Why you should NOT buy the CRF450RL

When the CRF450L was announced, it was a dream come true for many of us riders. With the current Dual Sport lineup looking pretty dry and boring at least in the Japanese market, the 450L was the answer all of us were looking for. A reliable, powerful dirt bike that was street legal from the factory. So after a year of saving up I finally got my hands on one and here is my story on why you should NOT buy the CRF450L / CRF450RL..
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#Honda #CRF450L #CRF450RL

[@mattwood741]

Always love the insight you give in these videos. Just started following after I found you once I bought my CRF300L. Now I’ve watched almost all your vids in a weeks time lol!! Lobe he channel!

[@AdventureDaily]

Thank you for the support Matt! Hope you are enjoying the 300.

[@holmes1956O]

Take it from an old guy 65yrs old riding and racing since I was 13. No such thing as a bike you are not gonna spend money on. No such thing as 1 bike does it all. I have 12 bikes. My best dirt bike ktm450exc. My favorite street bike ducati m900. My favorite sport touring 1984 honda vf1000f interceptor. And I spend on all of them all the time. Oh by the way no wife no kids nobody telling me what I can and cant do. I think I will take my italian therapist for a ride. See ya

[@brett3415]

What are your thoughts on the 300L? I am considering getting it, for me to play with but also for my wife to learn on.

[@elgringoec]

@@holmes1956O Same age bracket, 300xc-w & VF1100S, riding since 11, guessing fifteen bikes total, wife of 40 years, kids, grandkids we're teaching to ride.

[@user-tq3ud9zi7w]

me too

[@TheOutsideDev]

Howling at the fly swatter to the face 😂😭

[@killallfornothing]

i die when i see it... The best thing today!!! Thx Man!

[@Kalus_Saxon]

I just ducked like fuk there’s a big ass bee in my bedroom… 🤣

[@andreygeiserman1191]

best part of whole video

[@Bt26x]

I about spit my coffee out! He just went nuts w/ the fly swatter that he pulled out of nowhere! 😂😂🤣

[@zachhall8124]

Bruh looked down just in time n saw that as it happened 😂😂 good shit

[@50STUNT]

I just clicked on your video because of the title, start watching, and see the stickers I print, and the axle sliders I designed and machined, on your Grom. I'm stoked so see my parts on your bike! Stickers I print on your swingarm too :) Now I am back to watching the rest of the clip

[@JohannesDalen]

I remember watching your early videos on the 250L and this is the first time I watch a video of yours since that. Man your channel has blown up, and you're really good at narrating and telling a story. Nice work!

[@EricOhlsen_Aventura]

Great review. And I agree with most all of it. I went the route of buying all the extras to dial it in. ECU, exhaust , skid plate, IMS tank, seat concepts, bigger rear sprocket, and I love this bike for single track and technical trail, and blaze to the store for a gallon of milk… If you throw the recites away before your wife finds them and don’t balance your checkbook it’s easy to spend your hard earned money with impunity.

[@fsebs_junk]

Dude - You left us hanging with the "Street Bike" incident hints! Looking forward to that story/video sometime! Thanks for sharing your 450L experiences.

[@Dawgs241]

12:07, "The best option is to own multiple bike.... My wife overheard this, she gave me that pissed off look.

[@cyclerider5652]

Good points. I almost bought the CRF450L but decided on the CRF300L for similar reasons. Glad to hear you feel the same way. Subscribed!

[@danberg1033]

Appreciate the honesty and insight, good content

[@skexzies3673]

OMG! Thanks for saving me from a huge financial mistake! I wanted the 450 for exactly the same trail reasons you did.

[@benjamincalder5327]

I have a crf450r and it is perfect, he is just a bad rider. If your a good rider you can ride almost any bike.

[@colinbowman8816]

I'm just gonna buy a 450L with 5k on mods and 3000 miles on the clock for $9k. There's a few out there in the marketplace now that they're 5 years old!

[@stevensee4755]

Great video hitting all the main points after having a DRZ400s, a Honda 450 R, and two GPX 250s, I finally gave in and bought a 2020 XC300 KTM, best bike ever for the trails and hare scrambles. If I ride the street ,I got a 2015 750 GSXS And the two wheel universe is finally at peace.

[@arielgarcia8671]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, this help us a lot on making decisions !!

[@donnywalker1628]

Why do I love this guy! He is absolutely right about the price and how expensive it is…I liked and subscribed bc hes very relatable.. 💯💪🏽🔥

[@dkm7705]

Ditch the stock gearing for starters , it's relatively inexpensive but makes a big difference.

[@Bt26x]

Exactly! 13-50 is perfect for a dualsport & off-road 250, 350 & 450. I’ve had all of them!

[@seekdiscomfort4746]

My thoughts exactly this whole video. Might have fixed his prob w just that. A really short 1st gear, shirt 2nd gear too for the slow technical riding and tall 5th and especially tall 6th gears for general high speed and 3rd and 4th tailored to your liking AFTER beong 100% sure on 1st amd 6th gear set up.👍 👍 What's your opinion on this possible approach?

[@ericmorin9613]

​@@seekdiscomfort4746changing gearing via sprockets changes the gearing for every gear. So if you gear down, all the gears get shorter. There may be people the change gears in the actual transmission but I've never heard of doing that and it would not be a cheap way as described. You would need to pull engine and split the cases which is not an easy job for beginners plus the paying for machining the parts if no one makes them

[@steph4050]

Thank you very much for the honest review. I wish we had more of these review where guys would point out what are the issues they have with their machine instead of listing out the pamphlet features.

