HONDA 2019 OFF-ROAD BIKES: A NEW 450X!

Honda pulled the sheets off most of its 2019 off-road bikes today and the big news was a new CRF450X. The carbureted bike by that name that was introduced way back in 2005 has finally been retired and replaced with a new model based on the current motocross bike. The new X will be fully EPA compliant and imported as an off-road vehicle. At the same time, Honda announced a new CRF250RX, which is a closed-course competition off-road model to accompany the updated CRF450RX. The official Honda press release follows.

Honda finally has a new off-road CRF450X, based on the current MX bike,

CRF450X
Having featured heavily in Honda-mounted teams winning 20 of the last 21 Baja 1000s, the CRF450X gets a complete overhaul for 2019, based on the modern CRF platform but with off-road-appropriate features. A true off-road machine that’s ready for racing or trail riding, this model features a headlight, taillight, and side stand, as well as an 18” rear wheel and lightweight 2.0-gallon fuel tank. For maximum versatility in challenging
terrain, the CRF450X also features a 49mm Showa fork with dedicated settings, wide-ratio six-speed transmission, and higher crank mass than the CRF450R.
• Color: Red
• Target Price: $9,799
• Availability: October
• Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450X.aspx

Will the new CRF450X win the hearts of Baja racers? We’ll see.

The CRF450RX off-road competition bike is back.

CRF450RX
Currently campaigned by JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger and Trevor Stewart in GNCC and WORCS competition, respectively, the CRF450RX inherits the same performance-enhancing features of the 2019 CRF450R, including an updated cylinder head and refined oil-management system, while still featuring off-road-specific features like a 2.2-gallon resin fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, and aluminum side stand. Suspension is specially tailored to the CRF450RX and uses low-friction fork oil. For added performance and increased comfort, the 2019 model features new ECU settings, HRC launch control, a Renthal Fatbar handlebar, and adjustable handlebar position. Black rims and redesigned fork protectors are also new.
• Color: Red
• Price: $9,599
• Availability: September
• Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450rx.aspx

There’s now a closed-course competition Honda for the 250 class. The CRF250RX is new for 2019, based on the current MX bike.

CRF250RX
Based on Honda’s successful 250cc motocrosser, the all-new CRF250RX joins the CRF450RX as a weapon for closed-course off-road competitions throughout America. Equipped with a larger-capacity, 2.2-gallon resin fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, and aluminum side stand, the RX makes quick work of challenging situations, its dedicated suspension and ECU settings helping the rider work through even the toughest trail sections. As with the CRF250R, HRC launch control, a Renthal Fatbar handlebar, and black rims are standard.
• Color: Red
• Target Price: $8,299
• Availability: September
• Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf250rx.aspx

The CRF250RX is a race bike, but with amenities for the trail.