2019 Honda CRF Off

Honda just stepped its game up big time for 2019, with the release of the ‘CRF Collective.’ There are three all-new models to look forward to including a CRF250RX, a CRF450RWE (Works Edition), and get this, a long-awaited and only dreamed of before, CRF450L dual-sport. (!!!) If that wasn't exciting enough on its own, Honda just about completely redesigned its ‘King of the Trail’, top dog, Baja-dominating CRF450X. The rest of the CRF lineup got the full treatment as well, with significant upgrades and improvements to the CRF450R, CRF450RX, CRF250R and CRF150R models.

For years now, KTM and Husqvarna have been trying to corner the off-road and dual-sport market with a model for just about any rider in every discipline, while Japan took a backseat and watched its market share fall. Well, Honda just brought out its big guns and fired back in a big way. Of these seven new and/or improved models, The 450L is perhaps the most exciting, to us at MO anyhow, given that it's now street-legal.

This is the first time ever that a Japanese manufacturer has built a dual-sport that's a direct descendant of its premier 450-class motocrosser. The CRF450L isn't like the CRF250L (which shares its motor with the CBR250); meaning it's not a soft, heavy, corked-up and underpowered cousin of its racer kin. Sure, Honda had to tweak it to make it street-legal, but the 450L looks to be the real deal, and a major threat to its plated KTM and Husky 450 rivals. The CRF450L will be a bike capable of tackling real trails; essentially a dirtbike with turn signals, and with its six-speed transmission, a runner on the road as well.

Scroll down for a full breakdown with all the specs, comparisons and detailed info on all the new improvements and upgrades the Honda CRF line received for the upcoming 2019 model year. We’re super excited about this announcement, and you should be too.

Honda Press Release:

Largest performance off-road release yet includes new models for diverse applications

During a recent "CRF Collective" unveiling ceremony at Fox Racing headquarters, Honda announced its most far-reaching range of performance off-road models ever, expanding the group by three and significantly improving the four returning models. Leveraging the brand's unparalleled experience in the manufacture of dirt bikes, Honda's performance off-road lineup now includes CRF machines for riding applications including motocross, closed-course off-road, pure off-road, and even dual sport.

All seven models are based on the platforms of Honda's revolutionary motocrossers, the CRF450R and CRF250R. Those two machines return for 2019 but with important updates, as does the closed-course off-road CRF450RX. In addition, Honda is offering a factory-replica version of its full-size motocrosser called the CRF450RWE ("Works Edition"). The trail-ready CRF450X is entirely new for 2019, and it's joined by a road-legal CRF450L that enables customers to connect trails via asphalt. Finally, Honda is also introducing an all-new CRF250RX closed-course off-road machine.

"Honda's history in off-road is something we’re very proud of, from the ’70s-era Elsinores, through the XRs of the ’80s and ’90s, to the post-millennial CRF models," said Lee Edmunds, American Honda's Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. "For 2019, it's exciting to build on that reputation with the most expansive lineup of CRF performance off-road models ever offered, and to reach a wide range of enthusiasts through motorcycles that are tailored to an equally diverse spectrum of riding environments. With this new lineup, there really is a CRF off-road performance machine for everyone."

The trails are calling, and the all-new road-legal CRF450L answers, expanding customers’ off-road possibilities by enabling access to the best riding trails, even when that means connecting them via asphalt roads. Street legality is achieved via features like LED lighting, mirrors, and a dedicated exhaust system. Equally at home in the woods or desert, the CRF450L has a wide-ratio six-speed transmission for maximum adaptability, while a lightweight, 2.0-gallon tank offers great range. Compared to the CRF450R motocrosser, crank mass is up for tractability in technical conditions, where a large-capacity radiator keeps things cool.

