2023 Honda CRF450RL [Specs, Features, Photos]

Jun 17, 2023

When it comes to top-spec Dual-Sport bikes, Team Red is amongst the best of the Japanese manufacturers. After some big revisions a few years back, the CRF450RL is the flagship Dual-Sport machine in Honda's 2023 Lineup.

The Unicam® cylinder-head of the CRF450RL combines the best features of single- and double-overhead-cam designs and is genetically related to the championship-winning CRF450R. The CRF450RL has a catalytic converter and is completely street legal as well as off-road capable almost everywhere on the earth. To ensure the right off-road gearing and relaxed highway travel, Honda engineering fitted a wide-ratio six-speed gearbox.

The CRF450RL enjoys the same class-leading ergonomics as the other CRF variants, but with a bit of added comfort. Handguards, a side stand, and a very useful fuel mileage meter round out this excellent Dual-Sport machine.

The 2023 Honda CRF450RL starts at $ 9,999 USD / $ 13,359 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2023 Honda CRF450RL in one place.

From Honda

FUEL INJECTIONThe CRF450RL features our proven fuel-injection system. It's part of the reason the CRF450RL offers such excellent torque and spot-on metering and response, especially in the critical low-rpm range. It also automatically compensates for elevation and weather changes.

TITANIUM INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVESLightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves permit use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height.

DUAL RADIATORSThe CRF450RL's dual radiators feature a refined core area for superior heat dissipation compared with conventional dual-radiator designs. A coolant recovery tank is located in front of the engine between the frame downtubes for improved center of mass, and the tank is protected by a plastic skid plate.

ELECTRIC FANThe CRF450RL is a "ride anywhere" type of bike, and because conditions vary so widely, we’ve equipped it with a light electric fan for the radiator. Rock crawling or riding on a hot Arizona single-track, it helps keep your engine running cool.

FINAL-DRIVE SPROCKET DAMPERDesigned to keep your bike quieter while not adding any weight, these unique drive sprockets are just another example of the CRF450RL's innovative engineering.

INERTIA-TUNED CRANKThe CRF450RL's crank has 13 percent more inertia than the CRF450R. Why? To smooth out power delivery and make the engine more user-friendly in tight, technical situations.

LED HEADLIGHTThe CRF450RL features an all-LED lighting package, including the headlight. That's a big deal, because it takes a lot of weight off the front end. And the lighting pattern is also specially designed for both on- and off-road situations.

LED TAILLIGHTThe LED taillight is integrated into the rear fender. It's light, compact and rigid.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERYLight, compact, and offering excellent performance—just like the CRF450RL itself! Conventional batteries are heavy, but not this premium piece. It's all part of why your CRF450RL performs as well as it does.

SKID PLATEThe CRF450RL's factory skid plate is light, yet also offers the engine and lower-frame protection serious riders demand on a machine like this.

TITANIUM FUEL TANKHolding 2.0 gallons, the CRF450RL's premium titanium tank is light and tough.

IRC GP TIRESThe CRF450RL's tires give you good off-road traction and on-road life. Tires are always a critical part of any on/off-road bike, and we’ve hooked you up with some great ones here.

LOW CENTER OF GRAVITYThe compact Unicam® engine and Honda's famous concentration on center-of-mass engineering help keep the CRF450RL's center of gravity low. That means the bike feels lighter, and it helps handling too.

TWIN-SPAR CHASSISThis is the same design as our latest CRF450X uses, and that's a really big deal. It means the CRF450RL is a true off-road bike, and not some compromise. The twin-spar aluminum frame is both light and stiff, and provides the basis for the CRF450RL's excellent handling. The chassis geometry is specially selected for responsiveness, and also is wider than the standard MX frame to accommodate the six-speed transmission.

WORKS-STYLE FRONT BRAKECompact twin-piston front brake caliper, anodized-aluminum brake pistons and lightweight 260mm front disc offer great stopping power while minimizing unsprung weight for improved turning and handling.

WORKS-STYLE REAR BRAKEHRC works-type rear brake system uses a 240mm brake rotor combined with an integrated rear master-cylinder and fluid reservoir, a set-up that eliminates the separate reservoir and hose.

BLACK DID RIMSThey may not help you go faster, but the sweet black DID DirtStar rims sure look good.

FUEL MILEAGE METERAn important feature for planning gas stops and calculating your bike's range under varying conditions, the Fuel Mileage Meter shows current fuel mileage and average fuel mileage as well as fuel consumption. Displays in either miles or kilometers, and applies to both the A and B tripmeters. The Fuel Mileage Meter is in the same digital instrument display as the speedometer, odometer, tripmeters and digital clock.

GEAR-DRIVEN COUNTERBALANCERThe Gear-Driven Counterbalancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump.

SIDESTANDHey, a sidestand may seem like no big thing, but take a look at the one the CRF450RL uses. Tucked up high and out of the way, this forged alloy piece is just another example of how the CRF450RL gets it right.

SUPERIOR ERGONOMICSPlacing the rider's legs at the narrowest part of the frame helps improve comfort and handling.

WORKS MX STYLINGHaving a hard time spotting the differences between our factory MX bikes and the CRF450RL? You’re excused. The "RL" looks like our MX bikes because it's derived from them—the smooth bodywork makes it easy to move around, and the in-mold graphics not only look cool but are durable, too.

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