[@bareknuckles3199]

Fly swatter'd his own face like a savage... You got a subscriber for that one... Don't know why but the fact you didn't edit it out makes you my new best friend I think...

[@cm999amt]

That did it for me too! Slapped his face with a fly swatter, not minding if he had fly guts all over his face ! 😅😂😭 Subscribed !👍🏼

[@TheNavyseamonkey]

I thought that was ace also

[@deanproctor2690]

😂🤣😂

[@HesonaHonda]

More great content and real unbiased opinions. All comes down to personal riding style. I wanted a 450l when I heard about them but after learning I have changed my mind to a 300l or possibly 250l for the right price!

[@greatorangesky]

Dumb can't be bias

[@johnambro7181]

Probably the best owner review breakdown I've seen in a while. Yes and up here in Canada tach on another two K plus, without mods. Can't see the bike lasting much longer on the market. Will be interested in the three hundred review. Good stuff. Cheers.

[@AdventureDaily]

I appreciate the feedback! Loving the 300 so far, is it the best performing bike? No but for the money it does everything I need it to and more.

[@ddev7376]

Cant see it lasting much longer? They're still selling out quick so not sure what you're on about..

[@wimmm72]

Nice review! Your reaction to the fly just cracked me up. Slapping yourself with that flycatcher.😁Great you kept it in there as part of the video.

[@handsomerob9715]

Excellent story, excellent review! Thoroughly enjoyed and very engaging! Thank you!

[@AdventureDaily]

Thank you Rob!! I appreciate you watching.

[@jamesstewart9970]

Actually have the 450rl and did the yosh/vortex on mine and it really did completely change the bike. I know and understand why Honda had to choke it down so bad and opening all that back up has allowed it to be the bike it always should have been. Flameouts are gone, it literally will immediately start first try and never shuts off on its own and has definitely increased the power as well. I know it sucks having to spend the extra money but Id do it again in a heartbeat for what it’s worth though I also don’t do any slow technical riding either, if you get the itch to try again, get one add the yosh and vortex and do a sprocket change 12/52 or 54 sprocket set.

[@FuzedBox]

No, it absolutely is NOT worth it. No proper dual sport should cost that much with additional mods required. Even KTM isn't exempt from these problems. Fuck the EPA, fuck Euro5, and fuck all the asshat politicians that put these in effect. That said, Beta is where it's at. They are a smaller company and can get away with toeing the regulatory lines. Their 430/500RR-S bikes are good to go from the showroom floor. No ECU flashing, no aftermarket pipes, nothing. For only $1000 more than the stock Honda and way less than an EXC500, the Betas are a no brainer considering they are gtg out of the box.

[@EmazingGuitar]

@@FuzedBox it’s a Honda. You’re paying for reliability. They are practically bullet proof

[@FuzedBox]

@@EmazingGuitar Cookie cutter fanboy talking point. I grew up riding Hondas. It was true then. The problem is Euro 4 and the EPA; Honda did not do enough R&D to mitigate their perfirmance-killing demands in this case.

[@trentderzerstorer1838]

A 12-tooth counter-shaft sprocket ? No, No, No... That's WAAYYY too small!

[@stephenmitchum5864]

@@FuzedBox I agree with everything you said Except you blamed the politicians, you have to remember they are just puppets of the people that put them in office. The real problem are the people that vote for them and pay their way into office.

[@brianlackie5093]

It made it more expensive and created emissions now we have to spend $12,000 on a bike with less power then what a 2-stroke CR250 would come with for 4500 bucks with inflation let's say 7,000 now you're spending 12 15000 on a bike that's probably slower

[@k9bud]

First time seeing one of your videos. I like the production, editing, and most of all .. the honesty. Well done.

[@liamfoley4452]

Love the videos man and don’t forget, with some warp 9’s and a gearing change that 300 2-stroke would be lots of fun on the street haha

[@markpatterson4495]

I felt the same way when I bought my 450l and had all the same issues. But, realizing there is not a perfect answer I hung in there with the bike. I agree with you about the money part as well. That being said mine is still bone stock outside of a seat concepts seat and a G2 throttle tamer. I have grown to love it. The bike is my favorite I had ever owned. I live in an area where I have to connect trails via blacktop to be able to ride any decent trails with it I can do that. I have ridden mx it allows me to do that and I go camping, adventure ride with it and slow single track. The flameouts stopped for me even in slow technical. I don’t know if it is that I have grown accustomed to the way it operates or the ECU has learned over time etc. etc. but like you said it will not be the best at any but I can do it all so it is the bike for me and I would recommend it to anyone that has my riding style. I did expect too much but like I said I wouldn’t trade it for anything after a few thousand miles but it had a large learning curve. Love the channel I watch all the bike rides especially the ones in the park. I love that type riding! Keep em coming

[@schelling53]

Throw a rekluse semi auto on it and i bet youll like it even more. I hate them for mx but for a 450L they should come with them imo

[@zanyblakespeed8314]

Flame outs stopped because you learned to ride the bike. The dude who made this video needs to learn to ride and not sell a bike because he stales it. This video is millennial BS. It’s the bikes fault!

