Honda CRF450RL review: is this dual sport a capable enduro bike?︱Cross Training Enduro

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Күн бұрын

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@crosstrainingenduro 5 ай бұрын

A similar version appeared on our adventure channel last year. This is more from an enduro perspective. A lot of viewers are only subscribed to the one channel so we are doing enduro and adventure versions of some videos.

@trickymon 16 күн бұрын

Since I watched this video I have sold my drz and picked up a new 2025 crf 450 rl . Power of you tube hey 👍

@crosstrainingenduro 15 күн бұрын

Enjoying it so far?

@mongosejet 7 күн бұрын

How do you like it?

@trickymon 7 күн бұрын

@ got it home today . Will get rego Tuesday and then head out for a ride . As long as it’s not to hot I hate riding in hot weather . Just sitting on it feels good 👍

@jwaller1327 Ай бұрын

I was able to pick up a used 2019 in 2022 for cheap, with only 750 miles on the odometer. It was in stock condition. I've installed a Seat Concepts Comfort Low seat, the AIM ECU, and a Rekluse clutch. Now this bike is my personal unicorn. I've owned 13 other motorcycles and the CRF450L is my favorite I've ever owned.

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Ай бұрын

That's awesome to hear. I'm about to buy my dual sport but being honest the Husky 300 is the line I'm going down. After my 250r the thought of valve checks made me put $$ on the 300 instead of 450l (about to sell 40th anniversary zx6r so makes it easier financially)

@ChrisWilkins-t3u 5 күн бұрын

Great overall review, I think you guys nailed it! I have had a '21 RL from new, done all the typical mods (seat, ECU, exhaust, 3gal tank etc). I think its the ultimate do anything bike but the only thing it is really optimal for (i.e. better than any other base bike on the market) I think is light adventure. Having said that it 'can' take you up the gnarliest single track trails and it can also reasonably comfortably sit on the highway at 65mph. I think you have to go into it being willing to drop $2-3K on upgrades though to make it really usable (ECU + seat would be bare minimum in my opinion and I think the bigger tank and exhaust also make a lot of sense). If you look at the base bike as a starting point (blank canvas) that Honda has provided you at a pretty reasonable cost (with a plate, good reliability and quality suspension) that you can then tailor to your specific use case with some careful spending I think you are thinking about it right. If you just want a legit street legal dirt bike to link trails then I feel like the KTM EXCs are a better starting point, if you want a dirt bike that you can commute to work on during the week then the DRZs seem like a better starting point to me, but if you want a bike you can comfortably ride on the street for an hour+ then enjoy riding fast and challenging trails at the end of that then I think the CRF450RL is hard to beat. In my case I tried too hard to make it good for the 'hard enduro' type riding that is prevalent here in Colorado and while it can do that its never going to be great due to the weight and 4 stroke flame outedness (I always found myself hesitant to commit to obstacles). I ended up getting a 2 stroke Beta XTrainer for that and can't believe what a difference it made, its like a cheat code in comparison (silly me of course)!

@georgewarshington1230 Ай бұрын

as a 90's 2 stroke hillbilly, i'm more than thrilled that modern 4 strokes are such insane machines. but also when i hear "all you have to do is buy a $12,000 bike and put in an $800 ecu and $600 exhaust to make it run good".....that just.... that just will never sit right with me. you used to buy a Japanese 2 stroke, ring it's neck out flatten that flimsy black oem pipe till it started sounded like farts. go get a procircuit pipe for $200. flatten that, then maybe grab a silencer on the third pipe in a combo deal for like $400 and send it till you needed a top end. which is like $120 and takes 3 hours. just. i can't man i can't.

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Ай бұрын

Perfectly said. This was the reason I didn't buy 450l the last time they were available in Australia. To top it off once you get the ECU to get bike to run normal and you get punished by Honda when you lose warranty. Not good enough in my eyes on a brand new bike and issues aren't new

@JohnJohn-ol4ls Ай бұрын

Very nice review,very informative for people that want more than just a single track woods bike.

@jeffosland5447 Ай бұрын

Nice review based upon a group of guys that ride alot. I've owned mine since 2019 and have done extensive modifications. I don't think it's the best at anything but it can literally do everything! Alot of the time the only thing that holds the bike back is the rider.

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

Good summary, Jeff. And I expect it's why some riders hate the bike... it is a compromise solution which will suit some riders but not all!

