Honda CRF450 Review

[@ShonkyProductions]

UPDATE: The previous CRF 450L came with a "competition" ECU and manifold. I've been told that Honda is not supplying them with the 450RL.

[@riscracing5538]

It seems you get what we got in the EU since 2018/2019-2022. The restricted 450L was down to 25hp and 32Nm. As you said on the aftermarket there was an unrestricted ECU and an intake manifold available to get it uncorked. But in this state you will be drivinig illegal in most of EU countries....don´t know how it is in AUS. I rode the corked 450L and the 250Rally and sticked with the 250 rally. The 450L was a really nice bike but it was boring in this state of "tune". I was really disappointed.... I would love to have the low down torque and the chassis was perfect and i would love to buy it but it did not made sense to me in this restricted state...it put all the fun away....i´m still on the hunt of a 2nd hand 450L but they are rare over here and really pricy...but the build quality is Honda....It´s a shame that due to emissions and noise restrictions all new bigger capacity thumpers are restricted and rally boring to drive. Also the new Kove 450 Rally is restricted down to 42hp which is not as much restriction as on the CRF450L but we have to see how much will be really left after the dyno run (if we get this thing sometimes over here in EU, seems a bit of a hassle right now). If you want fun you have to uncork the CRF(and also put a vortex on it as the HRC uncorced ECU is not the best) and with this state of fun you are driving illegally in the EU......lovely new world. Again a really nice and clean video production Shonky! Question is: Are you still able to get the unrestricted ECU and intake manifold? If you want to know what can be done with the 450L look for JohnTYoung on YT ;-) www.youtube.com/@JohnTYoung BTW the stock 300Rally/L and the 450L should perform equal in terms of engine performance with the more grunt on the 450L and the more rev on the 300L/rally. Would be nice to see a comparison between 300L (with uprated suspension) and the restricted of the 450L.

[@rbeak342]

​@@riscracing5538they were selling them with both EU and USA ECU's and intake boots here in Australia. Some dealers even did a special with FMF silencer and vortex ECU. It's a shame they stopped including the USA components but most go aftermarket.

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@riscracing5538 Thanks for your reply. I will be making some enquiries as to what is available from Honda to de-restrict the bike. I'll check out the JohnTYoung's channel, it looks good.

[@michaelanderson3771]

@@ShonkyProductions interested to see what Honda says on the mods for derestriction and the effect on compliance. It seems Honda have dropped the ball. Unless Honda pull their finger out they will loose Aus as a market. John T Young has done a lot of mods to his 450L and those come at a significant cost. New ECU, Pipe, Rekluse clutch and then the std Protection items. Big tank etc. Honda are shutting their eyes and hoping the buyers continue to buy the big red reliability , but they are loosing the market as others bring it. evena RE 452 Himalayen has morte grunt that the new 450L . WTF,.

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@michaelanderson3771 Yes, I have just watched John's videos. He has done a great job of showing what is possible with the CRF450. I hope to get in contact with Honda Australia and ask them about not providing the "competition" ECU and inlet manifold.

[@PaulMckernan-l2n]

Hi Shonky, I picked up my 450RL last month, I’ve put the Get SX1 ecu, fmf system , flywheel weight , G2 tammer and intake tube.. the intake tube is the number 1 mod needed. We. get the EU intake with a 15 mm oval hole instead of the 55 mm tube on the US model. Spend $30 at Honda for the. X or R model intake and you go from 23. To 40hp instantly then do the other mods for 45 plus hp. Mine is smooth linear and fast now ,and still cheaper than a pumpkin

[@ShonkyProductions]

Thanks, great info. I'lll look into this and see if we can put this on the bike to retest.

[@davidsalo8397]

That EU intake tube is ridiculous. Couple more mods for the 450 RL is removing the air box lid and smog removal. Mine rips too!

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@davidsalo8397 Thanks for the tip, I hope to get the bike again soon and do some of these simple mods.

[@TheParaxore]

Wouldn't exactly call the ECU and Exhaust upgrades cheap lol

[@rohanbowers8855]

I've got a 450l with many mods done to it. Vortex,FMF full exhaust system, Twinair filter , airbox opened up,Seat Concepts seat,Magura hydraulic clutch,Adventure spec mini tower,14/48 gearing. I regularly do oil changes at 2000kms and have done 12000kms on it and the valves haven't moved. Once you open it up it is awesome. It's my go to bike.

