Honda CRF450L One Year Review

This review is valid for both the new crf450rl and the Crf450l. I didn't want to rush a review of this bike because there is a lot to this platform and with all the changes I wanted to make I wanted to get some miles on it and changes done. Now that I've ridden the bike for over a 1000 miles and had it for one year I wanted to give my final thoughts in a full review of what the CRF450l and new CRF450RL have to offer potential buyers.
#crf450l #crf450rl #honda
CRF450l vs CRF250l
• CRF250L vs CRF450L Pri...
CRF450l vs XR650l
• CRF450l vs XR650l Pric...
Recommend Tools and equipment I use
Jaco Tire pressure gauge
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Yoshimura Exhaust
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Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
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Metric Thread Repair Kit
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FMF Wash Plug
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GoPro Hero 8
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[@mcragosta]

I test rode the 2021 RL and can confirm that the throttle is every bit as jerky as the 19-20 models.

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks for passing on the information. I have my suspicions that they had to do it to pass emissions and it will never be gone, but I doubt Honda will ever tell us.

[@jeffmunro7638]

Thanks from Calgary Canada. Was buying the 21 but my dealer found a 20, so other than the graphics they are the same. The 20 it is.

[@mcragosta]

@@jeffmunro7638 from what I have been told, Honda did supposedly update the fuelling for 21 - been that update has been to fix the flame outs that were known on the 19 & 20. It does not seem to fix the snatchy throttle. Other than that, yes just graphics. If you get a better deal on the 20, by say like 500 less, then it's a no brainier.

[@edwardlacika3022]

Thanks for that disappointing info. I am considering the 450RL but if I have to spend more money just to make the bike user friendly....that gives me pause and swings the pendulum toward the 350excf. Had a KTM excf for a few years so I was ready for a change.

[@Monjar3]

@@edwardlacika3022 Just get the vortex. You don't even need to add an exhuast system. Just set it to map 1 and set the fuel trims to 4.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

I always run to click on your videos. You are always so clear and detailed. I love watching you share the joy of riding with your dad and your kids.

[@DadsDomain]

I appreciate that. We got what was probably our last ride in if the year this weekend so I will post a video of that in the coming days

[@99Jeepy]

Great videos, very informative and well spoken. Excited to say I just ordered a 21’ 450rl. You helped me make my decision. Thanks man

[@DadsDomain]

Congrats you're going to love it! I always like hearing that I helped someone out, even if that was a decision to not buy something its nice to know the information is useful.

[@Styles0614]

I just bought a 2023 CRF450RL today, and found your page. Great videos, I look forward to learning a lot from these.

[@chiptaxfree]

Fantastic thorough review. Loving your content and appreciate it.

[@DadsDomain]

I appreciate that! I am still in awe a year went by already

[@dereklavigne4785]

Great video man, tons of info even I didn’t know after a year and a half of ownership

[@DadsDomain]

Glad to hear it!

[@verlinswarey507]

Gracious sakes you know a lot about these bikes! I mean this is some deep background here!

[@DadsDomain]

Thats one reason I stuck with Honda, its just what I know. I'd love to try something else but all those years of knowledge make this easier for me to own

[@ericc90]

Great review, you've made my decision a lot easier!

[@Losangelesmotorcycles]

man, your videos are the best! Honda really should be paying you, for how informative you are with their bike.

[@DadsDomain]

I really appreciate that. This review was honestly 14 years in the making from when I got my first Honda 450. I have always way over researched the small stuff but over the last year sharing that on KZbin has been fun. It’s a lot of work to put some of these videos together but at the same time so much is stuff I would have researched anyways. From here I can just focus on riding. Eventually I need a street bike so I will probably way over research that too!

[@Losangelesmotorcycles]

@@DadsDomain Of course man! I actually ended up buying my crf110 after watching your video on it , and I love it. the review was perfect and clear . it pretty much answered all my questions. Like this one did, this is my my next buy , crf450l porb going to convert to supermoto. Question , did the new 2021 updates from the R tranfer to the L ? like the engine upgrades ? frame changes ? I feel during the marketing videos they said they did , but yousaid nothing much changed ? if not then I can maybe get a deal 2020 ? when you get a street get a CBR1000RR

[@killorkubed]

@@Losangelesmotorcycles If you've never ridden street a cbr1000rr is certainly not the place to start, I assume the crf110 was for a kid? the crf250l Is a great beginner dual sport and will take you everywhere a 450l will, just takes a little more ridder skill to get there, something to consider, mind you I still definitely want a 450l lol

[@GrizzlyDaddams]

Any review is valuable. You're not late to the party. You're right on time for whomever may be considering this bike. 👍 great vid!

