2007 Honda CRF450R vs. 2025 Honda CRF450R | Keefer Tests Back-to-Back!

Is the 2007 Honda CRF450R as good as most remember? It won a ton of media shootouts, but can it hold up to today’s technology? Keefer compares the old bike versus the new generation, 2025 Honda CRF450R.
Film/Edit: Simon Cudby
Visit Racer X Online: bit.ly/2VKTEp0
Subscribe to Racer X Magazine: bit.ly/2E45hlW
Follow us on Instagram: bit.ly/2X2F7Xc
Follow us on Facebook: bit.ly/2HvF6Wy
Follow us on Twitter: bit.ly/2JWWaWV
Subscribe to Racer X on KZbin: bit.ly/2HvhS2E
#Motocross #Honda

[@Zzzzzz-ns7lg]

Back when dirt bikes actually had side number plates

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I sure am not a fan of the modern "Batman" abstract art plastic on my functional dirt bike. I put on an older front fender (YZ250 2-stroke), and went "Ronnie Mac" on all the stupid arrow tips. I also got rid of the front number plate, (that looks like the arm shield for the God Thor), and just because it made me laugh, mounted a Frisbee in it's place. I could not find a good looking plate from the late 70's, was going to go Hannah, and my Frisbee is "quick release". :) I think KTM started the ugly plastic look.

[@thenotoriousemblem2986]

@@EarthSurferUSAonce ktm bought husaberg they started the sharp fender trend.

[@joeyschmidt7546]

they dont have sign number plates anymore?! damn i been out the game for a while my last bike i bought brand new was a 2006 crf250r off the show room floor dual exhaust it was $6,700 i think it was back then. was a really nice bike i dont see the new bikes being any better they seem to be damn near the same if not cheaper made now

[@elegantfury3402]

My 24’ KTM has side number plates…

[@Builders-fo9xc]

Still riding 08 450R...still loving it since 08

[@valentinorossi7019]

That was my favorite bike! I rode many different brands in that era. Ride Red !

[@kelvis1980]

08 was the crescendo of Honda until recently. They actually tuned it down from the 07 and changed the fork angle and added a stabilizer. It hooked up better and didn't fatigue the rider as much. The 07 hit hard

[@szabiracer]

@@kelvis1980 best best crf450 2008(2007) frame+ktm sxf 350 2025 engine! :D

[@lthievin]

Same here. I bought the black, special edition '08 450r and I still ride it to this day

[@Dirtbiker4life]

If they came out with a new 07 model again I would go straight to the dealer to buy one no questions asked

[@keithtarrier4558]

And it would suit, at the very minimum, 85% of all riders who buy a new 450 bike this year. The amount of riders who need these super "advanced" bikes the top 20 pros need is VERY few. BUT... bikes on the podium sell. That is how it is. Most people do not even need a new bike form the last ten years, other than maintenance and such if the old bike is abused before they buy it. A brand new 2007 would sell well... so go look at China... there are SOOOOOO may Hondas from 1988 XR250s to 2010 CR250R copies/fake bikes for sale! Many of them use mediocre metals, but they copied the engine parts 99% spot on. Just poor quality copy. SO yes, Honda could remake so many of the classic awesome bikes from 1985 to 2010 is they wanted. But it WOULD really hit new bike sales.

[@maxbrown7481]

Just get the 24 Kawi 450... 6000 dallas! Vet bike

[@DeathProof132]

@@keithtarrier4558 the 07 CRF450 is still a much faster and more capable bike than most riders will ever be able to use fully

[@Billy-burner]

I would if it was a 2 stroke model.

[@sn1perdude7110]

suzuki still does it, i heard ricky carmichael weas the first test rider for the 2024 rmz 450 all the way back in 2006!

[@RedneckRIdersofPA]

Anybody else think that the current bikes look like the generic bikes from our video games back in the day like mx vs atv

[@gatsubasako2565]

you put the words

[@DeathProof132]

yup, the '07 honestly has a fresher and more modern design aesthetic in my eyes.

[@Michigan_Angler69]

Any bike that’s older than 2015/2016 is just way better looking than modern day bikes by far tell me I’m wrong 🤙

[@Damjansen]

Well mx vs atv always had accurate looking bikes compared to real brands even had actual KTM in Reflex, till maybe later in mx vs atv games..

