My Light Adventure Bike Build: Complete Honda CRF450L Mods List

[@DorkintheRoad]

Honda CRF450L Mods: Giant Loop Lift Strap: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/giant-loop-lift-strap/?ref=dork Giant Loop Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/buckin-roll-tank-bag-2020/?ref=dork Giant Loop ZigZag Handlebar Bag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/zigzag-handlebar-bag/?ref=dork Giant Loop Klamath Tail Rack Pack: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/klamath-tail-rack-pack/?ref=dork Giant Loop Lift Strap: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/giant-loop-lift-strap/?ref=dork 12 o’Clock Labs Tail Tidy:shop.12oclocklabs.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=174 Works Connection Rear Brake Reservoir Guard: imp.i104546.net/ZdazKW Zeta Handguards: imp.i104546.net/XxkRnM Zeta Handguard Shields: imp.i104546.net/BXg9y4 Doubletake Enduro Mirrors (x2): bit.ly/3QQmAIJ Tusk D Sport Tires: bit.ly/3RUy7rP G2 Throttle Tamer: www.g2ergo.com/shop/g2-dirt-throttle-tamer-honda/ Progrip 714 Grips: amzn.to/3LqqFCo Tusk Bar Risers: bit.ly/3aiSI5N Seat Concepts Comfort XL Seat: bit.ly/3RVWmGl (save 10% with promo code “dorkintheroad22”) Tusk Billet Race Footpegs: bit.ly/3QXhMkO Tusk Folding Shift Lever: bit.ly/3BSh9oD Tusk Folding Brake Pedal: bit.ly/3xCbsIV Tusk Rear Brake Caliper Support w/Brake Disc Guard: bit.ly/3LxGRBV Tusk Rear Caliper Guard: bit.ly/3BRYtFl Flatland Racing Radiator Guard: bit.ly/3Se1Uvj Giant Loop Mounts: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/giant-loop-mounts/?ref=dork Tusk Billet Rim Locks: bit.ly/3SgxtVr (1.6 front, 2.5 rear) Tusk Ultra Heavy Duty Tubes: bit.ly/3QXoUO6 Rider Cargo Tie Down Rings: bit.ly/3SbWXUx Tusk 4 Stroke Oil Change Kit: bit.ly/3BlkB9y Lexdfox CRF450L Dash: www.etsy.com/shop/Lexdfox USB Charger/Volt Meter: amzn.to/3BlKC9K Flatland Racing Skidplate: bit.ly/3BvS41c Tusk Skidplate Foam: bit.ly/3PdqI6l IMS 3 Gallon Tank: bit.ly/3Bs99cu Tusk Rear Rack: bit.ly/3Uknr7E Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/coyote-saddlebag/?ref=dork Giant Loop Mojavi Saddlebag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/mojavi-saddlebag/?ref=dork Thank you for supporting the channel by using these affiliate links.

[@thalesofmiletus6162]

You mentioned a Tim that did a build? Who are they?

[@jwaller1327]

A new ECU absolutely transforms the bikes. I went with the AiM ECU from Taco Moto and the switch to toggle between Enduro/Single track mode and Race mode. It's expensive but worth every penny to me. I'm not saying the bike is unrideable without a new ECU, as some claim, but the difference is huge and makes the bike so much easier to ride. I've only stalled it once since getting the new ECU, and that's riding it mostly on tight single track.

[@MotoVania]

As a lifelong gamer, I appreciate that the dual shock analogy was for me!

[@renotimberwolf2139]

Just ordered $350 worth of parts off your links. Thank you thank you I made it easy.

[@TaterGrabbinBass]

I think we all need a riding buddy like Dork in the Road, just bringing Dork camping is all the entertainment you’d need, plus a nice cigar at camp is ALWAYS necessary! I have an awesome custom travel humidor that’s a hard case but full custom Spanish cedar inside with digital hygrometer and throw in a Boveda and you’re good! Holds many fine stogies! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

[@smithduncan8214]

Thanks! Dork!! I watch you all the time!! We are wannabe Dorks out here In UTAH. Keep up the awesome work! Merry Christmas 🤘

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thank you!

