2023 CRF450R-S Honda Dirt Motorcycle Review Specs Price

What if this is the most excellent plan yet? The 2023 CRF450R-S Honda Dirt Motorcycle is a great option for an outstanding open-class motocross bike with even better pricing. The CRF450R-S is, in a nutshell, the most inexpensive way to rule the track. For riders who favor that system, you’ll enjoy cutting-edge features like our Unicam® engine, adjustable engine modes, Honda adjustable Torque Control, and balanced dual exhaust. Additionally, the win will taste better than ever when you beat your friends riding newer, more costly motorcycles while riding a CRF450R-S.

Honda’s top-of-the-line motocross motorcycle, the CRF450R, keeps pushing the limits of technology to remain ahead of the competition, but some consumers place value above all else. With the CRF450R-S, which is based on the 2022 CRF450R ridden by factory Team Honda HRC riders Chase Sexton and Ken Roczen, Honda meets the demands of both groups while maintaining a competitive pricing point.

2023 CRF450R-S Honda Dirt Motorcycle – Features and Specs

Engine / Drivetrain

The CRF450R-S engine, like the one on which it is based, has excellent bottom-end and intermediate power, resulting in a linear delivery that is powerful yet controllable, even when the rider tires. Peak power is also amazing.

Cylinder Head

The Unicam® cylinder head’s design, which places the counterbalance for the decompressor system on the left end of the camshaft, helps to maintain combustion stability in the deficient rpm range and for powerful but controllable power delivery, such as on corner exits, as well as resistance to stalling. The magnesium cylinder head cover has a thin-wall construction to save weight. With its central location, oval form, and relative straightness, the engine’s exhaust port maximizes exhaust efficiency and impressive torque characteristics for a linear delivery that lasts into the high rpm range. Lubrication is handled via a twin 12 mm drum scavenge pump and a five-hole piston oil jet.

The CRF450R-S has a downdraft intake system that produces robust, efficient power, and a considerable air boot produces high torque at low rpm. One side-panel bolt must be removed to reach the air box. The spray can travel to the rear of the butterfly thanks to the 60o fuel-injector angle, cooling the upstream side of the intake route for optimal intake efficiency and torque sensation.

Exhaust

The exhaust header and muffler are placed near the vehicle’s centerline for a low profile, and the engine’s centered exhaust-port placement adds to the rider’s freedom of movement. Power is increased and noise is decreased by two resonators, one after the front U-bend and the other at the upstream end of the muffler.

Clutch

The hydraulically operated clutch features eight plates, a considerable volume, and little slippage. It also has a mild lever pull.

Electronics

For first and second, third and fourth, and fifth gears, respectively, three distinct ignition maps may be used. An entirely new handlebar-mounted switch allows for selecting Standard, Smooth, or Aggressive ignition maps, allowing quick adjustment in response to rider choice or track circumstances.

Honda Selectable Torque Control also provides three degrees of involvement. In response to rpm spikes, HSTC analyzes them and controls PGM-FI and ignition timing to reduce torque in order to improve rear traction briefly. For varying riding situations or rider preferences, the three separate modes have variable drive-management levels:

• Mode 1: The system waits for the longest before interfering and does so in the lightest manner. This model is beneficial for decreasing wheel spin and preserving control in tight turns.
• Mode 2: The system intervenes with assertiveness and speed between modes 1 and 3.
• Mode 3: The system intervenes quickly and forcefully, beneficial in slick or muddy circumstances.

Three settings are selectable on the CRF450R-S’s handlebar-mounted switch, depending on the situation and the rider’s preferences. The HSTC system may also be turned off.

Chassis / Suspension

For accurate handling without compromising high-speed tracking, as well as little squat during acceleration and minor pitching under harsh braking, the motorcycle’s heavier components are positioned in the middle and as low as feasible.

Swing arm, sub-frame, and frame

The frame weighs 18.5 pounds thanks to short main spars and specially designed reinforcing ribbing on the underside of the pivot plate. While vertical stiffness is somewhat stiff, lateral rigidity is maximized for a fluid feel that aids in smooth handling. The subframe has a straightforward design and only weighs 2.0 pounds. The swing arm’s stiffness has been optimized to enhance rear traction and handling, and it is small, offering decent clearance in ruts.

The front suspension comprises a gas-liquid separation mechanism and a 49 mm inverted Showa coil-spring fork. For the best handling and feel-through turns, the upper and lower triple clamps are especially designed to give an excellent stiffness balance. A Showa shock absorber including adjusters on the right side and a very light steel shock spring, are used in the Pro-Link® rear suspension system. The link ratio minimizes rear-end squats caused by acceleration.

Wheels: Black D.I.D rims provide strong performance and an attractive appearance. Heat is dispersed via petal-shaped brake rotors, providing a robust feel and reliable stopping power. The fantastic Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires that come standard on the CRF450R are widely regarded as the industry standard for soft to intermediate terrain. Top motocross riders helped develop the MX33s, including technology that provides improved grip, slide control, impact absorption, and durability.

Design

The CRF450R-S boasts a sleek radiator shroud and side panel intersection that makes it easier for the rider to maneuver about and turn. Instead of two pieces, each radiator shroud is created in a single part, and the air-outlet vents in the radiator shrouds were designed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The number of fins and their angle are maximized by the radiator grills, increasing cooling capacity.

The seat base’s mounting tabs are placed in the front and face rearward, making installation easier and using acceleration forces to hold the seat firmly. The titanium gasoline tank holds 1.7 gallons and is lightweight.

The seat, both side panels, and both radiator shrouds are all held in place by only eight fasteners, and all of the bolts for the primary bodywork elements have 8 mm heads to make maintenance easier.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), ride modes, and engine stop are all addressed by a single switch cluster. On the Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar’s right side, you’ll find the starter and HRC launch control. Four alternative mounting configurations are feasible across a range of 26 mm thanks to the handlebar clamp’s two locations and 180-degree rotation.

2023 CRF450R-S Honda Dirt Motorcycle – Price

The new 2023 CRF450R-S Honda Dirt Motorcycle is available at $8,799 only.

2023 CRF450R-S Honda Dirt Motorcycle – Technical Specifications

Engine

Suspension

Brakes

Tires

Measurements

Other