Honda CRF 450L... Why I'm "meh" About This Red KTM
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- The Honda CRF450L... an awesome motorcycle, but not what I expected, and not one that I would buy. I've received hundreds of messages about this motorcycle, and almost all were disappointed that Honda went the "KTM direction" with an expensive, maintenance intensive dirt bike with blinkers instead of an inexpensive, easy to own, long-distance-capable dual sport workhorse we've come to know and love from the XR series. The shared sentiment? "If I was going to spend ten grand on a dual sport, I'd buy a KTM."
I'm sure the 450L is a fantastic motorcycle to ride, but to go head to head in the price range with KTM, Husqvarna, and Beta, it's got some big boots to fill. Boots that are already filled very nicely by excellent European motorcycles.
This is a draft video released to patrons/producers nearly 4 months ago... that's just seeing the light of day. I decided to release it because I reference it in an upcoming video... what will replace the KLR 650?
CLICK HERE for eveRide T-shirts, my favorite riding gear, and my budget friendly filming equipment! amzn.to/2h7tRFe
Love Adventure? Subscribe to eveRide ADV for new adventures every Saturday! Click: / everideorg
Join the eveRide community's positive vibe, tailor made for new and experienced riders. See more videos, pictures, ride reports, gear reviews, deals, and more at everide.org
Love the video? Want cool perks? Help me create more short films! everide.org/pat...
Get to know our awesome, positive, inclusive community! See bonus footage, meet moto buddies, and get enduro tips!
everide.org/fac...
everide.org/ins...
everide.org/twi...
Here are the links to the cheapest deals for ALL the budget gear and farkles that I personally use and LOVE:
*RIDER ARMOR & PROTECTION*
+AFX FX 39 Dual Sport Helmet amzn.to/1KItYBB
+100% Strata Goggles amzn.to/2i2a8db
+Roko Quick Straps amzn.to/2hMJoud
+Fox Titan CLONE Body Armor everide.org/buy...
+Decade Armored Gauntlet Gloves
amzn.to/1EPo8Gg
+Over-the-knee Articulating Shin Guards
everide.org/buy...
+Oneal MX Boots
amzn.to/2hNhJf3
*CAMERAS, MICS, HEADSETS & TECH GEAR*
+Helmet Camera - Sony Action Cam
amzn.to/2i7JYl4
+4k Camera Panasonic FZ1000
goo.gl/z7Czxvcontent
+Sena In-helmet Bluetooth Communicators amzn.to/2i7JsDE
+In-helmet Motovlogging Mic
amzn.to/1AJuw6Q
+RAM Phone Spring Holder
amzn.to/1IgwoHQ
*DUAL SPORT COMFORT MODS*
+Tusk Foot Pegs
everide.org/buy...
+Seat Concepts Comfort Seat
everide.org/buy...
+Sheepskin Seat Cover
amzn.to/1FQ8D4K
+Progrip 714 Grips
amzn.to/1BE1z7p
+Cramp Buster Throttle Assist
amzn.to/1BE1IYp
Helmet Hook
thehelmethook.com/
*LUGGAGE, BAGS, & TRAVEL SYSTEMS*
+Tusk Panniers and Rack everide.org/buy...
+Ogio Tool Pack
amzn.to/2hNqDcn
+Ogio Flight Vest
amzn.to/2h3boLe
+Green Chile Modular Luggage System everide.org/gcag+ +Hardcore Soft Rack
greenchileadv....
USE COUPON CODE "EVERIDE" FOR 10% OFF Green Chili Gear!
+Nomad Rider Tank Bag
amzn.to/1BE1UHc
+Nomad Rider Venture Bag
amzn.to/1dalPYj
+Tusk Rear Fender Tool Bag
everide.org/buy...
+Tusk Front Fender Tool Bag with Tire Spoons
everide.org/buy...
*MUST-HAVE TOOLS & EMERGENCY GEAR*
+JB Weld Steel Stik amzn.to/1KIxAn2
+Slime Tire Inflator amzn.to/1BE319S
+12v Adapter amzn.to/1cuwtZe
+First Aid Kit amzn.to/1I6c1cD
+Ride On Tire Sealant & Balancer amzn.to/1QkDVDB
+Primary Drive Sprockets and Chain everide.orgbuy/...
*CAMPING AND SURVIVAL*
+Dual Fuel Camp Stove amzn.to/1QkE0r5
+Anker USB Solar Charger amzn.to/1cuxfFJ
+Anker USB Battery amzn.to/1KIzvIp
+SOG Multitool amzn.to/1BE6J3e
+Gerber LMF 2 Survival Knife amzn.to/1BE6LZ0
+Sawyer Mini Filtration System $16 amzn.to/1cuxCzT
*CLOTHING, COMFORT APPAREL, AND JACKETS*
+ADVAddicts Apparel everide.org/adv...
+Desert Riding Cooling Vest amzn.to/1QkFpOn
+Battle Born Pants everide.org/buy...
+Battle Born Jacket everide.org/buy...
+ARC Padded Shorts everide.org/buy...
“Any day now, the DRZ will have a 6 speed and fuel injection” everyone in 2005.
You're so damn right. We want to grow from our WR250r or CRF250l to an equivalent but in the 450 class. I'm confident that many rider would like a little bit less horsepower in favor of a lower maintenance.
@Patrick Darling , that's funny, can you elaborate a little bit?
@Patrick Darling I think that your missing the point here, have you listened the whole video? We already have a nice choice of fire breathing 4 stroke in the price range of the 450L. We need to complete the market with 450/500 who don't go thru their engine after a week of riding and are able to shred single track.
@@sebastienpouliot9462 I agree with you, hence why I own a 450L. More power and lighter than my Wr, plus rebuild rates 2-3x less than a 500/501
I gave up dual sports and got a 2015 WR250F. I'm an hour away from the closest riding area and don't want to waste my knobbies on the highway.
