Dirt Bikes

2025 Honda CRF450RWE Technical Overview

Features and specifications of Honda’s MY25 Works Edition 450cc motocross bike.

January 1, 2025

Most of us consumers do not appreciate just how dedicated Honda is at producing top-shelf motorcycles. In 2025, and for the first time ever, the brand released both an all-new CRF250R and CRF450R, returned with a CRF450RWE, and debuted a first-ever model in the CRF250RWE: Four competition racers, all serving a unique purpose.

Honda has manufactured 450cc Works Edition models every year since 2019, so the playbook is well known. Showa, Yoshimura, Hinson Racing, D.I.D, Throttle Jockey, Renthal, and Twin Air contribute various parts that enhance the standard CRF450R package to another degree.

Read on to learn more about the 2025 Honda CRF450RWE, priced at an MSRP of $12,599, and see how it stacks up in Honda’s performance-driven lineup.

Glistening in the Southern California sun, the 2025 Honda CRF450RWE is visually stunning.Jeff Allen

The fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc single-cylinder engine retains the same 96.0 x 62.1mm bore and stroke as the CRF450R, along with its 13.5:1 compression ratio. However, the CRF450RWE receives an extra level of attention with hand-polished ports to ensure proper flow.Jeff Allen

Works Edition insignia on the cylinder head and a matte red metallic valve cover are clear indicators that the CRF450RWE is something special. The well-insulated hydraulic clutch line splices through this photo, while at the rear one can see the black box that houses the battery and essential electrical connections.Jeff Allen

A center-port design has been a Honda 450cc trademark since 2021. The stainless steel Yoshimura header, complete with resonance chamber, offers more protection than similar titanium constructions. Even though the 2025 Honda CRF250RWE features a titanium head pipe, engineers preferred the durability of stainless steel on the CRF450RWE.Jeff Allen

Clean welds, Works Edition branding, and Yoshimura’s attention to detail take the CRF450RWE to another level. Differing from Yoshimura’s off the shelf RS-12 system, Honda specifically tailors this exhaust (with updated ECU settings internally) to produce its preferred power characteristics.Jeff Allen

Muffler construction is titanium while a carbon fiber end-cap completes the Works Edition vibe.Jeff Allen

The Yoshimura exhaust features a removable insert, though we tested the bike in this standard configuration.Jeff Allen

Hinson Racing supplies both a Honda-branded clutch cover, as well as the internal clutch basket. More durable than the production unit found on the CRF450R, parts like these highlight Honda’s commitment to consumers.Jeff Allen

A Nissin master cylinder ensures the hydraulic clutch actuation remains positive throughout long motos.Jeff Allen

The CRF450RWE’s handlebar-mounted electronics switch is an all-in-one assembly. Featuring three blue engine map options (standard [map 1], smooth [map 2], and aggressive [map 3]), three green levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), the red kill button, as well as HRC Launch Control. Launch Control is activated by starting the engine, waiting for more than two seconds, closing the throttle completely, pressing and holding the engine start button while pulling in the clutch lever until the purple launch control indicator blinks…Jeff Allen

Twin Air supplies the air filter, allowing the CRF450RWE to breathe more freely than a standard CRF450R. The texture of the Throttle Jockey seat cover is also visible from this vantage.Jeff Allen

An all-new airbox design for 2025 carries over to all CRF250R and CRF450R models. Secured by the 8mm bolt at the front of this photo, the system takes patience when learning on your initial servicing.Jeff Allen

Kashima-coated upper fork tubes and titanium oxide (TiO2)-coated lowers make this Showa 49mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork one of the prettiest around.Jeff Allen

Spring rates on the CRF450RWE mimic that of the CRF450R (5.0 Nm fork springs and 52 Nm shock spring), yet the base settings and fork oil height are unique to the Works Edition platforms. Set at 5mm off the showroom, fork height tuning is commonplace among CRF450 owners. Flush with the silver cartridge cap, or even 2.5mm at the mid-line upper fork tube taper can be advantageous depending on conditions and rider preference.Jeff Allen

