Honda CRF450RX and 250RX Full Review

[@desertracer2]

Good video but I disagree about the air box criticism. The previous gen model was a nightmare. The battery was in the air box and it was very hard to get the filter to seat properly. The new one is very simple once you get the hang of it and with the inverted design, it’s almost impossible to get loose dirt in the air boot. 👍🏻👍🏻 overall, keep up the good work.

[@tactical1224]

Good point on the inverted design of the airbox being almost impossible to get loose dirt in

[@kenny240]

Great review, but, as an FYI, the tires aren’t put on the bikes from the factory. The over-tightening was done by the dealer when they assembled it out of the crate. Unless that’s changed since I worked at a motorcycle dealer, most dirt bikes don’t come fully assembled, and their service or make-ready department assembled them to some degree.

[@idealrenovationsllc]

Kyle you hit the nail on the head with the RX Transmission. That is why I bought the 450X vs the 450RX, The perfect bike is a 250x in my eyes but sadly Honda does not make one. I have had them all and I always go back to Honda for Durability and ease of ownership. KTM is 2nd best and all the rest below that. KTM hands down makes the best 2 strokes and Honda has the best 4 strokes. Come on Honda make us a CRF 250x woods bike!!! My 450 is way more than I need for the woods. Oh and yeah I grind down my triple clamp stops :)

[@brettjohnson1393]

Nice review, Kyle. I bought a 450X specifically for the 6 speed riding desert. Sucks that it took $$$$ to uncork the damn thing. And yes, it’s a heavy pig, but planted is exactly the word. It gobbles terrain-constantly surprised at the speed I can hit a trail and not unsettle the chassis like my two stroke. Also, after riding a smoker for 15 yrs previously, I definitely appreciated the comments you’ve made in the past about the engine braking on the thumpers. Life was much better after I learned to just clutch it when braking (and land jumps on the gas, lol) At any rate, been fun watching you on these RXs, and kinda making me want one of the more nimble 250s to go along with the pig.

[@nealbot5000]

I have a 450rx, and my only complaint is the transmission. I wish 1st was shorter, and 5th were taller. Definitely should have a 6 speed.

[@21sexy2010]

Doesn't changing the front and back sprocket size fixes that?

[@nealbot5000]

@@21sexy2010 Not really. You could make the overall ratio higher or lower... but you couldn't have a lower 1st AND a higher 5th simultaneously, like a wide ratio transmission would provide.

[@Gentry09]

I wish you could get the old xr tractor first and second.

[@nolansmith1211]

The wide ratio gear box on the yz450fx is the main reason I bought the bike, makes a huge difference

[@andrewwebster13]

Much respect taking on the 450 and doing the comparison of both bikes without bias. We all know how you used to feel about the 450.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I really liked this one though.

[@frankbarlow3154]

We just just bought crf450rx and crf125 . We can't wait to pick them up Saturday!!

[@rhinusbreedt9772]

I actually named My Honda crf250r 2011 "one kick wonder" that bike started anywhere anytime like no other bike can. Ive ridden that thing untill the motor wanted to explode from the heat and have never let me down in 4 years that i had it. Honda all the way! Great review. Definitely my next bike

[@richardtiny390]

Just wanted to say thanks for the honda reviews, purchased a '22 450rx a few weeks back. You are spot on with the suspension, incredibley "planted" as you said. It is a hand full in the trees but I bought it for a fun work out anyway. I ride it in the softest settings and it is what I hoped my '19 fx350 would have been.

[@85ZERO17]

ARE SPEAKING LITERAL IN TERMS OF THE “SOFTEST” ALL SETTINGS?

[@specialk5070]

This dude does a good job with video 👌 he just doesn’t ride around and talk he shows the bike

[@yukonadventurexc]

I love the look of them so much. That 450 is tempting. Got a 2023 ktm 500excf ordered and the price point could sway.

[@mmaaddict78]

Stick with the KTM unless you plan on racing GNCC type events.

[@maxflight777]

I just purchased a CRF450RX (in Portugal 🇵🇹… ) The bike even has lights, indicators and a horn to make it road legal. I don’t need to faff with a trailer I can ride a few km on the roads to access the trails.

[@BRO-vk7oi]

Good luck too everyone !!! Honda is a excellent bike had both 250 and 450 in the past and motors are strong with the right set up they will always be the bike to Beat !! Good luck to All !!

[@ronald8673]

My 2021 Thailand assembled crf300l had half the bolts way over gorilla torqued and half under torqued, all had the color QC marks on them. I thought it was a Thailand problem, sad to see also on the Japan bikes. My opinion: Honda used to build the world's best dirt bikes in the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. They have had a regime change in management and engineering and have gone downhill in every department. Their business priority mantra has become "how can we maximize profits ?" not "how can we build the best products ?" It is sad that is a formula too many companies follow nowadays. Great honest review, Thanks.

