I Finally Ride Honda's CRF450RL Dual Sport... and I Love It! (First Ride) EP.1
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2024
- Honda launched the CRF450L (now CRF450RL) in 2019, and I've never even ridden one. Today, all that changes. Let's delve into why so many people love this dual sport bike. #enduro #honda #crf450l #crf450rl #dualsport
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⚡ Mosko Moto Wildcat 8L Backpack: bit.ly/3OiE5Ss
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00:00 Intro
02:00 Bike Setup
05:16 Highway
08:59 Off Road
18:07 Singletrack
21:32 Stalling Issue
23:04 VS KTM - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Would you be interested in watching a future series on a CRF450RL? Let me know.
🏍TODAY’S GEAR:
⚡Motool Slacker Suspension Tuner: tinyurl.com/4pnkzcea
⚡Tusk Tire Gauge: tinyurl.com/3jtah74d
⚡Preload Adjuster: tinyurl.com/mryw7fpc
⚡ Klim Krios Pro: imp.i104546.net/WD9gOM
⚡ Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro: imp.i104546.net/EKqeQ9
⚡ Klim Baja S4: imp.i104546.net/oeGVN9
⚡ MSR Mid-Layer: bit.ly/3Ikkyi1
⚡ Mosko Moto Wildcat 8L Backpack: bit.ly/3OiE5Ss
⚡ REV’IT! Offtrack 2 Glove: imp.i104546.net/xk3dVd
⚡ Klim Zephyr Wind Shirt: imp.i104546.net/xkKeo3
⚡ DJI Osmo Action 4: amzn.to/48O1F2b
⚡ DJI Osmo Pocket 3: amzn.to/3Pcqeik
⚡2024 Gear Guide Download:
tinyurl.com/3jtkmdvz
➕SUPPORT➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]
⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia
⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz
⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN
⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024
⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3
⚡ Denali Lighting: tinyurl.com/9746het9
⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640
⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn
⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A
⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
I have a 2023 CRF450RL with the IMS 3.0 tank, Seat Concepts seat and G2 throttle tamer. Stock fueling definitely needs improvement though the throttle tamer helped mitigate some of the low speed surging. I have not had any flameout issues but I know others do, but an ECU upgrade is probably in my future😕. Interested in your observations - I too come from KTM/Husky dualsports.
Yes, totally interested in a 460RL in-depth review and comparison. Especially interested to hear if or how you might turn it into a light adv bike and how it compares to similar builds with DR650, DR-Z, or KLR, even CRF300L
Yes, totally interested to see and hear how you might prepare this bike for light adv riding and how it would compare to the KLR, DR-Z, Dr650 modified into an adv bike.
Def do an "affordable" build series on the Honda.
Yes Please
Honda, if you’re listening: make a Rally version of this with windscreen, USB ports, Nav device bar, etc., and you’ll have a home run.
Kove 450 rally?
@@dinoraven6289 Yes, but with Honda reliability and world wide service.
@@motarded4214 thats the Kove 450. There are dealers all over the world.... just not down under yet
Every dual sport should have a Rally version. I have a KLX300SM and it would be great if Kawasaki made a Rally version.
THIS!!!
I really want a CRF300 Rally - but won't buy one because I REALLY REALLY want a CFR450 Rally!!
The fuelling issues with this bike can be solved for under $50 and a little of your time, no aftermarket ECU required. Get a tach to set your idle properly, a 560 ohm resistor soldered on the coolant temp sensor with a bypass switch and thermostatic switch in the coolant line to turn your fan on and off. The resistor makes the ecu think it's too cold and it disables the 100% fuel cut on decel. Works great on my 2019 North American model factory ECU. Credit for this fix goes to CZcamsr Rainforest Riders Au
sounds like it would make it run rich though
@@thomasreynolds1530 . The bikes already run quite lean from the factory for emissions.
You sir have earned my like!
