2005 Honda CRF450R Classic Motocross Review

This was the first 450 I bought, had over 100+ hrs easily on it and barely wanted to start with the common valve issue. Just threw some Kibble White stainless valves in along with a fresh OEM piston/timing chain and rode the piss out of it for 200+ hrs. Loved that bike, lugged so good and still revved out well. Handled great except for tight ruts, definitely felt heavier and less front accurate than my 13/18/22 CRF’s. I replaced it with a 13’ CRF450 In which I liked the EFI aspect, & much better and lighter turning in tight ruts - but other than that found myself missing the 05’. I do like the 18+ CRFs better overall, sharper handling, lighter and super snappy n responsive. The 2005 still lugs the best, I could screw around and go from 10mph to close to 90mph in the same gear/staying in 5th while on a dirt rd lol.

This was my first 450 also. Thing was very fast with a shit ton of low end torque.

Same for me. My first 450. An '06 bought new in '07. Still have it to this day with over 500 hours on it. All I've needed motor wise has been one set of intake valves and one piston. Love it everywhere, track, woods, an open field, etc. Great bikes!

The only issue I had was the gearing did not do well in flat inside turns. I sold the bike to my best friend who is an aircraft mechanic, so......... Yes it still runs extremely well. Almost no mechanical problems ever. This bike literally never let me down.

Great bike still fun to ride! I have an 07 that has only 20 hrs on it just mint condition I still enjoy it.

Yup great machines I have a low hour mint 06 that's basically stock have not ridden in a few years.

I should sell it if anyone is interested.