[@thomasholmes1901]

These bikes look incredible! I always appreciate just how in depth your reviews go, it's honestly such a pleasure to have an honest source of information coming out of a youtube channel. Keep it up my friend, and we will continue to support your channel without question!

[@vdg_enzoyt9265]

Great review! I bought this bike a few months ago and absolutely love it. That being said I do relate with you the airbox issue. I spent a whole 10 minutes trying to put that panel back on. Also the bolts were also extremely tight for me.

[@philipsmith6152]

Great video Kyle, Next review...the TH 300/250 please, would love to see a long term review on these bikes

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Noted!

[@brianmurray5696]

Bought a 23 250rx it’s a blast to ride in the flowy stuff def took some adjusting to riding it in the tighter stuff after coming off a 21 250 xcw. being 180 lbs found the stock suspension perfect for an intermediate weekend trail guy.

[@michellatour150]

Front wheel/axle nut is dealer prep, rear axle nut would be factory assembled.

[@davidmatei4240]

Great review Kyle! Got a better perspective on the pros and cons to these bikes

[@keithsada1380]

Glad I got a gas gas 450f. It may be a 5-speed but it's not lacking in power, speed or anything else.

[@mackeymichael]

Kyle where Honda have put the battery is a smart idea they are trying to lower the centre of gravity no one else has even thought about putting 12v battery in a different location.

[@carsongould6081]

You should bring back the Yamahas and review a YZ125X or a YZ250X or both.

[@johnhunter8753]

Great review. Thanks 👍👍👍

[@brookshansen7278]

I have a 300l rally, and all my bolts were the same. I had 2 body screws stripped from the factory as well as an insert on the airbox lid. Had to replace the airbox lid on day 1.

[@oscarwanth9024]

That’s awesome work, I love your review! I love Honda bikes and you depicted it in very details 🎉

[@Troygehring]

I love Hondas hopefully I win one🤞

[@DirtBikeChannel]

They are really fun!

[@Foxtrot1967]

Great, honest review on two beautiful looking bikes.

[@yesdavidyes3777]

I like that the air box has a screw to hold it in place. Give me peace of mind becuase the Ktm air box panel would come off for me a few times.

[@1firejosh]

I am in the market for a 250, thanks that was helpful

[@zachf2119]

I bought a 2022 CRF250RX last year and this review is spot on, literally I agree with everything. The bike is unbelievably amazing, but my biggest gripe is that it needs 6th gear. I hit 5th gear pretty quickly on transitions. But I would still buy this bike. The stock clutch pack has been a little finicky for me, I have a bit of clutch drag that occasionally happens but I just plan to swap it out for a hinson clutch in a year or so after I get more use out of it. Hopefully I can with the 450... haha.

[@mmaaddict78]

That clutch drag is an issue with most machines that are made for racing. My KTM 350 was the same way until I put an aftermarket clutch in it.

[@HeyRiigby]

How’s the overall power? I was looking into a 450 but I think I’m going 250 to just get back into riding and just go have fun. Are you still happy with it 2 months after your comments? Thanks

[@dsc3499]

Great review of both bikes. I would agree with you regarding the 450 pick, definitely. For my son, the 250. Stay strong and leave a single track bro!👍

[@PBmxer]

Great review! Kyle do you like the kx250x better?

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Thank you so much. Nope, I'd take this Honda over the KX250X... and I'd take the YZ250FX over the Honda. How's that for honesty?

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

This is why we listen and watch. Who needs tv when we have dirt bike channel

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Second comment!

[@L1nctech]

These bikes are missing Head Light and Tail Lights... It be cool to see a phone charger outlet on these bikes also right from the factory and a small tool bag like the old XR250R's had on the back fender...

[@DesertRacer225]

Great review Kyle, spot on. Honda has never addressed the air filter box. Drives me crazy and I'm a Honda fanboy. If the 450RX was a 6 speed, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I'll stick with my 450X for desert and my TE250 for the tighter stuff. Merry Christmas!

[@CraigSmith568]

I bought some gear through your link. One of these would be a nice complement to my YZ250X.

[@MarcsAdventuresinlife]

Love the vid.....just bought a little tool pack n air pump for my extra chances to win thanks Kyle

[@DirtRider321]

Glad I watched this video on the 29th. Was able to pick up some shirts and entries to win! Love watching the videos as I am looking to get back on the dirt and off the road!

[@ef2967]

Id like to see you do a 450x uncorked with a vortex review.

[@drdree6]

I have a 2022 crf125fb and I had to put a 24 inch pipe on my ratchet when loosening the back axel the first time

[@Steven-hg4cz]

Definitely cool bikes, I'm kind of curious about the crf250f though

[@ryllyduc1198]

Awesome reviews! Really enjoy the honesty in your reviews. Your Dirt bike channel fork protectors are cool. Are they on your website for sale?

