American Honda today announced the return of the CRF450R motocrosser for 2022. As well as its five siblings that specialise in a variety of applications.
When it comes to motocross, the precise point of reference, Honda’s CRF450R currently leads the 2021 AMA Supercross series at Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen CRF450RWE. Adds top-shelf performance features for the most demanding customers.
The CRF450RX opens things up a bit to closed-course off-road racing. At the same time, the CRF450X expands horizons to everything up to and including the deserts of Baja.
Meanwhile, the CRF450RL adds the possibility of linking trails and dirt roads via public roads.
Finally, there’s the CRF450R-S, an excellent option for value-focused motocrossers.
Add them up, and it’s a collective of dirt bikes covering the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy getting dirty in many ways.
“Back when we first expanded our CRF450 lineup for the 2019 model year. Our goal was to offer application-specific models.
That would put Red Riders at the front of the pack no matter what their preferred means of dirt-bike riding,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Advertising, Experiential and Sports at American Honda.
“Three years later, the family has expanded and improved, and the 2022 collection is better than ever. We expect these bikes to continue to run at the front in dirt and on dealer showrooms.”
CRF450R
Honda’s CRF450R continues to be the Powersports industry’s benchmark motocrosser. Carrying Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen to three 2021 AMA Supercross wins so far and.
Together with its limited-edition CRF450RWE sibling, posting the most U.S. sales of any MX model.
For 2022, the legendary machine gets an updated ECU for enhanced drivability.
Particularly in the lower rev ranges, while suspension valving comes revised for better holdup and improved balance.
“Razor Sharp Cornering” continues as the model’s theme, with three main focus areas: power, handling and consistency.
Unsurprisingly for the platform campaigned by Roczen and teammate Chase Sexton and reigning FIM World Champion Tim Gajser. The CRF450R continues to draw lessons from Honda Racing Corporation’s global race program. Available: In May, Red with $9,599
CRF450RWE
For those who demand the absolute best for motocross performance. The premium CRF450RWE (“Works Edition”) comes based on the legendary CRF450R.
But with a long list of elite-level upgrades based on the machines in the Team Honda HRC factory race shop.
As is the case with the CRF450R, this model gets an updated ECU and suspension valving, for improved drivability and balance, respectively.
The CRF450RWE is the clear benchmark with it comes to setting low lap times. It is available in August, Red and $12,399.
CRF450RX
The CRF450RX is well-suited for closed-course off-road competition such as GNCC, WORCS and NGPC.
As proven at the national-championship level by SLR Honda and JCR Honda.
The motocross-focused CRF450R has off-road-specific features like dedicated ECU and suspension settings (updated for 2022, improved drivability and balance.
Plus an 18-inch rear wheel, aluminium side stand, handguards and a 2.1-gallon fuel tank.
The combination yields a race machine that’s ready to chase arrows and ribbon wherever it finds them. Arrives in July in Red paint scheme with a price tag of $9,899.
CRF450X
“Legendary.” “Dominant.” “Unbeatable.” In discussions of motorcycle racing in Baja.
Those are just some of the suitable adjectives for the CRF450X, which earned Honda’s record 30th Baja 1000 victory last November.
At the hands of SLR Honda riders Mark Samuels, Justin Morgan and Justin Jones.
A record 14 of those wins have come aboard the CRF450X, firmly establishing it as the ultimate desert-racing weapon.
But it’s also a great trail machine, thanks in part to its 50-state year-round off-road-legal status.
Plus appropriate off-road features like a side stand, 18-inch rear wheel, headlight, sealed chain and six-speed transmission.
The model is again available in Red and from June with a price tag of $9,799
CRF450RL
By its very nature, dual-sport riding demands many things from a motorcycle, presenting challenges for engineers.
That’s what makes Honda’s adaptable CRF450RL so unique: based on the legendary CRF Performance platform.
It has a 449cc Unicam® engine, twin-spar aluminium frame and premium, a long-travel suspension that makes it a stellar performer off-road.
At the same time, it’s surprisingly smooth and comfortable when linking those experiences via pavement.
Thanks to a quiet muffler, a vibration-damping urethane-injected swingarm and a wide-ratio six-speed transmission.
Throw in Honda’s legendary durability, and it’s no wonder this road-legal dirt bike has made a name for itself in the dual-sport world. With a price tag of $9,999, the model is available from May and in Red.
CRF450R-S
The off-road category has seen exceptional growth in recent years, creating a strong demand for 450cc motocross machines.
While many riders demand the latest technology, many customers also see price as a top priority. But without making a big sacrifice in terms of performance.
By offering both the advanced CRF450R and the CRF450R-S (based on the 2020 CRF450R platform). Honda addresses both groups’ needs. The same platform raced by Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen in 2020.
The CRF450R-S features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which maximises rear-tire hookup to keep the Unicam engine’s horsepower driving the bike and rider forward.
- Colour: Red
- MSRP: $8,599
- Available: September