Big thanks for this comment mate!!! I will try this at my CRF 300L asap ❤😊
I am interested to watch a future series on the CRF450RL.
"Associate director of lawn mowing" had me crack up. I'm not the only one enjoying making dad jokes, well done :D
One thing you didn't mention is these are still made in Japan, and the build quality is noticeable.
Trails look great and have us jealous!
I hope I can make it to the Black Hills this year for the rally, my best to everyone there at Revzilla
Can we get Ian on high side low side!
Hey RZ!
Love your stuff.
I’m a RPM with ya.
Got any spare Zilla cash or change for a needy soul.
Just looking to feed my 450.
Anything would be appreciated.
God bless!
😂🤣😂jk
Except for the GOD bless part.
🙏🏽
@@BigRockMotoyo, bro have you ever tried to ride a crf 1501? (FYI: that's very cheap ass crf ever made, and you just can found it in Asia)
Coming up on 14k miles on my '22 450RL. I've ridden MX with it stripped down as well as commuting and also long day trips on highways. I think it's crazy that you can do all that with the same bike comfortably in both settings. I thought your first impression video was fair and accurate.
I added an ECU, larger tank, flywheel, seat, etc., and as a trail bike, it is amazing. It slowly grunts and lugs through tight trails, never dies, never flames out, and always has power in reserve, through anything. I LOVE mine, but I didn't at first. If I only changed four items, I would change the seat, ECU, tires, and larger tank, and then you have a great bike.
I went the other direction, from a 2019 450L to a 2023 500 EXC-F. The Honda is no doubt smoother, the vibes out of the 500/501 are certainly noticeable. I agree that the maintenance is about the same and I extend my OCI's on both bikes. The biggest difference outside of the weight is where they make their power. The 500 is a torque monster, grunt machine that makes great power down low right out of the gate all the way through the mid-range. I find this much more usable and desirable for dual sport and BDR use, especially when in technical terrain. The Honda on the other hand likes to rip up top and that makes for a much more fun bike in the open at higher speeds which is somewhere I don't spend much time these days. At the end of the day they are the two best dual sport/enduro's out there and you can't go wrong either way.
How twitchy is the throttle on your new bike compared with the Honda?
@@verlinswarey507 Throttle control on the 500 is much better. Vortex ECU and exhaust on the 450L did wonders to improve that and the flame out issue. The only things I miss about the Honda are the lower price and the smoother/less vibey engine.
Did you do different sprockets to get better bottom end on the Honda?
@@shanebrown2963 I played with the gearing while I owned it, stock is best overall for dual sport.
Then there's the price...
Upon release I was disappointed the Honda wasn't all that much less than the KTM.
But the KTM keeps zooming up every year, and Honda has held relatively steady until now the Honda the $2500 cheaper.
I’ve built a 22 model CRF450RL into a killer ultralight ADV bike. The GET SX1 with Taco maps and Graves exhaust totally transforms the Honda. I like it better than the euros for the reasons you’ve already mentioned. And yes, Honda reliability is a thing. I’ve got over 20,000 miles on mine!
The CRF450L is an incredible bike. I have a 2019 and I've never owned a bike this long. Once you get an ECU, bigger tank and all the other farkles it becomes a beast. My buddy on his KTM 500 couldnt wait to get off his thing on our last 5 day ride. I just wanted to keep going. Says a lot for the Honda because I'm a wuss haha.
Oh, and a I added a heavier rear spring. A must for anyone 190lbs and up.
How much horse power with the new ECU?
@@MattPerry I have the '19 450L with Vortex and full Yoshi and it's around 46-48 hp. My map is a couple years old, I hear the new SX1 from Taco Moto gets you a bit more. I wouldn't need that extra, this bike is a serious handful when on the throttle! :D
Just search starter clutch problem crf450 and that should make you re think getting the honda, im on my 3rd starter motor Honda keep selling this same design....
@@mindfulmunchkin1215damn sorry.
Never had an issue almost 10,000 in on my 21 450RL.