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingenduroBeing honest I think no matter which bike, there's always compromise. I'm going for 300 over 450l and compromise is riding on road not as good (I think as I have not received bike yet)

@JacobSnover Ай бұрын

I have a '22, still stock besides tires and it loves the sandy trails here in Michigan! It likes to go fast, not made for lugging.

@lukefish7562 Ай бұрын

Love my 450RL. Thanks for your great content. 🏍️💨

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

Our pleasure!

@gthomas302 Ай бұрын

Ive been trail hacking a crf450rx for 3 odd years now. Best bike ive ever owned.....wouldn't want to take it on a long road ride tho.

@syntaxmsi 6 күн бұрын

I just traded my 2018 Husqvarna FE450 for the Honda. Looking forward to getting out on this thing in the spring! Also looking forward to owning a bike from a manufacturer who aren't going bankrupt any time soon. :-)

@julius8966 Ай бұрын

Can't wait for you to review the new DRZ4S when it comes out. No doubt you will.

@Greg_383 Ай бұрын

No doubt it still sucks. 😂😂

@mt1885 Ай бұрын

Wished it was a 350 and a 6 speed

@joshdoddadbod Ай бұрын

@@mt1885The dr350 is a legendary bike

@thegrinch7989 Ай бұрын

@@mt1885 wished it was a 650 and a 6 speed

@exothermal.sprocket Ай бұрын

The It-sucks brigade and the wish-it-hada brigade are out in full force.

@huckfinn4260 28 күн бұрын

I bought the 450RL new in '22. To me this video is an accurate and fair review of the RL. I hated mine to begin with, the snatchy herky jerky throttle response being my main complaint, but with certain common sense mods it gets much much better. The G2 Throttle Tamer should have been the first mod. It makes a huge difference. After a 16L Nomad tank and Seat Concepts Element seat were added I'm having a blast with it. I also swapped the ECU for an Athena GET RX/1 ecu, which I have mixed feelings about. The GET and an FMF Q4 added quite a lot to the power across a broad range and also helped reduce the excessive engine braking, which was nice, but didn't really do much for the flame-outs or jerky throttle response. Raising the idle helps reduce the flame-outs. The throttle Tamer helps with the throttle response. The RL is not the best choice for tight gnarly single track, but it's unfair to expect it to be. It is the ultimate fire road bike, a great dual sport and a damn fine light ADV bike. The regrets I had in the beginning about buying the RL are gone and I reckon I'll be keeping it for the long haul. I am disappointed that Honda didn't bother to add fuel capacity, outfit the bike with a more comfortable seat or provide an option for a slow pull throttle. I would think they could also do a better job with the ECU tuning. Those are all issues that cost an owner a lot to fix that the factory could provide for next to nothing.

@crosstrainingenduro 25 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience with the RL! It's great to see someone who put in the effort to make it their own.

@tones8689 Ай бұрын

I considered one of these but ended up getting a Sherco 450 and converting that to be street legal. Very happy with the choice, but I’m sure the Honda is much better on the highway.

@MotoVania Ай бұрын

Wish Honda would make a dual sport in that capacity, but with space for more oil (longer service intervals) and a rally trim. Like the 300 L rally but at least 40-45HP

@Mudjimba23AT Ай бұрын

Love my drz400e but the old girls going I'm going to grab one of these

@destryrobinson3708 Ай бұрын

I own a 2003 Kawasaki KDX 200 and a 2008 KTM 530excr and one of the most helpful mods to both were larger fuel tanks. The KDX got a 3.6 gallon And the 530 got a 3.4 gallon. Even though I have run the 530 out of gas on log roads in a single ride, lol.

@Threedogsinatrenchcoat Ай бұрын

Ive heard there are ecu reflashes available now

@Teammizera Ай бұрын

Only ever seen them on the trails here in McLean, but I love my ‘05 X model, I call it a Cadillac, comfortable, heavy, plush and fast. Took years to get into the groove though.

@controlledfreakr Ай бұрын

Renthals, vortex, fmf q4 with soft tyres. Good fun

@MotoVania Ай бұрын

550performance has a stage 1 ecu flash for this, really opens it up

@stephanematis Ай бұрын

Sounds like we need a Honda CRF450RL Rally, with some minor tweaks.

@edsteward7717 Ай бұрын

As a DRZ lover, I'd love to ride back to back. Would also like to know which motor lasts longer. It's expensive, but intriguing.

