New 2023 Honda CRF450X

The Honda CRF450X may look like our CRF450R motocrosser (especially since we’ve updated the graphics this year), but look a little closer and you’ll see it’s really a totally different machine built especially for off-road, cross-country competition—think Baja 1000, or WORCs racing. It’s true that the CRF450X and our “R” model motocrossers share the same Unicam® engine architecture, but the CRF450X gets a wide-ratio six-speed transmission and a chassis featuring steering geometry more suited for off-road riding. Plus, there are plenty of other specialized touches too, like an 18-inch rear wheel for better off-road tire choice, a standard sidestand and hand guards, different ECU and fuel-injection settings, larger fuel tank, skid plate and more. East coast, west coast, and everywhere in between, the CRF450X rules the roost!

Features may include:

• WIDE-RATIO SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION

Having six speeds in the CRF450X’s transmission compared to an MX bike’s typical five gives you more choice, and makes this versatile bike even more versatile. You have a gear for everything from east-coast rock crawling to wide-open Baja blasts.

• ELECTRIC START

An electric start system ensures trouble-free starting in all conditions. The electric starter also drives the clutch side of the crankshaft, which provides superior lubrication to starter gears while allowing a narrow engine with a short, strong crank.

• 449cc UNICAM® ENGINE

The CRF450Xs Unicam® cylinder heads combine the best of single- and double-overhead-cam designs. The configuration contributes to a compact engine that saves weight over a comparable dual-overhead-camshaft motor and also permits a narrow included valve angle. This flattens the combustion chamber to facilitate ignition flame propagation, allowing a high compression ratio. Since less space is taken up in the cylinder head, the camshaft sits lower in the head for a more compact engine and a lower center of gravity.

• TWIN-SPAR CHASSIS

The CRF450X uses a twin-spar aluminum chassis that takes advantage of all the lessons we’ve learned on the MX track and from winning countless Bajas. The frame is both light and stiff, and provides the basis for the CRF450X’s excellent handling. The chassis is also wider than the standard MX frame to accommodate the six-speed transmission.