Silver four-point hand-operated fork compression damping adjusters, blue anodizing, and custom Showa engraving set the CRF450RWE apart. From this angle, one can also see the variable handlebar mount positions. With a 26mm range from most rearward to forward positions, there is a setting for everyone on the 2025 Honda CRF450RWE.Jeff Allen

Black anodized axle holders (fork lugs) are seen on very few dirt bikes in stock trim—just the CRF450RWE, CRF250RWE, and Kawasaki’s KX450SR. Quality spokes and a 36-hole three-cross pattern have been common on Honda CRFs for quite some time.Jeff Allen

One of the biggest upgrades on the CRF450RWE is in shock design. Less flashy and more workmanlike than fork coatings, the rear of the bike features an 18mm titanium oxide-coated shock shaft and ultralight 52 Nm shock spring. The Works Edition exclusive transforms the rear suspension action, with settings that are much more race-ready for serious competitors.Jeff Allen

The black nut controls high-speed compression damping, while the silver screw (inset) controls low-speed compression damping. Anodized for that factory look and feel, Honda does an excellent job equipping its Works Edition platforms with the best that Showa has to offer.Jeff Allen

Down low, on the shock clevis, is the rebound damping adjuster. Best adjusted with weight on the bike (off the stand), this screw-type adjuster controls how fast or slow the rear end reacts in action.Jeff Allen

An all-new aluminum twin-spar frame for 2025 means all-new welds as well. Our frame VIN number, found on the headtube, read from bottom to top. One can also see the gray metallic triple clamp color, a Honda Works Edition exclusive.Jeff Allen

More beads! Also visible is the steel engine hanger: Found on both the CRF450R and CRF450RWE, both sides are unique in design and taper according to Honda engineers’ specifications. When servicing your new CRF450RWE, be sure that the Yoshimura mid-pipe spring as well as the black valve cover breather hose appear as pictured: It’s easy to forget the spring (as pipe fitment is so precise) or misalign the hose when working on your new ride.Jeff Allen

D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims are Works Edition exclusives. Also pictured is the profile of the Dunlop Geomax MX33 front tire in 80/100-21 sizing.Jeff Allen

D.I.D DirtStar LT-X 19 x 2.15 rear rim, Dunlop Geomax MX33 rear tire in 120/80-19 sizing, and Honda’s 32-hole two-cross-spoke pattern on the 2025 CRF450RWE.Jeff Allen

A D.I.D DM2 gold chain is a Works Edition upgrade. The 13/49 gearing with a Sunstar rear sprocket and 114-link chain transfers all the CRF450RWE power to the rear wheel.Jeff Allen

Throttle Jockey provides the pleated seat cover and graphics package, though our testbike already has DeCal Works preprinted number plate backgrounds installed as well. A serious improvement over the standard CRF450R seat, the Works Edition seats’ less-round shape and added grip is a welcome addition for most CRF racers.Jeff Allen

Renthal provides the Fatbar 839-bend handlebar and Kevlar dual-compound half-waffle grips of the CRF450RWE. Agreeable ergonomics and precise handling have been Honda trademarks for years.Jeff Allen

New radiator shrouds for 2025 and beyond give the CRF450RWE sharp lines. The only changes in this photo from your showroom bike are the addition of DeCal Works arched front fender stickers and an hourmeter tucked neatly out of harm’s way by Honda technicians. Can you spot it?Jeff Allen

Perfectly aligned sponsor logos and important information on the rear of the CRF450RWE. The decals are supplied by Throttle Jockey and contoured appropriately to save weight.Jeff Allen

On showrooms across America now, the 2025 Honda CRF450RWE is the absolute best from Big Red. Produced in limited numbers, interested buyers better act quick!Jeff Allen

2025 Honda CRF450RWE Specs

MSRP:	$12,599
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:	54.6 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	34.4 lb.-ft. @ 6,900 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; 12.4 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.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.7 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.7 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	248 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	powersports.honda.com