I Fell In Love With This Bike! // Honda 450RL Review!

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[@user-ps8pt6vp7q]

I know this vid is from over a year ago but it’s really good that someone is saying how good the 450L really is instead of bagging it out like so many others do expecting it to be like the motorcross model

[@mattbarrois8675]

Lmao AJ casually showing off on one of the most complained about dual sports on the market who says you need a pipe ecu and suspension to ride it

[@kochj0713]

This one does look like it’s got a pipe in ECU I think that’s not a stock pipe on there is it

[@mattbarrois8675]

@@kochj0713 that is the stock pipe and the reason he wasn't flaming out in the turns is because he was riding up 2 gears and just using the bottom end torque to pull out of them essentially using the gearing as a heavy flywheel to prevent the engine from stalling also need to consider that most people complaining about the flame out issue on these bikes are very slow youtubers or guys that are trying to ride it like a hard enduro bike well news flash all 450s flame out excessively bad Pardon my rant this is just a great bike that constantly gets shit on by sub par riders because they just aren't good enough to ride the thing

[@billyarsenault1970]

Fair enough- And your right. But even a sub-par rider with common sense should be able to putt around on it a bit without to much problem. It’s only one small step-up from any starter dual-sport- anyone who is tall enough and has ever ridden any type of motorbike whatsoever with a clutch and is not a total moron should be able to ride a de-tuned Honda 450 without drama. 🤘🏻

[@mattbarrois8675]

@@billyarsenault1970 actually from what I can tell it is definitely a detuned crf450x but it still has typical 450 issues (meaning a tendency to flame out at lower revs) and the people that complain the most are trying to use it as a hard enduro machine (in which they wouldn't consider using a 450 for would lean more toward 2 strokes and 250f's) but end of the day it's based on a desert blasting Baja winning bike not an XR TTR KLX trail bike and the ones complaining just aren't talented enough to go fast enough to keep the bike running

[@SuperiorTim989]

​@@mattbarrois8675 well said

[@DadsDomain]

Thanks for taking away all my "Its not an R" excuses when I go to a track 😂

[@christopherhamm1574]

I love my 450L. Its nice seeing one on the track taking some serious air and hearing your honest reactions while riding this fine machine. Thanks!

[@lukefish7562]

I bought a ‘21 450RL and made it more trail friendly. I can legally go anywhere and love it. Ride red!

[@JimmyBeanz13]

"Get Head" -Ronnie Mac

[@rogerlarson8040]

what did you do to your 450RL to make it more trail friendly? Can you ride this bike slowly?

[@lukefish7562]

@@rogerlarson8040 I did some minor things like a bigger sprocket but the only real way to do it is to change the ecu and pipe. After 6000 plus miles I’ve worn my clutch out using it constantly in the woods so I’m finally going to bite the bullet and make the changes to turn it into a much greater all around bike with more power and much smoother ride with no flameouts. Check out Tacomoto for the new Athena Get ecu that’s supposed to be the best yet. The bike is one of the best light weight adv / dual sports made and worth the extra money IMO. Hope that helps. Get one! 🏍️💨😁

[@BattleKing2Delta]

A toast to grid lock and road blocks being a thing of the past! lol. What tires are you running? I am eyeing the Geomaxs'

[@msims-yq3yd]

I’m glad you tried this bike out. I’ve been looking at getting one for a couple of months. I’m just about ready to buy it. Thanks for the video!

[@AjCatanzaro]

You’ll love it!

[@Victor-gi7ho]

i owned one for a while it’s a great bike but you’ll need an extra 2 grand to make the bike what it should be stock ecu is terrible if i was going to do it over again id just convert a yz450fx street legal

[@M0T0bri]

9.8!! My 2024 CRF450RL arrived this week. I picked it up yesterday and can't wait to ride it once the snow melts a bit. Thanks for the video AJ!

[@rhyz381]

How’s the bike done you so far?Thinking about getting one soon

[@M0T0bri]

@@rhyz381 Loving it!!! I haven't put an ECU and pipe on yet I may ride it stock for a few more months (plus I'm broke until after taxes are due 🙂).

[@beefquiche]

@@M0T0bri are you exploring on it, dualsporting etc., or just hitting the tracks? Thanks!

[@Aubatron]

How are you finding it on single track trails and slow mud holes? Do you find the dead weight heavy when you're stopped in a mud hole or something? CRF450RL is about 38lbs heavier than the KTM 500 EXC-F, but the CRF450RL sounds like it is far better for the road from what I've read and heard. My current bike is about 310lbs and I hate when it gets stuck in a mud hole because it is heavy so was looking for something a bit lighter.

