I Took a Stock Honda CRF450RL Enduro Riding - It Didn't Go Well (EP.3)

[@BigRockMoto]

➕Yes, I know the stalling can be fixed by installing an ECU and exhaust. However, that's over $1,000, and this isn't even my bike, it's a loan from Honda. Plus, that makes it non street legal... in some areas. I want to test this bike as Honda delivers it. (PS: my 2024 Husky 501, and new 2024 KTM 350 - they don't stall with the factory ECU and have great power, plus 40 lbs lighter...) 🏍CRF450RL Upgrades: ⚡Motool Slacker Suspension Tuner: tinyurl.com/4pnkzcea ⚡Tusk Tire Gauge: tinyurl.com/3jtah74d ⚡Oil Change Kit: tinyurl.com/y457nham ⚡Handguards: tinyurl.com/mwz4ceva ⚡Tusk Preload Adjuster: tinyurl.com/mryw7fpc ⚡Tusk Tubes: tinyurl.com/ms5ezbap ⚡Rim Locks: tinyurl.com/ysswttd9 ⚡Doubletake Mirror 2.0: tinyurl.com/4pf9jx53 ⚡Seat Concepts XL: tinyurl.com/37yf8vt9 ⚡Tusk Waypoint Tires: tinyurl.com/6kbrrumb ⚡Throttle Tamer: tinyurl.com/4tajrjrv ⚡Olympus Tank Bag (sm): bit.ly/3yfaQbi ⚡Traverse Panniers: tinyurl.com/4ekvhkux 🏍TODAY’S GEAR: ⚡MSR Legend Pants: tinyurl.com/28tc7p7y ⚡MSR Legend Jersey: tinyurl.com/4dejerju ⚡MSR Legend Gloves: tinyurl.com/bdzjy57a ⚡ Alpinestars Tech 7 Drystar Enduro Boots: tinyurl.com/dshvhr7y ⚡Arai XD4 Helmet: tinyurl.com/4j8rkx8x ⚡ LEATT Dual Axis Knee Guards: bit.ly/3twN8Fu ⚡ Klim Aggressor -1.0 Base Layers: imp.i104546.net/Jz69We ⚡ Alpinestars Tech Air Off Road Airbag: imp.i104546.net/9g0avY ⚡ Mosko Moto Wildcat 8L Backpack: tinyurl.com/3kud2bdh ⚡ Klim Vented Sock : bit.ly/3TsGegD ⚡ DJI Osmo Action 4: amzn.to/48O1F2b ⚡ DJI Osmo Pocket 3: amzn.to/3Pcqeik ⚡ DJI Mini Pro 4 Drone: amzn.to/3WKU6a2

[@powertrip1050]

fair and relevant comments...why pay the extra?

[@leanit5756]

Those changes (ECU and / or exhaust) make it illegal within the entire federation. EPA laws for emissions and sound are federal. They not be currently enforced, and some States are happy to ignore violators, but it still puts one at possible risk of future problems. For this reason I think it smarter to buy the off-road version of a bike if you live in a State where to can get it plated, and then, get it plated. That way you didn't break any laws, it was probably cheaper, and the bike's output is likely better than you are going to get on a DP bike that you modify. Or just buy a KTM EXC-F and run it stock. Despite being corked up and quiet, they actually run pretty good.

[@clvrswine]

They won't ship the ECU to California.

[@vnsfxr]

At 69 yrs old I really hate those rocky trails that look like a dry river bed.......I was smiling the whole time watching you keeping the language "G" rated!

[@racecastle]

Still does not fix it. Evened modded 450ls suck for low end power

[@AliasTekTV]