[@VVHlTEY]

Just picked up the same bike for $6,000 with 1,900 miles, vortex and yoshimura exhaust already installed, thanks for your vid’s you the man!

[@Bob_on_Bikes]

Steering damper calmed the front end down on the highway a lot for me. Added benefit was the built-in bar rise effect.

[@pdxktm]

+1 for Scotts Steering Stabilizer! Great addition and can be moved from bike to new bike once you make the initial major investment, just need the mounting hardware for the new bike

[@johnwarner8017]

Looks awesome! Just moved to north albany and was gifted a key fob of yours from premier motor gear in albany…. Your videos are super helpful for a transplant from Nebraska.

[@geezergarage]

I am an Analog Man in a Digital World so I get it with your throttle modification 👍🏻

[@busasteve3871]

Nice upgrades, like the flatland that is what I went with for my 450 and 300l. I got a chance to visit them in Kansas when I was there. I spent a bit of time with them and they took time and showed me the shop and they were genuinely great people.

[@renotimberwolf2139]

Just ordered mirrors and giant loop bags. Thank you for the discount!

[@brentstratton2224]

Looks good. I have a 450x I made street legal to get around the throttle/ flame out issues. I love it on walker valley orv trails up here in washington. I have taken it on a couple sections of the wabdr for day trips and I'm able to easily do 2 sections in about 6~7 hours and still be able to take time to enjoy the views. Just wish the oil change intervals were longer than 12 hours.

[@JCrozier1]

Looks pretty put together for sure. Just looked at a 450 yesterday, but the same place has a DR650 in stock. Loving that lower seat height. Not quite as much power, but not the Honda tax either. I think you're pretty well put together on this one. Just got to run some gas through that tank.

[@DorkintheRoad]

That's the plan!

[@ronsexton3685]

So, did you get the DR650 then? If so, you still happy with the choice?

[@JCrozier1]

@@ronsexton3685 If you're asking me, I don't have a 450 or DR 650. I have a v-strom 650 and DR200. I might not add anything this year and just travel with the money, or I might get a CF popio.

[@andrewrollin3506]

Haven't heard the mute button line in a while! Good throwback. And thanks for reminding me to finally make that Hitchcock's order for bar risers and brake reservoir/cylinder guards (and Barkbusters) for my Himalayan. Ride safe!

[@SydewayzStan]

Totally got the dual shock reference, nice

[@romexranger8784]

Love the content! Definitely been looking for upgrades!Hope to see you on the trails! Much love from the PNW!

[@bradmootz2196]

Thanks for the good mod ideas. My new CRF450RL should be here soon!

[@Brian.A.Simmons]

Good job with your build! I have the Flatland skid plate on order for mine. Get the AIM ECU and map switch. You won't regret it. Happy Holidays!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Definitely thinking about an ECU upgrade. I was talking to Taco Mike about one but the conversation kinda petered out. I'll have to reach back out in january.

[@brandonreed70]

Does the fuel economy mode (3) work on yours?

[@moosegmc71]

Sweet build, Dork. It's coming together nicely.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thank you!

[@josephthornton8560]

Glad this bike is working out for you.

[@whileistillcan9338]

Wow. That thing is tweaked out. Looks great Dork!

[@maxpowers13]

I added a AS nav tower. It puts the nav up higher and helps a little bit to keep the wind off my chest when traveling between trails.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I just added one myself

[@mkramsauer]

Very well built brother 👊 looks ready to kill some trails

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm loving it so far!

[@AdventureGlide]

Thanks for sharing with us. These are good tips here. I really wonder how I made it before QuadLock wireless charger came around.

[@DorkintheRoad]

They are pretty damn amazing.

[@MichaelShaw206]

My next mod for my 450L will be the Rocky Mountain tires (had them on another bike and they performed well). Before spring, I'll also opt for a Scotts steering stabilizer.

