MXA TEAM TESTED: TM DESIGNWORKS CRF450 SLIDE-N-GLIDE KIT

WHAT IS IT? TM Designworks is a dominant manufacturer of durable, high-performance protection and driveline components for dirt bikes. Known for its innovative chain guides, sliders, and chain rollers, TM Designworks’ products emphasize longevity and performance, making them a popular choice among competitive riders who demand reliable protection. MXA installed the Factory Edition SX Slide-N-Guide kit and chain guide on our 2025 Honda CRF450. It also fits on 2021 to 2025 CRF450, RX and WE models, in addition to 2022 to 2025 CRF250 and RX models.

WHAT’S IT COST? $155.95.

CONTACT? (541) 772-4161 or www.tmdesignworks.com 

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the TM Designworks Slide-N-Guide kit for the 2025 CRF450 and CRF250.(1) Installation. Before installing the TM Designworks Factory Edition Slide-N-Guide Kit, perform a quick evaluation of the current wear on the drive components. Check the drive-chain slack, as you’ll likely need to loosen the rear wheel and the drive-chain-adjuster lock nuts to achieve the recommended 65–70mm (2-1/2 inches) of chain slack, measured from the back of the chain slider to the center of the chain pin. You may need to remove the countershaft sprocket. Be sure to clean the bolt threads and use the recommended torque settings when reinstalling, taking care not to overtighten, as the bolts have minimal threading into the swingarm.

For the chain guide, install all bolts and nuts, then set them to OEM torque specifications. We also recommend removing the drive-chain adjuster and applying anti-seize to help prevent future binding. Next, check the index marks on the swingarm to ensure even alignment. Reinstall the rear wheel and countershaft sprocket using Loctite and OEM torque settings, then verify that the chain-master clip is correctly positioned.

(2) Performance. TM Designworks’ performance has consistently been at the top of the list for years. Made in the USA, this product isn’t the cheapest option, but you get what you pay for—reliability and durability that will likely outlast your entire riding season.

(3) Options. TM Designworks offers four different kits for the 2025 Honda CRF450 to suit various riding needs. In addition to the Factory Edition SX Slide-N-Guide Kit, TM has two different chain guide options—red or black.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Chain guides and buffer pads often exhibit noisy chain slap, but TM Designworks’ updated designs and damping pads reduce chain-slap noise while maintaining OEM-correct chain-drive slack.

MXA RATING: Over the years, we’ve come to appreciate TM Designworks’ evolution of Made-in-America chain guides, which are some of the best in the game.