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RIDE REVIEW I 2025 HONDA CRF450RX
The R and the RX are very similar mo-
torcycles, but the RX has been tweaked
just enough to make it a little more off-
road compatible. Most experienced off-
road competitors want motocross-type
performance from their cross-country
racers but with non-negotiable must-
haves for off-road racing like what the
RX comes with: handguards, skid plate,
larger fuel tank, sealed O-ring chain and
even a kickstand. You also must have
an 18-inch rear wheel, which Honda provides with
off-road-specific Dunlop AT81 rubber.
The RX's dedicated ECU is tuned to prioritize
torque and overall traction to the rear wheel. Like
before, you still have three riding modes at your
fingertips: Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive, as
well as three levels of traction control, aka Honda
Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). All are tuned
Spec Sheet
The CRF450RX is a relatively new model
for Honda. It's only been around since
2021. It's a high-performance race bike
geared towards Grand Prix (NGPC) and
fast-style off-road racing (GNCC, hare
scramble, hare and hound, etc.) but
doesn't stray far from its motocross
heritage. Just like its CRF450R breth
-
ren, the RX enters a new generation
for 2025. It gets a new, stiffer frame, updated
shock mount, revised rear suspension linkages,
and a redesigned airbox, just like what the 2025
CRF450R got. The stiffer frame was a direct
result of Hunter and Jett Lawrence's influences,
as they aimed to eliminate the flex and instability
from the previous generation, which Honda says
benefits the off-road racer, as well.
Honda's premier
off-road racer, the
CRF450RX, enters
a new generation
for 2025.
