CRF450l Vortex ECU & Yoshimura RS4 Install

After owning my CRF450l for awhile I decided it was time to upgrade to the Vortex ECU and Yoshimura exhaust. My primary interest was to remove the hesitation and off idle lurch that the stock crf450l suffers from. I decided to go with the Yoshimura exhaust because I thought it was the best looking pipe but will it be too loud? Stay tuned to find out.
#crf450l #vortex #yoshimura
Yoshimura Exhaust
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Vortex ECU
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[@johnfanikos]

What i love about these videos is that we have the same size and weight so i know whatever works for you probably works for me as well

[@DadsDomain]

This bike is getting really close now to reminding me of how my old 450R felt. More power than I can use unless I'm riding in a straight line but since this bike is street legal I can finally use it in spots!

[@matthewboyd5911]

Did the same mods to my CRF450L, 100% agree with all of your assessments. From the significant gains in low speed on/off throttle control, to the Yosh pipe being louder than I wanted (have since gotten used to it). I also thought the same thing when it came to initially purchasing the mods, if the stock ECU throttle response wasn't so difficult to control I would not have felt the need to "upgrade." Being new to dirt bikes, I thought it was all me, but after watching several reviews and then switching to the Vortex ECU, I literally giggled at how nice it was to have that control again. Well rounded review, thank you.

[@DadsDomain]

The control above all else was the victory. I'm not done with the sound....I have some ideas. If i ever come up with a method to tone it down some I'll be sure to post that as a follow up

[@ebhkkc1]

Just found this. Thank you for making this video. I just purchased a 2022 450rl and I am going to get exactly what you put on ! My local Honda Dealership would rip me off to install these two Items. It looks very easy thanks to you. ride on. E

[@michaelhafke4742]

Very good job on your video! The Yoshi exhaust sounds great. All you need is new tires, smog delete, fender delete and hand guards you're 100% good to go! 😊

[@JohnTYoung]

Awesome video. Can't wait for Part 2!

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks, my brother in law just got his Crf450l. Gotta side step mine so we can road trip to get his and mod it to get some upgrades on his. More to come!

[@johnnywishbone1349]

Great video man. Always enjoy watching. You put a lot of time into this and it shows.

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks I appreciate it! I can’t pump out videos with the schedule some people do but making the videos is a hobby just like the bikes are so I try to always keep learning as I go.

[@dean754]

Great video as usual.🏁 I have the FMF Q4 on my CRF 450L with FMF Megabomb front pipe.and it comes with an insert that’s removable. When it’s removed it really barks, so it’s not as loud as stock as you said. @ 17:25 Also , for your viewers information, it comes as a 2 piece unit , ( unlike the Yoshi 3x piece), no springs( less weight ) but does have a bracket on the rear silencer with 2 holes .If you drill those holes out a bit larger, you can remove the 2x rubber bungs from the stock pipe and fit them there. This keeps the side panel away from the exhaust and no side panel modifications are necessary. Cheers 🍻

[@DadsDomain]

Part of me wonders if the Q4 slip on version would mount to the Yoshi head pipe.....it would be great to do an actual comparison of both some day

[@S14tube]

Went down the same path but added eccentric throttle tube from G2 which really smoothed out jerky throttle at small openings. Also great to see Aussie tech (Vortex) being appreciated globally as we make do little these days

[@DadsDomain]

I've heard good things about the throttle tube from a handful of people now, glad to hear it worked for you

[@jordyb1131]

@@DadsDomain What would be cheaper, which route between the two

[@blixxy1320]

You explained the throttle issue very well thanks

[@buddywilson104]

You finally pulled the trigger on that set up! Hope you like it. The more I ride mine after the mods the more I like it. As far as the traction control mode; I haven't really noticed a big difference when it is engaged, but I haven't used it out on the trails yet either. Let us know how it works for you. Thanks for the video.

[@DadsDomain]

I'm looking forward to getting some time in with it. It spins the tire on the gravel road like ice so I have a few spots in mind to give it a shot at.

[@sickunit2096]

Great video! Ironically, my Vortex is arriving in the mail today. I cant wait to get in some single track on the L and not feel like someone is ramming into my rear tire every time I get back on the gas.

[@DadsDomain]

The Vortex was definitely worth it, you'll enjoy it!

[@sickunit2096]

Dads Domain have you tried the traction control yet? Im amazed how well it works. It didn’t chop power down like my BMWs or others have. It’s a heck of an upgrade.

