I had a deposit on the 450. As soon as the new DR-Z4S was announced I put a deposit on one of them as well. About 2 weeks ago I decided the 450 will probably be heavier than I want to deal with, so I cancelled the deposit and decided to stick with the DR-Z4S.
I would like to see you mentally compare the CF Moto, Himalayan 450, and then pick one! Power to the shed! That's a political slogan I can get behind, LOL. Looking forward to the next one, and happy to see you are "mended" on the health front. Cheers!
Just got my cfmoto 450mt two days ago here in Kenya. Already clocked 500kms…can’t get enough of it. Great choice bike. Before you get it you may as well order crash guards, bash plate, mitas enduro xt tires, and your next oil filter.
I have to say the new KTM 390 Adventure is a tantalizing prospect. If I want a sub 500cc Adventure styled bike, the CFMOTO 450 MT and new KTM 390 would be on my wishlist
I have an old E model. The reality is it's hard to compete with what an old DRZ400E or S can do for the price point and reliability. It's a legit dirtbike with turn signals that you can let go a few thousand miles between oil change intervals. Everything else seems to lack the dirtbike part or lack the low maintenance part. I think Suzuki has potentially stepped it up again with the 4S, but it is getting really really heavy. We will see how reviewers comment on the handling when people start getting a hold of them.
I disagree with the main heat source on the CRF300. I think the main heat is coming off the catalytic convertor. An aftermarket exhaust removes the extreme heat source. Maybe a little bit is coming on the radiator, but very minimal compared to the catalytic convertor.
Have a great Christmas to you & the family COS! 2025 is going to be crazy busy for you so start it with a CFmoto! I went back looking at your video of the Triumph 400X Scrambler.... That is a cool little bike! Cheers
Good to see you looking well mate, being in the North of England not far from the border with Scotland. It's not the time of year to be out on a bike. But I'm really thinking about an 450mt. In fact the only bike I can think of that could take my mind from buying the 450mt is the DRZ 400. I won't be buying a bike for long journeys on the roads next year. So the gear box on the DRZ isn't that much of a concern. The DRZ engine speaks for itself. Treat it right & it'll live longer than me.
Hey Solid, glad you’re on the mend. As far as your next motorcycle goes, taking in consideration of how tight money is these days and as you previously mentioned about the risks involved and your commitment to your family, why not take a look at some old adventure bikes. Transalps, Teneres, TDMs or other bikes of the early era.
Shed looks killa, cheers for the update. Power will make all the difference, just got mine done a few months ago. Sick of running an extension cord. 🤙🏻 Merry Christmas 🎄
That is absolutely not why the crf300 cooks your leg. It has a catalytic converter, hello? There's a superheating element literally right next to your leg. Millions have proven this, replace the exhaust and the heat is gone.
Hello Solid; So good to know you are recovering, the shed looks great; The question is what will be your next bike/bikes? We are all subjected to cost of living issues. Whenever I buy a bike, like you, I undertake a lot or research...Safe Travels; Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family ...David....Adelaide...Triumph Scrambler 1200x and 900......
Actually after doing a lot of research on the Royal Enfield Himalayan it seems like a cracking bike. You might want to take a test ride on one. I went and looked at one in person and was very impressed. I have to say the drz4s is a tad disappointing due to the high seat height. Would have preferred a lower seat height and less ground clearance myself.
Now that CF Moto has the 450 MT and to a lesser extent Kove has the 450 Rally, I'm looking forward to seeing the F450GS that China finally forced BMW to make, after two decades of ignoring the pleas of their customers and telling us to buy an F850GS or R1250GS. The F450GS concept bike at EICMA looked very good. I also look forward to the off road ADV bikes that China is forcing the rest of the Big Moto cartel to finally make.
Ha ha, if you bought the 300 Rally , you'd still have it. The light weight ADV you're after. Just as capable as the 300L off road good fuel range and as comfortable on road as my T7, arguably slightly better wind protection. Ok, it's got less power, but unless you're racing, or doing a lot of road k's it doesn't really matter that much. It's a shame the AJP PR7 isn't readily available here in AUS, ie. walk in and have a test ride. I think that is the unicorn we're all looking for..
