Great questions so far. Keep them coming! "Why the KTM windscreen and not the CRF450L windscreen?" - The Bajaworx KTM windscreen is wider, especially at it's base where I have attached mine making it a little stronger of a connection. Here's my review of the CRF450L version studio.ru-vid.comG_glA3D5qKI/edit "What is the weight limit for the CRF450L?" - Dads Domain (ru-vid.com) did an awesome video about the 450L's "Weight Rating". The CRF450L's manual states that the weight limit is 220 lbs. Yet the 250L's rated to 320 lbs and that bike doesn't have the amazing Showa system the 450L shares with the 450R . I think lawyers came up with the number, not engineers. I've had zero issues with weight so far, other than an overly plush ride.
“Besides, if I didn’t buy something brand new for this bike every two weeks, you and I…..we’d have nothin to talk about”. Haha! I think this is my favorite quote of all your videos. :) I know these videos are 3 years old, but I just wanted to say thanks for putting them together. I am a life-long sportbike and dirtbike rider looking to get back into dualsport/light adventure and I have found all your CRF450L videos to very helpful for gathering ideas. Hoping to get out on the Oregon BDR in the near future!
Hey John, A friend in England turned me on to your channel and you now have a new subscriber! I currently have a DR650 that I've done a number of BDRs on and trips from here (Oregon) to Nevada and central Oregon. Have been thinking about the CRF450L and I thank you for all the information you've provided on the bike. I appreciate your honesty and the clear thought process that goes into your videos. It is very useful source of information, thank you! I think I'll be getting the CRF once I've sold my two DRs and of course cleared it with my wife.....
Your videos are very interesting and other off road riders who are just starting out should refer back to them over and over as their learning experiences grow. I have been riding for 56 years now and always enjoy seeing and hearing other ideas from people. Many minds are always better than one. Very well done video.
loving the videos man. To turn light of a dark situation with this whole Covid-19 thing is that us dual sport guys, the riding has been better than ever. keep up the good work John!
JOHN. I can't thank you enough for all your videos. Your attention to detail, presentation, and quality are excellent. I am about to start building my 450 L in preparation for COBDR in August with a bunch of friends from Oregon. Which Stegs Pegz did you choose?
Just watched this video... Very interesting. I like your innovative attitude. When I started calculating your parts cost I thought you have been pouring a bunch into the bike but then you live in a region where you are more likely to get the use. I'm putting together an adv DR650. I'm a bit thrifty but I too don't keep track. But right at the end you spoke of Honda not having a 750 off road bike. Well they do. It just wasn't marketed in North America so mine came from England. XRV750 Africa Twin....The original. It too is receiving a complete rebuild. It's a 92 along with my Harley sportster 92 and my 92 BMW K75 RT. They all have to compete with my 2 airyplanes in my back yard, Bigfoot truck camper and a Seadoo twin engined jet boat. Needless to say there are no disinterested women to interfere with my "stuff".. I can play in my machine shop as much as I like.........also in my back yard.
everyone talks about the t7, but have you heard of the AJP PR7? (powered by SWM/Husky TE630 engine): 600cc, 165kg wet, 17 liter fuel, 310mm ground clearance, brembo brakes, 5000km oil service intervals. people took the AJP PR7 and rode them from Western europe to eastern Siberia and central Asia.
@@JohnTYoung you could route the brake line rally style it works well on my 250L previously a pain catching on the Garmin Montana 650T now perfect !!! www.rallymotoshop.com/pages/routing-front-brake-lines-for-rally-fairings
So much great information. Thank you. I enjoy how resourceful you are with the upgrades. I am currently searching for a dual sport bike to ride with a couple of my close friends. Once again thank you.
Wonderful video, and stellar information. I'm getting my 2020 crf450l next week and I'm pretty stoked!! I think I wrote down every added part, until the Nav tower detail-and not because of anything other than, "one step at a time"..!
Really nice setup. I also ride a dual sport as my ADV bike. I would like to go with a twin cylinder engine ADV bike one day, but no one makes anything worth buying when you put so much importance into dirt performance, weight, suspension etc.....
@@JohnTYoung Of course, we all need to wait until the Moto Expo of Milaan (Italy) on November 3rd 2022 at least here in Europe 🙂 - as we don't have the same types and models as the US. Cheers, H.
