2026 Honda CRF450R Specs & Review

Honda’s flagship 450-class motocrosser stays laser-focused on holeshots, corner exits, and lap times. Built for racers and serious off-road riders, the CRF450R combines a compact Unicam engine, race-ready Showa suspension, and adjustable electronics. In this Honda CRF450R review, we break down the 2026 Honda CRF450R specs and how they translate to real-world riding.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 449.8 cm³
• Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single, Unicam SOHC; 4 valves
• Power (rear wheel): 52.6 hp / 39.2 kW
• Torque (rear wheel): 33.7 lb‑ft / 45.7 Nm
• Curb weight: 113 kg / 249 lb
• Seat height: 960 mm / 37.8 in

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the CRF is a liquid-cooled single with Honda’s Unicam SOHC head and four valves, running a high 13.5:1 compression ratio. The bore and stroke measure 96.0 mm x 62.1 mm, and fueling comes via PGM‑FI with a 44 mm throttle body. On the dyno, the 2026 Honda CRF450R specs show 52.6 hp and 33.7 lb‑ft at the rear wheel—strong figures that deliver the punch you want for starts and short straights without feeling peaky or unruly.

A 5‑speed close‑ratio gearbox and a #520 chain with 13T/49T final drive keep you in the meat of the power exiting ruts and jumps. The DC‑CDI ignition ensures clean, consistent spark under hard loads, while the electric starter gets you back in the moto quickly after a stall.

Honda builds in adaptability: three engine modes—Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive—let you tailor throttle response and output to track conditions. Smooth mode tames delivery for slick, choppy surfaces, while Aggressive sharpens response for deep loam or when you need maximum drive. Complementing this, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) offers 3 levels to manage wheelspin as traction changes through the day. Together, these tools allow the bike’s displacement, power, and torque to be used efficiently during practice, races, and fun riding sessions. This machine isn’t built for city streets or highway miles; it’s optimized for motocross tracks and off‑road competition.

Handling, Comfort & Honda CRF450R Seat Height

Geometry is set up for precision and stability: a 27.3° rake, 115 mm (4.5 in) of trail, and a 1481 mm (58.3 in) wheelbase balance quick turn‑in with planted high‑speed tracking. Ground clearance is a generous 333 mm (13.1 in), letting you skim whoops and clear braking bumps without drama.

Suspension is fully track‑oriented. Up front is a 49 mm inverted Showa fork with 12.2 in of travel; out back a Pro‑Link Showa single shock also offers 12.2 in of travel. The setup gives you support under heavy braking and predictable pop off the face of jumps, with the compliance to track rough corners and chopped-up straightaways.

The Honda CRF450R seat height is 960 mm (37.8 in). Combined with the Honda CRF450R weight of 113 kg (249 lb) curb, the chassis feels light and flickable when threading tight lines or scrubbing jumps. Taller riders will appreciate the room to move and stand, while shorter riders may want to test fit; the tall seat and long travel can be a stretch for feet-down confidence at very low speeds. For those stepping up in class, the balanced ergonomics make body positioning intuitive once underway.

Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires—80/100‑21 front and 120/80‑19 rear—arrive ready for a wide range of intermediate terrain, adding consistency to the front-end feel and reliable drive out of ruts.

Equipment & Features

• Brakes: hydraulic twin‑piston front caliper with a single 260 mm disc; rear hydraulic single‑piston with a 240 mm disc
• Electronics: Honda Selectable Torque Control (3 levels); Engine Modes (Standard / Smooth / Aggressive)
• Clutch & Starting: hydraulic clutch; electric starter
• Induction & Ignition: PGM‑FI with 44 mm throttle body; DC‑CDI ignition
• Transmission & Final Drive: 5‑speed close‑ratio; #520 chain, 13T/49T
• Suspension: 49 mm inverted Showa fork (12.2 in travel); Pro‑Link Showa single shock (12.2 in travel)
• Tires: Dunlop Geomax MX33 80/100‑21 front, 120/80‑19 rear (tube type)
• Chassis geometry: 27.3° rake; 115 mm / 4.5 in trail; 1481 mm / 58.3 in wheelbase
• Fuel capacity: 6.4 L / 1.7 US gal
• Color: Red
• MSRP (US): $9,699

Who Is the 2026 Honda CRF450R For?

This is a race-bred 450 tailored to experienced riders and dedicated amateurs who want a competitive motocross platform right out of the crate. With its strong dyno figures, close‑ratio transmission, and Showa suspension, it excels on groomed tracks and race days. While the Smooth engine mode and HSTC can help riders transitioning from smaller bikes, absolute beginners will likely find its performance overwhelming. It’s not intended for commuting; the compact 6.4 L (1.7 US gal) tank and track-focused setup point squarely at practice sessions, motos, and weekend races.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2026 Honda CRF450R delivers a compelling package: a light 113 kg curb figure, stout rear‑wheel output of 52.6 hp and 33.7 lb‑ft, high‑quality Showa suspension, and rider aids that genuinely help you go faster. The hydraulic clutch and electric starter add modern convenience without diluting the race focus.

Trade‑offs are the tall 960 mm seat height and a fuel capacity aligned with moto-length riding, not long loops. Still, for riders shopping the 450 class, the 2026 Honda CRF450R specs, adjustability, and proven components make it a top‑tier choice. This Honda CRF450R review: fast, refined, and purpose-built for the gate drop.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 Honda CRF450R good for beginners? It’s a high‑performance 450 motocross bike. While modes and HSTC offer adjustability, complete beginners will be better served by smaller‑displacement options before stepping up.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 Honda CRF450R? The Honda CRF450R seat height is 960 mm (37.8 in).

• How heavy is the 2026 Honda CRF450R? The Honda CRF450R weight is 113 kg (249 lb) curb.

• How much power and torque does it make? Dyno power at the rear wheel is 52.6 hp (39.2 kW) with 33.7 lb‑ft (45.7 Nm) of torque.

• What is the fuel capacity? Fuel capacity is 6.4 L (1.7 US gal).