Interesting video! - I have a question to any MC specialist, relative to the CRF300L Rally: I am living in EU and I had a far relative (who is not into MC riding) buy for me a CRF300L Rally in the Philippines (some weeks before going there). I only noticed when I was there (usually 4 weeks, one or two times per year), that this model did not have the ABS switch-off button, which is described in the manual. I investigated that I can buy this part here in EU, but: my question: is it possible to mount and connect that now afterwards? Thanks for specialists knowledge! 🙂
To asnwer the question would I personally upgrade to the new DRZ4S over my currently highly modded 2011 DRZ400S...easy answer. Heck no. From all tge research i have done on this bike, they did not touch the gearing at all. Which is thee number 1 complaint. But i found a way to easily deal with that aspect. Have 3 sets of sprockets and correct chain length for each set. If doing a long pavement ride, use stock SM gearing 15/41. Will get you easliy over 100 mph. Not saying to do that, as it gets pretty scetchy around 95mph. But it can. Then i have my BDR gears. Thats Backcountry Discovery Routes here in the USA. I run 14/45. Single track i run 13/48. Super easy, super quick change out. Yeah we shouldnt have to do that. But for the performance i get, its worth it. I have FCR39mm carb, stage 2 cams, full Yoshimura RS2 exhaust. Custom suspension, full moskomoto set up, custom 1 off fairing, i could go on and on. 45HP to the ground per dyno run. Thats all with 55,000 trouble free miles. So why buy a new one when on paper it has less power, more weight, same gearing. Easy asnwer, you dont. Yes, the improvements they did are good. But ignoring the number one complaint so they dont have to build a bee bottom end is rediculous. I get it save tons of money on research and development, but please the customers and they will flock to you. They missed it by a mile. So my next bike is going to be the CFMoto 450 most likely. Or maybe wait for that BMW 450.
IMHO the cam wear engine issues is almost as big a problem as administration issues. I’m in the market but even with their current discounts I would not buy due to reliability concerns.
The combination of cheese cams and financial woes is a killer. Every manufacturer has issues. If the manufacturer fixes the manufacturing issue and their dealer network fixes the problem in the field, it's OK. KTM was having financial problems and probably couldn't afford to admit there was a cam problem so they kept manufacturing bad cams and the field failures were the customers' problem.
Is he Himalaya 450 too much of an old man bike for you? I did 50k on my CRFRally so i like to travel and I am getting a Himmy 450...too many well thought out details and that motor is so likeable with the lower RPM ability plus the suspension and brakes and tubeless and RE bolt on parts
@@chroniclesofsolid Nice! Looking forward to the video...I was surprised how much I fell in love with it that smooth throttle and bottom end pull was more relaxed than high RPM bikes with snatchy rhrottles that i just find tiring to ride. The rally plastics on it with the soft bag RE luggage is perfect for me but you can slap the hard cases and racks on too. Very versatile.
Doesn't seem like your in a rush Solid, so BMW 450 and Kawasaki KLE500 would be worth waiting for more info on, else I feel you will have massive buyers remorse buying the CX Moto 450.
If you were already thinking about purchasing a brand new DRZ400 when this was announced, or you live in a country where the DRZ has been off the market for several years, then the new model will be fine. But if you already own an old DRZ, or have access to reasonably priced used ones for sale, there would be no reason to "upgrade" to the new model. It's gonna be essentially the same bike and provide the same riding experience. Same engine, same power, same design, slightly more weight, fuel injection and some electronic rider modes. Whoopty-doo.
I would look for the old generation, a 2024, simply for the markdowns. Plus I think you’ll get better throttle response from the carburetor. EFI has been snatchy for me on all my bikes except for my DL650. That said, I think they did a great job on the 24. I would definitely consider giving it a shot if I had the funds.
CFMoto 450MT the unicorn? What!? It is almost as heavy as the T7 but with power level of DR 650 😆 It might be a great bike for the cheap price but unicorn? nah
Great content as always Solid, agree with the Cfmoto 450MT being the breakthrough for China in the ADV world, I've sold my T7 and purchased one and I'm loving it. Merry Christmas to you and family 👍
2025 should be a great year for the lightweight class. Looking forward to seeing your reviews and your ultimate short-list winner!