Read and watch all the other videos on RL and talk yourself back into it good people.
She’s a gem! 🏍️💨
I have a 450RL as well and I hated it when I brought it home. After adding an ECU, decent tires, a SC Seat and a small rally windscreen it's my favorite bike out of the four I own. It's a shame you have to spend more money to make the bike what it should be from the factory, but I get that Honda has to please the emissions folks.
I went the same direction, Had the Husky FE350 and just bought the 24 Crf450rl and I absolutely love it like I love my 06 Drz400s. I did the Get ECU and Yoshi from Taco Moto Co, Seat Concepts Seat, just did Heavy Duty Tubes and rim locks. I Love it!! I’m a ride in the low end type of rider and Taco Moto nailed it on the Tune. I’m excited that you are having a positive reaction to the bike. Looking forward to the next video.
YES! So happy you're testing the CRF 450RL. Seriously considering getting this bike, would love to see longer term review with updates!!!
Thanks, Ian for the great video. Looking forward to seeing more in depth review. Thank you for reviewing this specific bike.
This was excellent, Ian, thank you! Looking forward to the full review video plus a basic build/improvement video!!
ian, i'm glad you made this video. been contemplating both bikes as my first dualsport. leaning towards the honda.
I bought this bike last month and rode it 150 miles back to my town from the dealer. I showed up with a windshield that i stuck on at the shop and thank god i did lol. anyway 2.5 hrs of 75 mph speed limits was agonizing on this thing. but as soon as i got it home on dirt trails and twisty roads it was freaking awesome. seat concepts seat first mod and now its way more comfortable for highway.
Love my 2020 CRF450L, it has all the must have mods plus plenty others, its an awesome bike! The secret to getting the front end to work is keep on dialling out the compression and rebound till its compliant, I'm 180lbs and have both compression and rebound at 18 clicks.
I did swap the rear shock spring for a 5.8, BTW you don't need a hammer and punch to adjust the preload, just grab and turn the spring, it will take the adjust around as well if the thread is clean.
You’re a lot of fun and the very best honest reviewer. Thanks
I appreciate that!
So happy to see ya on it.
I love my 21 450RL.
Taco Moto SXI GET ECU changed it the most of course but I didn’t change the ECU until I already had 7,000 plus miles.
Now almost 9,000 and am about to go tear up my local mountain dirt roads before work.
Thanks Ian!
Very pumped for this 450RL content as who better to compare it to all the other badass bikes than you.
One day I will add 501 from Taco Moto like you’ve done.
You nail the main issue at 11:45. Twitchy!
Take care and stay safe!
🏍️💨
Edit- oh yeah that seat! Wow does it suck. I’m still using 300L seat but the 450 had to go. My dealer had already ordered a black and red Corbin seat and it’s reeeeal nice. 😁
My thoughts match yours at 20:50.
🙏🏽 appreciate ya Ian.
You do great work.
Not just the subjects you’re covering BUT it’s the easy going, insightful, nice guy personality that makes it easy to support you.
Carry on my friend!
Hard to beat for a first impression dual sport ride. Well done.
I just found a crf250l with low miles and it really seems smooth and peppier than I thought it would be. Honda really comes through with refinement and durability. The way it shifts, everything.
Would love to see more from you on the CRF450RL - Thanks!
Another excellent review, TY! High praise for the Honda 'flagship'...no surprise!
I own a 300 Rally, and jumped on a tricked up CRF 450 - loved the power, suspension, the lower revving engine. I'd happy own one- if it wasn't for those painfully short oil changes 😩😩. Honda are soooo close to the perfect light weight adv bike. Having said all that, I'd would own one and just put up with the regular oil changes. 👍
It's literally a 10 minute job
Another comprehensive first review Ian. Thank you.
I put some Taco sauce in my 2023 450RL from Taco Moto. Went with the GET SX1 ecu and Yoshi full exhaust. Transformed it. Slow speed maneuvers in woods tune is great. Race tune is a ripper. It’s the compliment to my 1250 GSA.
