The 2023 Honda CRF450R gets a revised frame with multiple changes to frame thickness and engine mounts. The chassis has also been revised to generate a more precise steering response, more stability, and better suspension compliance.
Frame rigidity has been increased by fine-tuning the thicknesses of the single-downtube joint and the rear shock’s upper mounts; the cylinder-head hangers have changed from aluminum to steel; the rear shock’s spring rate has been increased from 39.8 to 41.3 pounds per millimeter, and the shock has been re-valved in accordance with the new spring ratio.
The rear suspension offers 11-position rebound damping adjustability and six-position compression adjustment. The new aluminum swingarm measures 23 inches center to center, while the wheelbase now spans 58.3 inches.
Anew 49mm Showa fork delivers a generous 12.2 inches of travel, with 13 adjustments for rebound damping and 15 for compression damping. Steering geometry is set at 27.1 degrees with 4.5 inches of trail. Claimed weight is 245 pounds wet including a full fuel load. Weight distribution front/rear is 49/51.
The 2023 Honda CRF450R motor has been worked over to produce power more smoothly and an added dollop of torque. Honda says the updates include a longer intake funnel, 2mm-narrower throttle body, narrower intake port shape, and a new cam profile.
The muffler has been beefed up in the 2023 Honda CRF450R. The inner pipe is a new design, and it sits inside a heat-treated aluminum body. In addition to being more durable, Honda also claims it is quieter.
Honda has changed the thickness of the frame in unspecific amounts and locations. According to Honda, this optimized the frame’s rigidity.
The new engine of the 2023 Honda CRF450R mounts is steel, replacing aluminum mounts. Honda tells us this improves traction at the front end.
With the revised frame rigidity and new motor mounts come complementary changes to the Showa suspension. The fork gets new settings and the shock’s spring rate increases.
Honda tapped into the 1980s for the 50th Anniversary Edition’s styling cues. Sure, Honda could have gone with 1973 styling, baring the 2023’s titanium tank and giving it a green stripe along the top and the iconic yellow Honda wing on the tank, plus green number plates, but the company is pretty set on red these days.
So, we get a blue seat, white number plates, gold D.I.D DirtStar rims, gold Renthal handlebar, dark-gray triple clamps, and a 50th Anniversary sticker on the front number plate.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
2023 Honda CRF450R 50th Anniversary Edition Specs
ENGINE
Type: 4-stroke single
Displacement: 450cc
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: 13.5:1
Valvetrain: SOHC; 4 valves
Fueling: EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Starting: Electric
Transmission: 5-speed
Clutch: Hydraulically actuated wet-multiplate
Final drive: 520 chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Twin-spar aluminum
Handlebar: Renthal tapered aluminum
Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable Showa inverted 49mm fork; 12.2 inches
Rear suspension: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable Showa piggyback shock; 12.4 inches
Rims: D.I.D DirtStar
Tires: Dunlop Geomax MX33
Front tire: 80/100 x 21
Rear tire: 120/80 x 19
Front brake: 260mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 58.3 inches
Rake: 27.1 degrees
Trail: 4.5 inches
Seat height: 38.0 inches
Ground clearance: 13.2 inches
Fuel capacity: 1.7 gallons
Wet weight: 245 pounds
Color: Red
2023 Honda CRF450R 50th Anniversary Edition Price: $9899 MSRP
