These Honda CRF450L Mods COMPLETELY TRANSFORMED My Bike (+ Winter Snow Riding)
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- čas přidán 21. 03. 2023
- Thanks to the guys at @TACOMOTOCO I recently made two major upgrades to my Honda CRF450L. My new CRF450L ECU and Honda CRF450RL exhaust setup have completely transformed the performance of my 2019 Honda CRF450L. This CRF450L AIM ECU upgrade is a huge upgrade, completely eliminating the 450l flame out issues and giving the bike a lot more controllable power at lower speeds. My plan is to turn this bike into the ultimate BDR dual sport, and the AIM ECU and Graves full titanium exhaust have gone a long way towards making that dream come true.
I also recently added the Adventure Spec mini fairing to my Honda CRF450L, and I have been very pleased with it so far.
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Motorcycle gear in this video:
MSR Xplorer Jacket: bit.ly/3ZIPCjg
MSR Xplorer Pants: bit.ly/3XnE2IE
MSR ADV Cold Weather Gloves: bit.ly/3jsKhfx
MSR Xplorer Mid Layer Jacket: bit.ly/3XThqA4
Honda CRF450L Mods:
Adventure Spec Honda CRF450L Mini Fairing: www.adventurespec.com/shop/ad...
Honda CRF450L AIM ECU: tacomoto.co/collections/engin...
Honda CRF450L AIM Map Switch:tacomoto.co/products/copy-of-...
Honda CRF450l Graves Full Exhaust: tacomoto.co/collections/exhau...
Giant Loop Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product...
Giant Loop ZigZag Handlebar Bag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product...
Giant Loop Lift Strap: www.giantloopmoto.com/product...
12 o’Clock Labs Tail Tidy:shop.12oclocklabs.com/index.ph...
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-t...
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Flatland Racing Radiator Guard: bit.ly/3Se1Uvj
Giant Loop Mounts: www.giantloopmoto.com/product...
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
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Flatland Racing Skidplate: bit.ly/3BvS41c
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Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3t8fgOC
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Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3zGFHxg
Just ordered a helmet, gloves, and tie down straps from your Revzilla link. I hope you get a good chunk of that Arai XD4 money! 💸💸💸
Hey! Quick question. I got these pants, ( Yes I used your link 😊 ) and they fit good if I have just shorts on underneath. I live in SC and it’s mostly warm down here. However if I put a pair of pants on underneath they become a little snug. My question is do these pants tend to stretch out a little bit or should I exchange them for a slightly bigger size? Thank you in advance!
Dork in the road…
Are you still running the Aim on your 450L? I just bought one a week again and I have to say I’m not very impressed. Still super twitchy when letting off throttle in low gears and does not like to start cold. I live on the Oregon coast so not a lot of warm days here. Bike is new and all stock. Have an exhaust and header sitting here but now I’m sending the Aim back to Tacomoto for them to run tests so I’m kinda screwed
Great videos! The CRF 450 is obviously very modern, very capable, and very sexy!
However, I can’t help but feel the DRZ 400 has plenty of tractable power, comfortable and capable suspension, right off the showroom floor.
The CRF 450 seems like a supermodel. She looks great but I don’t want to live with her.
I ride a YZ450FX. I had to ride a DRZ400 out of the woods for someone who couldn't. I would never own one.
Africa twin guy is about to have type 2 fun
"97% snow and 3% didn't understand the question" almost made me shoot my beverage through my nose. This is one of the many reasons why Dork videos are so good!
😉
Ben, super happy you’ve created a bike that does what you need it to do. You’ve been searching for this type of ride for a few years. A throttle lock of some sort, heated grips, and a Mister Puff Puff handle bar holder, and you are good to go for a long time.
Excellent Stuff!
Couldn't agree more!
The Honda CRF450 L stock ecu is like tightrope walking with the hiccups. Glad you got that sorted out!
Heck yeah. I just hit 5000 miles on my 450RL and haven’t done ecu/pipe yet still plan on it.
Thanks for the content!
Did you have any flameout issues with the bike? If so has it gotten better as you have put more miles on the bike? Thanks!
WOW!! That New ECU Really changed the bike for good!!!
We need more 450L content!