[@tonyfrench3862]

nice, great video brother i love the bike new exhaust an tuner, im looking at the new 2021 im hoping the new tune on it fixed these problems just have to wait tell i can get a test ride looking foward to watching more videos on the bike man, Stay Safe.

[@DadsDomain]

Let me know if you end up getting to ride one. I noticed how they slipped that in the notes that they updated it. I'd still be stock if it wasn't for the hesitation...I mean I love the power but power wasn't the main item I wanted to cure

[@albertotanez15]

You have a beautiful property enjoy it and your bikes

[@mindfulmunchkin1215]

Great video, thinking of getting one but defo need the vortex after watching this.

[@DadsDomain]

If the bike could have come stock with the power I have now people would not go around modding it and taking the exhaust off, well not as much. I wouldn’t have anyways.

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

The glaciers will melt now! Nice review.

[@DadsDomain]

No thats gonna happen when I get a YZ250x and possibly convert it for on road use 😂

[@cheazilla]

great video man!

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks!

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

This was a great video. Thanks.

[@DadsDomain]

Glad you enjoyed it! For me personally I don't think I'll do a mod again on this bike that was that exciting to do

[@christopherhamm1574]

Nice! Would love to have see you do just the Vortex then test and report your findings. Then do the exhaust and report on your results. But all in all another great video.

[@DadsDomain]

There are a handful of things I want to test and then I will definitely follow up. Right now it’s been a week since I installed it and I haven’t ridden it again yet! Weather, work, and life still keep me swamped even in quarantine!

[@christopherhamm1574]

Dads Domain work always seems to get in the way. This Tuesday Im trading in my 2018 250L for a new 2019 450L. Your videos have been enjoyable and provide lots of great information. Thanks for all you do!

[@randersson3672]

It's really crazy, we have to spend alot of money to make our brand new bikes run properly...I did it with my CRF250L and now I do the same with my KTM 690, to be positive it's part of the fun, but still crazy..

[@DadsDomain]

I completely agree. It would be different if we were just trying to get super HP gains, but we'll just trying to get them to run correctly is all.

[@slaugo]

They run perfectly fine in stock form if you’re an aggressive rider. But it’s always fun to spend money 💰

[@stevenleininger5682]

Great vid dad thanks. Would like to see a video of adjusting vortex mine is set 555 1.only problems i had was one spring in the yosh kit is a little bigger and if you put it at the head it will be loose it was in the instructions but I threw them out right away. The outher problem was the spark arest was so tight i needed my little slide hammer to get it out didn't want to crack carbon fiber with a flat head .ride safe .cool track looks like my poison oak 500 at my house lol.

[@DadsDomain]

I'm going to play with the straight through insert on some different ideas I have to make a quieter insert so I need to figure out how to get it in and out easier. I'm thinking of icing the insert to get it smaller to come out easier.....honestly I don't think there is an easy option with this exhaust

[@brucer81]

I would love to see the fuel consumption numbers from to mod. I don’t know where you live but I love the openness.

[@Brian.A.Simmons]

Great video! What map(s) settings are you using for your initial run?

[@iteotwawkiaiff8948]

Great video. I think the yoshi pipe is a little too loud for me. But it does sound good! Two questions: 1) where did you get your numbers/decals? 2) do you get any “clicking” sound, or rattling sound from front sprocket area when the bike lugs? Thanks!

[@nickduarte1778]

May the forth be with you

[@cartyross8603]

I did this mod and it's pretty amazing. It turns the bike into a completely different machine. I've rode on map 1, 3 and 5. I like map 1 the most, map 5 is awful. I also installed a Rekluse Radius X clutch and I love it.

[@DadsDomain]

I need to take my side panel off and just play for a few hours with the modes. Next thing on my list when I have time to kill....which isn’t often!

[@spynles7947]

Great and informative video, thanks. Can I ask what speed you can realistically cruise at on the highway? Thinking about getting one of these but a lot of my riding would be highway/country roads.

[@DadsDomain]

My fav speed on this bike is 50-55 and 65 only when needed. I am the type of person that enjoys a windshield at 65. Could you hit the freeway, yes but i avoid it. I am going to pick up a cheap shadow or something in a year or two but what I really want to compliment owning this bike in my price range is a used Goldwing F6B. Two opposite ends of the spectrum but then all my riding bases are covered

[@UltimateNinja8533]

Looks dope ! Seats concepts seats next?

