HONDA CRF450RL REVIEW | Downsize your adventure?

[@orical2832]

I have a 2020 450L and honestly, I think i love it more than any bike I've ever owned. It did need upgrades though. The seat (it's either that or have your proctologist on speed dial), the tank, AXP sump guard, exhaust and ECU (Vortex). I never bought my bike new, so even with upgrades, the overall price was still reasonable. But I honestly feel it's been absolutely worth it. I now have a 6-speed super lightweight 'adventure bike' that has awesome suspension, huge capability on and off-road, and enough power to easily get you into trouble on the road... Even the frequent oil changes are a doddle with a easy-change tool (5-10 mins max). For me it's almost the perfect adventure bike as it's so good off-road and totally acceptable on-road. Will easily cruise at 120kmh all day. Love it.

[@advlife]

The seat is insane right? 😂😂 But it sounds like you’ve got a nice build 👍🏻

[@jemirandav]

Dream bike by far. Powerful, light, no fancy electronics.

[@h.nguyen4193]

Dream bike? have you been out of the house lately? There's some amazing hand built MX/Dual Sport bikes out there.

[@christiangrendel9893]

Great review 👍👌. I got a second hand one for 7800 Euros (600 Km). With Acerbis seat, rack, hand guards and US ECU. I changed the mirrors and got the Vortex. Absolutely brilliant bike. I'm 172 tall, so is quite high. The weight is perfect, planted on the road. In deep dirt good tractor factor. Suspension is a dream, if you're not heavy. I liked how you didn't slag the bike off and stayed really positive. I'm 51 and like you said, I don't need a 450 where I shit myself when I'm riding. This bike is manageable and still exciting. Happy new year mate!

[@ozadv]

Yes, this is on the list - with the ECU upgrade.. 😊 The maintenance schedule appears to be a hangover from the MX bikes - as an adventure bike plenty of riders are getting double the kms for oil changes and with clean oil too. And it's a relatively quick and easy job.

[@advlife]

Spot on and yep I believe the oil changes can be stretched.

[@mt1885]

I do not mind the oil change interval I change it on all my bikes more frequently as that is the LIFE of the engine. The ECU being locked and 2 expenses ECU/Exhaust as the bike is unrideable to me stock. Still looking at getting one but most likely find a used one need to have money put back to get the ECU/Exhaust and the larger tank. Pretty much do that on every bike I get new is mods when new.

[@mt1885]

@@advlife I would not as life of the engine and it only holds little over a quart super simple to do. The ECU being locked and massive exhaust and tiny fuel tank are the big expense items - need to budget for out of the gates. Even if I got a new one would order it all in advance would not even want to ride it stock.

[@roycemartin9068]

It literally takes 5 minutes to change the oil.

[@mennonitemoto5941]

I'm a new rider, I've had my aprilia tuareg for 2 seasons here in Canada, 6,000km on it mostly sandy trails.its heavy to pick up! I might have to switch to.this bike or have two?! Keep the tuareg for.hwy trips?

[@maxcactus7]

Bloody brilliant review of the 450RL!! Great Aussie humor sincerely appreciaed, too!!

[@AusMoto]

The only bike I'd consider selling my WR250R for but don't think I can part with the long service intervals of it, but glad to see more competition in the dual sport market here in AUS!

[@advlife]

I am reliably told the oil changes can be pushed out a fair bit past 1000kms but it's tough to beat how easy the WR250R is to live with

[@jarrod1687]

I extended my oil changes and I didn't like the look of the oil, 1000kms is best unless you do lots of easy highway kms

[@travishimself1973]

I kept my wr250r and added a 500exf. Just can't justify giving up the wr knowing it can't be replaced. 15 mins and 1 litre of oil in the kato so I don't mind changing it at 1k or so. It comes out looking brand new so reckon you could go 3k easy if just doing adv riding.

[@maybeerainmaybeesnow]

I like the idea of the CRF 450RL and test rode one about a year ago. I just love my WR250R so much that I can't justify buying the CRF. There's something so special about the WR gearbox!

[@_hold_the_line_]

Australia is a big country. Adventure bikes often have 350km range or more and 5k+ oil change intervals.

[@CaptainRevs]

Recently took my V-Strom 800DE equipped with some "upgraded from stock" Scorpion Street Rally Tires out off-road in Florida for some sand, mud and bit of single track riding - the bike is so heavy despite me customizing it and taking off a lot of stock parts. Hit a patch of mud that seemed dry as the top layer was, bike went sideways and I high sided it nearly breaking my shoulder and knee, luckily I landed on some soft terrain. After that one trip I'm seriously considering selling it and buying one of these. Heavy ADV Bikes just aren't safe off-road unless you are really good and even then, it still seems funner to be off-road on something like the 450RL.

