Honda CRF450L 20,000 Mile Review
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- Опубликовано: 20 май 2023
- A long overdue review of my 2019 Honda CRF450L, AKA 911 Bike. We've been through a lot together so let's talk about how it's treated me for the last 4 years and 22,000 miles.
On 911 Bike:
Rebel X Rally Kit - bit.ly/3aklkMf
Ricky Stator - bit.ly/3iK8paA
12oCLock Labs Advanced Mini Gauge - bit.ly/3pf0z9V
Rowe Electronics PDM60 Power Module - bit.ly/3mo18MP
AXP Extreme Skid Plate - bit.ly/32tu5ir
Motoz Rallz Tires - bit.ly/3kfUeaF
Rekluse Radius CX Clutch - bit.ly/35aKx9g
OEM 13T Front Sprocket - bit.ly/2U9h2hJ
SuperSprox 51T Stealth Rear Sprocket - bit.ly/3eEWK9l
D.I.D. ERVT 520 Chain - bit.ly/3pkbjUP
Graves Motorsports Ti Slip-On - bit.ly/3zdt5xy
Tokyo Mods Vortex ECU - bit.ly/3ndIdVf
San Diego Power House Thermostat Delete - bit.ly/3lfu09F
Skaggs Rack - bit.ly/35epEdc
Flatlands Racing Tail Tidy - bit.ly/2U6S9Dp
Scots Steering Damper - bit.ly/38ncsEV
Nomad 20L Tank - bit.ly/2JSsxZ1
Twin Air Filter - bit.ly/3kePoKA
Seat Concepts Comfort XL Low - bit.ly/2U9fjcb
Zeta Levers, Chain Guide, Heel Plate,
Front Sprocket Cover, Bash Guards,
Revolver Shift Lever - bit.ly/36nvp7E
Stegz Pegz - bit.ly/3kkTotq
IMS Core Enduro foot pegs - bit.ly/2TJTLpE
Race Tech 6.0 Shock Spring - bit.ly/3pf6M5G
Baja Designs Squadron Pro/S2 Headlight Kit - bit.ly/3kig90S
Double Take Mirrors - bit.ly/3p9yAIJ
Acerbis CRF450RX Frame Guards - bit.ly/3eERa6V
Pro Taper Steering Damper Low Bars and Pillow Grips - bit.ly/3nccCDj
Daemon Grip Heaters - bit.ly/2IktFEj
Mosko Moto Reckless 80 and Hood 5 Tank Bag - moskomoto.com/
DeCal Works and SKDA graphics
etc... 
Авто/Мото
John said something that I’ve never heard before by a YT reviewer. Everything he added was to make it a better road bike because it’s a great dirt bike. And yet most of the fat twin owners try the opposite ie, cut weight, more aggressive tyres, more power but they can NEVER make them great dirt bikes because they will always be 45 kg too heavy. I’ll take some highway discomfort every day in exchange for dirt superiority.
Your ass gets used to it after a while. :)
Man, you convinced me to keep my CRF and make it an all-rounder as you did.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts across all vids.
They are very informative and, as I said, have the power of convincing guys like me to reconsider keeping the bike.
Subscribed.
Thanks!
Love your channel and IG post. I have a 20’ 450L and zero issue at 2300 miles so far. I have all the usual upgrades…Vortex, FMF exhaust, Steahly flywheel, etc.. The Rekluse seems to be a must have to reduce the flame out issues so it’s on the wish list. Love my do it all bike!
Thank you very much for the advice and how to videos!
Thanks for watching Danny. It's really appreciated.
Your videos were a big deciding factor for me when I purchased my RL back in 2021. I'm coming up on 10,000 miles just shy of 2 years in. I use it for commuting, motocross, and two-track.
The Do Anything bike!
How’s the bike do in the canyons with super moto wheels
Thanks John. Always great to hear your experience with the 450L. Have a good Summer! 👍
Thanks for watching Steve
Great video as always John. Thank you for being the 450L Ambassador.
