Honda CRF450 Review

Could the new Honda CRF450RL make a good adventure bike?

We test it in stock form to see what needs to be done to turn it into a lightweight adventure adventure bike.

[ShonkyProductions]

UPDATE: The previous CRF 450L came with a "competition" ECU and manifold. I've been told that Honda is not supplying them with the 450RL.

[rohanbowers]

I've got a 450l with many mods done to it. Vortex, FMF full exhaust system, Twinair filter, airbox opened up, Seat Concepts seat, Magura hydraulic clutch, Adventure spec mini tower, 14/48 gearing. I regularly do oil changes at 2000kms and have done 12000kms on it and the valves haven't moved. Once you open it up it is awesome. It's my go to bike.

[PaulMckernan-ln]

Hi Shonky, I picked up my 450RL last month, I’ve put the Get SX1 ecu, fmf system, flywheel weight, G2 tammer and intake tube.. the intake tube is the number 1 mod needed. We. get the EU intake with a 15 mm oval hole instead of the 55 mm tube on the US model. Spend $30 at Honda for the. X or R model intake and you go from 23. To 40hp instantly then do the other mods for 45 plus hp. Mine is smooth linear and fast now, and still cheaper than a pumpkin

[trailsandtires]

I rode my brother's 2019 CRF450L before i bought my 300L. In stock it was just slightly slower than my 2010 KTM 450exc nut not by much. I did find his to have pretty twitchy throttle especially on tight single track. He ended up with an ecu to sort it out. In the end the almighty dollar won out and i found a 300L with 50km on it for about $2500 under retail and I figured that was almost half what the 450 would cost me. I am happy to see that the 301 holds up handly in comparison!

[TwoWheelerSparky]

Nice one Sean. Surprising results in the drag race!
I definitely have no interest in 1000km oil changes 😬

[mikeisland]

Glad you switched riders. Having ridden both models it was interesting to see it lose even to a fully modded 300. That's some heavy restricting they've done to the Australian version.

[mcragosta]

it's very easy to get more than enough power from this bike. I have a derestricted (USA) model, with pipe and ecu and it is Not disappointing. It is indeed a modern day drz400. I had a modded drz, which was a great bike. Still is a great bike today. But the crf is pretty much better everywhere - except cost and maintence. It's got more power, better suspension and is 20-25 lbs ligher.

[PaulMckernan-ln]

Hi Shonky, I picked up my 450RL 4 weeks ago, I put the sx1 get ecu. fmf system. Flywheel weight. And G2 tammer. The must do mod is the intake mod. We get the EU restricted tube. The OD is 55mm and the ID is a 15mm oval hole. I fitted the US model tube thats on the X & R models 55mm OD. 40hp instantly with just the tube, 45 plus with other mods, and runs super smooth and pulls like it should.

[wonkywheels]

I've never seen anyone stand in a drag race. Each to their own.

[raffs_adv]

Interesting, I have done my research and to get the Snorkel $150, full FmF system $1219 GET Ecu Sx1 $2100 Au delivered from Taco moto these get 8hp more than the Vortex 56hp total, seat concept comfort $749, barkbusters $150, a soft cush rear sprocket (not a cush hub ) plus $13799 ride away is a crazy amount of cash, just buy the Ktm450 not the 500 because the 450’s aren’t restricted so get 48rwhp, and they are good for 2500klm doing adv riding. Ps; Nomad 20ltr tank is around $900 for the crf.

[airadaimagery]

That big bore kit is looking better and better all the time.

[rsbharley]

Excellent video, great info. Thanks for sharing. Cheers

[steveme]

I'm excited about the ECU test and, subsequently, the Exhaust System. Additionally, I would like you to evaluate another modification, the throttle tamer.

[mcdonaldslover]

1 good thing about this bike is all the aftermarket parts for it

[socaladventure]

I currently own a 2020 crf450l, with yoshimura full exhaust, vortex ecu, Twin Air filter plus cage and this thing is an absolute monster. You should notice a massive difference in power once uncorked, be prepared LOL. This 450 has really growned on me.

[ogasi]

the vibes will be higher as new engine, even my gsxr 750 and r1 vibed when new - calmed at about 500miles

[jonr]

I’m the only one scrubbing through this video trying to see the wallaby.😂

[ronaldl.leonejr.-ihhq]

Just bought a brand new 2024 Honda CRF 450 RLand I can't wait til spring already.

[sevtowe]

In Spain we have a two tiered licensing system. Lots of bikes come detuned so A2 riders can buy them. You have to ride an A2 bike for two years before receiving your A license. For example you can get a Ducati 797 Monster in A2 configuration after two years you can apply for your A license and upgrade the bike to A configuration.

[HoagesMoto]

For context my 450L with all the fixes, fmf pipe, axp bash plate, barkbusters, stock seat, HD tubes, rimlocks, shinko 505/michelin enduro medium tyres and nomad 11L tank, DRC tail delete and button rear indictors, quadlock, usb aux charger, DID ervt520 chain and supersprox stealth rear sprocket - effectivlely the lightest of all the essentials with the protection that's required comes in at 126kg dry so ~ the same as the dead stock bike accouting for fuel.