2019 Honda CRF450RX Features & Benefits

Campaigned by JCR Honda's Trevor Bollinger and Trevor Stewart in GNCC and WORCS competition, respectively, the CRF450RX is an off-road weapon fully prepared for earning trophies in closed-course off-road competition. For 2019, the bike inherits the same performance-enhancing features as the CRF450R, including key updates for lighter weight, added power, and enhanced handling performance. Add in off-road-specific features that help bring CRF450RX riders to podiums the country over, and you have a highly advanced off-road racer.

CRF450RX Key Points

• Large-capacity, 2.25 gallon resin fuel tank for completing long closed-course off-road loops
• 18-inch rear wheel to enable taller tire sidewalls for improved traction in technical conditions
• Side stand
• Sealed drive chain to withstand the elements
• Suspension with settings dedicated to closed-course off-road use

Engine/Drivetrain

• 449cc single-cylinder engine with Unicam® cylinder head, downdraft intake tract, and electric start
• Updated cylinder head design, with specific changes near the exhaust ports, achieves improved exhaust efficiency and contributes to increased power across the rev range
• Revised clutch lifter and pressure plate allows optimum oil supply to clutch plates and friction discs, resulting in enhanced durability
• New scavenge pump design features two 12mm pumps, up from a single 16mm pump, for increased lubrication and reduced friction inside the engine, improving peak performance and enhancing over-rev characteristics
• All-new piston oil jet uses five nozzle holes and a refined pattern to improve cooling efficiency and reduce knocking
• Shift sensor adopted to establish an ignition map for each gear, enabling optimum running
• Exclusive ignition timing settings for ideal engine performance and rideability in off-road situations
• Utilizing the space gained by eliminating the kick starter and using a compact electric starter, a new exhaust features a larger pipe diameter and optimized design at the branching location for increased power. Previously 31.8mm, the right and left pipes are now 35mm and 43mm, respectively. In addition, the total tube length (from exhaust port to muffler end) is up 98mm on the right and 187mm on the left.
• Selectable HRC launch control offers riders great start performance in closed-course off-road race situations
• Updated Standard, Smooth and Aggressive riding modes enable easy tuning depending on rider preference or conditions

Chassis/Suspension

• Optimized frame for improved traction and cornering feel, as well as reduced weight
• Swingarm is redesigned to be lighter and have appropriate rigidity, endowing the 2019 CRF450RX with great handling and traction
• Specially tuned Showa 49mm fork uses low-friction oil for optimum feel
• Rear suspension uses dedicated-rate, 52 N/mm spring for enhanced comfort and performance in closed-course off-road races
• Revised shock linkage works with all-new swingarm to provide optimum performance over bumps
• Forged aluminum side stand is designed to be lightweight yet strong, with a new design to accommodate changes to the 2019 model-year swingarm
• New, lighter front brake caliper uses a pair of 30mm and 27mm pistons, versus identical 27mm pistons, for added braking performance
• Updated front brake hose has reduced expansion for more precise braking
• Top triple clamp features two handlebar-holder locations for moving the handlebar back and forth by 26mm, ensuring rider comfort. When handlebar holder is turned 180 degrees, the handlebar can be moved an additional 10mm from the base position, resulting in four total unique riding positions.
• New Renthal Fatbar® handlebar is positioned 15mm lower than in 2018 for  a more active riding position, while also contributing to lightweight steering system
• Newly shaped footpegs are 20% lighter and shed mud more easily, giving the rider great feel and confidence in challenging riding conditions
• 2.2 gallon resin fuel tank is durable and offers optimum range for long closed-course off-road races
• Redesigned fork protectors offer improved coverage
• Black rims offer strong presence, parked in the pits or out on the trail
• In-mold graphics last long and are resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion
• Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires provide optimum feel and traction in challenging riding conditions