Rally-Inspired Honda CRF450RX: A Closer Look
Rally replicas have gained popularity as more manufacturers release production models inspired by race-bred rally machines. KTM was one of the first to do this with its 450 Rally, and now other manufacturers are following suit by rolling out their own versions of 450 rally bikes for the general public.
The latest addition to this trend comes from France in the form of a custom Honda CRF450RX. The CRF450RX is not a beginner-friendly motorcycle and represents the pinnacle of Honda's dirtbike lineup. The custom rally-inspired CRF450RX, known as the CRF450RX Rally, is created by Euroboost France, a dealer and importer of Honda motorcycles in Europe. Interestingly, this modified bike was not made by Honda but by Italian workshop and Honda dealer RS Moto. RS Moto has been customizing CRF450RXs for the past two years and shows no signs of slowing down in 2024.
It's important to note that the 2024 Honda CRF450RX Rally is based on the current 2023 CRF450RX but comes with numerous upgrades. So, what do you get for €25,990 or approximately $27,983 USD? Let's take a closer look.
Features and Upgrades
The 2024 CRF450RX Rally is equipped with two 9.5-liter fuel tanks mounted to the front and a rear, self-supported fuel tank with a capacity of 10 liters. This provides a total fuel capacity of 29 liters, allowing for long-distance off-road riding. To accommodate this, the bike has two fuel pumps to transfer fuel from the multiple tanks to the engine. The front of the CRF450RX Rally features a full instrumentation tower with an F2R Road-Book and handlebar control switch.
In terms of ergonomics, the bike has been enhanced for rallying with foam grips to reduce vibrations on the rider's hands. It also has oversized reinforced foot pegs, a steering damper for stability, and revamped suspension settings to handle the demands of prolonged rally riding. For added protection, the bike is equipped with a carbon fiber underbody and improved brakes with a larger 300mm rotor at the front. STM fork crowns ensure maximum front-end rigidity, while dual LED lights illuminate the night.
RS Moto has also made several modifications to the CRF450RX, including a large engine oil cooler, an additional oil tank, a larger cooling fan, and STM clutch housing covers to reduce weight. The bike is fitted with Haan Wheels designed for top-level off-road riding, offering maximum rigidity and low weight. Lastly, the bike features a special Arrow exhaust designed specifically for rally racing. The overall weight of the bike is reported to be 139 kilograms without fuel. With a 29-liter fuel capacity, the estimated wet weight is around 168 kilograms or 370 pounds when ready to ride.
