2024 Honda CRF450 TESTED

#motocross #racing #motorcycle #review
The 2024 Honda CRF450 is one of the more polarizing 450 four-stroke dirt bikes on the market. Riders either love it, or hate it. This bike was all-new in 2021 and it received minor refinements in '22 and '23. The bike is unchanged for the 2024 season, but the testing never stops. MXA's Dennis Stapleton and Josh Mosiman have raced the Honda CRF450 quite a bit in the past year, compiling lots of information about the bike. Sit back and enjoy this video while Josh explains the pros and cons of the CRF450.
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[@lifeonthehill9977]

I have a 2023 anniversary bike and I rode it for 15hrs stock and I weigh 240lb. I just got the suspension done by FACTORY CONNECTION and it is like a new bike. Love it.

[@reapering125]

did the suspension setup make the front end better. just curious if these review videos are full of shit?

[@sergeantscumbag2116]

what exactly did you have done?

[@Jordan348_MX]

Great review! Thanks for the information. That smooth power delivery and less HP makes it more rideable/controllable.

[@fugginrambo]

So much great info. Thanks

[@isaactreadwell6537]

I appreciate the honesty!!!

[@Stinky_sack]

Dont think i can ever bring myself to buy a honda. Ive only been on yamahas and kawasaki but man its a good lookin bike

[@ccsmooth55]

Im a Yamaha guy thru and thru, but that 24 CRF450 is an absolute UNIT! Beautiful bike!

[@gregroybal348]

Ezra looking good on the Honda 👍 Always good info explaining the whys of the bikes!! Jett makes the Honda look Unbeatable!! Everyone knows it is rider! Looking forward to the shootout 👍👍👍

[@timothylawson4518]

Excellent video!!

[@damonforrest1570]

All I can say, is that jet Lawrence makes the Honda look very fun to ride and easy to control. Of course I understand. He’s a top level rider and it’s his job to make everything look easy but the potential is definitely there for almost any rider that can handle the 450 power.🤙💯

[@toddschell4461]

​@karldogg9481not in the AMA.

[@ML-lg4ky]

@karldogg9481and on foreign soil too.

[@caydenthompson126]

​@karldogg9481no he's not. Only homologated frames in the AMA

[@zachmiller1221]

Picking one up soon all the good info helped alot my mechanic said they have valve problem but from what I’ve researched it seem to be the older Hondas picking up one soon

[@kelceyk8199]

The throttle body and air boot changes actually speed up the airflow, making for better fuel air atomization and better smoother power in the low and mid range at the expense of top end power.

[@theblevinsfamily3317]

TESTED series: "amazing, ground breaking, revitalized" 6 months later.. "last place on our list"

[@Davido50]

Glad i bought a new KTM 450SXF last yr. Ride! 💯 👍🏻

[@alexoreo718]

The Hondas are great. The front end is strange and twitchy. But the positives overcome the negatives. They feel so good, I want to try the ride 23mm clamps and dampener on my WE

[@Fukcyoi]

ive got both those things on my we. and its a great combo. sinking the forks through the clamps 3-4mil also helps the front end

[@jimbo4203]

I wish we didn't have the production rule , just stifle's innovation , and then we have to wait a year for the good stuff

[@melbournechugging2999]

This is cheaper than a mountain bike This is my next bike 😍 see you in the mtb trails

[@zygismeskauskas4602]

Green energy cost 😅😅😅

[@MegaStreet11]

Using Jet as an example is kinda silly. Their bikes are nothing like the stock versions of themselves. To top it off, juxtaposing Chase and Jett and using Chase as an example of someone who hasn't been successful?! Come on now, never use factory bikes/riders as examples.

[@jongib6096]

YZ is still the King! Facts

[@iceee187]

Finally better intro!!

[@user-tl2qi6kr8o]

I love honda CRF 450 R

[@keiannschyler]

it's a beauty

[@charleswinters7129]

I raced Hondas for years. I had Hondas head shake that scared me, but it never put me down. That same characteristic also created a bike that would out turn everything else on the track. You could always cut under any other make of bike. On sharp corners that were flat you could pass just outside of many bikes. Just not the Rick Johnson type rider. I guess you just have to get use to it and get your weight back on the bike down long rough straights.

[@ochoabtor9597]

Need a full Pro Circuit build bike, motor and suspension

[@andy5786]

Nice honda crf450 lot changere on the CRF 450 to gilet set up Jose but overall it's a quick bike thanks 👍🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@nicholascanjura5051]

The Jett Lawrence machine

[@user-sj4hl9jg1o]

Nice bike!

