When you encounter the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle, you’re looking at the deceptively similar cousin of the CRF450R motocross model. Yet, it is specifically engineered for off-road and cross-country competitions, such as the iconic Baja 1000 and the WORCS racing series. Although it shares the impressive Unicam® engine design with the “R” model, the CRF450X elevates performance even further by incorporating a wide-ratio six-speed transmission, an off-road-optimised chassis, and a range of specialised features.
These include an 18-inch rear wheel that enhances tyre selection, a standard side stand and hand guards, a unique ECU and fuel-injection settings, a larger fuel tank, a durable skid plate, and several additional off-road-focused components. Wherever your adventures lead, the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle delivers an exceptional off-road experience, providing strong power and unmatched trail-conquering capability. To make it even more appealing, it also complies with California Green-Sticker regulations.
Continuing its legacy of dominance in one of the world’s most challenging off-road events, the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle holds an almost flawless record in the legendary Baja 1000. Most recently, the SLR Honda Team—Mark Samuels, Justin Morgan and Kendall Norman—secured victory in the 2022 race. The CRF450X is also actively used in the AMA NHHA series by JCR Honda rider Preston Campbell. It excels as a trail machine in part because of its 50-state year-round off-road-legal status, along with practical off-road features such as a side stand, an 18-inch rear wheel, a headlight, a sealed chain and a six-speed transmission.
2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Engine / Drivetrain
A 449.7cc Unicam® engine powers the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle, tuned explicitly for off-road riding. Its finger rocker arm contributes to a compact engine layout, and the dedicated design produces power characteristics ideal for off-road conditions. A DLC surface treatment helps reduce friction. The engine benefits from dedicated valve timing that ensures smooth power delivery in technical environments. Its high crank inertia—12% higher than the CRF450R—delivers predictable, manageable power in challenging terrain. A 12.0:1 compression ratio and a three-ring piston design further enhance performance.
Also Read: 2024 Honda CRF250F Dirt Motorcycle Review
The bike features a wide-ratio six-speed transmission suited for a broad range of off-road terrain, and the high-strength construction ensures durability under demanding use. A specialised clutch design provides a light lever pull, while the primary damper mechanism including friction springs minimises torque fluctuations for smoother operation. Large-capacity radiators with efficient heat exchange maintain strong performance in harsh off-road conditions. The ECU incorporates dedicated settings tailored for the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle. A specially developed exhaust system featuring optimized pipe length and diameter delivers excellent responsiveness at low rpm.
Chassis / Suspension
The aluminium twin-spar frame is engineered to provide nimble yet stable handling on trails. A 49 mm of a Showa fork with dedicated settings is designed to perform well in challenging terrain. The CRF450R inspires the front brake, yet it incorporates a unique master cylinder and hose for braking performance suited to off-road riding. A lightweight lithium-ion battery offers greater capacity than the CRF450R’s unit, supporting lighting functions. The front and rear sprockets contains a damper system that ensures smooth, quiet operation.
The fuel-tank cap includes a cut-off valve that prevents fuel from spilling if the motorcycle is tipped over. Electronic components are housed in an easily accessible box on the left side of the frame. A grey metallic Renthal handlebar with a red pad, along with compact and lightweight handlebar switches, contribute to premium ergonomics. In-mould graphics are resistant to washing and abrasion, maintaining a long-lasting appearance. The fork protectors are shaped to reduce damage during off-road use, and Dunlop MX52 tyres provide excellent traction and feel across a wide variety of conditions.
Wide-Ratio Six-Speed Transmission
The 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle’s six-speed transmission provides a broader gear selection than the typical five-speed found on MX bikes, making the motorcycle even more versatile. Whether you are crawling over rocky East Coast trails or charging through fast Baja terrain, there is always an ideal gear available.
Lithium-Ion Battery
The lightweight and compact lithium-ion battery delivers excellent performance, complementing the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle’s overall character. Traditional batteries add unnecessary weight, but this premium component helps maximize the bike’s capabilities.
Tuned-Weight Crank
The 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle uses a uniquely designed crankshaft that differs from those in the CRF450R and CRF450RL. Crank weight and inertia significantly influence power delivery, and because this component is so critical, Honda ensures the CRF450X offers the ideal balance for off-road riding.
Dual Radiators
Dual radiators with a refined core area provide superior heat dissipation compared to conventional designs. A coolant recovery tank is mounted in front of the engine, between the frame downtubes, to better centralise mass, and is protected by a plastic skid plate.
Titanium Fuel Tank
The titanium fuel tank holds 2.0 gallons and is both lightweight and durable.
Skid Plate
The factory skid plate is lightweight yet provides the essential engine and lower-frame protection required by serious off-road riders.