Indeed! Kicking it off with the Himalayan 450 in early Jan 👍
I had a deposit on the 450. As soon as the new DR-Z4S was announced I put a deposit on one of them as well. About 2 weeks ago I decided the 450 will probably be heavier than I want to deal with, so I cancelled the deposit and decided to stick with the DR-Z4S.
I haven't put any $ down yet, but I'm of similar thought in regards to the 2025 KTM390's and the DR-Z4S.
I would like to see you mentally compare the CF Moto, Himalayan 450, and then pick one!
Power to the shed! That's a political slogan I can get behind, LOL.
Looking forward to the next one, and happy to see you are "mended" on the health front.
Cheers!
@@davidc1961utubethe mt and the Himalayan are longer distance tourers than a nimble flickable drz whether carbed one or new drz.
@@chrro466 That's why the choice is interesting.
@@davidc1961utube choice is great but too many now. Makes it hard !
I want them all
Just got my cfmoto 450mt two days ago here in Kenya. Already clocked 500kms…can’t get enough of it. Great choice bike.
Before you get it you may as well order crash guards, bash plate, mitas enduro xt tires, and your next oil filter.
Which dealer did you get it from?
I bet off-roading in Kenya is a blast.. That would be a bucket list item for me. I dream to ride in every continent one day..🫡
Congrats 🥳
Ill miss the crf, since I own one I have heavily farkled, so I am committed. I like your content so I am still here.
Not as much as I will miss it and that style of riding 😢 Thanks for sticking around 👍
Glad you are recovering well
CF moto’s are never going to replace the Japanese classics. I’ve seen some a couple of years old and they don’t look too venerable.
Hey!! Mate!! What a way to feel habppy to know that you are going to buy a new awesome bike! I really wish you enjoy it some much !! Congrats! 😊😊🎉🎉
Cheers! 👍
I have to say the new KTM 390 Adventure is a tantalizing prospect. If I want a sub 500cc Adventure styled bike, the CFMOTO 450 MT and new KTM 390 would be on my wishlist
Great to have you back and all is well down under. Keep riding!
Thanks mate! 👍
glad you are back in action Solid. Merry X-Mas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas to you too, thanks for the well wishes👍
I have an old E model. The reality is it's hard to compete with what an old DRZ400E or S can do for the price point and reliability. It's a legit dirtbike with turn signals that you can let go a few thousand miles between oil change intervals. Everything else seems to lack the dirtbike part or lack the low maintenance part. I think Suzuki has potentially stepped it up again with the 4S, but it is getting really really heavy. We will see how reviewers comment on the handling when people start getting a hold of them.
Love the Drze, pure and raw, not sure I want or need rider modes, in fact I don’t. Got to love a carbed bike
I disagree with the main heat source on the CRF300. I think the main heat is coming off the catalytic convertor. An aftermarket exhaust removes the extreme heat source. Maybe a little bit is coming on the radiator, but very minimal compared to the catalytic convertor.
Great shed.
Thanks 👍
Have a great Christmas to you & the family COS! 2025 is going to be crazy busy for you so start it with a CFmoto!
I went back looking at your video of the Triumph 400X Scrambler.... That is a cool little bike!
Cheers
Cheers and Merry Christmas to you too! Yer if I needed a cheap commuter the 400x would be perfect 👌
I think people are getting carried away with the 450MT, the Kove 800X is about the same weight
Thanks for all you do and sharing your insights and opinions. Happy Christmas to you all. Regards William.
Thanks William and same to you 👍
Still not planning on buying orange there is just no dealer network
Hey Solid.. haven’t seen you come through my algorithm lately.. glad your still goin n still growing. Merry Xmas buddy..🫡
Cheers mate! Same to you. 👍
Good to see you looking well mate, being in the North of England not far from the border with Scotland. It's not the time of year to be out on a bike. But I'm really thinking about an 450mt. In fact the only bike I can think of that could take my mind from buying the 450mt is the DRZ 400. I won't be buying a bike for long journeys on the roads next year. So the gear box on the DRZ isn't that much of a concern. The DRZ engine speaks for itself. Treat it right & it'll live longer than me.