Ian
Fantastic first review! My Honda 450 CRF450 is perfect for me. It's not high strung but is, like you said, refined feeling and super stable. Th one thing I know is it will outlive anything I throw at it. It's also my Mannequins favorite offroad bike!
Ride SAFE and BE safe Sir!! 👍👍
Great video - very envious of your off-road routes compared to the UK's muddy trails!
Thank you for your review. Was waiting for it 😁.
I’ve done a lot of stuff to my 19 L, but the best mods to do off the bat is the seat, throttle tamer and the correct size tires (90/90-21 and 120/90-18). The rpm’s drop a little on the highway, that helps tame the jerk and the throttle tamer will do the rest. I went with 14/50 gearing (+10%) and gained a bit of mpg, think my last highway run was 56mpg.
The stock cam limits the power output. You can modify the RX cam and install the RX intake springs and followers and run an aftermarket ECU for the cam and regain the lost 12 HP. It’s fantastic to have full power with the 6 speed.
I’m working on some Honda parts wizardry with mine. I’m planning on a write up and maybe a video once some medical issues get resolved here at some point.
Great review! I have a 2021 that was hard to like until I installed the Vortex, full Yoshi, Seat Concepts seat, real skid plate, and dirt tires, and a bigger fuel tank. Once you’ve spent enough money it turns into a great overlanding bike!
I love my 2022 450RL. Would love to see you do a full build on it. It's a great bike
Thanks for the video Ian! I look forward to the next. I thought about one of these but the maintenance schedule is shorter than the riding I generally do. If it were not my only bike and truck ridden to ride spots maybe I’d get one. But maybe your next vid will change my mine.
The Honda has interested me for a long time. Would love to see you do a long term review/build. Thanks!
I love my 450l after I did the normal mods such as the vortex, which made a huge difference. I’m glad to see you are trying one, good vid. 👍🏻
Can you just do the vortex mod and leave the rest standard. ?
Excellent Explanation good service to Humanity and Riders watching from Chicago
Been looking forward to this one. I had a CRF450L previously (you almost bought it, we spoke on the phone but I'm all the way up in Redding) and there was a lot I liked about it but I just couldn't get past the throttle. Mine had a Vortex and a G2 throttle tamer and I still found it very aggravating.
I own a 23 CRF450RL… I don’t think I will ever get rid of it. If my adventure is more offroad it’s the 450… if my adventure is mostly road then the AT 1100. But I like the Honda reliability and quality! All other bikes are just Hondas competitors :)
Thanks for the review!
I have a 2022. It’s a forever machine.
The Honda CFR 450 RL looks like a great bike! Looking forward for more review on the bike !
Theres a guy "Slaugo" on here with 35,000 miles on his '19 450L with no engine maintenance. Thats insane. People whine about the weight, but its cuz the subframe....meant to carry stuff like a proper dual sport. Honda nailed it building this no matter what the keyboard warriors say.
One bike itl need valve oil n seat n gas tnk
Really good information in the video thanks for doing the mighty CRF450 RL, been riding a DR650 because of weight and the long distance ability of DR650. Thinking of letting my KLR650 go and picking up a sub-300lb. dual sport the CRF450 would be my first choice.
I would love to see you do a review on the 450rl. I have a 2021 with a Yoshi full exhaust, vortex ecu, IMS 3 gallon tank, and a ton of other aftermarket parts. It’s a fantastic dual sport that can do everything from light adventure to tight singletrack. Best of all is a Honda, so it’s reliable. I do my oil changes at 1000-1200 miles with no issues.
Great video, and I noticed that the stock tail lights look more solid than the other bike
Yes please conduct a series of tests, build and long term review of this Honda 450 RL. I have a 2023 and have installed a Vortex ecu, throttle tamer, AXP skid plate but also want a larger fuel tank without having to remove it for adjusting ecu or anything else. Thinking about a tail rack and a rotopax. Also installed a radiator guard. Thanks for all your efforts. I always watch your channel.
