1. Introduction
The Honda CRF450R has been a benchmark motocross bike since its introduction in 2002. The package it offers has become synonymous with balance and agility, total control, quality, durability, and longevity for which Honda is renowned. For all these reasons, the CRF450R has always enabled its riders—be they enthusiasts, amateurs, or professionals—to get the best out of their abilities!
Moreover, it is a bike that has constantly evolved over the years through a long series of updates, both minor and major, drawing inspiration from Honda Racing programs worldwide. For the 2017 version, following the development concept of “ABSOLUTE HOLESHOT!”, the most appreciated bike in Europe for the premier class was radically redesigned, featuring a completely renewed chassis and a significant power increase provided by a brand-new engine. In the 2018 version, electric start was added as standard, while the 2019 version saw a notable increase in torque and maximum power thanks to a cylinder head developed by HRC, alongside the introduction of the HRC “launch control” system. The CRF450R 2020 introduced the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system.
Aside from the wheels and the fundamental architecture of the engine, the 2021 model saw the CRF450R being completely revamped, heavily drawing from the developments of the CRF450RW, which won the MXGP Championships in 2019 and 2020, finishing in third place, very close to the top of the World Championship standings in 2021.
For the 2022 version of the CRF450R, small refinements followed, and development for 2023 progressed significantly with a considerably improved bike thanks to valuable feedback from HRC official riders. The modifications to the chassis and engine aim to go faster, much faster, and much more easily. These changes benefit all riders, lap after lap.
The CRF450R in 2025 aims to become even faster and more effective while remaining agile, even on the most challenging tracks. To achieve this, stability has been improved while maintaining excellent cornering performance and providing better rider-to-throttle connection and engine management. The development of the CRF450R has always kept pace with the needs of HRC official riders participating in the MXGP World Championship. The most influential figure in the development has undoubtedly been the five-time world champion #243 Tim Gajser, who is looking to expand his record while riding the brand-new CRF450R YM25. As always, the CRF450R stays true to its mission of being a genuine competition motorcycle from HRC that anyone can purchase.
2. Model Overview
Improving stability and control—especially on the toughest tracks—is the goal of the 2025 CRF450R model. The aluminum double-cradle frame has been 70% revised in structure, with a completely rebalanced rigidity. In addition, new attachment points for the rear subframe, new upper and lower steering plates, and new swingarm pivot have been implemented. The rear axle and fork legs are also new, alongside a different progression in the Pro-Link linkage.
The Showa suspension has been completely revised in function (testing over 250 settings) to ensure linear performance in terms of compression and rebound throughout the entire travel of the shock absorbers. The rear shock is now easier to remove. HRC has also developed a new front brake caliper, achieved through a different processing of the body. Together with new pistons and seals, it now offers more precision throughout the race duration, further eliminating the “spongy” effect.
Improvements have also been made to throttle response, traction, and maximum power output from the UNICAM engine through the use of new intake air inlets and an exhaust manifold that connect the flows more directly. Consequently, the PGM-FI injection mappings have also been completely revised. The silencer complies with the new noise regulations of the FIM.
Additionally, the side panels, radiator shrouds, and new graphics that characterize the entire CRF family have been redesigned for the CRF450R YM25, with the Honda Wing prominently displayed on the front fender.
3. Key Features
3.1 Chassis
- New aluminum double-cradle frame with 70% revised structure improves stability.
- New upper/lower steering plates, rear axle, and fork legs.
- New Showa front and rear suspension for more linear performance throughout the travel.
- Revised structure and geometry of the Pro-Link linkage.
- New front brake caliper developed by HRC is more precise and consistent.
The CRF450R YM25—already famous for its extreme lightness and agility—this year raises the bar even higher in terms of maneuverability, providing greater stability in straight lines and corners, better damping over rough terrain, and immediate feel for grip at the front and rear.
The aluminum double-cradle frame has been redesigned by 70% to improve overall chassis stability on challenging tracks. New semi-double front cradle, side beams, and cross members combine with a new attachment at the upper shock joint and on the chain adjuster arm, generating an 8% increase in torsional rigidity and enhancing stability. The ratio of torsional rigidity to lateral rigidity has increased by 5%, improving cornering performance.
Vertical torsional rigidity has increased by 4%, eliminating deformation effects and enhancing high-speed stability; the rear subframe is now mounted on offset plates (rather than directly on the frame beams). This change reduces kinetic energy transmission (and the resulting movement) to the rear structure of the bike by 27%, particularly in the area of the subframe tube itself.
Significant attention has been paid to the design of the upper and lower plates and the steering stem, aiming for an even more linear and precise suspension travel. Alongside the fork legs, the front axle has also been revised, giving the YM25 configuration greater overall rigidity while reducing variation in rigidity by 6% during compression phases. The aluminum swingarm remains unchanged at 585.2 mm.
