Dirt Bikes

2025 Honda CRF450R Technical Information

Features and specifications of Honda’s MY25 flagship motocross bike.

July 16, 2024

Team Honda HRC and the flagship CRF450R have won everything there is to win in America. Both the 2023 and 2024 AMA Supercross titles, to the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross crown, and even the inaugural SuperMotocross (SMX) World Championship which culminated at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Win streaks are great, and the equipment is obviously quite competitive, so where does Honda go from there?

2025 brings a newfound philosophy to the CRF450R package. Instead of betting on something entirely new, Honda focused on improving an already-refined base. Read on to learn more about the 2025 Honda CRF450R, which retails for $9,699.

Ready to ride: The 2025 Honda CRF450R. With an official media introduction at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Dirt Rider was on hand to spin some of the first laps on the new machine.Honda

New plastics and vertical radiator shroud graphics are the most obvious updates, but there’s much more than meets the eye.Honda

Limited engine updates allowed Honda to further fine-tune an already competitive package. The fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc single-cylinder engine retains the same 96.0 x 62.1mm bore and stroke, as well as the same 13.5:1 compression ratio and signature Honda Unicam valve train as the preceding model.Honda

A longer head pipe is the most obvious change, but new ECU settings lurk within as well. The longer exhaust header is claimed to provide more controllable low-end to midrange delivery.Honda

Hydraulic clutch actuation and a standard skid plate to protect the frame rails return for 2025. The oil filter is located near the front of the gray ignition cover, and is easiest to service with the skid plate removed.Honda

The gray-painted clutch cover matches the ignition cover in hue. From this angle, one can see the detailed curvature of the header resonance design.Honda

A completely redesigned airbox provides a more direct path for airflow. One large vent, found only on this left side, allows the CRF450R to breathe. Air filter visual checkups are easy, but use caution when washing your new bike as the filter is more exposed than ever.Honda

Some things that aren’t exposed are the frame rails, water pump, and ignition cover. Honda is one of the few manufacturers who include underside protection in stock trim.Honda

The brushed aluminum exhaust can on the CRF450R muffler. Both the CRF450R and CRF450RX cross-country racer feature a similar design, whereas the CRF450RWE up-spec motocrosser returns for 2025 with a proprietary Yoshimura system.Honda

The black battery box, located between the hydraulic clutch slave cylinder and frame rail, returns for 2025 in a similar location. The ECU, on the other hand, can now be found behind the left side panel for easier access and increased protection from the elements.Honda

Similar controls and rider aids return for 2025. The kill switch (red), Engine Mode Select Button (blue), and Honda Selectable Torque Control (green) buttons all occupy the same module on the clutch side. With three engine maps, three traction control settings, and three settings of HRC launch control to choose from, CRF450R riders have a variety of settings to test. The black engine start button can be found on the throttle side.Honda

The front end of the 2025 Honda CRF450R receives numerous updates. Not only is the Showa 49mm coil-spring fork updated, but key dimensions are also claimed to increase rider comfort and chassis consistency.Honda

New-for-’25 fork lugs are shorter where the lower fork legs contact them. Front brake hanger and fork guard dimensions remain the same.Honda

Upper fork tubes are also new part numbers. Thicker in key areas to improve handling, outer dimensions remain the same. Fork spring rates return at 5.0 Nm, but new internals and oil height settings are big news for 2025.Honda

Out back, the shock is highly refined for 2025. The 16mm shock shaft and clevis design return. However, a new rising rate is said to improve bottoming resistance and a 52 Nm shock spring replaces last year’s 56 Nm.Honda

A new shock body is utilized on the 2025 Honda CRF450R. The forthcoming CRF450RWE retains the Showa A-Kit look and feel being equipped with one-off coatings and an 18mm shock shaft—a departure from the units found on the CRF450R and CRF450RX. The gray nut is the high-speed compression damping adjuster, and the silver screw housed inside is the low-speed compression damping adjuster.Honda

Rebound damping adjuster is located on the clevis, and easier to access once off a bike stand. A slight load allows the linkage room to clear your screwdriver. Speaking of linkage, for 2025, the pullrod returns to a one-piece design, increasing rigidity by a claimed 11 percent.Honda