I have a 23 as well and love it. What radiator guards did u use?
Also what kind of gas mileage are you getting?
I installed Work’s Connection rad guards. A little pushing and pulling to get them on, but they are strong because I’ve dropped the bike twice off road and no issues.
@@billingsfmx I’m getting 38 miles per gallon with the Vortex setting for maximum torque. I ride mostly off road 80% of the time
I've ridden these things after putting the vortex in and it's amazing.
I would like some more content
Keep up the good work.
nice review and I look forward to your opinion. once you install the Vortex ECU and dial the suspenders in on the Honda, I can't seem to sell my tricked 17 501s if I ever sell it, I'll be moving to the ole smooth Honda for certain thanks much Ian!
Good job, looking forward to the Monkey review as well :).
Yes please do a build and long term review of the 450rl. Very interested
Great review as usual, Ian! There's one thing that would keep me from owning this bike, oil change interval. 600 miles is a week of riding during the season, and that doesn't include any longer trips. I wanna ride, not be wrenching all the time. With 2-3 bikes in the stable at any one time, the garage time adds up. I recognize that maintenance intervals are inversely related to performance, but I'm willing to give up a little of that for ease of maintenance and long-term reliability.
Well we know whos the "Director" of Lawn mowing...since you are JUST an associate....ha!!!...Great Stuff...I'm liking this DUal Sport thing after putting my NEW Beta 430 to the test the last 30 days....the 450RL was my second choice...but you didn't have this one out at time of purchase - ha!!!...great review as usual!!!
Team RED Baby. The best motorcycle is the one that’s running! I love Honda content, your vids are great, the info is useful and concise. I personally appreciate the classical music selections. Do what you love. Stay safe. Thanks
Hey Ian, I have a 2022 450RL with all the proper mods (RS4 full exhaust/Vortex ECU, 3 gallon IMS tank, seat concepts, full knobby tires, XL foot pegs, etc). I also live in your area in SoCal. I’d love for you to ride mine and maybe you could ride both yours stock and mine modded back to back to see what the exhaust/ECU/seat can do. Also, it would be super cool to spend a day riding with Big Rock Moto. Either way, excited for your review! The bike is a beast!
Can't go wrong with a Honda, they're keepers, especially after you mod them into perfection. Years of reliability are the norm, not the exception.
Do love the Monkey and I have to get one . Looking forward to your journey and updates you do with the CRF450L . Why no rally version ?
I'm glad you addressed the bad vibration of the KTM/Husky bikes, key reason I don't own one. The Honda wasn't available when I bought my Beta 500 RR-S, but if it had been available at the time I would have considered the Honda very seriously and possibly ended up with it, not sure. A long term test would be good but if you don't change the ECU (or some sort of hack work around) it's not gonna be satisfactory.
Do the 450RL build 💪. I own a 2019 450L, did a stage 2 kit, revalved the suspension and got proper springs for my weight. It's a sweet bike, but in the tight stuff you just learn to ride the clutch and the possibilities are endless, such a good bike!
I had one, spent all kinds of money on ECU’s, exhaust, fuel tanks, etc. I was never happy with it, but that’s me - I hope you enjoy it better.
Did you end up with another bike?
Same experience
Owned KTM's and Honda's in the past. I also preferred the experience more with my Honda's.
Yes future series it would be a great idea 😊
There is nothing wrong with sitting down,Ian on a trail if the piece of the trail is fairly smooth,it conserves energy and relaxes the muscles.Difficult or sketchy pieces obviously standing up.Nice video i will try one of these,i own a 300l and a ktm 525 both are good😀
Yes I am very interested in more content on this bike. I am looking to get down to one all purpose Dual Sport/dirt bike
Nice!! You’re in laguna area!!! I’m in Alpine ..New KTM 500 rider here… awesome videos man
Excellent introduction/review. Your really good at this...