The stalling is not an ECU issue lol. The idle MUST be set to 1800-2000rpm, more towards 2000 if you're doing stuff like this. The throttle body is an Idle Air Bypass type, meaning when you let the throttle close, it is completely closed. The Idle Air circuit is then metered by the bypass orifice and set by the Yellow Knob. The ECU swaps won't change this. Second, the camshaft has a flying weight that activates the decompression mechanism for the RIGHT exhaust valve as you are sitting on the bike. If you listen, when it stalls there is a loud crack out the exhaust. This means the weight flew forward and engaged the pin to hold the valve open, and it fired. When the bike is NEW with little to no heat CYCLES, the spring has enough tension to pull it forward at low RPMs (under idle speed). Once you put miles and heat cycles on it, it will lose this extra tension and stop doing it. Go read forums, everyone says it stops after some time. This is why, and it's not a new issue. It's been a thing since the 2013 generation engine. Honda did in fact change it up for the 2021+ CRF450R/RX bikes. This is not a bike for slow, rock crawling type trails. It's a LOW MASS engine, it's designed to spin fast, and spin quickly. If this is what you're looking for, something like a 300L with some gearing changes or a 250F is much better for this. Also, the X model spark arrestor will bolt right into the exhaust. It's a larger pipe and isn't really expensive. The tiny 22mm outlet does choke the bike a bit after 7500rpm. Doing this and taking the lid off the airbox will net you 2 or so extra horsepower.

[@controlledfreakr]

Well said

[@xsr_dirt]

Man that was a long winded excuse.

[@dantrimble2495]

Interesting.

[@AliasTekTV]

@@xsr_dirt I don’t see how this is an excuse. You are more than welcome to express your findings or opinion. I can see the software and have two heads and camshafts in my possession so…

[@jnagano9409]

Correct on the idle adjustment. I had to raise the idle on 23 fe350S it’s bone stock and can ride technical no problem. As for top speed my lady on her xt250 will leave me in the dust. I am leaving it stock for now I have a 2020 300XC for harder trails. I love the FE 350s it’s like a light nimble, responsive Drz400s. I have one of those for when my 56 year old body says just relax just hang on and keep the throttle cracked your too old, fat, and broken to ride fast. I would love to try the Honda I think as you stated a few adjustments and it would be rideable. Thanks for the decompressor info.

[@mikeisland7382]

This type of riding is where the 450L really benefited from a Steahly flywheel weight regardless of having a fueling solution or not. Also buy a cheap tach and turn your idle up to 1850rpm until your engine is broken in. Turn the yellow cold start knob counter clockwise to raise the idle. With the 100% fuel cut on this bike it needs to try to catch itself sooner rather than later.

[@SirOsisofLiver]

That trail looks more suited for a GasGas TXT GP 250 than a dual-sport. Major props for being persistent.

[@roysyntageros4191]

Ian, WELL DONE!! At 62 I have decided I cant be doing that kind of riding anymore, but you know what I am happy about that I gave it a crack when I was younger. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@rshawiii]

I had to cut it short and jump to the end. Too much of an Endurance for me. The huffing, puffing, cussing, and suffering made for a great video. Pretty much convinced me that the 450 won't be the upgrade from my KLX250. I've gotten in over my head a few times. You helped convince me that I probably should stick to trails that can be done in a stock jeep without a winch. Keep up the good work.

[@emerikcalmels3971]

To nuance things : upping your idle would probably have spare you half your stallings. And those harder trails demand fine clutch control. And this bike is ingenired for top efficiency and behaviour at high rev

[@JBGeoscience]

Ian, thank you for a very transparent commentary on the CRF450RL. Personally, buying a motorcycle that requires an expensive modification (ECU) straight out of the box sends the wrong message to the manufacturer, distributor and local retailer. Fix it and I will buy one. Don't fix it and it becomes a mater of principal. Thanks

[@clvrswine]

They run lean to comply with ever-tightening emissions rules. Fix it? There is nothing to fix. This is the state of things for these bikes. It's up to you to adapt to that throttle.

[@jasoncee666]

Many other Honda's don't have this issue and neither does a WRF 450 of the same class, so yeah FIX IT!

[@Sventy11]

Had a new one on 23 and got rid of it in 23. Annoying and hard to ride. Needed oil changes every 5th time it needed fueled. Don't miss her.

[@coryclement2046]

The WR450 is not street legal. ​@@jasoncee666

[@Thanatos2996]

@@jasoncee666they can’t, it’s a consequence of the emissions detune. If you want them to be able to ship with a good map, take it up with the EPA, there is nothing Honda can do about it while keeping the bike street legal.

[@danb6497]

That's exatly what I ask myself when I ride my dirt bike: what am I doing here? Suffering midprocess, smelling like a hobo afterwards, falling, sweating, hyperventilating.. Sometimes I just want to ride my adventure bike and forget about all this, but I keep coming back

[@brumfiba]

Type 2 fun

[@ggs0605]

Your comments while riding were hilarious and conveyed the difficulty of the trail!

