KTM 500EXC vs Honda CRF450L

[@dnardontonia]

I own a 2019 modded 450l and a 2021 500 EXCF. Hands down the KTM is a MUCH better bike than the Honda. It's really no contest offroad. On the street the Honda has a bit less vibration but the gearing on the KTM is better. (tall 5-6 gears cruises at 65 at mid RPM) . The power and light weight of the KTM500 is amazing. I spent $1500.00 trying to get the Honda to run like the KTM, (vortex, gears, FMF, throttle tamer)), KTM is still faster and easier to ride, much better resale value too.

[@bermcannonk]

Interesting insight thanks for the reply🤙🏻

[@BLACKLLOYD59]

I have a2021 450rl Honda said they update the fueling ( not ) if you want the bike to run like it should you need the vortex And exhaust system and a g2 throttle tamer ! Bike is a little heavy for single track for me !

[@badgerbait8351]

I bought a new XR650L (Big Red Pig) for $6200.00. Parts are cheep, bike is solid (though heavy), carbureted (I can work on it anywhere), valves easily adjusted, air cooled=less parts to malfunction (had to add an oil cooler), and when I crash I brush is off and move out smartly without suffering from the dry heaves that one experiences when crashing an $11,000.00 bike!!! When I want to get more serious, I hop on my Beta 2-stroke! Thanks for the CRF info! Something I'll consider next round!

[@jammerjim6775]

Lmao bud. I called my xr650L a pig too. They are heavy !!! I’m getting one of these bikes I’m leaning towards the ktm just for the lighter weight. Honda’s are awesome bikes too. Raced CR 125 for years Miss my XR650L duel sporting it is a blast. Ride on !!

[@badgerbait8351]

@@jammerjim6775 I've been shamed by many of 125cc in my day! Yes, dual sporting is great therapy!!!

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

Thanks for the concise review without the hyperbole of the magazines or other sales venues. I'm on a KLR and every time I contemplate the concept of picking her off the ground I start thinking "lighter." :-) I just need to add the Safari tank to get the range I want. Again, thanks for the no-frills review. (Price and maintenance schedules are important, if one is considering riding the TAT with one of these).

[@bermcannonk]

Thx. No hyer bs here. It is what it is! No fluff. Thx for watching

[@MrCrs911]

I have a 21 RL and a 23 KTM EXC-F. For me the KTM is way better all the way around. Like another post I spent $2K trying to get it close to the KTM. The RL is an absolute blast on the street but heavy off road. The engineering of the KTM is much more home mech friendly in so many ways, at least for me. Valve clearance adjustment is much easier as an example. The RL is a solid bike but just not for me on dirt. Everyone has their favorite flavor. Ride safe!!

[@plantpower3048]

the ktm looks cheap compared to the Honda and it vibrates a lot they say. I am torn between them!! The only thing I like of the KTM is the lower weight. Suspension seems to be better on the honda too

[@joey011582]

​@plantpower3048 I road both, you can put lipstick on a pig and at the end of the day it's still a pig

[@joey011582]

​@@plantpower3048honda stock tuning sucks, $2k to get it on par with ktm. Still almost 40 lbs heavier. Add headlight and done

[@michaelhodgkinson9730]

Thank you for the video I’ve been coming down to the same consensus from watching numerous videos and reviews on both bikes another thing to note is that the Honda reports have been much more reliable and parts are a little cheaper and easier to come by. Also with the money saving up front you can easily fix the twitchy throttle and flame outs with a recluse and throttle tamer. Then a little extra you can push the smogged out motor with and Exhaust, tune/ECU, intake mod for like 7-10hp. And even more with a hot cam 15hp I believe.

[@robertlacroix1027]

I must say, with my Vortex ECU, Yoshimura RS-4 and swapping to pure offroad tires this 450L is truly the ultimate bike for me. It kicks ass in the sand dunes, super technical trails with rocks and roots and mud, and when I was low on gas I hopped off the trail and drove to the gas station. It gets looks and compliments every single time I am out on it, the styling is great and everyone loves the headlight. I am so happy with this bike. I also swapped my seat for a Seat Concepts Comfort Tall because I'm 6'2'' and like to stretch out a little.