2019 Honda CRF450L

For the 2019 model year, you don't have to be Ken Roczen to enjoy a CRF450R with factory enhancements, as the new CRF450RWE features a number of upgrades based on the bikes in the Team Honda HRC race shop. Rocketing to the top step of the podium through the use of a specially designed cylinder head with hand-polished ports, Yoshimura titanium slip-on muffler, and special ECU settings, this new model offers increased low- and mid-range torque. It also features the same graphics as Roczen's No. 94 race bike, including a Throttle Jockey factory seat cover. Upgraded black D.I.D LT-X rims are included, along with black triple clamps and a gold RK chain. Titanium nitride-coated fork legs and an updated, titanium nitride-coated shock shaft increase traction and bump absorption.

2019 Honda CRF450R

2019 Honda CRF450RWE

Already the industry's top-selling motocrosser and the winner of the 2018 Daytona Supercross at the hands of MotoConcept's Justin Brayton, the CRF450R receives a number of important updates for 2019. Better engine performance is achieved through a new combustion-chamber shape, as well as improved over-rev characteristics through a refined oil-management system. The frame and swingarm have been revised for optimized rigidity and weight reduction, while the braking system has been updated with a lightweight front brake caliper featuring a large-piston design. As a result of the weight-saving measures, the CRF450R is 1.76 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. 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. This is how you convert the "Absolute Holeshot" into moto wins.

2019 Honda CRF450R

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.

2019 Honda CRF450X

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.

2019 Honda CRF450RX

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.

2019 Honda CRF250RX

Newly introduced in 2018, the CRF250R has seen the GEICO Honda and TiLube Honda teams earn multiple wins in AMA Supercross and Arenacross competition, respectively, while also achieving success in amateur national races. For 2019, the model is revised with increased low-to-midrange engine performance for improved corner exiting. Inspired by the factory version, the Double Overhead Cam engine features updated cam profiles and intake- and exhaust-port profiles, a 50mm shorter right exhaust pipe, and a 2mm smaller throttle body. Riders can select from three engine modes for ideal performance depending on conditions, while HRC launch control has been adopted for improved race-start performance. A Renthal Fatbar handlebar sits in a four-position-adjustable top clamp, while the braking system has been updated with a lighter, CRF450R-inspired caliper with larger piston for optimum braking performance. Black rims are standard.

2019 Honda CRF250R

Raced by Amsoil Honda hotshot Hunter Yoder on the amateur national circuit, Honda's smallest motocross machine returns for 2019, featuring a Unicam four-stroke engine that offers a spread of ample, useable power and torque across the rev range. Suspension duties are handled by Showa, with a 37mm inverted fork and Pro-Link rear link system. In addition to the standard version, Honda offers the CRF150RB, which features larger wheels, a taller seat, a longer swingarm, and more rear-suspension travel.

2019 Honda CRF150R

2019 Honda CRF150RB

Ugh ... the 450L would be nice but that 37" seat height is troublesome for those of us short of inseam.

Dirtbikes, what are you going to do. On the plus side there is a bunch of sag

True, but it would be nice if they lowered the road legal version at least a little. Of course light weight compensates somewhat and I could always climb a handy rock or tree ...

Maybe swap out dog bones in the linkage, and slide the forks in the clamps.

I've heard stories of kids use the taillight or stand to mount, and dismount.

No kid am I, but perhaps I could borrow a page from my childhood and run alongside and jump onboard. I once met a REALLY short rider who did that with his R1. Reminded me of 2-stroke GP racing in the bump-start days.

That's perfect. As you head out to the trail after your latte, everyone at Starbucks is going to impressed. (Overhead in the parking lot.) "Who was that?" "You mean the cool guy on the motorcycle? That's Dani the Pedrobot Pedrosa. He must be out cross training. "

I meant "tailgate".

It's great news and I'm glad Honda has stepped up with a big bore street legal dirt bike. I used to be a Honda fan (My first 4 bikes were Hondas), but moved to KTM's for the last 3 bikes. From looking at the photos I see rubber brake lines, no rim locks on the wheels, cheesy renthal 7/8" cross bar (where's the fat bar?) and I wonder what else will need to upgraded for enduro duty. At least they made the plate holder look slick and give a plastic skid plate.