[@tangoechobravo5817]

That was an excellent review - thank you so much!

[@allenpatty5530]

So cool to see the videos of 7-Mile and Spokane area. Thx. Go Zags!

[@jimjab3631]

Outstanding info. Thanks again for making the video

[@DadsDomain]

You bet, I was wanting to do it for a long time but I wanted the seat time and experience first.

[@kenbuckner6288]

You do an amazing job with your reviews, ty.

[@amyandreleblanc3673]

I got my 450L earlier this year and it is the best bike I've ever owned (after a Vortex and FMF setup). 😃

[@DadsDomain]

Yes it is, the longer I own it the more I like it

[@jeffmunro7638]

Did the vortex and pipe make a huge diff? Mine has 1800 mile/3000 km on her. Lookn at the vortex an yosh in spring

[@jdirt1982]

Blumpy

[@kurthedgecock6313]

Excellent video! Great info about an awesome bike.

[@DadsDomain]

Thank you! I really do love this bike.

[@garth217]

great video. just sat on this bike. now I'm sold

[@dougstand8828]

been eyeing this for a while

[@DadsDomain]

It’s hard not too, at least it was for me!

[@garageliving3658]

Holy smokes that's alot of info lol. Great video man

[@DadsDomain]

Thank you! 👍

[@Billybobthor]

Liked and subscribed. Lots of helpful information here.

[@DadsDomain]

Thank you!

[@vaughndrew852]

Good info in your video 👍

[@brianraymer5542]

I really enjoyed this video I'm sold ...great review

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it... I'm ready for it to warm up and ride

[@michaelhafke4742]

Great job on putting on an informative and accurate bike review. I totally agree with your perspective, Honda should've named it the CRF450XL but wanted people to relate it more the the 450R so they named it the RL.

[@ml5955]

Wow, this is not my style of bike, but it was very enjoyable video to watch. Detailed and well thought out.

[@DadsDomain]

That’s one thing I like about motorcycles so much. They make so many different kinds there’s something for everyone

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks for the mention! Great video and best review of the bike I've seen yet! And oddly enough I agree with everything you said. LOL. I took my fat bike up to Top of the World near Moab and it did so amazingly well as a hard-ish enduro bike it made me feel like Graham Jarvis's less talented and slightly less good-looking Grandpa.

[@nickfountain8420]

But does your bike have as much weight on it as this one? Stirring the pot!

[@DadsDomain]

I probably weigh more than him and all his adventure equipment!

[@DadsDomain]

Sorry I hesitated on your channel name! I really appreciate your comments as you have a lot more time with this bike than I do. The internet can be a fickle place to through out your opinion so it’s nice to know I am not alone! Your Instagram posts are amazing to see all the places you’ve been but one of my fav shots you did was dropping the bike in the rocks after all the work of setting up the camera. I love that you showed it and didn’t hide it. We are just guys out there trying to have fun and whatever happens happens!

[@JohnTYoung]

@@DadsDomain gonna start calling you Mountain. :)

[@JohnTYoung]

@@DadsDomain NP. I'll be sure to add more "dropping the bike" shots! Not that I ever do that....

[@bradvannoy5639]

Pre purchase research, Nice Job Man ! Smart quick succinct and on Point ! Made my decision easy Thnk you !

[@DadsDomain]

I appreciate that. Research help is what originally made me start making videos. I enjoying doing other types of videos as well now but I hope this video can be useful for years to come

[@earlbarger3071]

I bought a 2021 in September. I have not experienced any flame outs, stalls. The throttle is very sensitive though. I think I've watched all of your videos, great work.

[@DadsDomain]

Thats great to hear. Idling up helped and I think it loosened up some as it broke in as well

[@tedcook8749]

Great Information here! Thanks for this, Cheers!

[@scottmiller4516]

Alot of great info. Thanks

[@kenbuckner6288]

That was a very educational video, ty.

