Honda CRF450R-S: A Motocross for Better Performance

The design of the Honda CRF450R-S is quite simple on purpose, and Honda made it available only in Red.

Since this is a performance machine, all attention and focus are given to the racing components, with very little in the way of functional design. However, the CRF450R-S is a good-looking bike with sharp looks and an aggressive cowl.

The seat is also completely straight, allowing the rider to move around and adding to its bold look.

The radiator shrouds include challenging film inlay graphics that span a sizable area in a scratch-resistant design.

Honda CRF450R-S has only one color offering.

• Red

Honda CRF450R-S is available in only one variant.

• Honda CRF450R-S

Unparalleled “Absolute Holeshot” performance is provided by the 450cc single-cylinder engine’s Unicam cylinder head, downdraft intake tract, electronic fuel injection, and electric start.

The engine is equipped with Honda’s unique Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection system, which provides quick and consistent throttle response.

The camshaft sits lower in the head for the compact engine and has a lower center of gravity.

It gets an impressive compression ratio which is 13.5:1, providing improved combustion efficiency for better and more power.

A customized ignition map for each gear is made possible by the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with three riding modes (plus OFF), an Electric starter, and Shift Sensor, allowing optimal performance.

A lot of work was done on the cylinder head by HRC, including revisions to the combustion chamber squish, piston skirt profile, piston ring, and conrod, as well as the right and left engine cases’ weight-to-strength ratios.

HRC Launch Control provides three start options, and three maps are available on the Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) to change output character.

The lightweight, standard-fit Renthal Fatbar flexes for maximum comfort; the top yoke has two handlebar-holder places that allow you to move the handlebar 26mm back or forward.

The handlebar can be changed an extra 10mm from the base position when the holder is twisted 180 degrees, creating four different riding positions.

The CRF450R-S uses a titanium gasoline tank weighing 1.66 gals. The rider can move around more quickly because of the smooth plastic’s outside lines, and the radiator receives optimal airflow through the front mudguard and narrow frontal area.

The 2023 Honda CRF450R-S features a five-speed manual transmission.

This transmission is designed to provide smooth and precise shifting for optimal performance on the track. The gear ratios are carefully chosen to suit the engine’s power delivery and provide strong acceleration from corners.

Additionally, the transmission has a heavy-duty clutch that can handle the high demands of motocross racing. The clutch design allows for easy engagement and provides a solid feel at the lever, ensuring confident and smooth clutch control.

For suspension at the front, Showa 49mm USD coil spring fork is a variant of the Showa “factory” fork given to MX race teams competing in the Japanese championship. It is fully adjustable and has 12-inch travel.

The rear suspension specification includes Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring-preload, rebound- and compression-damping adjustability, and 12.4-inch travel.

The front brake gets a single 260mm disc with a twin-piston caliper and a low-expansion rate brake hose, giving both a substantial feel and improved staying power. It works on a 260mm wave-pattern disc.

At rear, the braking duties are handled by 240mm single-disc brakes.