[@ShonkyProductions]

That's great. I'd love to get a ride on one setup exactly like that. It sounds like an awesome lightweight adventure bike.

[@rohanbowers8855]

@ShonkyProductions I'd let you ride mine but I think it would a bit far to travel to Phillip island for a test ride!

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@rohanbowers8855 Thanks mate. Don't tempt me... I am on holidays for 4 weeks!

[@alexdeffense199]

​​​I have a honda crf450L that is fully modded and turned into a small adventure bike. Has 11litre tank, vortex ecu, open airbox, yoshimura exhaust, comfort seat). I would be more than happy to let you ride it. I am a backpacker from Portugal and live in Tongala (2 hours from Melbourne). I know some good fire trails and single tracks in a state forest near by. Yell out and i would love to help out . The vortex ecu, air box and exhaust make a massive difference from stock, completely different bike 😉@@ShonkyProductions

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@alexdeffense199 Thanks for the offer. Email me at [e-mail] and see what we can work out.

[@PaulMckernan-l2n]

Hi Shonky, I picked up my 450RL 4 weeks ago, I put the sx1 get ecu. fmf system. Flywheel weight. And G2 tammer. The must do mod is the intake mod. We get the EU restricted tube. The OD is 55mm and the ID is a 15mm oval hole. I fitted the US model tube thats on the X & R models 55mm OD. 40hp instantly with just the tube, 45 plus with other mods, and runs super smooth and pulls like it should.

[@mcdonaldslover52]

and how much did that all cost you? probably close to a brand new 500 exc at that point

[@jarrod1687]

The 500 excf vibrates too much, if you're going to be riding mostly offroad yeah the ktm would be the pick but if you're using it for street riding a lot the crf is the better bike

[@bmwm3man]

​@@mcdonaldslover52 still less than the 500exc and cheaper to maintain.

[@mikeisland7382]

Glad you switched riders. Having ridden both models it was interesting to see it lose even to a fully modded 300. That's some heavy restricting they've done to the Australian version.

[@nigelhicks6457]

XR650R with e-srart. Done!

[@trailsandtires1457]

I rode my brother's 2019 CRF450L before i bought my 300L. In stock it was just slightly slower than my 2010 KTM 450exc nut not by much. I did find his to have pretty twitchy throttle especially on tight single track. He ended up with an ecu to sort it out. In the end the almighty dollar won out and i found a 300L with 50km on it for about $2500 under retail and I figured that was almost half what the 450 would cost me. I am happy to see that the 301 holds up handly in comparison!

[@TwoWheelerSparky]

Nice one Sean. Surprising results in the drag race! I definitely have no interest in 1000km oil changes 😬

[@steve2me414]

I'm excited about the ECU test and, subsequently, the Exhaust System. Additionally, I would like you to evaluate another modification, the throttle tamer.

[@ShonkyProductions]

I'm still waiting for the ecu to be installed.

[@steve2me414]

@@ShonkyProductionsTarget the Tamer first; they're not liable for this minor hack.

[@raffs_adv]

Interesting, I have done my research and to get the Snorkel $150 , full FmF system $1219 GET Ecu Sx1 $2100 Au delivered from Taco moto these get 8hp more than the Vortex 56hp total , seat concept comfort $749 , barkbusters $150 , a soft cush rear sprocket (not a cush hub ) plus $13799 ride away is a crazy amount of cash, just buy the Ktm450 not the 500 because the 450’s aren’t restricted so get 48rwhp , and they are good for 2500klm doing adv riding. Ps; Nomad 20ltr tank is around $900 for the crf.

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

In Spain we have a two tiered licensing system. Lots of bikes come detuned so A2 riders can buy them. You have to ride an A2 bike for two years before receiving your A license. For example you can get a Ducati 797 Monster in A2 configuration after two years you can apply for your A license and upgrade the bike to A configuration.

[@ShonkyProductions]

That's interesting. We have a similar system in Australia. I think the restrictions on this bike are more to do with emission testing.

[@Brendan.H.86]

New subscriber here great content and I am looking forward to seeing the results of what can be done with this honda! Your 300 rally is cool and is great to see it do all the things the bigger bikes do!

[@ShonkyProductions]

Thanks mate, I love the CRF 300 rally for its versatility and ease of doing everything. I've got a 3 day ride coming up soon with some bigger bikes and all show you then, how it holds up against them.

