2025 Honda CRF450R First Ride Engine Map Check: Dialing it back to CRF350!

Checking out the (3) EFI map options and (3) traction control options on the all new 2025 CRF450R means there are (12) map options! Can I turn it into a CRF350?
I had the opportunity to ride the all new 2025 CRF450R last week during the media launch at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The track was dug deep and very soft with lots of ruts thanks to sporadic rain throughout the week. I am a slow Vet rider 6’2” 195 lbs. I’ve owned the 21/23 CRF450 Works Edition models and have recently ridden the 2024 CRF450R and Works Edition models. I currently ride a 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition. My fast son (5’10” 170lbs) attended the event with me and has seat time on the current CRF450R models though his usual ride is a 23 KTM 450SXF.
Prior to riding the new 2025 CRF450R we listened to an overview from American Honda and the lead CRF engineer detailing the latest design direction and updates to the frame, suspension, and engine. There are significant changes to the frame and suspension that are not so noticeable just looking at the bike. The new smaller radiator shrouds and updated side panels are noticeable and look better in person. Even though we only got a couple of hours ride time on the new CRF450R before the rain hit and drenched the track, my son and I were able to get an initial feel for the bike. Here are our first ride impressions of the all new 25 CRF450R:
Chassis: Honda changed the frame, forks, and triple clamp to increase rigidity. While I never got off the current CRF450 and thought it needed to be more rigid these changes provided improved front end feel and precision with better tire contact patch feedback. The bike still has that good CRF nimble corner entry and overall agile feel. Stability felt good. The forks have a smooth progressive stroke with no mid stroke harshness and plush feel overall. The rear shock worked well. My son made only one change to the suspension: 1-click stiffer compression on the forks. Since the track was soft I decided to ride a section of the GNCC offroad course to get a better feel for how the chassis and suspension updates felt at slower speed on more choppy terrain. I was impressed with how well the moto suspension setting worked off road with just a few minor clicker adjustments. Of course Honda does offer the CRF450RX with a more off road focused suspension setting. While I need to get the updated 2025 CRF450R on some dry hard pack tracks and trails back in Ohio to make a more complete judgement, overall the suspension worked well so it appears the stiffer chassis may be allowing the suspension components to work better providing a more controlled and stable bike.
Engine: The engine ran clean with crisp throttle response. The power is linear and strong across the rpm range with excellent throttle to rear wheel connectivity. There is a fluidity and smoothness to the power which is an improvement compared to the current CRF. Perhaps the new airbox layout, longer head pipe, and revised engine mapping all contribute to this feel. And there was a change to the clutch dampers to help smooth on/off throttle transitions. The low RPM rideability and smooth power response impressed me on the GNCC section I rode. My son rode Map 3 (aggressive map) due to the deep loamy track conditions. I rode Map 1 most of the day, even on the GNCC woods section. Surprisingly Honda did not offer an engine tuning app for the 2025 CRF450R though there are (3) different engine maps (Standard, Smooth, Aggressive) and (3) level of traction control. I did try Map 2 (Smooth) with Traction Control on level 3 - the most dialed back engine power setting (kind of like a CRF350). This setting noticeably dialed back the throttle response and power feel so there is a fairly wide range of engine power character tuning with the supplied (3) maps and (3) traction control settings even without an app.
Misc: Ergo’s felt spot on and that “just feels right” Honda layout is still there. The revised side panels offer a smooth symmetrical surface to grip the bike. The seat is same as current so a little firm and thin foam. The Renthal bar bend feels good. The hydraulic clutch pull effort is light. Brakes are strong and linear.
Overall Impressions: The current CRF450R has a reactive and quick responding chassis that can at times feel harsh and busy at speed especially on dry hardpack tracks. Though we did not get to evaluate the new 25 CRF450R under those conditions the updates to the chassis, suspension, and engine could easily be felt during our ride at Ironman. The engine power is strong yet easy to ride and combined with the chassis and suspension updates keep that quick and responsive fun to ride CRF450 character I like with a little more stability and comfort. In fact I liked the 2025 CRF450R so much after my ride I ordered one! Did the perfect season lead to the perfect CRF? I will find out when my 2025 CRF450R shows up in a few weeks! Stay tuned!

[@Rambz1]

No other channels talk about this. Best bike reviewer on KZbin. Keep doing what you’re doing man.

[@mxengineer1]

Thank you!

[@RobPafford]

Great explanation on the mapping/traction control;and how they interact with each other. That bike seems to run really clean, like the maps are very well sorted! I am betting it will be a VERY versatile Offroad bike!

[@mxengineer1]

Yes looking forward to getting my 2025 CRF450R soon and riding it on the track and trails. The fluidity of the power is very good - Honda spent a lot of time on EFI mapping and it shows.

[@thomastjg53]

Great job pointing out how to use the mapping to control the bike to suit you. Now I want to see you ride it in the woods!

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks! Anxiously awaiting my new 25 CRF450R to show up soon for some back to back rides and woods riding too!

