Honda CRF450RL Insurance

In 2019, Honda released the original CRF450L, a hard-core dual-sport motorcycle based off of the CRF450R motocrosser. The liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam engine made 42 bhp, and the bike weighed 289 pounds. In contrast to the more street-oriented machines like the CRF300L and even the Suzuki DR-Z400, the CRF450RL (as it’s been known since 2021) is basically a dirt bike with headlights and a license plate.

“A potent but forgiving and refined dual sport that will satisfy those looking for a ‘real’ off-roader, while offering the quality Honda customers demand..” –Cycle World

With an MSRP north of $10,000, premium performance comes at a premium price. And as Japan’s only hardcore street-legal dual-sport, the CRF450RL has left many prospective owners and enthusiasts wondering what it will cost to insure. Obviously, rates vary widely from rider to rider and company to company, but we’ve done our best to give you a taste of what to expect…and help you compare rates from multiple insurers, all in one place.

Honda CRF450RL Insurance Rates

Fortunately, dual-sport motorcycles tend to be cheaper to insure than sport bikes, but rates still range widely, particularly for high-performance machines like the 450RL. You can see the difference in the rates of these two real CRF owners.

• Male, Pennsylvania, 51 years old, Progressive, Full Coverage: $176 / year
• Male, California, 35, Allstate, Full Coverage: $1200 / year

Below is an average annual minimum and full coverage rate for CRF450RL riders of various ages:

• 16 years old:  $450 min / $1450 full coverage
• 21 years old:  $275 min / $975 full coverage
• 30 years old: $175 min / $770 full coverage
• 35 years old:  $160 min /  $700 full coverage
• 40 years old:  $150 min /  $575 full coverage
• 45 years old:  $152 min / $525 full coverage
• From age 45 onward, these rates don’t vary much. 

These are only averages, however, and don’t take into account location, driving record, credit score, marital status, or other factors.  Riders often report receiving quotes from different companies for the same bike and coverage that vary hundreds of dollars per year.

For this reason, it’s essential that you request quotes from various insurers to make sure you don’t pay too much to insure your CRF450. Fortunately, we can help. Enter your zip code to begin.

Brief History: Honda CRF450L / CRF450RL

For years, riders lamented the fact that no Japanese manufacturers offered a hardcore 450-class dual-sport. After all, all of the “Big Four” — Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha — made high-performance motocross and enduro bikes, but it was difficult in most areas to convert these to street-legal status. In some states, it was just about impossible.

Then Honda announced the CRF450L — here was a machine for the serious dual-sport rider, geared more for off-road performance than street comfort or amenities. The engine is legendary, a liquid-cooled 449cc single with 12:1 compression, Unicam valve train, and titanium valves. It isn’t exactly identical to the CRF450R motocross or CRF450X enduro engines, as concessions have been made for sound, maintenance, and streetability…but it’s close. 

With a 2.1-gallon tank, the CRF450RL has a range of around 90 miles, though larger capacity tanks are readily available on the aftermarket, as are luggage racks and comfort seats to make the bike more enjoyable on long-distance multi-day rides.

Off-road, the CRF450RL is the only street-legal Japanese machine that can keep up with the high-performance dual-sports from the likes of Husqvarna, KTM, and Beta. 

“Marketed as a trail-to-trail dual sport, the CRF450RL’s street-legal designation is intended to allow riders to connect from one off-road trail to another via pavement. Anyone looking for a more roadworthy option might consider the XR650L or CRF300L.”

CRF450 Coverage: Minimum vs Full Coverage

Choosing what’s known as Basic, Minimum, or Liability-only coverage is the most affordable option you have, but it will only protect you in the event of damage or injuries sustained to third parties. What’s more, if you financed your 450RL through a dealer or bank, they will require you to carry a Full Coverage policy, which typically includes Collision, Comprehensive, and sometimes Uninsured Motorist coverage.

As you might’ve noticed in our sample rates above, Full Coverage often costs triple the amount. Still, we highly recommend it. Without it, in the event of an accident, your bike could be a total loss.

Instead of just choosing the cheapest option from your current insurer, it’s generally best to shop around with different companies. Often, you can get full coverage from the most affordable insurer for not much more than basic coverage from the most expensive one. 

Fortunately, we can help you compare rates from insurers in your area to find the right coverage at the best price. Enter your zip code to get started.