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Good night from Australia Victoria. 9:09pm. Going for a spin on a Benelli 135 (off topic I didn’t like the 22 Grom & loving the Benelli)

[@johnykryll]

Great review fella

[@mattss6667]

Review the yz250fx. I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on one!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I did that one in 2020. Great bike. I'd take that one over the Red one, and the green one :)

[@jdirt1982]

Where can I get a blumpy in provo??

[@jdirt1982]

I would also like to know where I can get a killer blumpy while passing through provo ??????

[@dangrenier6040]

Sherco is my number one pick , yammy is my second choice !!! 250 or 300 sef

[@letsgobrandontrump-o7d]

I got a new 2024 crf250rx and every single bot was unbelievable tight

[@jemirandav]

I really like your passion when taking about these bikes. Have a good night, congratulations for such impressive video.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Thank you very much!

[@oranshoval5179]

Love your videos man

[@bobsalterorsouthwestsaltah4959]

Great stuff man !!!! I already bought some t shirts this month plus I just spent almost 460.00 with Rocky Mountain using your link this week !!! Hopefully that gets me a few more entries !!! Now…. Enduro bikes….. we need headlights and would love a 6 speed. And actually I would love another 4 stroke so what’s next ???? Thanks man !!! Bob from the Sedona area of Arizona !!!!

[@mew1216]

My guess is the overtightened bolts were done by the shop that prepped the bikes.

[@edgardelriocarbo6000]

you missed something crusial the skid plate with that type of chasiis become a pool of mud or leaves check the front and youll notice that everytning goes inside the plate

[@bitingdogg3236]

I think the wheel/fastener overtightening is a dealership PDI issue. Did they both come from the same dealership?

[@RUSTY-A-L]

Excellent video Kyle I got my fingers crossed!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Fingers crossed! Did you get your entries yet?

[@RUSTY-A-L]

@@DirtBikeChannel Oh yeah!

[@jasonswanson5630]

Do you have a preference on a new 250 bike between this and the KTM XCF? Awesome videos!!

[@racingjunk7024]

That 450 is calling my name 🤞

[@DirtBikeChannel]

It's pretty phenomenal really! I've been really surprised.

[@danielharold6347]

Do you plan on doing a review on yamaha 2 strokes like the 125x or the 250x i wonder how much more trail oriented they are when comparing to the “race” version

[@edgerlyb19]

My guess is he won’t do a review on them until the yz x’s have gotten some major changes

[@quintinlindsey7967]

Wide ratio transmissions should be in all Enduro and desert bikes but that's just my opinion!

[@gh7374]

450 rx on the wish list! 🙏

[@lman22]

Do a TM Kyle! Or another Honda!

[@kylemitlyng6524]

Kyle, both these bikes are a fresh change of pace. Thanks for the review!

[@artbingham5738]

Good work!!

[@jetdr]

I love the RX, saying that it is not a good bike for east coast woods. Doesn’t do well at all and that sucks because I love the bike, I test rode the 450fx and that bike is killer, I am just waiting for the updates on the 24 model year

[@knobbysidedown4258]

You should test out the YZ250X. To see how it stacks up against the Sherco.

[@georgebaird3468]

I bought stuff on Rocky Mountain through the link, i never got a confirmation that I’m entered. Hopefully I am cuz those are sweet plus they would match my sons 22 Crf 50

[@PatrickRiggs33]

Same. I think in the future it would be cool if DBC could design some kind of portal we could all register to see our entries for each giveaway contest just so we can verify we are entered and keep track of our total entries.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

There is no confirmation with the RMATV/MC Links. They don't do that for me.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Yeah, that would be cool...

[@georgebaird3468]

How similar is the dbc back pac to the klim knack pac?

[@jessiej3991]

Honda bikes needing a six speed over a 5 speed has been my biggest gripe about them over many years as well as them not making a fuel injected CRF150R

[@thegreat1548]

Agreed!

[@torkrench]

Sachs have awesome clickers

[@rajanrairealty8979]

Atk 605 dual sport spanks if not then a 620 or 7002 stroke. They got new maicos to

[@captainamerica9353]

So Honda has 4 different 450's? A 450R (MX), a 450RX (this one), a 450X (Enduro) and a street legal 450 RL. What is the point of this one?

[@ashtonlowe5497]

I can’t wait till the giveaway I am so excited I really hope I win. This is the first time I have entered. Love the vids

[@davenelson4334]

100% spot on

[@kylelangworthy9641]

Awesome review Kyle as usual. Once again I'm entered to win as I do every contest LOL I would be happy as hell with either one of these bikes. Going to keep my fingers crossed and do a lot of praying LOL keep up the awesome content thanks bro. Definitely will coi supporting dirt bike channel

[@MXKID34]

Never ever in 52 yrs had a clutch cable issue, I'm no fan of the hydraulic clutch at all.