[@HaydenCarmichael]

@@zanyblakespeed8314 agreed

[@motarded4214]

@@schelling53 Man, I loved it for MX. Off the gate in second or third, no shifting til the first corner and consistently getting those hole shots.

[@schelling53]

@@motarded4214 bro you arent pulling mx holeshots on a 450L

[@randallwhite9015]

I have the crf 300l and it is awesome at 60 years old. Bigger back sprocket for lower gearing. No stopping this bike.

[@erichenke8444]

All I needed to hear, thanks!

[@coberholtzer08]

I have to agree with your comments. I have three bikes, they all do very different things. One for high speed road, one dual sport, and a Honda PCX150 which is perfect for zooming around town. I like them all, and all are quite different. Enjoyed the video.

[@alexp6409]

“Slow bike fast” is the reason I just downsized from a z900 to a Cb300r, having a lot more fun in it so far for a number of reasons. Also, I think the video where you and your folks bought the four Groms was one of the first ones I watched.

[@ripmax333]

And you may be surprised how many bikers miss the fun to ride a Small 300 to its full potential instead to 900 were many times you cant give full gas. All because of a man’s ego “ I need a Big Bike to feel that I’m a Man” but people who live in US i dont blame them, you have such beautiful big open roads were I in EU and a small country a 900 feels like overkill, still some feel that a 250 or 125 are ridiculus so a 900 is a must.

[@DB-sd3cw]

The z900 is the most boring "fast bike" you can buy so that doesn't really make sense lmao

[@michaelm.3641]

The WR250R is in a pretty good spot amongst dual sports, it’s a shame you never got it. Fingers crossed the WR300R comes out soon.

[@leestuart38]

If I inspired one wheelie, I'm happy about that. Thanks for the mention dude!

[@AdventureDaily]

Hell yes!! Awesome you found this.

[@markschultheis9522]

Really enjoyed the post Thanks a lot for sharing. I can really relate because your goals and background for enduro riding are spot on with mine. My situation is that I have to do it all with one bike. I outgrew a WR250R and went with the 2016 Huskey 501. Great bike all-around, but my experience with the low RPM stalling is similar is some situations. I'm looking for mods to help solve the problem but don't want change the gearing to a lower end. Right now I find myself just riding the tight stuff faster and enjoy ripping it on flat-outs on the 501. The best I have ridden is my buddy's tagged 2020 WR250F. It is about the best setup for tight enduro riding that I have experienced. But he has 8 motorcycles.

[@eclectic3618]

2019 G310GS Stage 2 Rally Raid with knobbys does the trick for the most part, a narrower front tire would be nice though.

[@eamh2002]

Pretty heavy bike though for a 313cc

[@davefouquette4192]

Vortex ignitions are a huge step up. It’s like removing the governor. A pipe would help as well. I’m wondering if a TwinAir Powerflow Kit would help the flame out. I ride motocross, but same overall concepts should apply. Cool bike, best of luck!!

[@censored4christ162]

Im not about it. It looks good to the eyes its bad on the wallet. You start throwing all these aftermarket parts on i cant afford that man

[@TroyCollier]

Great video.. I had my eye on one with dreams of riding to the moto track and doing some laps on it then ridding home. The fly swatter to the face was the best thing on youtube.

[@twist3dbu7cher]

Hello great help in choosing. Looking fir the same thing. Going to look at your vids fir team orange stuff and see what you came up with. Thank you for posting!!

[@robmontes8912]

I went thru the same exact thing bro. I loved my 450L but it was a little annoying dropping serious cash on parts and maintenance. I sold it for 10,500 because I needed the money. I'm good with my FZ07 for the next while. I'll buy another dual sport in the future 🤟

[@FredsFullThrottle]

Came here expecting a fairly jaded, one sided tirade. Watched the whole thing, and you gave a very balanced, fair, objective and well argued stance on the bike. Nicely done sir!

[@AdventureDaily]

Thank you Fred!

[@casualrider9435]

Thanks, Nice to hear a knowledgeable review of the 450L

[@drevil2783]

Dude i stumbled upon this channel. Like it a lot

[@sonofasausageking9267]

Dude your videos have always been on point, the content led me to my first dual sport buy (crf250l). I had the same experience with the 450 and ended leaving the dealership with a 500exc. Needless to say, I am way happier with my Ktm. Love team red but man orange has this category figured out.

[@JohannesDalen]

Very interesting. Once I feel its time to upgrade my DRZ, I’m going to look closely at the EXC lineup!

[@toothasaurus]

Bruv, I have owned 12 bikes and my 500exc is by far my favorite. Sucks with highways but that’s ok.

[@danielhicks5031]

It’s the best dual sport lineup ever. I got 2017 250 exc f. Perfect for me. For those that want more go to the 690 enduro which should just be the next excf bike after the 500. And then u want even more go 790 adventure. KTM has something for everyone

[@sam_s_]

Love orange bikes and Orange Man.

[@TheGardenSnake]

No man, one bike to rule them all… mediocrely. Gone from a DRZ400S, plated wr450f, plated xr650r and now a crf300l. Weird transition of motorcycles but I think this simple and cheap 300 will be great.

[@notsocrispy4506]

The mt0tenre700 can do it all

[@cameroncole4211]

Beta 390 or 430 RRS. It took the Italians to get it done but they did. A plated relatively light dirt bike built for trail riding. Tractor like power and capable all the way up to interstate speeds... as much as a 265lb wet motorcycle can be at high speeds.