@Ammothief41 Ай бұрын

I bet they both last a long time. The RL engine has a bunch of changes from their race bikes.

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

I think the DRZ would have to last longer overall, if only because it has the larger oil capacity and designed for less power output.

@DamnYankeeADV Ай бұрын

I've ridden them back to back. I built a 07 DRZ over several years. FCR39 carb, FMF exhaust with upgraded forks and shock. I sold it to a friend, then built my 21 450RL with AIM ECU/Graves exhaust/racetech suspension. On a trip last season we switched bikes. As expected, the DRZ was heavier and slower, but it was much more forgiving to ride. In comparison the 450 is a weapon. We were on coms and all I could hear from my friend was "Holy $hit, Holy $hit" when he cracked the throttle. It's as sedate as you want it to be, but it will stand up and let you know when you open it up.

@edsteward7717 Ай бұрын

@@DamnYankeeADV 😂 That's what I hear about the Honda, and those are exactly the mods Suzuki should have done years ago from the factory.

@kevinarmstrong478 Ай бұрын

I wish they would do a rally version of this bike.

@nickkuhlmam1336 Ай бұрын

I want a different bike but it's hard to let the 625 sxc go. I think the only bike I'd replace it with is an xr650r.

@orical2832 22 күн бұрын

I've had my CRF450L (2020 model) for a few years now. I'll be honest from the get go, it's my most favourite bike I've ever owned. I've had all the usual 'adventure bikes' over the years (GS, Africa Twin, Tenere, even an old Kawasaki KLR and some other road bikes), but without doubt my CRF is my most favourite 'unicorn' bike. Was it perfect stock? Absolutely not. Without question you'll need to change these 3 things: the ECU, the seat (unless your best mate is also your proctologist...), the fuel tank (to at least 13litres). This is the absolute min to totally transform the bike. Just accept it and do it. The ECU makes it awesome to ride, the seat makes it comfy to ride long days (I've done many 8hr days without problem) and the tank allows the long rides. I've also added a more beefy sump guard and a few other farkles, but these were just for personal preference and need. It's my absolute unicorn now - does everything i need it for, and does it all, well. It's light, fast enough, awesome suspension, comfy, and has Honda reliability and support when needed. I honestly can't see myself selling this one ever. Only thing i can see some won't like is the oil change regime. I don't follow the factory recommendation, i change the oil every 1500km and always use good quality oil. It runs perfectly after 20,000km so far. Valves were checked and all fine and it's not using any oil etc. Probably keep it for my son when he's old enough. Great bike.

@crosstrainingenduro 22 күн бұрын

I'm with you on the seat, that's a definite no-go from the factory.

@dougdunedainownerofthedoom2205 Ай бұрын

I test rode a 450L. I hated it, it's one of only two bikes that I wanted to get off more than I wanted to keep riding. It feels like a regular motocross-based 450 dirtbike, but enshittified. I actually prefer a 650L offroad. It's a lot slower of course, but it's more fun.

@RickGreen_McNutt Ай бұрын

It appears that XPR isn't making the clutch actuator arm anymore? No longer on their website and a few search show people looking to buy used ones, but it seems none available?

@bobbyschroeder7068 Ай бұрын

If you really want to transform this bike the best thing that I have found for tight trails is ECU throttle Tamar and flywheel weight it is awesome. I have almost 6,000 mi on the clock problem free.

@goinprotomorrow6387 Ай бұрын

Where were you riding? Love my 2021

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

BC Canada

@wadestriedieck6107 Ай бұрын

Have you done a review of the KLX 300 or the CRF 300?

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

The CRF. Just use the search function on the main page for the channel.

@exothermal.sprocket Ай бұрын

The obvious thing for Yamaha to do, is create a WR450R with the same sort of longevity, reliability, all-round power that the WR250R had.