[@mikehudgens7007]

I am looking to buy my 1st 4 stroke in almost 20 years . my last one was a 2004 KTM SX 450 which I loved . my current ride is a 2023 KTM SX 250 pre-mix'r , kinda had my mind set on a 350 , I am a 55 yr old vet B rider , the honda does look like a possibility - thanks for the great video !!!!

[@Davido50]

Go new '24 KTM 450SXF. Incredible bikes! Best out there.

[@peterdalmationcro4217]

The 350 is a perfect bike. Definitely give it some consideration. I’ve been riding all my life ( early 80’s & current ).I’ve owned a heap of 2 strokes, & quite a few 4 strokes as of late. I rode my buddy’s 350 at the track, & it was beautiful. Just the right amount of power, even for a nearly half centurion like myself. It even felt a whole lot lighter than a 450, though I know it’s not. Great bike though, definitely consider it. If for some reason it’s not enough, grab the 4 fiddy. They’re a lot though.

[@paulwhittaker606]

Quality bike I love mine

[@user-im8yv6ne4f]

hi...ohhh...yeah....their just drooling over that one...ha...good reveiw...ride on...

[@michaelmonroe8986]

Let me guess KTM is the winner this year? We will find out if Chase can stop tucking the front end in 24. But Honda has been the most dominant brand so results speak for themselves. All the brands are great bikes and it takes time to setup any bike to work for the rider.

[@mitchelljordan447]

Nothing looks better than a Honda either

[@pooch299]

Funny, so many haters out there. Pretty much every brand 450 out there is better in every way than 95% of us are as a skilled rider. I was torching people on the practice track with my 450RL dualsport. Just a yosh exhaust, JD tuner and a mild Factory Connection tuned suspension. Twitchy? Maybe a trait over others. But these Hondas are stiff, have second to none ergos and turn awesome.

[@stevesmith756]

Haven’t met anyone who could set up their CRF450 right or was happy at any track with it. Honda missed the mark bad on this. No normal guy without a dedicated mechanic or suspension guy at the track can get these bikes right or comfy. Hate to say this but the KX is the best bike for us average Joes. Just does everything right maybe not perfect but checks all the boxes. Just my observation

[@sebbenordvall1526]

Not disagreeing with you. But I let rg3 upgrade my suspension (springs, chims ect) and a couple of hours of clicking back and forth on the suspension. After that I managed to get fairly dialed in. Got it to the point to which I can trust the front end and still have great straight line stability. But yes, the bike needs more than some of the other brands to get dialed but when you finally get there, I think it's awesome

[@mrfaceforest]

Man, what is the song at the end of the video! Love it!

[@CNCali-]

Make Hafla (Not War) Tarante Groove Machine kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmOQoomcpNt9Zrssi=KsiXDqh8vkr2-NAh&t=1

[@micahhook3576]

Ive owned all honda 450s and every single model pushed the front end in every turn. Those bikes need perfect dirt and suspension to not suck

[@fuckucatchme1000rr]

Props on the honest review, I will never buy another Honda after my 19. Twitchy bikes are the worst. Feel bad for the guy who buys one of these because of Jett and he wads it up and gets hurt.

[@jake981]

The new 21+ models are much better. Still similar character but a million times the 17-20 chassis. I had a 17 and now a 21 and with suspension the 21 is amazing. I've ridden and owned just about every color the last 3 years too and own a KTM 350 (Amazing bike) so I'm not bias here. Haha.

[@kao.jirakon]

สวยงาม

[@JamisonBox-kz1fk]

Do the new 2024 kx450 next!

[@santanikx9]

im still debating betqeen the honda 450 or wait for the 2025 ktm 450sxf, i mostly ride deep sand, and im a small rider at intermediate level, i currently have a 2020 ktm 350 sxf and im always on the limiter at my local sand tracks i would like something that i could lug more, the stiff honda frame makes me questioning if it would be a nightmare for me or not, i love the ktm chassi because its not so rigid..

[@denis_p.4213]

I have 23 model and i come from 16' 350 and 2024 350...compare to ktm 2024 its not rigit...trust me, but with stock suspension i struggle a bit to find balance...power delivery is way smother than 350

[@santanikx9]

@@denis_p.4213 sorry are you talking about the ktm 450 or honda vs your 350?

