2024-05-11 14:49:06
Honda’s CRF450R motocross bike will get a retro makeover for 2025, according to new design renderings that show what the next version of the machine will look like. The official launch of the next generation CRF450 shouldn’t be too long away, and the new drawings show a bike that takes inspiration from the HRC team’s latest racing models in the MXGP MX1 class, with a fairing that takes inspiration from the 1980s.
Due to the competitive nature of motocross bike development, styling is usually put on the back burner as the priority goes to anything that can make them faster on the track. But with the same look since 2021, Honda has clearly decided to give the CRF450R a makeover for the 2025 model year.
While the front fender, fork guards and number frame appear to be components carried over from the 2024 model, the paneling behind them has been revised. The most obvious change is the new angular side panels around the radiators, which take on a simpler shape with two stacked air intakes. It’s a look that has a touch of late 1980s CR500 and CR250, continuing in a straight line that runs under the seat and at the tail.
Mechanically, Honda appears to be opting for an evolution rather than a revolution, with no obvious changes to the SOHC Unicam engine or exhaust and with a swing arm and rear suspension inherited from the 2024 motorcycle. However, the main frame has been redesigned, with an additional bracket welded to the top of the beam on each side, apparently to provide an additional attachment point for the seat subframe. This will certainly have an impact on the balance of stiffness of the frame in general and the latest factory racing bikes have also adopted a similar design, albeit with a much more handcrafted look to the additional bracket.
With the 2025 motocross season already in full swing, it likely won’t be long before Honda makes an official announcement about the next-generation CRF450R as well as the 2025 version of the CRF250R, although the latter doesn’t get the same mechanical and styling tweaks until the 2026 model year is received.
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