[@Toddwith2dogs]

So I bought a new CRF300L and its super duper. However, I miss the power of the DRZ400S I had. However, its much easier to ride than the DRZ. Great for highway but not freeway. And the CRF floats over everything. Love it!

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

Looking forward to your 300 stuff, enjoyed the MT07 stuff.

[@ganuvien]

The 300s have such a good maintenance schedule too which is nice for a 2nd or more bike in the stable. I'm wanting to get the Honda or Kawi 300 so I can have a cheap 2nd plated bike to enjoy some minor offroading since I no longer have dirt toys. Although with WR250r being discontinued I'm very tempted to wait and see if Yamaha brings a WR300r to the table(Hopefully with quality suspension).

[@Dave.S.TT600]

2:54 LOL Bahhaha!!! Love it. I subscribed as soon as i saw this. (usually takes me 6 mths of regular viewing)

[@carsongallegos5211]

I have a Husky FC450 Rockstar Edition. Putting a Rekluse Auto Clutch is an absolute game changer. Bike will never stall (unless cold) And can still take the abuse of riding track and trail, and its my first 450 I've owned after 3 250F's and by far my favorite bike so far. A worthy investment imo.

[@wetlifesports]

Yes, seems like the rekluse is the answer

[@snupermoto723]

That's why i've loved my DRz for so long, like me it's "mediocre at everything", but always ready for a good time.

[@matthewstrangwood8463]

Another DRZ rider ! Nice to see When I worked at honda I rode a 450 and it was gutless That's why I love the DRZ plenty of guts for a.bit if fun

[@0xsergy]

Weighs the same as a 450L anyway, for the cheap price by comparison it's definitely the way to go.

[@enigmaticnomadics]

I've always heard great things about that bike. I have a modded-to-my-taste XR400 and have given up on ever wanting to be a hot rodder anymore. Mine is perfect for me but would love an e start sometimes. Party on!

[@johnnyofast5924]

Glad I kept mine after my husky experience. Ol faithful.

[@jadinwemette8251]

Awesome video, I was really interested in this bike and you covered all my questions perfectly. I have a 2015 suzuki dr650se and it's awesome, so far I've only replaced the sprockets and chain (14t/42t 520), the stock silencer for a dg v2, and put Dunlop 606 on front and rear. In total I have about $5750 into it between purchase price used and parts I decided to put on. the title says its weight is 345lbs. and there's times I can feel the weight when going through certain terrain. It also just reached 12k on the odometer and it feels like it could last forever. It's a really great dual sport bike that seems to do it all and I grew up also doing a lot of trail and pit riding as a kid and later on had a couple street bikes a 250 and a 600. My cousin has the xr650l and we've switched out a couple times to test the differences and I love how the xr feels when sitting on it and the positioning with some pro taper bars and the gearing of the 5 speed seemed perfect at 15/45 for that bike in my opinion. Right now I'm trying to decide whether or not to try and trade my dr for the xr but it's solely due to the feel of the bike when sitting on it. Everything else to me between the bikes are super similar in the regard that they could probably run forever on their stock parts and that they can crawl through anything and be fast enough everywhere else with really their weight being the only slight downside. I think I'll stick with my 650s now after watching your video, thanks

[@cazsomething9433]

Liked for the fly hope he made it! Good content!

[@distilledfreedom1840]

I was debating this, ended up with the Husqvarna 501. Being my first bike I was clueless. 60 hours in I am so glad I did. I've never ridden anything else, couldn't imagine less power, or more weight. Now I'm a moto addict.

[@jasonmount76]

I traded my 2015 Yamaha Raider and my 2020 CRF250L for my 2021 CRF450RL. Got the Vortex and FMF, and she's a spicy meatball. Absolutely love the bike. She ain't for everyone, but she's perfect for me! Great content bro, keep em coming! 🇺🇸💪🏻

[@0xsergy]

If all you do is local the 1000km oil change is fine. It's only extended trips where that becomes a hassle.

[@jdubya-fh6mv]

It's the perfect bike for me too.. I zip up and down country roads and through trails right back on to country roads.. then even some highways to get to the next set of trails. Love my red dragon.

[@plutonium76]

2:55 had me cracking up so loud. That was hilarious with the fly. You're on point with the bike and it's weakness. 👍

[@barnyardbrio7597]

I learned something! thank you!

[@AdventureDaily]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cr4zyw3ld3r]

Do you think a rekluse clutch would fix most of the slow speed issues you were having, since it seems like the stalling aggravated you the most with this bike? Or was it more to do with fueling? Seems from some of the forums some folks have started talking about the accelerator pump linkage etc

[@MikeyV89]

You should talk about the maintenance too, what deterred me from order a 450 over the 250, wasn't price but the amount of oil change and other maintenance involved when compared to the 250s insane intervals.

[@bretthoffman2128]

Like you mentioned it’s good at a lot of things, so that’s just how it works The more you optimize it for one or more tasks the less it will be able to perform others as well as it does now

[@mrmackee123]

I don't know you or your channel but after that fly incident I am a subscriber for life🤣😂

[@aaroneslinger7968]

I had this flame out issue on my FI quads. A full trail machine that sucks on the trail. Super lean and constant flameouts on a bone stock bike. Add a fuel controller and exhaust and its rideable. Its BS that they come this way from the manufacturer. Thanks for the insights on this bike, I've gone back and forth over getting one for a while. I think I'll go with a DRZ.

