SECOND OPINION ONE The CRF’ s ergo’ s are awesome, pulling you forward and locking you in. The motor is strong, consistent and eye-watering when opened up and, thankfully, the days of a big 450 flaming out in tight bush corners seem to be gone, with minimal clutch work the bulletproof bottom end pulls through corners effortlessly. That front end is confidence-inspiring, it turns quickly and with very minimal push. And once rolling it feels surprisingly light. I was genuinely surprised at how quickly I adapted to the big bike and could ride it near my normal pace. I feel like 450s are much more usable than they were, this CRF450R especially. It’ s a blast to ride, well mannered and balanced, and coupled with Honda’ s reliability it’ s great dirt bike. BRENDAN ABEL
SECOND OPINION TWO Honda has dialled in the 2025 motor. The power delivery and mapping are clean, pulling smoothly and strongly off the very bottom, through the mid and up to the top end. It doesn’ t stall down low, unlocking the use of 3rd gear for all but the tightest corners and longest straights. A bright red dirt bike with gloss black rims gets the people going, and those 1980s-style CR500 shrouds make a big improvement. The front brake with updated piston and seals feels nice and firm with plenty of power. For non-pro riders, the suspension has no hint of harshness. It soaks up aggressive squareedged chop and braking bumps with ease, both ends of the bike work to deliver an ultrabalanced, plush ride. Gone is the infamous‘ tucky’, vague-feeling Honda front end. I could’ t believe how much confidence this bike gives compared to previous generation CRF450Rs. It’ ll carve any line you can imagine; insides, outsides, middles, ruts, no ruts, no problems for the 2025 CRF450R. JONO HILL
56 KIWI RIDER