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Honda CRF450R 2012

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Motocross / Racing

2012 Honda CRF450R

450cc

4-stroke

52.6hp

Measured power

240lb

Curb weight

37.5in

Seat height

12.2in

Front travel

2012 Honda CRF450R overview

The 2012 Honda CRF450R is a motocross and racing bike powered by a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 450cc SOHC four-stroke single with a five-speed transmission and kick start. A magazine dyno test measured 52.6 hp. Its aluminum perimeter frame carries a 48mm KYB AOS fork with 12.2 in of travel and a Pro-Link KYB rear shock with 12.4 in of travel. Seat height is 37.5 in, curb weight is 240 lb, and fuel capacity is 1.5 gal. Standard equipment includes Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD).

For 2012, updates include stiffer fork outer tubes and axle collars, stiffer fork springs, revised front and rear suspension settings, a new shock linkage, wider footpegs, and a new chain roller. Dunlop MX51 tires are also fitted.

Who it's for

This bike is aimed at motocross racers and riders focused on closed-course competition. Its 450cc four-stroke engine, five-speed transmission, adjustable long-travel suspension, and race-oriented chassis suit track riding. The 37.5-in seat height and kick-start setup are useful details to consider when assessing fit and starting preference. It is not street legal in the United States, so it is not a choice for riders who need road registration.

Quick facts

  • The 2012 Honda CRF450R has a 450cc fuel-injected 4-stroke engine, a 5-speed gearbox and kick start.
  • The 2012 CRF450R weighs 240 lb ready to ride and has a 37.5 in seat height.
  • The 2012 CRF450R runs 80/100-21 front and 120/80-19 rear tires.
  • The 2012 CRF450R takes 0.6 US qt (0.58 L) of 10W-30 engine oil; change it every 6 races or about 15 hours.
  • The 2012 CRF450R lists at $8,440 (US MSRP). It is not street legal in the US.

2012 Honda CRF450R specifications

Engine

Displacement
450cc
Stroke
4-stroke
Fuel system
Fuel injection
Bore × stroke
96 × 62.1 mm
Compression
12.0:1
Power (measured)
52.6 hp at the rear wheel
Cooling
Liquid
Configuration
Single-cylinder
Valve train
SOHC
Valves
4
Engine oil
0.6 US qt (0.58 L)
Oil type
10W-30
Coolant
1.1 US qt (1.04 L)

Clutch

Type
Wet multiplate
Actuation
Cable
Assist
None (standard clutch)

Drivetrain

Starting
Kick
Transmission
5-speed
Chain size
520
Chain links
116
Front sprocket
13T
Rear sprocket
48T

Dimensions

Seat height
37.5″
Ground clearance
13″
Wheelbase
58.7″
Width
32.6″
Height
50″
Length
86.1″
Curb weight
240 lb
Fuel capacity
1.5 gal

Price & warranty

Destination charge
$310
Colors
Red

Equipment

Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD)
Standard

Frame & steering

Frame material
Aluminum
Architecture
Perimeter
Rake
27.1°
Trail
4.57″

Suspension

Front
48mm inverted KYB Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with rebound and compression-damping adjustability
Front travel
12.2″
Rear
Pro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed
Rear travel
12.4″

Wheels & tires

Front wheel
21″
Rear wheel
19″
Front tire
80/100-21 51M Dunlop MX51F
Rear tire
120/80-19 63M Dunlop MX51

Brakes

Front disc
240 mm
Rear disc
240 mm

Stock features

Street legal (US)
No

Battery / electrical

Battery
No

2012 Honda CRF450R maintenance

From the maker's manuals. Tap a row to see the manual page.

Service intervals

Change engine oil (first time)
After the first break-in ride
Change engine oil
Every 6 races or about 15 hours
Replace oil filter (first time)
After the first break-in ride
Replace oil filter
Every 6 races or about 15 hours
Change gearbox oil
Every 6 races or about 15 hours
Change gearbox oil
When the clutch discs and plates are replaced
Clean air filter
Every race or about 2.5 hours
Clean air filter
Every moto (dusty riding condition)
Inspect spark plug
Every race or about 2.5 hours

Spark plug

Spark plug
NGK SILMAR9A-9S
Plug gap
0.031 – 0.035 in (0.8 – 0.9 mm)
Spark plug (optional)
NGK SILMAR10A-9S

