The MX1 class is seen as the premiere category for motocross. Once upon a time it was the iconic 250cc two-stroke that was the weapon of choice however these days it’s the 450cc four-stroke that sees spectators on the edge of their seats. Honda have been known as one of the big hitters in the MX1 class for decades and always pride themselves on being at the forefront of development with their 450cc motorcycles ever since their very first release in 2002. Honda is still putting their best foot forward when it comes to developing and producing state of the art motorcycles. With the likes of Jett and Hunter Lawrence playing a huge role in what we are seeing with the new 2025 Honda CRF450R we are certain to see plenty of red up front in the new year.

Let’s take a closer look as we identify the changes from the 2024 model.

Changes for 2025 Honda CRF450R

  • New subframe mounting point optimises lateral rigidity and reduces energy transmission from the rear to the front.
  • Updated main frame is constructed of 70% new components to optimise rigidity and improve handling characteristics.
  • Fork features new springs, kit-fork-inspired bending control valves, seals and oil for a consistent feel while minimizing harsh feedback.
  • The rigidity of the steering stem, triple clamps, outer fork tubes and front axle have all been revised to match the frame updates.
  • New shock spring, reservoir, shaft and oil seal contribute to a consistent stroke feel to match the fork updates.
  • Linkage updated to a one-piece structure that enhances rigidity, to improve tracking and stability performance and a new leverage ratio that decreases pitching while improving bottoming resistance.
  • Front brake caliper has an updated piston and seals for consistent performance.
  • The redesigned airbox provides a straighter pathway for airflow, improving throttle control and top-end power.
  • Increased crank rigidity enhances midrange torque.
  • Revised muffler and header-pipe design is straighter and smoother, improving acceleration.
  • New ECU maps offer smoother delivery while retaining strong torque and power throughout the rev range.
  • Redesigned bodywork features smooth, flat surfaces to promote freedom of movement and offer a large contact point for gripping the bike.
  • Rear-shock removal time has been cut in half by eliminating the need to remove the subframe in order to access the shock.

WARM UP

The CRF450R is a bike that I know well. While I get the privilege of riding every colour bike in the book during our shootouts, my daily ride is a Honda. For 2025 we have seen some major changes to the new model that I’ve been eagerly awaiting.

We’ve heard some good things coming out of America that these changes have translated well out there on the track, however we’ve seen time and time again that sometimes what works well over in America doesn’t always work for us here in Australia.

My first impression sitting on the bike was a slightly flatter profile to the seat, particularly near the tank junction. The radiator shrouds seemed to extend a little longer towards the front and I could also feel a more consistent surface area to grip with my legs when I stood up. Even with all of the changes to the new ergonomics the bike still felt very similar to the 2024 model.

LET’S GO

After firing the bike up I eased my way out onto the track and immediately felt the surge of power right off the bottom. The added torque of the 2025 motor was noticeable straight away as I rolled the power on towards the big triple step up jump.

Out of the next corner I clicked up to fourth and my first thoughts were correct. Honda has had a serious gain in the torque department which makes 450 machines so much easier to ride. I could feel straight away that I could pull a taller gear than on the 2024 model. The next thing I noticed is almost a carbon copy replica of the improvements that I’d felt only a couple of weeks prior on the new 2025 Honda CRF250R in the chassis department. Particularly tipping into corners and rapidly changing direction.

MY TOP 5 ASPECTS OF THE NEW HONDA CRF450R

CHASSIS

This was such a tough one to call because the first thing that grabbed my attention was the motor. Any true 450 rider can appreciate a good 450 motor with a truckload of torque because it makes life so easy on the track. Once I truly got to know this new bike and how well the motor and chassis complement each other it was the chassis that seemed to impress me the most with its changes over the 2024 model. Honda has added some serious rigidity to the main part of the frame which really allows the suspension to do its job.

Like most people I guess, we’re so used to being told that we need more flex here, more flex there and that anything being rigid was going to have a negative effect on handling, and particularly how our hands are going to feel at the end of a moto. Well Honda have gone and spun that principle on its head by successfully adding both lateral and torsional rigidity to the frame and the gain was hugely noticeable. The bike retains its stable nature entering corners but gains this new found agility changing directions and also has a brand new, lighter feeling in the air which is great news for all riders out there.