[@davidenglish2003]

Great video! This is the best 2 wheeled vehicle ever made.

[@DadsDomain]

I sure love it and don’t plan on getting rid of it for a long time!

[@jthondacrf8926]

Sweet video i put the g2 throttle tamer on my 2022 crf450rl and it almost cured the jerkyness it helped so much for me that i don't need the vortex ecu it was a game changer and cost only 80 bucks

[@ninjanogood505]

Thumper talk is a good instructer . You guys are awesome . Good looking giving the homies a shout out .

[@DB-sd3cw]

Unreal meat slobbering

[@davidenglish2003]

Tires, bars, seat change and it’s perfect.

[@BRad02]

Great channel and bike by the way Dad 👍👌

[@DadsDomain]

Thank you!

[@prashantjavkarpj6922]

Awesome informative video - 👍

[@clintbuhler5699]

Good review. Thanks.

[@DadsDomain]

No problem!

[@thumpersquid]

Great video!

[@DadsDomain]

Thank you!

[@Superdisco199]

Thanks for all the great video's. I waited 20 mins to find out what ever happened to that cam upgrade lol. I knew about the vortex/exhaust stuff etc, but one area where I'm dissapointed is that the 6 speed on the KTM500 is over 10% wider than the honda. In fact the 450L gearbox is only 3% wider than the 250X's 5 speed. And the 300L gearbox is 33% wider! It might sound strange but one of the first mods I would do to this bike would be an R tank and shrouds in order to give it the supermodel looks back :-D

[@zrig1]

When it was time to upgrade my old XR 650L (loved that bike) the price point between the 450L and the 690R made the 690R a clear winner. The dollar difference was less than 2k and way longer service intervals on the KTM. I am a Honda fan, don't get me wrong, but 1000km oil changes would have me changing oil two or three times on a trip. I really wanted to like the Honda, but couldn't. Then again I bought based on my riding needs. To put this into perspective. You put on 1100 miles in a year (1700 km's), I have 20,000 Km's on my 2019 KTM 690. So I am now going into oil change number 3 and my second valve check. As far as the KTM issues, I have yet to experience any of them. Clutch slave cylinder still going strong .... IDk maybe it will leave me stranded someday, we will see.

[@william6815]

I got my Honda 450L 2 days before Christmas last year absolutely love it! I’ve got a Ktm 250 sxf as well and I ride in the bush every weekend and I do extreme rocky hills and right singles and I do better than my mates on husky 450s and Ktm’s and sherco all I have done it put full off-road Tyers and it changed the bike I love it would buy another tomorrow the fuel mapping hasn’t bothered me at all and people say the weight it bad it really isn’t the bike handles it weight really well so if anyone is reading this wanting one go for it it’s a much stronger reliable bike than the Ktm 500 or 450

[@f4t4lity0r4]

Hey this was a really good video

[@danquistberg7492]

Great video man! I pick up my 2022 RL tomorrow. Just wondering what brand lic plate bracket that is. I like it. It's nice and low pro. Anyways cheers!

[@jeromesweet5047]

Took me a while to decide on the honda. Bought mine a few months ago. It suits me perfectly for the rides I do. Roll it out and the ORV park is just 15 mins from me. So nice to be able to rip around town a bit then literally hit trails a few mins later. Its sad but i don’t even want to haul my rmx250 to ride it lol its such a pain loading stuff up.

[@DadsDomain]

I wish I could go ride that easily! I leave my bike at my dads cause when we ride with the kids sometimes he has half the stuff already loaded on the trailer when I get there. To keep it home, load, drive to his place, unload, load trailer...hook up...ugh

[@timlong8467]

Great vid! I Have yet to do the ecu or exhaust, but have done other upgrades. Firstly the seat! Stock seat great for the track but terrible for road or trail! You r gonna love it, your butt will thank you! Also go with the scaggs rack awesome setup! Cheers

[@DadsDomain]

My brother in law just ordered a rack and I'm pretty sure it was the Scaggs and I'll be following suit

[@danielweeks702]

The seat actually gets pretty comfortable after about 2000 miles. I sold my 2019 with 2400 miles and it was really comfortable by that point. And the twitchy throttle everyone freaks out about goes away after about 1800. Great bike, and planning on buying a 2022 450RL!

