2023 Honda CRF450RX First Ride Review

Honda knows it has some of the most competitive closed-course off-road competition bikes on the market, which is why it invited a large contingent of motorcycle media down to Chocolate Mountain Ranch for its 2023 off-road model introduction. Located in SoCal’s San Diego County and featuring acres of technical trails, a motocross track, and seemingly never-ending riding options, it was an outstanding place to spend a day on two wheels. The Honda team even laid out a proper cross-country loop to shake down the 2023 offerings.

While the 2023 Honda CRF450RX looks deceptively similar to the 2022 model, with only some shroud decals and a new HRC logo to distinguish between the two, engine internals, suspension revisions, and an updated frame are worth detailing on the 2023 machine. Read on to learn more about the revisions as well as our time with the new bike.

Related: 2022 Honda CRF250RX Review

2023 Honda CRF450RX Engine

Right off the bat, I’m a big fan of the direction Honda went with the 2023 CRF450RX. The five-speed engine is more rideable than ever thanks to well-engineered changes and thoughtful designs. Every part from the intake to the exhaust was analyzed in an effort to increase usability, which was one of the pitfalls of the 2021 and 2022 bikes. Well documented, these years were overly aggressive for the average consumer and almost race-spec straight off the showroom floor.

Related: 2023 Honda Motocross, Off-Road, and Dual Sport Bikes First Look

The 2023 Honda CRF450RX is a friendlier machine, and user-friendliness is an important quality to have in a motorcycle when pushing one’s limits in the off-road arena. Smoother than ever, it remains extremely powerful with more than respectable horsepower and torque numbers. The 44mm throttle body, updated cam profile, and exhaust alterations are noticed the minute one takes off from the pits. A smoother and cleaner character is the best way to describe the ‘23 updates. The RX remains race-ready, but now riders can go more than a lap or two without feeling the brunt of the Honda engine.

Related: 2022 Honda CRF250RX Dyno Test

An easily accessible handlebar-mounted electronics package offers owners plenty of options, and I cannot reinforce how important it is to learn and utilize for riders to fine-tune their new ride. The blue Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) sets the map for your preferred engine characteristics. Mode 1 is standard, Mode 2 is smooth, and Mode 3 is aggressive. The green button controls the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which also has three modes, where the torque control engages from least (Mode 1) to greatest (Mode 3). For better starts when racing, riders should learn to access the HRC Launch Control function, which also has three available settings that access varying levels of engagement.

Related: Off-Road Racebikes—Cole Martinez’s 2022 Honda CRF450RX

2023 Honda CRF450RX Suspension

Breaking in new bikes on foreign terrain always makes for an interesting day, but the standard CRF450RX settings are comfortable enough to get the job done. Much of the Honda cross-country loop was first through third gear technical riding, and that is where the bike’s softer settings shine. Noticeably softer than the CRF450R cousin, this package is more trail-oriented than track-oriented. The 4.8 Nm fork springs and a 50 Nm shock spring with off-road valving and differing specs are significantly lighter than the CRF450R’s.

Traditionally noteworthy news in our chassis/handling section, frame rigidity has been optimized for 2023 by increasing the thickness of the aluminum in key places, from 4mm to 6mm. Both the upper shock mount and material at the joint where the twin horizontal braces meet the downtube have been thickened. While good for the frame, these changes pay the biggest dividends in how the suspension acts with the frame, and an overall plusher feeling graces the 2023 machine. On the surface, one wouldn’t think that more material was the answer to an already-rigid chassis, but this new combination feels better than either the preceding 2021 and 2022 models.

Related: 2022 Honda CRF250F Review

Sag and fork height settings are critical on the Honda, and the always-helpful Showa technicians recommended a starting point of 104–105mm to begin the day. Fork height was set at 2.5mm and unless riding in extra tight trails, I would recommend 0–2.5mm for most riders’ baselines. Introduction days revolve around gathering required photos, video, and press materials, so I left all settings in standard form throughout my time on the bike. At 6 feet tall and 185 pounds, I will typically make clicker changes throughout test days to increase comfort. For the 2023 Honda CRF450RX intro, however, I found the stock baselines to be extremely workable and was content leaving them in standard configuration.

2023 Honda CRF450RX Chassis/Handling

It’s amazing how much improvement a company like Honda can make in two short years. Between engine refinements, chassis updates, and suspension improvements, it was able to take a good bike and make it great without completely overhauling the design. When everything works in unison together, the sum of small updates yields great results. Similar to our experience with the 2023 Honda CRF450R, this really is an improved machine.

The CRF450RX remains one of the most nimble bikes in cross-country territory, with quick and agile handling. While this can be too much of a good thing for some, there are common tips and tricks to help alleviate any nervousness at speed. Many factory-supported riders choose to run aftermarket steering stabilizers for increased comfort at high speeds, and even gearing changes can help calm a chassis down. While 13/50 is stock gearing, 13/49 or even 13/48 are common alterations. I would even recommend 14/50 or 14/51 for those out west who need more top speed and want a smoother overall feel.

All of the good Honda traits return for 2023. Ergonomics of the CRF450RX feel identical to the 2021 and 2022 models, and remain class-leading. A 2.1-gallon resin fuel tank is sleek for its capacity and doesn’t hang up boots or knee braces. The CRF450RX uses the same powerful front brake as the CRF450R and the 30mm/27mm piston design was a works-bike exclusive just a few short years ago. As a 2023 bonus, steel engine hangers replace the previous ‘21 and ‘22 models’ aluminum counterparts and provide more comfort than before.

2023 Honda CRF450RX Overall Impression

It’s often tough to make on-the-spot judgments regarding new bikes after just one ride day, but the 2023 Honda CRF450RX is a better bike than preceding editions. All of the small changes from the engine updates to the chassis development provide users a more friendly, confidence-inspiring package. Since the 2021 and 2022 renditions were already quite popular, it’s great seeing Honda invest in its products and make appropriate changes year over year.

Considering the shared DNA with its CRF450R cousin, only a little suspension tuning would allow this platform to truly bridge the gap between cross-country racer and equal parts motocrosser. For grand prix racers and those looking for an 18-inch rear wheeled race weapon, the 2023 Honda CRF450RX is a great place to start.

Thank you to everyone who had a hand in this amazing day including American Honda Motor Company, 6D Helmets, Alpinestars, FMF Vision, DeCal Works, and the entire Chocolate Mountain Ranch crew.

Gearbox

Helmet: 6D ATR-2

Goggle: FMF PowerBomb

Neck Brace: Alpinestars BNS Tech 2

Jersey: Alpinestars Racer

Gloves: Alpinestars Techstar

Pants: Alpinestars Racer

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7

Number Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 Honda CRF450RX Specifications