In my 46 years of riding motorcycles, Honda certainly has stood out amongst the rest reliability wise. Not that thers anything wrong with many other brands, its just that Honda has been superior in that sense. There truly is a reason why people say it. Thank you for your take on this one. I would like to see more of it.
Suzuki is every bit as reliable as Honda IMO. Both have excellent build quality too. Nothing fancy, but well engineered and well built.
@@rony3646 today, I would definitely agree with that. But In the 70’s and 80’s, when they were building a reputation, not so much. And we still have a division between Japanese engineering, and everything else, when it comes to motorcycles, which is mostly what I was referring to... All Japanese motorcycles have been superior to the competition. But even the competitors have come along way. Honda just has the longest running history for reliability and innovation with motorcycles and ATVs.
I've got a 2021 CRF-450RL and share your observations, so far the only mods have been a Seat Concepts seat (a must!), a Tusk luggage rack, and a throttle tamer. Plan on adding a flywheel weight next time I change the oil. 3 gallon tank too. Getting past break-in helps with the low-speed jitters. I'm not sure I need the ECU mod, I have other bikes to ride if I'm doing really tight single track. For the money I'd almost rather do a Rekluse clutch than the ECU.
Best Motorcycle CZcams channel ever! 👊
Great video, great bike 🤘
I have a 2022. The ECU replacement combined with a G2 throttle tamer is a must. Changes the bike for the better in every way.
Kind of surprised how much you like the 450RL but great to hear as well. I'm now looking forward to the Monkey review, I find it strangely appealing
Coming soon!
Do more of this seriously. Buy one and max it out and dial it in. This is the bike to get, esp since many people reporting 3k oil changes no issues
I love the random title at the beginning of these videos. (janitor, lawn mower, etc) It's the little things 😂
We have 2 of these fully modified with yoshi pipe and tune and they are AWESOME. I think they're supposed to put out 45whp, they absolutely rip and are comfortable. My only complaint is the height but we did install a lowering link (32" inseam and the bike is a little heavy and tall for me stock).
Loved the Monkey cameo!
I got one. It's a modern day DRZ400 as far as I'm concerned. Has the fuel injection, six gear, and a little less weight that everyone wants from the drz. It's also been tuned down quite a bit to 40hp from the 450R's 50. Got a beefier stator for headlights, and the stock tires are fine road tires but absolutely not for any kind of loose terrain.
Why haven’t Honda released a Rally version is beyond me. With the success of rally bikes and other 450 in the market, it would be an instant hit IMO.
Yep. 450rl rally w longer oil changes instant buy
Very nice bike. Interesting that it has less vibration and is more comfortable than the 501. Great riding weather that day! 👍
FINALLY!! Thank you
For sure.
Great content. You cover the 500/501 to crf450 very well after all these years of other peoples' insufficient youtube comparisons. I fall right in line with your content - ex- 300L owner (later abandoner), crf450 shopper, ultimately ktm 500 lover. I spend more time on/need access to/way out single track for photography shots, so the ktm is perfect for me. I agree, on the road, the ktm 500/husky 501 are tough for long days. I find on the street it's less about vibes and more about fighting a super light bike in the wind that wears me down. But, ultimately, the light weight of those 2 bikes and mountain bike like handling won me over for safety reasons in the exposed, sketchy dirt trails where you need it. But honestly, overall, vibration on the ktm 500, after a new seat and grips, seems low, and I thought I was super vibration sensitive. In the dirt vibes are not a thing. My Honda CRF300L left my hands tingling much more than my ktm 500. But you must swap the seat! If you pound a lot of pavement, I'd consider both low vibe pegs and a bar solution (flex or a mako). You mentioned about reliability on the honda vs ktm - I can't say about the honda, but being around other ktm 500/520/450/350 riders, reliability doesn't seem to be an issue. Actually, I'm surprised overall at how damn rugged these bikes are. I've seen people neglect the crap out of their 20 year old ktms (which should be less reliable, you'd think), and the damn things just keep chugging on the trail. I'd say reliablility is great. Just know the street parts on those bikes are toys, so rebuild the street parts if you are on the road a lot.
