You asked for it—and here it is! The new Honda CRF450L is a factory-street-legal 450cc enduro from Japan. This surprising news from Big Red was announced this week in Irvine, California. While the current lineup of CRFs includes models for a wide range of off-road enthusiasts, Honda’s current dual-sport options are limited between the entry-level CRF250L/Rally and the archaic XR650L. We’re excited to see CRF450L go toe-to-toe with European manufacturers who have dominated the category for over a decade.

IRVINE, Calif. (May 23, 2018) – 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.”

• CRF450L

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.

• Color: Red
• Target Price: $10,399
• Availability: September

While the $10,399 CRF450L is not a bike for everyone, it is certainly a big step in the right direction. It fills a gap in Honda’s lineup, but it also has us wondering what else Big Red has up their sleeves. Does Honda have plans to re-vamp their entire dual-sport line-up? Can we expect to see a CRF250L based on the new CRF250RX in the future? Will the trusty ol' XR650L get an update or replaced? While we can't confirm any of the above, we did get a "Fight Club nod" when asking about a possible Africa Twin 700/800. Our guess is, we'll get answers sooner rather than later. Stay tuned for updates!

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