Because it is based on the proven off-road capability of the CRF450 Performance platform while still delivering surprising refinement and comfort on paved roads, the 2023 Honda CRF450RL Powerful Dirt Motorcycle is a prime example of a dual-sport motorbike. For these reasons, asphalt is the best option for joining extensive lengths of the roadway. Dirt performance is ensured by the 449 cc Unicam® engine, twin-spar aluminum frame, and excellent, long-travel suspension. In contrast, road performance is provided by the quiet muffler, vibration-damping urethane-injected swing arm, and wide-ratio six-speed gearbox. Honda’s reputation for producing durable products helps explain why the CRF450RL has become so popular in the dual-sport community.
One of the most challenging and rewarding projects in the motorcycle business is undoubtedly building a top-notch dual-sport motorbike. That’s why we’re so pleased with our Honda CRF450RL. In terms of utility and versatility, it outstrips a standard Moto crosser. And it’s great for riding off-road, where other vehicles fail. What’s so remarkable about this bicycle, anyway? The fact that our CRF450X is equipped with a six-speed transmission and has excellent chassis geometry also plays a significant role. The CRF450RL’s lightweight and responsive handling is not the result of any special features that have been added to the bike but instead of those that have been omitted. You get a proper dirt bike, built for long-term reliability and capable of riding almost any trail or terrain a motorcycle can handle, even pavement, making it much easier to locate petrol (or lunch). To visit the world, rent a Honda CRF450RL instead of utilizing a vehicle or trailer.
2023 Honda CRF450RL Powerful Dirt Motorcycle – Features and Specs
This special 50th-anniversary release celebrates a CR model from the ’80s.
The CRF450R, RWE, and RX have all seen upgrades to their engines and frames.
In celebration of the company’s 50-year history in professional motocross, Honda unveiled the 2023 CRF450R during a press conference today. Several Honda greats, including champions Gary Jones, Johnny O’Mara, Rick Johnson, Trey Canard, and former Team Manager Dave Arnold, were on hand for the event, which took place the night before the first round of the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Fox Raceway. Other riders in attendance included the current Team Honda HRC lineup of Ken Roczen, Chase Sexton, Hunter Lawrence, and Jett Lawrence.
In 2023, it will have been 50 years since Honda debuted the CR250M Elsinore, the company’s first motocross motorbike. The CRF450R is similar, with upgrades to the engine and modifications to the chassis targeted at improving acceleration and handling while exiting corners. The special 50th Anniversary Edition also has a color scheme evocative of the classic CR models that dominated AMA Supercross and Motocross in the 1980s, paying homage to Honda’s motocross heritage.
Jones rode the CR250 above M Elsinore to Honda’s first-ever AMA Motocross Championship victory that same year. Jett Lawrence, a member of Team HRC, won the 2021 AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Lawrence follows in the footsteps of such legends as Marty Smith, Chuck Sun, Johnny O’Mara, Ron Lechien, David Bailey, Micky Dymond, Darrell Schultz, Rick Johnson, Mike Kiedrowski, Jeff StantonDoug Henry, Steve Lamson, Jeremy McGrath, Jean-Michel Bayle, and Ricky Carmichael. They contributed significantly to the development of Honda’s famed motocross bikes, the CR and CRF. Honda has a long history of race-driven innovation, and the CRF450R, released in 2002, includes proposals from Team Honda HRC riders to continue this tradition.
Manager of Sports and Experiences at American Honda, Brandon Wilson, said, “Honda is synonymous with motocross and that is a result of our dedication to the sport for the past five long decades, as well as the invaluable contributions of top dirt bike riders – from Gary Jones in 1973 to Jett Lawrence in 2022.” Motocross fans will likely embrace the 2023 CRF450R 50th Anniversary Edition as a tribute to the model’s storied past. Honda’s motocross legacy will endure owing to the efforts of today’s riders and the next generation of winners.
2023 Honda CRF450R, CRF450RWE, and CRF450RX models will be raced by the SLR Honda and JCR Honda teams in the NGPC and WORCS. The improved engine and frame of the CRF450R are functional upgrades for all three versions.