I know which one I would rather pick up 😅 I’d have a 450MT for the adv stuff though
Hey Solid, glad you’re on the mend. As far as your next motorcycle goes, taking in consideration of how tight money is these days and as you previously mentioned about the risks involved and your commitment to your family, why not take a look at some old adventure bikes. Transalps, Teneres, TDMs or other bikes of the early era.
Thanks mate 🧐
Shed looks killa, cheers for the update. Power will make all the difference, just got mine done a few months ago. Sick of running an extension cord. 🤙🏻
Merry Christmas 🎄
Merry Christmas 🎅
Seen 790 adventures going for 11k with 10k km’s on them and not selling quickly, second hand prices have been hammered
I’m kinda interested in the new Kawasaki KLE500.
Can’t find much information on it but seen it displayed at motorcycle live NEC uk.
Looks good. 👍
The KLE500 front tire that debuted at EICMA looked fantastic!
I was thinking of DR-Z4S but if KLE500 specs are good then would swap for that
Hell yea fresh shed. I have a fabrication setup in my Ellenbrook garage so if you need a sturdy workbench knocked up, reach out 👍
Cheers! I'll keep that in mind 👍 ATM decor includes spiders and dust 😅
That is absolutely not why the crf300 cooks your leg. It has a catalytic converter, hello? There's a superheating element literally right next to your leg. Millions have proven this, replace the exhaust and the heat is gone.
Merry Christmas Solid , stay cool it's going to be a scorcher this week. 🎅🌲
Not wrong! 🥵
Hello Solid; So good to know you are recovering, the shed looks great; The question is what will be your next bike/bikes? We are all subjected to cost of living issues. Whenever I buy a bike, like you, I undertake a lot or research...Safe Travels; Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family ...David....Adelaide...Triumph Scrambler 1200x and 900......
Hi David, noticed sure what I’m going to get yet but it’ll need to be affordable 👍
Actually after doing a lot of research on the Royal Enfield Himalayan it seems like a cracking bike. You might want to take a test ride on one. I went and looked at one in person and was very impressed.
I have to say the drz4s is a tad disappointing due to the high seat height. Would have preferred a lower seat height and less ground clearance myself.
8th of January 👍
DR-Z4S is listed in Finland for 11 990€. Too much compared to CRF300L, which is 8 290 € 🤔
Now that CF Moto has the 450 MT and to a lesser extent Kove has the 450 Rally, I'm looking forward to seeing the F450GS that China finally forced BMW to make, after two decades of ignoring the pleas of their customers and telling us to buy an F850GS or R1250GS. The F450GS concept bike at EICMA looked very good. I also look forward to the off road ADV bikes that China is forcing the rest of the Big Moto cartel to finally make.
Ktm,Gas Gas, huskies are about 4-5 k less here right now massive sales
Ha ha, if you bought the 300 Rally , you'd still have it. The light weight ADV you're after. Just as capable as the 300L off road good fuel range and as comfortable on road as my T7, arguably slightly better wind protection. Ok, it's got less power, but unless you're racing, or doing a lot of road k's it doesn't really matter that much. It's a shame the AJP PR7 isn't readily available here in AUS, ie. walk in and have a test ride. I think that is the unicorn we're all looking for..
Unfortunately, AJP PR7 is not as unreliable as Honda.
Love my 300 Rally
Interesting video! - I have a question to any MC specialist, relative to the CRF300L Rally:
I am living in EU and I had a far relative (who is not into MC riding) buy for me a CRF300L Rally in the Philippines (some weeks before going there). I only noticed when I was there (usually 4 weeks, one or two times per year), that this model did not have the ABS switch-off button, which is described in the manual. I investigated that I can buy this part here in EU, but: my question: is it possible to mount and connect that now afterwards?
Thanks for specialists knowledge! 🙂
Does anyone know if the DR-Z4S has a CUSH drive?