[@shawnhorne9296]

Thanks very very good way of showing the power tks

[@SteveHofsaess]

We need a wheelie tutorial,, since you love your wheelies

[@mxengineer1]

Besides being fun wheelies are a great way to check the linearity of power!💪

[@ridendrive]

Great info. Curious with how these 450's have become more and more rideable, would you still consider the 250 for yourself or do you prefer the 450 still despite the penalty of the heavier weight and feel of the larger displacement? Also did the connection with Honda media day correlate to your youtube channel, if so that is absolutely awesome because you are putting out such easy and informative content for people looking.

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks for the kind words! Yes my KZbin channel activity provided the opportunity for myself and my son to participate in the 2025 CRF450R intro ride at Ironman. The rain limited the ride time at the intro. My own 2025 CRF450R should show up soon and then I will have a much better understanding of how it stacks up against my 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Editon and 2025 KTM 350XCF. For now Austrian 350's are my favorite combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike. Maybe the 25 CRF450R can become my new favorite?

[@ridendrive]

@@mxengineer1 that is fantastic. I really think guys like yourself are what the industry need more than the paid media guys who no longer offer transparency and reviews. Keep up the great work

[@Joe-pb3lx]

Cant wait until you get yours......seems like the perfect bike......2 bikes in one.......i wonder what that easiest to ride map would be like riding the trails or racing J-days

[@mxengineer1]

I think Map 2 with any levels of TC engaged will be make for a smooth easy to ride CRF450R. Map 2 with TC at #3 is like a CRF350R so like have (2) bikes in one!

[@dankruger2890]

thats slick.

[@mxengineer1]

While there is no app there are (12) maps available any time - no need a phone.

[@woodman4989]

Is this the reborn 08 type 450 or just a refined 24. Had a 08 and it was probably the best confidence inspiring 450 I’ve ever owned. A lot of money to drop if it’s not that much better than the 21-24. I guess I need to see more test riding. Honda has been struggling since the dual exhaust 09 came out

[@gowletr]

Although I don't know about the 450, I bought a '25 250r...and it's unbeleivable how much better it is than my '22 CRF250r. If the 450 is the same leap forward, it'll be night and day better than the old generation. Stability and compliance were the biggest improvements. (I had an 08 crf450 as well )

[@mxengineer1]

My 2025 CRF450R should be here soon then moto and off road riding on dry hard pack choppy to see if it really is that much better. I did ride a stock 2022 CRF450R last Sunday to remind me again of how the current model works. I'll post video soon.

[@johnkling3537]

Map 3 wheelies are the best🚀 no TC 🍀

[@mxengineer1]

Full Power Captain!💪

[@shaynebolduc7270]

is the map 3 make it less reliable? like does the engine run higher? or it is just the trottle response that change?

[@mxengineer1]

I am sure Honda confirms the engine will pass durability in any of the (3) maps. Map 3 most likely has quicker ignition advance curve and different fueling levels (often times aggressive mapping is slightly leaner) and these changes help the engine build RPM's quicker and "feel" more responsive.

[@shaynebolduc7270]

@@mxengineer1kk, map 3 in general is the real 450 power, i had some trouble with these maps the tc is hard to get off and it has the power of 350 like in the video , traction control is stuck on it so whatever the engine map i take there is no speed

[@shaynebolduc7270]

@@mxengineer1 i got the 2024 but seems like pretty much the same thing

[@mxengineer1]

@@shaynebolduc7270 TC can be a bit tricky to change levels and turn off. The owners manual describes how to turn on/off and switch levels (ie hold the button for different lengths of time to turn on/off or switch TC levels). This video might be helpful (TC starts at 1:00 into the video)... kzbin.info/www/bejne/opi1naB8dreBsLM

[@Graz23]

new ktm 450 with wireless ecu or this? in term of manageable engine

[@mxengineer1]

That is a great question! Both are very easy to ride 450F moto engines. The 2025 CRF450R engine is perhaps a little more playful/responsive. My 2025 CRF450R should arrive soon then I will do lots of back to back rides. My feeling from the introduction ride is on the 2025 CRF450R builds low to mid power a little more quickly than my 24.5 KTM 450FE. The vibration level on the 25 CRF450R is a little lower too. My 24.5 KTM 450FE has the stock throttle cam and non-vented airbox cover - the aggressive throttle cam and vented airbox cover will liven up the 450FE along with dialing up throttle response with the CUO.

[@georgeedwards8901]

Honda are still living in the dark ages, having to hook a laptop + battery + a connector to actually get into the ecu, Yamaha has the best and easiest way to do this, Honda MX bikes are still behind the times

[@mxengineer1]

Yes the Yamaha app and now KTM's Connectivity Unit Offroad lead the way in easy to tune engine character with a phone app. Honda was the first to offer engine character tuning on the fuel injected 2005 Montesa 4RT trials bikes. Hopefully Honda will offer a tuning app soon for the latest CRF250/450R's.