Steahly Flywheel Weight Install On The CRF450L And Initial Impression - Hint: It's Not Great.

[@davewatson3763]

Hi John, Have you thought about or ever used a Hinson steel momentum clutch basket? To add rotating mass. Sounds like they work quite well.

[@JohnTYoung]

I have not. That sounds like an option...

[@ogoshikimura5621]

I am also leaning towards the basket. It would be cool if the clutch gets softer as well with the complete kit

[@Shaymer705Racing]

You will like it, had mine on a year . No issues

[@JohnTYoung]

I am slowly getting used to it. It’s harder to loft the front end over rocks tho.

[@reedehinger308]

I’ve followed your videos since I bought my 450L new and have done many of the same mods thanks to your reviews. The timing for the video couldn’t be better since I am putting a flywheel weight on my bike tomorrow. I don’t have the ECU yet (on order, tho) so I am very interested to see how the weight effects the twitchy throttle. Once both are done, then I’ll be in your neck of the woods on the CO BDR in August.

[@JohnTYoung]

Awesome! Let me know what you think of it since your bike is closer to stock. Sort of. I’ve got 300 milesNon it and I like it, but I don’t love it. Errrrrr. Let me know when you are passing through. I live a couple of miles from Hagermans pass

[@reedehinger308]

Got the ECU and the flywheel weight on my bike finally and took it for a couple hours on some tight single track. Definitely runs different, revs a bit slower and throttle is less twitchy, but it’s still there. I’m still running stock exhaust with no plan to change it. I did stall a bit more, but I think this is related to clutch adjustment, not the recent changes. Happier with the bike, but still not exactly what I thought/hoped it would be. Heading to Colorado on Sunday for a week of riding in Telluride. Super excited for the trip!

[@JohnTYoung]

@@reedehinger308 The flywheel weight definitely makes the motor rev slower. Once you get used to the throttle it'll feel better, or you'll get better at cracking it open gently. Most EFI bikes take some getting used to.

[@keshmo12]

That install is pretty crazy. Replacing bolts and trusting a press fit with loctite. I put a big steahly weight on my CR250 and had to grind the cover for it to fit right. Steahly is pretty creative with their installs. I really couldn't tell a difference with the biggest weight (11-12 oz).

[@JohnTYoung]

Ya. What could go wrong?

[@bmwlane8834]

I put one on my 2018 450 exc...well I put a 15oz clutch weight on. I was wanting to take some of the racey feel, and I think it has done that. Although it's not as effective at the crank weight. I do agree, it's not a night and day difference.

[@JohnTYoung]

This one is only 7 oz and I’m thinking of taking it off.

[@eliczerny]

This is interesting. I installed this same weight on mine a year or so ago. I also have the stalling issue. It will happen if I blap the throttle just right (wrong), even while in neutral. I also have the Vortex ECU, and I suspect it may be the combination between the weight and the Vortex tuning. That's my theory. Would be curious to have it retuned with the weight on, or maybe I'll just ditch it and get the Recluse. I'm kind of an old fart these days. Got a bike with electric start might as well get the cushy no kill your engine clutch too. I'll also note that I tried fine tuning the fuel on the ECU as another follower mentioned and had no luck remedying the issue. Could be the timing map causing the problem (which isn't user adjustable). I may go back to no weight. We'll see.

[@JohnTYoung]

I'm going to ditch the weight. For my style, it makes the bike too slugish.

[@davebennett5069]

increase your idle speed a little bit to keep it from stalling :D I am considering buying this flywheel weight. i have a standard clutch and a vortex on a stock exhaust. need to smooth out that twitchiness for sure!

[@JohnTYoung]

There are shortages of everything worldwide. We'll get there soon.

[@Gravelcruiser]

always enjoy your vids. keep em coming

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks!

[@bradleyrupska4988]

Maybe you need to up the idle just a little bit. I am getting ready to install the flywheel weight myself.

[@JohnTYoung]

Maybe, but I still feel the bike responds better without it.

[@davindersangha3761]

Well I can’t believe I beat you to a MOD. Keep making your videos. PS. Loved the 16K bike review! I agree with all the comments.

[@JohnTYoung]

LOL. There are tons of them out there I haven't tried. I hear the red Zeta rear brake caliper cap adds 2HP and I haven't added that yet....

[@bbmoti]

Hi John, great for posting the video, i was to lazy to make one. I did the steel hinson clutch,does the same affect of flywheel and doesn't getting basket notches like the aluminum one. Works great, more momentum less stalling. Work great i hard enduro that i do alot qith this bike.

[@bbmoti]

Also for you stalling issue now, i saw you used the flywheel puller, but i didnt saw you used the small cap screw to screw it in to the tip of the flywheel. If you take a look over there there is an oil pass, and that cap is to protect it. If you damage that youll have some oil circulation issue that mybe can cause less oil to the rekluse and more friction. Second check your idle and check again inside that noting touching and causing tension. Wating for your updates.