[@connor3288]

Raptor 700?

[@krp-xe3hw]

I don't know if it's just a honda thing or what but I've noticed some fueling issues in my recent FI honda bikes. The first one was a cb650r. The bike had a massive dead spot in mid range revs and would come back to life around 7000 rpm. I would say from 4000 to 7000 it just felt weak, as if it just fell flat after a strong initial pull. I sold that bike and bought a brand new 2019 africa twin. With the AT only having 2 cylinders the fueling problems were much more noticeable. Sometimes, shortly after startup, the bike will miss a few times. I primarily notice it on cold starts or if the bike has been sitting in the parking lot all day after a cool morning and a very hot afternoon. This only happens for about 30 seconds after starting and it's only every once in a while. Once on the road that familiar dead spot I felt on the cb650r is prevalent on the AT from about 3000 to 5000 rpm. Only after riding for about 10 minutes does my AT seem to correct the fueling issue and all is well (and yes I always let my bikes warm up before riding). The AT will also "flame out" if you make consecutive short snappy throttle movements at very slow speed. I think this is all a part of emissions standards. Honda makes these bikes run so lean! My xr650l, which has Dave's mod on the carb, runs quite a bit more smoothly than my modern honda FI bikes! A quick look on the AT forums tells me that I'm not alone but Honda states that this is "normal". I love my AT but our relationship is like dating that dream girl with an unbearable laugh.

[@KX220R]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video. I just started looking at the RL because I'll be retiring in a few years and have purchased some land in central Florida where we want to spend Winters. If you get bored some time and look at my channel you'll see that most of the riding I do in Maine is in tight, rough trails. When I got looking at the terrain in Florida, especially around the Bronson area, it's almost all flat, sand and sand mixed with clay dirt roads. Apparently most of the legal off road riding would need to be done with a license plate. I can see from your experience that the RL would likely suck for what I do in Maine but I was wondering how you think it would do on pavement and flat dirt roads. We recently purchased a used class A diesel pusher motor home to live in down there. I'm going to tow my pickup truck from Maine to FL behind it. I'd like to have something like a CRF450RL in the back of the truck to use when we get down there. My truck is a gas hog so I'd like something fun to zip around on the park roads with and shoot to the store for small items. I've ridden a DRZ before and was disappointed with the power and the weight. Will I be disappointed with a CRF450RL considering the Bronson, Florida riding conditions?

[@backwoodslogging8443]

The old Xr400 does it all bit heavy sometimes but you get around that over time . Great video all up!

[@petewebb5149]

First one to do a cbr300 engine swap into a crf250l and also with upgraded suspension, pipe and the usual mods to make it more dirt worthy...went to a TE630 for some adventure rides and then changed to a WR250R with re-valved suspension and a Rekluse clutch. Best bike I have ever owned. It's my unicorn and every single time I ride it I think about how good it is, whether its on a twisty mountain road or in the trails and I have zero desire for a crf300l or any other bike.

[@jondotcom8706]

Great video! I have a 300l and it’s a tad heavy, but awesome. Had wanted a 450l before I knew what terrain I’d be riding and so glad I picked the 300!! Of course the 300l feels light compared to my Africa Twin 😂

[@chrishart8548]

Once you get used to the weight of the Africa twin. You almost end up throwing the 300L when you go to move it.

[@jondotcom8706]

@@chrishart8548 yeah, I described the 300l as “a big mountain bike” after riding my ATAS!

[@natespencer40]

@@chrishart8548 I felt that when I got my KLR 650. I was riding on a KLR 250. I haven't had the chance to ride the KLX 300s or Hondas. But the KLR 250 is close to a do all dual sport. It can get up to 86 mph. I just wouldn't push a 249cc single cylinder bike like that for too long. It can do 70 no problem. Low speed no problem. The 650, as much as I like it. The weight comes in and I realize something the KLR650 does better and the KLR250 does better than the KLR650. I'm trying to find the right in between 250 and 650 bike. From what I gather from video I'll enjoy the power but low speed technical stuff I like to do so the CRF450L is off the table. Maybe a CRF300L if I get the opportunity?

[@BrandonEph]

Beautiful riding techniques in the end, bro I’m learning how to log hop and you make it look so easy! Preload the shocks and hit the gas eh?

[@droptuned83]

Lets go Brandon.

[@GregHuston]

Best bike I ever had that could be ridden from my house to the trails was a plated XR600. Yup I did mod it with a FCR carb, spring upgrades, stator/lights and few other things, but it worked so well on all but the gnarliest single track. Because it was a Honda, got ALL my money back out of it (including the mods).

[@tandersen791]

Bigger Fly wheel weight. $100 completely changes that problem.

[@keshmo12]

Got a used 2019 450L with 500 miles and $5k in parts on it. I've put 4k miles on it in a year and it's been so much fun. I hardly ever ride my cbr600 now. I'm a trail rider and it does alright on the trails but it is a lot better on the race track. I've done a few Enduro races and it's a handful sometimes but most of the time it's my riding skills stopping me. But I like the 450L because it's a fun street legal bike. Hard to even compare it to a 300 2 stroke that isn't street legal. Having multiple bikes is definitely best. I'm looking at getting a 250-300 2 stroke just for the races.

[@stephenmitchum5864]

$5000 in parts?