Xr650r, fuel injection, electric start. DONE ! Pretty please Honda.
@@toki002 both great bikes, but not as comfortable or long lasting as the honda for me. Thank you
Honda killing the 650r was unfortunate but logical... the 650r will always be one of my favorite bikes of all time, but most folks want a 450, for some dumb reason.
@@toki002 agreed
Ktm 😂
Oh but I forgot to mention, I have been riding, racing and teaching for most of my adult life. Riding for 45 years and teaching for more than 25 and have owned more than 220 motorcycles and ridden thousands more, Literally! And yes I have owned 5 ktm. The last a 2013 990 SMT. Probably the funnest most versatile bike on the planet or the universe for that matter. But I stand by my assertion that in my experience, and it's more than most, Honda have been the most reliable. PERIOD and exclamation point! Lol. But I do love almost anything on 2 wheels. I appreciate the comments and ride hard ya'll.
Over 6000 miles, COBDR, RimRocker Trail - twice, parts of the UTBDR, multiple Alpine Loop passes, groceries on the way back from Colorado single track days... I absolutely love my CRF450L. Add slicks - supermoto. Add knobbies - dirt bike. Add DOT tires and a little windscreen - adventure bike. The only change I would ask Honda to make would be that they figure out how to make the L's oil changes farther apart. More oil in the crank case? Separate engine and clutch oil? Whatever it took. I'd ask them to unlock the ECU too, but that ain't gonna happen. Otherwise, for me, this bike has been a bulletproof companion on I70 doing 80 MPH or dodging rocks and sand in Utah. Anyways, my two cents. Thanks for the great videos and great videography (sp). Hope to see you out there some time.
I'm sure the CRF 450L is an awesome dirt bike... but wouldn't it be rad to have a dual sport that can shred AND comfortably/reliably get you around the world? What would you love to see in a TRUE MIDDLEWEIGHT future dual sport??
I'll keep riding my klr,just did a 400+ mile trip to monster mountain mx Saturday.
Me too. I'm going to kiss my KLR to bed every night until I can't ride anymore.
I'll say it again, I'm going t' kiss my KLR 650 every night until I can't ride it anymore.
What is your idea of MIDDLE Weight?
eveRide ADV great vid as always man. I’d love to see an updated drz I love mine just update the suspension and maby efi. Drop a few pounds with aluminum frame add a 6th gear overdrive and done.
I so do agree. I'm rebuilding my Suzuki dr 350, from the ground up... Assembly starts this week.
I wish Honda would take the 300 single and 500 twin they put in so many street bikes and put them in a dirt frame. They’d probably need to pump them up a little. Those motors are good but both could use a little more go and I know Honda could get it without sacrificing reliability. They’d also need to put a flat oil pan so oil in the frame would be necessary. But both of those motors could work as reliable, descent power dual sport power plants that meet Current emission standards. They could go to they’re parts bin for suspension and wheels. If the 500 can stay under 310lbs then I think it would be good. Obviously lighter is better but I’m trying to be realistic. Price it around $7000 and that should be a win. They could call them XR300 and XR500. Shouldn’t cost Honda a ton in R&D and it’s an actual dual sport.
There is a honda xre300. Produced in brazil but with engineering problems. But it was a good concept. Low complex budget bike aircooled, fuel injectet and tubeframed.
The 500cc honda engine is almost 310lb on its own
I disagree, no one wants another under powdered/heavy Japanese dual sport. People have been begging (long enough clearly) for a light weight, fuel injected, powerful, 6 speed transmission, better suspended dual sport......honda delivered in spades on a silver platter....ps love the xr650r build, I don't need to wonder why you picked the R over the cheaper, heavier, slower, 5 speed (not sure if the R is a 5 or 6), not anymore reliable (probably less because of the air cooling)...bro you picked the XR650R over the XR650L because it's not a slow, boring, junk suspension bike.....You are part of the reason why Honda gave us the glorious CRF450L, just love it.
@@ThomasWilliams-zo7ke the xr650r is an absolute beast it's actually fast by any standard. It's thirsty on fuel has a small tank and kick start only and didn't even have a battery. I think it was a 6 speed.
@ETB Honda doesn't make mistakes, this bike is the truth, if you don't like yours after 2k miles, I'll buy it off you
Personally, I like the “old” dual sports that have stood the test of time (KLR650, DRZ400, XR650L, etc.). I think innovation is good in some cases, when it’s genuinely useful, but like you said Tyler, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Of course this is just my personal opinion, but I’m also kinda burnt out on “tech and innovation”. I like simple, low tech, and reliable, like an AK47.
I agree new designed bikes lack track records. Also old is cheaper, rider modes and unnecessary ad on's steer me away as I just want a bike no extra. I could go for some FI on the 650 thumpers, 6th gears, and improved subframes. Oh and the kr's doo hicky, the xr's overheating, dr's nsu screws, and the drz's water pump to be addressed. After that leave em, they'd be perfect.
what i'd love to see is the drz wide ratio gear sets become cheap, and more fcrs (or for americans to get the australian style drz400e thats pretty good stock). i think its got enough power for the purpose in that setup, and only needs the 6th gear or wide ratios to be perfect.
Agree, I just want a modern XL600r that was around in the eighties ...seems like
I can keep on dreaming :(
@mld Oh yea...the XL is very hard to find here in Sweden, even the XR is hard to find....
