How To Check Valve Clearance / Honda CRF450L/RL/X Edition

Get that 1800 mile valve clearance maintenance box checked off so we can get back out there and ride your Honda CRF450L, RL, or X. It is super easy and you don't have to buy any new tools that you probably don't already have. Probably.
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[@RockfishDave]

You are doing what each manufacturer should be doing, providing instructional videos on how to maintain their products. Many thanks!

[@JohnTYoung]

You're welcome, and you are so right. There's no excuse for manufacturers not to put out their own videos, unless they don't want YOU, to work on their products...

[@davebennett5069]

People asking YOU for this video because you have, bar none, the most badass 450L in existence.

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks Dave!

[@constantink3721]

FYI, you dont really need to undo the crank side, you can just use your rear wheel to line up cams with and decomp on correct side - but you actually dont even need that - you just need to get the cams to line up on the outside with the head also you dont need to be very accurate as there is sufficient dwell time when the valves are closed (cam is round during that portion of rotation so your measurement wont change), but its not hard to line those up accurately either by using your just the wheel.

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks for the advice!

[@stuartthistlewood6540]

I was hoping you'd do a valve clearance video John, this will save me save me lots of money thanks so much regards Stuart from the UK.

[@JohnTYoung]

You're welcome Stuart. I hope it helps more than it hurts. LOL.

[@GregFairbro]

Something I will need to do soon as I’ve now done almost 5000km. I have a friend who is an ex Honda mechanic and he tells me there is no need to check unless they are noisey. Will do mine anyway for peace of mind, thanks for sharing the video.

[@JohnTYoung]

They're always kind of noisy so...... Thanks for watching Greg!

[@tennyis28]

I wouldn’t let him touch my bike, they almost always tighten not loosen which makes them quieter

[@GregFairbro]

Tenny80 it seems you are correct, thanks for that.

[@ramiretz]

only to mention, the valve clearance is usually going tighter and not wider, so there is no noise witch let you know its time now for a valve job

[@BigJimmyJ]

Suggestion: When pointing-out very specific spots to focus-on, use a laser pointer. That's what I use while teaching my mechanics class

[@JohnTYoung]

I would, but I have to think of the cats who watch my channel too.

[@DirtRiderLife]

Thanks for the video John, just checked mine for the first time @ 4000 miles, 3 are tight side of spec and left exhaust spot on, hardest part was getting the gas pipe disconnected, must have watch that part of your video 3 times at least LOL

[@JohnTYoung]

Ya, they really got that thing locked down.

[@johnvlipani]

Awesome job!!! Thank you so much. This will be saved. Best part was seeing where TDC is and how to get it there.

[@JohnTYoung]

Thank you! I'm always happy to help. Next time we'll do some adjustments.

[@RandomGRK]

What a great video. I’m actually not nervous to do this now and I’m basically only good for oil changes at the moment.

[@JohnTYoung]

You got this.

[@mikeisland7382]

Thanks for taking the time John, much appreciated.

[@JohnTYoung]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@massimilianogallistru]

Thanks, another great video. I hope to see a suspension linkage lubrication and swing arm pivot lubrication video soon.

[@JohnTYoung]

Just did it at the start of the season. Damn I missed an opportunity. I promise next one will be televised.

[@rynersandberg9601]

Just checked valves on my 21, 450 RL with 2100 mies and being first valve check. All was good ! I also only do a oil and filter change at 1000 miles. I do mostly back road riding, but get after it a lot with no full throttle stuff. In other words I ride hard but do not abuse the bike. Unless you are racing any bike I don't believe you have to over worry about things.

[@JohnTYoung]

Too true. Thanks for the comment.

[@AncientAviator]

John...that was an EXCELLENT, EXTREMELY HELPFUL video. Thanks very much for filming it. Question for you: Almost everybody I've talked to has said they've seen pretty much what you're experiencing with your CRF450...no change in valve clearance in thousands of miles of riding. If that's the case why does Honda recommend checking the valve clearance every 1,800 miles??? It seems like overkill to me...or am I missing something? Thanks again!

[@JohnTYoung]

The motor is the same (mostly) as the one in the 450R, RX, X, etc... It's a race motor. Honda assumes you're going to race your L. And you are correct, it is total overkill.

[@noahsmedia]

Bro how did you know I needed this video?