[@keshmo12]

@@stephenmitchum5864 easy to put $5k in parts on a bike. Exhaust + ecu is $1500. Rekluse clutch is $1100. Tires + tubliss are $350. Suspension rework is $800. Adds up quick.

[@stephenmitchum5864]

@@keshmo12 where are you. The vortex is $750, spider clutch is $800 are you not in the USA. Did almost everything you can do to an L and it was around $2500

[@keshmo12]

@@stephenmitchum5864 USA. vortex is $750 and full exhaust is $800=$1500. My handguards are $170. The regular rekluse clutch is $800, auto is $1100. Luggage rack and bags are $500. Large 3G gas tank is $300. Seat concept seat is $300. Tubliss is $200. Tires $200-300. Skid plate is $150-200. Fender eliminator kit is $100. Has the $100 uniflow air filter performance kit. Front springs and rear springs are $300+$500 revalve. Radiator guards are $150. Emissions delete is like $60. Had $100 graphics kit on it. $300 baja light. Zeta chain guards. Flexible levers and foot controls. G2 throttle tamer. Don't need it all but probably $4000-5000 all said and done.

[@stephenmitchum5864]

@@keshmo12 I see, as a past Motorcycle dealer there are a lot of thinsg that I take for granted that people do, so I understand. I consider all tires chains, clutch tubes and a few others to be ware parts and would never consider them part of a build or only the difference. There are other things in your build I would never consider either because OEM is better or they can be done for free or for much less. Although I do see where you are coming up with your total now, thanks

[@jasonbull179]

I've just subscribed for the fly battle, and I'm thinking of getting a crf300

[@yothatscrazy]

Good info!

[@alphawolf2993]

I spent 6k on my dr650 with tons of aftermaket mods. It's unreal, amazing singletrack bike.

[@ShadleBuilt]

I have a 2019 450L. Maintenance sucks, but I’ll deal with it. I bought it used for $8300, absolute steal. I also bought an emissions delete kit, thermostat delete, vortex tuner, yoshi exhaust. It is now an MX bike with a plate. Super happy with it!

[@beefquiche]

Doesn't the yosh exhaust already come with an emissions delete header pipe?

[@ShadleBuilt]

@@beefquiche no. Emissions delete means that you delete the charcoal canister and stuff like that

[@beefquiche]

@@ShadleBuilt thanks man, I need to try and translate this to a Thai mechanic, all the advice helps 👍

[@connor3288]

Why delete thermostat? Makes no sense to me. Helps engine warm up faster and stay at right water temp.

[@codypow2713]

Hey man great video im sure, i was too distracted trying to figure out if you had eyebrows or not to listen. Thanks anyways

[@tojowally4899]

man, you speak to me from the soul. I also had the 450L and planned to do the same as you did. But the engine is so tight, it's really no fun. To get the bike run properly the Vertex and exaust is a must have. I wasn't ready to invest the money and with this modification its illegal in Europe. I sold my CRF 450L after 5 month.

[@WMAuburnMustang]

Had the '19 version and had the exact same issues. Flameouts, stalling and the dang weight. Holy cow its heavy. I too wanted a do everything bike, it just didnt want to be a single track bike. Great on double track where speed is generally faster, any sort of technical stuff and it struggled. So added Vortec ECU, Pro Circuit exhaust, rear fender delete, rekluse, pillow top grips, seat concepts, all of which made it run better and easier to ride, but did nothing really to lose any significant weight. So, it just didnt work for me, sold it and bought a KTM 350 EXC-F. Its somewhere around 40 lbs lighter and plenty of power. Love it. Now team orange.

[@davidsalo8397]

Love my 350 exc too. Yes, it needed performance mods too. But now it's a go anywhere dual sport. Just keep it under 60 on the pavement. I'm done riding heavy dual sports in the dirt!

[@mattblyther5426]

my xr650l does it all, granted tight trails can be a little hairy where its so tall but it never stalls at slow speeds.

[@hughstewart547]

Came here to say this. Lol

[@motokev2727]

Those XR650L go forever. I swear they get 100 mpg.

[@mattblyther5426]

@@motokev2727 lol yeah i got the ims 4 gallon tank and i get between 147-157 miles to a tank. its also desnorkled, xr only super trapp exhaust, dynojet needle and spring, jetted and a uni filter. basic mods lol

[@mattblyther5426]

@Clay Studtman have had a built crf230f I used to trail ride quite abit. The 650l weight doesn’t bother me at all. I’m not a fan of the newer 250r-450r bikes either. Constant maintenance on those newer bikes is a headache. I got 20k miles on my 650l with just 2 valve adjustments and oil and oil filter changes every 1.5-2k miles

[@brykevans60]

Great vid, honest take. Love the fly interaction.

[@andy3d1]

I’ve been down this road with my WR250R. By the time I’d rebuild it with new suspension, exhaust, tune it spent more that the Ktm is originally wanted. Now I have my Ktm exc 500 and love it.

[@mohamadkenaiou7647]

Bought a 450L and rode it for about a thousand miles, installed vortex ecu and Yoshi exhaust which totally transformed the bike and mAde it feel like a real 450, still didn’t change the fact that thing was 300 pounds and was not fun to wrestle around on the trails. Much more happy with my Ktm 450 that’s a bout 60 pounds light and way faster

[@monte129]

The ktm costs 30% more .

[@mohamadkenaiou7647]

@@monte129 the Ktm was about 1000 bucks more and worth every penny. Ktm is by far the easiest bike to work on as well.