[@Brendan.H.86]

@@ShonkyProductions I'll definitely be looking forward to that.

[@mcragosta]

it's very easy to get more than enough power from this bike. I have a derestricted (USA) model, with pipe and ecu and it is Not disappointing. It is indeed a modern day drz400. I had a modded drz, which was a great bike. Still is a great bike today. But the crf is pretty much better everywhere - except cost and maintence. It's got more power, better suspension and is 20-25 lbs ligher.

[@wonkywheels103]

I've never seen anyone stand in a drag race. Each to their own.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Haha... I was thinking the same thing!

[@stevencohen4580]

I was looking at the two bikes yesterday wondering which to buy swaying towards the 300, this confirmed what I was thinking, also you can buy a lot of accessories for the extra 3k.

[@rsbharley4766]

Excellent video, great info. Thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@steve2me414]

Great review, guys. I might wait for your second reviews that include the prices. How much did all the upgrades for your CRF300 cost?

[@DanielSmith-vp5vn]

Old mate has spent 5k odd on his bike. Take the restricted mods off the 450 for virtually no money the stock 300l goes back to being an underpowered bashed crab.

[@SomewhereInside]

@@DanielSmith-vp5vn Just bought a 300 rally , did 150 km today , backroads, fire trails and double track with jumps …stock everything …stood up most of the way …zero dollars spent on mods. Yes a 450 , which I almost bought will do it faster ..you could lift front wheel ect …but the 300 can do bush .

[@billcotton1551]

Sean ,is that 23hp output because it is an Australian version? I think our American version has about 40 hp. BTW I know some people that bought it and had stalling issues on trails.

[@cjeremie]

Very intersting and cait wait for the ecu and mods on the 450. Mob Moto does a review on 3 x diy ecu tuning/traction control/mapping which i never knew about. Can also have a pro tune them too. Perhaps take a look at that video as well. Seems like its endless. Love my 300L anyway.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing the difference a ECU and pipe make to the 450.

[@ratherberiding5964]

I think the tough emissions restriction may be why Honda stopped selling the 450rl in AU for a few years. Couldn’t imagine the disappointment of a 450 with 23 hp. I have a 2021 450rl in the U.S. with a vortex and yoshi pipe. At the power level I’m at now it’s more than enough for the trails or the road but still ( in my view ) within a power range that will lend itself to longevity. 6,500 miles on mine riding it like a dirtbike and it’s still going strong. Look forward to your impressions after doing some modifications.

[@ShonkyProductions]

I'm hoping to have the inlet manifold changed from the restrictive 15mm one to the standard 55mm one. Hopefully that will let it breath.

[@tonyrdr7207]

Wow not what I expected I had a ride on the older model and it was very twitchy in the tight trails probably de derestricted

[@MLeitao]

In europe we don't have that anymore, but i remember some dealers offer the ecu and others charge around 500€

[@mervsbikingadventures]

I’ve been doing a lot of playing about with my 2019 450L and now the two bikes are night and day. The 450 needs a inlet manifold, air box lid, and an ECU. I’ve fitted an Athena GET ecu and it’s a complete game changer. The next hurdle you get to then is the fuel tank and the seat. The most I’ve had from the tank is about 130km and in the distance your arse will be killing toy anyway. I’ve just taken delivery of an IMS fuel tank so that should get me a lot further and I’ve a seat concept on the way for it. But even with all the changes if I was to do another trip like Morocco again with so much off road I’d be taking the 300 Rally again.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Sounds like you're settling the 450 up nicely. I'll me interested to hear your thoughts after getting a seat and bigger tank for it.

[@HoagesMoto]

For context my 450L with all the fixes, fmf pipe, axp bash plate, barkbusters, stock seat, HD tubes, rimlocks, shinko 505/michelin enduro medium tyres and nomad 11L tank, DRC tail delete and button rear indictors, quadlock, usb aux charger, DID ervt520 chain and supersprox stealth rear sprocket - effectivlely the lightest of all the essentials with the protection that's required comes in at 126kg dry so ~ the same as the dead stock bike accouting for fuel.

