2012Honda CRF450R

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The 2012 Honda CRF450R is a competition-focused motocross bike engineered for serious racers and advanced off-road riders. Known for its powerful 450cc engine, responsive handling, and sophisticated suspension with adjustable damping, it delivers exceptional performance in demanding terrain. The lightweight frame and aggressive geometry make it the benchmark choice for competitive motocross events and professional-level riding.

Capacity: 449.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Wet weight: 108.9 kg
Seat height: 953 mm
Power: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)

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What’s new for the 2012 Honda CRF450R

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Front brakes	Double disc	Single disc. Twin-piston calipers

Other years 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail98%

Cornering85%

City riding5%

Daily riding8%

Touring5%

Two-up0%

Track90%

Best for: Built purely for motocross racing and serious off-road riding, not for street use or general transportation.
Built for: A razor-sharp, high-revving, race-bred single-cylinder motocrosser that rewards aggressive input with explosive acceleration and pinpoint handling.
Not ideal for: This is not the right bike for beginners, commuters, passengers, or anyone seeking comfort, storage, or highway touring capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 953mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2012 Honda CRF450R, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at over 900 mm — Sky High →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 449.0 ccm
Power: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Torque: 47.3 Nm (4.8 kgf-m)
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5142 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric & kick
Ignition: Full transistor with electronic advance
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Multi plate wet clutch

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1491 mm
Overall length: 2190 mm
Overall width: 827 mm
Overall height: 1271 mm
Seat height: 953 mm
Wet weight: 108.9 kg
Fuel capacity: 5.70 litres
Ground clearance: 330 mm
Oil capacity: 1.80 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminium twin tube
Front suspension: 48mm inverted KYB Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with rebound and compression-damping adjustability
Rear suspension: Pro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed
Front wheel travel: 310 mm
Rear wheel travel: 315 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.0°
Trail: 116 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Twin-piston calipers
Front brakes diameter: 240 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 80/100-21
Rear tyre: 120/80-19

Other

Color options: Red

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2002	2008	2012	2015	2021	2027
Capacity	449 cc	449 cc	449 cc	450 cc	450 cc	450 cc
Dry weight	102 kg	—	—	109 kg	107 kg	103 kg
Seat height	—	955 mm	953 mm	953 mm	965 mm	953 mm
Fuel capacity	7.5 L	7.2 L	5.7 L	6.4 L	6.4 L	7.1 L