[@BillyBoblovesthedirt]

I have an 08 CRF and think the new bikes look amazing. I love older bikes but the new ones are the business.

[@motopunk9516]

For years ive been saying the first generations of aluminium 4 strokes are more comfortable than new bikes and everybody's roasting me

[@paulmryglod4802]

Nah youre right. I kept my 05 crf450. Exhaust, jetting and suspension for my weight, some durability stuff. Thats it. Love it and I dont need anything more.

[@bobbybagadonuts9950]

F em, your right

[@Superdisco199]

Dude I have a garage full of 08's. I keep riding new bikes to find something I like better and I can't.

[@bbb129]

Got an 07 And I tell people (mostly myself) a new bike will not drop my lap times

[@Davido50]

​@@Superdisco199 '25 KTM 450SXF. Period. End of search. 💯

[@ForestGuthrie]

i had a 06 crf250r and my dad had a 07 crf450r back in the day. Great bikes miss them. My old 17 rmz 450 reminds me of the 07 crf450.

[@eric6rock]

Welp, soon enough we will have the vintage 450 class 😳

[@vintagetrikesandquads4012]

I have an 02 CRF 450 in cherry condition--bought it new. I know they made some upgrades between mine and the 07, but it's still a better bike than I am a rider. That's why I never felt the need to upgrade.

[@EdStevens-n8m]

Lets see the lap times for each bike

[@gumpycognac4505]

Probably not much difference

[@scrappyjackalope9558]

It has a hot start lever. Not a decompression release. I saw you mention that in the first video when you grabbed the hotstart lever.

[@ni7299]

Yeh. He said in the first video something about being on crack, so I let the hot start slide.

[@JUSTINHAWKSMITH]

Can we please get a 2007 YZ450f VS 2025 yz450f comparison !!!!!

[@Superdisco199]

Yeah the 2007 yz had a heaps plusher frame compared to the 07 crf. It was even great offroad.

[@dynapatrick894]

Man the 07 looks amazing. The 25 looks great to but that 07 sounds and looks awesome. I'm in the market for another 450 and who doesn't want a brand new bike but i could get a 07-08 for half the price might have to. 🔥

[@necromancer1976]

We make a kit to bolt on modern OEM plastics + seat.

[@CreatureOfTheWheel]

I had a 07 while racing A class in Texas. Put a PC A-kit fork/shock, rg3 clamps, and left everything else stock. Amazing bike. Best generation for Honda chassis.

[@jpslaym0936]

07 is much better looking thats for sure

[@bobbyrodrigue1985]

I have to agree

[@andrewacton5885]

Also agree

[@maverick2242]

07 CR 250 R was even better looking

[@SurfRinseRepeat]

Doesn’t look cheap like the 25

[@christophervillarreal8565]

1000%

[@jackmedford8369]

so cool to see how stoked he is in this episode

[@Getonthebusgus110]

I've still got my 2007 Crf450. The last race bike I ever had. Still starts within 1-2 kicks. Great bark. Great bike.

[@daniel.ampcap]

I love this review!! I was 16 back then and the 07 Honda was my first 450 when I switched from 250 2stroke! Had such a great time on it. This video brought back lots of good memories!

[@raymondsiewert2720]

Man that 07' is like brand new ! More offset on the clamps, but steeper rake. Makes it turn, but still be stable. 😊

[@benott5080]

I really love this video because I'm about to put my 06 up for sale. Thank you Keefer!

[@danparsons8831]

Ive had my 08 crf250r 12 years and havent even changed the clutch. Best bike to learn on. Got my son on the 09 and he loves it way more than fi bikes and yes its so plush!

