2023 Honda CRF450R: Inside Look

For 2023, Honda's legendary CRF450R celebrates 50 years of motocross heritage. The legacy that started with Gary Jones’s original, 1973 CRF250M Elsinore leads directly to the current pinnacle of motocross technology and performance - the 2023 CRF450R, campaigned by Team Honda HRC riders Chase Sexton and Ken Roczen. To commemorate Honda's dominance in AMA Motocross and Supercross in the 1980s, a special edition CRF450R 50th Anniversary model is also available that features graphics and styling inspired by the 1980s CRs. Both versions of the 2023 CRF450R, as well as the CRF450RWE and CRF450RX, receive key engine and chassis updates that refine the bike's handling and improve corner-exit acceleration. Here's a look at Honda's rich motocross history, technical updates to the 2023 CRF450R and an overview of the 2023 CRF Performance family.
Chapters -
00:30 - Honda Motocross Heritage
02:14 - 2023 CRF450R 50th Anniversary Edition
02:59 - Technical Updates
05:48 - 2023 CRF Performance Lineup Overview

[@chetmanley7209]

Start producing two strokes again and I'll buy one.

[@freddunbar]

Exactly, 30+ years of success was due to 2-strokes.

[@JohnBrown-km1by]

Honda 4 strokes suck. Never really been a fan of the honda mx bikes. Loved the air cooled hondas. Absolute bulletproof engines. Yami all the way

[@charleshowgate2166]

Same I’ll buy one.

[@edoardogabanella153]

I’d buy more than one haha i wish they do

[@YA-ee9zf]

Thanks to Elon musk we won’t be able even get proper 4 strokes if he keeps on pushing his propaganda with all those cropt crypto currency money laundering scams

[@VincentAmbrosioSalad]

Bring back the 2stroke

[@mxengineer1]

Nice throwback to the original Elsinore and the HRC Honda's of the 80's....love the gold rims and blue seat!

[@derrickzenner9300]

I like it

[@BMBradyy]

We have to see one on the channel

[@mxengineer1]

@@BMBradyy That's the plan!

[@budsteppin99]

I had a 2015 crf250 with the same exact throwback kit on it. It's like Rick Johnson and Bailey and Omara rode back in the 80s... I love the classics it's what made racing into what it is today and I was born in the 90s lol. I want a new 450 now I'm not too keen on the gold wheels but I'd get some all black anodized rims anyway lol

[@wakastars2719]

with the 50th anniversary you guys should’ve brought back 2 strokes with that style

[@trevorp2231]

Should have brought back the CR 250 2stroke and called it an M and thrown every new tech at it for 50 years. Fuel injection, hydraulic clutch, launch, maybe even electronic suspension.

[@MotoXplor]

FINALLY! Blue seat and gold rims are back and they look awesome! When will black rims ever go away?

[@Josephbustamante641]

never

[@jdc8352]

That anniversary edition looks sooooo SICK!!! It's a bummer I'm retired from moto and all I do is look at watch. My heart still belongs to dirt scooters and HRC ❤️

[@kennyrichard2971]

It’s really a shame that Honda won’t build and bring back The CR 250 CR 125 two strokes gas gas is kicking butt

[@kennyrichard2971]

That’s some thing I didn’t notice you’re right Honda using 83-86 colors scheme

[@DAVE_WHITE]

KTM is kicking your ass with the 2 strokes WAKE UP bring back the two stroke

[@jaysan7316]

Happy Anniversary Honda ‼️ ❤️

[@crffilmz7300]

I love that looks like the 84-87 cr125,250 and 500s with the gold rims and blue seat and all

[@rochellestanley9532]

Love the 80’s look 👀

[@TGC1023]

Love the blue seat throwback. Only missing the Red, White and blue wing.

[@northerntoyota7584]

I agree, a throwback Honda wing would complete the look

[@andysmith8295]

it is almost like Honda doesnt want to revive that wing... crazy isn't it.

