EPIC BREAKDOWN OF THE HONDA CRF450L VS THE KTM 500 EXC-F

[@petebusch9069]

Probably the best side by side comparison of all time. Very informative with no drama.

[@lukefish7562]

Agreed

[@rustyshackleford9]

I went from a 450L to a 500exc. The 500 is noticeably lighter and performs better off-road and i personally like how it looks more. I completely understand going for a 450l though. It was much smoother and more comfortable on road, on the highway and there are little things that were better about it (better kickstand, better and more substantial display). Both are awesome bikes.

[@fynn8252]

Spot on! I think the 500 is such a good all-around package especially when the trails get nasty. I owned a CRF450X (gen2) and before that a 2006 KTM 525. The Honda was much newer and many things were "better" but man that 510cc engine is such a jem. It could tractor up any hill and lug through single-track all without stalling. Next time around, I would love to go back to team orange and get the taco touch!

[@texlee84]

Sold my 2019 450L and picked up a 2023 500 EXC. The motor is definitely more buzzy but beyond that I like everything about the orange bike more.

[@Username-2]

@@texlee84 Is the comfort between the two that different on the highway? I have some long highway rides at ~80mph between some of the areas I ride in and I’m wondering if the Honda would be the better choice. Most people say it is smoother.

[@texlee84]

@@Username-2 In terms of vibrations felt, yes, the Honda is smoother and that is noticeable on the road. The Honda has a stronger subframe, smoother motor, and better accessories out of the box. None of the small bits matter if you mod your bike and it'll never come close to the KTM in terms of weight or power when properly uncorked. There's really no wrong answer here, both are great and there are work arounds for both bikes short-comings so I'd pick based on dealer network, accessories/mods, price and whichever speaks to you more.

[@Username-2]

@@texlee84 Yeah weight and power aren’t big deals to me really, the power is close enough to not matter and I mainly do open desert or fast dirt road riding so weight isn’t a huge deal. I care more about high rpm power than torque, and smoothness at speed. Not big into slower technical stuff. That’s sort of why I lean Honda. The fact that it’s 2k less doesn’t hurt either. Anyway thanks for the info, it’s true they are honestly both great bikes

[@speckitis]

I spent a couple of years deciding which bike to get. For me it came down to the FE501s and the CRF450RL.. Since I'm bumping up against 60, there's a good chance this will be the last "dirt" bike I get, and I really enjoy the process of learning the differences and "dream riding" each bike. Once you buy the bike, that's it. No more looking back. So you want to make it count. Here in Tucson, the out the door price differential between the two family-owned shops (both are great) is $3900 in favor of the Honda. However, the Honda will eat up a lot of that savings just bringing it up to par with the Husky. What sold me on the Honda was the sub-frame and Honda's tendency not to do radical upgrades every few years. I'm also not to be confused with Jeff Ward or Rick Johnson. My inner Evel Kneivel might jump the Grand Canyon every night in my dreams, but I'm bumping up against 60. If I were I 30 years younger, I'd launch on the Husky or KTM in a heartbeat. I also work nights (astronomer) and the Honda presents itself as a "hobby" bike. So I'll enjoy the after-hours tweaking the bike as much as spending the daylight hours riding it. I read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" every 5-10 years and I'm all about that ("the real motorcycle you're working on is yourself"). So there's that. The Honda's sub-frame is not just strong, it's easily replaceable. I was worried about the sun zapping the carbon fiber sub-frame of the husky at the elevation of the mountain where I work. Not an issue for most people. Plus, the 2035 CRF450RL will be little changed from today's model. I'll be 71. Wtf will I care?!

[@cirbar3467]

Do you go up into madera canyon??

[@martinst-laurent4005]

I loved reading your comment. Thanks for reminding me of this book. This made me buy it. I chose a used one on Amazon. It has the same cover than the one I read in college. I love to believe that I will receive the exact same book I’ve read nearly 40 years ago. I’m a semi-retired engineer and rediscovering my old passion. Never stop riding and be safe

[@dantheman3091]

Legendary breakdown. My experience is far less when it comes to these “dual sports” and I ended up with a 21 crf450rl. I dont do really any hard enduro. Its a backup to my tiger 900 rally pro and coming off a 500 pound adv bike to the honda makes me feel like im throwing a mountain bike around the trails.