Torque specs

Oil drain bolt
12 ft‑lb (16 N·m, 1.6 kgf·m)
Oil filter cover bolts
7.4 ft‑lb (10 N·m, 1.0 kgf·m)
Gearbox oil drain plug
12 ft‑lb (16 N·m, 1.6 kgf·m)
Front axle nut
65 ft‑lb (88 N·m, 9.0 kgf·m)
Front axle pinch bolts
15 ft‑lb (20 N·m, 2.0 kgf·m)
Rear axle nut
94 ft‑lb (128 N·m, 13.1 kgf·m)
Upper triple clamp bolts
16 ft‑lb (22 N·m, 2.2 kgf·m)
Lower triple clamp bolts
15 ft‑lb (20 N·m, 2.0 kgf·m)
Steering stem nut
80 ft‑lb (108 N·m, 11.0 kgf·m)
Handlebar clamp bolts
16 ft‑lb (22 N·m, 2.2 kgf·m)
Front brake caliper mounting bolts
22 ft‑lb (30 N·m, 3.1 kgf·m)
Front brake disc nuts
12 ft‑lb (16 N·m, 1.6 kgf·m)
Rear brake disc nuts
12 ft‑lb (16 N·m, 1.6 kgf·m)
Rear sprocket nuts
24 ft‑lb (32 N·m, 3.3 kgf·m)
Front sprocket bolt
23 ft‑lb (31 N·m, 3.2 kgf·m)
Chain adjuster locknut
20 ft‑lb (27 N·m, 2.8 kgf·m)
Shock absorber top mount
32 ft‑lb (44 N·m, 4.5 kgf·m)
Coolant drain bolt
7.4 ft‑lb (10 N·m, 1.0 kgf·m)

Parts that fit the 2012 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.

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.

2012 Honda CRF450R vs 2011

New for 2012: New stiffer fork outer tubes and axle collars, stiffer fork springs, revised settings front and rear, a new shock linkage, wider footpegs and a new chain roller. Of the specs below, the 2012 Honda CRF450R has a $241 higher MSRP, is 2 lb heavier, sits 0.1 in lower, has 0.2 in less rear travel, runs the 80/100-21 51M Dunlop MX51F front tire (was 80/100-21 51M Dunlop D742FA), runs the 120/80-19 63M Dunlop MX51 rear tire (was 120/80-19 63M Dunlop D756) and has 0.1 in less ground clearance, compared with the 2011 model.

Spec20112012Changed
MSRP$8,199$8,440New
Displacement450ccSame
Curb weight238 lb240 lbNew
Seat height37.6 in37.5 inNew
Front travel12.2 inSame
Rear travel12.6 in12.4 inNew
Fuel1.5 galSame
Gearbox5-speedSame
Front tire80/100-21 51M Dunlop D742FA80/100-21 51M Dunlop MX51FNew
Rear tire120/80-19 63M Dunlop D756120/80-19 63M Dunlop MX51New
Ground clearance13.1 in13 inNew

2012 Honda CRF450R photos

Honda CRF450R FAQ

  1. How much horsepower does the 2012 Honda CRF450R make?

    A magazine dyno test measured 52.6 hp.

  2. What engine does the 2012 Honda CRF450R have?

    It has a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 450cc SOHC four-stroke single-cylinder engine with four valves and a 12.0:1 compression ratio.

  3. What is the seat height of the 2012 Honda CRF450R?

    The seat height is 37.5 in.

  4. How much does the 2012 Honda CRF450R weigh?

    Its curb weight is 240 lb.

  5. How much suspension travel does the 2012 Honda CRF450R have?

    It has 12.2 in of front travel and 12.4 in of rear travel.

  6. What is the fuel capacity of the 2012 Honda CRF450R?

    The fuel capacity is 1.5 gal.

  7. What engine oil does the 2012 Honda CRF450R use?

    It uses SAE 10W-30 engine oil, with a stated engine oil capacity of 0.6 US qt (0.58 L).

  8. Is the 2012 Honda CRF450R street legal?

    No. It is not street legal in the United States.

  9. How much did the 2012 Honda CRF450R cost new?

    The MSRP was $8,440, plus a $310 destination charge.

  10. What size tires does the 2012 Honda CRF450R use?

    80/100-21 front and 120/80-19 rear.

  11. What spark plug does the 2012 Honda CRF450R take?

    NGK SILMAR9A-9S, gapped 0.031 – 0.035 in (0.8 – 0.9 mm).

  12. What chain and sprockets does the 2012 Honda CRF450R use?

    A 520 chain with 116 links on a 13-tooth front and 48-tooth rear sprocket.

  13. Is the 2012 Honda CRF450R different from the 2011 model?

    Yes. New for 2012: new stiffer fork outer tubes and front axle collars, stiffer fork springs, revised suspension settings front and rear, a new shock linkage, wider footpegs, a new chain roller and Dunlop MX51 tires. Among the main specs, the 2012 Honda CRF450R has a $241 higher MSRP, is 2 lb heavier, sits 0.1 in lower, has 0.2 in less rear travel, runs the 80/100-21 51M Dunlop MX51F front tire (was 80/100-21 51M Dunlop D742FA), runs the 120/80-19 63M Dunlop MX51 rear tire (was 120/80-19 63M Dunlop D756) and has 0.1 in less ground clearance, compared with the 2011 model.

Other Honda CRF450R model years

Specs from Honda's owner's manual, Honda's website and published spec sheets. Updated .