[@TGC1023]

@@andysmith8295 Almost time they don’t want to represent American colours

[@okaydudes]

That bike looks gooood. But get me a cr250 2 stroke with all that good 450 stuff

[@DerekHallman]

LOVE the look with the gold wheels

[@mikedrury2748]

Love Honda still got a 01 cr 250,but have you noticed how many titles you have not won since getting rid of 2 strokes?

[@LolliWANG505]

Don't blame the bikes dude. Honda has made very good four stroke mx bikes for years. It is only the riders to blame for them not getting titles.

[@sam_s_]

I have an 01 CR250 as well. It is an amazing engine. I rode it stock for years. Then I had it ported and the head milled by Pro Circuit and it was insanely fast. Then I had it bored out to 265cc and had more port work done. Not is is slower and less fun to ride. I need to by a new cylinder and send it to Pro Circuit.

[@mikedrury2748]

@@LolliWANG505 I know they still make good bike,but look at the #s they dominated 2 stroke racing. Hell roczen won straight rythem couple years ago on an 06 against new ktms. Honda should at least make 60s or 80s missing out on young riders

[@nicolarondelli9301]

@@LolliWANG505 you’re right man, Sexton and Roczen in supercross are leading, even Jett. And Gajser too here in Europe is kicking ass for years. But yeah they’ve could done better

[@hondacr250cfh]

Love my mint 06 will never sell it

[@t.s.racing]

Thank you HONDA, I owe my entire career to you folks. I was 1 of the first Pro Technicians in the world. I remember all the original Elsinore models, and the red R models as well. I recently purchased a CR-V All wheel drive for my daily driver auto. I might build and race Harley and Suzuki now, but I will ALWAYS be a Honda fan. T.S. RACING

[@Train421]

Would of been sweet to see a 2023 CR250

[@eaglemx45]

Would be sweet if someone would blow there 450 up so I can get it cheap and swap my 01’ engine 🤟 they for sure need to make a 2 stroke.

[@randomtheater2159]

Bring back the 2 stroke 500cc please

[@h20mxracer222]

My brother back in '86 bought a brand new CR250 and bought me a new CR80 at the same time. I've been hooked on MX ever since. Amazing how technology has changed.

[@jeremyhewitt2637]

Would love to see Kaplan America get his hands on that bike with the heritage colours!!!

[@aw9680]

My buddy had an old Elsinore 125 as a teen. What a riot! Hold on tight and plug your ears! It was the loudest bike of the neighborhood.

[@tygotygo828]

its time voor 2 stroke again

[@bakfixx]

A "Special Edition" CR 500 would have been nice...

[@sludge86]

“Also updated - the price. We are happy to say that we have reached the $15,000/ bike mark, which is a milestone for Honda. Future plans for Honda include reaching the golden $20,000 mark.”

[@welderlogic1806]

And their "special edition" bikes are barely able to compete with the competitors standard bikes. I'd get a European bike or a Yamaha before I would drop money on a Honda.

[@fishwhisperer03]

How is that a milestone? It's insane for a dirt bike haha

[@alejogg]

@@fishwhisperer03 that's the joke

[@jdc8352]

Yall got an awesome lineup of riders right now. I watched the 21 kid grow up and he's a great fit for the team. Awesome

[@aw9680]

I love the blue seat with the Honda red! Beautiful machine!

[@earlskie78castillo77]

i woud be very much happy if honda will produce back the 2 strokes particularly for enduro

[@DavyBrando]

Looks amazing. I’m planning on getting a 250r next year, I really, really hope it comes in the same colour-way.

[@moosatoor4247]

If not buy a custom wheels set from Dubya and get the gold wheels

[@elcucuygarage]

I believe those wheels are roughly 2 grand thru DUBYA.

[@olivierraynal8181]

Same thing for me 🤞🤞

[@rustyshackleford3320]

Did u get ur 250r?

[@WreckedRevival]

Just got done doing a partial restoration on the CR Elsinore's cousin a street legal 76' MR175 Elsinore with 350 miles on the odometer, they are some pretty cool old bikes! The spare spark plug in the head was a neat feature for those bikes.

