The 2023 Honda CRF450R
50th Anniversary edition looks
classic but it is all modern.
QUICKSPIN I 2023 Honda CRF450R
P90
While you reminisce about
all your favorite bikes, let's get
things cleared up here. Yes,
this is a new bike, but no, it's
not all new. The '23 version is
still a member of the current-
generation Honda CRF450R
that debuted in 2021, and the
bike we rode here is the 50th
Anniversary Edition. Technically,
this is now one of four CRF450R
models that Honda offers—there
is the WE (Works Edition), 50th
Anniversary, R and R-S. Each
comes with a unique set of
specs and a designated price
tag. For '23, Honda made some
critical revisions furthering the
continuous improvement of this
current generation CRF450R.
The Anniversary Edition and
the R are essentially the same
motorcycle as far as perfor-
mance is concerned, but on the
outside, the Anniversary Edition
is a stunner.
This thing takes us back to
1986 when Rick Johnson and
David Bailey battled for two-
stroke supremacy. Gold bars,
gold wheels, specially coated
triple clamps, blue seat, and
blue graphics highlight the perks
of the Anniversary bike. And,
no, this isn't the 50th anniver-
sary of the CRF450R. Instead,
it celebrates Honda's heritage
of 50 years of motocross bikes,
starting way back in 1973 with
the classic CR250M Elsinore.
They said this specific look was
chosen to celebrate the iconic
CRs that dominated the racing
scene in the 1980s.
The newest moto model from
Honda also sees several up-
dates to refine the current gen-
eration. The frame is the most
changed part of the bike, as
extra reinforcement have been
added to the front engine cradle
and to the shock mount. Engine
hangers were also changed
from aluminum to steel for some
added flex. The shock spring
rate has been increased, and