[@nismofan740]

Thank you for this video, I definitely learned a lot. Just picked up a 2019 EXC-F 500. I do a lot of street riding and was looking into the 450L but got a deal that I couldn't pass up on the KTM with only 900 miles on it.

[@banahwarj4773]

How much you end up paying? I’m trying to get my first Ktm

[@alfredrodriguez7421]

This is the best review…. ever. Honda scored 15 and KTM scored 9. Honda is the clear winning in scoring. But KTM wins! HAHA. This really goes to show there is no ‘right’ bike. These toys are very subjective, but this review allows us to compare each element and decide which criteria is most important to us. Please do a two hour review between +’19 KTM 690 and CRF 450R/L. I will watch every minute. This is my favorite comparison video. I learned so much!

[@shanewinters3009]

Excellent review. By far the most thorough and common sense review I've seen. I've owned my crf450l 2 1/2 years. Great bike for all around use, do everything best at nothing approach. I'm using mine lately for hard single track use. I've added almost every option to help out; g2, flywheel weight, power commander, rekluse and 53 tooth sprocket. It was doable but I'm not keeping up with best riders for sure. I recently dropped to a 55 tooth and man it's much better. Very, very tight trails is now much better and technical hill climbs are starting to get easier. It's still heavier but I can tractor around in second gear with more control and keep up with most of the other guys. Thanks for a great video!

[@smithbuiltmoto]

Great content as always! Just picked up a 22 CRF450rl. Lots of learning to do. Thanks for the great vid!

[@NaturalCauses450]

This was a very cool comparison video, very in depth and very helpful. I would live to see a comparison video with the ktm 500excf and the beta 500rrs.

[@flipfitnesscanada1]

I agree. I feel like the beta 500 is an amazing machine that deserves more recognition.

[@NaturalCauses450]

100% agree with you. Beta doesn't receive enough recognition like it should in the US yet. But I have a feeling that it will in the next few years, they will become a very comparable contender to ktm, husky, Honda, ect.

[@enigmaticnomadics]

This breakdown IS indeed epic. I'm looking at the two if I move up from my heavily modded XR400 and the luggage rack is an absolute must-have. Nice job.

[@gt7500]

23:25 If you blip the throttle, you can move the fuel back into the crevice by the pick up hose. That is a commonly known fact.

[@alinn.4341]

Learned a lot about the different types of equipment these two bikes have. Thanks for the breakdown! Both are amazing bikes that deserve a lot of passion.

[@billierawak500ktm]

Omg thank you so much for taking the time with so much detail , Incredibly informative ! I needed this . you are spot on about the Honda . I own crf450l 2019 . Absolutely love it ! Although after 3 years riding the BDRs, sand dunes , woodys single track . I had high hopes after 6k in modifications I could turn it into a perfect unicorn , legal powerful ADV dirt bike . Completely Impressed how strong and dependable , except the weight of the bike was my only issue. Certainly a struggle for me in tight stuff. Shortly After riding Dove Springs Hill climbs , CA , feeling frustrated , i purchase a 2023 KTM 500 excf six days ! ( Immediately I felt like I was riding a feather lol. And happy about that . My husband and I are now in the middle of a ton of modifications to personalize to my comfort. Recently purchased your Taipan ECU and Graves exhaust . Thank you ! Woke the beast up lol I’m anxious to break this new bike in on our upcoming long adventures and technical riding . I think I have found my everything adventure unicorn beast😂 Thank you again for your videos, your the best !

[@JamesLG4]

Just food for thought. Kendal Norman finished P4 in the Sonora Rally on a CRF450X which basically a non street-legal version of the L/RL. He finished behind three guys on factory rally bikes. There is no doubt that the L/RL is an extremely capable off road machine.

[@mecalpsha4473]

After they modded it and put all sorts of expensive parts on it still not the same.

[@JamesLG4]

@@mecalpsha4473 All race bikes regardless of the brand are modified for the purpose. That is the point I am making, you can buy a CRF450RL and have the best dual sport currently available or you could modify it and have a plated race bike that can hang with factory rally bikes.