@mld You missed that I wrote a modern version.......🙄
Good post. It was an honest review and well put together, but I must add a few points. When the CRF250L was released, most people complained that the bike lacked in performance, but made up for it with a low maintenance engine and great price. As soon as the CRF450L was announced, there was almost an immediate rumor about the engine producing only 25HP. The masses wanted a 450 that could perform and Honda delivered. My point is, you cannot have high performance without the maintenance. Unfortunately our current technology will give you one or the other.
street bikes outperform european super cars all while having long interval oil changes, it’s definitely possible with internal tolerances and oil system design, the drz400/XR’s are the closest bikes with this perfect balance
@@dxquinnno apples and oranges with the street bikes. Street bikes are not held to the emissions standards that dirtbikes / dual sports are, so easier to pump out more ponies, not to mention multiple cylinders.
The XR was a great platform, the DRZ is a hog.
Yeah, I agree. That price tag made me roll my eyes when I finally saw the 450L in person. I don’t want to have to mortgage a motorcycle.
Disclaimer, I'm a 2017 KTM EXC 500 owner. I think this is a great idea. Yamaha has said the reason there is no street legal WR450 is because of US emissions standards. Now they have a reason to step up, although I think they're going to have the Honda sales under the microscope to see how viable it really is. I probably would have bought this honda over my KTM if it were on the market at the time I was shopping. The thing is, emissions are what come on the bike. What happens after someone buys it, is they find a way to get the bike to run properly. No one serious about enduro rides stock KTMs for any reasonable distance. And no one NOT serious about enduro spends 10k on an EXC. They run so lean off the showroom floor I'm surprised they make it out of their six month warranty period without melting something. Carbs belong in the past where things like non-ethanol fuel live. Items of nostalgia. FI has been around for a long time. It's not new, and I'm glad it's finally being embraced in the dualsport world.
Lol ok.
What I really wanted is a DRZ450 with fuel injection and a 6 speed gear box. Even the 400 with the “E” model compression and fuel injection. Hell just a tall highway gear!
I feel exactly the same about the 450L. I was hoping for a more powerful 250L but we basically just got an updated 450x. The service intervals kill it from being a true dualsport/light adv machine like the DRZ, WR250R, CRF250L, XR250/400/650, DR350/650. It's a shame really, there's already a bunch of modern race machines but not many modern true dual sports.
I'd love a 280lb wet, 45hp, fuel injected, granny 1st gear, tall 6th gear, 2500+ mile oil change dual sport.
JetCityHooligan , Add 30lbs, 67HP and oil changes every 6000 miles and you have your bike, it’s called a KTM690
Add 30lbs? More like add 60lbs WET aka ready to ride. It's true the 690/701 is almost the perfect bike. Just needs to lose some weight...and price.
"MSRP is cheaper than the dirt you ride on because we paid off the R&D a decade ago" just about laughed off my chair. Keep up the awesome content!
Great work Everide. I found myself with this same problem 2 years ago. I ended up buying a 2017 beta 500 rr-s and i love the bike, Honda and Yamaha like reliability, great looks, no regrets. I put a seat concepts seat on and IMS 4 gallon rally tank. All problems solved. The dual overhead cams on the beta are one thing that seams to help reliability. My next bike is gonna be the Yamaha tenere 700 if it ever comes out. Thank you for the great videos, I've been a follower for years.
Could not agree more. The 450L makes even less sense is OZ where we get the X road legal already and all of the other Japanese enduros.
chroniclesofsolid agree totally. They won’t sell many here. It’s pretty much irrelevant.
Unfortunately like Cars, tools, electronics ect, Aus is a tiny market and most things we get are not targeted for us. I feel like this bike has potential, but time will tell.
The X is road legal there? Yeah...I don't get why they'd even bother importing the L over there then.
when i found out the 450L was 13K Aussie $’s both my XR650R’s (adv & sm versions) seemed to be great value and will be staying in the shed for the foreseeable future...
might even look for a 3rd one in good nick...
Ridiculously expensive for what it is too. The local Honda dealer where I am says they need derestricting and a pipe...even more expense. I’ll stick with my KLR 👍
Great video, Sir. You've hit the nail on the head. I too was extremely disappointed when I read the specifications and saw the price of the new CRF450L. What I (and many others) wanted was a bike similar to the current CRF250L, but with a reliable 450/500cc motor and slightly better suspension that could handle a heavier rider. I think Honda have really dropped the ball on this one. Yes, the new CRF450L is a superb piece of kit, but they've completely missed the point.
It's not much better than a crf450x. And those things are not at home on the road.
I love performance, and I’m happy and willing to pay more for it. You just need to learn valve adjustments, then you’re golden. This Honda will be fine, better than the Euro bikes for dependability I would assume, time will tell, but I’m looking forward to it. Good on Honda.
True
What's your updated opinion now that the 450l has been out for a few years?
@@evanstutzman7361 it’s great. I love riding the 450 in the city, blasting the fire roads on small adventures. I still reach for my ktm 2t for hard enduro rides. But yes, still love the 450L. It’s always a blast. Highway not too fun for long bouts.
Glad you like it, I've heard good and bad about the 450l. I love my xr650r but if I had the money I'd buy a 450l or x too
I love my 16 Beta 300RR but man there are times I miss my 96 DR350. Six speed, air cooled and bullet proof. Yeah the suspension could be much better and could be lighter but after mine went on a diet and was properly tuned it was a great bike to cruise the mountain roads, hit some occasional singletrack and run around town. There's truly something to be said for the simple robust dualsports of the past. Definitely would like to see one of the manufacturers take a simple platform like the DR350 or XR400 and build a light weight 6 speed air cooled, carbureted bike with a good suspension... On second thought, maybe Mr. D should just start a full-time bike shop resurrecting and building masterpieces like katsumi for the masses..😆
Honda is going back to its roots. It wasn't always producing low maintenance, under suspended pigs. I'm proud to see what Honda is doing. This is coming from a guy who's ridden Yamaha's Honda's and Beta's. Good on Honda for stepping out of it's comfort zone after 25+ years.
i have a high performance low maintenance expensive dual sport from KTM. It's a 690 Enduro R. oil changes/valve checks every ~6000 miles and 67 hp at 340 lbs wet.