Found your video on the interwebs looking for DIY nav tower ideas for my 690 supermoto ADV build. I was planning to fork out big money for Garmin's Zūmo XT. The tablet is a much better idea. Great video. Appreciate the inspiration.
@@JohnTYoung For what it's worth I still have and use an old Zūmo 660 in a Tourtech locking mount. I've had it for years and it has survived multiple crashes. But it is definitely past it's prime. I'm going to try a Galaxy Tab A 8.0 with a heavy duty cover for impact and splash protection. Amazon has a decent locking mount that fits it. Should keep it attached to the bike for a minute. Thanks man.
You have inspired me to construct something similar on my 500 EXCF. Between the triple clamp and the headlight is terribly congested and I jammed cabling for my heated grips/GPS/spot lights/USB outlet and spare SAE connectors. It might even be possible to mount the ADspec 450L bracket on my bike but I am confident I could construct one from aluminium plate or steel. I already have a screen on the bike and it would mount on the tower with some fiddling. Keep up the good work.
Sweet, and interesting about the new ECU. I ditched my Honda idea just because they flame out every second. I went with KTM 300 XCW TPI and let me tell you that is the bike of the century! Kills my Honda 450 in all ways and then some.
For now, I'm going to stick with the IMS tank. Some day maybe they'll do a 4 gallon. Acerbis is not planning on doing a tank for the L, so they're out. And Nomad = $900 shipped!
@@JohnTYoung funny part is I'd pay that price in AUD, 900 in USD is like a million dollars in Australia atm. Least the IMS is the nicest looking aftermarket tank, with original plastics, probably won't get that nice mostly stock look with anything else unfortunately.
Nice move standing, another awesome video, I’m having trouble getting the seat concepts to engage the 2 center seat hooks on my 22RL, but work fine on my 19L. I think the original owner never got it to hook in, was trying to bend the seat pan and press down but still trouble, the pan clips seem fragile for bending too much. Any advice appreciated.
Best tower design. The adventure spec original design is just awkward and rally towers are just too big and bulky. Your design solves those problems nicely
Hey John I know you have gone a completely different route with the nav tower and if I could afford I would do also :) I am going to copy this build I was wondering if there was a super noticeable difference between the original CRF one you used and the KTM one you adapted? More than capable of adapting the ktm one myself just want to make sure you felt it was worth the effort Thanks Love your channel.
Thanks for all the videos. Bajaworx KTM windscreen come in 3 versions : 2008 - 2013, 2014 - 2016 and 2017 - 2020. Which one did you select, does it matter ?
What a great question...You know, I have no idea. My understanding was that the plastic is all the same, but the position if the holes was different, which doesn't matter to us. Lame answer I know. Sorry.
great video love the bike brother its a beast im looking at a new 2021 hope the new ECU tune cleaned it up, i do have a question if i missed it in the video im sorry but dose your leg get hot round the case an head pipe more than normal?
I just got my PDM 60 and it's a really awesome piece! I think I remember you saying that you ran a wires (neg/pos)from the battery to the front. Is this your power source for the 60? I just realized there's an accessory port right at the radiator fan but the power wire from the PDM 60 and the accessory wire is a slightly different gage....But if you power it from the battery, that would make it hot all the time I would think....
Great looking bike. I want a450l ,but worried about the oil changes. Have you been stretching the mileage between changes or sticking with Honda’s recommendation.
I've done both and though the gas in the oil has gone up if you run it too long, the metal and wear indicators have been just fine. It only takes 10 minutes, so there's that. Thank you.
Great video as usual. Love that bike but being 5’6 it’s a little tall for me. Stupid question does the fuel gauge still work with the ism tank. Keep up the great videos.!
Thank you. It's tall for me too! The fuel "gauge" indicates when fuel is at the top of fuel pump. At that point there is about 1/2 gallon left in the stock and in the IMS tanks. So yes, it still works. Great question!
John T. Young Thanks John. Starting to look at my options for dual sport. At 51 moto life is getting hard on the body. Tried a klr650 about 8 yrs ago but kept breaking things plus to big and heavy like u said about the Africa twin. Thanks again!