To asnwer the question would I personally upgrade to the new DRZ4S over my currently highly modded 2011 DRZ400S...easy answer. Heck no. From all tge research i have done on this bike, they did not touch the gearing at all. Which is thee number 1 complaint. But i found a way to easily deal with that aspect. Have 3 sets of sprockets and correct chain length for each set. If doing a long pavement ride, use stock SM gearing 15/41. Will get you easliy over 100 mph. Not saying to do that, as it gets pretty scetchy around 95mph. But it can. Then i have my BDR gears. Thats Backcountry Discovery Routes here in the USA. I run 14/45. Single track i run 13/48. Super easy, super quick change out. Yeah we shouldnt have to do that. But for the performance i get, its worth it. I have FCR39mm carb, stage 2 cams, full Yoshimura RS2 exhaust. Custom suspension, full moskomoto set up, custom 1 off fairing, i could go on and on. 45HP to the ground per dyno run. Thats all with 55,000 trouble free miles. So why buy a new one when on paper it has less power, more weight, same gearing. Easy asnwer, you dont. Yes, the improvements they did are good. But ignoring the number one complaint so they dont have to build a bee bottom end is rediculous. I get it save tons of money on research and development, but please the customers and they will flock to you. They missed it by a mile. So my next bike is going to be the CFMoto 450 most likely. Or maybe wait for that BMW 450.
BMW 450 looks quite nice 😎
IMHO the cam wear engine issues is almost as big a problem as administration issues. I’m in the market but even with their current discounts I would not buy due to reliability concerns.
The combination of cheese cams and financial woes is a killer. Every manufacturer has issues. If the manufacturer fixes the manufacturing issue and their dealer network fixes the problem in the field, it's OK. KTM was having financial problems and probably couldn't afford to admit there was a cam problem so they kept manufacturing bad cams and the field failures were the customers' problem.
Is he Himalaya 450 too much of an old man bike for you? I did 50k on my CRFRally so i like to travel and I am getting a Himmy 450...too many well thought out details and that motor is so likeable with the lower RPM ability plus the suspension and brakes and tubeless and RE bolt on parts
I am having the same thoughts about a Himy.👌
Test riding on the 6th of Jan 👍
@@chroniclesofsolid Nice! Looking forward to the video...I was surprised how much I fell in love with it that smooth throttle and bottom end pull was more relaxed than high RPM bikes with snatchy rhrottles that i just find tiring to ride.
The rally plastics on it with the soft bag RE luggage is perfect for me but you can slap the hard cases and racks on too. Very versatile.
Forget about Drz4 -- > Stark Varg EX just dropped.
Probably at twice the price
Although I’d love one
Doesn't seem like your in a rush Solid, so BMW 450 and Kawasaki KLE500 would be worth waiting for more info on, else I feel you will have massive buyers remorse buying the CX Moto 450.
If you were already thinking about purchasing a brand new DRZ400 when this was announced, or you live in a country where the DRZ has been off the market for several years, then the new model will be fine. But if you already own an old DRZ, or have access to reasonably priced used ones for sale, there would be no reason to "upgrade" to the new model. It's gonna be essentially the same bike and provide the same riding experience. Same engine, same power, same design, slightly more weight, fuel injection and some electronic rider modes. Whoopty-doo.
Disagree. It's a different frame, suspension and 80% different engine with fuel injector.
Only the backbone (spine) of the frame has changed - they section of the frame below the tank, at least from what we can tell.
The fact it's fuel injection is worth a look
I would look for the old generation, a 2024, simply for the markdowns. Plus I think you’ll get better throttle response from the carburetor. EFI has been snatchy for me on all my bikes except for my DL650. That said, I think they did a great job on the 24. I would definitely consider giving it a shot if I had the funds.
As long as you don’t get an e-bike. Just please don’t get an electricycle
KTM Enduro 390R
CFMoto 450MT the unicorn? What!? It is almost as heavy as the T7 but with power level of DR 650 😆 It might be a great bike for the cheap price but unicorn? nah
Agreed it’s being overated, I’d take the T7
Asking Santa for a 170kg 2 cylinder 🥲
😅
I reckon ktm is going to file for bankruptcy any day now. Haven't they just pulled the pin on their racing teams
Great content as always Solid, agree with the Cfmoto 450MT being the breakthrough for China in the ADV world, I've sold my T7 and purchased one and I'm loving it. Merry Christmas to you and family 👍
Why? Same weight , 2x less power. Genuine question 🙏
Merry Christmas to you and yours 👍
@d1aman less weight, not top heavy, more tech, and I've got a brand new bike for half the price