2017 Honda CRF450RX Off-Road: FIRST LOOK
Cycle News Staff | August 11, 2016
Honda did not forget about the off-road rider. With the introduction of the all-new CRF450R comes the CRF450RX. The CRF450RX is essentially the same motorcycle as the CRF450R but with a few significant changes to make it more off-road friendly. Honda is quick to point out that the CRF450RX is a closed-course motorcycle designed with GNCC racing in mind.
2017 Honda CRF450RX
Honda introduces the new CRF450RX, a closed-course off-road (GNCC) version of the 2017 CRF450R motocrosser.
The RX does not mean the end of the previous CRF450X, a bike Honda says still fills the niche for the off-road rider who is looking for something more trail friendly, or an off-road bike more appealing for long-distance riding. As a result, the much-liked X remains in Honda’s lineup.
Some of the major differences between the R and the RX is that electric starting comes standard on the RX (with manual back-up) and the RX’s fuel tank is made out of plastic (not titanium) and is larger in capacity (2.2 gallons versus 1.6 gallons). The RX also has an 18-inch rear wheel, and gearing is slightly different.
Electric starting comes standard on the CRF450RX.
The RX also has compared to the R:
- Smoother ignition mapping for better performance in low-traction situations.
- Standard electric starting, with kick start as a backup.
- Suspension settings are more appropriate for technical off-road conditions.
- With a 2.25 gallon capacity, the plastic fuel tank is larger than that of the CRF450R for increased range off-road.
- Forged-aluminum side stand is standard to allow trailside parking.
- Off-road-focused, durable Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires.
- One-tooth larger rear sprocket than CRF450R, for better performance in tight woods conditions.
- Different cylinder hanger than CRF450R, for comfort in technical off-road conditions.
Like the 2017 CRF450R, the RX will makes its dealer debut in October but shortly after the R. Price has not yet been announced. CN
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SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Honda CRF450RX
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ENGINE TYPE:
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Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke
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DISPLACEMENT:
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449.7cc
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COMPRESSION RATIO:
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13.5:1
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INDUCTION:
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Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle
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IGNITION:
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Full transistorized ignition
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TRANSMISSION:
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Constant-mesh 5-speed
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FINAL DRIVE:
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520 chain; 13T/50T
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VALVETRAIN:
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Unicam OHC, 4-valve; 10.0mm intake, steel; 8.8mm exhaust,
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FRONT SUSPENSION:
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49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork
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REAR SUSPENSION:
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Pro-Link swingarm system; fully adjustable Showa single shock
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FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL:
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12.0 in.
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REAR WHEEL TRAVEL:
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12.3 in.
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FRONT BRAKE:
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Single 260mm disc
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REAR BRAKE:
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Single 240mm disc
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FRONT TIRE:
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Dunlop Geomax AT81 90/90×21 in.
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REAR TIRE:
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Dunlop Geomax MX3S 120/90-18 in.
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RAKE:
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27°22’
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TRAIL:
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4.6 in.
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SEAT HEIGHT:
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37.8 in.
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GROUND CLEARANCE:
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12.9 in.
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WHEELBASE:
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58.1 in.
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FUEL CAPACITY:
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2.2 gal.
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COLOR:
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Red
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CURB WEIGHT (wet, full fuel)
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261 lbs.
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Click here for the Cycle News first ride impression on the 2017 Honda CRF450RX.
For more Cycle News Honda motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
For more Cycle News Off-Road motorcycle reviews, click HERE.
