Is the CRF450RL street legal everywhere in the US?

Yes. Honda builds it as a 50-state street-legal dual-sport with a catalytic converter, so it can be registered for public roads and ridden on public lands and park roads.

How does it differ from the CRF450X?

The RL uses a chassis derived from the CRF450X but adds street-legal equipment such as lighting and emissions gear. The X is a closed-course off-road bike and is not plated.

Is it good for beginners?

Not really. The 450cc engine, tall seat and long-travel suspension suit experienced riders; a smaller dual-sport is easier to manage while learning.

Can it handle highway commuting?

It can, thanks to the wide-ratio six-speed, but the single-cylinder vibration, wind exposure and knobby tires make it less comfortable than a street bike.

What suspension does it have?

A 49mm inverted Showa coil-spring fork with about 12 inches of travel and a Pro-Link Showa rear shock with about 11.8 inches, both adjustable for rebound, compression and preload at the rear.

Does it have electric start?

Yes. The CRF450RL comes with electric start.

Where is the 2025 Honda CRF450RL Base cheapest?

At Ball Equipment, for $99,999.99, as of our latest check.

Honda

2025 Honda CRF450RL Base

Best price now

$99,999.99at Ball EquipmentChecked Nov 13

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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What reviewers say

Owners treat the CRF450RL as a genuine dirt bike with a plate. They praise the power, the suspension and the fact that it needs no trailer, and accept the tall seat and highway buzz as the price of that.

What people mention

Engine powerPraisedRiders say the 450cc single pulls hard from low revs and still revs out on the trail.
SuspensionPraisedOwners report the adjustable Showa fork and shock soak up rocks and whoops well for a plated bike.
Seat heightCriticisedShorter riders find the tall saddle and long travel hard to manage at stops and on tight ground.
Highway comfortCriticisedRiders note vibration and wind exposure make long paved stretches tiring.
MaintenanceMixedOwners accept frequent oil and filter changes as normal for a high-strung dirt-derived engine.
TiresCriticisedThe off-road-oriented tires are said to wear quickly when used mostly on pavement.

About the 2025 Honda CRF450RL Base

The 2025 Honda CRF450RL is a dual-sport motorcycle that is both street legal and capable off-road. It is street-legal in all 50 states and has a catalytic converter. It can be ridden on public lands, roads, and state and national parks, so the bike does not need to be hauled to the trailhead.

The RL blends elements from Honda's off-road lineup and uses a tweaked chassis derived from the CRF450X. It has electric start and 2025 graphics.

Power comes from a 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with Programmed Fuel Injection and a wide-ratio six-speed transmission. Adjustable Showa suspension is used at both ends.

Model ID

CRF450RL

Engine type

Single-cylinder, Unicam OHC, four valves per cylinder

Displacement

450cc

Cooling

Liquid-cooled

Bore x stroke

96.0mm x 62.1mm

Compression ratio

12.0:1