Celebrating five decades of elite motocross heritage, today Honda is unveiling the latest edition of its flagship motocross bike, the 2023 CRF450R.
Introduced 50 years after the debut of the 1973 CR250M Elsinore – Honda’s original motocross machine – the 2023 CRF450R receives key engine updates and chassis revisions targeted at enhancing corner-exit acceleration and improving handling. In addition, a 50th Anniversary Edition is offered, honouring Honda’s motocross heritage with a special livery evoking the iconic CR models that dominated 1980s AMA Supercross and Motocross.
For half a century, Honda CR and CRF models have performed at the elite level, with legendary riders delivering a huge collection of National and World Championships. The legacy that started with Gary Jones’s original, 1973 CRF250M Elsinore leads directly to the current pinnacle of motocross technology and performance – the modern-day CRF Performance line, campaigned by our very own Dylan Wright as well as the Team Honda HRC riders Chase Sexton, Ken Roczen and Jett and Hunter Lawrence.
For 2023, The CRF450R’s engine and chassis updates also carry over to the premium CRF450RWE and the closed-course off-road-focused CRF450RX.
While Honda celebrates 50 years of motocross heritage with the 2023 CRF450R, the rest of Honda’s popular CRF Performance lineup, including the CRF450RL, CRF250R, CRF250RX and CRF150R models, continues to deliver industry-leading performance and reliability.
CRF450R
The CRF450R’s technical updates include a narrower intake-port shape and longer intake funnel, revised cam profile and smaller throttle body diameter, resulting in smooth power delivery and increased torque, improving acceleration out of corners. The frame’s rigidity has been optimized by increasing material thickness in strategic locations and the use of steel engine mounts (replacing aluminum) helps improve front-end traction. A higher-rate shock spring and revised fork settings complement the rigidity-optimized frame without introducing harshness. To enhance strength and reduce noise, the muffler body is constructed from heat-treated aluminum, and a new inner-pipe design is used.
For 2023, Honda also offers a 50th Anniversary Edition of the model, featuring a livery reminiscent of the legendary ’80s CRs that ruled AMA Motocross and Supercross. Easily recognizable to fans of that era, this version features a blue seat cover, white number plates, gold rims, gold handlebar, gray-metallic triple clamp and special graphics.
Key Updates:
- Available 50th Anniversary model
- Narrower intake-port shape and longer intake funnel, for improved engine response and torque, resulting in improved acceleration on corner exits.
- Cam profile is changed, further increasing torque.
- Throttle body diameter is reduced from 46 mm to 44 mm, for smoother power deliver at low speeds.
- Frame rigidity optimized by increasing material thickness at front joint and at upper shock mount, enabling freer functioning of front and rear suspension.
- Engine hangers changed from aluminum to steel, to match frame changes and improve front traction.
- Because changes to frame rigidity allow freer suspension movement, shock’s spring rate is increased without introducing harshness.
- Fork setting changed to match rear suspension and ensure front/rear balance.
- Muffler is quieter thanks to change of inner-pipe design. Switch to heat-treated aluminum for the muffler body increases strength without increasing overall weight.
- Radiator shroud graphics feature new HRC logo.
MSRP:
CRF450R: $11,099
CRF450R 50th Anniversary: $11,499
CRF450RWE
Building upon the legendary CRF450R platform, the CRF450RWE (“Works Edition”) is for the rider searching for the ultimate advantage. Purpose-built for lowering lap times and providing an unparalleled riding experience, it features an extensive list of premium upgrades inspired by the factory Team Honda HRC machines of Roczen and Sexton, including a stainless-steel Yoshimura exhaust, hand-polished cylinder ports, Hinson clutch basket and cover, Throttle Jockey seat cover and graphics, D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims and DM2 gold chain, coated fork tubes, fork legs and shock 18 mm shock shaft, gray metallic triple clamps, Renthal Kevlar grips and dedicated ignition mapping. In addition, the CRF450RWE benefits from the same engine and chassis updates as its CRF450R sibling to improve corner-exit acceleration and handling.
MSRP: $14,499
CRF450RX
The CRF450RX is a versatile, yet refined machine that is perfectly equipped for the variety of terrain found in closed-course off-road racing. To improve corner-exit acceleration and handling, this model receives the same chassis and engine updates as its motocross-focused relative, the CRF450R. Built with off-road specific features like dedicated ECU and suspension settings, an 18-inch rear wheel, an aluminum side stand, a large 8 liter fuel tank and hand guards, the championship-proven CRF450RX is ready for the track or trail, which is why it’s the motorcycle of choice for a variety of off-road racers.
MSRP: $11,199
CRF450RL
A quintessential dual-sport machine, the CRF450RL is based on the legendary CRF450 Performance off-road platform, yet it’s surprisingly smooth and comfortable on pavement. That combination of characteristics means there’s nothing better at using asphalt to link together great sections of trail. Features like a quiet muffler, a vibration-damping urethane-injected swingarm and a wide-ratio six-speed transmission ensure the machine performs well on roads, while the 449 cc Unicam® engine, twin-spar aluminum frame and premium, long-travel suspension that make it a stellar performer in the dirt. Throw in Honda’s legendary durability, and it’s clear why the CRF450RL has made a name for itself in the dual-sport world.
MSRP: $12,499
CRF250R
Long the standard by which the 250cc motocrossers are measured, the CRF250R has accumulated an enviable list of championships over the years, and it’s consistently among the top sellers in its class. Noted for its exceptional handling (thanks in part to a narrow layout and low weight), excellent acceleration (achieved through notable torque and low to midrange power) and endurance over race distance, the current platform was used by Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence to capture the 2022 AMA Supercross 250SX East Championship.
MSRP: $10,099
CRF250RX
Now in its second generation, the CRF250RX is based on the motocross-focused CRF250R, but tailored for enduro’s, x-country racing and trail riding in legal off-road areas, thanks to application-specific features that provide appropriate suspension performance, power delivery, fuel range, hand protection and convenience.
MSRP: $10,199
CRF150R
The top-selling mini motocrosser in its class, Honda’s CRF150R is offered in both standard and CRF150R Expert (big wheel) versions, the latter a great choice for taller riders thanks to its larger wheels, higher seat and additional rear-suspension travel. While the model is Honda’s smallest motocross machine, it boasts big-bike features like Showa® suspension (a 37 mm inverted fork and a single shock mated to a Pro-Link® rear system), plus a Unicam four-stroke engine that is unique in the mini MX world, delivering a strong but smooth spread of power across the rev range.
MSRP:
CRF150R: $6,399
CRF150R Expert: $6,599
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About Honda Canada Powersports
Honda Canada Inc. was established in 1969 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in Canada. Innovative technology has always been a Honda trademark, showcasing pioneering engine and chassis design that has set the standard in Powersports engineering for more than 60 years. Honda Canada’s Powersports Division is responsible for sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers in Canada. For more information about Honda Canada motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides please visit: https://motorcycle.honda.ca/ or https://atvsxs.honda.ca/