2023 HONDA CRF450RX

Model updates: Honda’s ultimate cross-country machine evolves once more, thanks to HRC’s fight at the very front of a world-class pack; considerably more low-down torque and a smoother power delivery for the engine promote corner-exit drive, while revised frame rigidity and suspension allow greater stability on braking, quicker turning, elevated front tyre grip and improved ability on rutted ground. It’s a bike designed to make going faster, easier. New graphics feature a brand new redesign of the iconic HRC logos.

Contents:

1 Introduction                                                                                                                 

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

For 17YM Honda introduced an all-new, competition-ready cross-country machine into its off-road line up – the CRF450RX. And it took as its rock-solid base the engine and chassis of the 17YM CRF450R – Honda’s first totally new 450cc motocrosser in eight years – with modifications including larger fuel tank,18-inch rear wheel, revised PGM-FI mapping and suspension changes.

The CRF450R was the perfect platform to expand on and gave the CRF450RX both the pure MX DNA to deal with any special stage and the confidence-inspiring competence to handle flat-out trails, challenging climbs and tight, tricky sections. And, just as importantly to an owner, it’s a high-quality machine built with the long-term Honda reliability that makes it easy to live with over years of use.

Development has mirrored the CRF450R, too. An HRC-developed cylinder head upped peak power and torque considerably in 19YM; HRC launch control was also added along with revised rigidity balance for the frame and swingarm, a new front brake caliper and adjustable-position Renthal Fatbar. For 20YM, just like its MX sibling, it received Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

21YM saw a major evolution for the CRF450RX. Starting from the exact same point as CRF450R – almost totally redesigned by HRC with advances taken directly from Tim Gajser’s 2019 MXGP championship-winning machine. 22YM bought ECU settings and suspension updates.  

Now, for 23YM – underpinned by the factory rider feedback of the CRF450R – it follows the same direction of development; more low-down torque for the engine, matched to chassis changes that make going faster, easier for longer.

2. Model Overview

Whether you’re a world-class racer, enthusiastic weekend campaigner or trail explorer, the easier it is to go fast, the faster you go. Since Tim Gajser’s 2019 MXGP championship win, the focus for the CRF450R has been around making everything – handling ability, power output and ergonomics – as rider-friendly as possible. And what’s good for the MX machine is equally important for the CRF450RX.

Newly revised rigidity for the frame allows an increase in rear damping force, for improved control, without unwanted stiffness. Likewise, front tyre grip is heightened and the 23YM machine (compared to the 22YM) is more stable and turns faster with better suspension reaction and bump absorption.

Driving the new chassis harder through and out of corners, the engine now produces much greater low-rpm torque with increased, smoother low-down power delivery; new intake ports, a longer air funnel, smaller diameter throttle body and revised, factory rider-spec. cam timing are responsible. The rear muffler has also been made more durable

New graphics feature new redesigned iconic HRC logos, representing the expansion of HRC’s racing activities

3. Key Features

3.1 Chassis

• New frame rigidity balance improves stability and suspension action
• The rear shock has an increased damping force to match for extra drive over ruts and increased traction
• 49mm Showa forks also features revised damping
• Compact seat design and plastics aid rider freedom; new 23YM graphics feature a brand new HRC logo

The 23YM CRF450RX pushes its handling ability further; it’s more stable on braking, turns faster and exits harder.

Detail adjustments to frame rigidity allow the suspension – with revised settings – to work more efficiently. The front downtube/cradle joint now uses 6mm wall thickness (rather than 4mm) at its joint; likewise, the upper shock mount is now also constructed from 6mm wall thickness (also up from 4mm). Steel cylinder head hangers replace the aluminium parts used by the 22YM machine; balanced to work with the frame’s new rigidity setting, front tyre traction is greatly improved.

All suspension settings are specific to the CRF450RX, given the wider variety of terrain and conditions the bike will cover compared to the pure MX machine. To match the frame ‘tune’, the rear shock features increased compression and rebound damping to gain drive, especially in rutted conditions without a stiffer feeling. There are 11 adjustment positions for rebound and 6 for high and low-speed compression. Oil volume is 421cc. The aluminium swingarm is 585.2mm long and works the shock through Pro-Link.

The Showa 49mm USD coil spring fork is based on the ‘factory’ unit supplied to MX race teams in the Japanese championship. It employs a 310mm stroke with 396cc oil volume and 13 adjustment positions for rebound, 15 for compression; damping settings have been revised – increased rebound and slightly less compression – for optimum front/rear balance.

Rake and trail are specific to the RX and set at 27°2’/115mm with 1477mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is 334mm. Dry weight is 107.6kg with a 49/51% front/rear balance.

Standard-fit, lightweight Renthal Fatbar flex for optimal comfort; the top yoke features two handlebar-holder locations for moving the handlebar rearward and forward by 26mm. When the holder is turned 180°, the handlebar can be moved an additional 10mm from the base position, resulting in four unique riding positions.

Up front, the twin-piston brake caliper employs 30 and 27mm diameter pistons and 260mm wave-pattern disc; along with low-expansion rate brake hose it gives both a strong feel and consistent staying power. The single-piston rear caliper is matched to a 240mm wave-pattern disc. Knuckle guards protect hands and levers while the forged aluminium sidestand tucks away neatly to minimise interference while riding.