MOTOR

The Honda 450 motor has been one of the most impressive power plants in recent years. For 2024 it produced decent bottom end torque, which flowed into a super strong mid-range and top end. For 2025 the power comes on earlier and smoother, yet still flows into an incredibly strong midrange. Honda claims that the new model has even more top end over rev than the 2024 and they may be correct.

I don’t really like letting a 450 spend too much time up that high in the rev range however for the sake of testing I gave it a red hot crack. This motor revs to the moon but like I mentioned earlier, the true champion in this motor is the new found torque.

ERGOS

The changes are subtle in the ergonomics for 2025 but they combine to make quite a difference. The new seating position is so comfortable in corners and allows a very easy transition if you have to slide up to the tank. When standing I noticed the biggest difference in comfort as the new chassis seems to be a lot more consistent width-wise when you’re gripping the bike. Splitting the track into sections it was really noticeable just how good the new ergos were when going from standing through a jumpy section, then sitting down for back to back corners.

FRONT BRAKE

The front brake on the 2024 450 was already quite strong with a lot of feel. For 2025 the front brake caliper receives an updated piston and seals for a more consistent feel and I could almost immediately feel more stopping power. Gone are the days of needing to buy an aftermarket oversized front disc for extra stopping power.

LOOKS

The all new look of the 2025 CRF450R took a little getting used to as it is so much different and cleaner looking than the current 2024 model. However, it can sometimes take a while for people’s perception to come around and when it does it always makes the older model look like a dinosaur. This is exactly the journey that I’ve gone through with the new 2025 Honda’s. Now I’m a huge fan of the minimalistic look of the new bikes and this makes the 2024 model look old to me.

WHAT WOULD I ADD

The only things that I would change on this bike are the usual stuff you’d do to personalize any bike. A set of grips and a gripper seat cover would get the ball rolling (the standard gripper seat cover works well). If you’ve got some sponsors on board then some custom graphics come up well on the new plastics design. The side number boards on the new model are quite small so if you’re running a three digit number you’ll be keeping the font fairly small.

ELECTRONICS

The new 2025 Honda has a junction on the left-hand side of the handlebar that has three different buttons. A blue button with the letter M on it is for selecting one of three different maps.

Map 1 Standard. This works best for me and provides strong, smooth power right through the range and really allows the torque of the motor to do its thing. Map 1 has been my favourite map of choice on the Honda 450 for quite a few years now.

Map 2 Smooth. For me the smooth map is a little too smooth and robs the motor of its exciting characteristics, but may be useful in very slippery riding conditions and for lighter riders struggling to get used to the 450 power.

Map 3 Aggressive. This map seems to liven things up a little too much for my liking, but this is personal preference. I found map three seemed to rev quicker and lost the smallest amount of torque. The best bet is to have a play with all three maps in different track conditions to identify how they work for you.

The green button with the letter T is for traction control. I’ve never been a huge fan of traction control on a MX bike but once again, slippery conditions and super light riders might want to give this a try.

The red button with an X is the kill switch.

OVERALL

Honda has taken some big steps forward with their new CRF450R for 2025. In what was already a very impressive unit in 2024 Honda, have made gains in overall power while adding to the brute torque right off the bottom. The new red machine is kinder to the rider out on the track and will make life a lot more fun on the tighter, trickier tracks where you’ll be tipping the bike into corners regularly.

2025 HONDA CRF450R

ENGINE

Type                           Single-cylinder four-stroke, four valves, electric start

Displacement            449cc

Bore & Stroke           96mm x 62.1mm

Cooling                      Liquid cooled

Compression ratio   13.5:1

Fuel metering           Fuel injection

Tank capacity            6.3L

Transmission            Five speed

Clutch                         Wet multi-plate

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase                1482mm

Seat height                961mm

Ground clearance    333mm

Claimed Weight        113kg

SUSPENSION

Front                           49mm USD, compression and rebound adjustable, 310mm travel

Rear                           Single shock, preload, compression and rebound adjustable, 310mm travel

BRAKES

Front                           260mm disc

Rear                           240mm disc

RUNNING GEAR

Handlebar                 Renthal Fatbar

Front tyre                   80/100-21

Rear tyre                   120/80-19

PRICE & CONTACTS

RRP                            NA

BROWSER               motorcycles.honda.com.au

BLOWER                   1300 559 846

Warranty                     None