Well this changes everything. I always liked the 450L but never saw it as something I'd really want. Your early content on it pretty well solidified that with the flameouts, twitchyness and lack of control on the throttle through corners. The new ecu makes it the bike I want it to be: a dual sport for dual sport riding not an mx bike with street kit. I look forward to you and Tim on the 450L/KTM500. Should be a perfect matchup and open more routes that you wouldn't want to take a heavy ADV on.
With the right mods it's an amazing bike. I race mine in XC about 50% of the time.
I’m glad you’ve come to enjoy the 450. Love mine with just the Steahly 7oz flywheel weight.
"That other motorcycle guy made it, it's probably okay!" LMAO!
Did the Oregon BDR in 08 on a KTM 450 EXC. 1100 miles, 5 days out of a MSR backpack. (No camping for me) was an awesome ride that I don’t remember as to tough other than downed timber. Your 450 is the ticket. Nice ride.
That's the old route. The new one is entirely different.
Wait till you toss the flywheel weight on this bike or FWW and Rekluse.
I've been trying to save up enough to buy a dual sport and every time you upload it reminds me why. Thanks for the endless motivation
Thanks for watching!
I heard you say in an interview you've never ridden a 690 or a 701. You have absolutely got to try those two bikes! I love a 690 Enduro R! It's a BDR killer.
Great to see the 450L content. That's how I actually found your channel a few months ago while researching. Got my '23 a few weeks ago finally and throwing parts at it. Including spending over $1k on Giant Loop luggage. 😅
My man! Great to see you got the flame out addressed. A whole new beast you got there.
The oil change/ valve clearance frequency seems waaaaay too often. This bike with DRZ level maintenance intervals would be a unicorn.
Right!? That is exactly what a whole slew of us are looking for.
Great job on the mods. I need to get off my butt and order new fork seals as mine pretty much leaked all of the fork oil out this winter. Between working long hours on a new job and finishing some house work its pretty easy to be jealous of where you're at right now. But you stepped up to the plate to go FT CZcams and are putting the work in. Keep it up, looks like things are improving for you and the channel!
For 5300 total counting mods my drz makes 58 at the rear and 39lb torque 0 to 60 in 3.9 on 60/40 tires and I can hit 123 indicated so far I got 7811 miles on it. The hsr42 carb makes more even power thru the range. I will drive out your way just to be a real world riding buddy and bring you back to the darkside
This was so much fun to watch, I wish I was there right behind you!
I love my 22 KLR, but my wandering eyes have been looking at these 450s…
What a great adventurous day !!
You crack me up. “There’s that branch” as he gets hit by it.
Great bike, I have a 2019 with a steely flywheel, 53 tooth rear sprocket.
The bike was basically unrightable at lower speeds until I did that mod stock ECU stock pipe. I now have 28,000 mi on the bike and it purrs it definitely gets smoother as the miles go up.
That bike seems great with the new ECU. No more flame outs. Seems like a beast
I just added a mini fairing to my 500 exc and love it minus the threaded plastic.. besides that it holds my Montana, a usb, and I even moved my ignition up there. Sweet build!
After you get the suspension done you will be in love!
do you have a link to the Zumo XT mount on the AS mini-fairing?
Epic vid Ben. Loved you were having a blast up there doing this one, all giddy like a kid on Christmas morning. I love the snow, so yes, camp in the snow! You weren't being stupid. You just have an insatiable appetite for adventure. Happy the new ride is there at what you like for your 'BDR slaying' experiences. Hope to see you out there someday.
Ben great vid.I know how you feel when the bike starts feeling like the work is paying off. Enjoy and hope to see your camp vid with Tim
Freaking awesome brother 👊 the updates sound amazing good to know. Hopefully y'all don't get slammed again this week with snow looking forward to the 300/450 review
Awesome!! I recently bought a RL and got the graves and Get ecu from taco Moto and it really changed the bike. Loving it. We have a very similar build. Keep up the awesome videos. Ride safe!
There’s a dude with a CZcams channel and he has spike tires on his 300l and he lives in another country where there’s always snow and ice on the roads, and man, those tires are incredible in those conditions.
Cool little bike, I bet it's a ton of fun!