[@M0T0bri]

@@beefquiche I'm using as a dualsport and exploring new mountain trails is the kind of riding that I love. During the first 300 miles I 'ran in' the engine mostly on pavement, with a few dirt roads, but no trail or track riding. I'm less than 10 miles from the base of the Rockies (near Pikes Peak) and have so many amazing trails to ride. I'm taking it to the eastern slope next month to explore White River National Forest near Glenwood Springs, but think I'll take it up in the truck. I just hate to put on so many highway miles. I love this 450.

[@rayval123]

I totally asked you to ride this bike a while back. Super pumped you liked it. Great job!!!

[@johnnybirdman6105]

Aj "1 lap everyone knows the rules" Also aj " proceeds to do ten laps"

[@AjCatanzaro]

Hahaha! Couldn’t help myself

[@BattleKing2Delta]

I know I'd end up doing the same thing lol. I mentioned in another comment that you have to feel a machine out before you can even really get wild with it. Anyone who hates on that bike is just a hater. I've got a '22 stock and it is my first dirt bike I've ever ridden/owned. It is rideable you just have to adapt to its quirks or spend some money on upgrades. It is a very capable bike. The tires I have found the hard way not so great for dirt and sandy environments. Awesome review, so far I am happy with my bike. Looking to put a 14 tooth front sprocket! @@AjCatanzaro

[@csmith0244]

Aj, I bought this same bike to commute to work with these crazy gas prices and love it. I raced mx for 10 years growing up and was racing the pro class at local ama tracks when I stopped riding altogether. I haven’t been on a track since 2003 and seeing this video makes it very tempting to see if I remember how to ride lol. I’ll definitely be tired after half a lap!

[@tygawoods468]

I am also looking at this bike for my work commute and putting around town. Have you had any of the "flameout" issues driving on the streets?

[@csmith0244]

@@tygawoods468 I can say I have not really had that issue. I read that they did something to try to make the 22 better and it must have worked. Great bike!

[@Shubargo1]

I was wondering when I’d see you out there on my favorite dual sport. Best vid I’ve seen on KZbin this week!

[@motoxjim929]

I learned you can make any bike look awesome!🤘

[@taylorgang8427]

I just bought a 2019 crf450l and I love it. I also have a 08 crf250r and 02 kx250 2 stroke.

[@Alaska_MD]

I love the riding and then talking about food. That's a good life.

[@rowanandersen4284]

would love to see you ride a wr250 and wr450 since you’re doing all kinds of bikes now

[@AjCatanzaro]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@matt23727]

Try some betas

[@davidmorgan858]

Lol thanks you may have just made up my mind. I’m 59 years old raced flat track, TT, & motocross from mid 70s to early 80s. Was leaning toward the SWM 500 hmm 🤔 Honda 450.

[@liamwilson1948]

That's the best moto academy intro I've seen yet lol.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

That bike w a Taco Moto AIM ecu and Graves exhaust is a RIPPER

[@rogerallen3491]

Thats what I just ordered for mine hope it works got 30mil on this bick

[@billyarsenault1970]

This reminds me of when a wise man who we all know and luv once said: When ridden as a dual-sport the Honda on paper appears to be the better bike stock because it checks more boxes- But I am still gonna ride the KTM every single time. I just am. Full disclosure I have never taken the RL on tight single-track and I never will. I’m just not gonna do it. The EXC-F will always be the better bike for that straight out of the box. It just is. 😂😂😂 Sound Familiar.

[@stevodakine1]

I saw your review of the KTM 350 EXC and Honda 300 (?) dual sports, how did they compare to this Honda 450RL. You got to ride all three, I kinda wish you had those other 2 on this track, but I think you may not have had as much fun? Thank you for all the content, good stuff.

[@Dontortellini3]

Hello Aj, could you review the KTM 690/701/Es700 platform? Wonder how what you think about it offroad...

[@Triangle66]

Finally someone twisting that throttle how Honda intended it to be twisted.

[@mikemerrill175]

Great rider making the bike look awesome

[@edxr250r]

Awesome test ride, would love one of those but they stopped selling them in the UK a couple of years ago😪

[@captainamerica9353]

What a pity, do you know why? We are still hoping to get a street legal Yamaha WR450F here in the Colonies. Yet they are sold in OZ and NZ.