Steering head angle and trail: 27°19’/115 mm. Wheelbase of 1,483 mm and ground clearance of 333 mm. The weight is 108 kg (with a full tank 113 kg) with a weight distribution of 48.7% front and 51.3% rear (with a full tank).
Another area subjected to intense development has been the suspension department, aiming for more progressive, smoother fork hydraulics (reducing friction by 200% throughout the entire stroke) to ensure better feel while riding.
The new Showa 49 mm inverted spring fork is completely new in every component, from external rigidity to internal parts, redesigned to provide better control throughout the stroke. The travel is 310 mm with different oil specifications to improve damping at low speeds and features 16 “clicks” for extension adjustment and the same for compression adjustment; all settings have been revised for the YM25.
Along with the modifications made to the fork, the rear Showa shock has also been revised to provide the same type of linear and uniform control throughout the stroke, with reduced friction in the final part. There are 17 “clicks” for adjusting extension, 3.5 turns for high speeds, and 13 “clicks” for low-speed compression adjustment, all settings revised for the YM25. The Pro-Link linkage structure is now 11% stiffer, with an optimized ratio to provide more effective impact control. The rear axle travel is 308 mm.
The mono-shock housing on the CRF450R YM25 has been redesigned for easier maintenance—with only four components to disassemble—halving removal and replacement times.
Taking inspiration from parts used by official HRC race bikes, the double-piston front brake caliper has been redesigned and now uses new pistons and new seals. The new design reduces lever play by 57% when the caliper temperature is high, reducing lever pressure by 25% under thermal stress. This improves lever response efficiency, consequently reducing rider fatigue. The 260 mm petal disc remains unchanged; the single-piston rear caliper is paired with a 240 mm petal disc.
The lightweight aluminum DID wheels, with spokes directly fitted to the hub, feature a black finish. Front 21 x 1.6 inches, rear 19 x 2.15 inches. Dunlop MX33F/MX33 tires are standard equipment.
The profile of the plastics allows maximum freedom of movement for the rider. The shrouds and side panels have been updated for the YM25, maintaining the current design philosophy of all CRF models centered on lightness, mass centralization, and rider-oriented ergonomics. A strong point remains the ease of moving the legs forward and backward along the sides.
All members of the CRF family feature new YM25 graphics highlighting the model changes, with the CRF450R showcasing the Honda Wing on the front fender. The titanium fuel tank has a capacity of 6.3 liters.
Standard is the lightweight, ergonomic, and adjustable Renthal Fatbar handlebars. The upper steering plate features two mounting positions to move the handlebars forward or backward by 26 mm. By rotating the mounts 180 degrees, the handlebars can be moved an additional 10 mm from the base position, offering a total of four riding positions.
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## 3.2 Engine
The CRF450R YM25 features a 449.7 cc engine with optimized airflow that significantly improves throttle response, especially in tight corners. Thanks to a longer exhaust manifold, the engine provides more controllable delivery at mid-range RPMs, enhancing traction and performance even beyond the peak power output. This evolution, a result of HRC’s work, has made corner exits faster and easier, allowing for a more aggressive ride in third gear.
The airflow path has been designed to be more direct, reducing resistance and improving throttle control. This innovation extends to the exhaust system, which offers controllable delivery at low and mid RPMs. The new PGM-FI injection mapping complements the engine’s performance characteristics. The thermally treated aluminum silencer withstands impacts and complies with the FIM noise regulation of 109 dB.
The bore and stroke remain at 96 mm x 62.1 mm with a compression ratio of 13.5:1. The engine is equipped with a gear position sensor that allows for three specific ignition maps for different gears. The 8-disc hydraulic clutch enhances control and sensitivity, maintaining consistent play even in challenging riding conditions. Additionally, the engine’s lubrication is managed by a 12 mm dual-gear recovery pump and a 5-hole piston oil jet.
## 3.3 Electronics
The CRF450R is equipped with an advanced electronics system, including Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with three riding modes and HRC Launch Control with three starting options. The HSTC system reduces rear wheel slip during acceleration, improving traction. It does not use wheel speed sensors, maintaining excellent control over the throttle. The system intervenes by adjusting ignition and fuel injection when rapid changes in RPM are detected.
The three modes of HSTC provide flexibility for various riding conditions:
– **Mode 1**: minimal intervention, ideal for slow corners.
– **Mode 2**: intermediate intervention for varying grip conditions.
– **Mode 3**: aggressive intervention, great for slippery surfaces.
The HRC Launch Control allows riders to choose from three starting modes, adapting to rider skill and terrain conditions. The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) enables instant adjustment of the engine’s delivery characteristics to track conditions, offering three maps:
– **Map 1 (Standard)**: balanced delivery.
– **Map 2 (Smooth)**: more manageable throttle response, ideal for low-grip surfaces.
– **Map 3 (Aggressive)**: quick and powerful response for experienced riders.
The map indicator LED is blue, confirming selection through flashing signals. The HRC setting tool offers further customization, allowing riders to tailor their riding experience according to their style and skill level.