[@matthewhoopes7757]

Not to sound negative but offering my opinion. But back ground is I'm 49, almost 40 yrs of riding off road riding. Not a racer or jumper but the gnarlier the better. I would classify myself as better than average. With that said, I bought a 450L 2 yrs ago. Almost 4K in accessories including ECU and exhaust. It was to be my mini adventure just like yours. Mosko bags, the whole 9 yards. But not to be. It must be me to a degree though. The bike is a Stallion but I'm not interested in that hard and fast riding. I like slow and technical now. Did part of the Colorado BDR on it then jumped on the road back. Yikes. My goal is longer adventures which will be part road. For me I was not happy with it at all. Ended up buying a 300 Rally which I love.

[@WhY_ADV]

Good looking bike, Ben

[@marioneville9669]

I have this rack before I begin to built some and let me tell u days and night compare to what I have done for that bike ! For the price it’s cheap wiggle and if u crash everything is warp like crazy lol next year I’m gonna built another batch u should give them a try U won’t be dissapoint compare to that setup

[@ChronicalsofAl]

Excellent upgrade video

[@tennyis28]

Nice been looking forward to this one!

[@Crittermoto]

Me likely! Look out BDRs!

[@daneheinemann9899]

Honda CRF 450L Rally Navigation Tower would finish it off I think. Awesome bike but good work

[@butterytoast4836]

I removed the side covers on mine. They hold in moisture. Was doing an oil change and took off the side cover and found one of the bolts had rusted.

[@ajseusa1488]

The entire weight capacity approved on this bike by Honda is 220lbs/100kg, operator and all gear. That's 220lbs in TOTAL! How can that be called an Adventure Bike? The approved weight capacity is over 320lbs on the little 300L's.

[@michaellloyd7940]

A scotts steering stabilizer would be a good upgrade!

[@Epochred]

For those that own one of these would you say you would do a 4-6 hour day trip on this bike? Closest “good” trails to me are about 2-3 hours away. Or is it a little light for that distance?

[@ralphkeith2905]

Assuming you do another BDR, which motorcycle would you pick, the 300L, 450L, Transalp or something else?

[@marknagel4418]

What do you think about the crf300L Rally for a first dual sport bike. Thinking about getting one

[@DorkintheRoad]

It may be the perfect first dual sport.

[@airadaimagery692]

10 months and 1500 miles on mine and I love it more and more everyday!

[@marknagel4418]

@@airadaimagery692 just wondering did you purchase it new or used

[@airadaimagery692]

@@marknagel4418 New

[@airadaimagery692]

@@marknagel4418 my buddy just picked up a new 300L model this weekend. I’m anxious to compare the two.

[@-SLOTH]

A solid build right there Ben. Has the bike had any suspension (Re-valve/re-spring) work done? If so, what/who did you go with? I still don't see Chewie's seat back there. 😂🤣😅

[@DorkintheRoad]

No suspension work yet. I don't like to test/review bikes with anything other than stock so that my conclusions are relevant to someone buying one off the showroom floor. Maybe if I decide to keep it for a while.

[@JohnnyBoy919]

Do you still have flameout issues or were you able to fix it and if so what did you do? I remember seeing a previous video of yours with flameout issues. Also did you consider getting a crf300l and building it up with suspension/luggage/protection etc like you have with the 450l? I have a wr250r, and I'm considering the crf300l or crf450l. I'm a shorter rider at 5'7" and I'm light at about 135ish geared up. I have a seat concepts low seat on the wr250r and I can tippy toe. I like the lower seat height of the crf300l but I like the more power of the crf450rl...but I feel like I'd be more comfortable on the crf300l in the tight technical terrain. Thanks and happy holidays!

[@chiptaxfree]

Nice job from Omaha Nebraska!

[@212driller]

Honda almost got it right with this bike.