[@ShonkyProductions]

That sounds like a great setup. Great job 👍

[@1964mjc]

Great review thanks Sean. Be good to see it next time a stock crf300 or stage 1.5 tune

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, I hope to have it along for some upcoming trail rides and see how it compares to some stock CRF300's.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

Will be interesting to see what is easy to do.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, maybe there is some simple airbox or snorkel mods that the owner can do without spending any money.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@ShonkyProductions Brings to mind the original MT07 disaster when they came out. I discovered that the major cause of the lack of power ( not the snatchy throttle...that was another matter) was the intake stacks between the throttle bodies and the ait box had a square edged lip that reduced them down from 40mm to 31mm. Remove and the thing became the fire breather it should be. In this case it appears ( at least at first) not to be that, as the big give away on th 07 was the torque and power curves were identical on the Euro and Aussie and the mid tops were non existant. It appears that, in the case of the 450L it's choked from closed throttle onwards. Did you check for a throttle stop at all?

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@gregjetnikoff7124 Interesting... No I didn't look any closer at it, but I will return and see what can be done to the stock bike to unleash some power.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@ShonkyProductions I figured you would. I will keep an eye out for it.

[@ronaldl.leonejr.-ih9hq]

Just bought a brand new 2024 Honda CRF 450 RLand I can't wait til spring already.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Congratulations! I hope winter goes quick for you.

[@socaladventure2340]

I currently own a 2020 crf450l, with yoshimura full exhaust, vortex ecu, Twin Air filter plus cage and this thing is an absolute monster. You should notice a massive difference in power once uncorked, be prepared LOL. This 450 has really growned on me.

[@ShonkyProductions]

That's what I was expecting, just a shame you need to spend more on it to get that power.

[@jarrod1687]

Intake tube alone will gain you massive power. Do ecu and exhaust later if you want more

[@mcdonaldslover52]

1 good thing about this bike is all the aftermarket parts for it

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, I'm keen to see what it can become with some modifications.

[@6226superhurricane]

no chance of that being a drz400e replacement, not when it was a 450x or a 450l certainly not now that it's 450rl. drz400e weighs 4kg more but holds more fuel, oil and coolant, it has 6000km oil change intervals, half intervals for offroad use which means when you do a 6000km trip you have one oil change during your trip vs six. the drz400e also comes restricted the difference being it costs nothing but time to remove the restrictors if the dealer didn't do it for you. after both bikes are derestricted the drz400e has 39.34hp, 26.72 lb/ft the crf450rl has 38.7hp, 27.8 lb/ft but at 4k rpm the drz has 5 lb/ft more torque than the crf. drz comes with suzuki branded bash plate and radiator guards made by force accessories and barkbusters so thats less to buy from the start, suspension on the drz is great and excellent when its sprung and valved for your weight and use (if you change the springs you change the valving to match the spring on any bike) brakes on the drz are the same as every japanes 450 mx bike so probably the same as the crf 450rl too. if you wanted a weekend toy bike with 1000km service intervals you'd buy a competition enduro bike not a detuned mx bike.

[@BlessureK]

Yeah I owned this bike for 2 years and no matter how much money I threw at it it was still a POS

[@Newso-m2b]

Who the 450 L is really for is older trail bike riders that aren’t in their younger days anymore and just still want to do some easy riding in the dirt still

[@ShoestringADV]

Great comparison video , I think you mentioned your modded 300 is making around 30hp ? Have you dyno tested it or are you going off info from 550 performance?

[@ShonkyProductions]

Just going off the 550 Performance info, but I hope to dyne it in the new year.

[@ShoestringADV]

@@ShonkyProductions right on , Ari’s figures are likely accurate I was just curious .

[@steve2me414]

Regarding the service subject, you will need to do it correctly to maintain the 2 year warranty, right.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, I'm sure you will need to do it by the book.

[@DoodleRiderGSA]

Hi Shonky, at what Stage was you 300 Rally, had you put the 301 Big Bore kit on at this test?

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@DoodleRiderGSA that was with the 301 kit and Stage 3 tune.

[@DoodleRiderGSA]

@@ShonkyProductions had you the sport cams in, thanks again, it must be late in Australia, I’m the ofter side of the world

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@DoodleRiderGSA no, sports cams were later when I went to Stage 4. It's 9pm on Sunday night... Father's Day. Enjoy your day.

[@DoodleRiderGSA]

@@ShonkyProductions hope you had a good and relaxing Father’s Day, just a Sunday in Jersey CI 11.50am thanks for answering, just watched you doing that Rally and doing your shoulder in. I’m going to go straight to Stage 4 from Stage 1. 👍

[@jonr4651]

I’m the only one scrubbing through this video trying to see the wallaby.😂

[@airadaimagery692]

That big bore kit is looking better and better all the time.