@jethrox827 Ай бұрын

What about as an outback long distance tourer, would you go the RL or a DRZ

@zampner666 Ай бұрын

I love my 2021 RL. I got mine used with 400 miles (643 km) and came with the throttle tamer the aim ecu and a steely fly wheel weight. If you want to save money get a used vortex. If going new i would get the newer GET sx1 because of the new bluetooth feature and can use a smartphone for live data on the trail and tuning on the phone. The Honda race teams are using the get ecu also. It is down to how much you want to spend. AT the end of the day the MX bikes are not designed for endure but can be adapted. The OEM throttle tube on the RL is from the R model combined with the emissions fueling on the bike give it the extra snappy feel. Also all EFI on any vehicle including my 2001 Jeep Wrangler has an on off feel at idol it will very on models how bad the on off feel is. I started my Duelsport riding on a 2022 KLX 230 and it also was very on off at bottom end in first but not as bad as others can be. This is just my experience and I my be wrong. Love the vids Thank you

@zampner666 Ай бұрын

It also came with the Seat Concepts seat. The only problem i have had is the Neutral switch was leaking oil and was $90 for the OEM part from the dealer and 1 screw to change just had to route the wires

@christianbrown7711 Ай бұрын

1 tooth up on the rear works great! Still rides at 70 if you end up on the motorway but honestly I’d rather stick to back roads and off road.

@moemuggy4971 Ай бұрын

I wouldn't/couldn't buy one of these brand new today.. maybe in a few years their prices will come down on Marketplace and I'll snatch a good used one up. Nice to know how they compare. Thanks

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

Good idea. And usually the secondhand ones have the mods already done.

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Ай бұрын

I really wish I had your patience. Unfortunately I don't and usually sell 6-12months later after thinking grass is greener elsewhere lol

@richardhammond2633 Ай бұрын

Why don't Manufacturer's make a longer stroke motor with a lower compression ratio for a more relaxed engine character and less stalling. Kind of like an old school 4 stroke but with the benefits of EFI and modern design.

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

100% with you and it's why the DRZ400 is still a big seller. I'd love to see Honda bring out this bike with something more like a revised XR400 engine....

@johnykryll Ай бұрын

Do you get the WR down there, can you do a comparison fella?

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

WR450F? Yeah still selling here. It's a 100% enduro bike though so just what you'd expect. More expensive, more powerful, lighter.

@motozz8258 Ай бұрын

The Ol how much does it weigh ktm marketing tool may have something to do with a extra ltr oil , bummer but with modern oils a test 5k intervals and ring wear would be interesting .

@jarrod1687 Ай бұрын

Fuel dilution would be an issue at 5000kms, my oil stinks after 2000

@Sventy11 Ай бұрын

The throttle tamer helps, but doesnt correct anything as much as the need for an ECU. I had a new one of these in 23 and i liked it other than the damn throttle ans maintenence schedule. 600 mile oil changes were so annoying. It's every 6th fill up, and you're changing it. It would make a good bike to complement a tenere or a transalp.

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

A real shame they didn't expand the oil capacity to something more like a DRZ400.

@Megakoolguy357 Ай бұрын

I love that you guys can make a living reviewing motorcycles. Ideally there wouldn't be so much controversy in it though. I don't see a need to buy a particular bike over another (save for a physical constraint of some kind). Any bike with enough ground clearance and suspension travel will get the job done. People that are willing to spend the extra bones on a 450l and suspension upgrades for their weight, then complain about how the DRZ 400 sucks always make me laugh. People shouldn't be such ass holes about what bikes other guys are riding. Buyer's remorse seems to nag at some people pretty bad though 😂. At least 450l guys aren't as bad as the KTM500 guys.

@gt7500 Ай бұрын

KTM Riders remind me of Harley D. riders! Very defensive.

@Megakoolguy357 Ай бұрын

@gt7500 People always asked me when I was gonna sell my XR650L for a new bike. I bought a new HD Panam for commuting and now they ask when I'm gonna sell it and get a cheaper bike! You can't win!

@ananass8030 Ай бұрын

Sounds fun, but the small tank and extremely short oil change intervals are putting me off as a commuter that wants a machine with a capable side. I'll stay with my versys 300 and keep an eye open for the new efi drz to be priced reasonably at the second hand market

@snakeoiler2921 Ай бұрын

What, no FE501 on your graft

@67daltonknox 12 күн бұрын

The price is deceiving, because you have to spend $1,000 to get an ECU that will make it rideable and a further $600 for a 4 gallon fuel tank.

@butterytoast4836 Ай бұрын

Really like my 450RL. I’m closing in on 8,000 miles and have had my first somewhat breakdown. Went to refuel and my bike would not start. Could hear the gears spinning. It appears the one way clutch for the starter has failed or possibly the starter reduction gear. Currently waiting on parts to arrive. Thankfully I was able to bump start it to keep on riding. Other than that, the bike has been great. I believe constantly starting my bike in gear is what caused it to fail.

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

Bummer. I didnt' hear about this when researching known issues. Hopefully just a one-off... and not too expensive to fix.