[@chrisalamangos3071]

I’m just glad they got gasoline engines

[@austinrandall1273]

has a bit of a retro throwback look. I like it

[@jessyhonda83able]

GreAt hommage !Hrc 4 ever

[@musamusa2961]

Thank God for showing me that I will buy one for myself

[@spicymeatball07]

Advert was so good I bought one , 😍

[@derrickzenner9300]

Just for the record a red CR never had a blue seat. Those were orange. If you're going to be talking 80's a wing is a must have. I still really like it though.

[@deliciousjulien]

Remake 2 stroke 🤘🤘🤘

[@JasKro]

Missed on your list RC’s 2002 24-0 Motocross Championship!

[@markjohnston2675]

The modern 4 strokes are good however think where the 2 strokes would have been with 25+ years of development...Rotary valve with variable valve timing, fuel injection, modern frame developed for the engines, 350 to 400 to 500 for the open class... And when it's rebuild time forget it the 2 stroke crushes, very important to private racers.

[@colbyspratt2747]

KTM 300sx.

[@nicolarondelli9301]

@@colbyspratt2747 very funny man, very very funny

[@colbyspratt2747]

@@nicolarondelli9301 300 2 stoke, Electric power valve, fuel injection, electric start, maps, in a new KTM frame. I’m a Honda guy but that bike is enticing as hell.

[@nicolarondelli9301]

@@colbyspratt2747 I really don’t like ktm in any case, and the sx300 it’s not my bike. It’s very fast and it’s like having a 450 but 2 stroke so too much for me. Too much even for the price🙄

[@bielbills]

GOLD RIMS!!! 😍

[@EnduroGame]

Looks sweet !

[@damon3903]

Total throwback

[@deputycartman]

50th Anniversary Edition. 👍🏻 Looks good and a cool way to pay homage, but I’d still just get the 2023 graphics.

[@wyattlarson1104]

Let’s get going with a Cr 125/250 and I’ll head to the dealership right now get with the program Honda people Want bangers

[@jedielder7970]

Looks good... I'll wait for the actual riding/racing reviews and results. I still don't understand why the Works Edition models come with standard triple clamps???

[@MotoVania]

How about a 450L Rally version? Bigger gas tank, windscreen, sane service intervals? 300L Rally needs a big brother

[@glysreljohngatcho7888]

That's awesome 😍 and that is my dream bike🥺 Keep up the good work team HONDA🙏

[@minibikemadman]

Bring back the 2 strokes...my 1988 honda trx250r will kill some of the newer 450s...bring back the 2 strokes!!!

[@ralatgonzalez]

beautiful and powerful dirt bike but what happened to the trx450, many like me need it

[@davejohn255]

The memories...Cycle magazine pics covered my bedroom walls surrounding a Raquel Welch poster in '73.

[@Thememerbeamer_]

Can’t wait to get a 450r!

[@Ncisj]

Would of been the perfect year to being back the two strokes

[@NunoCarapau]

Honda please, re-start with quads and two strokes!! The world needs this!! I want a Honda TRX 250 r!! Let's GO!! :D

[@Motagraphy]

Anxious to see the MSRP for the R-S model

[@FirstGendodgegarage]

WHERES THE CR125 ……. PLEASE WE BEG YOU

[@sebil6137]

la honda de este año es preciosa

[@rattletrap5018]

Where's the 450 sport quad we all want??

[@1969cmp]

Red with blue seat...............yes.

[@Queloqueloco]

So you’re telling me that you reduced the throttle body size and made the intake port narrow meaning yeah I’m gonna get more torque but I’m gonna lose horsepower yeah no im good i can get more torque with gearing

[@mariuszbros2806]

Piękna Honda...

[@joeunderwood2288]

keep the blue and gold and I'll be a Honda man again

[@mikeking7388]

Good job! Nice looking bike

[@hadleykeith_k21]

When’s the 2023 trx 450r going to come out?!!