[@mikeob6410]

I looked at the CRF450RL and compared it to the Betas. After purchase and upgrading the ECU the price difference was negligible. The local dealer had a Beta demo day, and I was able to ride all of the bikes (2 and 4 stroke). I ended up with the 350RR-S. It runs strong and clean, and it feels much lighter than the larger displacement models. It feels like the ultimate 250F cheater bike, but you don't have to scream the motor. I balanced the wheels and ride it everywhere from fire roads to single track. It's a keeper.

[@defaultuser3410]

I can imagine the Honda rep watching this video, shaking his head, and crossing Ian's name off the press bike list.

[@rc51bigdaddy]

I am 67 and that riding does not look like something I would remotely enjoy anymore. i considered a CRF450RL but instead went for a new heavily discounted Gas Gas ES500. Glad I did! No stalling issues with the Gas Gas so far but I have not ridden it where you rode and doubt I ever will. Thanks for posting the video. That trail would be more fun on an electric mountain bike!

[@ridemfast7625]

Hows the es500 when needing to ride ~50 miles of asphalt to get to the dirt? Thinking about the crf450 only because I ride from the house to the trails throughout the Sierras and most complain about ktm/es500 vibrations....

[@thanhto3023]

Glad that you took the noise comments well. Moto noise make it feel much more connected to the videos. Nicely done. Wish i was half the enduro rider you are.

[@SALAMINIZER13]

Outta breath just watching lol. Good job Ian.

[@lukefish7562]

Thanks Ian! Your efforts are appreciated as always. Nice work riding and as a guy who rode his 450RL 7,000 miles before getting a new ECU from Taco Moto the bike will test your ability and sanity! Really like mine but regardless of that good work riding and sharing your thoughts. Ride safe. 🏍️💨

[@nighthawk695476]

Please keep it up with the affordable equipment on those bikes. I am tired of every youtuber having 1k $ mosko moto luggage and other stuff that most of us can't afford

[@michaelskinner896]

Props to you Ian. Those were challenging trails indeed. The camera tends to "flatten" everything and in reality, the terrain is much, much steeper and convoluted than it appears to the viewer.

[@THX5000]

One of the biggest problems with new motorcycles today is that you have to spend thousands modding them to fix all the problems.

[@dbender88]

blame the government emissions regulations for that

[@BlueThunder69NZ]

Looks like a frustrating day out. Good on you for persevering Ian! I had similar issues on my 2014 wr450f with dual sport tyres and stalling a lot. Not as bad by the looks of things, but annoying enough for me to make some changes. Main things to help were gearing lower (but then your motorway comfort goes out the window), pulling out airbox snorkel and pea shooter from muffler, lightened the cable clutch pull with moose racing lever and a couple of yz250f clutch springs, g2 throttle tamer, and tubliss rear to de-air the 50/50 tyres when at the trail. So I still spent money, but not as much as an aftermarket exhaust or ecu. But I still found I would occasionally stall more than I’d like. So next thing was adjust my riding style, keep the throttle cracked all the time, ride the clutch, and try to keep momentum. I think these last changes to myself were the most effective to keep the big bore thumper turning over. Then a better road legal knobby tyre helped

[@Kevimoto]

I applaud you on your stick-to-itiveness, Ian. Looks like you're more capable than the bike, at least in its stock form. No part of that looked like fun. Thanks for another excellent video. 👍

[@MarcosDiegos]

You got balls 👍🏽.. I was so happy half way thru the vid when u just STAYED on the gas! And let it do its thing

[@user-cv9my1jq2r]

Old dude here. When you said I don’t know how much the skid plate can take I was laughing and thinking. You’re getting ready to find out haha. Nice riding Ian. That stalling sucks. If I was riding and Miked up the entire video would be bleeped out. Looks like a good trials bike ride to me. You did awesome on that Honda. Keep em coming. Oh. Thanks for your hard work.

[@xray251]

Thank C.A.R.B for wrecking your day.

[@panodanno]

Excellent video. That stalling makes the ride an order of magnitude harder. I was feeling your pain!

[@advredbikes]

Thanks Ian for that awesome video. Don’t worry about your age. We can do what we can do,that Rocky Trail was crazy. Good for you in tackling it. Looking forward to the next one thanks a lot.

