2022 Honda CRF450RL Review

[@Oldrush]

Hello, I also have this bike and I love it. Have the same windshield and a scaggs rear rack and seat concepts. I put the Steahly 7 oz flywheel weight on and it has transformed the bike to where I don’t think I will need an ecu. It does tight single track and holds constant rpm on the road. Also, for the drz fans out there this is SO much more bike than that. I had one, this is 35 lbs lighter and has an extra gear. I can run 80-90 on the highway and ride tight single track. As far as Beta and KTM/Husky I have no worries of poor engineering leaving me stranded. 52 bikes in my life and this is in my top 3.

[@Pats2Wheels]

I agree and very well said! I had a KLX400SR and an XR650L, I find this bike much better on both trails and streets, it’s really just better at everything. The CRF450 platform is newer, so I think that should be expected. This is a great bike and definitely a keeper!

[@Pats2Wheels]

I agree and very well said! I had a KLX400SR and an XR650L, I find this bike much better on both trails and streets, it’s really just better at everything. The CRF450 platform is newer, so I think that should be expected. This is a great bike and definitely a keeper!

[@Ronnie631000]

Hello. I am going to try that flywheel! Take care.

[@bobandcherylcarroll9041]

I have the 22 also. Did Idaho BDR last August, 1200 miles. Bike had 2K miles on it, used Amsoil synthetic and KN oil filter at the start. 1200 miles later, no oil loss, looked good, so I rode home another 500 miles on the street. Removed oil had it checked at a lab, results were great, some reduced viscosity was only issue on the report. Did not plan to ride that many miles on the oil…but it happened. I’m now very comfortable going 1000-1200 miles in the future. Will lab check oil after Colorado BDR this year, less than 1000 miles for us.

[@Pats2Wheels]

That’s great news, I’ve been doing the oil changes every 600 miles and did the valve check at 2k, and all is well. I now have 3200 miles. I also use Amsoil, use it in all my bikes and love it. The only issue I had was at 3k miles, the stock chain O rings started falling out when I cleaned it, and the chain started kinking and became stiff. I’ve never seen that on a low mileage chain.

[@jctoth]

Great video! I have a 2022 CRF450RL that I’ve put 12k miles on so far as an ultralight ADV bike. It’s an amazing bike. What I’ve found that’s working for me is full synthetic oil that’s changed every 1k miles. Oil filters changed every 2k miles. And valve checks every 5k miles. My valves are still in spec although I’m anticipating shims somewhere between 15k and 20k miles. I also have the Rekluse clutch cover which brings my oil capacity up to 1.3-1.4 qts. Keep up the good work.

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thanks Jerry, wow, 12K miles! It's so encouraging to hear about people like you who are putting on the miles but not having to shim yet. I also use a full synthetic, and I'm easy on my bikes, they never run wide open or hit the rev limiter. Thanks again for the reco!

[@PatsNotUsedChannel]

@David Mclamore I kept the stock ECU and exhaust for about two months before changing them. Yes they may have done better if I’ve given them more time. They were definitely OK but just not quite as good as the aftermarket ECU. I may actually put the stock exhaust back on just because I like the quieter sound.

[@captainamerica9353]

@David Mclamore , that heavy Cat (pipe) won't get any lighter unless you replace it with an FMF or whatever. The too-light flywheel won't better itself, either. Maybe the flameouts and touchy throttle would get better with time? Seems Honda could fix these issues, same with the super-soft springs on the 300's. (?)

[@Pats2Wheels]

You’re right on all points, for me I did that ECU upgrade and it was all I needed, I did not do a throttle tamer or flywheel. The bike is breaking in better now as I have more than 2k miles on it, plus I think I’m just getting used to it as well. It’s a pricey bike, but it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

[@davidsalo8397]

Enjoyed your video! The essence of motorcycling is getting out, seeing the country and enjoying the ride. Just purchased a 450 RL. Just in time for winter! Should have it ready to go by spring!

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thanks. I was unsure when I bought mine, debated quite a while, but I’m glad I got it, really meets my needs, hope you like yours as well!

