Enduro21 tests all three 2026 Honda RedMoto enduro models, straight from HQ in Italy – developed from the Honda CRF RX platform, and already ISDE-winning bikes, the CRF250RX, CRF300RX and CRF450RX are updated for MY26.

A championship-level golfer could probably tee-off from the top of the Malpensa Airport control tower and land a ball in the veune for this new model test. Malpensa motocross track (and enduro loop) on the outskirts of Milan is that close to the airport.

Italy laid on some warm Autumn weather also for this test of the highly prized Honda RedMoto CRF enduro range. Updated for model year 2026 with all of Honda’s base changes, these three machines are fully developed in-house by the Italian specialists RedMoto specifically for enduro and off-road. 

The three-bike range includes the two models based on the standard Honda’s, the CRF250RX and CRF450RX, plus the CRF300RX which is a big-bore 250 essentially and it’s a popular one which has seen the major updates this time around. 

What’s new for 2026?

Two major updates are worth talking about immediately:
– tool-free, one-hand air filter access (we tested it — it really is a literal one-hand job…)
– new piston for the CRF300RX with lower compression and lighter mass than 2025

You still get Honda’s stock motocross base, but everything that makes these enduro models truly usable — tailormade mapping and traction control, plastics, cooling layout all developed and fitted as standard by RedMoto in Italy. That includes their own ECU settings rather than simply inheriting Honda set-up.

Tailored for Enduro — It’s not just a blinged MX bike

We always have to explain this but it’s worth stating it again: these are not CRF motocross bikes with lights. The RedMoto CRF-RX is developed specifically for enduro compliance and European homologation. That means:

• enduro plastics with number plate hanger
• LED lighting system
• radiator cut-outs + additional fan + rad braces
• 7.7L fuel tank (downsize is deliberate for weight/ergonomics)
• simplified wiring
• RedMoto’s own ECU maps and traction control

Three base power maps, each with four traction control levels = 12 ride combinations per bike. All specific to enduro use and developed by RedMoto.

Model range drawn back to three — and why the 300 is the top dog

The CRF400RX is gone for 2026. RedMoto now very intentionally focuses on:
CRF250RX (lightest, easiest to manage, confident)
CRF300RX (their global best-seller)
CRF450RX (maximum power, competition-focused)

The 300 remains the “people’s choice” because it’s a 250 with a RedMoto-spec Wossner piston and altered bore/stroke. For 2026, the compression is slightly reduced — but don’t mistake that for less power. They’ve gained rideability, not lost horsepower. The piston is lighter, spins quicker, carries less engine braking and promises better reliability as a consequence.

Honda RedMoto CRF250RX — the eager bike

If you want the bike that absolutely lets you boss it around, this is it. The low rotating inertia and narrow mid-section to the chassis and bodywork means you move around freely. Honda’s latest CRF chassis is already lighter and more balanced — but on the 250, that combination makes you feel like you’re totally in charge.

It revs surprisingly aggressively (even more so on the official RedMoto team versions, who were testing with us on track). A proper, go-as-hard-as-you-want bike — no fight back, no nasty habits.

Honda RedMoto CRF3000RX — the sweet spot

Still the perfect middleweight, the 300 is everything that makes the 250 so rideable, but with more usable torque that makes instant sense in real enduro scenarios. This new lower-compression-but-lighter piston actually smooths the low-end surge, giving you traction rather than drama. On some of the Malpensa track where we tested that was easily clear both out of tight corners but also up the long hills on the motocross track section (the test track was a mixture of enduro and moto track).

It’s difficult to overstate why people love this displacement — it just feels like the motor is with you, not trying to punish you.

Honda RedMoto CRF450RX — the beast!

You know immediately you’re in for a ride with the 450. Starting on standard map 1 with standard traction. Throttle pick-up is rapid, direct and the instant response catches us out on the first lap out the pit area.

Power is linear (no wild spikes), but it’s relentless, and the closing throttle effect (inertia braking) affects the chassis noticeably harder than its 250 and 300 siblings.

If you want maximum excitement, this is the one though. It leaps out of corners and demands discipline. Flick into the softer map and you calm the initial surge down, but some of the wild 450 charisma disappears with it — we ended up switching constantly depending on parts of the track and couldn’t decide which we preferred.

It absolutely can be raced straight from the crate — just know it will make you tired quicker than the 250 or 300.

Clutch & brake feel

The 450 (and all Special Editions) get a Magura hydraulic clutch. The 250/300 stick with cable. Honestly? The lighter bikes don’t need the hydraulic clutch because the lever is not heavy for the type of riding people will do on these bikes. On the 450, it is heavier, and even with the Magura we could feel left-arm fatigue build up.

Standard Nissin brakes pack a punch up front and were too strong at first. Two front end crashes locking up entering a corner and we immediately realised muscle memory needed recalibration. Racers will love them — technical riders may prefer to soften initial bite (although take note that the RedMoto World Enduro Team riders use Galfer discs/pads which have more progression).

Special edition models — full factory straight out the box

RedMoto Hondas are already considered premium by many but the Special edition is your direct factory replica. Sadly we didn’t get to test these but for just over €1000 extra you get this neat list of extras:
– Kite billet aluminium hubs (red) + black Excel rims (front + rear)
– AXP HDPE skid with linkage protection
– Bi-metal sprocket (red aluminium centre + steel teeth)
– X-Trig ROCS triple clamps (billet, red anodised)
– X-Trig risers
– Blackbird HRC-style seat cover
– Blue silicone radiator hoses
– Billet rear brake master cylinder cap + reservoir + lever + axle pullers
– Safety cable plate for brake lever
– Simplified wiring harness
– Red anodised engine plugs
– Rekluse clutch cover
– Magura hydraulic clutch (as noted)
– Vibram frame protectors (super-grip)

Optional extras on request:

– Rekluse Core Manual or Radius CX auto clutch
– Full Akrapovič or Termignoni exhaust
– CMT carbon fibre fuel tank
– Honda World Enduro Team hydraulic clutch kit (full assembly, billet cover)

Who are these bikes actually for?

If you want a soft, mellow trail bike — one with wide comfort bias, flexible steel frame feel, low aggression — look elsewhere.

If you want something that feels like a fresh-from-the-paddock world-level enduro race bike, responsive, stabile and immediate throttle translation — this is it. No question.

We’d add only one extra part as standard if we could pick fault: an AXP sump protector with linkage guard. That’s it. The bikes are race-ready.

Enduro21 verdict

The 2026 RedMoto lineup is the cleanest, most single-minded direction they’ve taken yet. Sharper, lighter feel. Wiser mapping. Easier maintenance. Each displacement retains a clear personality — and none of them feel like softened MX bikes pretending to be enduro.

If you can get your hands on one — especially the 300 — you’re getting a true factory-leaning platform you won’t need to change much, if anything at all.

Getting hold of one is your only problem

Availability is mainland Europe only, realistically. Spain and France have importer networks. If you’re in UK, USA or Australia, your only real route is private import or travelling to Italy yourself. Sorry!

Prices

Available from October 2025 through RedMoto official dealers.
Financing via AGOS available at 0% interest (TAN 0.00%, TAEG max 10.14%) up to €5,000 over 24 months (€200 fee).

More info: www.redmoto.it

Photo Credit: Press @ RedMoto