[@kh-vz2el]

Great content, I feel Honda is the right bike for anyone willing to mode it for there riding style and terrain of choice. Your a great rider and handled these trails well.

[@tarms1650]

Great looking trail! Glad you kept the review honest. I’ll stick with my WR250R for those on road and then technical rides.

[@olliechristopher467]

Thank you for sharing Ian. I've done John Bull and all those trails you mentioned in years past. Even attempted Big Bear Run. I've aged out of doing that stuff anymore.

[@Pompomgrenade]

The most impressive thing is that you negotiated the trail on. What is a street legal motorcycle! 🏍️ Impressive

[@tiberiulaurian7408]

Hi Ian, thank you for the excellent video. A lot of hardworking. Tons of respect for being able to go through that trail. It looks like Romaniacs to me :) Have a Honda CRF250L and I also find myself often in situations where I ask what the heck am I doing here :))

[@SpaceCowboy5555]

Great video, so much fun seeing the struggle. John Bull is epic and yes, it looks difficult in your video, but it's SO MUCH HARDER in real life. Much respect for the good attitude throughout. Would love to see more enduro content and trails. Also, I'm snagging a jersey through your link.

[@Vallecaucanisimo]

Yeah, it can be tough to pony up $12k or so for a new bike and have to spend another $1k to make it rideable offroad. With that said, the KTM and Husky have issues on their own and are just as if not more expensive than the Honda. There’s no perfect bike unfortunately. But hey! That trail looked awesome.

[@jeffosland5447]

Don't beat yourself up. Stock 450L IS NOT DESIGNED for that type of riding! Proper suspension goes a long ways. Revalved by race tech gold valves is a game changer! Need an updates ECU and you HAVE to learn to ride the clutch in the tight stuff on this bike, just how it is.

[@markbevans8564]

Ian, you get the 🏆 for perseverance on that bike on those trails, seriously.

[@toddsorel-pg4hr]

I have done stuff like that on my 72 Yamaha 360; tractor engine that doesn’t stall but the bike is let down by the suspension and brakes. I now have a Beta 200 and will be testing it out on the Northern California forest trails. Thanks for the content and reminder why I don’t buy heavy dual sport bikes for this purpose.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

I had an enduro RT360 about that time, great bike, then a DT400 another great bike. The RT was stolen, 22 years later I got a call from the cops saying they had confiscated it from a known criminal (amongst other cars, bikes, etc) and that I could come and take it back.

[@DerrickNedzelMtnBike]

Wow! That trail looked brutal! I only mountain bike, never a dirt bike, so I can only imagine, but a lot of those boulders looked massive. I could tell especially when you were going downhill - your front wheel dropped off into a huge hole on the downhill side. Excellent work getting thru it! I had heard the mapping was a problem, what a disaster! When Ben changed the ECU it seemed to completely solve it - would like to see if that fixes the issue for you too. Thanks for the great video - I really enjoyed. - Derrick form Colorado

[@russellborn515]

Good on ya for making the attempt. I expect tonight i'll have nightmares about attempting those rock gardens on my T7.

[@Hunter1st]

The xr650r (not xr650l) is 25+ years old and unfortunately due to all the dumb motorcycle restrictions is still a better dual sport than the best brand-new bikes honda is offering.

[@AliasTekTV]

Well yes, of course an engine with a lot of rotating mass will do better here. But you don't make a motorcycle to do rock gardens just like no new jeeps are going to do it. It's a desert racer or a track bike you can ride on the street.

[@wsl5585]

Enjoyed the video. The stalling is a teaching tool. The more time you spend riding difficult terrain should decrease the number of times stalling. I'm an old guy and having to kick start my bike was the teaching tool. Also, fold down those mirrors once you are on difficult terrain.

[@edwardreyes3540]

Well done , John Bull is tough , do you have an opinion on changing the flywheel 1st to stop the stalling, then lower the gearing , kenda tires. Stay safe and ride hard💪🤙🫵

[@duncdunc76]

LOL. I have empathy Ian! This is the kind of stuff I used to come across quite often riding in the WY mountians back in the day and it turns a great day of trail riding into entertaining sessions of brushing up on my profanity vocab lol. Luckily my XR400 is an old school beast and refuses to stall in most cases. Which is a godsend since Ive got to kick the beast. It took me a long time to learn to blast over as much of that stuff as possible so you float over the rocks. Although I know thats not always possible. Great realistic vid on low speed real world rock riding. You added some more clout to the chan name with this vid for sure. Big Rock Moto for sure in this one lol.