[@JohnTYoung]

Grrrr. I had that thing on and then I didn’t. It seems l screw up at least one thing (if Im lucky) per video. Thanks for catching it. I like the idea of the steal clutch basket. Less like to come flying off!

[@delmar2169]

Thanks dad!

[@JohnTYoung]

You betcha… son?

[@aalejandro750]

Great vid thanks , ever figure out the stalling issue?

[@JohnTYoung]

Thank you. Not yet. I've got a few things to try - pull the weight, up the low RPM mixture, sacrifice a chicken...

[@aalejandro750]

@@JohnTYoung 🤣🤣 nice! Well let us know and your vids on the 450l truly are the best, great camera angles, good microphone etc etc.

[@geoffhowse3591]

Hey John, Me again, I have looked far and wide for one of these, and NOBODY, not even Steahly have any, you must have got the last one (for now).

[@JohnTYoung]

Sorry. If I had known I’d have waited.

[@davebennett5069]

seems 450L's don't have many parts available period. can't get FMF exhausts, can't get flywheel weights, can't get anything that isn't universal.

[@joemajinska588]

Good information on this John. Wanted to ask you a question.....with the big tank and yosh exhaust have you had to make suspension adjustments to the forks? I put the IMS 3 gallon and yosh on mine over the winter and now my front washes out all over.(its a big weight swing) I am squeezing the bike so hard I burned a hole in my side panel from contacting the exhaust. Made some clicker adjustments but havent been back on the trails to check it out....just wondered if you encountered this? Maybe reset the sag? Thanks for all the videos man!

[@joemajinska588]

It should be noted I was running the D606s and swapped them out for Michelin Starcross tires. Better, but still washes out a ton.....

[@JohnTYoung]

@@joemajinska588 mine did before I added the weight. Now it corners better. I thought it was too stiff before. But I ride like your grandma, so…..

[@joemajinska588]

@@JohnTYoung I may have a few lbs on you....... Could be the issue. Thanks for the response John!

[@emil82]

@@joemajinska588 tried adjusting your handlebars a few mm to move your body weight compensate the weights changed in rear and front?

[@JohnTYoung]

I’m in about the stock position.

[@instructionalassistantsteve]

You referenced engine temperature in this video. What hardware do you use to get a temp readout display in your cockpit?

[@JohnTYoung]

12 O’clock Labs mini gauge

[@314adv]

I’ve been dreading this one. Flywheel weight has been on my bench for 6 weeks. I’ve had a buddy add it and helped it gain more tractor factor. Mixed about it as my stalling has been limited once I set the idle speed properly- fingers crossed - but thanks for the confidence boost.

[@JohnTYoung]

Get it done. It’s easy peasy-ish n

[@JohnTYoung]

Don’t forget to cover the flywheel spline with the little protector cap before pulling it.

[@314adv]

@@JohnTYoung - thanks !

[@Dookie_burner]

Great video. Thanks

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks!

[@Dookie_burner]

@@JohnTYoung you video reminds me of how I grew up working on dirtbikes. Just get in there and figure it out .what a great channel. I am about to purchase a 21' 450rl ...wish me luck

[@JohnTYoung]

@@Dookie_burner That's great. You don't need luck. It's a Honda!

[@lorenkaiser6326]

Add a couple of clicks to your pilot setting on the Vortex and see if that helps with the stalling, I had to do that on mine after the flywheel weight. Needed just a tad more fuel.

[@JohnTYoung]

I’ll give it a shot Stomp. Thanks!

[@grant31781]

Did your idle rpm get lower from the added mass? Might be the cause of the stalling issue.

[@JohnTYoung]

Didn’t seem to be any lower. But I turned it up anyways and it still popped and died.

[@conzowonzo8902]

john you legend great vid. i have a question for you. i busted a hole in my clutch cover. i'm about 80% sure that a piece approx. 2mmx3mm made its way into the tranny. i removed the inner clutch cover to look but couldnt see anything. tried to flush out with oil too. motor hasnt been run since this happened. any ideas how to flush it out (if its even there)? would it just get shredded up or do i need to split the case. cheers

[@JohnTYoung]

I got nuthin. Either split it or cross your fingers it’s too heavy to lift off the bottom of the sump. Do you feel lucky?

[@maximumeffort8829]

Hey john how are you? I recently installed on of those flywheel weights and found that i still was stalling pretty easy being that you have had yours for months now what has your experience been has the stalling stoped ?

[@JohnTYoung]

Ya, it still stalled even with the weight. I took it off and went back to the stock flywheel. Best "no stall" combo was the Vortex with a Throttle Tamer.

[@maximumeffort8829]

@@JohnTYoung i finally got a chance to use it yesterday on the really nasty stuff all day and it actually worked for me idk if maybe because i have a 450R, i can say it maybe stalled once unexpectedly compared to before where it literally stalled over 10 times a day and made riding not enjoyable because when u lose momentum ur going down😂

[@maximumeffort8829]

@@JohnTYoung and thank you for your install video it helped me alot when i did it 🦾

[@JohnTYoung]

@@maximumeffort8829 you're welcome!