[@keshmo12]

You got me to buy a used crf450l 3 months ago and I've put over 2000 miles on it. Can't believe you only got 1100! The first guy that got my bike put 400 miles on it and the next guy put 150 lol. They also put $4000 in stuff on it. I got a steal. Been a bulletproof bike so far!

[@DadsDomain]

I leave it at my dads because when we ride with the kids he loads all the trailers for us and gets us ready, saves so much time so that keeps me from some evening rides. I had it at my house for two weeks and put on around 200 miles going for some rides after work. I need to get a cheap street bike just to keep at my house as well.

[@jackh3522]

Great vid l love power of big bore but price and maintenance made me go with klx300 u are right on everything but mileage as my 250l rally and now my klx both get 75mpg and cost half as much but also need mods to be good

[@himitsuheavyindustries6118]

Very informative video. Been debating between and husky fe501 or a Honda crf450L and I think this video sealed the deal for me. Going with the Honda!

[@DadsDomain]

I think you'll really enjoy it, I can't wait to get back out after winter

[@njinvision5463]

So was I and today I settled on the CRF. Huskies are more so dirtbikes with signals, the Honda is more so geared for street but can obviously rip off road. I'm gonna be more on street so, that did it for me, along with the improved smooth suspension.

[@paulvanhout9695]

I grew up in Spokane and it looks like several of your video sessions are at the 7-Mile ORV - many a day spent riding there!

[@DadsDomain]

Yep we spend a lot of time out there. As the kids get older someday I need to start trailering out to trails....assuming they're not all closed by then. One reason why I wanted a street legal bike this time around for myself

[@duncdunc76]

Great info subbed! Gotta agree with your naming argument. Ive been riding XRs and XLs all my life and totally should be called a CRF 450XL. One day I might pick up a used one of these but for now my street legal XR 400 serves my mountain trail riding needs just fine.

[@DadsDomain]

I almost nabbed a street legal xr400 once but it didn’t happen. Over time there are going to be nicely used ones of these on the market from people who have only ridden them gently on trails and will down size, those will be the ones to nab. I say I won’t sell mine but we will see. Never know what will come out someday

[@duncdunc76]

@@DadsDomain Ya thats what I was thinking as well. My XR takes care of me pretty well but electric start and fuel injection would be pretty Nice, not gonna lie.

[@SalsaAmigoMG]

Great review…

[@captainamerica9353]

Nice to see someone who can ride and wrench, and put a quality video together! As for model names, I think Honda made it confusing. They should just name these: CRF450R , CRF450X and CRF450L or would that make too much sense?

[@marinusscholtz9342]

Thank you very much.

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

Now they have even better aftermarket ECU"s, the AIM and the GET. Great bike!

[@FreakBob871]

Bro... paused the video after 15 seconds to Answer your first question “Why should I watch your video” well sir... I bought my 450RL in October, after watching countless videos on the 250L trying to convince my self to buy one. Your video was the first 450L video I watched and it was clear that the 450L was the bike for me. I put pants on and went to the dealership and picked up a sexy new 2021 CRF450RL I’m excited to hear how she’s been treating you can’t wait for the weather to get better so I can ride mine more👍

[@DadsDomain]

Hey I appreciate that and I'm glad you went with the crf450l. I need to grab a video of it but my dad got another 250l recently and as much as I love that bike the 450l suits me better and I'm excited to start riding again soon!

[@beamdoctor5637]

Great details. I would think with all you understand about off road bikes mechanics that KTM and Husky would be fine because you can adapt and overcome their problems.

[@DadsDomain]

I think you're right. I really wish I could try all of them. If only KTM would send me one to compare!

[@robprice6573]

Thanks a great video

[@DadsDomain]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mdmilne17]

Ryan, I worked with you many years ago at the old computer store. Any way, I just picked up the new 2021 450rl. Let me know if you ever want to get together for a ride, and you are welcome to do a comparison if you like. Keep up the great videos by the way!

[@DadsDomain]

Wow that was a long time ago! Still one of my fav jobs actually that I ever had. Probably also cause I had no real responsibilities at the time! Maybe next year when the winter is over we can meet up sometime.....the snow here today has me wishing it was April already

[@namdarbolour9890]

Great video. Great content, not just a bunch of talk and hype. With all the talk about throttle jerkiness and how Honda can't do anything about it because of pollution control regulations, is it legal to swap in the Vortex ECU?!

