Honda CRF450R reviews

I bought it in December of '04, and have never been more amazed. It is a great bike for anyone. Has great power delivery and suspension for any rider. Show less

This bike feels great, makes you a better rider, more than enough power for me, and is great fun. You just need a skidplate and keep up with the maintenance. I rode a friend's '04 and was so impressed I bought the '05 which is an even better bike. Show less

I have recently ridden a friend's '02 CRF450 and am amazed at the amount of power this thing can make. After a couple of years of abuse this bike proves Honda's quality is still the best. Show less

I have been riding atv's, streetbikes and dirtbikes for about 10 years and I have never had a bike that feels as comfortable as the CRF450R does when I am riding it. I used to ride KX250 and YZ250's but they don't have the torque that the CRF has. This bike is an excellent purchase but you have to be able to control the power of this machine. I am 240 pounds and 6'4" tall and the shocks have no problem handling my weight coming off of a jump. When I bought the bike I tightened the suspension one full rotation and now it is perfect. If you want a bike that is good for everything, this is your bike. Show less

Suspension was stiff off the box, lots of front-end wipeouts and harsh landings. Softened compression at the front end by 4 clicks, rear by 2 clicks. Rebound was not the same at both arms, set them as per factory recommendation. Big difference, turns great, plush landings. The power is amazing, no need for 4th & 5th gears in short MX tracks. Throttle response too quick for slow trails. Rear tire too big (19-inch) and agressive for trail inclines, plenty of wheelies. Coolant overflows quickly if engine is left running for short periods of time. Getting used to kick-starting this beast takes some time, adjustments to the idle needle helped a lot. Show less

Every time I get on this bike I can't believe how incredible it is. I have had several bikes and this is definitely the most enjoyable ride I have ever had. I let one of my friends ride it and he is now buying one this week. It excels in every area. Buy one and enjoy! Show less

If you race your bike like I do, then you depend on a fast bike and this bike has it. I have raced this bike for over 10 years and it has not broken down on me yet. This bikes acceleration is sick, and it has 6 speeds, and it is totally fast!!!!!!!! With a great price. Show less

I just purchased a 04 CRF450R, and must say that she is a beast. I haven't ridden in 6 years until now. Note that you should feel free to adjust your suspension after 5 hours of riding, and 6 pair of underwear should be the proper amount of data acquired to make proper adjustments in the right direction. According to a comparison between the 03 and 04 on a website regarding 450's, it stated the suspension was not as good as the 03. Then they said that the factory 04 should have 7 clicks out on the front forks, and mine had 11 clicks out directly from my Dealer. I don't have to pull my Renthals off to get to my fork adjustment screws. It is noticeable when you alter factory setting regarding rebound, although I have not tested my settings on track, just in garage jumping up and down like a moron. I found my 450 very awkward and stiff from factory, and much headshake in whoops under extreme acceleration. I also noticed the vulnerability to the crankcase between the front wishbone. I manufactured a guard from SS perforated 1/8holed screen, and used all but one factory mounting screw. I hated to drill and tap such a beautiful frame, but it looks better than the aluminum pan. Regardless, power rocks; jumping with that much power is scary if you don't tune your suspension (I hope I can fly safely), but when you want to fly, she becomes a rocket, with quick response no matter where you are in RPM's. I love my CRF450; it pulls from the bottom, wheelies in 3rd and 4th for me with out having to really assist. It is the best bike I have ever ridden, and hope I can tame the beast with time, and with out severe injuries, other then perm a-grin. Show less

Growing up on two strokes and just recently selling my 2003 Kawasaki four stroke for this bike, I had no idea what I was in for. I've read many reviews on the CRF450 but until you own one, you really have no idea on how well this bike performs. This bike literally made me a better rider. This bike tears up the tracks and puts a new meaning to the word "Roost". Awesome job Honda!! Show less

The most fun I've ever had on a dirtbike. I went from a GasGas EC250 to the CRF450R and it is so much fun. I rode Durhamtown Plantation in Union Point Georgia on 2-7-04. Some on their MX track but mostly in the woods. It was great at both. If you are thinking about getting one, get it. The only problem I'm having is parts. Honda dealers in Georgia don't carry many for it. They carry the oil filters but not the crush washers for the drains. The book said to change them with each oil change. Show less