2025 450 MX Bike Shootout | In Depth

The 2025 Honda CRF450R.

SECOND PLACE (TIE): 2025 HONDA CRF450R

Test Rider Scores: 4-3-4-2-2

The 2025 Honda CRF450R is the most highly anticipated bike in the class, thanks to its all-new chassis, suspension, and bodywork, and it ended the shootout in a dead-even tie for second in our 2025 450 Shootoout. Though the previous generation CRF was criticized for its harsh feel and unforgiving handling character, Honda determined that the sensation was from a lack of rigidity and beefed up the new chassis considerably. From the first ride we took on the 2025 CRF we were impressed with the feel of the new frame and suspension; the new machine is worlds more forgiving, predictable, and trustworthy. Things still happen in a hurry on the red bike; although the engine is unchanged it remains one of the most potent in the class, and especially so in the map three setting. While the new chassis is very impressive, Honda did go a little soft on the suspension settings, likely to attain the highest level of comfort possible. All told, this is the best Honda CRF450R we have ridden in over a decade, and we look forward to further developing our test bike’s setup.

Kyle Puerner on the Honda CRF450R.

“I was immediately impressed with the comfort and compliance of the new chassis. The CRF cornering is awesome and this bike exudes agility. It feels light and nimble, yet it is much more planted and predictable than past years’ offerings. I do need more integrity in the suspension settings to push as hard as I would like to on the Honda.” – Pat Foster

“This is the most comfortable I have been on a CRF450R in years. The new Honda has a much calmer demeanor; although it remains aggressive and quick handling, the new bike is more trustworthy and predictable. There is some excessive weight transfer under braking and acceleration, but I am looking forward to seeing how much performance a suspension revalve will yield.” – Donn Maeda

“The technicians had a hard time getting enough shock sag for my weight, but the bike still handled great for me. It was very responsive and cornered on a dime. It was a little twitchy at speed, but that made things more exciting. The engine is very powerful and there is a huge variance with each map setting. This bike is very exciting and fun to ride!” – Eric Mascho

“This bike is much better than it has been in previous years and Honda is headed in the right direction. The suspension is plush but is a bit on the soft side, and this gives the bike a bad front and rear pitch. The engine is amazing in the standard map-one setting and also in the mellow map-two mode in dry conditions, but the aggressive map-three setting can upset the chassis.” – Kyle Puerner

“There was a lot of hype aroud this bike and it had a lot to live up to. The bike is more stable than it has been, but it is still not the most stable bike at speed. The suspension setting is pretty soft for me and I would need firmer springs and valving to be comfortable at speed. The engine also seems to be smoother than in years past, and it is good, usable, power.” – Alex Ray

TEST RIDER HITS

The new chassis is comfortable and more stable at speed; the front end is much more trustworthy.

The rear sidepanels feature a symmetrical left-to-right profile that is easy to grip with your legs.

The Honda engine is strong and boasts three distinctly different powerbands thanks to its map switch. 

Ergonomically, the CRF is tough to beat and it has the most comfortable rider triangle for most riders.

The new bodywork and graphics look amazing.

TEST RIDER MISSES

Suspension settings are too soft and give the bike a pitchy feel.

Muffler dents easily from rider’s boots.

Seat cover lacks grip.

Stock grips are too large and hard.