[@theoldeststoner3977]

Awesome content

[@mitchmiles6740]

Having a hard time choosing between t7 and crf450rl being as you've owned both figured I'd ask you. I'm in tx so no logging roads or much public dirt to speak of. Want it mainly for bdr and trail riding. Grew up in mx and ride baggers. If you could only have one or the other which would it be?

[@carlredmond3642]

What are your thoughts on adding a Recluse Clutch and or Clake LHRB to the bike ?

[@aveerides]

Hi @dorkintheroad I am trying to figure out rackless luggage for my CRF450RL and wonder do I need the side luggage support racks for mounting a Tusk rackless system or just a rear rack will work?

[@josephbishop3231]

How do you organize all the bags and such you have when they aren't on a bike?

[@DorkintheRoad]

I have a shelf in my garage. I organize them by type: panniers, saddlebags, tank bags, dry bags, etc...

[@johansanjaya3891]

How's the feeling using seat concept than original seat?

[@josephbishop3231]

Did you know you can put 3 gallons in a 5 gallon tank if you want to save weight???

[@Brian.A.Simmons]

The 5 gallon tank looks ridiculous on the 450.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Does it also shrink down to the width of a 3 gallon tank? ;)

[@MichaelShaw206]

I went with the 5 gallon tank because of the flexibility . I had a 3 gallon on my WR250R and it did the job most rides but I had a bit of range anxiety when doing the WABDR when one of the gas stations was closed that we counted on. Rather have the option than having to carry additional gas containers as insurance. And I think it the 5 gallon tank looks great on my 450L, but appreciate that's subjective.

[@chardbarxton]

Dork, since you have experience riding the DRZ400, is it enough of a difference to upgrade to this bike? Still kinda heavy ya?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Well I upgraded to it, so that says something, I think...

[@scarumanga]

What made you chose a 450RL over a 690 enduro r or 500 exc-f?

[@tarmactech248]

I didn't see a link for AtoZ concepts in your list. My search finds roofing equipment.

[@airadaimagery692]

Tell me about the new tail rack!

[@bva8252]

Is that the Core Grip Tape or the Acerbis Frame protector on the bike?

[@joelsimpson735]

Hey mate what's the oil capacity and oil change intervals. I'm thinking of turning my ktm350 into a light weight adv bike but the oil change intervals are holding me back.

[@customjrod]

Have you sprung the bike for your weight.

[@kamp_ve_enduro]

Change that oem exhaust dude

[@ChronicalsofAl]

Did the g2 throttle tamer solve the "ya gotta have xyz ECU and then it's a great bike" problem

[@DorkintheRoad]

No. The AIM ECU did

[@yonihales9133]

Every so ofter there's a great Chinese hope, hered the next Chinese bike headed to history as jist another Chinese build/quality.

[@hungryhippo9180]

I know this video is 5 months old but I'm a new subscriber to your channel and I am also new to the dual sport bike I purchased a 2022 crf450rl already had a few after market parts I put the throttle tamer on it is night and day like you said. I am also trying to get some tires figured out the stack tires are junk I have had the bike slide on pavement more than I like and I have almost no grip off road (mainly my yard and my small woods trail) could you maybe message me and talk tires

[@DorkintheRoad]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3PTgp-oZqmWmM0

[@terryjolly1549]

I’m a full size American like you Mr Dork. Did you have to make any changes to the suspension to the bike and if so, please elaborate. Thank you

[@DorkintheRoad]

Not yet. Pretty happy with it so far

[@terryjolly1549]

@@DorkintheRoad Merry Christmas sir Love your content

[@jasonhalgas9489]

@@terryjolly1549 i am 310 pounds and got the springs recommended by race tech and its like a different bike. its all about the sag!! its so important but no one talks about it . blows my mind really. if he tried to set his sag he would so obvious see he needs springs.

[@RugerM77]

Would you recommend someone buy a 450L with all the issues I’ve read/watched (flame out, twitchy throttle, etc) and the short maintenance intervals?

[@getdealtwithquick]

Just get used one that is already modded.