Great video as always Ian! Would love more videos on the Honda. Have a DRZ for dual sport and BDR riding but considering the switch to the 450!
let me know about your DrZ thanks
@@samin1978 2002 DRZ400s. FCR-39mx Carb, FMF Slip On, Seat Concepts, Protection, Tusk D-Sports.
Love to see a series on the CRF.
I added weights to my bars. removed almost all of the buzz. The throttle you need to be committed, it takes a while to get used to the response. With flywheel weight and bigger rear sprocket, it gets much better. But it will still flameout when going slow. But comparing my Husqvarna 250 enduro 1st gear is much slower on idle. But I don't do slow hard offroad with my Honda. I dual sport it travel around, gravel riding and such.
I’ve done all the standard mods to mine and it makes for an incredibly versatile bike. I was wondering if you had ever ridden one. Also hard to beat that Honda reliability. 👍
I went to Honda's website and looked at the specs. Was surprised it only has a 2.0 gallon fuel tank. Like the wet weight and the suspension travel, but the price is pretty up there, over $10K. Think I'll be happy enough with the 2024 KLX300 I bought last fall for $4K less. It too only has a 2.0 gallon fuel tank, but it's been getting ~70 mpg on the back roads, so range isn't too bad.
2 gallon tank on this bike is ridiculous.
Geez it must of been fantastic to take the honda out on those dirt roads compared to the ADV,s you have been testing. I gotta admit watching you getting thrown around by quarter of a ton of bike on some of your trails has been a hard watch.
Full credit to you and your though testing. But being an old dirt biker and road biker. I like to keep my bikes where they belong. Some of those ADV bikes just look like a nightmare off the tarmac. You do bloody well to provide a lot of in depth footage. Great job Mate. Keep the smaller bikes coming..... They are the real deal!
cheers.Lance NZ
The throttle is horrible, I have been riding mine for almost a year on the exact terrain you are on right now and there is no slow going with that throttle. Awesome video as always!
I got mine new and put a get ecu in it at like 200 miles @ 1200miles i put lowering links on it and dropped the forks to match im a 32 inseam 160lbs geared and it has made the bike so much more controllable in single track and dicey missteps. Was cheap ez and prob my 3nd fav addon and have notice no diff in ride and feel of the bike. ecu > hammer head offset shift lever > lowering links
I can get rid of some vibration off the Husky a lot easier than I can shed 40 lbs of extra weight from the Honda. One thing I have done to all my sport bikes is to remove the bar end weights, which don’t really address vibration transfer all that well, and pump silicone into the bars. And, Husky does offer rubber-mounted bar clamps to also help quell vibration. Extra weight can be just as fatiguing as vibration, if not more so.
I'm on season 2 with my RL. All of the needed mods are done, and now I'm just enjoying it. Counting the purchase price and adding in the cost of all of the mods, I'm still several thousand under the price of the Husky/KTM. And in my opinion the Honda is a better bike. And that's coming from someone who drank the orange kool-aid years ago.
If you buy one to build it you will have a ton of fun.
What mods have you done? Im loving my 23.
@@billingsfmx Throttle tamer, AIM ECU, Graves exhaust, and Racetech springs. Those completely changed the way the bike runs and rides. Plus the normal minor farkles. Seat, skidplate, hand guards, mirrors, etc.