[@stevevidler2586]

Hey AJ Steve from 🇦🇺, I owned a 450L and loved it also, I now have a 21 kx450 which also is sensational, but I do wish I kept the 450L a lot of the time, are you coming to Australia for the World Supercross? My son loves watching you and Jett

[@tcmx712]

Dude if he comes over for that I'll be flying over to Melbourne 100% to meet him

[@scottyd2262]

Can someone let AJ know about these scam accounts using his name. I've tried but l don't know if he's seen it or not

[@BairdBoysAdventures]

@@scottyd2262 i spent all of Wednesday messing with one, not your typical scammer either he actually knows about some stuff AJ does on his video. I posted his responses and the "prize" in the dirtbike subreddit.

[@hennyvernooy9099]

Hi aj love ur content

[@RafaelSantos-tq3ws]

What fender elimination kit is that?!

[@toddbenfield6546]

Doesn’t the 450 RL have the update ECU? How much different than the 450 L? Any better?

[@gb2470]

Best intro so far!

[@austinkrawczyk7642]

Is this martin mx in Michigan? Sure looks like it.

[@jodychapall6421]

Keeping it forever does it all

[@OuttaPocketTheRimReaper77]

Who will you be using for graphics now that AGMX shut down? I am always interested in seeing who is being used for graphics and your van prominently shows it... but they shut down in May it seems.

[@TheShift1313]

Have you checked out Era Moto? I havent used them yet but likely would be my next

[@vegasranger]

I own a CRF450RL and its the best dual sport bike Ive ever ridden.

[@shanewinters3009]

One thing I've noticed about this bike, it sure makes it easy to spot the whiners! Lol

[@GreasyHog69]

In what way do people whine about it?

[@shanewinters3009]

@@GreasyHog69 they can find anything and everything to whine about.

[@GreasyHog69]

@@shanewinters3009 gotcha ya my buddy swears they are bad bikes but they seem fine to me. Just different from an MX bike which is obvious. Probably the closest bike we can get to a MX bike that is street legal though

[@shanewinters3009]

@GreasyHog exactly. The throttle was certainly a problem but you can't blame honda for the epa emissions crap.

[@jorgeeras124]

Where can I get the hand guard mirrors?

[@bradenbowler9971]

You should come out too lake Elsinore MX

[@TheFastphill]

i just spent 3 days riding mine in Oz with all my camping gear on in lol unreal things

[@David_Vander_Vliet]

That sounds incredible! I will be doing that someday. That is my dream vacation.

[@uradog6719]

Ever thought about coming to do training in Australia some day?

[@scottyd2262]

Scam account 👆👆👆 These are popping up everywhere on many different channels.. Do not fall for it

[@uradog6719]

@@scottyd2262 I already gave my credit card details

[@hectormendez880]

I’ve seen enough. I’m buying this bike this week

[@ajabuell]

What track is this ? And state?

[@captnhuffy]

Yeah, well, on my last two bikes I seriously hurt myself.. so rather than picking up the 450L I went with the slacker, more relaxed, 300L Still having fun, and not in the hospital either!!

[@MrGbustamante]

Best bike ive ever owned. Its never getting sold

[@petergriffin4629]

I really hope AJ tries the KTM 690 one day. Making that pig fly would be a thing to see

[@alexanderallenbrown]

*1290R

[@petergriffin4629]

@@alexanderallenbrown nah, way too heavy and unwieldy.

[@Fried_hippos]

another one to look at is the klx450r

[@jootai]

Anyone knows what those handguards with mirrors are???

[@baggszilla]

This bikes awesome!

[@FastPaull]

For anyone wondering, these make 38hp to the wheels vs 52 for the regular 450

[@allisonreeves5509]

Hey AJ that was more than 1 lap. :-P Had to say it! Looks like it was fun!

[@SpOoNmAn365]

I see its got the stock pipe, but does anyone know if it had 1 of the 3 most popular ecu's installed? If not, imagine the smiles on Alberts face if it did 😂 I rode one and anyone with semi decent clutch work will be fine while going slower. Its a bonifide dirtbike with lights, its meant to rev, not meander between rocks at 1mph. Anyone expecting zero flameouts from the stock config, is new to the bike world. Just sucks that theyre all giving neg feedback on this stellar bike.

[@Corey_Vlogs]

This shows you right here it's the rider not the ride for the most part haha. I have the 450L and rode it for months bone stock and loved it but before I got it all I could read about was NEEEDING ecu and tune. I did end up doing the ECU and it feels like an ENTIRELY new bike but I'm sure you could give AJ a 110 and give me a factory 450 and he'd burn me up on the track lol.