Great Video John. I am following many of your foot steps as I build my 450L. I am also planning on adding heated grips, 12 Volt outlet, and GPS (or tablet) so the power commander makes a lot of sense. Would you have any tips as to wiring and mounting? You tap it all the way to the battery from your tower? How did you route the wire? Sorry so many questions, but it sounds like it would make a great video! :)
I have two separate 4' wires, one from the positive terminal on the battery to the front of the bike and the other from the negative ground on the engine case to the front. Both are 8 gauge. The positive wire has a 30 amp fuse back near the battery. I did not make a video as I'm not sure it's the best set up and I may change it. As for routing, the red goes along the left side of the bike and the black goes along the right. There are very few options when routing wires so they don't show or get in the way of anything. Great question!
I know this question is almost a year old but I was wondering if you came up with a better way to power the 60 with a key on power source. I'm trying to get my bike ready to do the AZ/UT BDR in May/June this year. I'm waiting on my manual to pour through the wiring harness to find a key on power to tap in to. The videos are awesome and posting some highlights of your BDR travels would be cool also....
You have a great bike there, John. And it seems you've done some useful mods on it as well. Thanks for sharing. What exactly does that vortec ECU do? I am pretty new to motorcycling, got my permit last year, and today I ride a Kawasaki KLX230, love the bike but it's just a tad underpowered. I would get the ECU for it, if it would improve power.
ECU stands for engine control unit. It runs your engine’s fuel injectors and spark timing, among other things. Same as a car’s ECU. The Vortex for L changes the fuel and spark mapping to give it more fuel. It is not tuned for epa compliance so it’s free to pound out more horse power.
Hi John, I just picked up the last 450l in NSW Australia. Apparently Honda have stopped importing them. Mindless! Mate 2 questions. I’ve bought the full Yoshi pipe and Vortex ECU. Do I need a port for the 02 sensor on the header tube? Secondly how tall are you ? I’m trying to gauge what risers i need for handlebars. I’m 198cm and do you know of any low rise foot pegs? Cheers Adam
I am about 178cm. So way shorter than you. I had risers on my bars, but got rid of them. But again, I am much shorter than you. I stand on my tippy toes on the bike. I believe the Fastway pegs are adjustable for height. The Vortex does not use a O2 sensor so no drilling holes in your header pipe. Thanks for watching!
Scots at SLOW speed is still there. As in there is no "0" setting. The Rekluse, not being able to use the gearbox as a parking brake can be challenging when you're stuck on a steep hill.
@@fcalin21 Hard, no. But slow. The damper is still damping and you can feel it when you're moving the bars. It's not bad, but it's not off, either. On the other hand zip through some baby heads and you REALLY appreciate that damping.
John, I'm going to replicate this rig on my 22 450RL, and I have the same KTM screen. There's at least 2 " of distance on each side between the sidewings of the screen and the red plastic headlight shroud. Did you bend the angle of the screen back with heat to accommodate the well nuts or are the well nuts strong enough to hold it in place without any modifications?
I know this video is a few months old... interested if you could provide measurements of the support bracket of the adventure spec nav tower? Would love to adapt this onto my drz400.
Excellent video! Have watched your transformation of this bike from the beginning and has inspired me on my own 450L. Are you using the stock Honda battery? And if so have you had any problems with the stock battery?
Thank you! I am still usong the stock Honda battery and it did die on me over the winter. I thought about replacing it, but since I've started riding regularly again it has been working perfectly. As cheap insurance I did go out and buy a jumper/power supply/flashlight/phone charger just in case.
Great video thank you for sharing, I'm interesting to buy a CRF 450 L to replace my actual DRZ 400E. Not sur yet. there are several 2ndhand good conditions bike. According to your experience, if you had the choice between 2 CRF 450 L with Vortex ECU, - one with rally MST installation - and the other without (I would buy Adventure SPEC Fairing) what bike would you choose? The purpose is to travel with soft luggages...for long distance trips... Thank you in advance if you have time to answer it. PS: Nice Bike with rebel X fairing kit and also with AS Fairing...
@@JohnTYoung Thank you very much for your reactivity. in fact it is the mst replica rally kit with 20l tank capacity and carbon kevlar skid plate. 2 principal question are. -Weight: 20l not too much for the crf 450l capacities - with the skid will make the oil maintenance a little bit longer. Nice solution with your axp skid plate. Take care and enjoy your rides. I really appreciate your videos.
John, what tablet and navigation app are you using? What sort of waterproof case and mount? Just building up a Husky 701 Rallye bike for here in New Zealand. Looking for an alternative to the expensive Trail Tech or Garmin systems.
Great video! Waiting for them to get a little cheaper on the used market before I pul the trigger on one. What is your boot/ pants/ upper body protection you are wearing?