[@ridemfast7625]

Would be very interesting and helpful to see Ian ride his 501 on the same exact rock trails.

[@donkeizluv]

I thought he sold it

[@ridemfast7625]

@@donkeizluv I have no idea. He mentioned it in his first comment "(PS: my 2024 Husky 501, and new 2024 KTM 350 - they don't stall with the factory ECU and have great power, plus 40 lbs lighter...)"

[@lukefish7562]

Agreed

[@RobertMelton-u5x]

Try turning your idle up a little in the slow hard stuff.

[@upcountryoffroad2906]

For someone who doesn't spend a lot of time "rock biking" you did really well and especially dealing with all the stalling. I that is why Recluse auto clutches have been so popular, too bad they are kind of expensive.

[@ozzymandeous]

Hey Ian, love the channel and the content. Just want to say that IRC Tire channel has some great content on technique on how to ride these types of trails. Would love to see a cross over episode, but maybe it's because I am a huge fanboy of both channels.

[@Username-2]

The 450rl is basically a street legal baja desert race bike, it is not meant for low speed stuff and I’m not surprised it performed badly here.

[@howardbarker7768]

I would also be nackered doing that ride flameout definitely depletes your confidence kills the rhythm of the ride. Thanks for the content from New Zealander

[@emfl4437]

That was a rough trail, excellent riding. Thanks for sharing the info on the CRF450L

[@joelappin9735]

I owned one of these. Turn the idol up helps a lot. I had the heavy cluch basket and flywheel make huge difference. I also had the aftermarket ecu and fmf Q series pipe, and that made it a tractor. It takes some mods, but it's a pretty good off-road bike. I have a Sherco 300 2 stroke now. It is definitely better off-road, but it was definitely better on road. I did a lot of off-road with the 450l Moab South Dakota and around Seargeants in Colorado.

[@seisamigos397]

"Holy gosh darn it!" That's a new one on me. 😊 You did great! There's no way I'd even try to do that!! 👍

[@derekhastings8481]

Great video Ian. You’re too humble about your skill level. 2 things came to mind: 1) glad it wasn’t a GS 😂 and 2) thank goodness for a starter motor. You would have died having to kick start it 😂 Cheers!

[@outdoorkreations7051]

Great video. Off topic we talked before about me choosing between the 790 adventure r and tuarag. I chose ktm and bike has been at dealer 3 months waiting cams. Finally it's done waiting on ktm to release payment and hopefully goodwill all costs. Did you see the bulletin ktm releases about camshaft issues?

[@phoenixproject9393]

Local dealer had a used one for sale near my price range,glad I watched this. Will definitely be getting a beta instead

[@orionswitness]

Used to ride these sort of hills in Oz on a IT200L yes back in 1985😢…it was a high rev , instant wheelie great suspension Yamaha , but from memory I remember you didn’t idle , you feathered the clutch to prevent stalling . Even the IT 200 stalled on big hills if you didn’t use the clutch . But hey that was nearly forty years ago wouldn’t have the confidence now , nor a 110kg wet enduro road legal weapon that was the IT 200. End of fond reminice.😊

[@4CEYLON]

Wow ... Stall queen like my KTM 390 Adventure. (Even stalls coming to a traffic stop.) Thank you for the honest opinion.

[@SlowGoat54]

Those trails are hard. Nice sticking with it.

[@sspmoto]

You actually did pretty good on that (especially on that bike) as you know it's way harder than it looks on video. I've had 2 Honda CRF 450x's and they both ran the same way (I still have one of them - only because I've put so much money into it trying to get it to run right). What some folks don't realize watching this (based on the comments) is it's not you the rider - the damn things just stall and stall and stall on slow speed technical terrain. My KTMs (I have 2 four strokes and 1 two stroke) never stall like that. The WORST thing is, after my CRF stalls 20 times and gets hot (on that type of trail) it decides to stop starting. Then I'm totally F'd! For that reason I have learned - no can do on that type of trail. It only runs on fast open terrain period or it's a nightmare. I realize this the new L's are different than the older X's but they have the same exact characteristics which is a nightmare. I just don't think Honda has ever bothered to figure out how to make their dirt bikes run right given the EPA environment. I don't plan on ever buying another Honda dirt bike. KTMs (or otherwise) may not be perfect, but my own experience is I can go out on any one of my fleet and have a fun day but the Honda(s) always winds up F'ng up my day. Entertaining video Ian!

