Five decades in the making

Motocross is a fast-paced, racing-driven, technology-first world where only a few names command as much respect as Honda. From humble beginnings to today's trailblazing innovations, Honda has left an indelible mark on the MX landscape.

Join us on a journey through time as we explore the legendary 50-plus-year lineage of the Red Riders' premier-class motocross machines, starting from the original CR250M Elsinore to today's groundbreaking CRF450RWE.

The beginning

The original Honda CR250M, famously named after the Elsinore Grand Prix, was a game-changer in the motocross world. Its arrival in 1973 reshaped the sport and signaled Honda's commitment to competition motocross. It featured a two-stroke engine that was both powerful and reliable, and a light, agile chassis that was ready to race straight off the showroom floor -- a rarity at the time.

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Honda dirt bikes, particularly the CR250, continued to evolve. In 1978, the CR250R underwent a handful of revisions and a name change, followed by the introduction of liquid cooling in 1981. This significant advancement allowed for more consistent engine performance under the rigors of racing. The '80s also introduced Honda's single-shock Pro-Link® rear suspension system, which offered greatly improved handling. The 250R quickly became known for its powerful engine, cutting-edge technology, and class-leading reliability.

Two-stroke golden era

If there was a golden age for the CR250R, it was the late '80s through well into the '90s. The bike underwent significant design and performance improvements during this period. A major overhaul in 1987 introduced a new chassis and engine, while the inverted front fork technology was added in 1990. Piloted by iconic racers like Ricky Johnson, Jeff Stanton, and Jeremy McGrath, the 250R won numerous AMA Pro Supercross and Motocross championships, cementing the bike's legacy in motocross history.

In the late 1990s, the CR250R underwent improvements in engine performance and handling, including the introduction of an all-new aluminum frame in 1997. The bikes of this era were known for their aggressive power delivery and sharp handling, which demanded skill from their riders. By 2001, the 250R had achieved a high level of innovation. Although it was still manufactured until 2007, 2002 saw a significant shift in the motocross world toward larger-displacement 450cc four-stroke engines.

The genesis

As the successor to the revered CR250R, the all-new CRF450R marked a significant shift in Honda's motocross strategy towards four-stroke engines. This transition was driven by changing regulations and the motocross community's growing preference for the torque and power delivery characteristics of four-strokes.

The original 450R set new standards for power, agility, and reliability and was the first model to feature Honda's revolutionary Unicam® engine design. Still used throughout the Honda Powersports lineup today, the compact, single-overhead-camshaft design is lightweight and efficient, delivering an unmatched power-to-weight ratio.

Over the next decade, the CRF450R underwent continuous refinement. Honda focused on incremental improvements to enhance performance, reduce weight, and increase reliability. In 2008, the bike received the HPSD, Honda's Progressive Steering Damper, which significantly improved handling and overall stability, especially at high speeds.

However, the most notable change came in 2009 with the introduction of a completely redesigned 450R. This model featured a new, more compact engine, a revised chassis, and electronic fuel injection (EFI)—a first for Honda in the 450 motocross category. EFI improved throttle response and ensured consistent performance across a wide range of conditions, marking a significant step forward in moto technology.

From 2013 onwards, Honda continued to push the boundaries of what was possible with the CRF450R. However, it was in 2017 that Honda made a major leap forward, giving the 450R a comprehensive overhaul. This model featured a more powerful engine, an optional electric start, a lighter chassis, and the transition to coil-spring Showa front suspension.

The following year saw the big-bore CRF gain incremental updates and an electric starter as standard on all trims, refining its performance, handling, and ergonomics. Honda's focus on developing a "rider-first" approach resulted in a bike that not only performed at the highest levels but also catered to the needs and preferences of a wide range of riders.

Current lineup

Honda's current lineup of competition motocross machines exemplifies over five decades of relentless innovation, engineering excellence, and a deep-rooted racing heritage. This collection includes the elite CRF450RWE and CRF250RWE "Works Edition" models, as well as the race-ready CRF450R and CRF250R machines, all reflecting Honda's unwavering commitment to dominating the motocross world.

At the forefront is the CRF450R, delivering a harmonious blend of high-performance features tailored for professional racers and serious enthusiasts. It features a powerful yet manageable 450cc liquid-cooled Unicam® single-cylinder engine, a lightweight aluminum frame for agile handling, and advanced electronics—including selectable engine modes—to optimize performance across diverse track conditions.

For riders seeking top-tier performance, Honda offers the CRF450RWE, or "Works Edition." This premium model elevates 450-class standards by incorporating factory race-team-inspired enhancements. It boasts a hand-ported cylinder head, upgraded 49mm Showa® inverted Ti/Kashima-coated fork, DID DirtStar LT-X rims, and a full titanium Yoshimura exhaust system. These features collectively provide unparalleled handling, significant weight reduction, and a competitive edge on the track.

Complementing the 450cc models, the CRF250R offers a 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine designed for exceptional power and agility. It shares the lightweight aluminum frame and advanced suspension components of its larger counterpart, ensuring precise handling and responsiveness.

For those desiring factory-level upgrades in the 250cc category, the CRF250RWE "Works Edition" delivers. It features a hand-ported red cylinder head, 49mm Showa inverted Ti/Kashima-coated fork, DID DirtStar LT-X rims, and a titanium Yoshimura exhaust system, mirroring the enhancements found in the 450RWE model. Each model in Honda's CRF/R lineup is meticulously engineered to provide riders with the performance, reliability, and competitive advantage synonymous with the Honda brand.

Champions choose Honda

Honda's legacy in motocross is one of relentless pursuit, unrivaled passion, and groundbreaking technology. The Winged Warriors have consistently pushed the envelope of motocross innovation, from the thunderous roar of the original CR250M Elsinore to the precision-engineered excellence of the current CRF450RWE.

Red Riders have rewritten the rules with every throttle twist, leaving a trail of victories in their wake. As the legacy continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: Honda will never stop striving to be at the forefront of motocross dominance, fueling champions' dreams and igniting enthusiasts' passion worldwide.