Lighting Package
The 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle is equipped including a complete lighting package, including a headlight and taillight, allowing you to ride comfortably at dusk.
Electric Start
The electric start system guarantee reliable starting in all conditions. The starter drives the clutch side of the crankshaft, improving lubrication to the starter gears while allowing the engine to remain narrow with a short, strong crankshaft.
450cc Unicam® Engine
Honda’s Unicam® cylinder-head design combines the strengths of both single- and double-overhead-cam configurations. This setup results in a compact engine that is lighter than comparable dual-overhead-cam designs and allows a narrow valve angle. It flattens the combustion chamber, promoting efficient flame propagation and enabling a high compression ratio. The reduced space in the cylinder head positions the camshaft lower, resulting in a more compact engine with a lower centre of gravity.
Fuel Injection
The proven fuel-injection system contributes to the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle’s excellent torque and precise throttle response, particularly at low rpm. It also automatically adjusts for elevation and weather changes.
Titanium Intake and Exhaust Valves
Lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves allow the use of smaller valve springs, which reduces overall engine height.
California Green-Sticker Compliant
Because the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle is Green-Sticker compliant, California riders can legally enjoy year-round off-road access in any open OHV area.
Twin-Spar Chassis
The twin-spar aluminium chassis draws from extensive MX and Baja racing experience. It is lightweight, rigid and designed around the wider layout required to accommodate the six-speed transmission, resulting in excellent handling.
Dunlop MX52 Tires
Dunlop MX52 tyres provide strong off-road traction across a wide range of terrain and conditions, offering dependable performance where tyres matter most.
Low Centre of Gravity
The compact Unicam® engine and Honda’s emphasis on centralized mass result in a low centre of gravity. It not only improves handling but also makes the bike feel lighter.
Works-Style Front Brake
The compact twin-piston front brake calliper, anodised-aluminium brake pistons, and lightweight 260mm front disc provide strong braking while minimising unsprung weight for improved handling and turning performance.
Works-Style Rear Brake
The HRC-derived rear brake system uses a 240mm rotor and an integrated master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the need for separate components for a more efficient design.
18-Inch Rear Wheel
The 18-inch rear wheel expands tyre options for off-road terrain, and the black DID rims add a premium appearance.
Factory Handguards
These handguards are designed specifically for off-road riding and built to Honda’s standards. They protect the rider from rocks, branches, thorns and brush, while also giving the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle a complete and refined appearance.
Also Read: 2024 Honda CRF125F Dirt Motorcycle Review
Gear-Driven Counterbalancer
The gear-driven counterbalancer reduces engine vibration and drives the water pump for added efficiency.
Works MX Styling
Honda’s MX models inspire the “X” graphics. The sleek bodywork promotes rider mobility, while the in-mould graphics are both stylish and highly durable.
Superior Ergonomics
The frame places the rider’s legs at its narrowest point, enhancing both comfort and handling.
Sidestand
The sidestand may seem simple, but the 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle uses a forged alloy unit that sits high and out of the way, demonstrating Honda’s attention to detail.
Fuel Mileage Meter
The Fuel Mileage Meter is an essential tool for planning fuel stops and estimating range in varying conditions. It displays current and average fuel mileage, as well as total fuel consumption. It can show information in miles or kilometres and applies to both the A and B tripmeters. This feature is incorporated into the digital display, which also includes the speedometer, odometer, trip meters and digital clock.
2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle – Price
The new 2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle is available for only $9,899.
2024 Honda CRF450X Dirt Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
| Type | 449.7cc liquid-cooled 10º single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Valve Train | Unicam® OHC, four-valve |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0mm x 62.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Induction | Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 46 mm of throttle bore |
| Ignition | Full transistorised |
| Starter | Push-button electric starter |
| Transmission | 6-speed wide ratio; manual |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet (6 springs) |
| Final Drive | #520 sealed chain; 13T/51T |
Suspension
| Front | 49 mm of fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork w/ 12.0 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link system, fully adjustable Showa single shock w/ 11.8 in. wheel travel |
Brakes
| Front | Single 2-piston hydraulic calliper w/ 260mm disc |
| Rear | Single 2-piston hydraulic calliper w/ 240mm disc |
Tires
| Front | Dunlop Geomax MX52 80/100-21 w/ tube |
| Rear | Dunlop Geomax MX52 110/100-18 w/ tube |
Measurements
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27.6º |
| Trail | 143mm (5.6 in) |
| Length | 86.3 in. |
| Width | 33.3 in. |
| Height | 50.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 13.1 in. |
| Seat Height | 37.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 58.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gal. |
| Curb Weight | 275 lbs. |
Other
| Color | Red |