DID aluminium rims, with directly attached spoke pattern layout are finished in black; the front is a 21 x 1.6in, the rear an 18 x 2.15in. The rear wheel was made both stronger and lighter for 21YM and tyres are Dunlop’s bespoke enduro-ready AT81 Geomax 90/90-21 front and 120/90-18 rear.

Minimal bodywork aids rider movement around the machine; maintenance is easy with only four 8mm bolts securing the plastics each side. Designed with Computational Flow Dynamics (CFD) for maximum through-flow of air, the one-piece radiator shrouds include a lower vent, with the radiator grills optimised for airflow. The plastic fuel tank holds 8L.

For 23YM, complementing its aggressive lines, CRF450RX features a striking all-new graphic treatment which includes the new redesigned iconic HRC logos, now italic, which has been introduced as HRC’s activities expand into 4W racing.

3.2 Engine

• 7% more torque @ 5,000rpm and extra, smoother power available at low rpm
• Narrower intake port shape, longer air funnel, 44mm throttle body, new valve timing and revised ECU settings create the change in output
• Rear muffler now made of tougher aluminium, with no weight penalty

A much heavier low-range punch is the development direction of the 23YM 449.7cc four-valve Unicam engine – to make getting off a corner much quicker and easier. Maximum torque remains exactly as before, but at 5,000rpm there’s an extra 10.7% to make use of higher gears, reducing fatigue. The engine also starts making more power in the lower rpm range, with a 5% reduction at absolute peak.

To generate the stronger bottom-end torque the air funnel (a part drawn directly from the CRF450RW HRC race machine) is longer, and intake port shape narrower, increasing gas flow. Likewise, another HRC-developed part now found on the customer machine is a 44mm diameter throttle body, 2mm smaller and smoothing power delivery low-down. New valve springs and valve timing are direct result of feedback from HRC’s factory riders and the spec. they themselves use.

The exhaust muffler is now constructed from heat-treated aluminium to better withstand contact from the rider’s boot. Testing to prove its ability to resist distortion took place with impact from a 2.2kg weight travelling from 600mm away. After 5 strikes there was very little deformation compared to the 22YM design. Importantly, the material itself (and heat treatment) ensure zero weight gain.

Bore and stroke is set at 96 x 62.1mm with compression ratio of 13.5:1. A gear position sensor allows the use of three specific ignition maps for 1^st and 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th, and 5^th. An 8-plate hydraulic clutch gives outstanding control and feel at the lever as well as delivering consistent lever clearance under arduous riding conditions. It also reduces slippage at peak output.

Rock-solid reliability has always been a big factor in the CRF450RX’s success and a 5-hole piston oil jet and dual 12mm drum scavenge pump manage all-important lubrication.

3.3 Electronics

• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with 3 riding modes (plus OFF)
• HRC Launch Control offers 3 start options
• Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) features 3 maps to adjust output character
• HRC Setting tool tailors Aggressive and Smooth modes

The CRF450RX’s HSTC works to minimise rear wheel spin (thus reducing wasted forward drive) and maximise traction. It doesn’t use a wheel speed sensor, and critically maintains feel at the throttle while managing power; ignition timing is retarded and the PGM-FI controlled when the rate of change of rpm is detected to have gone over a set amount.

The three Modes differ in drive management level for different riding conditions:

Mode 1 intervenes most lightly, and after the longest time ­– useful for reducing wheelspin and maintaining control in tight corners.

Mode 3 has the system intervene more quickly and strongly, and is therefore useful in more slippery, muddy conditions.

Mode 2 naturally offers a mid-point between 1 and 3 in terms of speed and strength of intervention.

The Launch Control indicator, EFI warning, HSTC and EMSB mode button, and LED indicator are sited on the left handlebar. Pressing and holding the HSTC button for 0.5s will cycle the system to the next mode, with a green LED indication – 1 blink for Mode 1, 2 for Mode 2 and 3 for Mode 3 – to confirm selection.

The HSTC system can also be switched off completely. When the engine is turned on, the system uses the last-selected setting.

HRC Launch Control gives any rider the best option for a strong start and also has 3 modes to choose from:

Level 3 – 8,250rpm, muddy conditions/novice.

Level 2 – 8,500rpm, dry conditions/standard.

Level 1 – 9,500rpm, dry conditions/expert.

Activating HRC Launch Control is easy: to turn on, pull in the clutch and push the Start button on the right. The purple LED will blink once for Level 1 selection. Push the Start button again, for 0.5s or longer, and the LED will blink twice for Level 2. Repeat the process and the LED will blink 3 times, indicating that Level 3 has been chosen.

The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) alters the engine’s character and three maps are available to suit riding conditions or rider preference:

Mode 1 – Standard.

Mode 2 – Smooth.

Mode 3 – Aggressive.

The LED also displays mode selected, but with a blue light.

The HRC Setting Tool can deliver an ECU map with a much more ‘easy-going’ Smooth mode, with gentler throttle response for less experienced riders. It can also inject Aggressive mode with a ultra-sensitive throttle reaction and engine response for race conditions.

4. Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications 

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.