[@bermcannonk]

Your absolutely right robert! This is why a crf450x aint needed in the honda line. In my opinion

[@texlee1640]

Agreed on the looks and design, I get lots of compliments on the bike and its lines.

[@drewmorg.]

We have a nearly identical setup down to every last mod including the Seat Concepts lol. Yes, these bikes draw a LOT of attention! People are making conversation while waiting for red lights every time we ride them to the trails. Say what you want but it's a beautiful bike and it is SMOOTH on the road. It might weigh more but the power makes up for it and then some too, this bike rips.

[@ssmith954]

The truth is that both of these bikes are far better than the vast majority of the people who will be riding them.

[@joedart2932]

Good straight forward review..lm still waiting for the green,blue and yellow teams answer to these two bikes 🤔

[@jeffosland5447]

Oh they're coming, but I will be giving them double kickstands while I rip on the 450L!

[@mxracingunlimitedltd7784]

SAME. Esp the new Yamaha WR450RL. But also WR250/300R that has to be coming out soon after 2021...

[@gatorhkman]

I love the concise narrative and commentary. You earned a sub. THX

[@bermcannonk]

Thank you Gatorman🙏🏼

[@garrettbeaulieu6902]

got the vibrations covered but what did you think about the gearing on the two bikes? which one had more power? which one handles highway speeds better? (not vibritions lol but rpm wise does it feel stressed on the highway?)does the honda have a 6th gear like the ktm?

[@bermcannonk]

The KTM has more power but the Honda smoother on the highway

[@adamrichards2072]

Yes, honda has a six speed. Had mine to 155kph and was smooth and felt much more safe that a dirt bike should at this speed.

[@jaktak4650]

It is street legal bikes. But where is the ABS? Do you need the ABS on dirt bike on knobby tires when you riding canyon pavement roads? Or in the city?

[@bermcannonk]

Abs is not required, I personally hate abs....... and think its not needed except for rainy days only riding pavement.

[@aridinglifestyle4142]

I'll take the KTM for the weight! 290 lbs on the Honda is quite a lot for a dirt bike.

[@karavidler2521]

its not 290, its 245 with a fmf pipe as the stock pipe is 17 pounds alone

[@joenevis2757]

The new Honda is a little porky at over 290 lbs. My 450R is 220 dry. I'm transforming it into a "budget Adv bike." The light weight is terrific in deep sand whoops, silty sandy hills, and blasting through the trees. Extra pounds are amazing on any paved roads.

[@ramiretz]

now thats a honest and nice review ! really like it !!! for me personally the CRF450L is the better choice because i ride it 30% offroad and 70% on the streets too for longer distances..... its quiet with no vibrations, its rear swingarm is a little bit longer and filled with polyurethane to be quiet and more stable on street, rubber dampened sprockets on front and rear, its got a very very good full LED headlight, the great showa suspension which the wide adjustable range from super comfy to race ready with a few clicks on the adjusters, a trip computer on the speedo with avg usage/actual fuel usage/how much fuel is already used and so on..... for the pure offroad enthusiast the ktm would maybe be the better choice because you dont need some of the stuff i mentioned above and can save some weight. So the better opponent for the KTM500EXC would be more likely the CRF450X in my opinion

[@Navaho66]

The statement about "no vibrations" is not accurate at all. The Honda 450L vibrates enough to be a problem for anyone who is sensitive to handlebar vibration. It's only smooth if you are comparing it to the KTM 500 which is the worst in class in regards to vibrations. Beta 500 is significantly smoother that the Honda and the KTM. The smoothest dual sport out there is the 350 Beta which is what I would describe as having "no vibrations". Not saying that Beta is a better bike. It's just a lot smoother. This comes after test riding all these bikes within a few days apart.

[@ramiretz]

@@Navaho66 good to know 😊 I compared it only to KTM/Huskys... The are no Betas here, so I never got a chance to test one.