Thanks for watching Mike.
im around 3400 miles. 96% florida trail riding. Your video on the IMS tank saved me stress when assembling it! keep up the great content!
Thanks Mark!
Great stuff John! You convinced me to get a 450RL a while back, and I couldn't be happier! Riding the bike is my therapy 😅
Thanks Eric!
Good to see you back! I’ve always enjoyed your videos. Hope to see some 890 R videos soon.
I'm working on a few more. Thanks for sticking around.
I bought a 2019 CRF 450L last year and put on the same skid plate and Nomad tank (great folks). The prior owner did numerous mods but unfortunately kept the stock ECU in the bike (likely switched it back in prior to the sale). Was looking hard for a 701 LR but went with the Honda for many of the reasons you mentioned and because it was much cheaper - folks seem to be selling the 450L's after a few thousand miles. Not sure why - perhaps the service intervals, which seem to scare folks off and is baffling since it is so easy to change the oil.
I have really enjoyed your journey through the years, and much appreciate your videos. I currently have a deposit on a Kove 450 Rally - hopefully will see it August. I'll be comparing the two and selling one - likely the Honda because I like to try new bikes. Thanks again for all your insight over the last few years. Hope to run into you one day to thank you for all the entertainment you've provided.
Thanks Michael! Good luck and have fun with the Kove, it looks like a really great bike.
Hey mate, After following your travels and watching all yah videos you made my mind up. haha I also bought a 2019 450L. found one with 48kms on it. Practically Brand new. Only have 350 kms on it now. Still a few more bits to buy but love getting it out. One of 6 bikes now haha. keep up the awesome content mate. much appreciated.
Thanks Jody
I did 60 days and 4000 miles on mine in Mexico this winter, did great! Love this bike, I did break a chain on the way back home though 🤷🏻♂️
That's awesome. I got a flat, my first, 40 miles from after a long long trip.
Only 6k miles so far on my CRF450L but zero issues. Totally agree with all you said (I also think a better seat is high on that list), especially your comments on getting know this bike, it sure took me a while to understand its manner, now I love it! I often think about adding a bigger ADV bike to my collection but soon remind myself it would just be a garage queen, I'd always reach for the 450 when heading off road, it really is a unicorn bike!
Totally agree
Any new updates since this one bud?
I’ve had mine for a year and put a whopping 321 miles on her. Great bike! Love your videos! I bought the majority of my part’s because of your videos.
You gotta get out there my friend! Lots to look forward to.
Health issues, I just bought it to tinker on in the garage and ride down to the store. I literally bought everything but the front adventure conservation you’ve recommended. Cheers from sunny southern oregon!
Ha! Same here! I bought mine last August and have about the same number of miles. But I'm going to hit Silverton this summer..... WATCH OUT!
always good stuff, thank you!
Thank YOU!
You built a weapon, great job!!!!
BDR Slayer!
Awesome video Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jr
I got a 2019 CRF450L a few months back. Ride mostly off-road with the occasional connector road. I put on an aim ECU first thing. Then a IMS 3.2 gal tank. Now am just adjusting the suspension. Hopefully I can get it to smooth out the trail trash.
Nice!
Hey John, nice to see your still putting out content. Will you update to a new CRF or continue with the 19? I looked hard at the 701 LR also before they disappeared. I’ve heard since that an LR kit is available through KTM parts. Around 2020 apparently there were fuel pump issues w/690,701 ??? Not sure if it was a thing or not, ended up shopping elsewhere due to reported reliability issues. Finished up a winter lite ATV build largely based on your build👍.
I'll rebuild my 19 at some point.... if it ever needs it that is.
Vortex ECU and Yoshimura pipe are on the way for my 22 450RL. I’m at about 1400 miles with no noticeable issues yet. I’ve switched to Redline Motorcycle oil at 889 miles. Going to do an analysis on the oil soon and see how it’s performing.
Very cool. Good luck!
I''m going to use the CRF450X muffler, it does not have the CAT so it's about 7lbs lite and not as loud as the aftermarket ones
That's a great idea!