[@Username-2]

I mean why not just get a rekluse at that point?

[@sspmoto]

@@Username-2 I think you missed the point. The clutch is not why the bike stalls. Neither is the idle speed. The engine just doesn't want to keep running when it's loaded up on slow speed technical terrain clutch or no clutch.

[@Username-2]

@@sspmoto I can guarantee you that idle speed and clutch misuse are causing about 90% of the stalling issues. The rest can be fixed with ecu and fueling. I’ve ridden 450rls in technical terrain and none of them had stalling issues. Seems likely it is you that is missing the point if you haven’t been able to fix it and everyone else has.

[@sspmoto]

@@Username-2 Perhaps but I don't seem to have any clutch/stalling issues with my KTM's - without having to worry about fueling or ECUs.

[@Username-2]

@@sspmoto Because ktm generally uses higher mass more torquey engines. That means they are more forgiving and easy to ride at low speeds. The 450x is going to require some finesse to do something it really was not meant to do while all corked up. Or uou could just get a pipe and ecu which would fix all the issues and it still be cheaper than the ktm.

[@lexdfox]

Ian, id be curious to see what you think of the two mods i found to be the most effective outside of an ECU: an RSC clutch lever and the "throttle mod" dremeling out a channel in the throttles cam profile. Both mods will cost you about a tenth of an ECU. I bet it would make that trail a hell of a lot easier.

[@Rickmac22]

Definitely got a workout! What percent of your issues were stalling, what percent were tires?

[@dantrimble2495]

Guessing that Honda built this bike for dual sport road and gravel riding. Their thought is probably we make other bikes for hard enduro riding.

[@Michael_Shay]

Wow that stalling was insane. I don't often ride terrain like that but one of my favorite parts about riding is the flow state I get into and I would rip out all my hair and kick the bike off a cliff if I had those random stalls interrupting that. Especially in terrain where momentum is crucial. Dirt Bike Test did a video called, "Conquering The Big Bear Run Hard Route" and they're on pretty much stock KLX300s and CRF300Ls and I think they're in the same place you were at. That video is perfect if you want something to watch and make yourself feel bad about your skills as a rider. The way they ride those "entry level" bikes through that terrain is insane. It certainly reminded me that I've got a long long way to go. I do think this bike is kind of a sign of whats to come. It hasn't impacted KTM yet to the point where the bike is borderline unrideable in the stock state. But I do think we'll unfortunately see a transition into a time where a new pipe and an ECU are considered necessary mods for a lot of machines. Especially single cylinder machines.

[@BigRockMoto]

I daw their video, it was amazing. Those bikes also don't stall.

[@jasgsxr2726]

It looks easier to pick up than that Africa Twin you tried to ride enduro on 😂 It's great to see an honest approach to what we want to see thanks Ian great stuff💯👍

[@JeffChessher-dj4tu]

Thanks for the ride brings back memories of riding a Bultaco Pursang 360 in similar terrain, boy does that date me!

[@paul.vanhout57]

Hardcore trails far above my skill level. Have to agree that the 450 is not a trail weapon; great for dualsport and light adventure. Too bad Honda can’t figure out reasonable fueling as KTM/Husky are much better fueled out of the box.

[@orionswitness]

To be fair on the Honda the bikes front end was crossed up when stalling on more than one occasion , if you are revving low and the front gets turned , stalls do happen on any bike. Dropping the clutch on my 2 stroke IT 200L on such hills was always the go. Ok a 450 should have more torque , but I suspect feathering or dropping the clutch to gain momentum before revs drop too low has always been necessary. But being honest , this type of climb if you aren’t familiar with the hill prior , is going to be hard for 97% of riders.

[@paulireland6705]

Nice technical trail. Good job getting through it.

[@davidbabbitt106]

I had one and adding a Rekluse made it a more enjoyable enduro/desert single track bike.

