The 2020 – 2023 Honda CRF450R is a bike that always performs well in any of our tests. It’s always credited with having the best handling characteristics in the class. The handling is very sharp and precise while still being stable. The CRF450R has kept these traits for decades even though the model has changed drastically over the years. It is something that has become a trademark to the Honda brand and something that the Honda engineers deliberately carry over for each model.
The CRF450R engine has never been the fastest engine in the field but it certainly has improved. While it’s not the quickest engine it does have very smooth power that is tuned to be easy to manage. It is an easy 450 machine to handle as the power curve is very linear and progressive. The 2020 – 2023 Honda CRF450R has only gotten better with each model, especially since Honda done away with the air forks and went back to conventional closed cartridge Showa forks that give a more balanced and predictable feel to the motorcycle.
When looking at a second hand 2020 – 2023 Honda CRF450R be sure to quiz the previous owner on their maintenance schedule. If the bike has 150 hours on it but has never been apart for a rebuild then it’s likely you’ll be the one rebuilding it soon.
Make sure they have been cleaning the air filter and oiling it correctly after each ride and even take a good look in the air box for any signs of dust getting past the air filter. Unfortunately valves don’t like dust very much and if the bike has been breathing dirt then it’s likely the valves aren’t in very good condition. The CRF air filter is also tricky to fit as the air box is compact and there isn’t much room to fiddle around in there so they can be damaged easily. Take your time and be gentle when fitting them.
Check that the seller has been changing the oil every five hours along with an oil filter. It is important to keep up to date with the oil changes on the CRF as it has two separate oil compartments. One is for the engine and the other for the gearbox. This is good that the clutch and gearbox material can’t contaminate the engine oil but the engine only holds a small capacity so this oil can go bad quickly. It’s also important to fill both sides of the engine up correctly or you will run the engine dry of oil and seize the engine.
The 2020 – 2023 Honda CRF450R doesn’t seem to have any common faults that I see regularly but I do happen to see the batteries die from time to time and the bike has no power whatsoever to start. If this is the case then the battery needs to be replaced. The battery mounting position is unique in the CRF450R. It slides into a plastic mounting case from the left side of the motorcycle.
Lastly take the bike for a ride and make sure the clutch works correctly and the engine selects all gears as any gearbox repairs can be rather costly.
New
2020 $13,098
2021 $12,899
2022 $13,298
2023 $14,098
Second Hand
2020 $6,850 – $8,100
2021 $7,450 – $8,800
2022 $8,900 – $10,550
2023 $10,050 – $11,900
Market Equivalent
20 – 23 Kawasaki KX450F
$6,750 – $10,850
20 – 23 Suzuki RMZ450
$7,300 – $10,950
20 – 23 Yamaha YZ450F
$7,650 – $13,100
20 – 23 KTM 450SXF
$7,200 – $12,600