[@andystreet339]

Been waiting on this since #TrackTalkers This should be good! Cheers 🍻 from Tennessee

[@SXF_turbo]

Hey Keefer, cool review as always, but this one was kinda special to me. Started riding again in 2016 after a 12 year hiatus coming from 2 strokes from 1997 to 2004 and felt right at home on a 2007 CRF250 I bought back then to get back riding again. That bike was so easy to handle for me as a once-again-noob, that I bought an 08 250CRF after selling the 07 for a 17 SXF350 in 2018. I sadly just sold the 08 CRF250 because of a snapped rod and no time to do the work myself right now, but MAN I loved that bike so much. I even sold the 350SXF and just rode the old Honda everywhere I went. The chassis was so comfortable, the suspension was very plush and I could ride DOUBLE the amount per day compared to the 350. I think there will be a time in the future I start looking at an 07-09 once again

[@jedielder7970]

Watching you ride, it seems/looks like the 2025 looks more "alive..." more flickable, lighter, etc. You said the '07 corners better, but it didn't look like that. Also, the 2025 looks more narrow. As far as overall looks, the '07 looks better IMHO. Hey, I think my bro has an '07 (or within a couple of years) in his garage, I'll get him to watch this and keep that old beast. Thanks for doing this, Keefer!

[@benjbuch]

This is why I retain my 2008 CRF250R with revalved suspension. I love the plushness for my aging ass and gription for dayssss

[@eddiecruz5591]

There's no manual de compression! That's a hot start.

[@johnrussell6398]

You're are right! I had a 06'; what a fun bike!!

[@g-sailing4427]

06-07 was prime MX! The bikes, tracks, riders, races, USA and Europe was brilliant!

[@mx_guy9182]

I love how much louder these era of 4 strokes are love it

[@johnmcginnis2705]

Yes I was just thinking that reliving the glory days

[@baggszilla]

I had a 2006 Honda CRF250R and I loved it! Had to sell it but then a couple years ago I purchased a 2009 CRF250R and I love the way that thing rides!!! So controllable! This was great Keef! Cheers!

[@MasonMcNabb]

My 2016 Rmz450 has that old style Suzuki frame and I just love it. Nothing like the older bikes…. People don’t realize it, but the manufacture nailed some of this old stuff

[@MrPostie25]

The most interesting 450 comparison I’ve seen in 20yrs

[@fasterthanyou7605]

Keep it up Keef

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

Keefer, I 100 % agree with you on if Honda would remake these 06-08 models and drop the price to say 7k they would sell them all. The 450's always had enough power for weekend warriors anyway. Well done 👏 👏👏

[@Levi_LaVallee]

I had an 08 and I loved it! I remember chasing my tail trying to get the 2011 to work and ultimately never getting it close to the 08.

[@andrewwhittle1968]

Time to get the 2008, out of the shed and rebuild.

[@mrmm85]

So stoked you did this! I always wonder how the modern bikes compare the bikes from 10+ years ago and whether the average punter would notice much difference.

[@destinyjacobs8147]

That gen yzf was really good too

[@silver.d1]

as an 08 yz450f owner I can relate, I love this bike, super easy to ride and the KyB suspension is just amazing.

[@minegun3]

@@silver.d1 when i was in hs, i had moved over to a 06yz125 from a kx100. I was at croom in FL, i got to test ride a 08yz250f while i was there. I almost didnt want to give the bike back. i knew i was going to have issues againt the 250fs. but that 08yz250f felt easyyy to ride compared to the 125 at the time.

[@Superdisco199]

Everything in 2007 was better than now.... except KTM.😅

[@fincavillamallorca2655]

ABOUT KICKSTART: if you have trouble starting your bike, change the decompressor spring!!! And kick it smoothly, not hard. Those tiny springs get old and the decompressor does not work. I still got my 250r 2007 and still raced it in 2021 and got a podium ❤ my bike is stock, only the fork is revalved, and works really great.

[@gekcee3266]

I own an 07 450. Had it since it was on the showroom floor. It's easily the best stock bike I've ever ridden. A pipe and some suspension was all u needed.

[@pauloneill2530]

I have a 04 crf250r that I race in period 20 vxc class & I still love it to bits & ride it more than my 2024 model 250r

[@scottpeters8640]

My brother had a sweet 2005 CRF 450 done with Factory Connection suspension. While I am only a C-class guy at best, I feel confident that I would go just as fast around a normal MX track on that bike as I do riding the current 450's, which I have ridden a couple just last year so I know how they run. It's the rider that matters for most of us anyway.

[@paulmryglod4802]

I have the same bike, same suspension. Im 41 now and i love the bike so much i kept it. I raced fully built 125s and 250s and the 05 with suspension is better in every way.