[@JohnTYoung]

I'm magic?

[@stephaniewilson2564]

Thanks for video, especially with starting out with the tool displays. Hopefully some of these fans will join your Patreon.

[@JohnTYoung]

That would be nice. It's certainly easier to "talk" to people through Patreon. And easier to update and] whatnot. Thank you Stephanie!

[@mxgryan]

You wrote 0.11 but i think you meant 0.011. Great video.

[@JohnTYoung]

Numbers - who needs em'? Thanks for watching!

[@jamesstewart5146]

Hey man love the video, I have the same bike and can’t find frame guards anywhere can you help me with that

[@JohnTYoung]

They are 450 R or RX guards. They need a little trim.

[@DamonBates]

Thanks John!

[@JohnTYoung]

You are very welcome.

[@Mostviews111]

Gotta love a honda they are always reliable.

[@JohnTYoung]

True

[@grant31781]

Thanks for the video! I have about 400 miles to go before my 1800 check.

[@JohnTYoung]

Just in time then. I really hope it's helpful.

[@DSLRvideonow]

Thanks JTY, gotta get on this task!

[@JohnTYoung]

You're welcome Mr. JASH!

[@flash1034]

Thanks for the video John. You Rock!

[@JohnTYoung]

You're welcome!

[@toddnelson7198]

Thank you for your videos I continue to learn. I am looking for a recommendation for navigation. Do you have a video of what you use?

[@JohnTYoung]

I do not. I use, for now, a Samsung Tab A and Back Country Navigator, tho I hear good things about On/Off Road and Revel.

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

Great Vid...... As my motorcycle mechanic said to me when I apologised for my bike being so dirty: "it's usually the clean ones that have all the problems"..... I think he was referring to folks cleaning with high pressure sprayers ..... which fork seals don't appreciate... plus the various shit products that people will spray on top. But then again... I shouldn't talk, not cleaning my bike hasn't stopped me from completely fucking it up!

[@JohnTYoung]

Everything in moderation, except high-pressure washers. Keep those things away from your moto.

[@jonoj7666]

Another great vid 👌👍 Thanks John 😉

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks 👍

[@nickfountain8420]

Now I just need you to buy a Kawi Z900 rs and start tinkering with it!

[@JohnTYoung]

I would. I can't help it.

[@LaneHadway127]

Thanks for the info! I'll be doing mine soon.

[@JohnTYoung]

Have fun!

[@chrisknobbe7914]

Good job as usual John

[@JohnTYoung]

Thank you Chris.

[@easye1533]

Great video John!! Keep up the good work out west!🤠

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks Easy E!

[@scottmcclintock2382]

Thanks for a great instructional video, just perfect.

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks Scott!

[@Oliviaswaxtech]

One thing I learned about Honda’s (from generator to power equipment to motorcycles) that doing valves are a waste of time and money. I have check my stuff after no change over many of years I gave up on it.

[@JohnTYoung]

I hear ya.

[@You-Toober]

Better safe than sorry.

[@marcdegraaf1303]

Another great vid, Thanks John!

[@JohnTYoung]

Thank you!

[@try_me2609]

There may be alot of other videos out there but anytime I Google something about my bike it is your videos that pop up 🤣. Thanks for all the videos and information. I'm only at about 1500 miles on my '19. What setting do you run on your vortex? I've had mine on best power since about 200 miles.

[@JohnTYoung]

Usually, map 1, but map 4 for heavy / sand works when the bike is loaded down. Thanks for watching Try_Me!

[@keshmo12]

Just in time. I got 1400 miles on my new to me 2019. Haven't done the newer style unicam engine yet.

[@JohnTYoung]

It's going to be a piece of cake!

[@michaelruss2513]

Thanks. Great vid. Getting ready to do mine very soon. Also. What time of year is best to ride in your neck of the woods? And where is the best place to get info for trails and all around good exploring? Thanks and have a great day.

[@JohnTYoung]

The snow finally melts by June, then the rains come in July - August. September is nice. Snow starts again in October. So I do a lot of riding in Utah. LOL. Stay The Trail has some good maps, but there are so many different places to ride, I would start with that. Where do you want to go and then fins trails around it. Colorado Favorites are the Alpine Loop and Rabbit Valley.

[@Nick-gi6ym]

Great video thank you

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks.