[@jakobcrawford2753]

I feel like the Honda would be sweet for multi-day rides due to the reinforced sub frame. You can smack some sick luggage on that rear. I've got a 2017 KTM 500 and keep my luggage load light in the rear because it doesn't hold up too well in the deep stuff :p

[@azilon007]

I got the 450L for that exact reason! I was wondering tho if the KTM could have taken that weight but you pretty much answer it

[@MrDonaldstepp]

Thanks for sharing. I think I would go honda because of what you said. Being able to have some gear makes longer trips much nicer

[@texlee1640]

In regards to the 450L possibly replacing the 450X is some areas I have to agree. Originally I wanted a 450X for my style of riding, but I couldn't find one at any of the dealers in my region while the 450L was the new hot chick in school and there were plenty to be had. I see the 450L as 98% of everything the 450X is but with a better head light, plated from the factory, and with a freshman 15. Luckily that extra weight is easy to shave and nearly all of the 450X aftermarket parts are interchangeable due to their vast similarities. After all of my mods my 450L is very similar to a 450X, it even has the X tail now, but I am happy to have the foam filled chassis to lessen vibes, the amazing LED headlight and a plate from day one. Any money saved buying the cheaper 450X would have been spent aftermarket making it street legal and improving the headlight with a Baja Designs/Moto Minded upgrade. So I guess you could call the 450L the everyday mans street legal 450X?!

[@bermcannonk]

Love your post tex😎🤙🏻

[@brunorider2505]

Say I have access to a 2009 x for 4 grand... the bike is plated. Is this a valid choice? Maintenance wise are they similar ?

[@texlee1640]

@@bermcannonk Right on, love this bike!

[@texlee1640]

@@brunorider2505 Definitely buy it at that price. Throw the BD headlight on and whatever performance upgrades you prefer and rip.

[@nickmg4008]

Thanks mate for excellent short comparison, you made me make the right decision. Thanks again!

[@chrisblanchard4938]

Currently riding a ktm 250xcf-w street legal. My wife and my son both have honda's. I am seriously considering the Honda 450L as my next bike. I have had some issues with my ktm mostly carb and jetting. It struggles to start. The battery doesn't hold its charge and with it on a tender. My wifes Honda crf25L starts with the magic button really easy. With my ktm its takes for ever to get it started and takes a while to warm up. Granted i bought my ktm in 07 but I have had issues for a long time.

[@bermcannonk]

Hey chris. Thanks for the comment. I am very interested in the crf250l....soon

[@cvick44]

I’m curious about cost of ownership (tune up, repair and part cost). Thanks

[@bermcannonk]

Hey chad. To be honest i would not know that. However its not much.

[@JeepJim04]

Great video, thanks for sharing! BTW, you sound exactly like Ray Liotta from Goodfellas. Your narration during the video had me waiting for you to say "What can I say, we were wiseguys!" Awesome.

[@bermcannonk]

🤙🏻😜

[@snitao]

Are the maintenance intervals the same?

[@CraigBramscher]

Great review, I am actually trying to flip a coin on this decision right now, but you can get a 2019 500 EXC end of stock for the same price as the CRF450L, so given the same price, which would you buy?

[@bermcannonk]

Craig. Maybe in that situation look up a few parts ,what’s going to cost more if you have to replace something on each of those bikes and maybe go from there I still think Honda parts or less expensive than KTM parts but I’m not sure.

[@texlee1640]

I've seen dealers selling the 450L for as low as $8700, I haven't seen a KTM 500 that low. You can't go wrong either way honestly.

[@CraigBramscher]

@@texlee1640 Wow, 8700, that would make it a slam dunk. What part of the country? Thanks!

[@texlee1640]

Craig Bramscher Saw them for that price at a dealer in Arkansas, check Arkansas Craigslist for those ads. Dealer around Tyler, TX that was selling them for $8900 as well.

[@CraigBramscher]

@@texlee1640 Thanks!

[@YZEtc]

The CRF450L/RL is not only similar to the CRF450X, it IS a CRF450X with street-legal parts added and EPA certification obtained.

[@kriswashburn7945]

I haven’t seen you compare the Dominator to the 450L - have I missed it? If not please do. Thanks for the great content, loving the Baja Diaries and just getting started on them.

[@fcalin21]

Maintenance schedule ???

[@tonylacey1361]

Oil changes due at similar times but the Honda takes twice as long.

[@fredburris5428]

Some riders have complained about the twitchy throttle at opening, kind of hard to modulate it's too much on or off. Did you notice? Maybe aftermarket EJK or Honda update could fix it.

