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
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.
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: |
Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke |
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DISPLACEMENT: |
449.7cc |
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COMPRESSION RATIO: |
13.5:1 |
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INDUCTION: |
Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle |
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IGNITION: |
Full transistorized ignition |
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TRANSMISSION: |
Constant-mesh 5-speed |
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FINAL DRIVE: |
520 chain; 13T/50T |
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VALVETRAIN: |
Unicam OHC, 4-valve; 10.0mm intake, steel; 8.8mm exhaust, |
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FRONT SUSPENSION: |
49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork |
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REAR SUSPENSION: |
Pro-Link swingarm system; fully adjustable Showa single shock |
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FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: |
12.0 in. |
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REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: |
12.3 in. |
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FRONT BRAKE: |
Single 260mm disc |
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REAR BRAKE: |
Single 240mm disc |
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FRONT TIRE: |
Dunlop Geomax AT81 90/90×21 in. |
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REAR TIRE: |
Dunlop Geomax MX3S 120/90-18 in. |
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RAKE: |
27°22’ |
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TRAIL: |
4.6 in. |
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SEAT HEIGHT: |
37.8 in. |
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GROUND CLEARANCE: |
12.9 in. |
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WHEELBASE: |
58.1 in. |
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FUEL CAPACITY: |
2.2 gal. |
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COLOR: |
Red |
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CURB WEIGHT (wet, full fuel) |
261 lbs. |
Click here for the Cycle News first ride impression on the 2017 Honda CRF450RX.
