Honda CRF450R

The CRF450R has been the fast bike of the 450 class since it arrived in 2002. Every generation has been about power and a light, agile chassis, and the current bike (2021 onwards) is the lightest 450 Honda has built, with a single muffler, a hydraulic clutch and launch control from the factory. Showa suspension, a strong Nissin brake package and Honda build quality.

It suits a fast clubman or an A grade rider who wants the strongest engine in the class. It is a sharper, more demanding bike than a YZ450F, and a vet rider or a newer 450 rider will usually find the Yamaha easier to live with. Against the KTM 450 SX F it is a touch heavier but feels more planted.

The CRF450R runs separate engine and gearbox oil on most years, which is a good thing for the engine but means two drains and two fills. Change the engine oil every 5 to 10 hours depending on how hard it is ridden, the gearbox oil every second or third change, and the filter every second engine oil change. Capacities are small, under a litre each side, so check the manual for the exact figure and check the level with the bike upright after a warm up.

Air filter every ride. Honda valves, especially the titanium intakes on the racing models, are more prone to closing up than Yamaha valves, so check them at the interval in the table and any time the bike gets hard to start. Plan on a piston around 30 to 40 hours for a bike that is raced.

Hours matter more on a Honda than on some bikes because of the valves. Ask when they were last checked and whether they were in spec. On a 2017 to 2020 bike make sure it starts easily and idles cleanly when hot; if it stalls off the bottom or needs a lot of cranking, the mapping or the valves need attention. On a 2021 onwards bike check the hydraulic clutch feels consistent and the frame around the shock mount has no cracks. Pull the seat and look at the airbox.

Recent sold prices for each year are on the Marketplace page linked below.