2027
Honda CRF450R
- 449 cc
- 3 variants
- 5 competition models without road registration
- CRF450R: 449 cc, 19-inch rear wheel
- CRF250R: 249 cc with HSTC
- Works Edition for CRF450R and CRF250R
- CRF150R for young riders aged around 11 to 12 and over
- Enduro offshoots CRF450RX and CRF250RX
What defines a motocross motorcycle
Motocross motorcycles, often also called MX bikes, do without lights, indicators and road registration. Everything is designed for low weight, quick throttle response and suspension with long travel. They are ridden on motocross tracks, in training or in races.
Honda built the CRF450R for pure motocross: at the rear turns a 19-inch wheel with MX tyres, and the suspension is tuned for jumps, corners and braking bumps. All models in the CRF range use a four-stroke engine.
Choosing an MX bike: displacement, weight and riding skills
The displacement of a motocross motorcycle cannot be compared with that of road motorcycles. The CRF450R is intended for advanced riders: the larger displacement and the moving mass in the engine have a strong effect on handling, so it feels heavier off-road than the scales suggest. Even experienced road riders are therefore usually advised to start on the CRF250R.
The CRF250R is particularly strong in the mid-range, which helps when riding through fast corners in a stable and controlled way. For young people aged around 11 to 12 and over, there is the CRF150R. It is designed for competition, very direct on the throttle and already requires advanced skills. A good route there leads via the more forgiving CRF125F.
The enduro offshoots CRF450RX and CRF250RX are derived from the motocross models and adapted for off-road sport; they too are not road-legal and are pure competition motorcycles.
The Honda CRF motocross models at a glance
The CRF450R (449 cc, 7.1-litre tank) is the model for the large class; besides the standard version there is the Works Edition, most recently as the HRC Works Edition. The CRF250R (249 cc) competes in the hard-fought MX2 World Championship. Its engine is supported by Honda HSTC traction control; it too is available as a Works Edition.
The CRF150R is the competition model for young riders: four-stroke engine, manual gearbox and upside-down fork, with little rotating mass for an agile, direct riding feel. The CRF450RX (449 cc) and the CRF250RX (249 cc) transfer the technology of the motocross models to off-road riding; the CRF250RX holds 8 instead of 6.3 litres of fuel.
Equipment, track and maintenance
Basic motocross equipment includes a helmet, goggles, boots, gloves and body protectors. Riding is only done on tracks and grounds intended for it; the competition models are built for these, not for public roads.
A motocross motorcycle is subjected to heavy use and needs regular maintenance. When buying, ask which jobs you can do yourself and which are better left to the workshop. The suspension should also suit your weight and level; a setup by specialists is particularly worthwhile for beginners and light riders.
Learning motocross at the MX-Academy
Before you buy a motocross bike, a course with coaching is worthwhile. The MX-Academy offers taster courses and complete packages that include a rental bike and protective gear, as well as training days on your own motorcycle in small groups by level. Children ride from the age of 4; registration is online in the event calendar, payment on site.
There are also dedicated motocross courses for young people, as well as offers for women, female beginners and women returning to riding. For purchase, advice and workshop services for the CRF models, contact Honda Motorrad Zürich; there you will also find out how the standard version and the Works Edition differ.
Frequently asked questions: Motocross bike
Can I ride a motocross bike on the road?
No. CRF450R, CRF250R and CRF150R are competition motorcycles for track and off-road use without road registration. If you want to combine off-road and road riding, the CRF300L is an off-road capable model with road registration.
CRF250R or CRF450R – which should I start with?
For most beginners the CRF250R is the better choice. According to dealer data, the CRF450R is only slightly heavier, but because of its larger displacement it feels considerably more massive off-road and is intended for advanced riders.
What is the difference between the CRF450R and CRF450RX?
The CRF450RX is based on the CRF450R but specifically adapted for use off-road. The CRF450R is built for pure motocross on closed-off tracks, the RX for enduro competitions.
From what age is the CRF150R suitable?
The CRF150R is suitable for young people aged around 11 to 12 and over who already have experience. Because it is very direct on the throttle, it is worth taking the detour via a more forgiving model such as the CRF125F first.
Do I need my own equipment for a motocross course?
No. Both in the taster course and in the complete packages, the MX-Academy supplies the rental bike and protective clothing. If you already have your own motocross motorcycle, you can take part in the training days with it.