Dirt Bikes

2026 Honda CRF450R Technical Overview

Features and specifications of Honda’s standard-model 450cc motocross bike for 2026.

Updated: November 14, 2025

Honda returns for another year with an extremely competitive CRF450R. After a successful debut of the 2025 model, which won Dirt Rider’s 450 Motocross Bike Comparison Test, the brand decided to leave well enough alone for 2026. Zero changes may sound like an interesting tactic, but holding steady both mechanically and financially may prove wise for the red riders. And retaining an identical MSRP of $9699 makes the CRF450R a bargain in the 450cc motocross bike market. Read on to learn more about the 2026 Honda CRF450R and for some stunning visuals captured by the lens of Jeff Allen.

Dirt Rider’s 2026 Honda CRF450R, photographed at Fox Raceway in Pala, California.Jeff Allen

450cc of fury! The fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc single-cylinder engine returns with the same 96.0mm bore and 62.1mm stroke. For riders who prefer engines with strong torque and crisp EFI, the CRF450R is right up your alley.Jeff Allen

We love oil windows for pre-ride spot checks, and Honda has us covered. The five-speed transmission is one of the most accurate-shifting in class.Jeff Allen

A center-port exhaust and built-in resonance chamber have come standard since 2021. Steel head pipe construction makes the assembly durable.Jeff Allen

The brushed aluminum muffler and end-cap provide plenty of space for packing: The CRF450R emits a pleasant exhaust note.Jeff Allen

Sankei manufactures the muffler, which is designed for closed-course competition only.Jeff Allen

An exceptionally small muffler opening looks more two-stroke than four-stroke: A majority of aftermarket systems feature larger outlets.Jeff Allen

Photographed with both the side panel and outer cover removed, the CRF450R’s air filter features a unique triangle-like design.Jeff Allen

Rider electronic aids are found on the Renthal Fatbar 839-bend handlebar. With three blue engine map options (standard [map 1], smooth [map 2], and aggressive [map 3]), three green levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a red kill button, as well as HRC Launch Control; Honda offers a setting for everyone.Jeff Allen

Electric starting is (mostly) commonplace in 2026, and the CRF450R comes to life at the push of this button.Jeff Allen

Related: 2025 Honda CRF450R Review

Clean welds can be found on Honda’s aluminum frame, which connects to the engine via steel upper hangers.Jeff Allen

The upper engine brackets are not symmetrical, and this left side shares photo space with the black box that houses the battery. A gray valve cover is one way the CRF450R differentiates itself from the CRF450RWE, which features a matte red metallic.Jeff Allen

The black battery box is located low and centrally in the CRF450R’s chassis: Mass centralization has been in Honda’s marketing vocabulary since 2006 with the introduction of twin pipes on the CRF250R.Jeff Allen

22mm offset triple clamps hold Showa 49mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork tubes. Raw aluminum on the CRF450R, a set of gray metallic triple clamps of the same flex character can be found on the CRF450RWE.Jeff Allen

Used in both 2025 and 2026, a one-piece pullrod design increased rigidity by 11% over the two-piece predecessor. Mated to a stiffer frame in 2025, overall handling improved immensely.Jeff Allen

Honda’s CRF frames are intricate by design: Even the dimensions near the footpeg brackets are heavily engineered.Jeff Allen

Steel footpegs feature sharp cleats for secure footwork. The open design sheds mud easily and rarely packs.Jeff Allen

Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires and D.I.D DirtStar rims are quality stock components.Jeff Allen

13/49 gearing transfers the CRF450R’s plentiful power to the back end. Rear sprocket is made by Sunstar.Jeff Allen

MY25 saw an updated front brake and front axle design that was claimed to optimize rigidity and improve front end feel; Honda nailed it! A Nissin dual-piston front brake caliper and solid 260mm rotor give the CRF450R strong pucker-power. Honda thoughtfully includes a front brake disc guard.Jeff Allen

Nissin handles the rear brake as well, with a single-piston caliper. A 240mm rear rotor and center-positioned axle allow for plenty of adjustment range.Jeff Allen

Black plastic skid plate fits nicely and protects the frame rails, engine cases, and water pump.Jeff Allen

DeCal Works preprinted number plate backgrounds fit perfectly. Honda CRFs always feature clean design lines and a striking red appearance.Jeff Allen

Even the shrouds remain the same for 2026. Blue and white accents contrast nicely with the all-red Honda plastic package. In-mold graphics do not peel or tear like stick-on stock graphics of the past.Jeff Allen

2025 and 2026 CRF450Rs may be identical everywhere else, but not on the frame tags!Jeff Allen

Available in dealerships now, the 2026 Honda CRF450R retails for $9699.Jeff Allen

2026 Honda CRF450R Specs

MSRP:	$9699
Engine:	SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	450cc
Bore x Stroke:	96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio:	13.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	52.6 hp @ 9700 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	33.7 lb.-ft. @ 6900 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Aluminum twin-spar
Front Suspension:	Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 120/80-19
Rake/Trail:	27.3°/4.5 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.1 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.7 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	247 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	powersports.honda.com