[@DadsDomain]

It’s legal for off road competition riding only. But considering you can buy a carb fed 650 with worse mpg than this bike modded with fuel injection I don’t feel bad about it. I wish the EPA took sales numbers into consideration. You just don’t sell enough of these bikes to really dent the big picture. That said though if I can buy an electric dual sport someday with a real 100mpg mile range I will. Until then burn baby burn

[@giampierolecchi3050]

Compliments really well done review! I live in Italy and I have a Ktm 790 R but for the off road is to heavy. Usually I use my DRZ400e for real off road, I like to start from my garage with the bike even I am 50 miles from real trails. I am thinking to sell both bikes and get one CRF 450 XR (in Italy is the name for the L or new XL). You really move the needle inside my brain! Thanks Ciao

[@DadsDomain]

Do you know if you're version would be the 25hp? I believe if so you need to change the ECU and intake but if you do that you get the same bike, cam, piston...etc. Glad to hear the video was helpful!

[@giampierolecchi3050]

@@DadsDomain in italy Honda ( red moto the importer) declare 43hp www.redmoto.it/?cat-moto=dual the only concern I do have right now is the on/off issue. Ciao

[@captainamerica9353]

Why not buy a Beta? I own a 2022 XT 300 and plan to get a bigger bike. It could be a 450 Honda but I now have a Beta dealer 75 miles away and may get a 430 or 500 RRS.

[@michaelanderson3771]

Great review and I agree Yamaha dont want to suffer the same crappy emissions issues to damage the brand. And now in Australia all new Bikes have to have ABS so forget road legal MX bikes like the CFR450RX/RL. what ever.

[@danbraden4401]

Great job....

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks

[@boomer8393]

Great review. A CRF450RL Rally (more fuel capacity and wind protection) would be awesome.

[@DadsDomain]

There is no reason for them not to make one and give people the option. 55 and under I love it open but over 55 I wish I had a windshield

[@ethan9553]

they would probably need to increase the service intervals of it though

[@captainamerica9353]

@@ethan9553 , they should just publish longer intervals, but yes an RL would be great.

[@The96civicrider]

I have a completely stock 19 crf 450 that I mostly ride on the street and average 47mpg. After 2800 miles on stock tires the rear is junk, I have a shinko 705 I'll be putting on to try.. after riding the bike for a year as my first bike I'm use to the throttle and it doesn't bother me like it did when I started riding it but a Vortex and exhaust is a must that I'll hopefully get soon..I did resize at night if I start up the bike and let it idle for over 5 minutes the front pipe of the exhaust get red hot from what I'm assuming is the stock computer running it lean due to emissions. After I noticed this one night I don't let it idle for long after start up without a little throttle

[@MM-ig1iv]

I'm thinking about getting into riding.. "trail riding and commute" and definitely interested in the crf300L or 450L OR the Yamaha tw200! lol , so what I'm saying is I'm going to end up with both eventually! these reviews are driving me crazy and I'm torn between the three! the Tdub and one of them Honda's! the 300L is more my price rage I have in mind.. and I'm 6 ft 185 so it should work out fine.. and probably the one I'd buy first. thanks for your honesty and info on this 450!

[@jimnagel5611]

i got a 2023 450rl for a 30 mile commute -- changed to a 49 tooth sprocket & i love it -- gonna try a 47 tooth one soon to see what i think - no other mods yet -- havent seen the need - zero problems

[@shawnelliott5311]

Great detail, enjoyed the information. What navigation app do you use on the trail? Would you consider using a rekluse? Look like the other 450 had one? Any consideration on trying convert the wheels to tubeless tires for easy flat repairs? Thanks again for the quality of content. Listened to many reviews and comparison tests and learned nothing, watched your review and am left feeling informed.