[@ogasi1798]

the vibes will be higher as new engine, even my gsxr 750 and r1 vibed when new - calmed at about 500miles

[@GlennCapstaff]

My WR250r took a while to free up, thought l had a dud for the first 600km but it got better and better. I expect the Honda will free up with use but 23hp can only do so much.

[@SomewhereInside]

After literally months looking forward to the re release of this bike , put a deposit down , then switched to a 300 rally 😂..have put 120km on the rally ..and love it ….mostly . I do know , I went against my better judgement not getting the 450 RL in relation to weight and power , but the rally was cheaper , has a bigger tank ,a fairing ( doesn’t work if your over 5ft 6). After a blast in the bush on a moderate fire trail , with corrugated inclines , I felt the wallow of the rally on the stock front wheel and inherent front end weight …but the ergonomics for a rider of 5ft 8 ( 174cm ) is amazing standing up ,and standing down . The 300 is a sweet bike to ride , will cruise 100km on the freeway albeit loudly with the stock windscreen , the 450 will be more of a thrill to ride fast in the bush …but was surprised given the horror reviews of the stock 300 rally suspension , how much of a non issue it is when riding moderately if standing up ….and I weigh 97 kg. Go the 300 rally 😊

[@ShonkyProductions]

Great choice. Get a few mods on your Rally and you will love it even more!

[@SomewhereInside]

Cheers

[@EddyOtway]

For an extra $3k you can get a Beta 390RR racing with KYB suspension and they go great 👌🏼pretty much nothing to spend except for setting it up for long trip like luggage racks

[@HoagesMoto]

yep, ex 480RR owner and have a fixed CRF450L now for a different purpose, I regret the sale of my smoother, more usable power, more power, better clutch by miles beta regardless of highway or enduro domain the beta, and I'd betta a 350 and 390 are better bikes, I rode the 350 recently and sorely missed the better quality ride.

[@agro1942]

Shonky, this makes me wonder - would a stock CRL450RL be a good option for a new dual sport rider then? Lighter bike, non-abusive power, and yet you can uncork it if later on your skill develops?

[@jarrod1687]

I started riding on this bike, uncorked also a yoshi full exhaust and dynojet to correct fueling. On road totally fine for a beginer besides the touchy throttle, off road it's a handful with the stock tyres though. I'll warn you it's hard to control yourself, this bike begs to be flogged

[@skyworx524]

I'll be keeping my 300L and get a CFMoto 450MT .

[@airadaimagery692]

How much does a 450MT weigh?

[@randomgirl-lj3xi]

Hi guys thanks for the video, if not this bike, what are the European competitors for riding to the trail you can recommend? I don't want to have to sell my car to buy a van or trailer and 4wd,

[@jwaller1327]

I have a CRF450L in the USA, with the AIM ECU. It’s great. But I can’t see the point of the bike restricted as it is in the video. What a disappointment!

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, I knew it would be restricted but this is ridiculous.

[@EricBanner571]

A 2023 DRZ400E come out of the showroom derestricted with 40HP and a smooth throttle. It also has long service intervals and cheap aftermarket spare parts. 138kg with 10 litre tank. The only advantage of the Honda is the 6th gear and modern suspension. I still think the DRZ is the better option.

[@airadaimagery692]

And fuel injection

[@Gusssugs]

who does the first 100 klm ride on each new bike?

[@scottbanghart3866]

There is no way that a 300L is going to beat a 450RL , absolutely no way !

[@geoffhowse3591]

I was "lucky" enough to have bought one of the last CRF450LX's back in mid 2020, and I spent a lot more money on things I thought it needed, I also referenced John T Young's channel a lot. Not sure what ppl mean by "fixed", and as the LX came with an FMF pipe & a Vortex, I never experience a std "L". It also came with the air box mod's, tail tidy, bashplate, etc...but the first thing I bought was a Seat Concepts lower seat, the OG seat is a 4 x 2 painted red, a Rekluse auto clutch (awesome) a G2 throttle tamer, and rerouting the cables, Rekluse left hand rear brake (not that impressed, a real bitch the bleed properly), and several other items, but even tho I've had it 3½ years, I've done less that 2,000k :(. It was a shame that Honda Australia dropped these, back in the day, and I was so excited to hear that the RL was returning, as they are quite popular in the State's, and I was also hoping that all the problems that bugged the "L" would not return, but it appears that it's basically the same bike, only more, Red....such a shame, and I will not be too surprised, if it's discontinued AGAIN.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, I think Honda Australia really missed the boat by not offering the "power up kit" with these bikes. It is not really ideal to have to purchase at least an inlet manifold, probably a ECU (and pipe) just to get it to run like a 450cc bike should!