[@denis_p.4213]

Honda 23 now

[@santanikx9]

@@denis_p.4213 Thanks !

[@dank3823]

3 championships in one year isn't luck. Like it or not the CR450 brought 3 titles to Honda.

[@neekopeeko9054]

Head shake seems to be Honda's M.O. for the the last 25 years. Funny how that never changes. Also when you have to detune an engine because it's too powerful just proves they need to do away with the 450 class and move to a 350. Or better yet bring back the 250 stroke class. Just my opinion

[@jeremy_moto_192]

Basically everything you hate I love on that bike

[@jedielder7970]

You alluded to it, but I didn't notice you outright, specifically say if there are any changes between the 2023 mode and this new 2024 model? At the 4:46 timestamp you say something about changes they made LAST YEAR, not for 2024? I always look forward to your reviews... thanks and I'm looking forward to some clarification.

[@motocrossaction]

Unfortunately no changes for 2024, we just highlighted the updates from last year. Thanks for watching!

[@jedielder7970]

@@motocrossaction Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it... and your channel 👍

[@moto3463]

Probably better off going with a Yamaha. I like the Hondas but they are known for tucking the front and having issues with feel on the front.

[@nicholaszamelis9471]

As shown by sexton himself

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

Yamahas are just as unstable as Honda's right now. All the teams are running the last generations Swingarm with the adjuster blocks allllll the way back

[@macedhx]

Mate, if Sexton keeps tucking the end on a KTM i swear i am going to loose it, nobody else has tucked the front on a honda, not Roczen, Lawrence, Nichols... @@nicholaszamelis9471

[@stevesmith756]

The KX450 is the best all around bike. 🤷‍♂️

[@moto3463]

@@stevesmith756I’d have to agree. Just look at Axell Hodges on one. Plus Kawasaki always have the best throttle response

[@LegalViewBot]

does it wheelie?

[@nitrozack3062]

What bikes are the best?

[@joachimrydelius2125]

Easy to tuck the front end.. Hmmm, I can’t believe it!

[@leethomas556]

I miss my 2007

[@Thebroants]

Have you guys ridden the 24 RMZ yet?

[@metalofthedeath]

Ya like 15 years ago

[@sambuvca22]

The game boy controller needs to be heavily protected for those guys that crash alot

[@mariaaparecidaaraujo3892]

Kem è ela , rskk❤

[@checho5010]

Is it a 2 or 4 strokes bike?

[@bobetts5430]

Next bike I'm getting is this bike would you guys recommend getting a 23 or 24 model

[@ryanmalec4234]

22

[@bobetts5430]

22? You think the 22 is better than the 23 model?

[@ryanmalec4234]

@@bobetts5430 it's faster if that's what ur interested in

[@bobetts5430]

@@ryanmalec4234 oh ok I'll have to watch mxas test on the 22 again and get my mind refreshed that's a really good observation man, I just like the ergonomics of the bike like josh was talking about

[@caydenthompson126]

None of em

[@jonruger]

MXA is so salty this bike won everything

[@reapering125]

i was thinking the same

[@jonruger]

@@reapering125 they make it painfully obvious they are paid by KTM just like back in the 90s and early 00s when Jody was always paid by Suzuki to give them favorable ratings.

[@reapering125]

@@jonruger so the new hondas dont have handling issues. MXA just doesn't get paid by them apparently?

[@jonruger]

@@reapering125 never said that but they clearly hate this bike. And are paid by PM to love KTM Jody who owns MXA did it with Suzuki for years it’s well known.

[@311hitwall]

To get rid of the twitchiness do they need increase the rake a couple of degrees?? I know that slows the turning a tad but seems like Honda always been known for head shake.

[@johngray722]

The honda only feels bad at Glen Helen because that's were mxa only ride

[@Evo836]

Why o why do the brake and clutch pipe work have too come out at right angles to the master cylinder it look crap and looping over the bar pad look crap.

[@crisibarra6850]

The only reason I’m riding a Kawasaki and not a Honda is because of the price 😂 the Honda is $9,700 sticker price and I paid $8,100 out the door for my KX450 lol huge difference in price and for a novice like myself I’m not really gonna be able to tell the difference between them.

[@gabrielmojica6871]

Honda🔥🔥🔥the best dirt bike

[@nitrozack3062]

I got 30k to waste on w e and I want a race bike to build?

