2021 Honda CRF450R

[Hugh Janus]

2021 Honda CRF450R (Honda/)

Ups

• Significant updates for 2021 make for a major improvement<br/>
• Most powerful dyno figures for its class and fastest on the track<br/>
• Great cornering capability<br/>
• Comfortable ergonomics

Downs

• Needs better ECU mapping, because it bogs in low rpm<br/>
• Could use a suspension revalve for better all-around performance<br/>
• Slightly rigid chassis

Verdict

Its 2021 redesign makes for significant improvements over the previous model year, and its power figures continue to impress. Just a little more fine-tuning is needed.

2021 Honda CRF450R (Jeff Allen/)

Overview

The Honda CRF450R is new and improved for 2021, so much so that it is considered the most revised model in its class for the new year. It competes with motocross bikes like the Kawasaki KX450, Yamaha YZ450F, KTM 450 SX-F, and Husqvarna FC 450, as seen in Dirt Rider’s 450 Shootout, but can also find itself head to head with the GasGas MC 450F and Suzuki RM-Z450. One of the feathers in its cap is the fact that it has the most peak horsepower and torque figures of the 450 class.

2021 Honda CRF450R (Honda/)

Updates for 2021

The 2021 Honda CRF450R received so many updates that it gets nearly its own detailed article explaining them all, which you can find here in our 2021 model unveil coverage. A summarized list of changes include: a new frame/reconfigured chassis, new Nissin hydraulic clutch, redesigned exhaust system, various engine updates, refined suspension, different airbox, airboot, and air filter, new handlebar-mounted engine map select button, slimmer bodywork, new radiator shroud, and new Dunlop MX33 tires.

Pricing and Variants

The CRF450R is available at an MSRP of $9,599 and the CRF450RWE (Works Edition) is available for $12,380. The Works Edition includes the following features: a Yoshimura exhaust, Twin Air filter, Throttle Jockey seat cover, Hinson clutch basket and cover, D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims, Kashima- and titanium nitrate-coated fork, a red cylinder-head cover, and a special cylinder-head porting.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With mechanical changes made to the engine we were curious what the dyno chart would reveal. Yet again, the Honda had the most peak horsepower and torque numbers for the third time in a row compared to the competition: 55.2 hp at 9,300 rpm and 35.1 pound-feet of torque at 7,100 rpm, which is up from last year’s documented 53.3 hp at 9,800 rpm and 32.2 pound-feet of torque at 6,900 rpm.

The engine is identified by its racy and aggressive character and controllable power. The engine accelerates the bike quickly and focuses its power between the midrange to top-end. A complaint Dirt Rider mentioned is that the engine “sporadically bogs and hesitates at low rpm. This is most noticeable when exiting corners. Interestingly, it doesn’t have this hiccup when blipping the throttle while warming it up before a moto. It only occurs when the bike is being ridden on the track and under acceleration.”

2021 Honda CRF450R (Jeff Allen/)

Handling

The CRF450R’s chassis offers more flex than its previous generation, and this is reflected in its excellent cornering performance, responsiveness, and lightweight feel. The CRF450R feels the most rigid of the group, which makes its faults in handling known on rougher tracks. The positive aspects of its handling make it better suited for tight, smooth tracks.

Test riders noted that suspension is improved for this latest-generation model, however, the Showa 49mm fork and Showa shock are “both too soft, which causes them to ride low in the stroke.” Feedback when hitting bumps and fork dive under braking were also noticeable, though the latter does seem improved since 2020. With that said, “The CRF450R’s suspension components have good bones to work with, but the fork would benefit from having stiffer springs, and possibly even a revalve of both ends would make the Showa components more suitable to the demands of a motocross track, especially a rough one like Glen Helen.”

Brakes

Being the fastest bike in the class is great, but controlling that speed is equally important. Thankfully, the red machine’s brakes do a sufficient job of slowing it down when needed. The Nissin units’ job is made easier by the fact that the 2021 CRF450R is 6 pounds lighter than the prior year model.

2021 Honda CRF450RWE (Honda/)

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

Fuel economy has not been recorded, however, the 1.7-gallon tank puts the CRF as the second largest tank capacity among its competitors.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Dirt Rider’s Allan Brown reported that the rider triangle is comfortable. He was very happy with how the CRF450R was slimmed down and said, “Even more surprising is that it does not bow out very much at the end of the radiator shrouds or at the rear by the muffler. The seat is narrow, thin, and just firm enough that you don’t feel the seat base, but not too firm as a result of its thinness. The handlebar, grips, and front brake lever are all the same and feel comfortable.”

Electronics

The 2021 CRF450R utilizes the new handlebar-mounted switch for toggling between three ignition maps (Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive), three levels of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and three modes of HRC Launch Control.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The CRF450R and the WE trim do not have a warranty.

Quality

The CRF’s vast improvements, slim design, cornering maneuverability, powerful engine, and comfortable ergonomics continue to hold it in high regard. Some fine-tuning may be needed, but with an expert’s touch riders can get the most out of its overall performance.

2021 Honda CRF450R (Jeff Allen/)

2021 Honda CRF450R Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$9,599
Engine:	450cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x Stroke:	96.0 x 62.1mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:	Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) w/ 46mm downdraft throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, hydraulically actuated
Engine Management/Ignition:	DC-CDI
Frame:	Aluminum twin-spar
Front Suspension:	49mm Showa inverted fork, compression and rebound adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa shock, fully adjustable; 12.4 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked D.I.D DirtStar wheels
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop MX33; 80/100-21 / 120/80-19
Rake/Trail:	27.1°/4.5 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.2 in.
Seat Height:	38.0 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.7 gal.
Wet Weight:	244 lb.
Contact:	powersports.honda.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height:	37.6 in.
Wet Weight:	244 lb.
Rear-wheel Horsepower:	55.2 hp @ 9,300 rpm
Rear-wheel Torque:	35.1 lb.-ft. @ 7,100 rpm

Source