[@hassandawudi4810]

Looks like Lake City? Nice setup!

[@JohnTYoung]

Good coffee there. 👍

[@markperrella5546]

thanks for doing this video. that many miles and no need for shims is awesome i m no where near you in miles (430miles) lol

[@JohnTYoung]

You're welcome mark. Keep on riding and you'll get there!

[@markperrella5546]

@@JohnTYoung i've already sold 4 people on buying the crf450l here in North FL

[@clivegreenall309]

Hi John. I just came across a utube channel "U fix it Garage" Just thought I'd pass it on .. Rgds from S Africa Clive

[@JohnTYoung]

Thank you Clive. I'll check him out.

[@nostalgicbaainaar9751]

Great vid as usual John. What rear tyre are you using now? Did you put the MOTOZ Extreme Hybrid on? I think you mentioned in a previous video that you wanted to?

[@JohnTYoung]

Yup, that's the Xtreme on there. My favorite Colorado tire so far. Does really well in rocky terrain. OK on the road too.

[@nostalgicbaainaar9751]

@@JohnTYoung sweet. Apparently good on sand too, if you air it down. Sounds like a winner. Enjoy.

[@sarahdell4042]

Pretty crazy they haven’t needed any adjusting!

[@JohnTYoung]

HONDA! That and I ride like an old lady.

[@sarahdell4042]

John T. Young Ha, same here! With a road racing background, everything I know doesn’t translate to off road riding. So I keep things very slow!

[@JohnTYoung]

@@sarahdell4042 At least you know how to use the front brake

[@sarahdell4042]

John T. Young Indeed, not the rear though

[@OMFGTrexKyle]

Great video thanks

[@JohnTYoung]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lucasnorthcote333]

I have a new crf450l with vortex and yoshi upgraded from dealership now 600km on it, coming from drz400e this new bike has alot of valve train noise (tapping) compared to the drz is this normal.

[@JohnTYoung]

Yes, tho I think KTM s are way noisier.

[@PatWendorf]

Pretty sure most of it is the auto decompressor on these engines. I had a 2003 CRF450R for a while and it had a similar mechanism. It sounded like marbles rattling around in the top end at low rpm.

[@badjuju6563]

Nive work. Thank you.

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks for watching!

[@phillipkester3803]

2019450l clutch adjuster

[@JohnTYoung]

Ummmmm?

[@krzysztofs4477]

Do you check the valves every how many kilometers?

[@JohnTYoung]

My valve check schedule is all over the place. Beginning of every season maybe?

[@calmacklin6573]

Just wondering if it makes a difference if the motor is dead cold or has been running and allowed to cool off enough to work on.

[@JohnTYoung]

The engine ought to be cold, as per the manual. Your "hot" and someone else's "hot" would be two very different things and would throw or measurements all out of whack

[@azlong4596]

A little anti-zeeze on the spark plug threads is a good preventive measure for plug not seizing to the head. Just a thought.

[@JohnTYoung]

Good idea Luzianna!

[@shorty20011]

Do you have a video of shimming it mate thought you had one but can't find it?

[@JohnTYoung]

I do. I took it down for a bit while I fixed part of it that I missing an important step. You have to relieve the cam tensioner tension, before you screw the cam tensioner all the way in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnvSp5upoLVnr9U

[@shorty20011]

@@JohnTYoung cheers mate really appreciate it

[@BRad02]

Great

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks!

[@datniggavoltio]

16:28 Thats what she said lol

[@JohnTYoung]

😊

[@vegasromaniac]

You are murdering me, can't believe you use inch.. Haha, it does the job.. But mm is the way to go... Man... Btw a LOT more complicated than the yamaha dualcam... I'll stick to yamaha.... ;)

[@JohnTYoung]

One day the US will get on board and we''ll all speak the same language. Maybe next valve check I'll just use mmans be the change I'd like to see. LOL. That's great to hear about the Yamaha. A WR250F may be my next bike, if I can get the dealer to see reason.

[@vegasromaniac]

@@JohnTYoung wait for the wr300r, might be amazing.... The Honda crf300l and the klx300 are not too shabby for 6K

[@JohnTYoung]

@@vegasromaniac I have a dual sport/adv bike that can go almost anywhere. I'd like the WR250F for more dirt oriented fun - with a headlight thrown on "just in case".