22 Honda CRF450RL Mods - All my modifications

[@ml5955]

Seat Concepts is almost mandatory for most modern bikes that are trail ridden. BTW, I like your mods. Good combination of protection, range and performance 👍

[@zeromileadv]

I def ended up with the seat concepts seat

[@brian72c]

That looks a lot like Idaho in the Owyhee desert where I ride. I’m currently looking for the next dual sport coming off a Honda Crf 250l. Great video!

[@zeromileadv]

@@brian72c that’s an interesting note about Idaho. I’ve never been and want to do the IDBDR next year

[@jwaller1327]

My 450 is similarly set up, though I have kept the stock tank, handlebar, and exhaust. For extra fuel, when I am going on a ride long enough to need it, I use a Giant Loop 2 gallon Armadillo bag. The ECU I got was the AIM, from Taco Moto, with the toggle switch. My bike has the Seat Concepts Comfort Low seat to accommodate my short inseam. I have the tail tidy and radiator guards from Flatland Racing. I'd recommend some sort of radiator guard or brace. I've ridden a 2020 KTM 500 a couple times and think it was easier to ride on the trail. It's lighter and the power delivery is more linear. But, I couldn't ride it for more than 15 minutes before wanting to get off that bike because the vibration coming through the seat, pegs, and bars was super harsh. If I weren't so sensitive to the vibration, I could totally understand why the KTM 500 bikes sell so well. The power delivery and power to weight ratio make it better as a bike to connect technical trails. But as a dual sport which will be used on the road for more than connecting trail, but also as the occasional commuter and light ADV bike, I think the Honda is better. The Honda just seems way more refined and with higher quality componentry. It's like the Honda engineers took the high performance motocross bike and went over every little detail and refined it to make the smoothest, most comfortable dual sport they could given the original platform (besides the seat!). And the KTM engineers made the highest performing 500cc enduro they could and then modified that with just enough to make it legal to ride on the street, ready to race, comfort and refinement be damned. The Honda is the Yakuza hitman in a tailor made suit and the KTM is the hairy chested goon named Guido, wearing the white wife beater and gold chain, ready to clobber your brains out with a Louisville Slugger.

[@zeromileadv]

Thanks for sharing your setup! It sounds like you’ve really dialed in your 450 for both comfort and performance. I appreciate the recommendation on the radiator guards-definitely something I’ll look into. I agree with you on the Honda’s refinement; it’s got that smooth, well-thought-out feel that makes it great for dual sport riding, especially when you’re spending time on the road. The KTM’s power-to-weight ratio is fantastic, but that harshness can be a dealbreaker for longer rides. Your analogy really nails it-Honda’s like the Yakuza hitman in a tailor-made suit, smooth and precise, while the KTM is the no-nonsense enforcer ready to get the job done by any means. Both bikes have their strengths, but for a dual sport that can also handle some light ADV duties, I’m with you-the Honda’s the better all-rounder. Thanks again for the detailed comparison, and happy riding!

[@wheelmanron]

Great video! Who makes the pants you're wearing in the video? Thanks in advance.

[@zeromileadv]

Those are the Klim Jackson Pants! Hope that helps

[@wheelmanron]

@@zeromileadv thanks so much! Happy riding!

[@coderedcamaro4812]

Great review!!! Simple and to the point with no music!😊

[@zeromileadv]

@@coderedcamaro4812 thx!

[@zachariahdavis8671]

The 450rl is your BDR slayer. See John Young’s build. Steg pegs, rekluse clutch, adventure spec mini fairing with Baja worx windscreen, Baja designs squadron pro led light and you’ll be set. My Elle has the fmf q4 with power bomb for the quieter sound

[@zeromileadv]

Thanks for the recommendations! The CRF450RL is definitely a beast, and I’ve seen John Young’s build-it’s pretty impressive. The setup you mentioned with the Steg Pegz, Rekluse clutch, and the Adventure Spec mini fairing sounds like a great way to turn it into a BDR slayer. I’ve heard good things about the FMF Q4 with the Power Bomb for a quieter ride too. I appreciate the tips! While I’ve found that the CRF450RL isn’t my top choice for a BDR, it’s still an incredible bike, and these upgrades would definitely make it even better. Thanks for sharing!

[@Brian.A.Simmons]

Glad you’re enjoying your 450. My son recently crashed mine, so I need to get it going again. I saw a previous video about your KTM 1290. If you ever get a chance to ride a KTM 890 ADV R, I think you would fall in love with it immediately. I have found this bike to be my absolute favorite and most capable of everything. Take care!

[@zeromileadv]

Thanks for the kind words! Sorry to hear about your son’s crash-I hope he’s okay, and that you can get the 450 back up and running soon. I’ve heard amazing things about the KTM 890 ADV R, and it’s definitely on my list to try out. It sounds like an incredible bike that can handle just about anything. I appreciate the recommendation, and I’ll definitely keep it in mind. Take care, and happy riding!