[@kimkristensen2816]

Both Lawrence brothers washed out with the front wheel in the last race.

[@MXJEFF94]

Jett's comfort zone at 80% is my 334% zone. I'd never buy a Honda 450....but it's a beautiful/ well made bike!

[@Davido50]

KTM 450SXF always! -NY

[@christopher7935]

Surprised at how much work this bike needs ,.you made note of MXGP rules vs AMA production rules, I think the AMA should bring back the works bike in the premiere class, there is only a handful of riders who can complete for a MX or SX podium, why not let the elite have works frames like MXGP, 20th place lapper dude is still going to be 20th whether he has a works bike or stock

[@motocrossaction]

We think it's better to keep the production rule, it keeps the playing field more fair between top level teams and privateers programs. It also forces the manufacturers to keep improving their production bikes because they know their highly paid factory riders will have to use that platform as a starting point for their race bike. It's cool to drool over prototype bikes and works parts in MXGP, but we've always thought the production rule was better in general

[@christopher7935]

Ask Coop, Jet, Eli, Chase, Dylan, etc. if they could ride the MX GP frames would they? the overall results aren't going to be that different, only the upper tier riders would benefit, the technology trickles down no matter what like MotoGP

[@caydenthompson126]

​@@motocrossactionI agree 💯%

[@Peanutdenver]

@@christopher7935 Factory guys like Eli, Jett and Chase already have an advantage with their suspension alone and are clearing 3rd and 4th place riders by 30 plus seconds at the end of a moto and you want to give them even more??? Have you ever raced before do you understand what you're saying????? C'mon dude, privateers have it hard enough already.

[@christopher7935]

Yes I do understand, I raced starting in the late '70s and raced for 50+ years, retired now so I have a lot of perspective that younger folks don't, when I saw how much Coop was fighting his bike and how good the MXGP KTM was compared I thought it was not fair, booth Coop and Eli would benefit from a choice on frames, what privateers are going to best these racers anyway, except for Ty no one is, the production platform suits Ty's style and skill level, There is only a handful of racers that can complete for a podium, let them have what they need

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

A bike thats easy to make mistakes on doesn't sound great lol

[@NickyP902]

Nope lol

[@stangbanger6445]

I adjusted mine till it felt like it wasn't going to kill me and rode it like that for a long time, fairly happy with it...turns out it was at 122mm sag hahaha!! Still have it for play riding, but switched to a 22 yamaha

[@AA-mk4pu]

Ask Chase!! 🤣

[@pabloyescobar334]

@@AA-mk4puask Jett.

[@calebbrack7819]

Some bikes have alittle more hp and torque. But 90% of us aren’t going to come close to touching the full potential of a 450 on a track. What your seeing the pros ride, especially the factory teams aren’t close to the bike your buying off the showroom floor. A lot of times it comes down to rider preference and proper setup for the individual.

[@canamxmr4760]

I thought dropping the forks makes it more twitchy?

[@motocrossaction]

We drop the forks in the triple clamps which raises the front end, puts more weight on the rear and stabilizes it.

[@canamxmr4760]

@@motocrossaction I was thinking dropping as in lowering the clamps (raising the forks) never mind I had a brain fart.

[@SereneSaturnPlanet-ps4bl]

if im correct bike must not be more than 2 years old as well to compete nationally. whi ch is ok just buy one new bike and then every 2 years trade in the old one. no big deal. for the price of one bike you'll have a brand new bike every 2 years and be able to compete with the best. and have good parts to transfer over hopefully.

[@randyfolkner9496]

Bultaco, CZ or Maico......

[@rayv882]

I know how to fix all those issues, buy a 2022 or newer KX450 it is absolutely an awesome bike. I have a 2022 KX450 and I love it, it won the 450 shoot out for many years, it's a comfortable all around bike!

[@bradpowell843]

If you’re ok with subpar build quality go for it.

[@stevesmith756]

It is a bit subpar but I’ve had no issues with mine. Not Honda quality but the ride is much better

[@danoa8859]

Remember when Hondas factory bike showed a stiffener plate added to the steering tube. , that was to cover up what they did underneath 🤫

[@Cesarsald754]

Give me a 2 stroke 500....😂😂❤❤

[@peterdalmationcro4217]

If you wanna take it to a drag strip, then yeah, get a 500. This is motocross though, a 250 2 banger would smack it on most tracks. A 450 would also beat it up on most tracks. But if you want a bike for jumping cars, drag strip racing, or just have it in your man cave, then yeah, a 500 is great 👍.