[@colinbox3472]

Best test ever thank you

[@max1549]

I’m with you on power and comfort, all my recent bikes have been ridden on the mellow map 90% of the time. Just the easiest to go fast and feel more comfortable

[@dirkharvey]

I've wanted to see a test like this since probably 2010. Now lets see lap time comparison!

[@lauriehodgson4471]

Yeah, lap times would be the icing on the cake! The 07 wouldn't be to far off I reckon?

[@jdsaw100]

Thank you very much 😊..

[@benbarry8598]

I have an 07 YZ450F and, by al means I am no pro, but I am able to ride that bike forever because it is so stable and comfortable.

[@AverageBikeGuy]

Awesome review !!!! We love this , so much better than 2025 vs 2025 .

[@KlintonSilvey]

I never had more confidence charging into bumpy rollers or braking bumps than I did on my 08

[@seagoulcoulberg]

I bought one of those mythical sleds brand new back in the day. What a great bike

[@daver2492]

Had an 08 450,true Cadillac of moto, trophied with it at Budds Creek, best time of my life

[@joelboutier1736]

Damn. That thing is a time machine. It’s still a beauty. I love it

[@lmtada]

I have a 08 CRF450R, 07 CRF450X, and a 2025 CRF450R on order. Deposit down. All the bikes are so good nowadays. You can’t go wrong with any brand. Find a good dealer, gain a friend. Ride. Enjoy what two wheels are like. Rail those Berms……yahoo. 👍🏁

[@magicmickey89]

Now Facebook market people going to want more. adding a lectron carb bike is amazing

[@stewart304]

I love these kind of reviews! Thank you!

[@ricknoonan9451]

i have an 08 that i have set up for the ice. great bike, really like it 👍

[@lmtada]

You crazy guy. Don’t run to be run over by you. 👍

[@SwingArmCity]

This was back in the dreaded valve problem days. Had an 05 crf450r and 07 crf450x both had valve problems.

[@2strokeboys191]

Had 3 different 06 Honda variations, favorite era for me

[@Thebigjaunt]

More riding footage on the 07 dawg! Sick video. Just did a similar thing with my 05 250f I raced Loretta’s on back in the day. Got about 3 people that watch my stuff though haha.

[@andresbraun4718]

That 2006-2008 CRF 450 was (is) one of the best looking bikes ever.

[@seatroutadventures9492]

I´m so lucky to have a 2008 CRF450R in my garage. Will never sell it :) Have rebuild the suspension and now running with Gold Valves from Race Tech.

[@Lumpster174]

I had a 2005 CRF450 that I bought new and just sold a few years ago. I don't see how a stock bike could be any better really. That bike was so easy to go fast on. I was jumping stuff I would never do in a matter of a few laps on that bike. I rode the wheels off that thing and did nothing but oil changes. I kick myself in the ass for selling it. I've ridden some newer bikes but haven't been as instantly comfortable on anything as i was on that 05. My buddy had an 07 and it was indeed a gem as well but his motor and suspension was done for him and i wasn't quite as comfortable on it.

[@dnrcustoms06]

Very cool, thanks for doing this comparison.

[@JoelMcGuire-dv8wy]

I had a 2008 CRF450R and absolutely loved it. Made the mistake of putting straight pump gas in it, which ruined the carb and made it impossible to kickstart. When I was running straight VP, it was the perfect motocross bike. I had to do full Stage 3 Yosh engine mods to get my 2013 CRF450's motor to match the 2008's stock motor.

[@JonnyJetson754]

Awesome more of these vids 🎥🚲💨

[@KyleSchwanz]

Also, I had the 07 crf250r and it was sick!!!

[@Catalyst512]

i honestly like the look of the older bike far better. the side plastics along with the general way the bike is just appeals to me better. i have an 05 crf 450r and i love it

[@markwgundert4251]

I can't believe this comparison was even possible...my last bike compared to my next bike 👏

[@robd227]

I'd love to own one of these again but the rebuild costs and parts for 4 strokes are just insane. I'm loving my YZ250 but it would be great if all the manufacturers came out with 2 smokers again.

[@BuckingFastard]

I had a 2007-8 can’t remember. I just remember it was literally my favorite bike I’ve ever owned besides my 2014 yz250 2 stroke.