[@2000jago]

A point you didn't touch on is the SIGNIFICANT price difference between the CRF300/Rally and the 450RL...

[@ShonkyProductions]

Good point and something I will address in the future once we get some mods on the 450. Stock I think there is a $3000aud price difference

[@xxlalbatross3287]

I am a new follower(10801) of your channel Greetings from Türkiye 😊

[@ShonkyProductions]

Hello, and welcome to the channel. 👍

[@patrolmaverick]

The real question everyone wants to know, can we get a full review of that Patrol on the hoist? 😍😂

[@ShonkyProductions]

Haha... Dam you. My mate said I have to pay him for everyone that mentions his LS3 Patrol in the background!

[@patrolmaverick]

😂

[@airadaimagery692]

That thing looks bad arse.

[@xpllmmff]

If I put on a 301cc big-bore Kit, a 550 ECU, a better suspension to 300L model, I might have already spent same fund as buying a stock 450RL model. In that case, would I be better off getting this one from the very start

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, that's one way to think about it. And then, you have a lot more potential to unlock if and when you decide.

[@no66]

Of course it depends on use. I also use my 300 as a commuter to and from work etc. Hardly use a car in the summer. 12K service interval is good. 1000-2000k oil change becomes tedious fast. ( I had a modded XR600)

[@mortaygo1]

In fairness your 300 has had a bucket load of money spent.... uncorked crf450RL will blow the doors off the modified 300 right?😮

[@ericsvich1228]

Speaking from my own experience owning a 450L, as a pre-requisite in getting the bike to run properly you need to do a number of costly mods including upgrading the airbox, ECU (Vortex or GET) and fitting a full exhaust system . These mods will significantly transform the engine performance more inline with the euro bikes of the same capacity. The suspension is very good out of the box so you only really need to tinker with the settings. That said, the bike is significantly heavier on the scales than its euro competitors and in the real world feels much heavier than that still. Out on the singles and more challenging terrain the Honda 450L feels much heavier and steers a lot lower slower than the euro equivalent and not nearly as well balanced. I have owned both the 450L and a FE501 and in my opinion in real world situations the FE-501 is far more confidence inspiring than the Honda. That said, actually there is no comparison, the FE-501 is so much better. I am surprised Honda have release the bike in the same form once again in Australia. With a few mods you can build an awesome light weight adventure bike out of the FE501/500exc. And in case if anyone is concerned about reliability, look at the many examples of people using these bikes for travelling long distances with one example clocking up 140,000km. I don't think Honda have done their homework on this bike. Its not cheap once you do all the mods required to make it run properly taking the cost into the same territory as the euro bikes, only difference is that after spending all this money on the Honda it is still not anywhere near as good as one of the euro bikes. As they say, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck ! Good luck Honda :)

[@ShonkyProductions]

I agree, as an enduro bike the Honda is behind the Euro bikes. I was hoping the Honda would be a better base to build a lightweight adventure bike, but as you said, it still needs a lot spent on it...

[@pawelwolski1316]

Interesting, I have second gen Rally ( in Indonesia, its still 249cc here, no stroke increaae). I fixed the suspension, got 250 non slipery clutch, externally opened air box, black widow full ex, working with 550 performance to tune my odd ball ecu). I am looking for offroad capable, light adv for my Europe bike. Its going to be the Rally with your set up... There is nothing out there that fits this bill. It is an absolute shame that one has to throw $3000 usd to get a bike that Honda should have delivered. The 450 is dual purpose and choked up just like the Rally.

[@sausagesandwichSA]

Hmmm intersting...can you get it out with some stock 300's or even better a 250 👍

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, will do that soon.

[@nathanbanks7091]

The number of extremely low mileage used CRF450's for sale in my region tells me that it has issues...The fueling issues and extremely short service intervals are likely the culprits. A miss by Honda. Honda made a huge mistake when they abandoned the XR650R when they should have been adding electric start and making a dual sport version. That bike had the potential to be THE bike. Another Honda miss.

