COMPARISON I 2023 HONDA CRF450X & CRF450RX
P92
The MX52 tires, which are
discontinued but still come on
the X, are effective. They are a
little stiffer than the AT81s that
come on the RX, which makes
the '52s a little more durable
and less prone to flats. Honda
also went with the MX52s
because they are quieter on
the pavement, enabling the X
to pass EPA's ride-by
sound test.
However, there are
a few things we don't
like about the X, like
weight. The X is down
-
right heavy at a claimed
275 pounds, making it a handful
over loose rocks and anything
super technical, especially at
slower speeds. Its tall 38-inch
seat height doesn't help here,
either. And the X is a bear to pick
up should you drop it. However,
at speed, you won't notice the
weight so much; it might even
help give the X some added sta
-
bility, depending on the terrain.
The X also turns well despite its
straight-line prowess.
Comparing the X to the RX is
almost like comparing apples
to oranges. They are very differ
-
ent motorcycles. The RX is all
about going fast. It's way more
aggressive than the X, has
more outright power and hits
much harder. You can manage
that hit somewhat via its three
engine modes, but even in the
mildest mode, the RX
still rips. Mild mode or
not, the RX isn't much
fun on the tight twisties
or threading your way
through the trees and
thick bushes, unlike the
X. In the tight stuff, the RX feels
like a lot of motorcycle and
wears on you after a while, and
it flames out more than the X.
It's just not happy in these con
-
ditions. Instead, the RX wants
to spread its wings on more
open terrain, like western-style
GP tracks or motocross tracks.
It's in these settings where the
RX shines.
It has the suspension to
keep up, too. However, it's a
You want power
for the hills, sand
washes and open
terrain? The
CRF450X has you
covered.