New2ADV damn and only 67 Hp outta 690cc meh
The 690 isn't even too bad. It's bikes like the 500 that grind my gears. You can't call it a dual sport if you have to change the oil twice during your camping trip.
Stryker425 lol bro u should see the Ktm 525mxc worst bike I've ever ridden, complete piece of trash. "Oh sorry u wanna go up that sand dune, lemme just overheat and explode steam everywhere half way up for u unless u put hundreds of dollars into me to keep me cool"
@@kiwiridernz69 well everybody his opinion, i love my 690 i clocked 65000 km's on it since 2016 went to africa and all the way up to the northcape and did not break down once. exept for a broken radiator but that you get when you get little rocks in them .
Kiwi Rider NZ, it's better HP:displacement ratio than Honda. For a lower price.
It does weigh nearly 10 kg more but that's the only con I can think of.
EXC 500 isn't a dual sport but an enduro. Not fit for long road trips, even if it's street legal.
In '69, I bought my first SL100. Yeah I know, an over glorified scooter by today's standards, but in Illinois, you were limited to 125 CCs until you hit that magic age of 18. I rode that bike back and forth to school, to work etc, winter snow and ice, it was all taken in stride. For what it was, it was the ultimate fun machine, and it never left me stranded. I put thousands of mile on it, never changed the oil, never changed the plug, never changed tires, and it just kept going like the ever ready bunny. I am forever in dobt to Honda for giving me smile and miles. After reading all the available reviews, a couple themes have come forward. It is NOT a modded MX bike. It is smooth and is good on both dirt trails and the street. I have ridden Hondas literally forever. One thing I can say about them. They work, they don't break, they will get you home assuming you don't do something stupid. That is what this class is about. NOT having the most power, the fastest etc. I want to ride it, not work on it. With Honda, I have that. From my street machines, to my ATV's, SxS's you name it. There is a reason people look for honda engines on all their equipment from Generators to lawn mowers. They are the bar. This bike should not be any different.
I live near Hang Town Motocross track outside Sacramento CA. I ride at Prairie City OHV next door to Hangtown. Prairie is red stricker half the year and green sticker the other half. I just bought a 450L. I have ridden it on the highway, on single track and on some intermediate trails. The Honda is a capable machine. The rest of the country will not be able to relate to the way we have to park our 2 strokes and 4 stroke motorcross bikes April thru Sept. here. Many people are buying the dual sports here since many makers have discontinued green sticker bikes. My 450 L is light feeling, quiet, street enough to ride up into the Sierras and ride in beautiful forest. It is not an ADV bike. A BMW GS can not go places the 450L can and vise versa applies. I dont think you can go wrong with the dependability and service intervals of the honda. Much respect for KTM 500 and Husky 501 but upon reviewing the service manuals i feel tbe maintenance cost will be higher. I am happy with my choice.
No one is saying the 450L isn't capable. It's the price. For nearly $11,000 you can get SO MUCH MORE BIKE.
The more miles these bikes get they're are showing how legendary they really are. The Honda 450l needs tweaks, but overall it's an amazing bike. I look forward to riding mine 40,000 miles from now and look back and see how legendary the bike really is.
you think that bike will last 40,000 miles? lol
@@dxquinnnoSlaugo on ADVrider is very close to hitting that 40k miles. 25k top end inspection he posted shows everything still within spec with no replacement parts outside of gaskets used. Honda was extremely conservative on maintenance.
"oh cool, a street legal 450"
*buys another tank of gas for my DR and goes riding without the drama
Lol the theory of dual-sport becoming more expensive has been murdered as well with the return of the KLR650, CRF300, and KLX300.
We already have the KTM 690 Adventure R. Next month will come out the KTM 790 Adventure R (with 2 cylinder, and 105HP). BUT i hope in next mount will be announced the >>>KTM 390 Adventure R
What I'd really like to see is KTM come out with a 390 Enduro, not the ADV based on the Duke chassis (which still could be a nice bike), but basically the 690 scaled down. That could have decent service intervals (road engine) and could weigh probably around 280lb wet.
With your outstanding drone video footage your the one that makes me long for getting back on dirt and adventure. But you live and ride in dirt bike paradise, { Utah, Colorado? without any mud ...where's the creek crossings and mud holes? LOL .and have access and money to ride many bikes, Never take for granted for what you have. Your the Best. Thanks
You summed up the CRF4L perfectly. Honda blew it big time by not dropping the cb500 engine into the CRF250L chassis. That would be a bike worth paying for. I definitely am not interested in a red KTM or a 500+lbs AT.
I could not agree with you more!!! Perfectly said! I'm STILL waiting for THAT dual sport!!
I bought a KLX 250 with an EMF pipe and 2000 km from the dealer, hadn't ever been registered. Sure, it's no CRF450L, lots less power and weighs more too, but it's fun and it was $4000 practically new with an EMF pipe. Long warm up time on the carburetor though because it runs so lean. Fuel injection would be nice. I understand the 2019 KLX has it finally.
But I don't know, running the numbers, $4000 for a KLX or I guess a brand new one would be about $5,000 vs $10,000 for a CRF, I'm not sure I would use the extra 10-15 hp that often. I don't ride like that. I hardly ride the 250 wide open. Mind you the KLX 250 sucks on the highway, you only do that if you need to.