[@advlife]

I really love the 800DE but it's not a single trail bike. If you still like the rush of a bigger engine, take the time to try the Aprilia Tuareg. It is outstanding at straddling the line between dirt bke and adventure and will handle everyting you just rode on much, much better.

[@terratrodder]

Great coverage of this excellent bike. I have a '19 450L with a lot of upgrades including the 20L Nomad tank, it's an amazing bike for some long range exploration of all kinds of terrain, except technical single track which it's not designed for. Highly recommended!

[@advlife]

Did you make changes to the forks after you fitted the tank?

[@riscracing5538]

Great review. Good to see Daryl as well. We are waiting for a Rally/ADV treatment for the CRF450 for years now......Honda teased us with the CRF450L Rally presented at several fairs....but it was never gone in production....sadly....i´m still hoping they will do it now Kove got the 450 Rally for sale....come on Honda....i ride a modified 250 Rally still waiting for the 450 Rally street legal version but please update the seat!...and it´s not only me who´s waiting 🤗 There is still a gap bewteen the 300Rally and the 500X....but sometimes wishes will not come true...

[@ownyourworld]

I have an old gs which I love but looking at crf300 rally for next years travels

[@tempestscout2]

😂 bung hole of granite! Awesome review. You guys look like you had a great time. I am looking at a 2019 450RL currently

[@2mpoida]

This is how our trail rides of yesteryear looked

[@jsned2502]

Play around with sprockets. If you are doing this type of riding, a 14 43 makes the road sections soooooo much better. And it is still good in anything except hard enduro stuff. Also a little fly screen is amazing for this type of riding. I have one that goes on with finger knobs, no wrenches and can fit in my back pack.

[@kx501]

I have an Enduro loop out there starts at MINGOOLA - TENTERFIELD - DEEPWATER - STANNUM - TORRINGTON - EMMAVILLE then straight through the guts of Torrington state forest back to Mingoola , 295km.

[@advlife]

Absolute heaven mate!

[@nickabrahall1412]

The WR250r was an awesome light adventure bike except for when loaded up. Wouldn’t even pull top gear in a headwind or corrugations and you’d have to cover the headlight before a hill

[@advlife]

Totally agree

[@MOBStreet83]

Dude, I was laughing through this whole thing! Great Video! I was just at my local Honda Shop and saw this bike for the first time and this was the first video I have seen on it. I haven't had great schnitzel since I was in Germany! Brilliant video! Subbed to your channel. 😂 Matt with MOBStreet in Utah, USA

[@billsharko3007]

I bought a 2024 Yamah WR450f this bike is more powerful weighs less and is much easier to take the restrictions out of it and doesn't cost anything to do. I put the competition ECU in the bike for $200.00 so I can program it any way that I want another plus with the Yamaha and also comes with good tires from the factory all of which are a cost savings. Manual says oil changes at 1200 miles but I will not go that long.

[@JimmyHutchison]

Let's go, Loved my crf450x

[@advlife]

Loved the X too!

[@shanethomas1399]

Took delivery of the new RL about a month ago. Love it. Upgraded the ECU to Athena Get SX1 from Taco Moto and the intake pipe from the air box to the throttle body. Being a euro sourced bike the intake is barley bigger than your thumb. Would love to know the route you guys took down to deepwater. :)

[@mt1885]

Question does it run cooler and not have the Flame outs like stock? That is my main concern about getting one just don't want to have the flame outs and the fan kicking on.

[@davidsalo8397]

The GET SX-1 ECU is the way to go in my book. Too bad the euro models come with the restricted intake tube. Makes no sense. Once you get all the aftermarket parts installed that suit you, the 450 RL is one heck of a bike to head out and see the country!

[@shanethomas1399]

@@davidsalo8397 Agreed. It's concerning Honda have chosen to come to market with the bike so restricted compared to other comparable bikes. Hopefully doesn't suffer the same fate as the 450L

[@shanethomas1399]

@@mt1885 Only new to it. It flamed out on me once with the factory set up. hasn't done it since, but only done like 300km on it.

[@jwaller1327]

I have a 2019 CRF450L. I think you undersold just how awful the stock seat is after 20-30 minutes. It's a freaking torture device! The Seat Concepts seat is the most important mod you can put on that bike. You need the seat before spending a cent on the ECU or a fuel tank for more range; trust me, you're not going to want to ride it any longer than you could with the stock tank.