[@lukereystone]

Great vid, I have similar mods and have had the bike for going on year 3. Have you set your sag and played with the clickers? Watching your pace and since you are just learning, I’d soften everything right up and run about 110mm sag in the rear. Good luck and post more progress vids as you learn!

[@zeromileadv]

Thx for the feedback! I havent messed with the Sag at all yet. Even though I MTB a lot and know thats the 1st thing you should do. I've just been running it! hahahah🤣

[@leyside]

@@zeromileadv You'll definitely notice a difference. Just heads up to get the numbers to work you'll need a stiffer spring in the back as it's about 150lbs rider from factory. I'm 190lbs before gear and run a 5.8 in the rear.

[@zeromileadv]

@@leyside Thx for the info! Who did you source your spring from. I'm the same weight

[@lukereystone]

@@zeromileadv I've dealt with Racetech and Cannonracecraft in the past but I'm actually running a CRF450R spring, it's by YSS and here is the part number. Can be ordered right from your dealer: Rear 52401-MKE-A61

[@juangarza8628]

Nice setup!! How about those mirrors?? What brand and model please

[@zeromileadv]

@@juangarza8628 They are the Dual Sport Mirrors by Double Take. They are super tough I’ve got them on my Norden 901 as well

[@jhock2781]

I've got an AIM(from Taco) ECU with a Graves pipe and love it. Same seat, but black and red. I'm about through a set of Tusk D-Sport tires and they've treated me well. Another set waiting to go on, but I may try something else first. I had my suspension reworked by my local Racetech guy and it is noticeable for sure. The bike has been phenomenal for me. Probably the best two-wheeled purchse I've ever made I've been riding since the 90's, but all on road stuff. My off road experience comes from mountain bikes, so I tipped over a lot when I first got the dual sport. Only in the slow stuff, though, because i'm only 5'8". So much so that it was getting in my head. But I ended up taking a class with Edgar Cota Jr.(current Baja champ) and was able to learn a few things that helped me. So I recommend doing that. Find a local riding coach who can teach you good fundamentals and listen to them. Your skills will improve so fast.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Sweet overview and Taco GET equipped 🏁🏁

[@zeromileadv]

@@TACOMOTOCO thx!!!

[@FPV_Kyle]

Hey Clint! I live in GJ and have the same bike. Mine is a 19 L. Lets go ride!

[@zeromileadv]

@@FPV_Kyle you on IG? DM me. My handle is @bikealatte

[@butterytoast4836]

Our 450RLs track how much fuel we burn. Be sure to switch to how many gallons you’re burning. Reset whenever you fill up. I’ve found it to be incredibly accurate. You’ll always know how much fuel you have left without having to look inside.

[@racewayman1]

I’m trying to get the 2024 model soon 🤞

[@frank_jk]

Great video, thanks. How’s the suspension? Are you considering an upgrade (or is it just the camera lens? Jk lol 😂 I’m about 240 and looking at a CRF). Thanks!

[@zeromileadv]

@@frank_jk honestly I think it’s fantastic. The only thing I did was lower the fork tubes in the triple trees by about 10 mm. I should get a proper sag set as well.

[@sausagesandwichSA]

Looks great, nice review..new sub 👍

[@racewayman1]

I consider getting the ktm 690 smc but to much maintenance so considering honda 450 rl

[@noone3734]

Heavy duty tubes at 19psi? Yeah, I don't think you'll have to worry about pinch flats

[@zeromileadv]

@@noone3734 that’s good to know!

[@SomewhereInside]

Hi how low can you lower this bike ? I am only 28inch inseam , and 59. years old , need a lighter bike for serious off road . I know lowering a bike is frowned upon by tall riders , but I want to buy one of these and drop the 895mm seat height to. 820mm , 830 max. Cheers

[@zeromileadv]

Great question. You could probably work with Ract Tech Suspension. And they could lower the bike without losing too much performace. I've never done it but thats where I'd start

[@racewayman1]

3 inches

[@brennanlamparek7697]

Acerbis is pronounced Ahh Chair Bees

[@zeromileadv]

@@brennanlamparek7697 thx!!!

[@billyarsenault1970]

Yeah you definitely got a goofy haircut but that’s a fucking great looking ride Sir. And you will get used to the way the seat looks maybe mostly blue would have been a bit much. Send the hater your stock bars with instructions on where to put them. I’m still running the stockies myself and can never get perfectly comfortable for very long and they are likely the reason so thx for the idea.

[@alr406]

I hate your glasses, haircut, and videos. Haha, JK. I have the 450rl and have been down so many times. I blame the tires. I'm trying new nobbie tires. This is good information on improvements I might want to make.

[@zeromileadv]

@@alr406 hahaha perfect!! The D606s were a good upgrade for sure!