Hi John, Great to hear the 20K (+2K) review from you and all's well with the Honda...Of Course!! Just a quick question on distance between oil changes. Did you stick to the 1000mile intervals between oil & filter changes ? I ask because I have seen a few articles stating 2000miles between changes, and wanted to know if this is actually possible , or asking for trouble.
Cheers
Mark
I went between 1000 and 1400 miles. Without having waited 2000 i'm not sure I could say.
I made it 60k on my 250l before I needed to replace the head from damaged valve seats. I think you may just beat the 250l on durability, and that is amazing.
I'm working on it
Great video John. I have had mine since May 2019. I just hit 10,500 miles. No major problems other than the wear items. Going through chain sliders like crazy! I even got into my swing arm like you did actually in Wyoming the same week as you. Lol. I really load mine down so that might be why. I broke my rear subframe which I believe was a loose rotopax and harmonic vibrations. When you tie things down tight I think it would of been fine. I have installed the tusk paneers and have had no more issues. Took a spill last week in the Arizona mountains and broke a bunch of stuff but it’s all mended up and ready to ride.
Good to hear that these things will just keep running like they do. How do you find the time to ride so much? Are you retired?
No. Not retired. It's just what I do when I'm not working. Glad yours is running as well as mine.
@@JohnTYoung Good to hear your enjoying your days off. I have the same philosophy. I could work more and make more money but your only young once. I decided to play on my days off and not chase the money. I won’t be able to do this forever. I have other projects as well so between this and a car project I stay busy. 😁
Great video. I have over 16,000 miles on my 450RL and couldn’t be happier. 100% reliable!
Sweet! Any valve adjustments?
You made 16k miles, John made 20k miles. What's the story with oil changes every 600 miles and checking the valve clearance every 1800 miles? Did you follow that schedule so religiously? It would be good to hear from the real people with the real experience with this bike. Cheers
@@bigcornel9302 sorry. I talk so much about all that so often I forget if I've said it again or not... I change my oil every 1000 to 1400 miles and check the valves when I feel like it - every 3 or 4000 miles?
@@bigcornel9302 I’ve settled in on the following maintenance schedule that has worked great for me. I change the oil every 1K miles with full synthetic (your favorite brand), I change the oil filter every 2K miles, and I check the valves every 5K miles. I have over 16,000 miles and the valves are still in spec although I do anticipate them requiring shims within the next 5K miles. I hope this helps.
@@jctoth the oil filters are very cheap. How come you change it every other oil change? aren’t you afraid of some of that old oil contaminating the new stuff?
I'm also running a 450L and 2023 KTM 890, looking forward to seeing your thoughts on the 890.
Hey Dan! Next video I think. We'll see how many viewers I lose over this.
@@JohnTYoung 890s are pretty hot right now, my bet is your channel grows by adding the KTM to the mix… that said , it sucks to make content and then loose viewers, ask me how I know 😂
Good vid. What and when is the next bike?
Thank you. The next bike is a 2023 KTM Adventure R... Stay tuned.
My bike is at around 7000km now (~4350miles) I made my own throttle cam. And now I feel like I need the stock cam back because got used to the throttle. In my Husqvarna I ride the most aggressive one. (Vortex ecu, arrow slipon, flywheel weight, larger rear sprocket). This bike feels like the ultimate unicorn. It can take luggage without issues and with bicycle diapers. I did 700km in one day on the stock seat. I will also do another update video with my build if there is time before snow comes here.
She's a keeper
Wow, padded bicycle shorts is a great idea for a long ride!
Thanks for sharing so much knowledge.
Sorry if I am repeating some previous question. How would you compare it against the DRZ400E?
I bought a 2001 model last year and still exploring it. The available power is more than enough for my riding but the weight is a little bit on the top limit and the mileage on lower side. Also I would like to have an injection engine.
Would a 450 L be a suitable replacement considering that I do not ride hard (reaching 60 this week) and need to do some highway miles to get to the mountains nearby?
Thanks and keep feeding us with wisdom.
I'm a CRF450L guy so to me there is no comparison.