[@LolliWANG505]

@@mohamadkenaiou7647 nah there def harder and more expensive

[@GDFSTi257]

This makes me feel better about my 300l that I’m riding the snot out of. The suspension sucks, but I weigh 135lbs and make the most of it. It runs great on the low speed stuff and with all the protection on it, I’m able to beat it like a red headed step child.

[@gangstakoolaidman3811]

Lmao

[@Makelifehappennow]

No way. The 300l is underpowered unless you are a smaller person.

[@evanwilliams1081]

Lol the old release a fly in the face gag for a laugh on the video, gotta love it

[@jeffromoto874]

Spot on review. I too thought the new Honda was the dual sport I needed. Probably saw and read the same reviews you did. And, it was a Honda after all. Rode a few... but went to My local dealer who I knew during covid who had the Honda 450L test rode it and a husky FE501

[@sickunit2096]

Just a random guy’s .02 cents… I bought a 2019 CRF450L for $8600 out the door at the end of 2019. $750 for the Vortex ECU/map switch, about $250 on good quality DOT dirt tires, $180 on a Seat Concepts “comfort” seat cover and foam, $315 on a 3 gallon IMS tank, and $75 on a pair of Acerbis Rally-pro bark-busters. That’s $10,170 for a nicely set up 450L. Well worth it. Strictly for skill reference value, I raced B Vet class hare scrambles on the east coast and finished in the top 5 of my class for two years. That’s nothing to brag about but I figure it’s a good reference in regard to riding level. This was on a 300cc 2 stroke Husky. Would I have raced on the 450L? No way. I would do an enduro and have done some challenging dual sport rides that included enduro a-loops. Tough on a big 450 but doable.

[@AdventureDaily]

Glad it was worth it to you! I'd like to get another one someday and give it a second chance.

[@dean754]

If you bought a $6000 bike and fitted the vortex and pipe, you would love it! It’s a whole different bike with those parts. I would never sell mine because it is the ultimate dirt bike for multiple uses. I don’t think you gave the original bike a long enough shot. You seem more concerned with the cost and that ,I think, put you off this bike. Mine is an absolute blast to ride in “opened up”spec, but as you said, it depends on what you’re going to do with it.

[@holmes1956O]

Ya he never have it a chance. It sounded like it was running lean. New fuel map lower gearing for the riding he wants to do and a recluse clutch to help keep him from stalling it out and he probably would have kept it

[@zachhogg641]

Thinking about getting one to throw a timber sled on.. think it would be a good setup for that with the parts you mention?

[@justrideusa3110]

@@zachhogg641 this bike will not disappoint, a few mods and this is a 20k mile bike without any issues and this bike will out perform most. Tank is small though so you'll want to bump up and if you are tall you'll bump up the rear spring to a 6.0. This is one negative opinion among an ocean of positive.

[@bobvincent4841]

Stinking pesky flies! Lol Awesome info and great video. Really appreciate knowing this. Thanks

[@bradfuller1667]

Great advice , I was thinking about the crf450L but now I may stick with team orange

[@motokev2727]

I'll stick with my XR650R. I bought it new in 2001. I did the uncorking and added a street kit to it. I've riden the hell out of that bike and still runs like new. Taken it on some wicked single trails with no problem.

[@erikeggenbakstad]

Big Red Pig all the way. Went to a Honda dealer to see if I should get a 450, I was stunned when I got the specs so I ditched that. I now have a 2003 low milage XR650R and I love it!

[@Stealth164]

Too heavy

[@Makelifehappennow]

@@Stealth164 I have a xr650l. Its the best for me for dual sport. My crf450x is my dirt bike go to. Plated so can hop from trail to trail on asphalt. Combined they cost less than the crf450tl

[@UTAH100]

"Big Red Money Pit!" Love it. I've been saying the exact same things about the KTM 350 EXC-F. $12k, then you basically have to spend another $2k getting it ride ready- ridiculous. If the bikes now being sold by some discount overseas manufacturers would up their quality even by ~30% (e.g., add name brand suspension, better stock tires, exhaust and tighter QC), the big manufacturers would have some very serious competition on their hands. They are just not there quite yet. They could even go from selling bikes for $2k, to charging $5k or $6k for quality machines provided they come stock with upgraded components. People would buy them. $12k is just too much to then have to upgrade. For that premium it better come ready to go.

[@slowsteve3497]

Good video. Have you ridden a drz400S. Just bought new one. Having fun with it.

[@sergiochico7931]

Excellent review .

[@onedragon7048]

Great video, but I think you would have been more satisfied with the bike if you had bit the bullet and just brought the mods. They really enhance the performance of the bike and brings it closer to the 450r race bike and the vortex ECU fixes the flame out problem . And gives you different maps to enhance performance to your riding style.

[@alext4124]

Fair statement but at the end of the day ECU's, MAPS and mufflers have nothing to do with the fact that the bike is 40lbs heavier than it should be.

[@NONO-hz4vo]

The bike is still a pig. An expensive one at that. If you are spending that kind of money the best dual sports are the KTM's. You get the 350 and it is far lighter and much faster revving. This is better on the slow stuff. If you want more speed get the 500. They did have the 450 in a street legal variation but that is too fast for slow riding. I love reliable bikes with good suspension. Yamaha had that nailed. Problem is the performance is so far from the KTM's and a large part of that is the weight. On tight trails that weight is killer, especially over long rides. If you want one bike to do everything it is going to come from Austria.