[@ShonkyProductions]

I agree. I've had several XR650r's and will probably get another one day. Imagine that bike with electric start and fuel injection!

[@Racer18crf]

I wish they would bring back an updated XR400 as well as the 650 that would be sick!

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@Racer18crf Hell yeah! A XR650r with electric start and fuel injection.

[@steve2me414]

I hope that Coastal Motorcycle Centre will add only one modification at a time so that we can observe how it alters the bike, More views.

[@ShonkyProductions]

I understand why you want that, and I'll see if we can do it. It's a bit of a catch22 with exhaust and ECU though. Putting a free flowing exhaust with the stock ECU might make it dangerously lean and hurt the motor.

[@steve2me414]

Your right I didn't think of that.

[@steve2me414]

Hello, I'm going to get this bike next week stock, give me two weeks and then you can record me. (It has been 18 years since my last ride. )

[@ShonkyProductions]

Congratulations, great choice. I hope you remember how to ride.... 😁

[@steve2me414]

Me too. I'm going to ride on the road for a while and then on the dirt for the next week. I need to learn how to balance again.

[@salmon1708]

Who stands up in a drag race?

[@ShonkyProductions]

Haha.... He has some learning to do. But even with his added wind resistance, he beat me when I was on the CRF450!

[@ogasi1798]

The service interval seems like a massive typo - how can a 450 limited to 23hp ask for oil 5k? before the 300 made by the same manufacturer does? It makes NO sense, none. Honda really should answer this, it has the world confused.

[@steve2me414]

Happy XMAS guys.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Thanks mate. You too.

[@timothyherweynen6210]

Not sure why someone would stand up on the pegs in a drag race?!🧐

[@ShonkyProductions]

Ummmm... Yeah, not sure 🤔

[@travishimself1973]

Wow my Oz spec 500excf is a monster compared to this. It would be out of sight in no time. Compared to my wr250r the 500 feels 3x the power. Just get the KTM. Service intervals are only for racing too. Oil changes at 2-3000 will be fine.

[@ShonkyProductions]

I've ridden the 2013 KTM500 I know what you mean... great power!

[@kiwiadventurer]

That was quite interesting Shonky and disappointing at the same time. I was pleasantly surprised at the weight which is a plus for me condisering its lighter than the 300. Honda are definately being held back by polution legislation. Honda could have made the bike a lot more attractive to buyers with a longer oil change service interville but they didn't. Incidentally the CRF 450rl 2023 model chucks out 38hp at 7500rpm but looking at the dyno curve there is a big drop off down to 30hp at 10rpm. Na ..... not interested, it needs to breath with a full exhaust system and wants remapping to suit.

[@ShonkyProductions]

I don't think the Australian CRF450RL has 38hp stock. I found some stats stating 23hp stock and 38hp unrestricted.

[@mikeisland7382]

@@ShonkyProductions North American model is 38.7 stock, 46 with Vortex/FMF combo. There are kits to go higher if that's what you're looking for.

[@TrippyandDa]

Is nobody ever going to make the unicorn bike😳 surely this 450RL needs far too much money spent on it straight out the box. Kove 450 Rally seems to be getting closest to the ultimate light weight travel bike straight from the factory?

[@ShonkyProductions]

It will be interesting to see if we get the Kove450 in Australia and then what the price will be.

[@TrippyandDa]

@@ShonkyProductions looks very cheap in the US. I’d say Oz will be the proving ground though. That fuel capacity and light weight will surely attract a few willing adventurers

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@TrippyandDa yeah they definitely look appealing to us here in Australia for their fuel range. Hopefully we'll have an importer and dealer network soon.

[@airadaimagery692]

Kove 450 is definite not a unicorn. I wouldn’t call it light in weight either.

[@fargoalspach557]

Well I’ll take great suspension and highway speeds over racing I guess.

[@BikesDrones]

This bike is going to be a great big fail again in Australia because it's still got all the same problems / unsuitability as last time. Maybe slightly better throttling.

[@ShonkyProductions]

And the decision of Honda not to include the "competition" ECU and intake manifold is stupid. From what I understand, on the previous model these were included and unleashed its potential.

[@BikesDrones]

One more step backwards. Chinese and Indian brands are going to eat Hondas lunch in the small mid size dual sport/adventure segment. @@ShonkyProductions

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@BikesDrones It definitely looks like other manufacturers are putting at lot of effort into this segment.

