QUICKSPIN I 2023 Honda CRF250 RX / CRF450 RX
P78
B
efore the CRF450RX,
there was the CRF450X.
The first-gen X still has a
cult-like following, and you'll see
droves of them in the deserts of
the Southwest. Compared to the
latest-generation CRF450RX, the
X maintains Honda's old-school
heritage when it comes to off-
road riding. It also maintains a
smaller price tag by about $100.
The 450X is more trail bike
than race bike, like the RX. Think
Honda's entry-level and family-
orientated CRF-F line but make it
a 450X for Dad. The 450X comes
with many of the same add-ons
as the RX—larger tank, hand
guards, kickstand, and 18-inch
rear wheel, but also features
a headlight and a wide-ratio
six-speed transmission. Another
boost for the X is its California
green sticker compliance, mean-
ing it can be ridden on OHV land
all year without restrictions. For
the X to achieve this compliance,
however, it's fitted with specific
parts to make it meet stringent
California emission standards.
These add-ons, unfortunately,
add weight, 24 pounds to be
exact. The 450X weighs 275
pounds, the RX 251 pounds.
These restrictions do just that,
restrict. As a result, the 450X's
motor doesn't feel anything like
the 450RX's, despite being based
on the same Unicam architec-
ture. The X is much more user-
friendly than the RX. However,
those who don't care about get-
ting to the trail's end first won't
mind at all. The RX is the better
choice if you want to race to win.
But if comfort and accessibility
is your thing, the X will be your
best friend. The X's suspension
is much softer than the RX's, and
that's because the X is designed
for trail riding, not racing. At least
right out of the crate. Baja racers,
however, still have success on
modified Xs.
The X's six-speed tranny is
nice, too, and the softer nature of
this bike makes it feel stable at
higher speeds.
If you take the X for what it
is, it's a blast. It's an excellent
trail bike and desert cruiser. But
if GNCC, WORCS or GP racing is
your thing, your best prescription
is RX.
OLD FAITHFUL:
CRF450X
