Dirt Bikes

2025 Honda CRF450RX Technical Overview

What’s new on Honda’s 450cc cross-country motorcycle in 2025, and its features and specifications.

3 hours ago

Honda knows off-road. From the Baja Peninsula to the East Coast woods, the brand manufactures a model built to tackle a variety of challenging conditions and terrain. For closed-course off-road competition, the CRF450RX is the brand’s flagship racebike. Built similarly to the CRF450R and CRF450RWE models, off-road-specific features like RX-only ECU and suspension settings, increased fuel capacity, and off-road must-haves like an 18-inch rear wheel, O-ring chain, kickstand, and hand guards ensure miles of smiles.

Johnny Campbell Racing (JCR) Honda, Phoenix Racing Honda, and Slam Life Racing (SLR) Honda are Big Red’s in-house off-road teams, and the RX models are their go-to race platforms. From the AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) to Grand National Cross Country (GNCC), Honda is well represented by some of the fastest off-road racers in the country. Read on to learn more about the all-new 2025 Honda CRF450RX and see if it’s the racebike that will take you to that next level as well.

All red and ready to race: the 2025 Honda CRF450RX. Like its CRF450R and CRF450RWE motocross brothers, the CRF450RX receives a host of changes for the 2025 model year. Scroll through for more insight and information about the all-new CRF450RX.Jeff Allen

The heart of the CRF450RX is a strong engine package. A fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc single-cylinder design shares the same 96.0mm x 62.1mm bore and stroke as well as a 13.5:1 compression ratio akin to the CRF450R and CRF450RWE platforms.Jeff Allen

Honda’s patented Unicam system controls 38mm steel intake valves and 31mm steel exhaust valves. The yellow choke knob doubles as an idle adjuster and is tucked neatly out of harm’s way.Jeff Allen

Hydraulic clutch actuation controls the six-spring and eight-plate clutch design. Featuring a five-speed transmission, Red Riders should look into the CRF450X or CRF450RL if a six-speed overdrive is required for more high-speed applications.Jeff Allen

We love oil windows here at Dirt Rider, and our CRF450RX testbike was topped off and ready to roll. Pro Honda GN4 (10w-30) four-stroke engine oil keeps the CRF fleet running strong.Jeff Allen

The stainless steel head pipe is not only sturdy, but revised for 2025 with a longer and straighter design. A center-port exhaust layout allows Honda engineers to keep the entire exhaust system near the centerline of the chassis, and provides a slim profile that is among the narrowest in class.Jeff Allen

The muffler is constructed from A6061-T6 aluminum for durability and weight savings. A dual resonator system minimizes noise and emits a pleasant tone. Both 10mm muffler bolts are easily accessible, thoughtful for mechanics and well-designed overall.Jeff Allen

Electric starting is instantaneous on the CRF450RX. The black box houses the required battery, keeping weight low while being readily accessible. Mass centralization has been in Honda’s vocabulary for over 20 years, and it shows in details and designs like this.Jeff Allen

A 1.1-bar radiator cap comes standard on the CRF450RX. If slower and more technical terrain is in your future, it’s wise to invest in a 1.8-bar unit.Jeff Allen

Standard fork height on the 2025 Honda CRF450RX comes set at 5mm. Handlebar mounts are positioned in the rear mounting location, forward orientation. With four optional positions and a 26mm range, there’s a setting for everyone, ergonomically.Jeff Allen

The Showa shock features both low- and high-speed compression damping capabilities, as well as rebound damping adjustment on the clevis. Pictured in black is the high-speed compression adjuster, while the low-speed compression silver adjustment screw is inset. Standard baselines are nine clicks out on the low-speed compression adjuster, 2.17 turns out on high-speed compression, and rebound between 13–16 clicks out.Jeff Allen ,Jeff Allen

RX-only suspension settings are built with off-road in mind. A 50 Nm shock spring and 4.8 Nm fork springs are one rate lighter than motocross-oriented CRF450R and CRF450RWE baselines. A 16mm shock shaft and quality steel shock spring keep the rear end planted.Jeff Allen