[@ramiretz]

make some miles on the engine and it goes away..... i have now 2300km/1430miles on mine and that twitchy on off thottle is 90% away... no EJK no Vortex ECU.... those engines need some break in time to free up ....

[@fredburris5428]

@@ramiretz I noticed the 2020 mentioned updated engine mapping. Good to know it settles down.

[@tieoneon1614]

Try getting the Kaboom 500 to make it to 20k miles like the Honda without any issues!

[@MotoWorld777]

Why can no one in a "vs" video honestly say which one they like better?

[@thecocooreo]

KTM > Honda

[@ampm9771]

Honda is extremely maintenance heavy. It offsets it's slightly lower price. On top of the price, you'll have to spend some extra money on re-maping and correcting its fueling issues so at the end it's more expensive than the KTM. LED light isn't a big deal, you can always get an aftermarket one, but long maintenance interval and reliability is the key. I have seen 450 with burst piston case.

[@billyarsenault1970]

Are seriously trying to imply that Honda’s have a common issue with bursting pistons because you “seen” one. Slow down on the drugs brother. Have a good one.

[@controlledfreakr]

I have the Honda 450lx. It’s a weapon but it munches fuel when you hold it ❤️💪🏾

[@bermcannonk]

You are correct the crf450l is a guzzler.

[@bmwlane8834]

My ktm 450 exc is more smooth than the ktm 500....so that would've been a better comparison. Both great bikes.

[@KGRowlo]

Agreed

[@RadioReprised]

I like the KTM 450 best........but can't buy one in Kalifornia anymore!

[@csbalazs01]

Weight matters!

[@papajeff5486]

Weight is king. Texas

[@MidniteSon]

If I have some experience with a Yamaha TT-R230, can I hop on the Honda 450L without too much difficulty?

[@adamrichards2072]

Yes, if hight isn't an issue. I would add a vortex ECU to the price though a select the traction map. Makes it much smoother and more ridable off bottom.

[@dustincookson5479]

i literally went from a 16hp 200cc china bike and hopped on a crf450r model and had 0 difficulty. Plus im a shorter rider (30 in inseam)

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

You can pry my BRP out of my cold dead hands!

[@DoodMang7]

Ktm 500 is my dream bike love that bike. Crf450l looks insanely good too.

[@racewayman1]

Awesome review

[@PoppaWheelies]

KTM!

[@brianricoh3242]

Japan has much better off the floor set up, than ktm. Ktm tends to be very crudely set up off the floor, and requires a rider who's knows bike set up, verses someone getting their first motorcycle. Not sure how much the 450 Honda is choked up on power, but the Ktm, has about 14 horses being hidden, just with a fueling fix and de choked. I can see the Honda should be more vibe friendly over ktm, but they weigh alot more too. The KTM stuff is cutting edge on metal count, where the honda is much more beefy in most areas. The ktm headlight is a 35 watt, but easily accepts an H4 55/60 watt, that should even the field in that area. CHassis parts should hold up better on the Honda(they are beefier and larger, cant say on the motors, but pre 17 500's have gone 35 40,000 mile without a rebuild, or valve adjustment. But they've been squeezing ,downsizing parts and not sure if they given up some longevity to do that. If you need a dirt bike, the ktm is the quickest to get into shape, a Dual sport the Honda more competitive in stock form. Atleast till you get to suspension, then Honda should out do. interesting conclusion on the video.

[@Shawn-in-da-Canyon]

It would take a lot more than that to get another 14 hp out of the KTM.

[@markozer0]

the maintenance (oil/filter) are almost the same if use KTM as dual sport bike and not in extreme enduro or challenge. But the weight makes difference! there are almost 12 kg between the two bikes, Honda is too heavy...good in a tarmac and easy road but when the job is going hard you want a KTM/Husky under your ass :-)

[@billyarsenault1970]

See that’s the thing- I don’t want one under my ass as my only bike now. But I get the hard reality of your point.

[@hphillips7425]

Not sure if the KTM has linkage on the rear shock but the motocross version I rode years ago did not have the linkage and less than a quarter mile riding across small washes my back was killing me. I understand why the guy wore a back brace and wanted to swap bikes

[@humblewisdom8976]

I have the 450l and my son got the Husky 501. They are both great but for me the honda is more refined. For my type of riding I like my choice. My son on the other hand likes the honda also but states if he had to do it again he would get the husky. So there ya go there that close. One thing is for sure no mater what color you get, your having fun.

