In this video I talk about how I ended up with the Honda CRF450RL and why I dont think it makes a good 1st ADV bike. But I bought one anyways and heres why.
I've got a '24 that I've put about 1500 miles on it. Has the vortec. Best thing I did with it was getting rid of the stock tires. They were so bad off road, any soft sand or dirt on the trail and I was just stuck praying that I wouldn't get sent right into the ground. And it did send me a couple times. I almost sold the bike over it cause it was that miserable but last resort ditched those tires and that turned it into a whole new bike. It's so much fun now tearing up washes and dry lake beds down here in southern az.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that swapping out the stock tires made such a big difference for you. Off-road riding can be tough with the wrong tires, so I can see why the change transformed your bike. Southern AZ sounds like an amazing place to ride-tearing up washes and dry lake beds must be a blast. Glad to hear you are now enjoying it to the fullest. Ride safe and have fun out there!
I feel that the 450RL is a good blank slate to build a light adventure motorcycle. Oil quality analysis has proven that you can run it 1200miles or 65+/-hrs between oil changes without worrying about engine wear. It is possible to get a 20L fuel tank for it. The sub-frame is one of the strongest in class (despite what Honda says). There are a few inexpensive options for wind protection for longer tarmac sections. Lastly, Honda took into account the long tarmac rides by designing the engine and frame to reduce engine vibration.
Thanks for your detailed comment! I agree that the 450RL is a solid blank slate for building a lightweight adventure motorcycle. The oil quality analysis showing it can run 1200 miles or 65 hours between oil changes is reassuring for longer trips. A 20L fuel tank would definitely extend its range, and it's good to know the sub-frame is strong despite Honda's caution. Inexpensive options for wind protection and the design considerations to reduce engine vibration for long tarmac rides are also great points. The 450RL really does offer a lot of potential for customization and adventure. Appreciate your insights!
This is a very good bike to buy used. I got a smoking good deal on my 22' and therefore had quite a large budget remaining to make the necessary mods to make the bike better. I did the following after riding the bike just 20 miles: 1) G2 Throttle Tamer 2) Vortex ECU 3) Twin Air air filter and airbox lid removal 4) Graves Block Off Plate 5) FMF megabomb header with power chamber and FMF Q4 exhaust 5) Tail Tidy (Amazon cheapy) 6) PM Racks rear luggage rack 7) Seat Concepts XL Comfort Seat 8) Acerbis Hand Guards 9) Pro Taper Pillowtop Grips 10) Dunlop D606 rear, Pirelli MT21 front tire. Grand Total: $2,450. With all those mods, and the price I paid for the 22' CRF450RL w/2,000 miles on it, I am still $1,000 below new MSRP without paying the tax, dealer fee, etc. And it turns the bike into an almost perfect machine
First off all those mods are the ones I'm looking to do to this bike do congrats on all that work! 2nd congrats on the deal. I felt really lucky to pick this one up for the price that I did. So I feel the same for you as bone stock used ones seem to hold their value really well.
I have a 23 with g2 throttle tamer, used vortex Dunlop d606 tires. It runs very smooth but if I wanted lower gearing, just switch out sprockets and chain. I also have a 2020 KTM 690 enduro r, and a Suzuki dr 650 all modified for my use. I live in the mountains with mostly gravel roads but do go on trails with more technical demands. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. That’s why I’m keeping them all! Hahahaha
@@jarrod1687 Thanks for sharing! It sounds like you have an awesome setup with your '23 and the G2 throttle tamer, Vortex, and Dunlop D606 tires. Switching out sprockets and chains for lower gearing is a great idea for more technical demands. Having the KTM 690 Enduro R and Suzuki DR 650 as well must give you a lot of versatility for different types of riding. Living in the mountains with access to gravel roads and trails sounds like a rider's paradise. Keeping them all makes perfect sense-each bike has its own strengths! Hahaha, enjoy the rides and stay safe out there!
Thanks for your comment! You're right-the 450RL isn't designed as an ADV bike. It's built as a dual sport, which makes it great for a different type of riding. Each bike has its own purpose and strengths, and the 450RL excels at what it's meant for. Appreciate you pointing that out!
I am having the adventures of my lifetime of my new 2024. They are just local adventures because I have amazing remote trails all around my home so I don’t need or want more than 2 gallons of gas. Once this bike is properly broken in it just keeps getting better and better and better. It is just beyond belief how comfortable and smooth it is now. But when brand new everything is so extremely tight especially the transmission which causes the jerkiness that riders blame on the throttle and apparently everyone thinks it’s gonna stay that way forever so they lose patience and start throwing unnecessary cash at it or sell at a loss before the magic happens. You cannot break this bike in on the trails it will take forever you gotta put at least 600 road miles on it.