[@averyleidig6564]

Honda reliability and they look so good

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Not going to argue much!

[@StansE250]

Bolt tightness .... perhaps Factory is using Red thread locker, where Blue would be Better ..... ? Regarding a 250 Four stroke for ONE bike to ride in all conditions, is their One make that you'd consider ? I get that you're primarily a 'two stroke guy': but for those of us who have decided that a four stroke is Best for our 'One bike stable' .... what would be Your choice ? Thanks for the Great content ...

[@joshellis6801]

Great video 😀

[@ghostgaming2967]

My stater went out on my 450rx 2022

[@michaelburke4901]

Nice job bro!!!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Thank you so much!!

[@human1513]

I river crossing or hole in a swampy area would bury thhose batteries. Not good. Nice looking bikes. If there was a 6 speed in the 250 I would buy one.

[@x1stxwrldxvandlx425]

I wanna win that 250 sooo bad. Was planning on buying one but with times being tough, I have to sit idle. Maybe I'll win, maybe I won't. Either way, Kyle your videos are great and very informative.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Fingers are crossed for you.

[@scavenger-wj8bu]

I had a 2004 crf250r,and had nothing but problems with,so I went back to a cr250 that I setup for the woods.ran for awhile then got rid of it. Went to street riding now I'm getting back into wood riding. So I was just wondering what bike I should get.

[@boarder989]

Got my fingers crossed

[@snkneo-geo933]

I'd have to win the lottery to be able to afford one of those Bikes 😭

[@wayfaringoverlander]

If the 250 is as stable as you say, do you recommend a steering stabilizer or not?

[@550HET]

22 Africa Twin, over tightened from factory

[@benjaminwilliams9292]

I couldn’t agree more with you on the transmissions…those things NEED 6 speeds that is the only reason I would take the Yamaha over the the Honda

[@maxhenry1977]

Best honda ever was the cr500. Since they didn’t change much from 90 till the run ended in 2001, pick your year.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

haha! I'd take either one of these over the CR500 :)

[@charlesmiller7139]

Kyle have you ridden any of the CR 500's? If not, how can you be so sure? 😆

[@maxhenry1977]

@@DirtBikeChannel i rode cr500’s for 19 years in the mountains of colorado and in my opinion they are the best bikes ever built. They were light by todays 4t standards. Wet weight was around 230 lbs. they were absolutely bullet proof. Routine maintenance was a breeze. With the carb dialed in spark plugs (good ones like ngk) would last multiple summers. Very easy to drain the tank and carb. No power valve to clean. Just maintain the air filter and gear oil. It had a ton of low end grunt for tight sections. Add a tooth to the rear sprocket and it was like a 4x4 in 4 low. And when you wanted power it had a ton of it on tap. I currently have a ‘21 450 fx and i’d take one cr500 in decent shape over ten new 450 fx’s. But hey, different opinions are what makes the world more interesting. Rock on, Kyle.

[@scootypuffjr.]

@@maxhenry1977 what kind of time (hours) would you get out of a top end, crank, etc.?

[@rwcasto]

Nice 👍 hope i win one!!!

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Rick, did you get entered to win these?

[@StrUspeedy38racer]

Yamaha 250fx or Honda 250rx? I think that would make a great video/review as they are very close and what alot of people are looking at

[@mark_Hershey]

How the hell do you keep your bikes like new? I assume there are some hours on both of those and they look show room clean.

[@tinolino58]

The bolts on my 750 Honda where to tight as well.

[@jamesshaver7977]

Thank you for all the info Kyle I hope I win lol. I have a friend that is so smart about everything im going to see if we can’t somehow fabricate a quick release for the the air box

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Fingers crossed for you!

[@jamesshaver7977]

@@DirtBikeChannel thanks man

[@maxflight777]

The wheel bolt tightness was set at your dealer ! Blame him not Honda ?

[@BSm2919]

It's amazing to me how long it takes manufactures to catch up to the times. How long did it take them to do electric start? How long for them to think about a tool less entry for your air filter? Clickers? You can get finger clickers on a relatively cheap MTB, why not on this 10K dirt bike?

[@mattdonaldson4439]

What do you think about the 250xcf vs that 250rx?

[@daffyduck9901]

Still haven't got my confirmation# back $108 worth of merch 15 minutes ago.

[@TagTeamDream]

Would love to see the 250/450 yzfx up against these 2 bikes

[@bruhroyale12123]

In of the comments he says he likes the 250rx over the kx250x and that the best 250 off-road is the the Yz250fx. So his order from least to best is kx250x to crf250rx to Yz250fx. No clue about the 450s

[@TagTeamDream]

@@bruhroyale12123 thanks! I just picked up a 250fx! Incredible bike!