[@lanwickum]

It is a 450. If it has to much power for you, get a 250 or a 350!! Stop choking 450s! Change those triple clamps, please honda. My best description for this bike when stock. Sluggish, twitchy.

[@nickhowser7262]

How is any 450 sluggish??? Never rode one that is sluggish since they started making the 400’s in the 90’s

[@stevesmith756]

450 def not too much power. Love the torque to be lazy. Need the torque to clear things out of corners whilst being lazy. Put her in 3rd gear and let her eat. Like riding a couch 😆

[@micahhook3576]

My old 2009 crf450 had a steering dampiner. It was cool but didn't help

[@AllAboutSportsjes]

What about a 250, it is what most people use

[@Skylerc24]

Best looking bike in the class, and well made, perfect bike for 99% of the riders out there not on ktm's payroll like mxa 😆

[@AA-mk4pu]

Great looking bike but no thanks, too quirky for the average rider!

[@joao55mx32]

Kx450 2024???????

[@johntipton2354]

Hondas and headshake, nothing new here. Great bikes with a revalve. I never felt like I ever needed more power out of a 450. All about making it a smooth ride. Smooth equals faster laps=)

[@bobetts5430]

That's exactly right

[@reapering125]

revalve would put this bike in line with a KX? debating between the two?

[@LeeTillbury]

If Eli had stayed fit Honda wouldn't have been nearly as successful this season

[@seantamke3108]

13?

[@user-xl2zo1mt5e]

Beautiful..

[@PURIYE2547]

I ‘m not have money to buy this bike

[@pain1427]

Work overtime or get a 2nd job

[@richardsardello213]

so Honda has been chasing twitchy front ends for what, 20 years now? thats wicked they cant fix it

[@motocrossaction]

It really is surprising to have the same trait for so long

[@ThomasLandberg]

Since 2009. The 2008 was classleading.

[@caydenthompson126]

​@@ThomasLandbergyep. 2008 was the gold standard then 2009 was a dump

[@peterdalmationcro4217]

No my friend, I’ve got a pimped out 93 250 2 banger & it too gets the shakes up top. Try 30+years 👍.

[@Neil.564]

First

[@dustin9035]

What’s with the awful intro and outro music?

[@64maxpower]

Figures honda made this bike a dog. Id never want a bike slower than a Suzuki. And then after getting motor work you need an a kit to race it. The 40 c class is the fastest and hardest class i need a more competitive bike

[@paulpence8895]

LOL, never owned one but I know they make bad a$$ machines... Yamaha guy, never owned anything but Yamaha....

[@eriksforestryvision8751]

Nee honda and yamha ktm all made worse bikes whats going on here!?

[@timothykamholz7222]

Absolutely rediculious buy a bike for $10,000 and requires an extra $3,000.00 to make it safe or comfortable for you? Haha no thanks. And it will get 2nd to last place in all the shootouts, barely beating out the Suzuki. No thanks.

[@nickhowser7262]

Just upgrade the suspension. I get suspension set up for me no matter what bike I ride. I rater have that extra 3k to do my suspension then spending 3k more for a stock KTM

[@bradpowell843]

Suspension and triple clamps and your hood to go. Any decent rider is going to want suspension anyways.

[@stevesmith756]

@@bradpowell843still not going to solve the rigid chassis problem

[@chrisvillarreal2752]

So basically the bike is trash

[@ErotmousErection]

Those bikes used to come with a steering stabilizer....in the '11 era....

[@ErotmousErection]

I'm a novice at 232 lbs on a '14 kx250 and require a 7 in the rear and a 12 in the front in the spring....how could they be that far off?

[@ErotmousErection]

You can't tighten the streting stem?...

[@ErotmousErection]

The Battlecross is a street compound....at least the X40....

[@ErotmousErection]

If u raced a '11 KX on that....what would happen?....

[@ErotmousErection]

If ur riding a tire that doesn't compare to the Bridgestone 403/404....ur going backwards....like I wouldn't even ride the bike without it....its like running a 53 in the back on anything else....

[@ErotmousErection]

Light....flickable....

[@ErotmousErection]

No a Honda 3 Wheeler....

[@ErotmousErection]

Just for instance....lols....

[@ErotmousErection]

I mean yall must be way undersprung at the pro level....

[@ErotmousErection]

I was only 5 yo....or 4....