I owned a fully build 2021 KTM 500EXCF until a few months ago and did most of my riding in California’s Los Padres NF on single track solo and I liked the gnarly stuff like Snowy Trail if anyone is familiar. I bought it because KTM fan boy at the time and I already had Gen 3 SuperDuke and later bought also 22 Super adventure S. Bike was great in every way, but I absolutely hated vibrations. I was on a trip last year to Durango, Colorado area with my old Ducati friends from Texas and I tried riding my buddie’s 450RL (there was like 3-4 RLs in our group) and holy shit I loved it, smooth and with 6th gear. Yes, I never tried going through real double diamond nasty stuff on it, but even without that I would say it would have been a much better choice for me personally. All that extra weight is in the right places and for good reason. I sold my 500 and next time I am shopping for a dual sport this 450RL is at the top of the list. PS I wouldn’t even bother riding a mile on any of the dual sports without ECU. Agree with everything you said in this excellent video
I've been waiting for that Monkey review...
Best All Around Off-Road Vehicle!!!
I did 500 miles on an off road modded monkey on the Oregon bdr. Totally wrong bike but so much fun. Terrifying in sand tho.
Yes, it’s an awesome bike. It’s my next one. I’m waiting for you to build it and show me what the best parts are.
I have a 2019. I wasn't keen on it at first coming from riding trails on 300 2T, but it's really grown on me. The stalling is really a problem - it definitely likes being up in the revs but if you're steady on the throttle it has a lot of grunt down low, you really have to just work the clutch. I have putted up some really steep stuff with no issues. I think the longer wheel base and the extra weight are what make it stable at high speed (even on roll-y gravel, it's really planted). It's really not a single track bike though. I have done plenty of really long days on it and never felt beat up. Other than the stalling, the big issue for me is the horrible gas mileage. 17-20 km/L depending on the temperature and humidity. The Acerbis 3 gallon (11ishL) tank gets me about 200km in the summer if I'm steady on the throttle. I have never felt like I need more power for anything. Getting the front up for logs and hopping cross ditches just takes a bounce and a blip - clutch drop not required. 6th gear passing on the highway is snappy. So, the trade of is mileage for power I guess. The solid full length sub frame (also part of the extra weight) is great for piling on extra gear for over-nighters.
When you were on the single track i was thinkin, "man that'd be fun on a monkey." 🤣 Can't wait!
I lack the seat time in the last two decades for a full out off-road bike, but I also got used to not having to mix fuel for a 2 stroke or doing engine maintenance at short intervals just to be able to ride next weekend. Life and lazy. So I kinda wish there was a middle point between the 300L and 450L, but I guess that isn't a priority to Honda or even other makers. A torque-centric reasonable weight 350L, with suspension that doesn't need swapping on day 1 for single-track.
Oddly, because of Ian's FE501S series and this video, I learned that KTM has a FE350S and how it is pretty good weight. I might need to check it out. Yes, it requires the maintenance I wish I could avoid, but darn, the weight and the chromoly frame really draws me in. There is a demo '23 for a good price ... here we go again
Good stuff! 😎👍🏼👍🏼
Im sure others will chime in. I owned one. First thing you should do is a Vortex ECU. A good friend of mine bought a 2020 after I got my 2019. It flamed out on him around a corner and he woke up with a smashed helmet and scuffed up arms and legs. Fortunately he was just putting around his neighborhood. I really enjoyed the bike and it’s a great wheelie machine. Funny tho, it cost more than my new Transalp!
Great review! One of the best reviewers out there. I wish they would make a crf400+ L rally version
True dat!
In the meantime what would you buy;
1. 300l rally with rally raid level 2 sus.
1. Ktm 350 exc with ecu reflash, springs, headlight.
450 rl same mods as 350.
Rider; 50 yr old, tall, with 36” inseam, solo rider b level rider. Trails quad width or wider trail 5/10 or easier, haul 30-50 lbs of gear 10 days a year. Rest of time day trip with 10lbs of gear. And pavement connectors, once in a while interstate.
Think BDR, divide trail, TAT maybe Ridaho…
@@mfranquemont1884 I live in Europe, would probably go for the CRF 300 Rally with a susp upgrade, if youre not a high level offroad rider, then 300 rally is more allround IMO. @BigRockMoto knows better.