[@DadsDomain]

The app I currently use is Gaia GPS which I like a lot because I have saved routes on it. I know there are a lot of new ones out there but its always worked for me. I'm also glad you were able to get something out of the video. I can't compete with the magazine and big channels but when I own something I do try to learn it in and out so I can share that! 😉

[@shawnelliott5311]

@@DadsDomain Thank you for the reply, I have been transitioning from Motion X GPS to Gaia. Based on you use I will get a basic membership to Gaia for downloading maps. I have also used Rever, but when I lose cell signal it goes bad for me. The big channels need to compete with you, your single video provided more information than any of the big channel reviews. As you mentioned I also respect John T Young reviews. Have a great day and if you find yourself in the Richland area for some winter riding contact me and I can take you to some of our local areas. There is some snow here today but that is rare. It was inspiring that you shared your purchase price. I have never seen the CRF450L posted that low. I recently purchased a 2019 Africa Twin at a Honda Powersport Dealer that was $4k off. The AT was priced less than the CRF450L. It is good to be patient.

[@larseriksson3495]

New sub from now. Good stuff from you it seems. about mods. new bash plate and hand guards? wind screen or nav. Tower even? what do you think

[@DadsDomain]

If you think you'll hit the frame def get a better skid plate, I might do hand guards eventually but haven't really ever needed them too often. I'm going to avoid a windshield as eventually I'd like to get a road specific bike

[@LichaelMewis]

I just got my 2022 RL and so far ONLY put a throttle tammer on it. It has resolved the jerkyness. I will eventually upgrade the ECU but it's just fine for me for now.

[@yoboo6167]

Great video, very informative! I'm still up in the air though on buying a $10k bike and immediately having to put another grand or two into it to make it a great bike though.

[@DadsDomain]

I know its really tough, try to see if you can find a left over at a discount. Thats what really helped me was not paying MSRP

[@yoboo6167]

@@DadsDomain Good advice. There are a few bargains out there.

[@wayward03]

@@DadsDomain less than MSRP otd?

[@DadsDomain]

@@wayward03 Yep I was $9400 with tax in WA OTD

[@wayward03]

@@DadsDomain they are all sold out now...just put a deposit down for one 10k otd

[@danielc5205]

The CRF 450L was on my short list back in 2019. I was torn between the RMX450Z, CRF450L, or the WR450F. At the end of the day, I came home with the WR450F without test riding either models. I grew up in a Yamaha family, so I was overly bias, in regards to the WR. Lastly, a lot of bike reviews were harsh on the RMX450Z, but the RMX450Z was a lot less money than either the CRF450L or the WR450F. If there was a RMX450Z for sell closer to my home at the the time, I would probably bought one instead, based solely on it's price.

[@slutslap]

The caster angle is different from the X to the L and that is why the wheel base is longer and the ground clearance is shorter. The X and the L are awesome for racing the Baja Score Series. Some Pros use the L and some the X but it all comes down to course layout. But if you are going to use the L for racing.... you must do a lot of changes but it's worth it.

[@yianni72]

Looking at buying one, thanks for the information! CRF450RXL ?

[@MXKID34]

22's and 23's have the jerky throttle so nothing has changed. I have the 21 model, nothing has changed 22 & 23 from my year except decals. Great bike and as always great video

[@rocketj7449]

Honda CRF450L vs Suzuki DRZ400? Performance? Reliability? Handling?

[@mke7876]

Good video. I will say with the maintenance of this bike, I would still go by hours to change the oil and filter and valve check. Sorry I feel it’s cheap insurance. Amsoil, just a suggestion lol.

[@DadsDomain]

I do use amsoil in everything now as I find their oil great and worth it to me overall. I know some road guys push it to 1000 and if I did mostly off road I would do hours as you suggest. I am mixed so I just stick to the 600 on oil. I already checked my valves once. I was curious and they are good. Probably will just check them once in the winter moving forward

[@TimA-yv9pp]

I’m 44 and wanting to get a motor cycle. I’d like ton ride it to and from work which is about 15 miles round trip never on I-15. The most common advice is to start out on something other than a big road bike. I had a friend suggest this bike because I can ride it on the street but also ride trails and forest to get more time on less busy roads. What are your thoughts on this for a first bike for an adult?

[@cliftondugan5295]

Going to be the first real winter I’ve done on my bike Monday afternoon. Had any issues with the lithium battery in the low teens

[@jthondacrf8926]

I have the 2019 crf450x and i love it

[@DadsDomain]

Nice to hear from someone who has the X!