[@SuperiorTim989]

It's Kendall Norman though. He could finish good on any decently setup bike

[@JamesLG4]

@@SuperiorTim989 100% agree, just saying the bike is highly capable with right setup and rider.

[@SuperiorTim989]

@@JamesLG4 absolutely man. Love my 450l Nic Garvin races one in some desert series and does pretty well on it

[@razorsedgeadventures6599]

Related to the weights quoted at the beginning, isn’t it true that Honda lists wet weight with all fluids including fuel filled, and KTM lists dry weight with no fluids? That would put their respective weights much closer.

[@texlee84]

Wet weights the Honda is still 40-50lbs heavier than the KTM. I've owned both, there's a massive difference in terms of weight.

[@7arsenal]

Love my 2021 KTM 500 exc-f. No regrets!

[@hock4540]

Awesome! I was just searching your channel for a CR450L review two days ago.. perfect timing!

[@jneill-dj8nz]

For any individual that chooses to own and ride a particular machine or brand, it can be incredibly difficult to do an honest, unbiased side x side review. You nailed it my friend, I watched the whole damned thing. Subscribed.

[@mototrailz]

680 hours / 29,000km and valves are still in specs (2019 500 EXC SD)

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Niiiice🤘🏽

[@pawels17]

I have watched many many reviews on you tube but yours is like another level from another planet 👊🤘 Very well done 👏 What else can you add?

[@sumporfuk]

You don’t ride or get feelings from pen & paper. Extremely thorough comparative review 👍🏾

[@tankeater]

3:30 it's called a BAR... Compression x Stroke ÷ dome = Ratio to 1 Atmospheric Pressure (Dome cc), also referred to as a BAR.

[@stevenniedermann3114]

Going from a xr650l and doing all types of riding i think i would choose the 450l. But i would love a KTM too. A full 100lbs lighter sounds great. Awesome review mike. I wish i could say this helped me choose my next bike but now im even more stumped. Ride on brothers and sisters😎

[@gt7500]

51:20- Yaa! Great plug on not removing thermostat! I'm also against removing emission equipment. It doesn't hurt anything, just leave it on.

[@TheFastphill]

That Ready To Ride price for the ktm must be amazing suspension $1000 to Cone valves $5000 Get ecu $1200 Ti exhaust $1500 head light $250 seat $200 rear rack $150 someone to fit it you got a great customer 👍 is that a $20 000 bike

[@JRinPG]

Epic break down. Would love to see you do this type of comparison between a 300 XC-W and the 500 EXC-F. Having rode both the CRF and EXC-F extensively, I 100 % agree the EXC-F is the better trail moto. In fact it takes a couple more thousand to make the CRF almost as good as a stock EXC....however if you are doing light ADV and more fire roads, FSR's, BDR's etc. the modified (exhaust & fuel controller) CRF is an amazing moto. Its simply more road focused. Both are great bikes.

[@jasonnaubur8759]

Always learn so much from your videos, thank you so much TacoMotoCo. Maybe I'll need to rewatch, but did I miss the comparison on the shocks?

[@JacobNorthrup121]

32:40

[@speckitis]

Regarding valve adjustments.... I've got a 2014 F800GSA with 76,000 (s)miles on it. I get the valves checked every 12,000 miles and I've never needed a valve adjustment. The key is to always keep the engine in its happy range (ie: power band). By shifting near the top of its power band, you reduce the "carbon packing" on the top side of the valves. Yeah, the 800 is a street bike pretending to be a dirt bike (of limited capacity), but its the same engineering. Let the motor flex its muscles and breath, and valve adjustments should be few if ever.,

[@lukefish7562]

Unreal job. I can’t even fathom knowing what you do. I ordered a ECU from you today for my 450RL and cannot wait for the improvement I know it will bring! I also have a te300i for my hard enduro/woods riding so I get the love for the unmatched performance of the KTM/Huskys offroad. Appreciate the content and hard work in making our riding more enjoyable. 🏍️💨

[@frankneikes]

Great video Mike ! I was always considering the Honda!