I really like that front fairing
Love the video. Keep the 450L content coming. I’ve been saving every last penny to purchase a REKLUSE cx clutch for my CRF450RL. I’m hoping it will help this old man in the technical stuff.
Nice bike, it makes sense for the BDR's, lighter, nimble, and useable torque. Thanks for sharing.
I ride 95% of the time alone so I don't think it was too sketchy to ride in those condition alone but please don't forget to take your Garmin InReach. I find I crash when least expected and the Garmin is your best change to get help if needed. I've been really enjoying your channel, keep up the great work!
That awesome!! Would love to ride those roads and trails awesome video ‼️‼️‼️ I’m buying the KLR 650 hopefully see you out there ‼️
I’m on the right track as well with my 2000 drz400e. Nice mellow power. About 40hp all stock.
Fun video to watch. Went through the same thing...trying to camp, but limited by snow.
More seat time and you will be real confident on it. My first couple weeks on mine and I had the reoccurring thought I made a mistake but now after a lot of miles, and a bunch of mods, it's second nature and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Fortuitous timing, I'm strongly considering getting one of these. Looks like that setup would work perfectly for me.
Which Garmin is on this bike? Orange looks good.
Love your channel!! God Bless!!
I really like that GPS/wind screen/nav tower/whatever you want to call it setup. Have you covered that setup in any videos?
Up is closer to the Sun.
Fun scouting mission. Nice mods to your Honda!!
Watching your videos makes this time of the year makes me jealous, we still have 4+ feet of snow on the ground around here so still a month or two before I am able to get out.
May not be the video you wanted, but a fun time for sure!
Sounds like you've really created the Holy Grail of dual sport now! Wondering where you go from here in terms of a bike because it seems like the 450L is going to be too hard to match!
Nice build! I hope to finish my build with my 450RL within the next month. A lot of my build items are similar to yours, with the exception that I will be changing the gearing. I’ve had a 52 tooth sprocket and new chain on hand for a while now, but I haven’t got around to putting it on. Stay tuned for an update video coming soon…
I thought this ride was a bit silly until you said that you didn't bring your satellite communicator. Now it's a whole new level. Glad that it worked for you. Your bike seems great!
Full cell phone coverage up there so I wasn't as worried as I should have been probably
Glad you're liking the 450. I love my 450rl and am glad someone is still making content on them. Your horse and jockey metaphor fits me as well btw. Awesome. Also, definitely camp in the snow. Screw campgrounds :) they suck!
😂
Does the newer RL model address the ECU issues right out of the box?
Well done Dork, I got my 2021 RL in the December of that year and so far have gotten by with just the throttle tamer and getting past break-in. Almost certainly will install the flywheel mod (parts in hand) but think that the ECU is inevitable. Hope you get a bonus!
Hell yeah man, can’t wait to see the camp vid!
Maybe flash the CRF 300 and compare them. Even with the throttle tamer my 300 LR feels a touch twitchy. It’s like an on/off throttle switch lol
The 550 Performance tune took all of that away on mine.
My experience, I'm just a few hours south of you in Oregon, if there's snow down low, not much further will you go.
Great video Ben, very entertaining. I could be wrong, usually I'm wrong, but I think the CRF450R and CRF450L were engineered for more high performance riding/racing rather than the typical dual sport riding. I read somewhere that Honda wanted a bike to more closely compete with the KTM500. Who knows how accurate that article was. If I'm right or close, it would make sense that it comes from the factory set up the way it does. Might be why they came out with the CRF300L, to fill in the dual sport market after they stopped manufacturing the CRF250L.. Any time we take a product and try to do things with the product it wasn't designed to do we'll have to make mods to get that product to work.
No interest in this bike, I'll likely never go motocamping, and none of that matters because I get to hang out with my internet riding buddy! This was a fun trip and your joy was fun to share.Thank you!
Sorry if I missed it in the comments, but what adapter did you use with the Adventure Spec fairing? I have a CRF450L with the AS fairing and I have a garmin zumo. I need it mount it at more of an angle to get a decent view while riding. Thank you for your 450L content - it convinced me to buy the bike and I expect I wil also add the AIM ECU. I'll look for you on the BDR this summer.
The 450 still needs a Rekluse Radius CX. What is needed is the 300 engine with the 450 suspension. I am old and slow and need comfort, not power.