[@davidmoeller765]

Does the Honda vibrate at 70 mph? I sold my KTM 500 because of the vibrate on the highway,

[@JohnTYoung]

Itsa thumper. It vibrates. From 0 - 95.

[@SurRon_OffRoad]

nice vid john...... i feel it would work better with a manual clutch.. 👍

[@JohnTYoung]

I think your are 💯 correct.

[@JavierPerez-tb4zy]

Do you have increase torque to transform the bike into a more “diésel” one.

[@JohnTYoung]

More than it is? It chugs pretty good. I guess you could do the flywheel weight, Vortex, bigger rear sprocket, Rekluse clutch, etc. mine is certainly part tractor now, but I haul me and 60lbs of gear.

[@geoffhowse3591]

Hey John, You just keep finding more things to put on the 911 bike !! But after you saying all that about this should stop the stalling, out of the blue, yours starts stalling :( And it's ALWAYs at the most inopportune time, isn't it !!! I really hate it when it happens :( May I suggest that you bump up the idle speed a bit, these 450's seem to like an uncomfortably high idle speed, around 1800 rpm....and yours sounds a little low, to me. So next is the LHRB install... Cheers

[@JohnTYoung]

Endless bling.

[@geoffhowse3591]

@@JohnTYoung Did you read my whole message ?? I thought you might have said more, that's all.

[@JohnTYoung]

@@geoffhowse3591 OMG. I thought that was it. LOL. I did turn it up to about 1600 or 1700 so….😬 Out on the BDR it seems to be working fine, tho it did stall trying to do a turn around doughnut. I didn’t drop it this time.

[@BackwardsZOs]

Hey John, what sprockets do you use?

[@JohnTYoung]

At the moment- 13 53. But the 53 is overkill. I liked the 52 more.

[@BackwardsZOs]

Did you use the 12 o’clock labs adapter to get your speedo right afterwards? I ride a lot of single track so I think the 53 might be best for me.

[@JohnTYoung]

@@BackwardsZOs your speed is measured off your front tire so gearing has no effect.

[@MXKID34]

13 - 51 is the best I've found, I did go to a 49 but you have to cut the chain to short to where you don't have any adjustment on the swingarm so I went to a 51 and now it's flawless. If you're looking for faster top end change the front to a 14 and you'll easlily get a 100+ Honda

[@AerialFidelity]

Is it still stalling? I ordered a flywheel weight from Steahly, but I don't want to install it if it's gonna stall.

[@JohnTYoung]

It helped for sure, but I uninstalled mine after a while. I like how the 450 revs up pretty quickly and the extra weight slows that down, as it is supposed to do.

[@AerialFidelity]

@@JohnTYoung thanks for the quick reply. I like that too. Not sure if I'm gonna install mine or not now

[@JohnTYoung]

@@AerialFidelity some people swear by the weight.

[@AerialFidelity]

@@JohnTYoung does it really help with the low end twitchiness? That's the reason I bought it. I don't have trouble with it stalling right now

[@petewebb5149]

Are you still running your Rekluse?

[@JohnTYoung]

Of course.

[@petewebb5149]

@@JohnTYoung nice. Be interested to hear how noticeable that flywheel weight will make with the Rekluse.

[@JohnTYoung]

Down low, not much, but it still pulls well mid rpms. It is a bit harder to lift the front tire.

[@drewwolfe5843]

Have you changed your gearing?

[@JohnTYoung]

Many times.

[@drewwolfe5843]

@@JohnTYoung I went to a 14 front which made my first gear more usable. I am going to try a 47 rear. We do a lot of gravel roads in SE Ohio with connecting paved roads. I’d like to bring down the 6th gear 60 mph rpm. What gearing do you normally run?

[@JohnTYoung]

@@drewwolfe5843 13:51, tho I like 52 as well. I ride on I70 at 80MPH from time to time.

[@drewwolfe5843]

@@JohnTYoung Wow!! I don’t understand that! I feel like my first gear is too low at 13:51. 14:51 made it better. I think going to a 47 rear my be too much but I’m trying it anyway. I’m also going to install a 130/90 rear, which will make it taller

[@JohnTYoung]

@@drewwolfe5843 Totally depends on what and how you're riding. Bike would be screaming at 80MPH with a 14.

[@donbraham411]

Good video

[@JohnTYoung]

Thank you.

[@7ADRI7]

Nice bike

[@JohnTYoung]

Thanks Mel.

[@EricBanner571]

Sometimes it's best just to leave the bike as it was designed by the Honda engineers. Changing something here has an effect somewhere else. I guess you won't know till you try it.

[@JohnTYoung]

The Honda engineers don’t know me very well. LOL. Thanks for watching.

[@billyarsenault1970]

I agree. In my perfect world I would be retired at 50 and every CRF would always come flawless stock and exactly how I like it, sunglasses wouldn’t scratch and I could wear only gym shorts and running shoes year round while dual sporting every afternoon to the festivities at the Tiki Bar on the other side of the is land - to meet up with the ladies (CRF Groupies).