In which video, during which year? LOL. The latest is still Mosko Moto Basilisk pants and jacket over Force Field armor. I use the Sidi Adventure 2 or Crossfire 3 boots and an Aria or Fly helmet. Thanks for watching!
@@JohnTYoung That would be an Arai helmet, I presume? (Unless there is one for Opera singers 😂). Apologies; my time as an Editor at Dow-Jones Newspapers long ago and far away.
hi johon with the adventure spec mini fairing why use baja windshield ktm and not honda ? do you recommed me ktm or honda i look for one efficacity and good look, sory my english is not good i watch alll video of you
Great question! The KTM windscreen is much wider than the one made for the CRF. That's the only reason - better coverage. I did a video on the CRF version here - studio.ru-vid.comG_glA3D5qKI/edit
Hi, i just stumbled upon your channel , I really dig your videos. Can you give me a bit of info on your tablet set up? I am pondering changing my gps to an Android tablet that I have (Galaxy Tab A 7 that is not waterproof). I find it a perfect size for navigating. Since you are running a 7’’ tablet also, how did yo waterproof it? Any challenges with power or during crashes stuff like that. Where I live, there is quite a bit of rain, and I need to weatherproof the tablet and nothing is available for the the TabA. Thanks and keep it up!
Thanks for watching! My 7” just died when the cable got messed up. Now I’m using an 8”. Either way, I added a silicone bumper and that’s been about all the waterproofing I’ve used. I couldn’t find anything to protect the 7”, but there are products for the 8. I run Backcountry Navigator as my app, tho I like Gaia too. But I’m used to reading topo maps so.....
@@marklerfald Just like your cell phone, you use either to download the Apps and maps and then the built-in GPS does the rest. GPS is passive so no data signal is needed for it to work - just a view of the sky.
Hi John, Did you ever consider a CRF450X? I've watched every one of your videos probably 3 times. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the 2021 RL, but an experienced friend of mine urging the X model that has no catalytic converter, no need for a Vortex ECU, hearing slightly different transmission for more torque for dirt, but a slight drawback is more RPM at hiway speeds. And an increase in 5 horsepower, then simply add a road legal kit. (Turn signals, horn). Kinda of the reverse of what a guy would do with the RL. Does the X model have the rear subframe to the end? Anyway, advise requested if you have a moment. Thanks for your help. Moab Utah.
I looked at the X too, but chose the L for it's sub frame, longer geometry, and road legal lights and whatnot. With an X, it's true, you don't need a Vortex - but now my L has a programable ECU that the X does not, among other things.
Ok, so I'm having issues getting the proper sag. That's with just my 215 lbs buns sitting on the bike, I couldn't imagine how low into the stroke I would be sitting with a ton of gear loaded up on the rack. As I'm sure you know, the max weight rating for this bike with rider AND gear, is 220 lbs. Now, have you given any consideration to upgrading the rear spring to something a little stiffer? If so, what to do? They don't currently make an after market spring, and I can't tell if the 450X spring would fit properly. I'm sure getting rid of the cat would help a little, but after the yoshi install, it only cuts around 9 lbs. I have the adjustment rings spun all the way out and stiffened the bump damper, but I'm still about 4.5 inches lower than the 90cm sag measurement from rear axle to seat bolt while seated. Do you have any suggestions for a solution to this problem?
Dads Domain did an awesome video about the "Weight Rating". The 250L's rated to 320 lbs and that bike doesn't have the amazing Showa system the 450R has. I think lawyers came up with number, not engineers. There are a few sites out there that will give you the proper spring rate for your weight - racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/Honda/CRF450L/2019 is one. Recommended Front Spring Rate: 0.54 kg/mm and Recommended Rear Spring Rate: 6.42 kg/mm for a 215 lbs rider.
@@JohnTYoung I watched his video, and it's interesting for sure, but I haven't seen any follow up videos with the new suspension. Maybe it's not showing up in my feed, I'll have dig a little deeper
@@mattmaffett5879 I think he's still snowed in. Think Spring. I just ordered a 6.0kg spring for my rear shock, since we were talking about it anyways...
@@JohnTYoung so did you go with Factory Connections? If so, would you be so kind as to provide an Amazon link? And, will you be uploading an install video for that? It looks like quite a job, if Dad's video is any indication
I have a question about how you attached your Adventure Spec tower. I just bought one for my 250L and it wouldn't fit because my bar mounts were in the way. I think I remember that there is a different mounting method for the 450L and wondered if that would work on the 250L too. What do you think?