[@Timsonland]

Great down to Earth comparison :D btw are those Maxxis on 500EXC?

[@epp1026del]

I could listen to you all day. Love your input!!

[@professionalpiddler1071]

Very good review and I knew before I clicked on the video that you were gonna pick the KTM cause I watch a lot of your videos and knew that you were a KTM fan boy, nothing wrong with that. I like how you said that the Honda was better but you still pick the KTM cause that’s how most people are. They pick what they like because that’s what they feel most comfortable on, to each his own. I love my 450L for week long, 1000 mile, loaded down dual sport rides but it does struggle in tight woods when it’s unloaded. I don’t own a KTM but I will continue to watch your vids because of your passion for dirt bikes and attention to detail. Keep up the good work!

[@gt7500]

1:06:40- The Honda was built for reliable service for many years. The KTM for a season or two. You may do some things slightly faster, but they'll wear out quicker and will not fit as well after using them for a couple of years. This CRF450L meets Honda's standards for street bike reliability. A person can get a 6 year warranty on it!

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Ktm 500 riders are traveling the globe some on 2012-2016 gen bikes with upwards of 800 hours on top ends and 1500 plus hours on the bottom ends so your theory of a season or two isn’t factually correct. Many durability myths abound

[@gt7500]

@@TACOMOTOCO I'm referring more to air box covers becoming loose, as there is only plastic snaps, wiring issues, fuel pump issues and general failures from either poor initial quality, or being too light weight construction.

[@glenndavis2762]

lol - gt750 dude, been reading all your comments - pretty funny how butt hurt you are about this vid - this alone was worth the price of admission - keep 'em coming

[@algee8228]

@@gt7500 LOL these bikes are mechanically bulletproof. Same basic frame an construction as the hard enduro 2T's. My EXCF has taken a beating on technical riding and has never even had a loose screw.

[@JamesLG4]

If you working on Ashley’s bike swap out the stock throttle cables for a set of behind the bar cables from the 450R. Makes a big difference in throttle control/feel. I did it after a sticky throttle when I switched to ProTaper EVOs.

[@qylanberry1825]

good to know I have a 450rl that's about to get a bunch of 450R bits

[@briancrumpacker]

Mike. Dude. So much experience and knowledge here. There are very few who can boil things down in this manner, and cover so many details. Cheers.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Thanks a pile mate ans thanks for checking out our channel

[@jsned2502]

Bought the Honda $3100 less OTD than quotes for the white or orange version of the KTM. Removed all the smog stuff, stock exhaust and Vortex. Did some very technical single track in Sargents CO. Horseshoe, South Quartz, Tanks Seven. All with 14 front and 45 rear gearing. No Rekluse. Bike is very capable.

[@fynn8252]

Holy cow! 14-45 gearing?! That's impressive. It probably idles at 50mph in 6th gear (lol)

[@EMFRocks]

Throughly covered, well done and thank you. Have had my two 450's exc (RFS and XC4) 8 and six years and treat them no different than my road worthy KDX250SR I had. Planning on rebuilding the RFS to a 540 possibly in the future.

[@ericc90]

Dude you nailed it with this video! Great in depth comparison

[@stevenlatulip2231]

It was nice to watch a bike review in between all the commercials

[@irishflyer6377]

Great review, covers the rear questions and in great style.well worth time to watch it all.

[@genevernon3167]

Thanks for your input of info. I am planning on getting a KTM 5po exc- f this week.

[@Superdisco199]

The transmissions are quite different. The 6 speed in the honda is about the same spread as the current 5 speed WR450F. The KTM is considerably wider (10%). Sales wise, in Australia the WR has traditionally always been no 1, followed by KTM and then Honda. We dont even get the X, L or RX's here now. Great video.

[@mylessavage9801]

Great video, looking forward to this vibration analysis/damping video your working on.

