Adam Booth | December 8, 2016
2017 Honda CRF450RX First Impression
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so KTM and Yamaha should be flattered beyond flattered that Honda has released the 2017 CRF450RX, a closed-course off-road version of the all-new 2017 CRF450R. The concept is simple and KTM has been doing it for years with the XC line and Yamaha now does it with the FX line: You take a motocross bike and tweak it a bit for the off-road world. It’s as simple as that.
For Honda it didn’t take too much to turn the CRF450R into a CRF450RX. Honda introduced the new RX to the media at Cahuilla Creek MX Park in California and we got the chance to spend a full day of riding the RX around on the surrounding trails and motocross track. We’ll tell you right now, that the CRF450RX is a bike that can do it all. This isn’t an updated version of the previous CRF450X trail bike that still exists the way it has for over a decade, no, this is an all-new full-on off-road race bike. GNCC, WORCS—here we come!
2017 Honda CRF450RX First Impression
We’re already really liking Honda’s all-new CRF450RX. Photography by Adam Booth
Transformation
The additions and changes that make the RX what it is start at the rear wheel; it is an off-road worthy 18-incher. Tires are Dunlop AT81s, a good choice for all around off-road riding. Keeping things simple, the RX engine is exactly like the R, even the transmission is the same. The only difference is the ECU mapping is tuned a little mellower for better traction in off-road situations.
The RX comes standard with an electric starter (which can be installed to the R model. The RX’s electric starting system is available from Honda in kit form for the R for about $650).
In the suspension department, the RX stays with the same spring rate up front as the R, but with softer valving. Out back, the RX’s shock uses a softer spring rate with plusher valving. To further add to the compliance of the bike, the upper engine mounts are thinner to allow for more flex of the chassis.
Of course, off-road riding means you need more gas, so the RX holds 2.2 gallons in a plastic tank; the R 1.7 gallons in a titanium tank.
Off-road riding also means often having to stop far away from your truck and stand, so a frame-mounted kickstand is standard equipment. Honda tells us all the goodies and off-road additions on the RX add about 13-15 pounds over the CRF450R; once we have one for ourselves, we will weigh it on our own scale. We know, however, it is possible to drop three pounds instantly by switching the stock battery with a lighter aftermarket lithium battery.
The RX is ready for closed-course off-road racing right out of the box, except for not having hand guards. We installed those ourselves.
2017 Honda CRF450RX First Impression
Trail Rated
After a full day of riding trail and track we left with a warm spot in our hearts for the CRF450RX. It worked better than we expected—everywhere. The suspension soaked up the faster single-track hack and was wonderful out on the motocross track. The 18-inch rear wheel helps add to the plush feeling, and the more mellow power delivery off idle equals excellent hook-up out of the corners.
Engine response is still pretty snappy and the exhaust—it’s the same as the motocrosser’s, dual muffler and all—is very loud. Keep in mind, this is a closed-course motorcycle.
Using map two (traction map) allowed us to leave the RX a gear high out on the trail and smoothly roll on the gas without much clutch work. When you want a big blip of power, it is waiting—just twist the right grip. We’re anxious to install quieter mufflers that should mellow out the power a bit. We’d also like to give a Rekluse auto clutch a try, which we expect would help turn the RX into an even more manageable and better off-roader to ride.
The RX feels right at home doing technical stuff like this.
Gearing is hardly changed at all. It is only one tooth bigger on the rear sprocket, which helps for super slow technical riding and we didn’t have any complaints with first gear in tight riding. The RX likes a little more momentum and to be ridden aggressively when compared to a dedicated trail bike. The harder you push the CRF450RX the better the experience. For desert guys and riders who love speed, gearing will have to be changed; top, fifth, gear runs out pretty quick.
Honda claims a wet weight of 261 pounds and we have every reason to believe them when lifting the RX on and off the stand. It’s no lightweight. Out on the track and on the trail, however, the weight really isn’t an issue, it feels light and agile despite what the scale says. The bike feels well balanced and the bigger tank is only slightly wider between the thighs and isn’t annoying or distracting at all.
Thankfully Honda provides a skid plate that covers the frame well. The RX, however, does not come with hand guards, so we brought our own.
When the trails-wet or dry-open up, the RX delivers.
Our first taste of the RX definitely left us drooling for more, but we can already tell you that RX going to give the other closed-course off-road 450Fs a run for their money in this segment. We can easily see the 2017 Honda CRF450RX being more popular than the CRF450R amongst average moto guys and vet riders who ride more than just the track, which this bike does extremely well from what we can tell so far. Compared to the MX version, the RX has more conveniences, like having an electric start, holding more gas, handling great on a wider variety of terrain, and even having a kickstand when you are too tired to lift it onto the stand.
It’s important to again note that the RX isn’t replacing the previous CRF450X in Honda’s off-road lineup. No, the X isn’t going anywhere. Honda understands the importance of keeping a California “green sticker” bike (which the RX is not) around, and keeping in mind the needs of those who want a more trail-friendly off-roader.
We are looking forward to a lot more testing of the CRF450RX. We’re just getting started!
ADAM BOOTH
2017 Honda CRF450RX First Impression
The RX gives you the confidence to do this.
The RX isn’t exactly light at 260-plus pounds but it hides its weight well on the trail.
Power is still pretty explosive but not as hard-hitting as the CRF450R motocrosser, making the RX surprisingly manageable on the trail.
2017 Honda CRF450RX First Impression
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