[@JeffStorm-wo5fq]

I bought a brand new 2007 crf 450r and every year i talk about buying a new bike but why my 2007 just does its job so thats that

[@barrycuda3769]

Some people laughed at me having a 1986 CR 250 when It was only four years old. Now that it's 38 years old , plenty of people would want it.

[@rfvc600r]

I have 2008 CRF450R forks on my '83 Honda XL600R, turned it into a totally different bike. Eats whoops for days

[@sleepsound3107]

What a find! Zeb is the man!

[@2WheelKam]

Great video! Loved the comparison looking back to an all time great. It’s like seeing Jett Lawrence vs Kevin Windham

[@thatalaskaguy]

Not saying the ‘25 isn’t improved but seriously, it hardly looks any different. Take a ‘67 MX bike and compare it to an ‘85 model and the advancement is readily apparent and mind blowing. Current MX bike development is practically stagnant.

[@JacksonD489]

I've been saying this for some time now!

[@microsoft790]

Anyone but me interested in variable valve timing on MX bikes? Double wishbone front suspension?

[@DragonFury-gq5zo]

@@microsoft790 It would be interesting but would sky rocket prices for the new bikes. We want to bring the costs down. Also how would double wishbone work on a bike 😂

[@microsoft790]

@@DragonFury-gq5zo Honda Gold wings and some BMWS use double wishbone front ends.

[@JanASS1991]

I've never been a Honda guy but I need to admit that 07 CRF is a bike that didn't get old comparing to other bikes from that era.

[@jdirt1982]

I prefer the 2007 over the 25 and my 07 5.9 Cummins over the new trash.... 😊

[@rydencunningham8938]

The 07 ford super duty in red driving behind in the beginning is so fitting

[@undergroundupholstery]

We need way more of these head to heads. Mod the 07 and re test to a stock 25

[@bobetts2748]

Right on and right on! 👍

[@jaysan7316]

Pretty Sweet Comparison!! I still have stock cRF 2006 and runs great!!

[@Motosportz]

Nice work, both of you. Keefer and Simon make for a good vid. I like that there was not to much ride footage, its fun but does not really tell you much about the subject. Hi Simon. - Kelly

[@Alejandro-ho1fh]

I just bought the 2024 today looks better than the 2025 but I’m excited it’s been 9 years too long I can’t wait to ride it 😁

[@mtbfiend4170]

Love my 07 450r 🤘🏽

[@TheLeoborges]

High honestity testimonial. Loved!

[@metrolakes9109]

That front disc guard while riding thooo 👌⚔️

[@Ian_167]

I cant believe Linkin Parks front man has been dead for seven years R.I.P Cestsr

[@tprice323]

As someone with an 07 450, handling is great, EFI would be great for safety, but the engine is far more powerful than 99% of consumers need.

[@4Him346]

I still own my 06 Crf and I don’t any other bike I’ve had after that….. that says something.

[@Joe-pg3kg]

This is why I really like the newer Kawi’s they feel a lot like my 06 Honda chassis wise.

[@DallyLRUFC]

Gotta get somebody like Trey Canard on these bikes and do a lap time comparison

[@kerripolk]

Great video good job!!

[@lmtada]

New seats foam is actually straight 2x4 with a cover. 😎

[@lphenterprisesllc7286]

Love my out-dated 2007!!!!

[@samgrove1888]

An OEM 06-08 brand new from Honda with like a little restyle kit I would totally buy one for sure

[@mellows1970]

Got 07 yz250f ,28 hrs on it still looks new.

[@alexistoscano1841]

Ride red you know the rest.Thank you man, beautiful

[@carsonheiney723]

Keefer hyping up 2007 while a red 07 ford drives by in the backdrop 🤯

[@DRT81K]

I'd love to see a comparison between this 2007 CRF and the 2024 Suzuki 450. Both kick start bikes too.

[@AlexStauber-wr6qq]

The 07 has a hot start lever. They have an auto decompression release. The 06-08 works a lot better with jetting work as well. Get an Adjustable fuel screw

[@raymondsiewert2720]

Put some modern Pro Taper Contour bars , no crossbar ! That bike will be so comfortable, and ready to rip in the Desert also !