarmac CRF450RL and the Baja-dominating CRF450X. Meanwhile, the CRF Trail family continues to spread the love of off-road adventure far and wide.
“Off-road riding is in Honda’s DNA, and our fully revamped 2027 450 CRF Performance models—developed alongside HRC’s factory racing programs—reflect everything we’ve learned at the highest levels of competition,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “That philosophy extends across Honda’s broader off-road lineup, from our three updated CRF250 models to the dual-sport CRF450RL, the rugged CRF450X, and the CRF Trail family that introduces new riders to the sport. Whether you’re chasing championships, exploring the backcountry on the weekend, or getting your young riders started on two wheels, there’s a CRF that’s just right for you.”
2027 Honda CRF450RL Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
DESIGN / STYLING
The CRF450RL’s aggressive styling reflects its dual-sport purpose, combining motocross-inspired lines with rugged, trail-ready details. The new red, white and blue color scheme highlights Honda’s racing heritage, while off-road- and street-legal-focused functional elements reinforce its dual-sport purpose.
For example, a high-intensity LED headlight, flexible turn signals, rear-view mirrors and horn deliver street compliance; a compact electronic-component box is situated on the left side of the subframe. A lightweight aluminum side stand and handguards offer convenience and protection on long rides, while a locking fuel cap with cut-off valve minimizes spillage during tip-overs. The black 7/8-inch Renthal® handlebar is fitted with a pad.
Several design features keep sound to a minimum for comfortable riding, including a urethan-injected swingarm and covers on the left and right crank cases.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CRF450RL’s 450cc Unicam® engine delivers smooth, tractable power across technical trails and highway sections alike. High crank inertia and a primary damper reduce stalling and torque fluctuations, giving riders confidence in challenging terrain. Bore and stroke are 96.0mm x 62.1mm, and the piston uses three rings for the durability demanded in the intended application. The compression ratio is 12.0:1.
The four-valve cylinder head features finger rocker arms on the inlet valves, optimizing layout and power characteristics for both on- and off-road use. The arms feature a DLC surface treatment to minimize friction, and dedicated valve timing makes for a smooth and predictable power delivery, ideal for technical riding. The valve springs have an oval cross section, and valve angle is 9° intake/10.5° exhaust.
The programmed electronic fuel-injection system features 46mm throttle bodies. The muffler features a three-chamber return structure and incorporates a catalyzer, spark arrestor and evaporative-control canister.
The clutch features seven friction discs, with 2mm-thick clutch plates that efficiently dissipate heat. Large-capacity radiators and an electric fan keep the engine cool, while the lithium-ion battery and AC generator reliably power street-legal lighting and electronics. A wide-ratio six-speed transmission—including a tall sixth gear—ensures comfortable cruising and precise control off-road. The ECU is tuned with dedicated settings for off-road performance.
The endless sealed 520 chain is protected by a plastic guard. The 13-tooth front sprocket and 51-tooth rear sprocket are made from a durable steel material, and both incorporate a special damper system for smooth, quiet operation.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The Honda CRF450RL features an aluminum twin-spar frame designed for nimble yet stable handling on trails, ensuring confidence in technical sections while maintaining stability at higher speeds. The subframe is engineered for optimal rigidity, offering enough strength for the required lighting equipment and aluminum license-plate holder, while still contributing to the bike’s light weight.
Rake and trail are set at 28.5° and 4.8 inches (compared to 27.3º and 4.53 inches for the CRF450R), and the 58.9-inch wheelbase is .6 inches longer than that of the motocrosser, for greater stability off-road. Curb weight is 289 pounds (including all required fluids and a full tank of fuel), and seat height is 37.2 inches.
The 49mm inverted Showa coil-spring fork is adjustable for both rebound and compression damping, and it’s specially tuned for dual-sport riding. The Pro-Link® rear-suspension system uses a single Showa shock absorber that has off-road-specific settings and link ratio; the shock is adjustable for high- and low-speed compression, as well as preload.
The front and rear black D.I.D rims are sized 21 and 18 inches—the latter allowing for a tall sidewall that is compliant over rocks and roots. IRC GP tires strike a balance of on- and off-road performance.
Front-brake duties are handled by a two-piston hydraulic caliper with a thick, 260mm petal-style rotor and a large-capacity reservoir, for effective heat dissipation, power and feel. The single-piston rear caliper is matched with a 240mm petal-style disc.
2027 Honda CRF450RL – Totalmotorcycle.com Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ 10,199 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Valvetrain | OHC Unicam®; four valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0mm x 62.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Induction | Programmed electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI); 46mm throttle body |
| Ignition | Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI) |
| Starter | Push-button electric starter |
| Transmission | Six-speed wide-ratio manual |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet |
| Final Drive | #520 sealed chain; 13T/51T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 49mm Showa inverted telescopic coil-spring fork w/ adjustable compression/rebound damping; 12.0-inch travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link® system; single Showa shock absorber w/ adjustable preload and compression/rebound; 11.8-inch wheel travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | Single dual-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 260mm disc |
| Rear | Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 240mm disc |
| TIRES | |
| Front | IRC GP21 80/100-21 tube-type |
| Rear | IRC GP22 120/80-18 tube-type |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake | 28.5° |
| Trail | 4.8 inches (122mm) |
| Length | 89.6 inches |
| Width | 33.3 inches |
| Height | 49.9 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 12.6 inches |
| Seat Height | 37.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 58.9 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gallons |
| Curb Weight* | 289 pounds |
| OTHER | |
| Color | Red |
| Warranty | 1 year |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Specifications subject to change
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