@Zomgbbq667 Ай бұрын

Everyone but the eu getting the best road legal dirt bikes (drz, dr, klr, this etc)

@Skatefishofficial Ай бұрын

For me the only comparaison is the WRR 250

@keithquinn5624 Ай бұрын

No power, it’s a 50cc scooter

@Skatefishofficial Ай бұрын

@keithquinn5624 what are you saying... A 450 is the worst thing for Enduro. I follow my buddies on their 300cc 2 strokes everywhere with my WRR. Have you honestly tried it before yapping.

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Ай бұрын

@@keithquinn5624I'd say wr is better than CRF 300l. So we was a perfect dual sport.

@dawidswanepoel2523 Ай бұрын

Did u see the upcoming 2025 drz 400 model duel sport ? I think it's going to be the best modern unicorn bike 🦄 It's got all new modern styling, fuel injection and fully adjusted KYB suspension so it would be pretty damm good for enduro.. still just as heavy as the previous model though.

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

Agreed, if they keep the price down then it's a good option for riders who don't mind the weight.

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Ай бұрын

It's going to come down to the price I believe. Competition crf300l and 450l. I went for 300la and with suspension I believe Honda is better. 450l has trade off of high maintenance. Being honest I am disappointed with 5spd as I'm 110kmh zone here and was why I didn't buy years ago when I bought crf300la

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Ай бұрын

I still can't wait to find out as I'd still happily have drz 25 in the stables

@g_abe_c Ай бұрын

soooo whats that cheap copy of the 450?? Asking for a friend....

@g_abe_c Ай бұрын

ahhh found your other video...disregard thanks lol

@mt1885 Ай бұрын

If Honda would build a CRF350R - then have a CRF350RL - would be perfect!

@Jimmy_Watt Ай бұрын

One could buy two Suzukis for the price of one KTM 500 down under? Wow. Just wow.

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

We pay through the nose, as we like to say lol. I just double checked. The KTM is around AUD 20,000 or USD 13,000 ride away. The DRZ is pretty much half that. AUD 10,050 ride away.

@jamesgeorgevellavella1961 Ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingendurodamn I find out this after literally putting cash on te300 today (3pm Victoria). Being honest I am selling new zx6r 40th anniversary and using the cash from that and looking at getting the Pro 300 although it doesn't look like it's worth extra $$ on 24\25. (Only deposit down ATM)

@steve2me414 Ай бұрын

Oil change, my next change will be around 5000 Ks from 10,000. Note# I did all the oil changes at 1000k for the first 5000ks. My next change will be 15,600 Ks from 10600, each oil filter has been cut open, everything looks great.

@jarrod1687 Ай бұрын

The only issue is fuel dilution, my oil stinks after 2000kms

@7-v4z Ай бұрын

Up close its so tasty ,reflash and up the bloodline, just drop the L prefix mr Honda

@crosstrainingenduro Ай бұрын

Agreed!

@mgpBLARG Ай бұрын

I want a Crf450rl, but valve adjustments every 1800 miles and oil changes every 600 miles, then look at the 20k mile maintenence!!!! OMG, You have to replace the crankshaft, piston, piston pin, valves, camshaft, camshaft bearings, and cam chain tensioner lifter!

@brianh8484 Ай бұрын

Frequent oil changes maybe. All that maintenance stuff is crap. There’s a guy out there who put over 60,000 miles on his KTM 500 and rebuilt his engine once. My KTM 500 has 10,000 miles on it and only one valve adjustment since new.

@mgpBLARG Ай бұрын

@brianh8484 maybe it's super conservative and it wont actually need an engine rebuild, but I don't want to buy a bike that the manufacturer expects to fail at 20k. I'm going to a few dealers today and next week to check out and hopefully buy a 2024 Tenere 700 while they are still on sale before the 2025s replace them at full msrp.

@Luis-v5c4x Ай бұрын

Mine has 30 000 kms and i have not touched the engine only oil changes....

@mgpBLARG Ай бұрын

@@Luis-v5c4x I'm a wuss and I don't make enough money anymore to take that kind of risk. I need a bike that I can have peace of mind while riding.

@CR-fo6ou Ай бұрын

there is a guy from austria who has over 70.000 km on his 450 L - nothing but oilchanges at every 2 to 6 thousand km, never opened the engine. Just look for "Dual Adventure + Maintenance list CRF 450 L" Great video, guys!