Honda has revealed its 2027 cross-country range, with the CRF450RX receiving the major engine and chassis updates introduced on the new CRF450R motocross range, but tailored for off-road racing – the CRF250RX gets a visual update.

The RX has always been Honda’s bridge between motocross and enduro/cross-country style competition: based on the CRF450R platform, but adapted for longer, rougher and more varied racing. For 2027, that link to the motocross model is stronger than ever, with Honda calling the new CRF450RX effectively a brand-new machine.

The big changes start with the engine and chassis. The 2027 CRF450RX shares the new 449.5cc engine from the CRF450R, with a bigger bore, shorter stroke, larger intake and exhaust valves, new piston, new crankshaft and higher compression ratio. Honda claims a 10% increase in power and 4% more torque, matched to RX-specific ECU settings to smooth the output for off-road use.

The new CRF450RX is also 6.4kg lighter in kerb weight compared with the previous model, while the aluminium twin-spar frame is 70% new. It also gets a longer, lighter aluminium swingarm, revised geometry, updated Pro-Link linkage and RX-specific Showa suspension settings.

For the first time, the CRF450RX also gets the slimline 7.1-litre titanium fuel tank from the CRF450R. That is smaller than the previous 8-litre plastic RX tank, but much narrower, helping rider movement. As before, the RX keeps the cross-country essentials: 18-inch rear wheel, Dunlop Geomax AT81 tyres, handguards, sidestand and a protective bash plate, which is larger for 2027.

Engine

The 2027 CRF450RX uses a heavily revised 449.5cc single-cylinder Unicam engine, shared with the CRF450R but with RX-specific ECU settings.

Power is up by around 10%, with torque increased by 4% across the rev range. The engine is also 2.7kg lighter and 17mm narrower than the previous design, which is a significant change for a 450 that already had a strong base.

The bore increases to 97mm, while stroke is reduced to 60.83mm. Larger titanium intake valves are joined by new titanium exhaust valves, and the Unicam valve train has been reworked to improve gas flow and help the engine breathe better.

The redesigned piston, higher 13.75:1 compression ratio and new crankshaft are all part of the push for more output and better efficiency. Honda has also revised the intake system with a new airbox and air filter, while the exhaust is lighter and meets AMA/FIM 111dB regulations.

The new compact transmission uses revised ratios to match the increased performance. The clutch is smaller and lighter, and includes a world-first rubber damper-activated Back Torque Limiter slipper function developed with HRC. The starter system is also redesigned to save weight and space.

Electronics

HRC Launch Control has been updated with settings derived from Honda’s factory race bikes.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has also been revised to match the stronger engine output, while the Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) continues to offer three maps to adjust engine character.

HRC Launch Control keeps three modes, plus the option to switch it off completely. HSTC also offers three intervention levels, from lighter control with more wheelspin to stronger intervention for slippery or muddy conditions.

For engine character, Mode 1 is the standard setting, Mode 2 gives a smoother response and Mode 3 offers a more aggressive map.

Chassis

The 2027 CRF450RX uses a 70% new aluminium twin-spar frame with revised steering geometry.

Kerb weight is now 108.8kg, 6.4kg lighter than the previous model. Honda has moved the chassis balance and geometry to improve cornering control, stability, rear drive and traction, while the new aluminium swingarm is 11.6% lighter.

Showa suspension front and rear has been completely revised, with RX-specific off-road settings. The 49mm Showa USD fork now uses a new damping approach aimed at more consistent stroke control rather than simply chasing lower friction.

The rear Showa shock also gets internal updates, with a wider operating window and improved rear wheel contact. A revised Pro-Link linkage is designed to smooth corner exit and improve traction.

The new 18-inch rear wheel and hub increase rigidity and reduce weight, while Dunlop Geomax AT81 tyres are fitted as standard.

Styling and off-road details

The 2027 CRF450RX gets the new bodywork from the CRF450R, including redesigned radiator shrouds and side covers. The slimmer 7.1-litre titanium fuel tank is also shared with the CRF450R for the first time, replacing the previous 8-litre plastic tank used on the RX.

Honda says the new shrouds and side panels are designed to improve rider movement and gripping under acceleration, with a new seat contour to match. Handguards and sidestand remain standard on the RX, while the bash plate is larger and offers more protection than before.

The HRC Tricolour graphics make their off-road debut on the CRF450RX, linking the CRF range with Honda’s wider racing image across off-road, WSBK and MotoGP.

Honda also says recycled materials are used in parts of the bodywork, including the front mudguard, number board, radiator shrouds and seat base.

CRF250RX: visual update only

The 2027 CRF250RX also appears in the new CRF family update, but Honda’s smaller cross-country model does not receive the same level of mechanical changes as the 450.

For 2027, the CRF250RX gets the revised graphic package to match the new 450 models, keeping the CRF family look aligned across the range.

That means the 250RX remains the familiar smaller-capacity cross-country option based on the CRF250R motocross platform, with the update focused mainly on visuals rather than major technical changes.

CRF450 HRC-WE: will this works spec reach enduro?

Honda has also added a new CRF450 HRC-WE to the range, a Works Edition-style model sitting above the standard CRF450R.

The HRC-WE brings hand-finished intake and exhaust ports, a Yoshimura titanium downpipe and muffler, Twin Air filter, exclusive suspension components, dedicated graphics and seat cover.

For now, this is a motocross-focused special edition rather than an RX or enduro model, but it raises an obvious question: will we see this kind of works replica specification also filter into Honda’s enduro and cross-country line-up in the future?

Availability

Honda has not included market-specific arrival dates or pricing in this information.

Availability and retail prices for the 2027 Honda CRF450RX and CRF250RX will depend on each country or region, so riders interested in the new RX range should check with their local Honda dealer.

2027 Honda CRF450RX technical specifications

Engine

• Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, UNICAM
• Displacement: 449.5 cc
• Bore x stroke: 97.0 mm x 60.83 mm
• Compression ratio: 13.75:1
• Oil capacity: 1.23 L
• Starter: Electric

Fuel system

• Fuel system: PGM-FI
• Fuel tank capacity: 7.1 L

Electrical system

• Battery capacity: 2.3 Ah

Transmission

• Clutch type: Wet multi-plate
• Transmission type: Five-speed manual, constant mesh
• Final drive: Chain

Chassis

• Type: Aluminium twin-spar
• Dimensions and cycle parts
• Dimensions: 2,200 x 839 x 1,278 mm
• Wheelbase: 1,490 mm
• Rake: 27°39’
• Trail: 117.7 mm
• Seat height: 951 mm
• Ground clearance: 326 mm
• Kerb weight: 108.8 kg

Suspension

• Front: 49 mm Showa inverted fork
• Rear: 50 mm Showa shock with Honda Pro-Link system

Wheels

• Front: Aluminium hub
• Rear: Aluminium hub
• Front tyre: 90/90-21 54M Dunlop Geomax AT81F
• Rear tyre: 120/90-18 65M Dunlop Geomax AT81

Brakes

• Front: 260 mm disc
• Rear: 240 mm disc

Instruments and electronics

• Additional features: HSTC, HRC Launch Control, Engine Mode Select

More information: www.powersports.honda.com + www.hondamotorycles.co.uk