[@adamclarke1105]

Sooo, they’ve re-released it with most of the issues that killed it before. Nice

[@steve2me414]

A reduction of $2,000 might be more appropriate.

[@tehioteuru]

Sur la 450 mettre plateau arrière 49 dents et pignon 16 dents à l'avant. Derrière la 300. Plus d'économie de carburant, moins de vibrations. Mais toujours efficace sur tout terrain. D'ailleurs nous voyons au démarrage la 450 prendre les devants avec son plateau arrière de 51 dents et son pignon avant 13 dents. La 300 l'a rattrapé avec ses 49 dents à l'arrière et le 16 dents à l'avant. Regardez bien à la pesé la différence de taille des plateaux arrières. Le poids n'a rien avoir sur la vitesse.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Oui, changer l'engrenage aiderait certainement le CRF450 avec un meilleur kilométrage et moins de vibrations.

[@tehioteuru]

@@ShonkyProductions j'ai déjà fait cette modification sur une 250 YZ modèle 96 mauve : vitesse 220km/h attention quand même dans les virages. Je dis ça car ceux qui m'ont volé mon bébé sont décédés en perdant le contrôle dans un virage en percutant un poteau électrique. Il y avait les pneus cross dessus et pas de casque. Faire un rappel aux jeunes sur l'importance du casque SVP.

[@thelonewolf666]

im not paying 13k for a restricted bike

[@jeffcoulter7181]

Not sure why Honda would produce a 450 with less power than the 300 and stupid service regime. It really doesn’t make sense. 🤔

[@robpinter5431]

23 hp out of a 450????....serious...even the new RE has 40

[@scottbanghart3866]

That’s bullshit .

[@waderogers2328]

Lets be honest HONDA need to rebirth the xr600 and modernise it electric start clear tank comfy seat 6 speed box good suspension and theyd walk out the door on global scale come on honda listen to what we want ! Africa twin owner 🍻🍻

[@ShonkyProductions]

That would be perfect. Offer two models like they do with the CRF300, a trail bike version and an adventure/rally version.

[@rockyesterline7942]

That guy is just dogging that 450. And 300 As if he scared to death. I bought a new Honda CRF 450R.L in 2022 rosharim pipe vortex ECU Gold O ring chain Under the handlebar mirrors. Raised up the rear light and license plate right under the Fender super cross tires. Also Changed gearing better for the street my 450 FRL Would just eat those two bikes alive and be gone You're only tacking those bikes up to about five grand at the most Either way, you're making the 450 look bad. When it is truly the opposite!!!!!

[@mudman242001]

Haha, if I was beaten by a heavy 300L, I would just go home😢

[@sjbechet1111]

Please learn what the relationship between torque and power is, you clearly don't understand.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Please explain.

[@sjbechet1111]

Torque is a 'moment,' an instantaneous measurement of turning force. You cannot feel torque as a rider or driver. Let John explain - he does it in Australian. kzbin.info/www/bejne/anOyo6yondhsn6M @@ShonkyProductions

[@JimJones-gd2jy]

You have to change oil ? F that ! it’s a junk bike !

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, the recommended maintenance intervals are a little short for a trail bike or adventure bike.

[@williamleonardo8478]

You need to learn how to ride 300 beats of 450 that's joke

[@ShonkyProductions]

That's how restricted they are stock here in Australia.

[@lc1966]

Seems that few manufacturers are actually listening to potential buyers... Honda knows we want less weight, wind protection, and decent service intervals yet they choose to offer this. I personally like the idea of CF Moto's 270 cranked twin 450 yet wouldn't buy a Chinese made bike at gun-point. KTM will soon release it's Indian made 390 adventure bike... That might actually fit with demand.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, I was just looking at the specs for the CFMOTO 450mt. 175kg dry, with 17L fuel capacity.

[@GlennCapstaff]

My WR250r took a while to free up, thought l had a dud for the first 600km but it got better and better. I expect the Honda will free up with use but 23hp can only do so much.

[@GlennCapstaff]

My WR250r took a while to free up, thought l had a dud for the first 600km but it got better and better. I expect the Honda will free up with use but 23hp can only do so much.

[@jammerjim6775]

Once the ECU is changed with a full aftermarket exhaust it’s a different bike It’s those dang emissions epa crap that’s got to be on all road legal bikes when sold that makes it even more expensive to get a real bike