[@ReyPereztv]

Honda needs to make the RL a Supermoto as well.

[@pickledcottoncandy]

I'd love to have a 2023 in this color scheme but a 250 2 stroke!

[@Ottopaul484]

Very interesting bike

[@moparone7962]

Anniversary addition looks great. No offense but can I buy one without the engine? A billet case A.J. Waggoner 500cc two smoke will be going in. -- Why are the manufacturers not listening to the vet riders with money.

[@dlh8125]

How many of those models are gonna be available in Canada

[@abgz1206]

Still love the twin exhaust system on the CRF 🥰🥰🥰

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Where is the cr500 2 strock 50th version ?

[@ivenreygruyal8926]

Where does CRF 150L come from? What CRF series does it based?

[@Xav.]

Imagine if the 50th anniversary was the reintroducing the cr 125 and 250’s

[@bestbrosinc5358]

Bro could be a news anchor

[@salvadornicotra9044]

líder mundial. Honda❤

[@fuckyuashol]

Funny how the legendary status was built with a 2 stroke. The for stroke is hardly legendary

[@JustinMentionedIt]

Thought new bikes come out in august?

[@tomiverson9716]

Where can you buy those shirts?

[@caidenzagala7420]

I have Marty Smith's signature on my 00 cr250

[@Davido50]

Love Honda's new 4-stroke competition bikes! They always a contender.. as are Yamaha bikes. Thing is KTM, Husky & GasGas are raising the bar very high!

[@2216sammy]

Wait until you see the all new 2023 YZ's .

[@Davido50]

@2216sammy seen it & rode it. Nice bike but thankfully went w/23 KTM 450SXF. Amazing smooth monster power. Best build quality & chassis. Austria dominates MX. Europe invented MX its come full circle! 💯

[@Jay19299]

dude looks like tom cruise... sweet bike.

[@ProjectMotoGraphics]

Multiple yz250fs and ktms don’t even last me a month hoping this bike will at least last a year for the price.

[@brandonfoley8070]

We need an updated 150r

[@nicolarondelli9301]

Cool but, what about a gnarly 2 stroke

[@michealberry995]

CR250 and 500 2stroke please

[@idiot-983]

I think I will just keep my 1996 CR500 Crisp.

[@bobleeswagger7854]

It wasn’t “what bike do you ride” it used to be what honda do you ride

[@coreyforsyth121]

You say that it is legal in all 50 states (im assuming in the us) but what about other countrys like australia and new zealand

[@jarredcain643]

Does anyone know the difference in the R and the RS

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Why won't you bring back the glorious Honda Orange from the early to mid eighties?

[@triple6758]

Very trick. Do people ever still just ride for fun or is lower lap time the only thing that matters?

[@bradley4698]

I ride for fun

[@nicolarondelli9301]

@@bradley4698 me too, I don’t even watch the lap time

[@moneyontrees6]

You should have a silver model too. Proper. Graphics silver rims and black seat. You need a 73 throwback. You did 1986. 50 years needs 50 year look back.

[@sooperdan]

Hey honda, please make the 150 fuel injected , it needs a little something more, I would be awesome if it had even just 2 map settings and launch mode , my son has been racing his 2020 150rb for a year now and it just doesn't get the respect it deserves, but making it fuel injected would give it an edge over 85's and other superminis...

[@f5tornadeau]

When you release a 2 stroke, let me know. Otherwise, the only Honda I’ll ever buy is used.

[@sideast]

if you have trouble getting to sleep .... just watch this video .

[@YA-ee9zf]

Watched itchy boots gets recommended this a few years ago I was recommended royal Enfield because she was riding one .

[@brighamdalby5685]

why does that guy literally look like tom cruise😂

[@jump19845150]

Two strokes please!

[@OriginalSinRacing]

What about a 450 Rally???? thats what we all want!!

[@jordanvance1193]

Honda make a new trx450r

[@sideast]

Remake the 250 2 Stroke !