2012 Honda TRX450R and TRX250X Unveiled

ATV.com Staff
by ATV.com Staff
Only minor changes for Honda Sport ATVs in 2012

The ATV rumor mill has long been speculating that Honda would release a new TRX450R in 2012 and the rumors are true…sort of. While Honda did indeed include the TRX450R in its new model lineup for the first time since 2009, the 2012 version remains very much the same machine it has been since it was first introduced in the 2004 model year.

We combed over the specs data and talked to American Honda and found out that the 2012 TRX450R is exactly the same as the 2009 model. The only difference we could see is that the kick start model is not available in 2012.

Honda even kept the TRX450R in the same clothes – a white plastic and orange frame combination that we’re quite fond of. Red and Black options are not available (at least so far) in 2012.

2012 Honda TRX450R

The TRX450R resurfaces in Honda’s new model lineup for the first time since 2009.

As for when Honda will give the TRX450R a major overhaul, who knows. However, we can’t imagine Honda is in a big hurry. The TRX450R is still a winner, taking checkered flags in everything from motocross to long-distance desert races. It also has a well-earned reputation for being all but bulletproof.

2012 Honda TRX450R Specs
Engine Type:450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:96mm x 62mm
Compression Ratio:12.0:1
Valve Train:Unicam; four-valve; 36mm intake, Ti; 30mm exhaust, steel
Induction:Keihin 40mm flat slide carburetor with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition:CD with electronic advance
Starter:Electric
Transmission:Five-speed
Final Drive:O-ring-sealed chain
Front Suspension:Independent double-wishbone with Showa shocks, featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping; 8.4 inches travel
Rear Suspension:Pro-Link with single Showa shock featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping; 9.3 inches of travel
Brakes:Front: Dual hydraulic 174mm discs with twin-piston calipers


Rear: Single hydraulic 190mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tires:Front: 22 x 7-10 knobby radial


Rear: 20 x 10-9 knobby radial
Wheelbase:50.2 in.
Curb Weight:388 lbs
Overall Size (L/W/H):73.3 in. x 46.3 in. x 43.3 in.
Seat Height:32.8 in.
Ground Clearance:4.4 in.
Fuel Capacity:2.7 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
Colors:White with Orange frame

2012 Honda TRX250X

Honda also unveiled its 2012 TRX250X Sport ATV. Much like its big brother, the 250X is largely the same machine in 2012 that it was in 2011.

Riders will get a performance upgrade thanks to new Maxxis Razr Vantage tires, but everything else is status quo including the black/red color scheme.

2012 Honda TRX250X

The TRX250X gets new tires for 2012, but is otherwise unchanged.

Prices for both the 2012 TRX450R and TRX250X have yet to be announced.

2012 Honda TRX250X Specs
Engine Type:229cc air-cooled OHV longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:68.5mm x 62.2mm
Induction:22mm piston-valve carburetor
Ignition:CD with electronic advance
Starter:Electric
Clutch:Honda SportClutch
Transmission:Five-speed with Reverse
Front Suspension:Independent double-wishbone; 5.9 inches travel
Rear Suspension:Swingarm with single shock; 5.7 inches travel
Brakes:Front: Dual hydraulic 174mm discs


Rear: Sealed mechanical drum
Tires:Front: 22 x 7-10 knobby


Rear: 22 x 10-9 knobby
Wheelbase:44.3 in.
Curb Weight:379 lbs
Overall Size (L/W/H):68.5 in. x 41.8 in. x 42.4 in.
Seat Height:31.4 in.
Ground Clearance:5.9 in.
Turning Radius:9.2 ft.
Fuel Capacity:2.5 gallons, including 0.7-gallon reserve
Colors:Black, Red

Related Reading


2012 Honda FourTrax Foreman Review [Video]


2008 Honda TRX700XX Review

ATV.com Staff
ATV.com Staff

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