[@itsboomtime]

Do you ever share your routes? I recently started going to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear for their mountain bike parks and I really want to explore the trails in the area but I don't know where to go. I usually just go to Rowher or Gorman.

[@mathiashammar1]

That idle sounds very very low. On regular street bikes twisting the throttle other way can cause to low of idle and stall the bike. Can you double the idle to around 1200 and I think your bike won't stall. Or make sure twisting the throttle back won't kill the engine.

[@jimtitt3571]

Stock idle is 1700-1800 RPM.

[@mikeisland7382]

Honda made a mistake not putting the 300L dash on this bike where people can see their RPM and correct it.

[@jimtitt3571]

@@mikeisland7382 A clip-on rev counter is something aa home mechanic should have, they only cost 15 bucks. The 450L still flames-out anyway, they always did, it's a fuelling issue.

[@AliasTekTV]

@@jimtitt3571 I have access to the ECU map. It's not a fueling issue as everyone says.

[@jimtitt3571]

@@AliasTekTV Well it's probably a combination of the airflow through the engine and a fuelling problem, not one single issue so airbox design, camshaft and exhaust. Not the first engine that's suffered from the air stalling at low speeds but for Honda with their four-stroke reputation to have not bothered to cure it is rather poor.

[@roycemartin9068]

I’ve stalled my Crf450rl twice I believe and both times were because I didn’t modulate the clutch like I should have. It’s all the user. Are some bikes easier to ride? Sure, but being efficient with your left hand is the key here

[@DmitriyAdv]

The CRF450L can do some gnar and is super capable in the right hands. A friend of mine has one and mostly solved the annoying stalling issue with an ECU, but it's still not quite as stall proof as a more legit enduro bike. However it did go everywhere my KTM 350 did (like gnarly Colorado singletrack), in some cases even more capably because it puts traction down so well.

[@jaytownjunkyardfiles1999]

Where is the 40lbs coming from over a KTM/Husqvarna? I ride mostly pavement and some dirt roads, is the Honda better than the DR650? I want a little more acceleration and maybe an engine that's a little more comfortable at 65 - 70 mph than the DR650.

[@leanit5756]

I had a new CRF450L. Best day was the day I sold it. Fueling bad, vibration horrible, seat horrible, suspension was way too stiff even on the softest settings (particulaly the forks) , and the flywheel was WAY too light. I ride a KTM 350 EXC-F now and really like it - bone stock except for SC comfort seat and KTM skid plate.

[@famous636]

That KTM is like $2500 more

[@leanit5756]

@@famous636 I bought a '24 about a month ago and they were discounted about $1,500 -$1,700 since the '25 models were showing up, plus there was no freight or setup fees. I believe I paid $10,700, plus tax and license/doc.

[@Insaiyanrider]

@@leanit5756 Yep, you can even find them cheaper. I found one for 10,000 out the door and I live in California.

[@pilotobob66]

Rode one day with a guy that the CFR450L and his comments were exactly the same as yours!

[@admoto77]

Why 350 not 450 , any particular reason . Thx

[@brucet1467]

I made it to 5:41 before I got annoyed with the random stalling. You sir are more patient then me. I would have turned around and not touched the bike until I fixed that ECU.

[@jasonclark4949]

Great video and review Sir. What bike ramps are in this video?

[@mikemerrill175]

You really have to love the Honda brand to buy this bike over one of the European offerings. Great review.

[@ddg9584]

How is it on the highway at 120km/h Does it stall easily at slow speeds How is it on dirt roads How is the suspension on decent woods How is the wind protection

[@southerndeth]

When I was looking for a new bike, I estimated I would spend about $6k on upgrades on the CRF. I opted for the KLX. I put $3k in upgrades on that bike. Total cost is around a $7k difference. The KLX only struggles on the highway in extreme wind.

[@MrEtnorb]

TacoMoto would be loving this episode.

[@MotoSouth]

Plans to run this with the Husky? It would be a good comparison for sure.

[@glossblack1098]

Ian - do that same trail on any modern two-stroke 300 Enduro bike. I'd be surprised if you stalled more than once or twice and you would totally nail it with your skills, safer and faster and more fun. Cheers

[@endurorideraja6766]

Do you think if you add a rekluse clutch, that would fix the stalling? i am sure it would make that hard enduro much easier Lol.

[@tman7449]

I really enjoy your content! Thank you!