[@markcomisky7106]

When are you going to do mods for beta rr s 500 or other models

[@bshay1993]

I have had a couple 450RL's. If you lol at the weight, Hondas factory weight is wet. KTM is bone dry and the difference in weight is far less issue. The Honda suspension is far better and more tuneable, the engine is rock solid and the rear subframe is 100% better for dual sport. KTM wins in the Areas that really don't matter, the Honda wins in 80%+of the truly important areas Good review but I could tell who you were gonna pick 5 min in no matter what the score. Lol

[@TACOMOTOCO]

I wish the weight was a non issue. In fact it IS the issue. The KTM is superior in the chop and gnar the Honda is superior in the wide open. Fully because of the weight

[@bshay1993]

@@TACOMOTOCO with after market exhaust it's less than 10lbs difference. I beat guys in the woods on KTM's every ride. I'm 6-7 285lbd and I'm telling you the weight thing is in people's heads. I'll take my Honda every day.. 😊

[@TACOMOTOCO]

@@bshay1993 when a rider weighs as much as a bike and has the stature that you do then your point is valid. When you’re a 5”10” 185 rider (an average spec) then it’s an issue.

[@mikekeary7268]

Thanks, looking forward to the anti vibration video...throttle had is no good and has been falling asleep and did so in an hour n half netra race last weekend so looking for ways to help with that! Thanks Mike

[@MrDrivesafe]

Very informative, thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@terratrodder]

What a superb review of these fine machines! Your summery is accurate and why I chose the Honda, I'm not as aggressive a rider any more. I like speed but no interest in enduro or tight woods riding, and here in the central Oregon desert the 450L has been amazing. Now one of the last things I need to do is upgrade my Vortex to the Athena Get, the cherry on top.

[@UnicornMoto]

Excellent video (as I've come to expect from you Mike) and comparison. Chock full of information. Thank you!

[@dushanepowell3782]

Thank you for the video!!! I watched the entire thing and learned a ton.

[@stephenmitchum5864]

I have had a few KTM’s in the past but I bought a 2019 L because I have always said, if the Asian 4 ever made a updated dual sport I would buy it. I found out it was going to take some $$$$ to make it run correctly and I spent it. Although you can buy and spend all you want but you will never get rid of the weight or the top heavy feel. I just sold it and now have a 2023 FE501S. I know in 10 years the Honda will still be going strong and my new Husqvarna will be parts on market place, although that doesn’t help it run today.

[@michaelzpalmer]

What a detailed and thorough comparison of these 2 bikes I'm considering. This is AWESOME. Thank you!

[@jootai]

Incredible review. Got a question. Where does they extra weight from the Honda go to. You mentioned the suspension is better and heavier, and the exhaust aswell. If you would give the ktm new suspension and the Honda a new exhaust. Would they be closer or would ktm still be a lot lighter?

[@billiards101]

Great Video! What weight Motul 7100 have you found for the conditions you are riding?

[@theshindogg]

Wow, so much knowledge. Thanks for the info and evaluation!

[@gillesgenete9598]

Thank you so much for such a clear and informative comparison.

[@ramiretz]

that's a very very good and well overthought comparison... i agree with you in nearly every points.. i worked over 23 years as a KTM mechanic but i also bought the 450L because its the better bike for me personally. i would call it a Performance Dual Sport... why ? because a dualsport is good on road and okay offroad ... a pure offroad bike is good offroad but horrible onroad.. and the 450L ? its right in the middle..... its a good dualsport and a good offroad bike.... a bridge bike between a dualsport and a offroad bike.. a Performance Dual Sport a very good compromise you can smoothly ride on the road for longer time and also have great performance offroad....

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Well said, that’s a really good overview statement

[@billslicer3203]

Wow, that is what I call a great,exhaustive comparison of two bikes. Good job

[@mikewracher9511]

Nice review, of those two I’d also pick the 500. Having said that I’ve got an old plated 2005 450x that still rips in wide open riding, turned it into my adventure bike, yeah it’s heavier than todays bikes but it’s the old race version 450X and it works well. For tighter more extreme riding my FE350 is awesome. Both are great for different purposes. I was toying with swapping the 450 for a 500 but used the X recently on a multi-day trip and the sucker performed really well - damnit. More likely to swap the 350 for a smoker as I’m getting older that tool needs to be lighter. To be fair, I’ve ridden some buddies 500 and they are sweet machines can’t go wrong them.