What about the top end? Have you seen the cylinder's interior? The piston's condition? Is your bike full power or is it restricted to 25HP? How would you see that bike for everyday use - supermoto commuter ? Thank you for taking the time to do a REAL long term review
I have not opened it up yet. I ws thinking of doing a rebuild video with some help from some friends. I hear they make great super moto bikes, tho thats not my thing at the moment. And yes, they make great commuters.
Great review. Any thoughts on going another 20,000 miles before doing a top-end? I don't mind the service intervals (John's previous videos make it look easy), but I hope a well maintained 450L engine lasts a long as a street engine.
I was kinda thinking of a Run to Failure test. Or almost to failure... being stuck in the middle of nowhere sux.
@@JohnTYoung I'm not a mechanic, but I think if the oil is good, just check the compression to get a better prediction how long the piston will last before getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, I hoping you get thousands more miles from the piston.
Honda should use you to test their off road bikes. And should use you as a spokesperson.
Id love to see it compared to a AJP Pr7, because after all your mods its spec up similar.
If anyone out there wants to loan me one or two bikes…..
Thank you john ive been thinking about selling bbecause of the rebuild at 20,000 miles in the manual but i guess they are way off on that unless you have a racing back ground. Have you ever changed the $80 fuel filter? I believe it says every oil change in the book
I did change it once, so I could make a video about it…
@@JohnTYoung lol you don't have to do that man I appreciate you always replying to everyone's questions your the person to look up to for the Honda 450L/RL
Thank you! I try.
Any thoughts/consideration on KTM 890/790? Outside of the points you already made on the 500exc, 701, etc
I just bought a KTM 890 Adventure R, so ya, I have some thots.
A very helpful video, thank you! There's some mods you mentioned i hadn't heard of before like the throttle dampener.
I haven't been on a bike since i was a kid and im wanting to sell my 4wd for an adv bike. All of my research led me to the crf300 rally or the klr650. The honda seemed a bit underpowered because i plan to do lots of highway riding (will be my daily bike) and the klr in my mind is almost too heavy to consider but I'd be forced to buy so i had a bike that's good on the highway
I disregarded the 450 because of the service intervals (is it a pain or should i buy the 450 anyway?) and one guy on RUclips said that the throttle is way too sensitive for a beginner rider, but with the throttle dampener, do you think it would fit my needs or should i live with the klr or is there any other bike you can recommend?
Thanks for your time
I'm a 450 guy so I say go for the 450, add a SX-1 ECU, don't look back.
Have the same feeling re: suspension, sold my 701 for this, chalk and cheese
Thanks Jonathan.
Are you planning a piston swap like you mentioned you were considering in a previous video?
I am wondering what will happen if I just keep running it.... it'sa Honda so it may keep going forever!
Given that the 2024 450 off road models finally have a hydraulic clutch, I wonder if you can just order the parts to retrofit the RL? Less interesting to you with the clutch you have.
Oh. I don't know.
I have the 2022 model and I can tell you it still has a twitchy throttle and I have the Throttle Tamer
Thanks Papa Doug.
I like it a lot... bit i have heard about them dying at/near idle. Thoughts?
Turn the RPMs up to 1800 where they're supposed to be on this bike...
I have been riding for 20 years now but have zero off-road experience.
Finally decided to try that option as well. Honda CRF450RL looks like an amazing bike but I was concerned that it was too much of a bike for someone like me, so I decided to go for a CRF300L instead. I am still waiting for my 2023 300L to arrive but I wonder if I made a mistake.
Basically, would a 450RL be too much of a bike for someone with enough road mileage but no off-road experience at all?
Thanks
Big C I don't know you well enough to say one way or the other. Fun fact tho, you can always sell the 300 when you outgrow it. In the mean time you are going to have so much FUN!
Your mods list above says vortex ECU. Did you stick with it after your ECU reviews? Sounded like you really liked the athena GET.
I'm still up in the air about which I want to run with... Vortex=bombproof, AiM=more torquey
Nobody talks about the stock wide ratio trans! How much power from Yet at 12k feet and consistent at altitude?