Bang on the money. I have been banging this drum for nearly 10 years. I used to work for a bike mag ("Kiwi Rider Magazine") and towards the end, I was getting increasingly despondent with motorcycling in general (rider aids and no improvement in dualsport/ADV market). I had hoped after a break from riding of 7 years things would have improved, but they haven't. Everyone has bought into the lie that you can't have one bike to do it all. AND God forbid you point that lie out. I've been vilified for it over the last few weeks, as has any other person who has pointed it out. It is difficult to know why suggesting an update on the old dual sports is so offensive to some. Imagine a KLR 5kg less and carrying its weight slightly lower, with 5hp more and more sophisticated suspension?? It would be an instant hit. Same goes for a better decked out DR/DRZ - even a lighter V-Strom650. I await vilification from the haters and trolls.
campbell rousselle or an improved xr600r cause it was the better version of the klr
@@toki002 TR650 did look good, but I never got to ride one. There are a couple of similar bikes around now but they are almost $20,000 new. Price is arbitrary and set by the manufactures. Lots of examples, here is one - Yamaha R150 modern engine, fuel injection, full fairing etc etc $4,000 nz new, vs Yamaha XT250, basically unchanged for 20+ years and very basic $8,000 nz.
@@toki002 IMHO TR650 was the best value of 2013/14 new bikes and they stopped making them before I could buy one !
I totally agree. The dirt is 50+ miles away from my home and I don't want to have to trailer the bike to the trail head. I don't have a truck anyway. I was excited about this Honda for a few minutes but then read about the price and maintenance schedule and quickly came to my senses. This bike wouldn't work for me. It's for the guys who would plate a dirt bike if they could, but live in a restrictive state for that kind of stuff. This is a California bike.
Well, I pick up a new one on Friday. Have you ridden one yet? Still have the same opinions about the 450L? Time for my HEAVY KTM 625 SXC to find a new home. I'm tired of fighting the weight pretending it's a single-track bike. I'm immediately shedding almost 2 inches in seat height, 35 lbs in bike weight, and highway vibrations that numb my entire body. I'm gaining fuel injection, a 6th gear, and a smooth highway ride. Why did I decide against a KTM 500? I want to be able to put side racks on, and the KTM has a carbon fiber subframe that won't handle much weight back there. Wish me luck. This is my first NEW bike.
I don't know how the situation in the USA is but here in germany the regulations are quite high. I'm really fortunate that a big manufacturer is developing a powerful little 4-stroke for stree legal regulations and all of this at service intervalls of 12000km.
Ok it's very expensive but it's full of high tech that make the bike very light. I don't think there is any bike from Beta or KTM that gives you that much torque and power with this long intervals.
At least it shows, that we can expect powerful and light dual sports in the future.
I'm just glad Suzuki keeps making the DR650.. Needs some mods.. but makes a nearly perfect dual sport for me.
been discontinued sorry bud
As a DRZ owner, I can’t agree more with this message in the video. True I would like a lighter faster bike, but I don’t ride it that much. When I think about reliability it doesn’t mean much until I realize that I’ve only changed the oil, battery, tires and chain on my DRZ and it still goes. Yes I would like more, but I like the fact that it goes with the original spark plug! Lol
An XR400 with the magic button, better suspension, and 6 speed. maybe upgraded to water cooled and fuel injection as long as t doesn’t make it 300lbs. I don’t mind air cooled for what we would want it for, less things to break.
Fawthur Valid points and I would be okay with 15 pounds to have e start.
I would buy an electric start, 6 speed air-cooled xr400 with suspension improvements in a second. Still love my xr400 but will need to replace it soon, already has 30000kms..
Chicken Mac I just finished doing the top end on mine.
@@Videoenjoy1 that model had road style suspension and was a pig.
Christopher Cain nah air cooled carby can't go wrong
I was in shock when I first saw a 450L on the showroom floor... The price blew my mind, then I almost fainted when I saw the weight. Granted, it's lighter than a DRZ, but I'll spend 10k+ on a KTM, which weighs less and has better bits on it.
Just get both. That's what I did! LOL WR250L and CRF450L. They're both AWESOME! The 450 is naaaaasty! Geared a little high for 1 or 2 tracker trails/woods riding, but great on dirt roads or HWY! The Yammy is great all around. I just can't wheelie it and that's a bummer. It'd be all I need! Love em both.
Not what I want! I basically just want a modernized DR-Z400S. A little lighter, 6 speed gearbox, fuel injection, and a bigger stock tank - for $8500 or less.
Amen! Except make it the Kawi KLX650 with FI, lighter, and better brakes and suspension!
You're spot on. We don't need delicate, expensive, and maintenance hungry race bikes, but we don't want super-cheaply made and under-powered either. Wouldn't it be nice to have something in the middle. A updated DRZ with a 6 speed WR transmission and FI. Or a WR350-450R. A 40hp, 3,000 mile service interval, 3 speed, FI bike with decent suspension and a reasonable gas tank (3 gallons) would be GREAT. But no...
Big hopes being held for the Tenere 700, especially if it's 450 lbs or less weight with a full tank larger than 15 liters. But will it ever come??? Perhaps announcement in November at EICMA.
I hope so, their so called world raid ends in Europe, their release plan of the previous stages suggests me that it could be finished in November, somewhere in the northern Italy...So one ticket to Eicma is in my pocket 😂🤣😋
The tank will be 14 litres when it arrives look how many yamaha bikes have that size tank mt07 mt09 xsr900. Even the scr950 has a 12 litre tank. Looking at the T7 pictures it won't hold much. I'm actually hoping it keeps a small profile small tank and narrow seat.
The t700 will cost ludacris amount of money... i call a 16000 to 18000euro pricetag in europe...
@@faxemoto6388 either that or it will be the lowest quality components garbage suspension . And be more like a slimmed down tracer 700 with 21/18 wheel
SMW is nearly ready now in the USA. It will certainly be cheaper than Honda and is built off old Husky setup. Only issue I could see is scarce dealer network. It may just be a cheaper ktm/husky/beta, but its certainly going to be popular if it has rugged reliability.