[@DadsDomain]

Yep! Honestly with the seat concepts seat the big mods for the bike are done for awhile. Then we start settling into the smaller things.

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

First off great video. Also wish I had a small dirt track out of my yard like that 👍. Secondly, and this is only an opinion.. I don’t think there are one size fits all approaches to ECU programmers no different than there’s not once size fits all carburetor jetting. There’s no real way to tell what your mix is on an injected bike without being on a dyno with a fuel and air ratio meter. You very well could be running lean or rich at various throttle inputs and would never know it. Of course, there are tricks to do to help with tuning.. such as starting with a brand new spark plug and checking its color range after a small amount of engine run time. Similarly to tuning a carb’d bike. In the end it just ensures the proper running conditions for the longevity of the motor, not necessarily the highest HP numbers. I do not own a 450L however I’m leaning towards one to replace my Beta 300 for the local enduro and hare scramble series. Mainly because I’ve always been a Honda guy (my last was stolen) and this is the only way to get one thats plated which is needed for the enduro races because they use road as transfer sections to each test. Before the 450L came around your only option was a European bike that comes with an MC title which you can plate (Ktm, Beta, Husky, Sherco). Sorry for the long comment.. I’m home on the injured list and have watched way too much KZbin as of late 👍

[@DadsDomain]

Sorry to hear your injured. On thumpertalk the consensus is that the default maps are too rich on the vortex and too lean stock. One guy showed his piston with some carbon build up on it. Since this bike doesn’t have all the sensors some efi motors do you’re right that you can’t get it “right” but compared to a carburetor it just runs so good all the time without the hiccups. In a different video I made a more restrictive exhaust and lowered the vortex. Still playing with it. 3/3/3 feels good but 4/4/4 has some more top so I might change it to 3/3/4

[@waxmanvids5015]

sorry if repeat question. I picked up my 2021 yesterday do these upgrades void the warranty?

[@nickduarte1778]

Good job

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks I appreciate it!

[@donnywalker1628]

Hey there! Late comment but where did you order your numbers from? I have the 2022 RL and cant find where to get a set

[@RWR54]

Great video and information. I have a 2019 450L and just installed the vortex ecu (with the stock exhaust). I have been tinkering with the vortex settings (currently at 6, 5, 5 and map 6). The throttle response is better than the stock ecu but its not as smooth as I expected it to be. I'm not sure I understand the vortex settings at this point, but will continue tinkering. If you have any suggestions, let me know! Keep the videos coming.

[@davislovell7296]

Did you end up keeping the ecu with the stock pipe? Find any better settings? I’m wanting to keep stock pipe but help twitchiness myself. I know they added a new map recently. Any thoughts?

[@RWR54]

@@davislovell7296 I did install the vortex ECU and kept the stock exhaust. I also installed a throttle tamer. All in all it helped but not as much as I had expected.

[@davislovell7296]

@@RWR54 heard that. Ordered the AIM ecu a couple of days ago so going to give that a shot. If it doesn’t work out I’m gonna sell the bike and get a carbureted woods bike. Can’t go wrong with simple haha

[@timzepick5823]

Great vid A few months in do you still feel the same, especially about the louder exhaust?

[@DadsDomain]

I made another video where I quieted the exhaust. If I did it over again I would do the fmf q4 but I would do the vortex ten times over again. I just love how it rides.

[@-PlayMaker-]

I have a dynojet pcv with a full Yoshi and I'm gonna take mine to a Dyno and get a custom map made for my bike specifically. That should also take care of the snappy throttle.

[@DadsDomain]

I'm curious if it helps. I've heard the only way is to fully remove the stock ECU so it would be good to know what options are out there

[@-PlayMaker-]

@@DadsDomain I also have a g2 throttle tamer. It's just a modified throttle tube cam. It's only $60 and it seems to help a bit.

[@michaelvinogradov8864]

Hi. which model handlebar are you using? Looks like it has almost no sweep....

[@timconnell5878]

What is the top speed with this setup? It sounds alot better the upgraded exhaust.

[@Z28DaveX]

How much weight did you save? So does the ecu still track gallons consumed correctly? Thanks for the video, I prefer a quieter bike so I may do the Q4 route.

