Honda announces a limited-edition CRF450RX Rally model, with full HRC factory specification
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) have unveiled a beefy rally bike for privateer riders, a first for the company.
The CRF450RX Rally is a 138kg homologated racer exclusively available to European customers through the Italian company RedMoto. Only 50 units will be produced, with pricing information available upon request.
The new bike is nearly identical to the factory 450 model that Tosha Schareina rode to second place at the 2025 Dakar Rally. The same motorcycle also secured third and fourth positions, piloted by Adrien Van Beveren and Ricky Brabec, respectively.
The motorcycle boasts 57.2 bhp, allowing for a top speed of 100mph, thanks to revised gearbox ratios. Its longer-legged engine also features enhanced cooling capabilities, with an oil cooler and enlarged radiator.
HRC has equipped the bike with a titanium silencer from Akrapovic, paired with a steel downpipe along the lower frame.
This model aims to challenge Austria's dominance in the privateer rally scene, where KTM's £36,299 450RFR (and similar models from Husqvarna and GasGas) had previously been the only purpose-built rally options available to competitors without factory support.
Unlike KTM's offering, Honda's motorcycle utilises a motocross-derived chassis borrowed from the CRF450R, rather than a rally-specific design. The subframe has been replaced by a durable high-strength nylon and polyethylene fuel tank; however, the mainframe remains unchanged.
The CRF motorcycle features three fuel tanks in total, which can be drained sequentially to suit the terrain via bar-mounted controls. These provide a combined capacity of 36 litres, with the rear tank holding 14 litres and the low-slung twin front tanks each containing 11 litres.
The motorcycle's suspension has been specially developed by HRC, with customised spring and hydraulic damping settings to handle the higher weight and faster impacts of rally racing.
The front suspension features Showa forks with 310mm of travel, equipped with oversized titanium stanchions coated in low-friction Kashima. The Showa shock absorber delivers 315mm of travel and has a titanium-coated piston rod, similar to the CRF450R Works Edition.
The hubs are specially developed by Haan and CNC-machined from aluminium, while the rims are made by Takasago Excel. The rear wheel incorporates a cush drive to reduce drivetrain wear and alleviate rider fatigue. Additionally, the wheels feature beefed-up brake discs to handle higher stresses and dissipate heat more effectively.
To protect the motorcycle's underside from potential impacts, a full-coverage carbon fibre sump guard has been installed. This sump guard also incorporates a compartment for storing tools.
The CRF450R Works Edition features optimised stiffness and strength thanks to jointly developed components from XTRIG and Honda. Additionally, the bike also includes a steering damper.
