Honda 2023 CRF450R breaks cover, 50th-Anniversary Edition unveiled

Honda has revealed the 2023 model of the CRF450R dirt bike. The unveiling of the latest iteration of the brand’s flagship motocross bike was held on the eve of the opening 2023 AMA Pro Motocross round at Fox Raceway.

The event saw the entire Team Honda HRC lineup – Ken Roczen, Chase Sexton, Hunter Lawrence, and Jett Lawrence – as well as Honda legends from the past, including champions Gary Jones, Johnny O'Mara, Rick Johnson, and Trey Canard, as well as former Team Manager Dave Arnold.

“Honda is synonymous with motocross, and that's a direct result of our dedication to the sport for the past five decades, as well as the invaluable contributions of top riders — from Gary Jones in 1973 to Jett Lawrence in 2022. The 2023 CRF450R is worthy of that heritage, and the 50th-Anniversary Edition pays tribute in a way that we're sure will be appreciated by motocross enthusiasts. We look forward to current and future Honda champions continuing to grow our motocross legacy,” said American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential Brandon Wilson.

The 2023 CRF450R received mild updates with changes to the bike’s engine and chassis. These updates, according to Honda, look to enhance corner-exit acceleration and improve handling.

The 2023 CRF450R now packs a 449.8cc, liquid-cooled, 10-degree, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine mated to a constant-mesh five-speed manual gearbox. Stopping power comes from a two-piston hydraulic caliper with a 260mm disc at the front and a one-piston hydraulic caliper with a 240mm disc at the rear.

It rides on 21-inch wheels wrapped with Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires at the front and 19-inch wheels with Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires at the rear. Suspension-wise, the 2023 CRF450R boasts a 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork with 12.2-inch travel at the front and a Pro-Link system with fully adjustable Showa single shock with 12.4-inch wheel travel at the rear.

Honda is also offering a 50th-Anniversary Edition of the model that features a livery reminiscent of the legendary '80s CRs that ruled AMA Motocross and Supercross. Easily recognizable to fans of that era, this version features a blue seat cover, white number plates, gold rims, gold handlebar, gray-metallic triple clamp, and special graphics.

The 2023 CRF450R is priced at US$9,599 while the 50th Anniversary Edition model has a sticker price of US$9,899. The former will be released in the US in July while the latter will be released in September.

Photos from Honda

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