[@DadsDomain]

I didn't weigh it but I've heard its almost 10lbs saved. I did a follow up video making the exhaust quieter but yes if I had to do it over again I probably would have bought the Q4

[@regianeduarte2000]

Idk which sounds better the YZ65 or the 450 now great job

[@DadsDomain]

Man I still go with the Yz65. Plus in person it sounds like a 125 sometimes to me. I don’t know how they squeeze so much out of that motor

[@randypullman1155]

Yeah but was it worth an extra $125 per month on the cc on top of the $456 per month for da 450?

[@outbackproduction5720]

Question. I am having a hard time getting info on this, I want to run the CRF450L bone stock except for the vortex. My goal with the vortex would be to get rid of the jerky throttle, bike running lean, run cooler, and bike dying. The extra hp would be nice also. Your thoughts?

[@DadsDomain]

The vortex has a setting to mimic stock but I have never tried it to see if it still smooths out the throttle. I would do the vortex and the Q4 myself to keep noise down if you want a mostly stock experience. You can find the 2019+ 450x header cheap and do a slip on. The L header will not working with any other exhaust. Good luck!

[@california370]

Is it possible to run the full system exhaust without the ECU?

[@jase1911]

Just curious if you are doing the fuel vapor canister delete also? Supposedly helps immensely and it's a cheap couple lbs of weight loss

[@DadsDomain]

Yes I am going to be doing it when I do the thermostat delete here in a few weeks

[@jameszanghi3564]

@@DadsDomain I wouldn't delete thermostat unless you live in an environment that's over 90° always

[@mattmaffett5879]

Ok my dude, I don't know if I missed it, but I didn't see you install a new exhaust crush washer. I don't hear a leak, did you just get lucky? Or is it not that big of a deal?

[@DadsDomain]

Good catch. So later on I pulled it off and put a new gasket in and sounded the same. I think paranoia kicked in as the valve train noise gets a little louder warmed up. But an exhaust leak is often opposite of that as an exhaust leak is more likely to happen cold. Long story short it’s fine and it’s best to use a new gasket if you can 😉

[@krzysztofs4477]

Hi, I am thinking about buying the CRF450L and I wanted to ask if this is a very problematic engine in operation and how often should you look into the valves and when should you replace the piston for the first time?

[@DadsDomain]

Valves are 1800 miles. Piston is basically at the full rebuild interval of 20k miles. On thunder talk we are starting to see people with 18k miles still running strong no issues

[@GenkiDamaSSJ]

The Yoshi Amazon link seems like the link for a 450X. Says does not fit when I select 2019 450L

[@DadsDomain]

That’s because you can’t list an exhaust as compatible with the L unless it meets all EPA requirements and has a catalytic converter. But the L and X are essentially the same. Bolts right up

[@gophop]

Idk about the model for 450L, but Q4 for KLX250 is plenty loud. Much louder than stock.

[@DadsDomain]

My dad was considering doing the Q4 on his 250 when he had it but he never got around to it, too bad as I was curious

[@TOCQ796]

What map did you set the vortex on?

[@kalebparry8089]

How much does vortex and yoshi cost all together?

[@americandirtrider7662]

Hey Sir. Just curious if you've ever ridden a CRF450X, and if this yoshi votex set up is now comparable to a stock X.

[@DadsDomain]

No i haven't got to. I would have to think since the Cam and pistons are the same this is slightly more power than a Stock X with the less restrictive exhaust.

[@Gs112780]

That blinker never stood a chance

[@marchill6723]

Hi, I just installed my vortex and yoshi pipe and it fires up and sounds great but my pgm fi malfunction indicator lamp is flashing and Nike stalls when I put it into gear ? Any ideas ? Very much appreciated!

[@DadsDomain]

I would double check to make sure all your connections are tight. A lose kickstand wire can cause it to die when you put it in gear but it won’t make the light flash. As a trouble shooting step you can plug the stock back in too and see what happens

[@drewmorg.]

Sup DAD! We got 2 450L's in the garage with TD Vortex ECu and Yoshi's as well. Have you messed with the ECU settings any? Ours came 4,4,4 with X10 on 5. Throttle was very twitchy in 1st gear and I just switched to X10 on 1. SO MUCH SMOOTHER off idle but the bike is stalling on me when I'm stopped. Really weird. Any issues? Bike is fully broken in.

[@DadsDomain]

The biggest thing I notice is that the bike is more cold blooded now at idle and will stall but once it warms up it’s fine. Have you tried idling it up a little to stop the stalling?