It's a down trend CRF450X. Aka a Baja bike and with suspension tuning you can take it on an MX track. So tired of the ADV guys whining about bikes not being special suited to them.... It's like there's bikes for different people and style of riding. ....@@totzinfo
I bought a 24 450RL tonight used with 140 miles on it Excellent condition . 8.9k with my pick of a helmet 30 day tags out the door.just putting around the big yard I can already feel the whisky throttle if one was to not be paying attention lol. I’m not looking for an adventure bike just a local ride on these hilly roads in Ohio to and from work 20 miles round trip . Save on gas vs our Diesel truck . I live on 5 acre and farms got 57 with some woods. I wanted a Honda and this machine will suit me perfectly . Will take a ride tomorrow and begin the mending with this new animal . Ride safe Yall
Congrats on your new bike! It sounds like you got a great deal on the '24 450RL, and it’s awesome to hear it's already making a good impression. The whiskey throttle can be a bit tricky, but with some practice, you'll get used to it. Using it for local rides and commuting sounds perfect, and it’ll definitely save on gas compared to a diesel truck. With 5 acres and access to farmland and woods, you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy it. Enjoy your first ride and stay safe out there. Happy riding!
@@fargoalspach557 awesome you killed it and saved $2500 off the rip a dream scenario and not many riders can beat on that thing enough to hurt it for the first 100 miles or so and live to tell about it so I’m sure the bike is positively fine Chime in again when u hit 1k and tell us how it’s a keeper for life. Also remember to change the oil and filter at or before 300 and again at 600 and order the seat forthwith- you saved so much that a couple extra bucks shouldn’t ever bother you. Then maybe a filter every other oil change so don’t bother with synthetic because u are almost definitely going to smell quite a bit of blow by fuel in the oil which will make u want to change it often but don’t freak start by checking out John T Young oil analysis vid and go from there if it’s still bugging you. After first two services now I change oil every 300-400 and filter every other time. My bike rattled my brains loose, made my arms numb and then tried to kill me every chance it got for the first 400 miles and I still cannot understand how all of that 100% disappeared way beyond my expectations by 1000 miles. Seriously not even a tingle in my hands after a solid hour on back roads now and it just rides like dream and purrs like lion. How is that even possible from the murderous bitch I brought home off the showroom floor I don’t think I will ever fully understand. Honda Japan is just fucking amazing I guess that’s probably why it’s 10 grand.
I thought that looked like GJ! So many great places to ride and explore! I have a 23 with most the mods you're talking about on a few of my videos. Also set up your sag and suspension. I made my own throttle tamer and took the air boxoff. I'm almost to 1000 miles and the bike breaks in and gets way smoother. I dont feel the need for an ecu just yet. I may try a jd jetting tuner, full FMF Q4 system and airbox screen. Richen her up, lose some weight, and let her breathe better.
Thanks for the comment! Grand Junction really does have some fantastic spots for riding and exploring. It's cool to hear that you have a 23 with similar mods. Setting up the sag and suspension definitely makes a big difference. Your homemade throttle tamer sounds interesting! I’m at around 200 miles, so I’m looking forward to experiencing that smoothness as it breaks in. The JD Jetting tuner and FMF Q4 system sound like great upgrades too. Keep enjoying the ride and thanks for sharing your insights!
@@zeromileadv theres a few videos of people doing the diy throttle tamer on youtube. You're pretty much just taking a file and flattening out the first section of the cam on the tube. That way it takes a little more wrist input in the begining of the pull where that on/ off twitchiness is.
just my 2 cents but i have had a 21 RL i bought used with 400 miles on it and had it for a little over a year it came with aim ecu ,G2 tamer, the flywheel weight, and the seat concepts comfort. I got a little over 2500 miles on it now and would say get the new get ecu if you are getting a new one or a use vortex. the new get is the best because of the Bluetooth module. I was thinking about trading it in mine to taco moto and getting a get ecu I also will be getting a FMF q4 with the mega boom header because its only slightly louder than stock plus it still has the stock pipe i don't know how long it will last with the extra fuel it is burning. I can only ride mine on road because there are no trails close enough with out increasing fuel capaity so I may super moto mine just don't have the money for rims and tires at the moment good luck and looking forward to more on this bike
Thanks for sharing your experience and advice! It sounds like you've put a lot of thought and effort into your setup. The new GET ECU with the Bluetooth module does seem like a great upgrade-having that control and tuning flexibility is a big plus. The FMF Q4 with the MegaBomb header is also a solid choice; it's good to hear it's not much louder than stock. Supermotoing your bike sounds like a fun project, and I'm sure it will be awesome once you get the rims and tires sorted out. Thanks again for your insights, and stay tuned for more updates on my bike journey! Good luck with your mods!
