All-New 2027 Honda CRF450R: Inside Look

Added: 2026-05-30

[00:00:00]Hello and welcome to an in-depth model overview of the legendary CRF450R.

[00:00:05]For 2027, Honda's flagship motocross bike receives a comprehensive makeover, combining an allnew engine and chassis with extensive refinements. Developed with direct input from HRC teams competing at the highest levels of the sport, the latest CRF450R is built for the competition within you.

[00:00:24]With stronger, more controllable power, enhanced stability, and improved rider connection across a wide range of track conditions, the CRF450R's success speaks for itself. With the bike amassing eight AMA Pro Championships and four FIM MXGP crowns since hitting the scene, I'm sure you've enjoyed watching it battle at the front of the SMX World Championship in recent years, too. Thanks to that on-track success and a constant evolution of the platform, it's become a favorite among amateur riders and one of the industry's bestselling 450 motocross bikes. With the strong backing of the Red Riders Rewards Contingency Program that fuels the racing spirit, its continued success is all but guaranteed.

[00:01:04]This latest makeover is one of the most significant the CRF450R has ever seen.

[00:01:09]With every aspect of the machine engineered for more power, improved rideability, lighter weight, and better stability. Whether you're chasing championships or personal best at the local track, the 2027 CRF450R has you and the competition covered. Let's dive into the details. We'll start with the engine. All new for 2027, it produces more power and torque across the rev range while also coming in 17 mm narrower and 6 lb lighter than its predecessor. Designed for reduced friction and enhanced performance, the engine features a more compact and lighter weight unicam valve drain with larger intake and exhaust valves and a more aggressive cam profile. The angle between the valves is optimized and all valves are now titanium. Bore and stroke are all new. Plus, the piston crown and combustion chamber are optimized, resulting in a higher compression ratio for 2027. A DLCcoated top piston ring reduces friction, while a steeper, shorter intake port increases power and enhanced drivability. A more rigid crankshaft design reduces deformationation under load, improving engine feel. The transmission has also been revised with updated gear ratios to deliver stronger drive across a wider range of speeds. It's now more compact and 1.1 lb lighter, thanks in part to an optimized shape, thickness, and placement for the gears. There's even a lighter and narrower shift drum. The starter system has also been redesigned to be more compact and efficient, reducing weight by approximately 1.1 lb.

[00:02:43]The clutch has been updated as well, using a new rubber damper system to better manage back torque under deceleration, improving control without the need for a complex cam mechanism.

[00:02:54]It's also more compact and roughly.9 lb lighter with smaller clutch blades. The intake system has been redesigned for improved air flow efficiency. A new airbox layout and straighter intake path help deliver more consistent air flow, while an optimized filter improves the power and throttle response. While power is up, sound is down with a new exhaust system capable of meeting the new 109.9 dB sound limit for professional racing.

[00:03:21]The exhaust port is centrally located and oval in shape for efficient, usable, low to mid-range power. The header and muffler are also located more inward on the bike, facilitating rider movement.

[00:03:33]The electronic controls, ride modes, Honda selectable torque control, and launch control are also optimized for the new engine with the launch control updated based on significant feedback from the factory teams. Of course, it's easy for me to stand here and tout the new engine's increased power and rideability. But let's hear what Honda HRC Progressive Factory Riders Jet and Hunter Lawrence had to say when they chatted with Justin Braden.

[00:04:00]Hi, Morris. We're here with the allnew 2027 Honda CRF450R.

[00:04:05]One of the biggest changes to this motorcycle is the engine. Little broader power, longer power, but didn't affect peak performance. What's that mean to you each and every Saturday? It's a big big improvement for us. I know at the end of a 35minute moto kind of helps look after you when you're not fully on game. The more usable you can make that power, I think the the better the experience is. You can rev it out like a 250. You can have the torque like a 450 always has. Overall, it's a better motorcycle in every aspect of its power range.

[00:04:37]The updates don't stop at the drivetrain. The CRF450R gets an allnew chassis for 2027 with improved stability and sharper handling. The geometry has been updated with a longer wheelbase, more trail, and 2° more rake to improve stability. The rider position has also been refined with the foot pegs moved 5 mm rearward to make it easier to load the rear tire for improved traction. The main frame received updates focused on the headpipe area. There's more longitudinal and torsional rigidity with no increase in weight, resulting in improved stability and predictable handling. The pivot plates and top shock mount are reshaped and the cylinder head hangers are now aluminum. The subframe is also updated with the lower pipes reshaped for better airbox access during maintenance. The new swing arm is a work of art with a D-shaped cross-section for reduced drag and ruts, fish scale welds at the joints for a smooth surface, and a meticulously handpolished finish. A large outer diameter and thin walls result in uniform flex characteristics along with a one-pound weight savings.