[@jthondacrf8926]

@@DadsDomain i got the seat concept for it and getting the Baja led light for it and I've put hand gaurds on it so far

[@busasteve3871]

I can say the weight limit is off I am 340lb and bike rides just fine. I have Yosh and vortex ecu and IMS thanks to watcching your videos.

[@DadsDomain]

I do with the stock tank was bigger, I've never owned anything before that has the low fuel light turn on as often as this bike

[@Mihalyofficial]

Great detailed vid but...im also looking at the drz 400 which is way less. Its sad that i have to spend so much on the 450l and then keep spending to fix the issues right from the start. Like the snatchy throttle which just bothers the hell out of me as it has on previous bikes. Sure you can mod but then that also voids your warranty and at the end of the day you could buy a drz which is not far behind the honda, tune it to the tits and still have money left over...consumers getting screwed again.

[@BRad02]

G2 Ergonomics Dirt Throttle Tamer! $60 for anyone in the States... $180 delivered to us here in Australia... Get one! An amazing mechanical solution to a digital problem. I promise you won't be disappointed 👍👍 oh.. and it's way cheaper than a Vortex 😉

[@DadsDomain]

Glad to hear there are options

[@nickduarte1778]

Cool video I just built a pit bike track in my back yard and it’s hard to choose which bike I like the crf110 or the klx140L the 140s got more power but it’s real heavy the 110 has power and much lighter which on would you choose

[@DadsDomain]

If you're going to have this for a long time get the 140l as eventually you'll want more power. If you could keep the 110 and later get a faster bike then thats a great way to go since its so much fun. But if you can only pick one I'd want more power.

[@jay1st1st]

I was interested in this one but in europe due to the Euro4 pollution norms it's only 25BHP and still costs around 11K€........too expensive a for a 25BHP bike........

[@jaykay643]

Reminds me of my new XR650L that was not only unrideable from the factory but dangerous in traffic with a dead spot off idle.

[@sarahdell4042]

Honda should hire your in the marketing department!

[@elvispusley3515]

I bought a 2022 crf450rl in march and it has a jerky throttle a powr commander or any thing you can add or subtract fuel in the fuel map will fix it.

[@Wooskii1]

I REALLY want one (or KTM/ Beta 500) but I just can't afford one. Even a used one would be the most cash I've ever forked over for a toy all at once. Looks like I'll be looking for a DRZ or plated 2 stroke (maybe a WR? I need to look into it)

[@DigitalSamTV]

So basically without the vortex ecu and pipe its almost unrideable and then with that, it completely solves the throttle issues? (I heard others say after doing that, the throttle is still glitchy)

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Great review and still pondering getting one next year. I'm tempted to just buy a new RL since used models are few and far between, pricey, and most still lacking the Vortex. Your are exactly correct about the naming convention. It should definitely be XL....but I'm betting too many people would read that as Extra Large and feel like the bike wouldn't fit them. RL may be the only viable compromise.

[@DadsDomain]

I would have loved to be in the meetings and see if engineers and marketing were debating each other

[@ampm9771]

KTM amd Husky use Dellorto EFI versus Honda's Mikuni. Mikuni had fueling issues for a long time now.

[@nickfountain8420]

I would like to ask if you can tell me where you've found some info on the 2021 CRF 450RL? Would love to do some reading on it, especially any details about the supposed corrected ECU mapping. I wound up pulling the trigger on a new holdover '18 Z900rs Kawi for $8,350 back in June '20. But still looking at the Honda CRF 450L or possibly a 390/430 Beta.

[@DadsDomain]

ThumperTalk is where I read the comments from someone who got a new one. I was hoping it would be gone but I don’t think it’s meant to be. Congrats on the new bike! I need a second motorcycle for road riding. Hopefully next year

[@mcragosta]

i have a beta 390. It's around 35 lbs lighter than the Honda and throttle response is soooo much better. The Honda would be better on the road, being heavier and more stable, but off-pavement the Beta blows the Honda away.

[@nickfountain8420]

@@mcragosta Good deal. Thanks for the input!

[@seyha4001]

Nice

[@jkabee]

I know this is premature, but I’m interested in your thoughts on the new 300L Honda is allegedly bringing to the US market in 2021. Supposedly it’s around 30hp and 300lbs. If it sticks with current 250 pricing, it should be in the low to mid $5k range. Thanks!

