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Honda CRF450R 2003

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Motocross / Racing

2003 Honda CRF450R

449cc

4-stroke

55.0hp

Power

225lb

Dry weight

37.5in

Seat height

12.4in

Front travel

2003 Honda CRF450R overview

Where it ridesRace-ready
  • Street
  • Trail
  • Woods
  • Rocks
  • Desert
  • Track

The 2003 Honda CRF450R is a 449 cc motocross race bike with a liquid-cooled, carbureted four-stroke single, SOHC four-valve head, kick start and five-speed transmission. Its 55 hp and 37 ft-lb of torque are paired with a 520 chain and 13/50 sprockets. Suspension includes a 47 mm inverted Showa cartridge fork and Pro-Link Showa rear shock, with 12.4 in of travel at each end. New for 2003, it received revised valve timing and lift for more low-rpm torque, a larger airbox opening and reshaped connecting tube, a stiffer frame, revised fork damping and 0.4 in more fork travel, plus works-style shroud graphics. It has a 37.5 in seat height, 13.3 in ground clearance and 2 gal fuel capacity.

Who it's for

This bike suits motocross racers and track riders looking for a high-output 450 cc four-stroke with adjustable Showa suspension and a five-speed gearbox. Its 37.5 in seat height and 225 lb dry weight favor riders comfortable managing a tall, substantial race bike, while kick starting makes it a fit for riders prepared to start it manually. The CRF450R is aimed at closed-course racing rather than casual trail use.

Quick facts

  • The 2003 Honda CRF450R has a 449cc carbureted 4-stroke engine, a 5-speed gearbox and kick start.
  • The 2003 CRF450R weighs 225 lb dry and has a 37.5 in seat height.
  • The 2003 CRF450R runs 80/100-21 front and 110/90-19 rear tires.
  • The 2003 CRF450R listed at $6,299 (US MSRP).

2003 Honda CRF450R photos

2003 Honda CRF450R specifications

Engine

Displacement
449cc
Stroke
4-stroke
Fuel system
Carburetor
Bore × stroke
96 × 62.1 mm
Compression
11.5:1
Horsepower
55.0 hp
Torque
37 ft-lb
Cooling
Liquid
Configuration
Single-cylinder
Valve train
SOHC
Valves
4

Clutch

Spring
Coil

Drivetrain

Starting
Kick
Transmission
5-speed
Chain size
520
Front sprocket
13T
Rear sprocket
50T

Dimensions

Dry weight
225 lb
Seat height
37.5″
Ground clearance
13.3″
Wheelbase
58.5″
Fuel capacity
2 gal

Price & warranty

Colors
Red

Frame & steering

Rake
27°
Trail
4.3″

Suspension

Front
47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability
Front travel
12.4″
Rear
Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns)
Rear travel
12.4″

Wheels & tires

Front wheel
21″
Rear wheel
19″
Front tire
80/100-21
Rear tire
110/90-19

Brakes

Front disc
240 mm
Rear disc
240 mm

Parts that fit the 2003 Honda CRF450R

Exact parts for this bike. Tap one to see every store selling it, cheapest first.

Maintenance

Oil, filters, spark plug, battery, brakes and drive parts you replace as you ride.

Tires

Stock sizes, from the maker's manual.

Not listed yet: Engine oil and spark plug. We only list a part once its maker names it for this bike, so we don't guess.

Prices include shipping where the store lists it and were checked Nov 1, 2026. A store that doesn't list its shipping is placed as if it charged what the other stores do. Prices change, so confirm at the store before you buy.

2003 Honda CRF450R vs 2002

New for 2003: New valve timing and lift for more low-rpm torque, a larger airbox opening, a stiffer frame, fork travel up from 12.0 to 12.4 in (305 to 315 mm) with revised damping, and works-style shroud graphics. Of the specs below, the 2003 Honda CRF450R sits 0.3 in taller, has 0.4 in more front travel, has 0.3 in more ground clearance and has a 0.9 in shorter wheelbase, compared with the 2002 model.

Spec20022003Changed
MSRP$6,299Same
Displacement449ccSame
Dry weight225 lbSame
Seat height37.2 in37.5 inNew
Front travel12 in12.4 inNew
Rear travel12.4 inSame
Fuel2 galSame
Gearbox5-speedSame
Front tire80/100-21Same
Rear tire110/90-19Same
Ground clearance13 in13.3 inNew
Wheelbase59.4 in58.5 inNew

Honda CRF450R FAQ

  1. What engine does the 2003 Honda CRF450R have?

    It has a 449 cc, liquid-cooled, carbureted four-stroke single with SOHC and four valves.

  2. How much horsepower does the 2003 Honda CRF450R make?

    It produces 55 hp and 37 ft-lb of torque.

  3. What is the seat height of the 2003 Honda CRF450R?

    The seat height is 37.5 in.

  4. How much does the 2003 Honda CRF450R weigh?

    Its dry weight is 225 lb.

  5. How much suspension travel does the 2003 Honda CRF450R have?

    It has 12.4 in of front travel and 12.4 in of rear travel.

  6. How much fuel does the 2003 Honda CRF450R hold?

    The fuel capacity is 2 gal.

  7. What was the MSRP of the 2003 Honda CRF450R?

    The MSRP was $6,299.

  8. How does the 2003 Honda CRF450R start?

    It uses kick start.

  9. What size tires does the 2003 Honda CRF450R use?

    80/100-21 front and 110/90-19 rear.

  10. What chain and sprockets does the 2003 Honda CRF450R use?

    A 520 chain on a 13-tooth front and 50-tooth rear sprocket.

  11. Is the 2003 Honda CRF450R different from the 2002 model?

    Yes. New for 2003: new valve timing and lift for more low-rpm torque, a larger airbox opening and reshaped connecting tube, a stiffer frame, fork travel up from 12.0 to 12.4 in (305 to 315 mm) with revised damping, and works-style shroud graphics. Among the main specs, the 2003 Honda CRF450R sits 0.3 in taller, has 0.4 in more front travel, has 0.3 in more ground clearance and has a 0.9 in shorter wheelbase, compared with the 2002 model.

Other Honda CRF450R model years

Specs from Honda's website. Updated .