First Look | 2025 CRF450RWE and the 2024 HRC MXGP Team - Motocross Feature

HRC MXGP riders Ruben Fernandez (70) and Tim Gajser (243) are joined by MX2 rider Ferruccio Zanchi (73). Scroll below for the team's launch video and some great tight shots of the prototype 2025 CRF450R, along with some observations. Bavo

After racing with an early version of the 2025 under old plastics last year, Gajser and Fernandez will debut the 2025 in full guise for this year's MXGP season. Bavo

This 2025 is probably the most evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, CRF450R that Honda has done in nearly 20 years. The last time the Honda saw more of a minor update between gens was gen 2 to gen 3, spanning from 2003-2008 models. Bavo

It looks like Honda is staying with their current engine platform, focusing on the chassis and other refinements instead. Bavo

The frame itself is very similar to the outgoing version, with the most noticeable difference bein the three mounting points on each side for the subframe, compared to the two per side on the old gen.r Bavo

The radiator shroud profile has changed quite a bit. Bavo

Wow, no more BFRC. The Honda HRC MXGP team has stuck with the BFRC shock almost ever season for over ten years now. For 2024, they're back to a traditional shock like the US team is running with the Lawrences. Bavo

CRM provides all of the team's carbon components. Bavo

Stock axle, stock axle nut, and stock axle blocks. Bavo

Works link arms and bell crank. Bavo

HRC's pegs and mounts have been works of art as long as I can remember. Bavo

From a glance, the HRC top engine mounts appear to be production but upon closer inspection, they appear to be machined to a different specification. Note the standard steel hardware at the top mounting points, but the titanium bolts at the cylinder head mounting point. Bavo

The airbox design is one of the biggest changes to the 2025 platform. It appears to split the difference between the outgoing production box, where the filter was upside down, and the factory box the US team runs where the air filter is located right above the throttle body and goes in from above. The new filter has been moved up higher but appears to be on its side. Bavo

Ruben Fernandez and Tim Gajser's 2025 Honda CRF450RWEs Bavo

HRC MXGP has returned to the MX2 class with Ferruccio Zanchi. Bavo

His bike appears to be a mix of some leftover works goodies and some private items. At first glance, it looks like the bike doesn't use the airbox the US team doesn't and has stuck with a more traditional layout. Also, no Showa stickers... Bavo

Electric waterpump onboard. Bavo

Little to no titanium hardware on this machine. Bavo

Production linkage and bell crank. Bavo

Zanchi's CRF250R also uses an aftermarket ignition cover to run a Brembo hydro clutch, instead of the works unit and Nissin master cylinder that the US team uses. Bavo