2017 HONDA CRF450RX
FIRST TEST
P60
Creek, riding a technical single-
track loop and also spun a lot
of laps on the motocross track,
and we quickly discovered that
the CRF450RX is a bike that can
do it all. This isn't an updated ver-
sion of the CRF450X trail bike,
a capable off-roader that hasn't
changed much in over a decade.
The 2017 Honda CRF450RX is
a brand new off-road race bike
with an appetite for any type of
dirt you want to ride.
Californians should note
that, unlike the CRF450X that
is a "green sticker" motorcycle,
the RX is pure red, as in "red
sticker." This means that the RX
is designed strictly for closed-
course riding.
TRANSFORMATION
The additions and changes
that make the RX what it is start
at the rear wheel, which is an
off-road worthy 18-incher. The
rubber is Dunlop in the form of
the AT81, a good choice for all
around off-road riding.
Keeping things simple, the
RX engine is exactly like the
450R, even the transmission is
the same. The CRF450RX ECU
mapping, however, is tuned a
little mellower for better traction in
off-road situations and smoother
roll-on power. The RX comes
standard with electric start (Honda
offers an electric starter kit for the
CRF450R for about $600-plus. In
case you're wondering, Ken Roc-
zen has one fitted to his factory
Honda HRC race bike).
In the suspension department,
the RX stays with the same spring
rate up front as the 450R, but
with softer valving. Out back the
RX shock uses a softer spring
rate with plusher valving than the
R. Further adding to the com-
pliance of the 450RX, thinner
upper engine mounts allow more
flex of the chassis.
Of course off-road riding
means you need more gas, so
the RX holds 2.2 gallons in a
The RX is easy to ride
and a solid-handling
machine, which gives
you the confidence to
do crazy stuff like this.
Honda didn't forget the skid
plate—an off-road necessity.