[@advlife]

Crazy that it made it to production with that seat. Who tested it? They must have an arse of steel.

[@jarrod1687]

After using it for 4 months my ass has hardened and I don't mind the seat now

[@dustinbell9689]

When I got my 450RL I was determined not to buy a new seat, I made it about 700mi of use before I gave in….it is abusive to your backside. I was more comfortable on my pedal road bike after 20mi without padded shorts…hahaha

[@bikeaction.]

There's certainly a gap that needs to be filled since the death of the XR's. Hopefully these 450's will eventually fit the mold. Close but no cigar at this stage for me but hey it's a start. Thanks again Damo for a great production.

[@advlife]

Some years ago, Yamaha Australia's then CEO requested the company build an air-cooled bike like a modern TT that would be affordable buy and live with and not overpowering. They did not listen. Unfortunately, EU5 emissions standards now make it impossible. I fear we are heading towards a near future where adventure bikes become unaffordable - as often happens when something becomes fashionable and the bandwagon gets full.

[@x_apollyon2822]

Loved the video! Good commentary and cinematography. 10/10

[@ebhkkc1]

I tricked mine out and love it..

[@charleshaguewood1040]

I have a 2022 450rl with the expensive 🫰 mods, and now the bike is awesome and has been trouble free

[@SLFYSH]

The maintenence schedule means it's not an RL or L. Need the rally version.

[@urastus9202]

Thankyou for the review and insight into Daryl's setup; dudes who use them everyday for business. Re the client bikes; they don't have the ecu upgrade? If that is so, how did you find low speed throttle control?

[@MotorcycleMayhem595]

You gotta love Hondas!

[@EddyOtway]

I’m sick to death of bikes that need mods when you buy them, if I buy something I’m serious about I don’t want to spend extra on a new ECU, larger tank or new seat or suspension. Think I’d rather spend my dollars on a KTM 690 or the transalp 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@churchofbrap876]

U can thank emissions laws!

[@SomewhereInside]

Agree , back in the day…a new IT 200 1985 model , was lightweight 109kg approx , zero mods needed . Would wheelstand , power slide , sit on the road ok , never had to spend a cent in the two years I owned it, thrashed it on proper single and double tracks ….never caused a single issue , because it weighed so little , the power never needed increasing, no one whinged about seats then , like push bikes , your butt adjusts ( 58 pile suffer😮😅) so ok seat upgrades maybe valid. I think we all get sucked in to these you tube videos , remember these guys make a living upselling . Would like to see a proper in depth , nerd fest on this machine .

[@orical2832]

KTM has models where you have to pay extra to use the full electronics package after a 'free' 1000km trial... Paying extra to use something already fitted to the bike!!! Not sure if it's made it's way into the 690 yet mind you. But if it hasn't, it's coming....

[@advlife]

So I also had an 85 IT200 and it is one of my favourite bikes I’ve ever owned. But no…I do not make money upselling products on KZbin. I don’t make any money from Honda or from any of the companies in this video whatsoever and this video…like all my videos will have cost me money. Hence why I’m debating to continue in 2024. The companies listed in this video are ones Daryl Beattie uses to build his bikes. That’s the whole point, so you can see how he does it and how it can work and handle a year of tours.

[@EddyOtway]

@@orical2832 690 only has traction control on/off and 2 power modes pretty basic, but I did hear from someone who works for KTM day the next 690 will be a twin cylinder 🤔

[@SomewhereInside]

There is almost zero reviews on this bike since its second release in Oz. How is it selling? How many mm can you lower this bike without affecting off road ability too much ? Currently have a 300 rally which whilst soft , is so versatile and at 100 kg and 3000 km it is 100 per cent stock. The seat height is an issue on the 300 rally , at 5 ft 7 and 28 inch seam …the 885 mm seat height is ridiculous …seat sag or not . In the old days on lightweight two stroke IT 200 s and even the TT 230 4 stroke you could negate ground clearance limitations by wheel standing in most situations . The appeal of this 450 would be the ability to lift the front wheel. But hey 130 plus KG is still heavy on a tall bike if you are shorter . Reckon if they sold a factory lower seat height version ….with a bigger tank and windscreen it would sell very well.

[@WadeMade]

How are the flameouts? Does it happen too easily?

[@jodychapall6421]

21rl amazing bike does it all

[@MCGA-u3w]

Getting ready for my Vortex install here in northern Alberta, any tips on settings for the X10 switch? I also have a handlebar switch and full fmf exhaust and high flow intake, the handlebar switch uses default map1 and X10 map of choice. So 2 maps.