I'm still trying to figure out how to overcome the wet USB charging port issue. I haven't found a way to deal with charging during an extended rainy route. Even once I'm clear, when I plug -in, I get the error of "moisture detected". Is there a procedure you recommend to get around this issue to stay charged up and keep going? Also, what's your preferred software for navigation?
I've never had that issue so I got nothing to help you out with. Sorry. I was using a Samsung TabA running Backcountry Navigator. I think this year I'll give the Garmin Zumo XT a try.
Mine too Jason. The T7 looks really nice and the reviews are great. Everyone, I believe, beats Honda to the punch. I'm not sure Honda cares. LOL. I'll still wait and see what their new Baby Africa Twin is all about. In the mean time, I really really like riding my bike.
John T. Young did you manage to delete the smog crap. In Wyoming we don’t have emissions testing even on car. Seems like the bike could really benefit being opened up
@@cliftondugan7738 I did. I initially just pulled everything off and plugged up what I could. Then I got the San Diego Thermostat Delete Kit which includes everything you need to do it right.
@@cliftondugan7738 Not from the delete kit. Just made the engine neater and a touch lighter. Vortex and a pipe are the best way to open the bike all the way up.
So, after all those mods, how much would you say you have into the bike beyond the cost of the bike itself? It sounds like you've dialed it in to fit your exact needs. Are there other mostly stock bikes you would recommend considering when you factor in the total cost of your bike? Thanks!
I use the Mosko Moto Reckless 80 System. Review here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tTpSxZlHOJU.html and here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jA9gIHs0Xbo.html . BOOM!
So..I went Zeta Racing's website. I'm a little confused. I want to duplicate your same setup. Can you reply with part numbers? Description? I believe I see the guards(XC?) But what mount are you using(and doesn't the mount you are using attach to triple clamp?
I fried my battery on my new CRF450RL hooking up my USB port cuz I’m a dumba**. Do you know of any decent aftermarket batteries or do I have to bite the bullet on OEM? Thanks!
I'm sure there are a ton of good lithium ion batteries out there. I have an Anti-Gravity battery pack and love it, so their moto sized batteries ought to be good too. Right?
@@JohnTYoung thanks mate i dug a little further on their website (instructional pdf diagram) and see the difference is mainly in the support brackets that go behind the headlight…did you use their supplied brackets?
It's super dependent on your throttle wrist. If you're ripping and playing, 30 mpg with the Vortex ECU. Cruising you can get 55 mpg. So on the road I usually get 150 or so, though I try to fill up before the low fuel level light comes on at 120 miles.
@@JohnTYoung doh, not sure how come i missed it. thanks! We are actually spending a couple of weeks in Leadville starting next week, which is I understand kind of your neck of the woods, what would you recommend? Unfortunately not enough room to bring the crf but I will be brining an s1000xr - so sticking to the black stuff
Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but its not the wind, but the vibrations that kill your smartphone camera. Took out my iPhone Xs/11 Pro cameras a few times (had the cameras replaced under warranty a few times) from this bike and my XT250. Something about those thumpers. This fixes it: shop-hondogarage.com/collections/phone-mounting-systems-motorcycle/products/buzz-kill-vibration-isolator
@@JohnTYoung I can elaborate on that a little bit. Most of the phones these days have OIS(Optical Image Stabilization) which is mechanical in nature.The camera lens "floats" around in the frame with some sort of damping mechanism. This allows for the camera lens to absorb small vibrations when filming by hand. The camera is only about 1/4" in size so these stabilization pieces are very tiny. The constant vibrations, especially from a thumper, wears that mechanism out. Once worn out, the camera usually has trouble focusing, or may flat out stop working. Mounting somewhere else besides the handlebars usually does the trick, but I know these thumpers shake all over, so having a mount with damping will protect your phone. Or get a phone that doesn't have OIS. I know the pixel has OIS, as you discovered. I keep my phone in my pocket these days. The idea of a sacrificial tablet is appealing.
The whole point surely of the 450 RL is surely a hard core enduro/ trail bike that can cruise at 65mph on tar ? Turning it into an adventure bike …adding weight , bags ect …may as well buy a Honda CRF 300 rally or dare I say a KLR 650.
