For 2025, the CRF450R has received major updates, particularly to the chassis, which is all new and aims to deliver a more compliant and stable ride. In the world of motocross handling, everyone wants a bike that corners well but also maintains solid straight-line and bump stability. Many manufacturers have started leaning toward lighter, more rigid chassis setups that prioritize agility at the expense of some stability. However, Honda has taken a different route with the latest CRF450R, improving stability significantly over the previous generation. That said, I still felt the front end could benefit from a bit more comfort and predictability. Honda already produces one of the best—if not the best—cornering bikes on the market. So I was open to sacrificing a bit of that sharp turning ability for improved high-speed stability and a calmer overall chassis feel.

To put this to the test, I headed to Glen Helen Raceway—one of the best tracks for evaluating chassis stability, thanks to its fast straights and rough, hilly terrain. I brought in Kris Palm, owner of FCP Racing, to help install his offset steering races, branded as “Race Cups,” and see if they could address the traits I was looking to improve.

The “Race Cups” are priced at $589. While that might seem steep, especially considering there’s minimal visual bling compared to triple clamps or other flashy parts, I believe these cups deliver a more noticeable performance gain than many higher-priced upgrades. They allow you to rake the front end either “in” or “out,” depending on your needs. In our case, we wanted to increase the trail and wheelbase to enhance stability, even if it meant a minor trade-off in cornering sharpness.

Installing the cups in the “out” position added approximately 4mm to the wheelbase and 1.6mm of trail. Previously, steering head angle adjustments like these were reserved for factory-level riders. Now, average riders can get that same custom feel. The kit includes new bearings, seals, and O-rings with clear top and bottom markings, simplifying installation. You’ll need a few tools, like a bearing press, so I recommend doing the install in your garage rather than at the track. We had Kris install them at the track for a quick back-to-back test, and with his experience, it only took about 20 minutes.

First impressions? The bike looked slightly longer and sat a bit lower. Sitting on it, you could feel the subtle change. The steering had a slightly heavier feel at the bars—a positive change for the Honda, which tends to exhibit head shake and oversteer in corners. There's also a subtle increase in visual appeal compared to stock races, which might appeal to the vet crowd who care about looks. But for me, it's all about performance, and the performance did not disappoint. On track, the improvement in straight-line stability was instantly noticeable—it was the most stable I’ve ever felt on a CRF450R. Head shake was completely gone, and the handlebars moved less through choppy sections. The front end had more comfort under load, which let me ride more aggressively and with less arm pump—something we can all appreciate.

Surprisingly, even with the front end raked out, I didn’t lose cornering performance. In fact, I gained a more planted feel and a larger contact patch, requiring less rider input to hold lines through flat turns or ruts. The CRF felt more composed entering corners and better absorbed big bumps, which my beat-up wrists definitely noticed. I did feel a slight “front-high, rear-low” sensation after the change, so I adjusted the sag from 105mm to 102mm and softened the fork compression by two clicks for better balance, especially on corner exit under throttle. You may need to make a few setup tweaks after installing these cups, as the feeling is distinct from what you'd expect with triple clamps or suspension changes. Be prepared for a slightly heavier steering feel at the bars, not during lean, just while turning the handlebars. For me, this actually helped reduce oversteer and improved overall control, but some riders might not prefer the added steering effort.

In conclusion, the FCP “Race Cups” are an excellent upgrade. After getting time on the bike with them, I honestly don’t want to ride without them. They gave the 2025 CRF450R the best blend of cornering precision and high-speed stability I’ve felt on any 450. The chassis felt more predictable, which gave me the confidence to ride harder on rough tracks with less fatigue.

Before you drop big money on triple clamps or suspension work, I recommend trying these first—they’re more affordable and, in my opinion, make a bigger impact. Huge props to the FCP crew for bringing a factory-level part to everyday riders. Any product that boosts my confidence and makes riding even more enjoyable is a win in my book.