[@travishimself1973]

You mention the FMF smoothed out the bottom end. Is that code for made it gutless down low or was it a genuine improvement. Without a new ecu surely it just leans the bike out even more.

[@advlife]

The FMF is a full system so it does a good job. The stock setup has an abrupt take up from a standing start and the FMF lessens that and makes it smoother. It helps it hold gears longer and for me the biggest bonus is it diminishes the heavy engine braking which helps with gear choice in and out of corners.

[@maybeerainmaybeesnow]

That damn seat!

[@jarrod1687]

And if you want it to be punchy and crazy you can do the rx cam and valve springs to get making 55+ wheel hp, totally unnecessary though as a beginer, I find with an rs4 and power comander it's still more then enough power to get a novice into trouble. I'm glad honda brought it back to Australia though!

[@advlife]

Id love to try the RX suspension 👍🏻

[@TwoWheelerSparky]

Definitely not a maintenance schedule suited to a long distance adventure bike.. Might be fun as your local bush basher!

[@stompingplatypus]

I believe this gentleman would disagree. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqnSmnxtqsqKrqssi=-uyrecT51fYsAAoj

[@CBWANADA]

The crf450l is the unKTM. I Dont get. it. In 2018 i wanted to buy the crf450l, as I have 62k miles on an xr650r. The crf450l was as heavy as the xr! Bought a ktm 500 exc. Proven just as reliable, probably easier to service. Haven't needed the aftermarket exhaust or vortex. Added a 4.2 gal tank, Fisher seat. Comfy for miles. 9k miles on it now. Why not just buy the ktm and be done?

[@murrayhyde4902]

hello... new to adventure riding.. and i currently use a road bike (scrambler) with knobby tyres to get onto the dirt... How do shorties like me 5ft 6in if i'm lucky... ride this type of bike??? my bike has a seat height of 800mm which is tough enough to get off...

[@advlife]

Hey mate. Welcome to adventure riding! The CRF450RL is pretty tall as it's based off the motocross model. You could try a lowering link but it would still be pretty high for 5ft 6in. I'd recomend having a look at the CRF300L, the Yamaha WR250R (if you can find a used model) or the KTM 390 Adventure (might need a lowering link but it's a good option), or perhaps the CFMOTO 800MT and Versys-X 300 if you're after something that's more road based.

[@murrayhyde4902]

@@advlife thanks for the quick reply... I'll keep looking for options... current bike is fun... but heavy (royal enfield 411)... but it does get me the hour each way to the dirt roads.

[@charliepyle1626]

So for- how much?, we get a bike with 1,000k service intervals, a seat you can't use, 40hp, jerky throttle and flame outs.

[@MrNaxen]

there are Passenger Pegs ?

[@foodtuub]

RL meaning the "real life" ....an everyday option

[@mikeross7725]

A little oof topic but how did the Transalps go on the same tracks?

[@edenf4519]

They’re not tracks…. They’re roads that you can ride a Harley on.

[@cliff1551]

6:12 That's what I tell the misses 😊

[@petermcdonald2526]

Why don't we tell everyone about all the other restricted bikes in our market? The CRF isn't the only one or maybe you not allowed to for fear of upsetting the euro's. Why keep hammering the CRF about it, this is what happened last time it was released.

[@advlife]

Please explain why would I be afraid of upsetting Europeans? How many times have I ‘hammered’ the CRF? If you watched the video you would heard me say it’s a good thing in stock form because it’s a great LAMS option.

[@H3avyHaul3r]

will be interesting to see if the 450RL fails to sell again…everyone jumped on the lil crf300 because “relatively” it was and still is a bargain 8.5K ride away…13800 + a few k at least in mods yeh nah

[@urastus9202]

@@H3avyHaul3r suspension is an expensive upgrade :(

[@djizzah]

It still has flame outs eye wateringly expensive extremely complicated high maintenance, for the money and specialist application, go European they are better at that sort of thing than this, the old XRs were different trouble free user friendly and amazing, this is nothing like them, hence a lot of people like the 300 crf, great little bike could do with more horsepower

[@JacobAnawalt]

Why has Honda hurt me 🤣 I think you're blaming the wong place, who is in charge of limiting stuff? AU is cool, but your government is wack. The big city types have ruined it.

[@LabiaLicker]

really good editing

[@jdirt1982]

aPreeshAbout.....

[@advlife]

I hit my head a lot ha ha