[00:05:44]The chain slider has also been redesigned to reduce chain bounce and the chain guide is more resistant to deformationation thanks to input from the factory HRC Rally team. Even the rear wheel has been redesigned to be stronger and lighter. There's a wider span between the axle bearings and the mounting hole for the machined RK sprocket has a larger diameter. Dunlop's excellent Geomax MX34 tires help absorb impacts and optimize traction. Up front, the CRF450R features a 49mm show of fork with a number of updates aimed at improving feel and control. Kashima coating reduces friction for smoother action, while a new piston valve design improves damping performance. A slightly stiffer spring rate also adds support, giving the front end a more stable and predictable feel. Out back, the rear shock has been refined to improve both response and consistency. Internal updates, including a revised bladder and expanded piston movement, help deliver more controlled damping. Additional changes to the upper mount and bump stop improve feel under load, while updates to the adjuster enhance overall consistency. The result is a more impressive and predictable rear suspension. The linkage is redesigned to reduce kickback with an optimized ratio that delivers smoother action during acceleration, while a new thrust needle bearing reduces friction. The CRF450R was already known for its excellent chassis. So, the prospect of even better handling and stability is pretty exciting. The Lawrence brothers are looking forward to putting it to the test in 2027.

[00:07:19]One of the biggest changes here is its weight. We're not just talking a pound or two. Hunter nearly 10 lb lighter than the previous generation.

[00:07:28]>> It's It's unreal. They They've outdone themselves.

[00:07:31]>> Jet nearly 10 lb. It's going to help a lot. It just makes the bike a lot more nimble on the track, a lot more workable around bumps.

[00:07:42]>> There's a lot of misconception.

[00:07:44]Sometimes when you go stiffer on the frame, it doesn't mean stiffer motorcycle. Actually means softer, more compliant motorcycle.

[00:07:49]>> Correct. where we reinforced the chassis, we were able to actually come softer on the dampening and the suspension side, and we got better feeling and connection to the dirt.

[00:07:59]>> The updates aren't just mechanical. The CRF450R also gets a redesigned look for 2027 with new HRC inspired graphics and ariccolor scheme that ties directly to Honda's factory motocross and road race teams. The bodywork has been reshaped with a flatter side profile and more symmetrical panels, making it easier to move around the bike and maintain grip when riding farther back. The seat is also more rounded through the cockpit area. The titanium fuel tank is now 2 gall larger to help finish long motos, but it maintains a slim cross-section.

[00:08:33]And in a return to the CRF450R's motocross roots, the skid plate has been eliminated to minimize weight, although a water pump guard was added. For those who prefer, the full coverage skid plate from the CRF450RX can be easily installed. And it's not just better on the track. The 2027 CRF450R is easier to work on, too. Updates throughout the bike make common service tasks quicker and easier, including improved access to the rear shock, a simplified air filter setup, and redesigned components for the rear wheel that ease installs. There are also new mounting methods for the chain guide plate and rear disc brake rotor.

[00:09:12]Plus, the clutch hose has been rerouted for easier removal and installs.

[00:09:16]Altogether, it's a major step forward for the CRF450R.

[00:09:20]Shaped by direct input from factory HRC riders like the Lawren's. Let's let them sum it all up.

[00:09:27]>> The bike this year, all new suspension, it's way more compliant. It's just way more user friendly, I think, and it's a fun bike to ride. All we've been doing is just making sure we deliver a bike that gives you trust in it and makes you go faster, obviously. And for me, that's perfect because all we try and do is to go fast. And if it's more compliant, I can trust it. I can go faster. So, it's a perfect combination.

[00:09:52]>> Hunter, I think a lot of us don't get the opportunity to ride a factory bike, but this is really, really close to what you guys are racing.

[00:09:57]>> It's really cool to see a lot of stuff go from our race bikes into the production bike so that everyday user can go in and get it.

[00:10:04]>> I just I keep on saying I just can't wait to race this thing.

[00:10:13]As you can see, this is Honda's most significant motocross update in years, and we're confident that it will be more competitive than ever for professional riders and amateurs alike. The 2027 CRF450R has a very competitive MSRP.

[00:10:28]Visit your local Honda dealer to get yours soon. See you at the track.