[@skiffintherift9179]

I have a 23 with about 1200 miles. I put the get ecu in after the break in. Im about 5-10 and i just did a lower link 1.5" / 7.5m on front forks. Can't say enough good things about it. Ive put it through the paces on most terrain and conditions and see nothing but benefits. came off a few hill climb jumps @ about 8' and didn't bottom out @ 160lb. Was a very easy install just remember that the nut on the chain roller side is the hold back nut for that link arm nut. the roller and that bolt are 1 piece. anyone on the fence @ 5-10 or under that rides single track you will love it.

[@eldonhongo6095]

What lowering link did you install. I just purchased a 2023 crf450rl with 1300 miles. Previous owner did no mods so I will.

[@charlier6566]

Thank you for the video. I enjoyed checking out the mods you did. Great riding along with you.

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it

[@billyarsenault1970]

Cool vid and high quality visuals and nice riding too And nice bike of course. You also seem nice enough too and not a vicious tool. Enjoyed the quiet time at the end just cruising the twisties with you. Subbed just because you didn’t do any wheelies and insult us like all you need to do is pop a few to impress us and get a like.

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thanks Billy, I appreciate the positive comments. I’m just a guy that loves to ride and records a video once in awhile. 😀

[@Ronnie631000]

Hello. I just purchased a new 22` last march. I lowered and re-valved the suspension 2" at Moto-lab and the new seat. Both are awesome. This is not a beginners bike. Too hard to ride at low speed with the stalling. You really got to work the clutch. This bike is a Thoroughbred. It wants to run!!! I have not done any trail-riding yet. I need to get used to it. 400 mi so far. I do not want to spend any more cash on it so I will hold off on the ecu. I want to keep it quiet, so no pipe. for now. My main bike is a Kawasaki 2018` Z900rs. That is all for now. Take care.

[@Pats2Wheels]

I agree, great bike, I may go back to stock exhaust, I do miss the quiet.

[@tieoneon1614]

Had I not moved away from the desert, back home to Great Lakes northwoods Id own a 450RL. People can go back and forth all day bout KTM and Beta, but those are plated dirt bikes not true dual sports meant for putting miles on. I sold my CRF450x desert ripper, and then my KDX for woods single track cuz I liked my previous '18 KLX250 so much I bought another. For me its perfect for 2 lane back roads, and its got the smoothest EFI throttle on any bike Iv ever ridden so I hard enduro that poor thing places that the KDX use to go. 450's were miserable in the woods for me. But like i said if I lived in more open terrain I think the RL is king in its category. Nothing beats having the bike u want suited for your riding style.

[@Pats2Wheels]

@tieoneon1614 - I completely agree. I've ridden a 450 in tight woods before and it was not the best thing, my arms just hurt and it was too big. I've always preferred my YZ250 (setup for woods) in the tight stuff. I rode a KDX one time, and what a hoot, it was like a tractor in the tight stuff! I've had a KLX400SR and an XR650L for dual sport, but they just aren't as good for me as the CRF450RL. IMHO the CRF450RL really does split it down the middle, I ride for 30 min on paved roads at 60 or 65 and it's great, they hit Forest Roads and zip around all day. Thanks for the comments.

[@chiptaxfree]

Nice little review!

[@Pats2Wheels]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheBluesmanBlue]

Nice riding with you I've been wondering you have not mentioned the tires are you still riding on the factory tires or do you have to invest in tires as well once you buy the bike

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thank you for the feedback. I’m pretty flexible on tires, and at 2k miles now I just replaced the back tire with a Dunlop D605. I ride 50/50 dirt/street and the D605 is good at both. I want good cornering traction on the pavement and also good grip in the dirt. Some people think they need to replace tires right away, but I don’t ever take that approach, it’s just painful for me to replace tires before they are worn out.😀

[@TheBluesmanBlue]

@@Pats2Wheels okay thank you for your opinion that's what I tried to get people to understand it's no need to change the tires when you purchased the bike some people change the tires just for the look and not for the ride and you say the Dunlap tire D-605 is a better tire I will take that advice from an experienced rider thanks

[@orical2832]

Nice bike and nice vid. I've just bought one too and am very happy with my purchase. How have you found the AS side pannier racks? Some people say they are a bit 'flimsy' etc?