[@DanielMorello]

I'm going back and forth on upgrading from my 06 450X to either a 2019-21 CRF 450L or a 2017-19 KTM or Husky 500/1. Just rode my buddies 21 L 450L (no upgraded ECU or new pipe, no suspension done) in the same terrain I've ridden my X in for over a decade and here's my thoughts: it was smooth and fast but not crazy fast and lacked that punch mine has. The extra top weight feel was significant but not overwhelming. I couldn't whip it or flick it as easily on small jumps or pop the front wheel up in whooped out sections, which was a bummer but I bet I'd get used to it and feel it out eventually. Everything else was smooth....shifting, brakes, throttle....it was great riding a MUCH newer bike. But.....I really want to ride a 500 or 501 in the same stuff to fully compare. The thing I'm not feeling great about is when I rode a 22 Husky, just on the street for 10 minutes, was it vibrated too much for my liking. Like, it buzzed my tailbone and feet enough to where I had a slight pain in my b hole area lol for the next 10 minutes. I know you can update tons of stuff to reduce the vibes, but it still isn't the best scenario. The search/research continues....

[@njinvision5463]

Am I making a mistake choosing a 2022 CRF450L over an 2022 FE 501?

[@TyScott85]

@23:10. I’m doing research on using something like the Holley Fuel Mat

[@cleveishmoniker]

I totally dig your videos and the whole ethic of Taco Moto Co! FWIW, though: The Honda sticker is ~17% less (10/12, KTM 20% more 12/10), not 25%. The KTM curb weight is only 15% lighter, not 25%. Just sayin'... While you're dispelling myths, don't make more, lol. Honda makes excellent motorcycles, no doubt, but to paraphrase one of my good buddies: "Hondas are boring. Reliable, but reliably boring. I don't ride a bike to be bored." I **LOVE** my KTMs (350 EXC-F for trails and stuff and 690 Enduro R for the more technical of adventure riding; I also love my 25 year old BMW GS.) Never loved a Honda... "Spirited" hits it on the head.

[@brandonreed70]

And the weight difference is actually even smaller than that, because he states the dry weight of the KTM, but the wet weight with all fluids and a full 2 gallon tank of fuel with the Honda. The difference is likely less than 25 lbs.

[@gt7500]

@@brandonreed70 You're spot on. The whole "report" is full of 1/2 truths and misinformation. The KTM Guys love this style of "reporting", because it supports their biases!

[@TXH1138]

Your math on the weight diff is way off. You say 25% but 289-247 =42. 42/247 is 17%. 42/289= 14%.

[@georgesolomon5696]

Great video, very informative.. Thanks you... In your experience which bike is better for BDR's / mini adventures? Also would like to do the Barstow to Vegas ride this year. I can get either bike just concerned about reliabilty/longevity especially if I am going to pour money into some upgrades.. Thanks

[@TACOMOTOCO]

If you’re wanting to do any gnar gnar single track get the KTM. If all you’re doing is wide open two track get the Honda.

[@spadac4543]

Hey noticed the Honda in this had twin pegs. Any idea what model fits? Don't think its listed on their site.

[@algee8228]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the 450RL still cable clutch even to the current '24 model?

[@genevernon3167]

Just a quick question. Would a ktm 500 exc- f ,be a good bike for me for : casual trail riding, desert riding, and fire and logging road in th mountains.

[@shawnelliott5311]

Great review, with such detail how could you overlook the KTM kickstand limitation. Facebook Groups have separated over the KTM kickstand (HaHa). Excited that Taco Moto is expanding into Honda CRF parts and look forward to ordering some stuff. Thanks again. I am fortunate that Washington state has a process to make off road bikes street legal. Suggested topic, is it better to strip a plated bike down, or to add a street legal kit to the off road bike? Do you really need a Key?

[@fynn8252]

I plated a 2019 CRF450x here in Arizona and it turned out nice! It was a little bit of work with the wiring and required some creativity to mount the stuff but you can do it your way. If I had to do it again, stripping down a street-legal dirtbike would have been easier since the wiring harness already has accommodations for the turn signals, brake light, horn, (plus you get a key). Of course if I was ONLY riding off-road then the choice is obvious, buy an off-road bike! Save some money, weight, and complications. I just like being road-legal since it allows for many opportunities.