The gear box is perfectly in the middle of road worthy and dirt worthy. A tooth added or deleted tunes the bike one way or the other. The CRF knows your altitude and does it's best to compensate. Your lung capacity may vary.
Ive got a new to me crf450l with 5k miles it runs great and has no issue but i have noticed the engine is pretty loud/ticky sounds like its coming from the top end...Is that normal for these engines?
Yup.
John, at one point you had gone 1 or 2 teeth larger on the rear sprocket, if i remember correctly. But the notes on your video show 13/51, which is stock. Are you still running a different sprocket size? If so, what are you running? Was in Moab this weekend, was thinking about gearing down to have more control on the technical stuff.
True. I’ve gone up and down. Stock is great for the road and high speed. Plus 2 is great for trails. Plus 1 for riding anything. Everything is a compromise on a dual sport.
im really surprised how far you've gone with conservative maintenance! when do you think your bike will need a rebuild? even if your bike needed it done at 20.000mi that's still worth the price for another 20.000 headache free miles imo but just curious
Ride it like a race bike, maintain it like a race bike. Ride it like an ADV bike….
Hi John, thanks for the vid. Great content. Question: you mentioned the Scott’s Stabilizer helped at freeway speeds. What was the road like before the installation and how noticeable was the difference?
That big tire and steep steering angle has the front end wobbling at about 60 to 70. The stabilizer helped a LOT.
How much of an issue do you find not being able to lock the back tire by putting it in gear?
Not too much... just don't stall it on that steep AF hill.
where did you source the graphics for the Nomad tank? Building CRF450L here in Bend. thanks!
They were pieces from a few different kits. I wanna say SKDA may be able to hook you up.
thanks John!@@JohnTYoung
We’ll done thanks John, now if only that 890 could be as bulletproof…
Yes. Sad face.
What is your average miles and longest between oil change?
Average is 1000. Longest was 1400 or 1500.
The 450l is the Papa John’s slogan: Better components better motorcycle.
True!
What oil and intervals are you doing??? Hoping to get one someday..
a variety and every 1000- 1400.
I’ve been told if you leave the stock pipe on you don’t need the Vortex or ECU as the bike runs fine
Stock pipe or not, a new ECU adds a TON of horsepower and torque.
I should have listened to you. I got a wr250r in 2020 and sold it last year.
Nah, the WR is a good bike. A classic!
Hey John! Glad to see you’re still putting out good 450L content! What’s your future plans for the bike?
I just installed a REKLUSE clutch on my 450RL and it’s taking some time to get used to. Do you still like your REKLUSE clutch?
LOVE it. It's like cheating. You just have to learn to modulate the clutch with the throttle, which will come in time.
If you’re interested, it was just posted 1000 mile oil review on your bike CRF 450 RL it’s on RUclips
Thanks C V
@@JohnTYoung yeah, your videos inspire me to move out of the north east of New York. Come hang out in the BDR‘s of the west
hi john,What's the specific model of your pro taper handlebar?
Pro Taper Steering Stabilizer Low.
@@JohnTYoung Thanks
22k miles! Wow! It makes you wonder how long a Honda 450 engine will go.
I'm in the middle of finding out.....
Question: What are the service interval for oil change, valve clearance and others? Thank you so much for your information on this.
Oil every 100 miles or so. Check the valves when you get time. LOL.
I wasn't considering this bike because of the maintenance. It looks like I was under a false impression & need to reconsider.
Yes, you do!
How much weight this bike with full tank??
Ready for road with out luggage
325 ish
@@JohnTYoung around 150kg
Very light!
I can't get a street legal CRF450L in my country.
Maybe they will make a CRF450 Rally in the future.
Fingers crossed.
I have a DR650 and I love my bike, but it is quite heavy. Especially with 50 pounds of luggage. My best friend has a KTM 690 and it is so much better (no issues with tail section taking weight, BTW). We use these bikes in Mexico and do 80mph all day sometimes to cover ground. The KTM is at like 16k miles, and currently in the shop for a new top end. The DR, well, I doubt I will have those issues.