[@DadsDomain]

If you are considering the 250l getting the 300 is a no brainer IMO. I just don’t see it ever being too much power for anyone and the extra displacement should give it more grunt down low where it would really benefit from it. If they bring it here it’s a huge win for everyone and at msrp, whatever it is, I would 100% recommend the 300 over 250. Now if 250s stall out sales wise and you can save a bunch of money then the 250 is still a good bike. But my dad is 68 and power was the biggest, and only thing, he didn’t like about it

[@LichaelMewis]

If you are looking at a 300L go with a KLX300. It's definitely a better bike. The 300L suspension is not that great. I am saying this as a 450RL owner.

[@sobhi05]

Hey, that frog learned something from the video as I did too and he might take the bike for a joy ride! LMFAO

[@treeafodo1]

I just picked mine up 2 weeks ago and knew about the issues you mentioned. I have a Vortex on the way. I absolutely love the bike, but like you said my only gripe (besides the ECU) is that seat and the grips. Coming from a WR250R that's more a couch on wheels than a dirt bike I'm not used to the amount of vibration up through the grips and how hard the seat is. Is your new seat installed and just wrapped in the original cover?

[@DadsDomain]

You're going to be shocked how different your bike will be with the Vortex. I didn't want to just get the seat and do a video on it right away, I now have over 300 miles on it on fire roads, pavement, and off road riding. Its so much better than stock. The next time my brother in law and I are together I'm ready to post a review as I got the tall seat and he got the normal one.

[@yaboimo2091]

Honestly strongly considering getting this in 2 weeks and other tips or bad things about the 450 rl

[@DadsDomain]

The only thing I would do different looking back is put new tires on the day I got my endorsement. Getting to play with the new d sport and it feels so much better off road yet great on road

[@yaboimo2091]

@@DadsDomain what kind of tires?

[@nvmcrider8475]

What is the top speed on the 450L in 6th gear pinned? Just wondering if it has a higher top speed than my WR450F, which of course, is only a 5 speed and is good for about 85 mph with stock gearing. Trying to get an idea of the Honda gear ratios and if the 6 speed Honda has a wider spread of gears and better for highway cruising. Trying to decide if I should get the Honda or street legal the WR. Thanks

[@Superdisco199]

The 6 speed in the 450L is only about 2% wider than the new WR's. It's more of a semi-semi-close ratio 6 speed.

[@Coppertunes]

Why hasn't Honda fixed the ECU Issues themselves, they must be aware of them.

[@Mark-sd7fc]

Thinking about trading my Harley road king for one of these but I’m wondering, Would ya ride 3 hours on the highway to get to the family camp ?

[@johnr7365]

I have a 2022 450RL there is no throttle jerk, it is fine, it does shut of easy, the bike rips, It does shut off a lot, you need to be careful, but that is only in tight situations, you just have to rev it. The clutch is perfect for me and I have a thumb problem and my thumb has zero pain and I am in tight trails working the clutch. I saw a hill all rocks, hit that gas and flew over everything, right up that hill. the brakes are perfect, OMG. You can turn this on a dime, hit the brake as you cut the wheel and then hit the throttle and you just turned 90 degrees. The bike is too tall for me for tight rocky areas, i cant get my feet down comfortably when you have to stop, I am 5'-9. I already have the lowering link 2.25" need to install it. Seat is hard as a rock, have a seat concept being built now. First gear is tall, the low rpm torque is not great, it has to be revved a bit, it's tough to just go slow, but that is not what this bike was made for. I am sure the recommended mods will solve that, I would even consider a larger rear sprocket in tighter woods. Riding with stock tires seems fine, I am not a great large rock rider like you western guys so I am sure that would be needed in that sitution but in regular east coast trails and power lines they seem fine, no slip, very comfortable. Hope this helps any that wants to buy this bike. Lastly, I love this bike, it is a chassis you want to build a long term trail bike on. It is very thin, nothing like the 300L or most motorcycles, this is a race machine with lights

[@DadsDomain]

First comments I've heard on a 2022, that would be great if Honda is getting that squared away. More power through ECU/Exhaust will always be there but it would be nice if it wasn't a must. "Race Machine with lights"...yes it is.....yes it is! 😀