I live in Australia and rode a CRF 450 L the salesman said the ecu had been upgraded and airbox opened up it was a 30 min ride around Canberra with a little dirt . now I have 3 CRF's 450x 250x and a 250 r
I would be happy to ride it around the world or ride single track or fire roads (jeep roads) you can change the oil on the side of the road if you had to.
its a Honda it will go for ever.
in Oz we have a plated CRF 450 X I have ridden 1000Km to a offroad ride changed the front socket from a 15 to 13 and changed the oil and tyres rode for 7 days then rode home. its heavy it was made to pass the US rules the euro brands get around the rules by being low number manufactures
What you're describing that you want is the the DRZ400, everyone always seem to forget about that one. Lots of mods available too so you can get it exactly how you want it.
The future of 450 dual sports may need to be two cylinders. Something like a ninja 400 or cbr500 engine in an enduro frame. This would solve all problems with 450 enduros other than a little more weight and take longer to service the extra cylinder.
Should have just made 35hp and had the same service intervals as the crf250l even the 390 ktm engine makes more sense. 44hp? And normal service intervals
You say Honda went the "KTM route" but in fact it is KTM who offers a true dual sport with good terrain viability as well as long service interval - the 690 (or Husky 701). The sport enduros' service intervals are just too short, however 690 has (as far as I recall) 10 000 km. Even if you service it twice as often, it just blows Honda out of water - and with 60 HP, it does the same power-wise against Honda's 25. In some countries, CRF 450 comes with 40-something HP, which still doesn't compete with KTM. Truth to be said, KTM does weigh nearly 10 kg more which is a handicap off-road but the real kicker is - it actually costs less! Even though just barely.
CRF 250L had limited competition in the price category: bikes such as AJP PR5 (which has more HP than 450 and so did WR 250R, in case anyone's curious) which leaves open questions about its reliability and needs to be serviced more frequently even when it doesn't break (3000 km I think) - 450 doesn't have this advantage.
I really liked the idea because 250 was just too small for me to be comfortable on (the handlebar can only be raised by 5 cm before hitting issues with cable routing no matter what you do and you can only do so much with lowering footpegs) and the maintenance intervals of sport enduros are just too short, however with such a hefty price tag it is going to be a very hard sell.
Don't even go there.. I love my Honda Rally.. outfitted for dual sport riding and camping.. Works great and fast enough on the hwy.. Does not like sand.... Had the GSA, V-Strom KLR etc. but love this bike.. Heavy they say.. and a little tippy.. u get used to it.. and mind ur stuff when slow moving.. NOW .. having said that.. I am thinking about adding the KTM 350 EXC as My real dirt bike.. Mabe even the FCW? and tagging that?? hmm. who says you can't have 2 bikes..lol
Captain Sam Wilson get a 450r or something Honda
Last fall I bought a 1999 Suzuki Dr350. I've enjoyed it so far. Its not the same bike as my 2003 KTM 450exc, but thinking the DR will go a long long time.
Make a wr450R. Boom. Reliability, long service intervals, a sub frame that can take more than the weight of one banana. Hot cakes people.
Love your channel and agree with your thoughts on what we want from Honda eveRide.
Am down in Australia here and looks like i will be sticking with my 2004 XR400R for fair while yet.
Goes well and starts easy with Mikuni pumper and great power to weight ratio for my riding and skill level, only missing magic button for perfect combo bike but still easier to start than my old Yamaha TT600.
Keep up the great vids!!!
Spot on! For the average mid capacity (400~700cc) ADV rider there is no MODERN bike that fits the 3 elements you so rightly mentioned. Ah the unicorn!
I appreciate your comments. Since I've recently had my CRF250X stolen. I'm looking to replace it. The new Honda is on my radar. However the price is keeping me away at this point. (That may change) My 250X was good all around with a big bore kit and light weight. Ultimately I would like a 300 4t 6spd. 275# wet, 3.2 gal tank, carb, torque like my XR650L! I need a bike for tight single track, that I can add a rear rack to and still use in hare scramble,Enduro and dual sport! Yeah, I guess it's too much to ask for. Or is it?
Agreed. The only reason I'd add another dual sport to the garage next to my dr650 would be to have a fun light bike in the 200-250 range.
Own one. The clutch and lean fueling is worse than the magazines reported. Technical slow dirt riding is miserable in stock form. My plan going in was to install a vortex ecu, pipe and rekluse auto clutch. They have transformed my bike and I'm now loving it
Hey Tyler, great vid as always! a bit off subject I'm curious to know and I'm not sure if you have mentioned it before in one of your vids but what was your first bike and when did you start riding? was it the KLR? I remember you saying Long Way Round got you into riding but was that the first time? anyway your vids got me to buy a DRZ 400 and its the first 4 stroke I've owned and if it dies ill buy another one absolutely love it. Keep up the good work! Much Love
You know why it's not a red KTM??? RELIABILITY!!!
I agree with you Tyler! I was disappointed too when I heard the specs, I think we are to the point where we just have to accept the fact that everything is going to be high tech and high priced. If you compare bikes to the trend in snowmobiles over the last 10 years then it makes total sense. In 2008 I bought a brand new Skidoo for $9,000 and now you are about $14,000ish. Having said that, I do own a KTM 690 but I was hoping for something different that could possibly replace what I have with the longer maintenance intervals that the 690 has vs. the KTM 500 or 350.
I love mine less than a week 300 miles amazing at 70mph plus for a light bike. If you could ride it you might just throw out a different opinion. I think this will be a good dual sport plus Honda Warranty, dealer availability. Just one happy owners opinion.
Totally agree, and I am am coming from a loved DRZ400E too :)
Right on, Tyler. I was so stoked for this bike, but then I saw the maintenance requirements... I'll pay good money for a worthy bike, but those oil change intervals kill it for me.