At the outset, the 2025 Honda CRF450R frame doesn’t appear much different from its predecessors…Honda

Upon closer inspection, one realizes that the new frame is composed of 70 percent new components. From the subframe mounting locations to the shock mounts, even the downtube and gussets have been strategically stiffened.Honda

One can clearly see the stiffer subframe mount from this angle. Steel upper engine headstay brackets return for 2025. The northernmost 8mm bolt in this photo is one of two seat bolts: Honda uses a unique design where the seat slides backward into position, unlike most manufacturers who affix theirs from rear to front.Honda

Clean welds are a Honda trademark. Also in focus, the left-side steel engine headstay—behind which lies the 44mm throttle body and accompanying electronics.Honda

Front engine mount, complete with one strategic hole. How many R&D hours do you think went into this seemingly innocuous part?Honda

Redesigned chain slider for 2025. Gearing combination remains 13/49.Honda

Sunstar 49-tooth rear sprocket and a centrally indexed rear axle position. A black D.I.D 520 chain comes standard. Both the CRF450RX and CRF450RWE receive proprietary chains, best suited for each individual model.Honda

Unlike many other manufacturers’ designs, Honda’s swingarm pivot nut is located on the rear brake side. With plenty of adjustment, the rear brake pedal height can be fine-tuned for a variety of rider shapes and sizes.Honda

The 2025 Honda CRF450R triple clamps have been updated. Offset remains 22mm, but a longer steerer tube and lower clamp thickness are aimed at increasing predictability and front wheel accuracy.Honda

Thin and sleek radiator shrouds flank the 1.7-gallon titanium gas tank found on both the CRF450R and CRF450RWE. The cross-country-spec’d CRF450RX receives a larger 2.1-gallon resin fuel tank.Honda

Honda ergonomics are known to be class-leading, and the 2025 models appear right on par. The gripper texture of the seat and smooth lines enhance rider comfort and contact points.Honda

Even the side number plate panels feature this unique pattern. The red and black accents make the CRF model lines readily identifiable.Honda

Symmetry was the name of the game for 2025. Honda actually added thickness to the left side panel and airbox for better grip, while the radiator shrouds remain smooth and seamless.Honda

2025 Honda CRF450R cockpit. Note the hydraulic clutch line and throttle cables which route behind the red Renthal bar pad.Honda

Optional holes on the top triple clamp provide a total of four available handlebar positions. Utilized since 2019, this design accompanies the Renthal Fatbar 839-bend handlebar quite nicely.Honda

Silver front wheel hub and black D.I.D DirtStar rim, which features a 36-hole three-cross-spoke pattern. The 260mm solid front brake rotor returns for 2025…Honda

As does the black front rotor guard. New for 2025 is an updated front brake and front axle design. The Nissin dual-piston front brake caliper is said to reduce changes in lever play throughout the course of a moto. The front axle and new axle bolt were utilized to optimize rigidity and improve front-end feel.Honda

Rear brake returns unchanged, with a Nissin single-piston caliper and 240mm rear rotor. The rear wheel features a silver hub, black D.I.D DirtStar rim, and 32-hole two-cross-spoke pattern.Honda

Black D.I.D DirtStar rims are found on the CRF450R, combined with Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires. The CRF450RX gets an 18-inch rear wheel, while the CRF450RWE gets D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims. A 120/80-19 rear tire profile pairs with an 80/100-21 front.Honda

No wing, no prayer. Honda and the Red Riders are back for 2025 and beyond.Honda

New and improved, the 2025 Honda CRF450R hits dealership floors soon. With an MSRP of $9,699, it somehow retains 2024 pricing. Top Honda personnel—Yuichiro Ishii, powersports VP; Masato Morita, CRF product line chief engineer; and Takuya Suzuki, assistant chief engineer—made the journey to Ironman, their presence reiterating Honda’s commitment to the project. Combined with an awesome US-based crew, the Indiana experience was above and beyond.Honda

2025 Honda CRF450R Specs

MSRP:	$9,699
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
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; 12.4 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:	27.1°/4.5 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.2 in.
Claimed Seat Height:	38.0 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.7 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	245 lb.
Availability:	August 2024
Contact:	powersports.honda.com