Nice video, beauty scenery and bike. Just a tip if I may; The front brake line routed to be tucked under the nav screen could cause excess wear and tear on ya for the future. Bottoming or even just using 50% of the forks can cause some pinch issues with the lines if it doesn't have enough room to travel, and abrasions could develop as well. Just trying to look out for ya👍🏻
It's just a temp fix until I can get it more securely/safely mounted behind the new fairing. I just haven't taken it apart again to make it work yet.
I like hondas too. In europe the XR650L is very rare, I own one. 1993. Nice video
Brass balls Bro. Man sized. Nice one. No issues with emissions compliance with that ECU and full system? Looking forward to camp out vid. Cheers, Bill
No emissions inspections in Oregon
Leaving the baffle in might improve the mid-range grunt? Or does that ECU have the smarts to manage both options? Loving the channel Ben.
Great video. I've never ridden a CRF450L but thought about getting a lightly used one to convert into an ADV bike, although not Utah BDR kind of adventure. More mild old man ADV with enough power for the occasional highway riding I do, usually at dusk when a ride went long and I don't want to hit a deer on the back roads where I prefer to ride. Another contender is the XR650L but I don't like carburetors. For the ADV riding I do, I'd prefer a dual sport thumper with a 5-6 gallon fuel tank and a large rear rack. One of the Japanese Big Four should make a BDR bike like that, as opposed to an ADV bike which they seem to think is a street bike with slightly more ground clearance.
ECU & Exhaust upgrades is a definite must ,,,ive been hanging out to fit my plastic 11.5L tank but i dont yet got all the fittings, seals and bolts
You like your bike now? Just wait until you get the suspension done... respringing, and re-valving my EXCF 500 for my (considerable) weight has been the best money I've ever spent on a motorcycle...
Suspension is often overlooked because it's not a "fun" mod, but I am so glad I did mine. It's an absolute game changer.
I got my CRF450L about the same time you got yours with about the same amount of miles. I also got the AIM ECU but have kept the exhaust stock since I don't want it to get loud. I kind of like the stealth of the stock exhaust. It seems like the GET and Vortex ECUs are more popular than the AIM but I don't care. The AIM completely transformed my bike in a positive way. I know people might balk at the price of an aftermarket ECU but what's better, a $10,000 bike that kind of sucks or an $11,000 bike that totally kicks ass? Seems a no-brainer to me.
Lol nailed it
Cool video Dork Man. This is the type of riding I want to start doing. I've been riding about 5 years and currently ride an Yamaha FJR 1300. I'm thinking about adding an adventure bike to my stable in the 500 - 650cc range. I'm thinking something like a Tenere 660, VStrom 650, CBX500 or maybe even a CF Moto 650MT (I had bought 2017 new as my 1st bike but it stayed on the road) What else would be worth looking at? Must be good onroad for longer rides but also good on dirt/gravel roads like in this video but without the snow. My budget doesn't extend to a new bike which would be nice but I would hate to drop it.
2:38 The exhaust tone sounds a lot like my 450 EXC-F
Love the maniacal laughter 😂
Great video! Nice bike! I thought Honda built the 450 for Baja or Dakar rally racing.
What GPS unit are you using? Maybe a video on your tower setup. Thanks
You were talking about keeping this bike for a while but I think they’re great bikes though Honda should’ve fix the electronics for as much as they cost. But my biggest problem is the service intervals and we’re talking about rebuilding the engine after 20 something thousand miles. I get that they’re better performing, but I would just stick with the DRC myself And go 60 or 80,000 miles without tons of maintenance and 3 rebuilds. I get it that it’s better performance, but I think the reliability factor and the easier maintenance is just more important to me personally.
I’m glad the ECU works so well. I think Kinder should’ve fixed it for the price but I’m glad there’s something to fix them now.
Glad to know I was not the only one who thought it was "Spring" last week and got his DRZ stuck in about 6+ inches of snow at the hill climb/viewpoint out there...I decided to stop, have some lunch then dig the old heavy bike out lol!
Love what you have done to that CRF!
What is that GPS you are using? I have been using onX Offroad on my phone, but would like a more dedicated offroad GPS.