[@colinlocke4190]

Well done. I did have a giggle at your puffing and swearing. Loved it.

[@samhill3496]

Shit on that rocky ass trail. There ain't nothing there worth seeing that fing bad. Man get hurt on that. Light flywheels and low torque will do you in. That's why it feels so good on the open road. Wonder how good one of the auto shift transmissions would do on that bike. Good place to try it. To old to get hurt on this deal. Hard to get well when you are older. Felt good watching the ride from my comfortable chair. That is a hard place. I been around it years back. Good vid, be safe.

[@tracythorleifson]

You got some big brass ones, going up that _goat track,_ old man! 😃❤️

[@JasonRidesmoto]

Probably the most hated Dual Sport on the interwebs... CRF450L

[@mikeisland7382]

The hate is strong on the net for this bike. Best dual sport I've ever ridden/owned with a few tweaks.

[@roycemartin9068]

Clutch and throttle control (mostly clutch control) prevents ALL stalling. I have a 2022 and mine never stalls idk, maybe it’s the user

[@Vallecaucanisimo]

To those commenting why would anyone try to ride there, just because it’s not for you, there’s no reason to criticize other people’s fun!

[@airadaimagery692]

Yes. To each there own. my only question is, if your going to ride a 450l out there, why woulnt you upgrade the ECU? Some things are just a must... Thats kinda like taking a 300l out there without upgrading the suspension.

[@OscarSchneegans]

It's like when I see guys free climbing a vertical wall. My thought is "nope", but I'm glad they get to enjoy their sport.

[@RomulusReemus]

Sure, do as one likes, but I’m one of those that just doesn’t get the draw of riding where I could walk faster.

[@airadaimagery692]

@@RomulusReemus I really don’t think it has anything to do with getting from point A to point B, as much as it does developing and building on ones skill level and learning better technique. Finding the most difficult terrain to overcome will eventually create a better rider who will ultimately learn to do it even faster and more efficiently. They even make a bike specifically for this type of terrain, it’s called a trials bike. But if you can do it on a heavier bike that isn’t designed for this, that introduces even better skills. It doesn’t hurt to challenge yourself sometimes. It’s really the only way to get better. But if being mediocre at everything is your jam, it is what it is.

[@RomulusReemus]

@@airadaimagery692Agree with the ideas except for the mediocrity judgment. Riding enduro isn’t required to have a fully engaging and competent riding career. I believe most people on this channel are 45+ years old and aspire to be competent ADV/BDR style riders, which is a lot about A to B with a little spice on it, and can be achieved by training on far less demanding terrain. You don’t need to do Everest to get really good at Whitney.

[@toltod]

can you fix the stalling with a front sprocket change? BTW, you are a braver man than I for tackling that boulder field!

[@C5turbo]

Have you tried taking a GS1300 out as a fishing boat? Seems to make about the same amount of sense.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

That real rocky stuff is not my idea of fun. Need lower gearing than stock as a starting point I reckon. Good on you for doing it, I'm a lot older than you and that riding is well behind me. If I ever find myself stuck on my transalp on a track like that I'm walking out and leaving it there.

[@coarsegoldkid]

That was tough riding for sure. As you were climbing the rocky hill I was thinking you'll be riding down the otherside in the same rocky terrain. At my age I wouldn't do it.

[@Jiffy_Squid]

What about the bad stock suspension?? It did not seem to be a problem, since it was never mentioned.

[@Wildkarrde2484]

I wonder if you could try turning up the idle and seeing how it improves your stalling.

[@martythompson6509]

I couldn't quite make out what you were saying as you climbed that rocky ascent. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@JacobSnover]

He said, I'm not good at enduro, but it's still the bikes fault

[@masoodkhan3287]

Brother, skills comes second first come bravery, you have to be brave first to do such stuff. Ride safely

[@Matt-xi8zr]

Do you have plans to install ecu, exhaust, weighted flywheel, gearing for future videos? It’d make for a great comparison.

[@BigRockMoto]

Some of these things, can't do everything due to not being my bike

[@Matt-xi8zr]

@@BigRockMoto That makes sense. Thank you

[@Insaiyanrider]

And your opinion, what’s your top 3 helmets that’s an adventure style that’s great for motovlogging so I already have a street setup but want to fit the offroad look