So glad to see I'm not alone in thinking the 450L is cool, but not really a dual sport. It's aimed at a market that the Euro bikes already fill, and it's priced to compete with them. What we need is a DRZ with 450ccs, an aluminum frame, 6 speeds, modern suspension, and a half-decent weight loss program.
As some one looking into getting a bike, a first one for that matter. I want one i'm willing to beat up. I'm a big dude, was finally excited to see a bigger bike thats not too big like the 650 and not super small like the 250's. I am wanting one thats got easy maintenance, one I can use a semi daily driver, I own a Jeep wrangler so this would help in gas a lot in my 80 mile commute to work daily. Bah, if I wanted a full on dirt bike, I would get one dedicated to that. Why make a dirt bike thats street legal? I want a modern day scrambler thats cheap to fix when I break and don't mind getting scratched. aka a dualsport. I guess i'll be going with a crf 250L or something, I do live close to the biggest honda bike dealership in the country, so I can prob catch a good deal.
Maybe cb500 with a raily raid
bought one a few weeks ago, had the chance to hit some trails today. hands down the most fun motorcycle i've ever owned.
Pretty much hit the nail on the head. If I was going to buy a performance oriented dual sport, then I would consider the Honda or maybe the Beta. However, I totally agree that for an everyday rider they just aren't practical when you consider the maintenance that goes along with them. I use my DRZ and the CRF250L that it replaced for commuting, adventures, trail riding, highway riding, running errands, 300 mile loops and everything in between. Not that you couldn't do that on the 450L or any other enduro bike, it just doesn't seem like the right tool for the job. People do seem to be liking the 450L though outside of the media outlets... so that is a good sign :)
KTM is developing and spending R&D on their bikes - the big 4 Japan manufacturers really are not doing anything off-road.
Buy a used DRZ with 10k miles on it for 3500-4000. Put a Lectron Carb, Big Bore kit, and ACT wide ratio gears and even after labor, if you go that route, you’ll be money ahead on the CRF450L. Throw on exhaust and what not and you’ll have your “fuel injection”, pseudo sixth gear, and good power combined with the reliability and longevity of a DRZ.
Great vid and great points Everide! I'm definately holding onto my street legal XR400 but am going to take a hard look at the 450L when it has had a good year or two of shakedown in the community. I'm right their with you on your thoughts of what a proper dual sport should be for sure! Wonder what Hermit thinks you still hang with that dude? Was sorry to see his channel go dormant.
Hello from Las Vegas! First let me say thanks for inspiring me to very recently get back into riding! I just want to comment on this video because I think I share your view that a capable, mid-weight dual-sport would be a dream come true! That being said, I am a new owner of a ‘19 CRF450L. I almost waited, hoping Kawasaki would revamp the KLR650 - shedding a few pounds, upgrading the suspension, and fuel injection. I wondered if Suzuki would give the DRZ or DR the same treatment. But my logic was this: if Suzuki or Kawasaki did those upgrades, there offerings would be in the same price bracket as the Honda. I would also be out a lot of money upgrading these. So, I sacrificed some fuel capacity and “streetability” for modern tech and low weight. I will hold out hope that the KLR gets an upgrade. To me, that would be the ultimate bike. Thanks for all the great content, it’s really made an impact on my life.
A really lovely bike. for me its perfect
I swear I was sub'd before, always love your content +eveRide ADV keep up the great reviews. Your thoughts about the 450L are on par with mine as well.
Thank you eveRide for helping me organize my thoughts around replacing my modded out 2009 DR650 with a 390 to 500 euro rocket.
Riding is my escape. It’s where my personal and professional responsibilities disappear. It would suck if every time I ride I’m thinking about when the euro rocket’s next oil change or top end maintenance is due. Or.....should I do the top end myself or pay someone? Will they do a good job? I should probably do that myself? Wow I’m getting stressed and I don’t even own a euro rocket.
Ok more DR mods this winter!! Thanks eveRide
good video. I agree with you..I think honda has designers that are slightly out of touch with what people want...but I'm old school thumper.. bullet proof xr650 with mods to make it lighter and go farther for $5000 after all the aftermarket parts.
The bike that fills this void is the KTM 690/Husky 701 enduro. Now we can only hope that Yamaha will step up with a WR450R. Otherwise I will have to wait on their T7. Great to have so many options. Unfortunately they will all push close or above the $10k range. If the Honda 450L did not have a 600 mile oil change and 1800 mile valve adjustment then i would have been Uber excited about the bike. Unfortunately all they could see is orange and white so that is what they targeted.
A WR450R will run about $13k
Eric sin What currency?
US$$ just my opinion
man if big blue ever actually came out with a WR450L i might have to give serious thought on getting rid of my orange and black. Don't get me wrong; i love my KTM and i have no complaints... but yamaha reliability and dealer support win out...and it also helps that blue is one of my favorite colors :D
I was expecting a great starting point for building a great adventure bike here with the 450L . A starting point that wasn't going to cost a truck load of cash. I'm still on the fence with this dirt bike gone road worthy.
I was going to bash this video prematurely but after watching couldn’t be more accurate great video!!
Phenomenal footage Tyler. Once again you've shown why you're the best in the biz.
Nearly done with an xr650r I'm fixing up as a commuter/adventure bike, it was between that and a drz400. I've been driving a 250l for the last year and while 65mpg has been amazing and it has done the job I'm tired of giving it everything it's got to maintain 65 anytime I climb a hill or have a headwind. Come on Honda bring the 650r back, throw a starter and some blinkers on it and you will destroy the competition.