[@ogasi1798]

GREAT VID BTW - HEY DO YOU GUYS SHIP TO uk?

[@smidge1872]

Have a 2018 250 EXC F and Ichange oil about every 20 to 30 hours. Just put in a new top end at 393.6 hours and valves good to go!

[@algee8228]

I've got the exact same bike, 140 hrs on it, oil changes at about 15 hours, synthetic. Nice to hear the great life you've achieved out of yours!

[@ogasi1798]

510 owner here - i LOOOOOOoooove it - UK model. we get ours fast , BREATHING 100% and ready to go from day dot, no mods needed at all for this de-smogging and un corking to my knowledge , same with WR450 ETC

[@taylorc4476]

Colton Udall builds a badass 450RL/ X with a smattering of lighter parts from the 450X. It's not cheap and puts you in the ball park of a new KTM. The legacy that Honda has in the desert for WFO bomb runs down the peninsula that is without rival. That being said, I think an orange bike in my future as my own badass, "omnisport" toy. Great vids, dude. Keep it up!

[@FloridaDualSport]

Great review Mike!!

[@brettimus1864]

Just an observation as I have a 2022 501S on order. Braktec (yes it's spelled that way) is what Husqvarna is using for all of its Enduro Models (FE/TE). Braktec have been primarily used on GASGAS models. Brembo is what Husqvarna is using for everything else, FC/TC and FX/TX models. Kind of stinks that Brembo isn't on all models, but at least the FE/TE's got a Grey frame.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I might have a chance to buy a used 450L from an older rider who is going to give up off-road motorcycling. It has a few upgrades so I'm checking out your videos to see what it might have, and what I might be after. I'm in my late 50's so the 450L will be fine for me. Thanks for the work you do and upgrades you make possible.

[@imds123]

Castrol Power 1 synthetic 4stroke in my KTM all day. Cost less and readily available at most stores. Been using it for years and love it.

[@Tuber359]

Hey I have a 2021 450rl with yoshi and power commander. How do I get these newer tunes for power commander? Thanks

[@davidhardstaff8110]

In the UK the 450 is strangled and you need a new ecu to release the standard bhp .

[@TheZakkmylde]

I have an old 2013 350 excf and was looking to upgrade. Love the Ktm as it’s just fun and lots of power. But I need to upgrade. Honda seems like a sensible choice for reliability but for some reason Ktm attracts me with fun factor. I may be wrong 🤷🏻‍♂️ The whole flame out thing with Honda and upgraded needed disappoints me or I would maybe make The switch to red :(

[@mikewest8450]

Nice review! The CRF actually calculates fuel used based on Average MPG. My KTM buddies were suprised when I said we've used 1.3 gallons, while they were guessing. The thermostat delete from SD Powerhouse creates an open cooling loop like the R models, cleans up the look and reduces further weight. My CRFRL is within 15- 20 lbs. To my friends KTM. I AGREE the honda is the better bike and will last longer. 10-40 Motul 300V full synthetic oil is the best oil in my opinion. 🤛🏁🤜

[@tankeater]

2:00 289lbs is 42 pounds more than 247lbs... THAT ISN'T 25%!!! 😂🤦‍♂️ 42÷247= 0.170 that's 17%

[@dlrmon1]

Curious as to what the “Actual Weight’s” would be after all the mods you would make...ie, both in “Ride Ready” condition...

[@Papparratzi]

The Honda could easily drop 13 pounds with an aftermarket exhaust. Removing 13 pounds up high and over the shock will have very positive effects on handling.

[@mecalpsha4473]

@@Papparratzi One will drop $1000 then a 'tune' plus the fact it has a tiny fuel tank 2 gallons (drop another $300). KTM is a superior machine - superior engineering with 40+ pounds lighter.

[@JamesLG4]

@@mecalpsha4473 The KTM and the Honda both have stock 2.2 gallon tanks.

[@ryannesbitt438]

Is that the Battlax AdventureCross AX41 rear tyre on the Honda?