The 2023 CRF450R celebrates Honda’s 50 years of the motocross industry, and it, along with the CRF450R-S, CRF450X, CRF450RL, CRF250R, CRF250RX, and CRF150R, are among the company’s most popular CRF Performance models.
Engine
The off-road-optimized 449.7cc Unicam® engine provides the necessary oomph. The finger-rocker arm aids in compactness, and the unique layout ensures top-notch performance on and off the beaten path. DLC is applied to the surface to reduce friction even more. In addition, challenging riding conditions won’t disrupt the particular valve timing’s ability to provide power smoothly. High crank inertia (up 12% over the CRF450R) and a compression ratio 12.0:1 provide regulated power application over rough terrain. Indeed The new six-speed transmission with wide-ratio gears and three-ring pistons is adaptable to various landscapes.
The innovative design of the clutch requires a tiny lever pull to engage. The friction springs that make up the primary damper mechanism reduce the oscillations and noise caused by the engine’s torque—radiators with excellent performance and capacity that can handle off-road use. The electric fan and thermostat work together to maintain the engine at a safe temperature, even in very hot conditions. Covers on the left and right crankcases of the engine, which may be modified, also help to lower noise levels—powerful AC generator providing reliable street lighting. The single muffler in the exhaust system provides exceptional sound quality while adhering to emission rules.
Chassis / Suspension
The aluminum twin-spar frame guarantees rapid acceleration and steady handling on uneven terrain. Sub-frame designed for maximum rigidity, ideal for carrying tools; Off-road Showa fork with 49 mm of travel and tuned for maximum performance. Like the CRF450R, but with a modified link ratio and rider weight distribution for off-road usage. The front brake was modeled after the CRF450R, with larger discs and a more extensive reservoir to reduce fade. One continuous, watertight link after another the front and rear sprockets are both constructed from high-quality steel, and they have a damper system to minimize noise and vibration. Urethane injected into the swing arm might potentially dampen road noise.
The fuel tank cover features a shut-off valve to prevent gas from spilling out if the bike is tipped over, and the turn signals are LEDs mounted on flexible brackets for longevity. The left side of the frame has a box for wiring and other electrical components—Renthal 7/8″ bar grip, black with red lining, Lightweight, compact buttons on the handlebars. In-mold designs may indeed be washed and worn repeatedly without ever peeling. Tires like the IRC GP-21F/GP-22R are great for both on-road and off-road use. Black-painted wheels that make a statement.
2023 Honda CRF450RL Powerful Dirt Motorcycle – Price
The new 2023 Honda CRF450RL Powerful Dirt Motorcycle is available at $9,999 only.
2023 Honda CRF450RL Powerful Dirt Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | 449.7 cc liquid-cooled 10º single-cylinder four-stroke |
Valve Train | Unicam® OHC, four-valve |
Bore x Stroke | 96.0 mm x 62.1 mm |
Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
Induction | Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 46mm of throttle bore |
Ignition | Full transistorized |
Starter | Push-button electric starter |
Drivetrain
Transmission | 6-speed wide ratio; manual |
Clutch | Multiplate wet (6 springs) |
Final Drive | #520 sealed chain; 13T/51T |
Suspension
Front | 49mm of fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork with 12.0 in. travel |
Rear | A Pro-Link system, fully adjustable Showa single shock with 11.8 in. wheel travel |
Brakes
Front | 2-piston caliper hydraulic; single 260 mm disc |
Rear | 1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240 mm disc |
Tires
Front | IRC GP21 80/100-21 w/ tube |
Rear | IRC GP22 120/80-18 w/ tube |
Measurements
Rake (Caster Angle) | 28.5° |
Trail | 122 mm (4.8 in.) |
Length | 89.6 in. |
Width | 33.3 in. |
Height | 49.9 in. |
Ground Clearance | 12.6 in. |
Seat Height | 37.2 in. |
Wheelbase | 58.9 in. |
Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gal. |
Color | Red |
Curb Weight | 291 lbs. |