I give a quick overview of the model update to Honda’s CRF450R for 2021, as well as the 2021 CRF450RX version, with Honda promising an almost all new bike, excepting the engine and wheels – with a big focus on improved handling. Pricing in Australia is expected to be $12,899, with the CRF450R arriving in October.

Obviously that means plenty of new components and we’ll start with the twin-spar aluminium frame, which saves 700 grams of the outgoing item and runs narrower main spars. That's alongside a lighter subframe, and a new swingarm also with narrower spars and swingarm pivot, with rigidity fine-tuned across all three and a revised Pro-Link ratio.

Top and bottom yokes are also updated and offer more flex for feel, with the 49mm Showa USD coil-spring forks apparently based on the Showa factory fork that the MX race teams get in the Japanese championship. The forks are revalved, with a longer stroke of 310mm and greater axle clamp rigidity.

On the rear the Showa shock has had the main piston valving expanded for better response and absorption, and Honda are boasting the use of the world’s lightest steel in the spring.

Both rake and trail have been reduced, to 27.7 degrees and 114 mm respectively, and the wheelbase is also shorter at 1481 mm. Ground clearance is improved to 336 mm, with a taller bottom yoke, while the swingarm radius arc is now greater.

Ergonomics are also improved, with a new seat designed to ease rider movement on the bike, as well as being lower at the rear, while being easier to install and remove. Renthal Fatbars are fitted and offer four positions.

Bodywork will also be easier to remove, thanks to only requiring four bolts, down from six on each side, as well as being thinner. Dry weight is down to 105.8 kg, 2 kg lighter than the outgoing model. There’s no tank cover either, and the 6.3L titanium tank (not aluminium as stated in the video) has been redesigned, with new radiator shrouds as well.

A 260mm front rotor is joined by a twin piston caliper, with a single piston rear caliper and 240 mill rotor. Both rotors are wave items and there's Black D.I.D. rims with a 21 inch front and 19 inch rear, with Honda promising the rear will be stronger and lighter. Dunlop MX33 tyres will be fitted.

While the liquid cooled four-stroke single-cylinder 449.7 cc Uni-Cam engine isn’t all new, there have been refinements, with a larger 4.1L airbox, revised 46mm throttle body and revised exhaust ports, with a boost in power and low-end rpm torque feel according to Honda. Injector angle has also been expanded to 60 degrees, with a new decompression system helping reduce the chance of stalling.

Oval exhaust ports offer better efficiency, while the new exhaust system saves 1.2 kg over the outgoing model and reduces noise. Also new is a hydraulic clutch, with eight clutch plates now run, and reduced slippage at peak power. The magnesium cylinder head cover has also been refined to save further weight, with a smaller fuel pump fitted as well.

The CRF450R continues with the Honda Selectable Torque Control System which can be turned off or run at one of three settings, as well as the three level KRC Launch Control system, and three maps are available via the Engine Mode Select Button. The HSTCS is also now controlled via the left switchgear.

The 2021 Honda CRF450RX shares all these updates but includes a sidestand and hand guards as standard fitment, weighing in 1.8 kg heavier than the R model, while also featuring an 18 inch rear wheel, with Dunlop Geomax AT81 tyres fitted.

The 2021 CRF450RX runs a 90/90-21 inch front, and a 120/90-18 inch rear, where the 2021 CR450R runs a 80/100-21 inch front, and 120/80-19 inch rear, with the previously mentioned Dunlop MX33 tyres. The CRF350RX also runs a larger eight litre fuel tank.

So that’s a quick look at what we know about the 2021 Honda CRF450R and CRF450RX models ahead of their release, while it’s still up in the air whether Australia will receive the RX, with the R arriving in October for $12,899.

Images courtesy of Honda Motorcycles.


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