So the 450L.... Can it hold up to 85mph all day for the occasional "We just have to get there" 500 mile days, or is it's neck just flat wrung? I had been considering a 690/701 but getting parts in Latin America if you need them, well, good luck. And they do break sometimes. Let me know what you think. I'd really love to shed some weight. My DR650 is a lot of bike in certain situations and I'm not a talented dirt/gravel rider. Throw that in with some tires that have to do 4-5k miles for a trip and it can be a real handful. I'd LOVE to be on a sub 300 pound bike.
I rode highway speed from the Oregon Coast to Colorado and she’s held up just fine. Wore out and the wear parts, but the bike did great.
@@JohnTYoung Did you feel like you were bringing it's neck, or pretty good?
@@jonathanragle9838 It was pushing 8000 RPM for a few days.
@@JohnTYoung hmmm....does it have enough a$$ and enough 1st gear to go up a tooth on the front sprocket? I like that it held up. That's awesome. I run OE tooth count on the DR. Some how they made 1st gear too high while also making 5th gear too low. Honestly, it's a phenomenal bike in a lot of ways. But of course....slow and heavy are inescapable realities. The modest power I can deal with. The porkiness...sucks.
Throttle tamer for sure!
Yup.
how much does your bike weigh?
325 ish.
I have a 2022 450rl. I feel like riding it at 65-70mph on the freeway is really hard on it for miles on end. Sure it'll do 90~ but idk. Just seems pretty high rpm even in 6th gear. I just swapped to a 13/47 front/rear sprockets but haven't really rode on the freeway yet with it. What are your thoughts on that?
I did a lot of miles with the motor screaming along... it seemed to take it all in stride. Still, probably not best to push it much past 6 or 7 grand for too long.
John - What's your favorite BDR?
It's a tie between Utah and Colorado... so far.
What's bdr?
Sorry for asking that, because I'm not used to technical terms that English native speakers use..
@@AbdurrahmanZedSaeed Backcountry Discovery Route
@@JohnTYoung basically non asphalt roads, sir?
@@AbdurrahmanZedSaeed basically, yes.
Did you do anything special for break-in that you think did/didn’t affect the longevity of the bike? It seems like kind of a controversial subject but I just got a ‘23 RL and all I want to do is ride it as hard as I can despite the voice in my head saying to take it easy for a while.
The only rule is Thou shalt not lug the engine. Otherwise listen to Honda.
Curret miles?
22ish
Are you Planning on replacing the Rings now that you hit 20,000miles? I think that is the Honda recommended spec
Does it use any oil?
I’ll get around to it eventually. So far no oil burning.
Honda are known for typos in their documentation and spec sheets.( weight payload )
The 2024 reintroduced Honda CRF 450 RL in Australia still has the seat height measuring ….wait for it….1260mm😂 on the offical Honda website .
The actual height is 940mm…they have not took the error down and edited it.😮
The 238 pounds thing is probably meant to be 338 pounds ?
That's the Japanese Metric system
The Japanese metric system ?
It’s the same as the Aussie metric system ?
Or am I missing something humorous😅
I’m not a money guy but I was wondering if this yt channel has allowed you to write off the bike as a business expense?
If i knew anything about anything it probably would have
I could probably stand to lose 7 pounds instead. 😂
Me too.
ooppps I mean 1000Km/600miles bumped up to 2000km/1200miles
NP
Audio's totally screwed up. Couldn't watch the video, which is a shame because it seemed interesting. Next time, maybe don't t record audio in the bathroom with the tap running?
It was very interesting.
@@JohnTYoung Congratulations. Could do do a review of your microphone set up next?
@@scrumpymanjack Same RODE GO Wireless I've been using for years. Maybe it didn't like my camera this time. Who knows?
The audio sounded ok on my iPad through $30 headphones ..but I did hear a bird tweeting and the odd muffled banging
Quick question: On your heated grips, did you have to have your stator spun due to the heated grips? What made you choose this brand?
Not because of the grips only, but because of the grips, lights, air pump, etc..... I had the other style (resistor type) and was alarmed at just how hot that resistor got.