[@collinrobinson3085]

Do you notice a big difference in vibration between the 2 bikes? My dad has a 2017 500 and it’s unbearable to me, and this is after installing the rubber mounted pegs and bars. It seems like some 500’s have the issues and others don’t, but the vibration coming through the pegs is terribly uncomfortable and numbing.

[@humblewisdom8976]

@@collinrobinson3085 Sorry the reply is so late but now that you mention it the husky did have a fair amout of vibration. Which is why I think I said the honda seemed more refined. Unfortunenatly my son sold his husky and got a street bike. So I have to ride in the dirt alone and that happens a lot less now than I would like.

[@jump19845150]

These two bikes are still too expensive to me. I wish I would be able to buy either one of them around $ 6000.

[@bermcannonk]

I agree. Unfortunately I just think these bikes will just go higher in the next couple years

[@texlee1640]

That would be nice but you won't even see these used at that price for at least a few more years to come. The Honda would be acceptable around $8300-8500 IMHO, I paid $9100 new and I was ok with that.

[@troudecul69]

Brand new DRZ400S is 6000.

[@brunorider2505]

New bikes are becoming expensive... and we keep buying so we're guilty

[@UFOsUseLightBendingCamoflague]

I bought a brand new 250 exc-f for 6800. Quite a few of them out there still I believe, big markdowns. You are looking at mid 20s in horsepower (after tune and such) with the same frame and suspension components as the bigger bikes!

[@alexdetrana8740]

You have No idea, the KTM is a much better bike and worth the expense. The 450L has flame outs and is 5 years back in tech as they got a late start. Have ridden both

[@kevinsivertson5800]

I’ll take the XR650R 2000-2007 still is the best !

[@Blocanbentlyyahu]

Not than the 500exc

[@RadioReprised]

I am a fan of saving 30 pounds! I was a Honda man for 20 years and there is no comparison.....if you want a Dirt Bike with a plate get the KTM. You could buy a DRZ if you want to save money..........

[@steves5382]

Sold my 450L as It was corroding badly "uk weather" and it scratched so easily . The other points are throttle was on or off and was not nice to ride. I looked at the KTM and will never have one of these.

[@MOTOmunchies_420cc]

Crf450l gang !

[@jameswilkes7824]

Keep.The.Manual.

[@hotsauce3700]

Everything about the Honda is better in my opinion. Why in the world are bike manufacturers building bike with steel frames? Oh yeah, because it costs about 1/4 as much as aluminum. The build quality on every component of the Honda is superior. Ask yourself if you’d rather have a bike built in India (KTM) or Japan where the best motorcycles in the world are built.

[@bermcannonk]

💣 wow 😲

[@ernieleos3645]

I'm a Honda guy and own the 450l. I do have to say that there are benefits of the KTMs steel frame. The biggest I think is the larger gas tank options. A more compact steel frame allows more space for aftermarket tanks to occupy and keep the weight tighter and lower than the Honda. I would think that both frames are similarly strong, yet one takes up significantly less space. FYI this is coming from a short rider that notices every bit of the top heavyness.

[@dantemagz6672]

They’re built in Austria dumbass, the exc500 is a better bike in every way

[@hotsauce3700]

To each his own, as they say. I don’t need a huge fuel tank for the riding I do and when I do need extra fuel I carry a Rotopax in a backpack. That makes more sense than having a huge hideous tank but again, that is just my stupid opinion. Happy riding.

[@mcskeeto]

Nice xenophobic reply without any actual information. Yes, the 500 is built in Austria. Try using the google machine before you post a comment and make a fool of yourself. I currently own 5 KTM's and they have been the most reliable and fun bikes I've ever owned. I've owned Hondas as well and the KTM's blow them away in performance and are on par with build quality.

[@heisrisen6898]

I have a mini bike & its way better than ktm & Honda.

[@crunch_amp9282]

Ktm's way too much on maintenance not even worth buying Honda all the way

[@bobsbill4615]

honda has about 50 more lbs than the ktm. imo the ktm is a far better machine