[@rockyesterline7942]

I bought a 2022 put 4K mods in it but don't ever ever ever ever ride this off-road in the dirt even after I had all my suspension done front and rear this suspension is as stiff as if it was all welded together and that's even after I had the suspension done but on the Street absolutely great !!!!

[@daleanderson88]

It would be cool if you did a ktm 500 comparison as it’s a dual sport as well.

[@larryr9400]

Shows how skilled riding ability can handle the heavier weight of a dual sport.

[@adamdampier]

So, question for all of the 450RL owners…No good on trails???

[@bloomerb4162]

Lukas wasn't happy with your 2022 ktm factory edition review. Maybe you have your suspension too stiff on your bikes.

[@scottyd2262]

Scam account 👆👆👆👆👆

[@JacksonD489]

AJ, I've wanted to own one of these ever since they came out, but didn't like the idea of having to spend $2K on a pipe and ignition. Everything regarding this bike online was not good and I see a ton of them with hardly any miles on them for sale. You've given me a different perspective on this bike and I also love that it's hush quiet... Thanks for the review!

[@TheShift1313]

Cole Sealy built one when they first came out and rode it on the street to an sx track :)

[@JacksonD489]

@@TheShift1313 I seen that!

[@morley3810]

Evidently it's prone to flaming out and being hard to restart and generally crappy in anything resembling slow speed. Attempts to correct it seem to have spotty success. If you don't ride anything slow or remotely technical then maybe they are fine. They seem to change hands frequently which is not a good indicator in my opinion.

[@TheShift1313]

@@morley3810 kick the idle up to 2500 ;) good info for anyone looking

[@morley3810]

@@TheShift1313 Maybe. Seems like an annoying Band-Aid fix though. Spec'd idle speed on my 2007 CRF250X is 1700 and that sounds high. 2500 on a 450 would be less than pleasant at red lights lol

[@rickforsythe5480]

9.8! Now you got me thinking. 300l or 450rl?! Well shit

[@chrisblanchard4938]

I have seen it for sale over 11k out the door.

[@chrisblanchard4938]

He forgot to use his blinkers on the turns 😂

[@brunosousa1977]

Beta 500 rr-s

[@nickox630]

Imagine if this guy ride the 450 R🔥

[@ridin_solo]

I'd love to have it, just don't want the maintenance schedule of a race bike in a dual sport. Currently have the 300l rally

[@jeffloucks2120]

Worst part of it. :(

[@captainamerica9353]

Yes, but I think they are expecting the race maintenance schedule, when you can prolly double the intervals.

[@holeshot1721]

Sick rider just goes to show that its all talk that bike dosent need a thing. Proof is right above ⬆️

[@captainamerica9353]

He wasn't riding it on single track, either. Nor was it a full review by any means. And I'll ad that most of us are not pro riders. These need to be more user friendly but Honda can't figure that out.

[@fishdaddyforreel]

Basically reminds me of xr400

[@devind3477]

Is there a car drag strip near by this track? 2:33 mark someone is letting her rip!

[@scottyd2262]

I heard that as well.. Sounded tuff af !!

[@defconsupply3990]

Wish I had got the Beta instead of the Honda

[@josephelefante9617]

i have one, it really needed tires, ecu, exhaust, and all the emissions crsp

[@brapptv44]

i was going to get one but they are impossible to find. ended up with a husky FE501s

[@jeffloucks2120]

Just saw one at my dealer today.

[@rssmotorx]

🤟

[@Revelation22_5]

Did Honda yell at you? I couldn’t believe you gave it a bad review seeing as you are involved with the Honda guys some and they let you in their pit area. It was a honest review though and for that I tip my hat to you.

[@AjCatanzaro]

My reviews will always be honest!! If not, what’s my value??😁👍🏼

[@Revelation22_5]

@@AjCatanzaro please do a fun lap, with one eye covered. You lose some depth perception that way. I became blind in one eye and would love your input on riding that way.

[@bradleyrupska4988]

AJ, I have a 2022 CRF450RL, it has 7 hours on it/ 200 miles! It's has the Vortex ecu switched to the full FMF exhaust plus a actual switch to pick from best trail to full power. Also, I have the flywheel weight installed, a comfort low seat. I also have a new set of tires plus a complete set of wheels and tires for soft off-road only. I also have the Baja designs headlight.I have two new sets of chains. Bike lift. I also installed the IMS 3.0 gallon tank! I am sorry to say after health reasons now! I can't ride it anymore!!! You are welcome to it and all for$9200!