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thanks! I like the racks and they are rock solid, keeping my bags from moving around, and I thought the red color was cool (and different). The only drawback I’ve seen is that they bolt on with spacers, and the bolt goes into the seat bracket. This means you have to take out the top rack bolt if you want to remove the seat. It works but takes a little more time.

[@eldonhongo6095]

What lowering link did you install?

[@Pats2Wheels]

Hey there, no lowering link, it’s at stock height.

[@ferkuzuel]

Great review! , Do you know what is your mpg? With the upgraded ECU ?

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thanks! The bike says I’m getting 48 mpg right now, I think I was around 53 before the change so I have probably lost 5 mpg with the upgrade.

[@ferkuzuel]

Thanks for the reply

[@otto63dec]

what after market ecu did you use ?

[@PatsNotUsedChannel]

I went with the GET ECU from Tacomoto. Originally I was going to try and get the Vortex but they were back ordered at the time. I really like the GET ECU, it’s been flawless.

[@Pats2Wheels]

AIM Ecu from Tacomoto, with the handlebar controller, works great!

[@ericc90]

Nice bike and your setup is awesome 👌. How you liking the AIM ecu so far? I got the same bike and I'm trying to decide which ecu to go with.

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thanks, I'm sure you can tell from the video, I really love this bike! I really like the AIM ECU, but I'll tell you I ordered the Vortex first, they were out of stock so I waited a month and then canceled my order. I can't give any feedback on the Vortex because I haven't tried it, but I can tell you I like the AIM. Good luck with the bike!

[@23skido]

Has the flame out problem been fixed on the newer models?

[@Pats2Wheels]

I think it’s better on the newer models, however I did have two flame outs during the month I was waiting for the AIM ECU. That aftermarket ECU really seemed to resolve the issue, bike seems to run richer now and flame outs are reduced. I will say though that I’ve still had that occasional “what just happened” stall, that I can’t explain. It’s not often but happens.

[@VivamusLibero]

Is this bike ok to take for a long ride adventure something like from USA to South America?

[@Pats2Wheels]

I would probably not take this bike on such a long trip. The 450 clearly has a racing heritage, and with the 600 mi oil change intervals, I would opt for something more docile like the CRF300L Rally, which has longer maintenance intervals and carries more fuel.

[@mediocreman2]

Wow that thing is loud. Is it possible to get more power without such a loud exhaust?

[@Pats2Wheels]

Yes, if you want it to be quiet you just revert to the stock exhaust, lots of people do that. Stock exhaust is quiet, but heavy and hot.

[@RockNDrums650]

I've heard about flameouts with the CRF450RL. Is it improved on the 2022 model? Or is it something you need to dump some money on top of a $10,000 right away? I looked at it yesterday at a local dealer

[@Pats2Wheels]

The bike is definitely rideable right off the showroom floor, I really can’t tell if it’s better or worse with the 2022. I had two or three flameouts over the month I rode the bike stock. The AIM ECU definitely made it better, and overall throttle was just smoother.

[@MrMach1]

I was looking at the 450RL but for the price tag I decided not to. It cost $4000.00 more then my DRZ400 and I have to do mods right away. Just not worth it for me for 50cc more. Don't get me wrong it's a sweet bike but I can do a lot of different stuff with $4000.00 buckaroos. lol. Thanks for the video. I'm new to the channel.

[@Pats2Wheels]

Yes, so true, those DRZs are bullet-proof and you can't beat the value, I used to have a the Kawasaki version (KLX400SR) and it was a great ride!

[@dcryder9736]

Ever tried the DRZ400S?

[@PatsNotUsedChannel]

I have not, however I used to have a KLX400SR, which is a Kawasaki version of the DRZ (not many realize that Suzuki and Kawasaki once did that joint venture). It was a great bike, but for me it felt heavier and slower than the CRF450RL. For me, this Honda just feels more like a true dirt bike than the DRZ.

[@Ronnie631000]

Why so much engine braking at slow speed? I will get the flywheel. Take care. From Sioux City,Ia.

[@Pats2Wheels]

Yea not everyone likes it that way, but I do because I use the throttle often to slow the bike, I like to think it saves my brakes pads. I do typically run a flywheel on my 2 strokes to help smooth the powerband but I haven’t ever run one on a 4 stroke, might be worth trying.

