2021 Honda CRF450R First Look

Honda unveiled a redesigned CRF450R motocross machine for the 2021 model year.

The new CRF450R’s development was aimed at drastically improved cornering performance.

The motor has been redesigned with the exhaust port now exiting at the front, rather than the side of the cylinder head. Gone are the twin exhaust mufflers, replaced by a single muffler. As such, 2.7 pounds have been saved on the exhaust alone, with a single system helping with better low-rpm power delivery.

The clutch is now hydraulically-actuated, and the airbox gets a massive increase from 1.8 liters to 4.1 liters. The new airbox necessitated a change in the fuel injector position, which now sits at 30 degrees compared to the 60 of the 2020 model.

Weight saving is one of the major design points of the new CRF—the fuel pump is 120 grams lighter, the new bodywork goes from 12 mounting screws to eight, the frame is a couple of grams lighter, 0.7 grams has been saved from the new subframe and the new shock spring saves another half a gram.

The bodywork has been completely revised with the seat now 10mm higher at the rear, and a new gas tank has been designed to go with the revised frame and exhaust routing.

Honda changed the electronics, combining several systems into one button. The HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) system, three different engine maps, and the engine kill switch are all located on the left side, while the right handlebar houses the engine start switch.

Sticker price $9599, with availability set for September.

The CRF450RWE returns and takes on the same benefits as the standard model but with race team graphics and upgraded suspension and engine-tuning tweaks. The ’21 WE does, however, now comes standard with a Hinson clutch basket and cover, as well as a Twin Air air filter.

The CRF450RWE is priced at $12,380. Availability will be November.

Honda’s 450 off-road racer, the CRF450RX, gets the same upgrades as the 2021 CRF450R motocrosser while retaining its off-road specific features, such as an 18-inch rear wheel, aluminum side-stand, and hand guards.

MSRP for the 2021 CRF450RX is $9899 and will be available in October.

The dual sport 450, now called the CRF450RL, is back with new graphics and hand guards, which are now standard equipment.

Price tag for the 2021 CRF450RL is $10,399. Availability: September.

Rounding out the 450s is Honda’s CRF450X which returns with new graphics and, like the CRF450RL, hand guards.

The CRF450X comes with a $9799 price tag, availability has not yet been announced.

Interestingly, Honda has also ordered a new production run of the 2020 CRF450R and will be doing a permanent price reduction of $1000 ($8599) while the model lasts.