[@drewmorg.]

@@DadsDomain I'm sure that would help but feels like a bandaid fix. I think it has to do with the fuel controller settings, ours came at 4,4,4 and everyone else I've seen comes with 5,5,5. I'm going to test it tomorrow.

[@alejandrodpurcajr5959]

Nice motor Honda CRF

[@GenkiDamaSSJ]

Can the Vortex be used with the stock exhaust and still fix the flame out/throttle chop?

[@DadsDomain]

It’s my understanding it can and you use profile 0 as that closely replicates stock mapping

[@johnnym7904]

Nice ! Thanks for the content. You should check out the flatland racing tail light bracket, works killer and gets rid of that long bulky stock thing. Got mine at sr moto

[@flash1034]

What Vortex setting did you end up going with?

[@DadsDomain]

I haven’t had a chance to test them yet. I am thinking long term I want the handle bar switch and go back and forth from the default power map to the enduro map

[@gonesleddinggonesledding6251]

hey did u look at the fmf megabomb header and the power bomb arent they supposed to e the best headers ?

[@DadsDomain]

I think it just depends on who you ask. I loved the look of the Yoshi and thats what factory Honda runs so I just kinda went down that path. If I could compare both I'd definitely be willing to

[@gonesleddinggonesledding6251]

@@DadsDomain i here that but i meant the header pipe only the mega bomb and powerbomb header pipe they have that funny looking expansion chamber on them i dont know much about them but they are exspensive compared to a new header pipe thats the same diameter all the way

[@CRPHOTOCRAPHY123]

Dads Domain where did you purchase the pips and ECU?

[@DadsDomain]

The ECU I got from Tokyo Mods and the pipe I caught on a deal at biohazzard cycles but they're back up to MSRP now

[@oneofmanyte3321]

Nice mods. Who wrote the music at 6:38?

[@DadsDomain]

Its from KZbins free audio library. The name of the track is Rabid. Lot of junk out there but if you hunt there are some good tracks and they're free so you don't worry about some jerk doing a copy right claim later

[@Texasbroski512]

Where do you live its freaking beautiful

[@ncoze]

Did you unplug the battery before putting the vortex in?

[@DadsDomain]

Nope but hearing you ask makes me think it would have been a good precaution!

[@snkneo-geo933]

You should have bought the 450RX version for more power.

[@dougrobertson8336]

Did you use the factory settings? 555 and mapping at 1?

[@DadsDomain]

I started there but then when I changed the tip I lowered it. I think I am at 444 but haven’t had a day to tune it. I like map 1 the most though

[@dougrobertson8336]

@@DadsDomain Thanks man, I ordered one, I hope it cures my glitchy throttle. Now it's either ninety or nothin! :)

[@dougrobertson8336]

@@DadsDomain I have the 2022 crf450rl I hope it is compatable.

[@chadstevens8053]

Do you need the vortex if you install the exhaust only.....$$$ wise I can only get the exhaust?

[@chadstevens8053]

I do have the 2021

[@DadsDomain]

You should get it or some type of programmer as it would be too lean with just an exhaust

[@chadstevens8053]

I ordered the vortex..... Can't wait

[@pablojimenez4107]

HP diference?

[@DadsDomain]

From what I have heard its 8hp in total. I believe it, the bike is a lot more alive now.

[@rockyesterline7942]

You didn't say what year it is !!!

[@SomeTechGuy666]

Why buy the CRFL if you are going to make it into a race bike ? The L is more expensive and then you remove half of what they put on and replace with new exhaust, ECU, etc. I thought the WR450F was bad. By the time people do everything to it, they might just as well have bought a YZ450FX. I know... licensing and Green Sticker.

[@davidenglish2003]

So, $2000 for 8 horsepower?

[@DadsDomain]

Cost me $1300 and 100% better throttle response that makes it more controllable. I would do it over again. Now supposedly 2021 receives new mapping. I would have to ride that to decide if it’s worth it. 19/20 models it is worth doing because you are paying for more than 8hp

[@markcollins5026]

Man, stock sounds better !

[@DadsDomain]

Its really hard to capture the in person sounds. I feel like you're mainly hearing the engine when you ride it stock, the exhaust is almost completely silent. An in between would honestly be best if such a thing existed.

[@jimenagulla9081]

Whaaat? Stock sounds lame! That yosi makes bit sound grumbly, I like it, I'm thinking of one for my 790R!