The Honda can only be considered an ADV bike if you are specifically talking about "Light" ADV. I don't believe you're going to get 200 miles with the IMS tank. The stock tank is 2.01 gallons and the IMS is only a 3 gallon tank. The IMS might ensure you're able to get over 100 in most cases. I've kept the stock tank and carry a Giant Loop 2-gallon Armadillo bag with gas whenever I'm using my 450 as a light ADV bike. That gets me a total of 4 gallons. It's not necessary, but I swapped out the stock ECU for the AIM ECU and a switch for full power and an enduro mode, and that really has helped out the fueling. But, I don't think there's anything you can do to make this bike great at slow speed technical stuff. It can do it, but I think it will always be difficult on this bike. The engine is a detuned motocross engine, so its nature is to be on/off. The enduro map helps to make the power more linear, but I don't think there's anything that can be done to make the engine work like an engine designed specifically with a linear powerband in mind. If I'm very ginger with the throttle, I can eke out mid 40s mpg. But it's typically in the mid 30s to low 40s. YMMV. Being a street legal version of the CRF450X, the desert racing king of Baja, it's great for open high speed stability off road, but not enduro style stuff. That also gives the bike good stability on the highway. Off road, the suspension really starts working once you're going fast enough, 3rd gear or higher. If you want a plated dirt bike for connecting technical trails, there are better options like those from the KTM group and Beta. But I know I wouldn't want to do any more than that on one of the KTM bikes because I rode a buddy's 500 and that thing vibrated like a jack hammer. My buddy has a Beta 390 and it's super sweet off road, but he won't go over 55 mph on the street because he says it's very unstable at the higher speeds on pavement. I think if you want a plated dirt bike to connect trails, a play bike, something from Beta or the KTM group is the bike to get. If you want a real ADV bike, the only single cylinder bikes that I would say meet the requirement are a KLR650 and the KTM 690. What makes the CRF450L/RL great is its versatility. It's a jack of all trades and that's not a bad thing. In some cases that's better than a one trick pony.
Thanks for sharing your detailed insights! You make some excellent points about the Honda's capabilities and limitations as an ADV bike. The fuel range with the IMS tank and the need for extra fuel storage like the Giant Loop bag is spot on for longer adventures. I appreciate the tips on the ECU swap and the switch for full power and enduro mode-definitely worth considering for better fueling. You're right about the bike's performance in slow-speed technical situations; it's always going to be a bit of a challenge with a detuned motocross engine. Your experience with different bikes like the KTM 500 and Beta 390 highlights the trade-offs between off-road stability and highway comfort, which is valuable information for anyone looking to choose the right bike for their needs. The versatility of the CRF450L/RL is indeed one of its greatest strengths, making it a solid choice for those who want a bike that can handle a variety of terrains. Thanks again for your comment, and happy riding!
The only point I would contest is that definition #1 for ADV is that it has a multi cylinder engine. So while one can dress up and ride a single cylinder bike like an ADV bike, that doesn’t make it an ADV bike …
The Honda isn’t an ADV bike at all.. It’s a dual sport. Why compare it to twin cylinder ADV bikes? Maybe a better comparison would be to a 690/701, XR650, KTM500 etc… I have a 450RL and T7, they are completely different bikes. I recommend keeping yours stock for a while and get used to it. The ergonomics are excellent. The handlebars are actually fairly high compared to most dirt bikes. Raising them more wont do handling any favors. Mine has a Vortex ECU and it’s nice to be able to tune the way it runs. I have a Yoshi full exhaust for sale because I went back to stock. Just too loud,. Let me know if you’re interested :)
Thank you for your insights! I appreciate your perspective on the CRF450RL. While it's true that it's a dual sport, I've noticed many riders building them out as light ADV bikes, which is why I wanted to explore the comparison. I agree that comparing it to bikes like the 690/701 or XR650 makes a lot of sense as well. I’m definitely taking my time to get used to the bike and appreciate the advice on keeping it stock initially. The ergonomics are indeed great, and I’ll keep your point about the handlebars in mind. Thanks for the offer on the exhaust; I’ll think about it!
People say start on a lower power bike due to its easier to learn to ride. Starting with a 1000 as your first bike makes it more difficult to learn to ride well, it's less forgiving and give you a steeper learning curve. But yes responsibility is also Important
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I completely agree that starting on a lower power bike can make the learning process smoother and more forgiving. It definitely helps in building confidence and skills gradually. But I also feel depends upon the riding you want to do. Riding a 700 on the HWY at 80 MPH with trucks and wind you will get beat up. But on a 1250 GS for example you can hold your line. Responsibility is indeed key, no matter what bike you start with. Riding safely and knowing your limits are essential for enjoying the experience to the fullest. Appreciate your input!