[@painsrides]

How long of an adventure ride would you consider riding your "light ADV" on, how is it compared to the Tenere for ADV rides? I really want a Tenere 700 as an ADV bike and I'm about ready to pull the trigger on one... But there's that little voice nagging me that I could save lots of money going with something like a DR650 or even a DRz...

[@DragonNova]

A Tenere and a CRF 300L is the best of both worlds

[@painsrides]

@@DragonNova What do you mean? I mostly ride off-road on a Husky TE250. This bike eats up single track and hard terrain but I don't even like riding it on gravel roads to connect trails. I also have a big ass, land-yacht Victory Cross Country for road touring, but not a bike for anything but asphalt.... I'm buying a(mid-size) ADV bike to more or less split the difference between my two bike so I can go anywhere...

[@DorkintheRoad]

It's a sliding scale and a tradeoff. How much discomfort are you willing to put up with for ultimate off road confidence? A Tenere is more comfortable on the road, but heavier and a little more difficult on the tough stuff. A dual sport is ultimate confidence off road (and much easier to pick up if need be) but it's a struggle riding on the highway for a long period of time. I'll be taking this 450L on the Oregon BDR because I live here and it's only a day to get to the start. If I were riding Utah or something and I had to ride there, I'd be willing to sacrifice a little off road capability to ensure the long ride there and back is tolerable. One of each is truly the best of both worlds if you can swing it. If you want one bike that does both...well then a DR650 or Husky 701 are a good middle ground.

[@painsrides]

@@DorkintheRoad .. This ADV will be a third bike in the stable, I won't be getting two😉 My heart is really pulling me to the T7. I should just spend the extra money and not be a tight ass 🤣

[@cyclonus01]

Do you mind sharing your weight? I'm looking to get a CRF450L but apparently 220lbs is the max weight recommended for the rider. I'm 255 lbs and wondering if i'm just too fat/heavy for the bike.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I rode it on the stock suspension at almost 300 lbs and it was fine. The suspension upgrade mad a huge difference though. You should be fine at your weight but might want a bigger spring for the rear if you're going to be carrying gear.

[@cyclonus01]

@DorkintheRoad thanks for the quick reply bro. Enjoying your content.

[@bowhunter1227]

I have the 2022 450rl and I'm also just shy of 300 lbs. I felt the bikes front end at highway speed was very squirly, to light. So I put on the race tech rear spring. You have to call race tech to get that big as spring. Their catalog doesn't show it.That definitely fixed the issue. I've done nothing with the front shocks. I ride mostly single track and catch quite a bit of air, and I have never bottom out the shocks or even came close. I have done almost the exact upgrades as Dorks' bike has, except I did an athena get ecu from taco moto, and that upgrade was a game changer!!

[@cyclonus01]

@@bowhunter1227 amazing. Thanks for the info.

[@ronsexton3685]

Lowered pegs?

[@the_E4_Mafia]

I am totally mystified why you went down this road, the DRZ 400 is the best dual sport/lightweight adventure bike that you can have.

[@mcscotty325]

You don't have an ECU?

[@markcomisky7106]

Ecu exhaust air box

[@RandomGRK]

ECU?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Not yet.

[@davidskaggs9914]

Sweat bike... looking at one myself but it closer to 10k otd...

[@DorkintheRoad]

There are good deals on used ones out there if you're patient. I paid $7700 for this one.

[@stephenbarabas6286]

The easiest way to run lightweight. Is to lose weight...

[@airadaimagery692]

Working on it... I bought an exercise bike that I can put my iPad on so I can watch motorcycle videos while I’m exercising.

[@NANA-qn8on]

That's alot of "stuff" for a motocross style bike.

[@DorkintheRoad]

...the title literally says it's a light adventure build...not sure where you got MX from that.

[@NANA-qn8on]

@@DorkintheRoad The bike is built off the CR 450 model. Doesn't matter what your title says, it is what it is.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yes I'm aware of the bikes origins but that's clearly not what I intend to use it for.

[@ziruk-king4466]

Why not a beta? Don't say reliable. Lol