I was ready to jump to Honda's defense. I hadn't read a press release yet that really referred to it as a 'dual sport' but rather a street legal dirt bike. Then I checked their website. Not only do they have the 450L in the Dual Sport category, they even put it in the Adventure category alongside the NC700X and the Africa Twin. As a trail bike that can legally do the short stretches of road to connect other trails, I'm sure this thing is great. As a bike that I'd take commuting, on trips, and off-road, I'll stick it out with my KLR. I would have really loved to see the XR650L with a six speed and a FI engine (hell, license the Versys motor from Kawi if you don't want to do the R&D), but I understand why they're going after the big money market.
I don't agree with the general idea. It's like with premium Seiko watches "If I had to spend 5K for a watch I'd buy a Rolex". Wrong! Some people just DON'T WANT to buy a Rolex/KTM. And thank god for that.
I agree with you about the 450L being too expensive but performance pushes sales for a lot of people, even when they can’t handle the power in the dirt. A couple of years ago when getting a bike I had the same dilemma. I wanted performance without performing maintenance once a month. I decided on a Crf250x. Sure, it needs more maintenance than a dual sport but I don’t put nearly as many miles on it because I haul it. It’s not perfect but there always has to be a compromise between performance and maintenance
Hey Everide, great video, so well scripted. (maybe not scripted, but...damn, you can wax poetic!). Anyway, how about revisiting this one, now that it's out, and about, and modded. Would love to know if you feel the same.
Time for an update on this video? Maybe swing a leg over one to see how it feels and rides? Would love to have your perspective.
I own an excf and I am contemplating adding the 450RL to the garage to fill in the light adventure/dual sport niche that the excf is not great at.
So true, if they could greatly update the KLR suspension and double the horse power, it would be an awesome bike!!
i bought my 2016 xr650l new and have been a Totally satisfied Honda rider(although bigger tank, aspiration, fmf, led headlite, modern battery, new bars/hand guards got updated). i Love this bike(6600+ miles so far) , but what do you expect for a returning rider at 67. also, Love your channel!
I think the thing that would make any dual sport great is ultra lightweight frames. Enough aluminum, we want carbon fiber and composite metal frames like KTM, the difference from a good dual sport to a great one is like 50 pounds. If the DRZ weighed 260 pounds instead of 320, or the wr was 250 instead of 300, theyd be better bikes. Look at the KTMs all at like 250, thats why they feel amazing and nimble and powerful.
Largely agree. I just sold my DRZ after 14 years. To me the best replacement was the 17+ Husky 701. Yes, expensive but I think will prove the best current replacement for the DRZ. I gave up on Suzuki making a 450 with 6-speed and FI.
Been riding a plated '06 crf450x. Awesome dual sport, lighter than this new model. With sprockets installed for 20% taller gearing, capable of 95 mph no problem.
You rarely mention the Suzuki DR650 on your channel. Why don't you get one and ride it some? With some upgraded springs I think it will check all the boxes you talked about here (except light weight).
Andy Black or just buy a xr650r that actually has good suspension stock
@@kiwiridernz69 XR too top heavy and too tall for me! DR for me,I upgraded my suspension and bike and upgrades still less money than XR off showroom floor...
@@armyretired28 haha
@@kiwiridernz69 Ha Ha Ha...DR has more HP than XR also...Ha Ha Ha
I've been wanting one, I think they did a good job, other than the 600 mile oil changes. It reminds me of everything everyone has been asking for. Hopefully next year they increase the oil capacity!
I feel like the end all answer for honda would be a fuel injected 650l with USD forks. It has a great seat in comparison to most 2x4 style seats, it's pretty much bulletproof with air/oil cooling. What it lacks is suspension. Make it adjustable, with a stronger front fork. Every rider is different and the 650l is a great starting platform for both dual sport and adventure riding. Riders can update springs and valving for their weight and lighten the bike as needed. Sure it wont be a trail ripping enduro but, if tight single track is your thing then buy a smaller bike. Guys like me who use it for exploring and commuting or, guys who have large open play areas can appreciate a modern 650l more then a buzzy 450 enduro with tags and signals. The only thing is EPA. Cats, O2s, etc all add weight and cost. I believe that honda hasn't updated this bike because of the lenient emissions standards it has been grandfathered into. If they ever did update it, I wouldn't even blink at spending 10k.
Amen. I wish they would just update the DRZ400. Drop 15 pounds, add a 6th gear, get a touch more power and a suspension. Keep the maintenance as is and they’d have a winner. As for high-maintenance, high-performance dirt bikes; I’ll keep staring at betas.
I know I’m late to the party... I’d love to see you review the AJP PR7.
All of these reasons is why I picked up a dr650 a week ago. It has some power mods and man can it rip! I think once it has an upgraded suspension down the road, it will be perfect.
This bike does make sense.... in terms of Honda trying to attain some of the hardcore enduro market share of KTM/Husq/Beta... but is just let some people bummed, like myself, who wanted a more of a modern adventure oriented dual sport. Oh well, I'm sure it is a great bike and hopefully competes well with KTM/husq/beta....because competition always breeds innovation. For me, i still truly love my DRZ400 but am looking forward and hoping for something updated and new comers to the light weight adventure bike.....maybe Kawasaki has something after they just discontinued the KLR650. maybe the T700 will be amazing. Maybe Suzuki will make drz500 or something. Here is to hoping!
I’m with you. Even if the 450RL turns out to be a KTM eater, it’s still an Enduro with lights. Too expensive and hard focused for casual, longer distance exploring. At best, all it will do is eat into the Eurobike market. With the DRZ so long in the tooth and the KLR650 finally gone, there’s a gaping hole in the cheap, highway-capable commuter/dirt tractor space.
I agree with your assessment. More of a plated dirt bike than a dual sport.But still I would love to ride one!
About time they took KLR 650 out of production. XR650, DR650, rock on!!