[@baybak7202]

what fuel consumption can a honda conda show you drive hard on it?

[@ToddRanson]

i have a CRF450L 2019 with a vortex and a yoshi exhaust. with the vortex in position 1 im getting a lot of decel pop. would removing the secondary air system help this?

[@doublex632]

If both bikes are stock oem, which headlight is best if your on the highway at 1AM? Had a 450 with 2016 OEM headlight and wasn't really drivable in the dark, thanks

[@coderedcamaro4812]

I have noticed from my friends 450l to my 21 501s that the Hondas a better bike on the highway but less of a bike single/rocky track.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Our same conclusion

[@cmbscx1084]

As in life, the BEST weapon is the one tailored to the specific job. Most choose the best all around weapon. There will never ever be a Unicorn but KTM in Orange, White or Red is the closest we have for now.

[@BennyTygohome]

This was very helpful, thank you

[@michaelcox7101]

What grip heaters do you have there? Are they a lock on or glue type?

[@gonadiator]

the sub-frame/chassis-frame connection point above the rear shock on the KTM is schockingly weak.

[@timchiriac7194]

Awesome video! In depth thx

[@puppyupper4565]

Excellent. I will be buying the KTM because of the weight. I love the reliability and engineering of the Honda. Just don't understand the 40 pounds of weight. I will check you out for the upgrades.

[@TapioBlue]

Rear suspension talk? Other fuel tank options? Stock tires suck on both. Did you say heavy clutch use dirties oil quicker?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Heavy clutch use shears oil and over temps it needing more frequent changing

[@malisinimicus4358]

Back in the early 90's I bought my first dual sport bike which was a 91 Suzuki TS200 (2stroke) which weighed 255lbs. It was the funnest bike as i could go anywhere a KDX could go in the bush but could take me down the street or hwy. It was fricken awesome! Now newring 60 yrs old I started looking for another dual sport and have never seen such a conflicting pile of opinions between DRZ400SM/S vrs CRF300 vrs Honda 450RL vrs KTM500 and the mounting after purchase expenses required to even make these bikes rideable off road! I mean $18,000.00 or more after mods seems to be a little bit ridiculous to have invested in a dirt bike with signal lights! My little TS 200 just cost $3400.00 Can$ back in the day. It was stolen and a yr later i got an XR600 and installed a Baja kit to make it road legal. A great bike which i hated to kick start. My question is why doesn't any mfgr currently make what everyone wants which is a 58hp/260Lb wet/35"seat height, powerful head lighted, strong tailed/luggage rack capable dual sport with high performance dot knobbies? Is this really too much to ask for? Ex pro level MX's/SX/AX racer asking

[@rosseowens]

I'm curious about the gearing ratios in the transmission. I've seen comparisons where the ktm has 2 gears that are too closely matched 3/4 or 4/5? Does the Honda have the same issue?

[@fynn8252]

KTM 500 EXC-F (2022) 1st: 2.571 2nd: 1.882 3rd: 1.474 4th: 1.182 5th: 1.043 6th: 0.808 Honda CRF450RL (2022) 1st: 2.357 2nd: 1.705 3rd: 1.300 4th: 1.090 5th: 0.916 6th: 0.793 Looks like 4th and 5th are closely matched for both brands. Is it an issue? Not for me, I find the gearing to be great on the Honda. The KTM looks to have a better gearing ratio overall since it has a little lower gearing and basically the same 6th as the Honda. Both will do great though.

[@alexandre8598]

Great review thank you.

[@alpal360]

Awesome video; Very comprehensive. I love my 450L for getting around town and being able to ride in between trails. However, being a lighter guy (145lbs) i'm considering dedicating a lighter bike, such as a 150 xc-w tpi for my trail riding and converting the 450L to a dedicated supermoto. PS: Supermotojosh led me to your channel.

[@bigt1203]

In your opinion which of these bikes is more suited to a 6’ or taller rider ?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Tie

[@YellowfinCoachMatt]

do you prefer the xl seat concepts over the standard comfort?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

It’s definitely nice but my preference is comfort

[@RJvidmoto]

Very helpful vid!!