[@234234234werrrrrrr]

Great video, thanks!

[@freddyb9974]

Buying a 450 ***L*** model for technical trail use is pretty stupid....then you buy a skid plate and protection gear for a bike you cant trail ride with...then start looking for an aftermarket exhaust like that would have ANY effect on your issue. 🤦You could have bought a front sprocket -1 or -2 teeth for $20 and fixed all your problems. This is 100% rider error, and a good example of why you should educate yourself before purchasing ANYTHING...especially a brand new motorcycle.

[@Staeam]

Sick vid. I wonder how The opposite side of the spectrum is. Instead of low speed technical. High speed flat out

[@texlee1640]

You really have to go with the Vortex ECU and exhaust to get the most out of the bike, in stock form they are definitely restricted and you'll get a lot of flame outs. I liked mine a lot but I had nearly $10K in aftermarket on it when I sold it and if I had to do it all over again I'd likely go with a KTM500 or the Husky 501. Hydraulic clutches have their own set of issues, the Brembo and Magura's found on the Euro bikes have always been known to leak. Hell even the 890 ADV R doesn't come with a hydraulic clutch, they simply aren't needed but to each their own.

[@len9483]

Like the 2016 KTM 500 EXC. I see one for $8,000 with 4,000 miles. Do you think that is a good price for an Arizona bike?

[@NONO-hz4vo]

I have hydraulic clutches on both street and dirt bikes and never had an issue with them working, even the Magura's I had. The consistent pull is awesome and light which is great especially on technical rides. The downside though is you can't quite adjust it to fully disengage on a half pull. If both were available for the same price I would take the hydraulic every time.

[@texlee1640]

@@NONO-hz4vo for sure, more so regarding the magura on husky’s. My new 2023 KTM 500 EXC has a Brembo and it’s great

[@ssrc30]

The 450 looks like a decent bike but they start at $13,000 where I live. It's nice but I think my DR650 is probably a more capable bike as it'll go literally anywhere I want it to and it's only had a few minor cosmetic improvements.

[@pbear216]

The DR650 is not even close to an enduro bike. It is basically a road bike that can hit some trails

[@El_squidTX]

I subscribed as soon you killed that fly

[@ritayoung4752]

Get that fly!! 😂😂 Good video.

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Yes, I agree, having multiple bikes is the way to go. Never been a big fan of 4 stroke singles, but my KLR 650 is a pretty good do it all bike. For other riding, I have a KTM 300exc. And a few road bikes. Nice video 👍

[@dunesbra]

Wish I still had my 380. Had two different ones. Freaking loved those bikes. The 300 is pretty damn close though. Great bike as well.

[@JS-gp7mz]

Similar experience here. I bought a leftover 2019 for a great price and added the vortex, yoshi pipe combo. Coming from a DRZ400 saved a few pounds thinking it was going to be that all around bike you mentioned but it’s still a 280+ pound bike and was a handful in the woods because of the weight and quite honestly with the vortex still had an on/off throttle feel although the vortex did stop the flameouts. I didn’t go orange but went down the Beta 300rr road and at this point wouldn’t turn back. A bike that is 60 pounds lighter is very noticeable and today’s 2 strokes have very linear power that you don’t need to be on the pipe for all the time but the power is there when you need it. Oh and then there is the clutch pull, I am with you there, a bike that expensive should come with a hydraulic clutch. Honda’s new race bike does but they didn’t add it to the 450rl.

[@michaeldavison430]

Was also looking at the 450l after having a 650l for a long time. Ended up on a Beta 300rr as well and couldn't be happier. Obviously it's not a great road bike but for connecting trailheads legally on the road it's amazing and off road it's on a different level all together.

[@0xsergy]

Lol, try an adv. I downsized to a dr650 and it feels like a bicycle by comparison. Still heavy, especially once you start leaning..

[@michaeldavison430]

Oxsergy, give one of the current 300 2 strokes a try. It's like a drug they are so good.

[@captainamerica9353]

J S , just curious where you got your Beta, how is the dealership and any problems? I'm considering an X-Trainer and want to plate it, to allow access to local trails. I have old, and some newer bikes but like the idea of having a modern, street legal 2 stroke!

[@captainamerica9353]

@@michaeldavison430 , how do like your Beta and the dealer?

[@dave8456]

Reminds me of back in the 80's. Bought an RM125 and tried hard using it as a trials bike. It's high speed transmission in slower speeds made for tricky riding. You are right, no perfect bike for multi conditions.

[@robertmatejka7573]

I bought a 21 r.l. 47k out the door used. It already had the five gallon tank and Tusk panniers and soft bags. I felt like it was a really great deal. I wrote it stock on fast-flowing dirt roads felt fine but it would flame out at low speeds. So I purchased and Athena ECU and a full Yoshimura exhaust system. I also replace the tires with kenda's Trackmaster. So now I've got ten Grand in the bike, and it's the best dirt bike I have ever owned. It handles superbly. And has more power than I want to use on the dirt. I also own a 2022 KLR, so this bike feels like a featherweight to me. Personally I love it

[@santaon2wheels600]

Thanks for the honest review. I was also considering the 450RL as the most practical option (price, parts, papers) with limited choice here in Thailand. But will definitely go for a KTM/Husky 300 or 350 now.