First Bike- 2012 CRF450r

Sounds great for fire roads and open trails.

That era CRF 450 has a very manageable  motor and is not a brute by any means.

#Go.For.It

That era Honda has great KYB suspension and a smooth/linear power delivery for a 450 MXer. Well built, light, and parts are readily available. Learn to take care of it, it will take care of you. Separate side engine and transmission fluid is a plus. Get a manual if seller doesn’t have the original and learn the ins-and-outs 👍

Looks well cared for.

That CRF looks great for being 13 years old, wear on the ignition and clutch cover are pretty minimal for a bike that age. Look at the guys garage. He clearly looks after his toys.   

What year CR250?

My first impression is that with valved suspension, clamps, and a full exhaust it was probably ridden harder that they are telling you. However, it was probably also cared for better. I was one of the few that didn't mind that era (I had a 2010). I never got into any situations where the 450 power got me into trouble. You will be fine to learn on it and I am of the opinion that being a little scared of the bike will help you. Wise choice going with a Honda. 

I loved my 2012 crf450 they weren’t ferocious, like any motocross bike though it deserves respect. 

Those are very different animals.

When that generation of CRs came out in 2002 there were a lot of people who didn't like them and found it difficult to make them run as well as the previous generation. Now that they've had a lot of time to test/develop on the engine, they can be made very strong. 

I've had several of the 2003 model (and still have one) and find the chassis and suspension to be very good. The one thing you may need to consider is the availability of a number of OEM-only parts and whether the potential hassle is worth it if you have to go searching for a used part versus being able to find it in stock (readily available). And unless you absolutely have to have a Honda I would think you could find a solid used YZ250 in that price range, and since they're largely unchanged for 20 years, it would be the easiest to source stock and aftermarket parts for.

I love my 2012 CRF 450

I had an 11 CRF450. Was a great bike. I put a ton of hours on it and never had any problems. 

Owned 09 & 10 models of the 09-12 era.  Very underrated bike on its capabilities. Never felt like I was at a disadvantage when going up against any other manufacturer. 
It does everything very well after good suspension specs..

I liked that era bike so much I currently have a 12 in the stable. Excellent 450 IMHO..

The 2012 CRF450 is a good choice.. great looking bike.. the power is very broad and manageable, but not weak by any means. The suspension is also great and it is one of the lightest 450s ever produced. There are a few issues that the bike had off the showroom floor;

1. Clutch: weakest clutch on any bike I ever owned. This is easily remedied though as a CRF450X easily bolts in and instantly cures the problem

2.  The steering feel can momentarily get very funky (vague) when entering a turn and there is not much weight on the front end. The cause of the problem is actually the rear suspension and a Merge Racing knuckle and careful attention to the sag fixes that problem quite well. The 2010 and 11 also required a longer rear link, but the 2012 already has that longer link stock.  Stiffening up the steering damper also helps.

3.  Flameouts when rolling on power from low rpm. In contrast to the first 2 issues, there isn't a perfect solution, but I greatly improved the issue by always running VP T4 fuel and keeping the idle at 1850-2000 rpm, and never anything less. I also did the HRC throttle body mod which seemed to help a little, too.  I also tried Tokyo Mods ignition programming and stretching and shimming the spring on the cam mechanism, but I don't think that they helped much.

Otherwise, a fantastic bike!

Get it. Have fun!

I had the 09 - early model of that bike  - Loved it!!! and I really liked my last one it was the 13.  I don't race or ride moto.  Such a fun motors - mellow but plenty of power.  Any other 450 was way too much for me - I am old man.  But that bike was perfect - trails - Gp style stuff - or play hill climbing for me etc.  I did end up putting on some spring forks on it from a 2012 250 on the 13.  Kind of wish I had not sold this one - but wanted the Estart.  Ended up with a 350

good luck ! - johney

2012 CRF450 is wayyy better than the twin-pipe duds!

If you end up with it let me know as I have some  engine parts / os rotor etc left over from my 16 that should fit that you can have . Just cover shipping 

Very nice bike.

I had a couple CRF450s from that era, couple things I remember about those bikes, I went through clutches like crazy, and I also had to shim the valves more often then any other bike.  My 2011 model did develop and ignition issue which I never really solved, and I ended up using it for parts for my 2012.   

It has a Factory Connection sticker on the shock, but the graphics are Beck's Tech from my buddy Jason who does suspension in Port Orange Fl. He's a good dude and may know the bike.

Looks clean but if it's never been raced or ridden hard did the owner explain the numbers on the bike?

Just a fan of Josh Grant?

awesome!  congratulations....there's nothing like new bike day!  2012 CRF450R....very reliable bike.  I put a ton of hours on mine.

Congrats on your first bike.  That smile says it all.

If you haven't already, get yourself some good boots and a good helmet.  Those are the two things you don't want to skimp on for gear.   

Congrats on the new bike! Looks like a good buy. I had a 2011 and it was a great bike. Much better than the next generation CRF's from 2013 to 2016.