I agree. Its not a good first time bike, the suspension and power are meant for faster/harder riders. Trying to putz around on one will beat u up, with the stiffer suspension and on/off power. I had one when in SoCal/AZ, used it as a plated dirt bike and it was awesome in the desert and mnts. Took it back home in Northwoods Midwest and disliked it, even as an experienced rider. Softer power and suspension was much more enjoyable here in the woods and tighter logging roads. The 300L and 650L {for bigger guys} make much better first time dual sport/ADV bikes cuz u can ride them all day
Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree that the bike's suspension and power are geared towards more aggressive riding. It's definitely not the best choice for a beginner. It's interesting how the same bike can feel great in one environment, like the desert and mountains of SoCal/AZ, but not as enjoyable in another, like the Northwoods Midwest. The 300L and 650L sound like bikes I need to ride-I haven't had the chance to try them yet, but they seem like excellent choices for a more forgiving and comfortable ride. Appreciate your insights!
Thanks for the clarification! You're right-we're essentially talking about the same thing. The throttle does control the fueling, and a tune can indeed address the twitchy throttle off idle by making the fueling proper. It's all about improving the bike's responsiveness and making the ride smoother. Appreciate your insight!
@@zeromileadv I have a WR250R and it was so bad before it was tuned, It flamed out constantly. I've considered selling it for a the CRF, wish Yamaha would get it together and make a CRF450RL rival
@@lenghtofpull I would love to see Yamaha build a 450. They had their 250 for a while which seems awesome. I def would buy one. Or I would also like to see Suzuki update the DZ400 as well.
I’ve had a KLX250, an XT660Z, a WR250R and I currently ride a Husqvarna FE501. I will now sell my FE501 and pick up a CRF450L because this bike is a Trail bike, not an ADV or an Enduro. Honda have specifically made this to be road and trail worthy. But it ain’t an ADV bike. 👍
@@tecdive8045 the FE501 is a pure enduro race bike that takes a lot of care , attention and maintenance. The CRF is more trail bike , which I prefer. The CRF is like a large capacity WR250R. Bullet proof reliability
There is no one size fits all when it comes to motorcycles. The honda is a crf450 motorcross bike that has been detuned , given a 6 gear box and green sticker for the roads and emission crap. Its closer to a baja bike more than anything it loves to haul ass! It doesn't like the slow technical stuff. Its not an adventure bike . But with money and mods it can be, but it won't be a great one. I love the honda but I come from racing in the baja and motor and supercross back ground. But if I wanted an adventure bike I would just get a BMW 1300 and call it a day. But I do think the honda 450rl makes a good dualsport bike not a great one but a good one. 😀 Good video .
Thank you so much for sharing your insights! You're absolutely right-no bike can fit everyone's needs perfectly. I appreciate your detailed perspective, especially coming from a racing background. The CRF450RL does have its unique strengths, and it's great to hear how it aligns with your experience. Your comparison to a Baja bike and your thoughts on dual-sport capabilities are spot on. Thanks for watching and for the kind words about the video! Happy riding!
A great bike,,,,,right outta the crate,,,, If you complain about this bike???? ,, then its not the bike for you... No ECU changes,,,,No throttle changes,,,and sure as hell,,,,no flame out 🤔....Learn how to ride,,,and appreciate the machine,,,,,cause its one helluva machine..... Bar None !!
Thanks for your comment! You're absolutely right-the CRF450RL is designed as a dual sport, not an ADV bike. While it's incredibly versatile and capable, it's built for a different kind of riding. I appreciate your insight and totally agree with the distinction. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! The GasGas EX300 is definitely an impressive machine, and two-strokes have their own unique advantages. Every rider has their preferences and finds what works best for them. The CRF450RL suits my needs and riding style perfectly, but I respect the performance and capabilities of two-stroke bikes like yours. Happy riding, and stay safe out there!
@@glahut93 I’m all set with the splitting headaches after 15 minutes of riding those toys and then dealing with whats broke or needs service afterwards every single time and good luck with getting crazy expensive GasGas parts quick because you already know you are gonna need them 🤣. Otherwise yeah they definitely look stunning and I’m sure I would take one for free if I positively luved working on motors, well maybe. But as far as an investment I hope you kissed all that cash goodbye for good because it ain’t coming back in any way shape or form. Meanwhile anyone with a new RL has at least 25,000 trouble free miles to look forward to before getting a good chunk of their money back toward a trade in on a new one or just keep one forever at the lowest cost of ownership you will ever find on a high performance machine with parts available 15 minutes in any direction if needed. And this has all already been proven unlike your opinions.
