2026 Honda CRF450RL Suspension & Chassis Breakdown

Poway Powersports • San Diego

2026 Honda CRF450RL

Suspension & Chassis Breakdown
2026 Honda CRF450RL side view

Quick chassis snapshot

Front suspension49mm inverted Showa® fork; 12-inch travel
Rear suspensionPro-Link® Showa® single shock; 11.8-inch travel
Geometry28.5° rake / 4.8 in trail
Wheelbase58.9 inches
Wheels & tires21/18 with IRC GP21/GP22
Base price shown on this page: $10,099

How the CRF450RL chassis is built to work

The CRF450RL pairs a twin-spar chassis with long-travel Showa® suspension to balance stability at speed with the ability to absorb square-edge hits and trail chatter. For San Diego riders, that means confidence on rocky two-track, sandy washes, and the kind of mixed terrain where you want a planted front end without giving up quick direction changes.

CRF450RL front angle

Front suspension: 49mm inverted Showa® fork

Up front, the 49mm inverted Showa® fork delivers 12 inches of travel. Long travel helps keep the front tire tracking through braking bumps and ruts, while the inverted design supports precise steering feel when you load the front end in corners.

Rider tip: For street-to-trail days, aim for a balanced stance—too much front dive can make the bike feel nervous on pavement, while too little can reduce bite in loose dirt.
CRF450RL rear angle

Rear suspension: Pro-Link® Showa® shock

The Pro-Link® Showa® single shock provides 11.8 inches of travel. Linkage-style rear suspension is designed to feel compliant early in the stroke for traction, while offering support deeper in the travel when you hit bigger impacts or carry speed through whoops.

Rider tip: If the rear feels harsh over small chop, check sag and tire pressure first—small changes can noticeably improve comfort and grip.
18-inch rear wheel

Wheels, tires, and geometry: why it feels stable

The CRF450RL runs a classic off-road wheel setup: 21-inch front with an 18-inch rear. Stock tires are IRC GP21 80/100-21 up front and IRC GP22 120/80-18 in the rear—built for versatile traction across hardpack, loose dirt, and mixed trail surfaces.

Rake / Trail
28.5° / 4.8 inches
Ground clearance
12.6 inches

That combination supports straight-line stability on faster sections while still letting the bike carve when you shift your weight and commit to the turn.

Common setup questions (FAQ)

Is the CRF450RL suspension long-travel?
Yes. The front Showa® fork has 12 inches of travel and the rear Pro-Link® Showa® shock has 11.8 inches of travel.
What wheels and tires does it come with?
Front tire: IRC GP21 80/100-21. Rear tire: IRC GP22 120/80-18. This 21/18 setup is a proven off-road standard for rollover and traction.
How tall is the bike?
Seat height is listed at 37.2 inches. If you want help dialing in sag or discussing comfort options, our team at Poway Powersports can walk you through it.

Ready to ride the CRF450RL?

Check current availability, then get a head start on financing. Poway Powersports proudly serves San Diego riders looking for a street-legal, trail-ready machine.

Price shown: $10,099. Specifications and images shown are manufacturer-provided and may vary by unit.