[@mikebennett3632]

Love your video you ride like I do.

[@Pats2Wheels]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@2007crf450r]

sorry bro too many mods for honest review of the bike nice video though

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thanks.

[@jarrod1687]

No need to service every 600, 1200 is fine

[@Pats2Wheels]

Thanks, I have heard that but my findings have been that it’s pretty dark at 600 miles. I have heard some riders extend manufacturers mileage recommendations without issues, but what do you base your reco on? Just curious, do you have a lot of miles on a CRF450L with no motor issues or valve adjustments?

[@jarrod1687]

Hi sorry for the late response, I too got burnt looking oil after 1000kms when I used mineral oil, think it was honda gn4 or gl4, what ever the mineral oil was. Then switched to 300v and change every 2000kms, the oil looks great still at 2000kms with heaps of offroad slow speed clutch slipping. I have checked the valves at 7000kms and haven't since, now at 23000, I'm going to check them again just to make sure they haven't moved

[@ziruk-king4466]

Why not a beta? Give me something other than reliable? Lol

[@Pats2Wheels]

Beta makes great bikes, so I would say “availability” and that might be my #1. I have a local Honda/Yamaha/Kawasaki dealer 10 minutes from me and they let me take a demo ride, I fell in love with it. The nearest Beta dealer is an hour away and they don’t offer demo rides. Plus I’m just comfortable with Honda, I have had several and they are easy to work on, I really don’t have experience with Beta.

[@ziruk-king4466]

@@Pats2Wheels makes sense -- thanks

[@captainamerica9353]

@@Pats2Wheels , I own a Beta 300 XT, and it's a great little woods bike, but am looking to get a 430 or 500 RRS. You are lucky to have any dealer so close to home and a Beta dealer only an hour away! Beta does Demo Days where they truck in a fleet of bikes to the dealers. They started in CA already and are down south now and we will have them up here in MN and WI in May and June. There was a CRF450 for sale locally last summer, it was a 2020 I think with low miles for about $8,500. Should have grabbed it, but wasn't ready, being new to off-roading. Called my crappy Honda dealer recently and they want $10,600 (freight included) IF they can get a 2022 !! Even better was them not knowing what a Transalp is, when I asked! But I now have a Beta dealer only 75 miles away, they can get a 2023 RRS in within a month, so they are more likely to get my $. It is sad when you have to beg dealers to buy a bike.

[@Pats2Wheels]

I agree, my son rides and races a Beta 300 and he loves that bike. They are really good machines.

[@chrisdadigger1018]

Bike is way overpriced. You can buy a brand new cb 500f for 30 % less money and you get way more bike for the money.

[@Pats2Wheels]

CRF450RL and CB500F are completely different types of motorcycles, so personally I wouldn’t compare them. The CRF is overpriced, but then again it is the only street legal Japanese built 450 dual purpose machine, the only one of it’s type, so yes, there is a premium to pay. I hope the manufacturers give us more options in the future.

[@captainamerica9353]

Chris Dadigger , yes they are pricey, like KTM's and Beta's. You pay for the race-bred engines and high-tech lightness. You might like a CB500X at $7,200 if you can find one, or a CFR300L for even less.

[@Pats2Wheels]

You’re right, I’ve heard great things about that CRF300L, but I haven’t had the chance to ride one. I rode the Kawasaki 300 dual sport, and it was good but just really not enough power to lug around my 200 lbs. Lots of people love those 300Ls, long maintenance intervals and great reliability from what I hear.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@Pats2Wheels , I have not ridden a CRF or KLX, but just suggestions to Dadigger. I'll get to ride a friend's new CB500X this Spring, though. He just made an all-day drive to get one, they are impossible to find. But regarding Singles, there's a real gap (big jump) between the 250/300's and 450's. I think a 350 with decent power and suspension would sell.

[@Pats2Wheels]

I agree completely. Personally I’ve always been a bigger fan of Yamaha and Kawasaki in the past, but neither makes a 350 to 500cc dual sport, so Honda is the only one. It really surprises me that they let Honda own the niche.