[@bradleyrupska4988]

I live in Saint Petersburg Florida

[@tygawoods468]

I'm right near you in Clearwater and I'm looking at picking one of these up at West coast power sports on 19 this week. Wish I had the cash right now to grab yours. Sounds awesome 👌

[@hectormendez880]

This is a hell of a deal

[@bradleyrupska4988]

Not for sale anymore! Sorry, my health reasons was a concussion at work! It's been a very long struggle!

[@mikebarger3563]

You think that’s good, try a 500 Ktm Exc or Husky Fe501.

[@TheShift1313]

500exc vs 450crl vs drz400 ;) lol

[@MRJAYWILSON]

Drz= old school shitbox

[@TheShift1313]

@@MRJAYWILSON i know o had one for 10 years. Its ok at everything but great at nothing but would be cool to see what AJ could do.

[@diygreasemonkey201]

AJ after riding a 2022 lawnmower around the same track.. highly recommend this thing, I wouldn't change a thing, suspension worked surprisingly well..I did not even realize it had none...yeah...this would make a great dad bike for the track...ok I will have some sushi now.

[@AjCatanzaro]

😂😂😂

[@oosteveo315]

nah bruh KTM 890 adv R. Ride that on a track and road. You will change you mind. 890 adv is the best bike every made. It would score a 10!

[@darksidemoto3693]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣yes I told you boooyyy hell yeah love mine.....I supermoto'd mine love it trails and all! That pretty much the bike you race just 450 and lights little softer suspension....speaking of that watching you throw this heavy ass 450 around makes me wanna see you race 450 this fall

[@AjCatanzaro]

😁😁😁

[@sachac5435]

iv got one and its great, honda will last for ages and it does everything right and is a six speed, honda Australia canned it after 2 years because they weren't happy with the sales figures. im wondering if the idiots hung in there how much of yamaha and kawaki, suzuki sales it would have gotten

[@mikeisland7382]

Pretty tough competition in Australia where you can buy a plated WR450 sold with a de-restricting kit.

[@sachac5435]

Hi Mike I know and i have owned 2 wr's and went the Honda option cause it has the 6 speed and longevity were as the yamy god love it will rev itself to death lol, I was advised back as far as 2016 the yamaha isn't the bike for me its a motor crosser with a head light 450L isn't the usual motor x bike with a head light. maybe if Honda waited a bit longer they could have captured the market. The wr isn't any cheaper here. The Honda with power up kit was about the same price as the yamy on the road drive away no more to pay I got out of it cheaper as Honda panicked and dropped the price to $9990 yeh i bought the power up kit for extra 2.2k

[@mikeisland7382]

@@sachac5435 With a tank and a seat the Honda is a great dual sport with a dirt focus. Pretty hard to beat.

[@jedwilson4076]

Try giving it some throttle next time

[@Lracer61]

Do a ktm 500 next

[@scottyd2262]

Scam account 👆👆👆 A KTM500EXC-F or a Husqvarna FE501 would be great to see... Especially with real dirt tires....

[@scottbrewer7526]

If you like that, try a KTM 500EXC

[@brookecarter9080]

That was more then one lap

[@AjCatanzaro]

🤫

[@jongib6096]

Looks like a big ol’ girl to me 😂

[@Modelo408]

Im really sad that Honda ditched Europe with their 450…

[@captainamerica9353]

Why did that happen?

[@Modelo408]

@@captainamerica9353 emissions

[@captainamerica9353]

@@Modelo408 , so the Euro 5 warlords win again? They claim they are not banning ICE's, but they're making the emissions standards impossible, in effect banning ICE's ! But Honda went great lengths with noise and emissions, hence using the heavy Cat and making them compliant in California (meaning all 50 states). I'll bet they are getting rare and expensive across the pond.

[@terratrodder]

I was watching the Adv. spec guy (UK) and he was saying his produced only 25-28HP! I'm still trying to wrap my head around that detune. My '19L was about 38-40 stock (US) and I thought that was detuned hard compared to the R. Is that specific countries having hard emission standards or all EU countries?

[@Modelo408]

@@terratrodder I think it's all EU countries. You can get exc bikes here. But they come restricted to ~16hp. It's only a plastic plug in the airbox though

[@remingtonbundt5359]

Sounds doggy

[@petertrout7866]

Awesome bike but this video was staged.

[@AjCatanzaro]

??

[@danielmiller7693]

Why is he copping barstool? Ridiculous

[@plantpower3048]

had to stop watching after 30 sec...sorry

[@bradenbowler9971]

You should come out too lake Elsinore MX

[@bradenbowler9971]

You should come out too lake Elsinore MX

[@NPPLHD]

I concur lake elsinore would be close enough for me