Frame welds are clean, as one would expect from Honda. A revised upper subframe bolt location and design is a new look compared to previous styling. New owners take note, cylinder head vent hose routing is critical and reconnects back to the clean side of the airbox.Jeff Allen

More clean welds. 3M Scotch-Brite 7447 hand pads keep aluminum frames looking this sharp for years to come. Constructed from 70% new components, the 2025 CRF450RX frame enhances stability and predictability in rough conditions.Jeff Allen

A new front axle sees a bolt receive into the axle, a change after many years of Honda’s traditional through-axle and aluminum nut design. Fork lugs are also updated for 2025, aimed at increasing precision and front end feel.Jeff Allen

Some of the strongest brakes in the game got even better in 2025. A 30mm/27mm piston design was factory-spec only a few short years ago, and Honda updated the piston and seal grooves for even more connection and durability in 2025. A solid 260mm front brake rotor transfers the Nissin caliper’s power to the front wheel.Jeff Allen

In the rear, a 240mm rotor and Nissin single-piston caliper get Big Red slowed down. D.I.D DirtStar rims and Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires come standard.Jeff Allen

It’s always the little things that matter the most. A predrilled rear brake pedal tip saves time and energy for those looking to install a brake snake.Jeff Allen

120/90-18 rear tire specification is well suited for the CRF450RX’s strong engine character. The taller sidewall of the 18-inch increases comfort and compliance.Jeff Allen

The 13/50 gearing with a 114-link RK O-ring chain also suits the CRF450RX well. Sunstar supplies the 49-tooth rear sprockets found on the CRF450R and CRF450RWE, so it’s natural it would supply the 50-tooth on the CRF450RX as well.Jeff Allen

A forged-aluminum kickstand is both durable and practical. Off-road racers who don’t require a sidestand can always order a footpeg bracket off the motocross models (part No. 50611-MEN-B10), which retails for around $30. The CRF450R/CRF450RWE bracket allows for quicker shock removal and is an easy way to reduce weight.Jeff Allen

Showa 49mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork with RX-tailored settings, Renthal Fatbar 839-bend handlebar, and clean-mounting red OEM hand guards complete the CRF450RX’s front end. Our DeCal Works preprinted number plate backgrounds and arched front fender stickers fit perfectly, as always.Jeff Allen

A 2.1-gallon fuel tank is an increase of 0.4 gallon over the motocross siblings, and allows the CRF450RX to complete 45-minute grand prix competitions for a majority of racers. RX-only radiator shrouds feature one additional bolt on each side for proper attachment.Jeff Allen

Honda has some of the best OEM hand guards in the business; solid styling while offering hydraulic protection, they are a welcome addition to the CRF-RX line. Clean mounting to the front brake and clutch master cylinders, they also take up no additional handlebar space. Even CRF-R and CRF-RWE racers can add these to their ride when installed with appropriate hardware.Jeff Allen

Old-school styling is back at Honda! Vertical radiator shroud graphics and the HRC logo are new for 2025. Compared to the motocross line, the RX is understandably a bit wider through the gas tank and radiator shroud region. Increased range between fuel stops comes at a slight ergonomic cost.Jeff Allen

Beautiful winter weather greeted us this January day, and the 2025 Honda CRF450RX glistened in the sunshine. With an MSRP of $9,999, it’s priced competitively and is extremely performance-oriented. Off-road enthusiasts have never had such an availability of race-ready machines: 2025 is a good time to be alive!Jeff Allen

2025 Honda CRF450RX Specs

MSRP:	$9,999
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:	52.1 hp @ 9,400 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	34.5 lb.-ft. @ 6,800 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; 12.1 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax AT81; 90/90-21 / 120/90-18
Rake/Trail:	27.5°/4.6 in.
Wheelbase:	58.2 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.1 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.2 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.1 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	254 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	powersports.honda.com