Early in the video he referred to his Garmin zumo xt
Did you change gearing, my 22 crf450rl I did 14 tooth and 51, know I have light adventure tour, enjoy the ride
Wish I could say the same. Following the hype as advice, I ordered the AIM from Taco Moto with the Enduro Map(stock pipe) a few months ago. Not sure why, but my experience with the AIM ECU from Taco Moto has been troublesome from the start. Fuel consumption was way off (as in 32mpg tops)! I tried firmware updates which improved the mpg back up in the 40s, but then the bike bogged terribly during acceleration at intermittent times for no apparent reason. AIM said they thought it was very rich and to try leaning it out. Tried lean and rich settings with no success. Ended up loading in the default AIM maps instead which made an improvement, but I found that didn't resolve the issue completely either. I'm about to add the stock ECU back on the bike if for no other reason but to rule out the bike itself. Tech Support from AIM has been very helpful so far. I hope that with further help we might get this dialed in and working properly. If not, the AIM will be a disappointing purchase for me and not from a lack of trying.
Awesome trails 🤙🏻💪🏻, which fuel settings are you running with the aim ?
Great vid! I love my 450L and have plans to do the Trans American Trail this summer. I noticed you added the AS wind screen. Does it really make a difference and block the wind? I’m thinking of adding something like that since I’ll be riding my bike every day for 5 weeks. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Keep the vids coming!
I’ll respond. Yes, the AS screen is great. I have one installed on my 450L and it makes faster riding more comfortable. I also purchased their clear screen which looks better than the solid plastic ones.
I'd really like to ride one both stock and with ecu or other typical mods.
Already have an enduro and a 300l.
Can the 450 be both semi manic and chill?
Do you think you may be adding any undue stress with that brake line routing?
A new ECU & Exhaust are essential to opening up this bikes potential.
How often do you need to change oil on this? I know people push the intervals.
Looks good, would you see it possible to mod a 450 into a world traveling adventure bike?
What the best MPG or distance you can get out of it?
What GPS unit are you using?
Looks pretty neat.
Curious how it compares on the highway if you rode it back to back with the CRF300L Rally
This thing loves to run at 75 now. The 300 will do it, but it's working hard. Passing with this thing is 100 times easier than on the 300
Hi Dork, curious about how the ergos are compared to the KTM500. I'm really really tall, and am pondering which one would fit me better for standing without being in full fetal crouch non stop.
Kove 450 ?
Is that some kind of protective cover on your Zumo XT?
I have a 450RL, can I use that adventure spec mini fairing or no?
Can you review the tech Moto quad lock mount and bumper you show early in the video?
What's your seat height on this, and how tall are you? That is my only hesitation with this vs the 300.
Do you still love this bike?
I have a Beta 250 2T and an Africa Twin and have been considering the 450 RL (with the mods you mentioned) to split the difference.
Something for flowy single track to street riding
So I have been looking to get a 300L as my first bike. I am 6.5" 250 lbs, have been riding enduro and DH mtb.bikes for many years. Now thinking I could maybe get away with a 450L with ecu instead? Thoughts?
so... updated Mojavis? are you aloud to discuss that yet? I love mine, but they are far from water proof, those look a lot more water proof ;)
I have no idea what you're talking about... 😉
@@DorkintheRoad 👏😉
Cool stuff. Is the 450L smoother at higher revs than the Beta you tried?
I never rode a Beta on the highway so hard to say.
I am wanting to purchase the ECU etc. but am worried what it will do to my gas mileage as I do some pretty long runs. Can you let me know what it does on hwy with the econo mode? Thanks for sharing the great video!!!
I'm getting 40 to 45
Kove review, when?
When I get the chance to ride one?
@@DorkintheRoad
Can't wait.
Looks like a fun ride. Which version of the Double Take mirrors do you prefer, the ones on your 450 or the ones one your T7?
Depends on the bike. I like the adventure mirrors on the adventure bike and the dual sport mirrors on the dual sport ;)
Thanks for the info. Sounds like I should get both styles, a set of ADV for my T7 and the dual sport style for my DRZ/KTM. I am so done with the early style mirrors I have been using since about 2000 or so. Occasionally the glass breaks when the bike takes an unexpected nap on the trail, and the company that made them no longer exists.