If you’ve ever felt the pull of open trails or dreamed of conquering rocky paths without leaving behind street comfort, the 2025 Honda CRF450RL is your kind of ride.
This isn’t just a dirt bike with blinkers—it’s a fully loaded dual-sport machine that blends motocross DNA with real-world practicality.
Whether you’re ripping through backcountry terrain or heading to the office, this bike delivers wild fun with road-ready confidence.
Engine
At the heart of the CRF450RL is a 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. It packs serious punch, but what really stands out is how controlled that power feels.
Thanks to Honda’s Unicam® valve train and 46mm downdraft throttle body, you get a rush of torque with every twist while maintaining buttery-smooth control.
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) ensures the bike responds instantly, whether you’re crawling over rocks or opening it up on pavement.
Gearing
Versatility is what sets the CRF450RL apart from track-only bikes. The wide-ratio six-speed gearbox is purpose-built for everything from tight trail sections to high-speed road stretches.
Paired with a durable #520 chain and 13T/51T sprocket combo, each gear shift feels perfectly matched to whatever terrain you’re on. It’s like having two bikes in one—an off-road weapon and a daily rider.
Suspension
Let’s talk about the suspension because this is where Honda nailed it. Up front, you’ve got a beefy 49mm Showa® inverted fork with 12 inches of travel. In back, the Pro-Link® system gives you 11.8 inches.
Translation? It floats over ruts, roots, and rocks like a magic carpet. Whether you’re pounding whoops or jumping curbs, the ride feels planted and balanced.
Brakes
A high-performance machine needs brakes that can match, and Honda doesn’t disappoint. A 260mm front disc with a twin-piston caliper gives serious bite when you need it, while the 240mm rear disc keeps everything under control.
This setup offers precise, progressive braking whether you’re bombing a downhill or dealing with city traffic.
Build
Here’s where form meets function. The CRF450RL weighs 289 pounds with fuel—not feather-light, but still nimble enough for tight turns and tricky sections.
The 37.2-inch seat height puts you in command of the trail, while 12.6 inches of ground clearance means you can glide over just about anything.
It rolls on IRC GP21/GP22 tires that grip like claws in dirt and offer plenty of confidence on pavement too.
Feature | Honda CRF450RL (2025) |
---|---|
Engine | 450cc liquid-cooled |
Transmission | 6-speed wide-ratio |
Suspension Travel (F/R) | 12” / 11.8” |
Brakes (F/R) | 260mm / 240mm disc |
Seat Height | 37.2 inches |
Ground Clearance | 12.6 inches |
Weight (Full) | 289 lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gallons |
Street Legal | Yes |
Comfort
Dual-sport bikes aren’t always known for comfort, but this one surprises you. The high seat may be tall for some, but it offers excellent visibility. The slim profile makes it easier to maneuver, and Honda’s legendary ergonomics shine through. Even on longer rides, it won’t leave you sore or stiff.
Extras
From the factory, the CRF450RL comes ready for the street—mirrors, lighting, and emissions compliance included. You don’t need to tweak it to hit the road.
Plus, it’s covered by a one-year unlimited-mileage warranty with optional extended protection, so your adventures can go on worry-free.
FAQs
Is the CRF450RL street-legal?
Yes, it comes fully street-legal from the factory.
How much does the CRF450RL weigh?
It weighs 289 pounds fully fueled.
What’s the seat height?
It has a seat height of 37.2 inches.
How big is the fuel tank?
The fuel tank holds 2.0 gallons.
What kind of tires does it use?
IRC GP21 front and GP22 rear dual-sport tires.