Got my 300 rally 8 months ago, got my license 6 months ago, 58 years old, just clicked over 14000 klm including a trip to Birdsville via the Flinders Ranges. Love it, suits my nube skill set.
Had my 450L a while now and absolutely love it, done everything on it, regular trail rides, raced, multi day adventure rides, it does it all. Was doing a rally once and passed a guy on a hill on a 300 rally like he was stationary - but that's 150kg and 28hp Vs 130kg and 48hp - next time I saw the guy at a race he'd bought a 450L. Great bikes, very interested to hear your thoughts
Completely agree with what you said, I love my "L". I've done most types of terrain except slow, technical which I have no interest in. Would love to do a rally, do you have a tower on your bike? I currently just have an AS tower for power and GPS, it's OK.
@@terratrodder no in the British Rally champs you just follow a set route, we don't have the space to do proper rallies, I just have the AS mini fairing on mine
@@markusht Not much, maybe slight updates to the ECU map and some plastic changes. Even though the 450L has the R motor, people were confused that it was part of the "XL" lineage and not the R. So Honda changed the name to RL to clear it up.
Nice video. Thank you! One thing that wasn't mentioned is the CRF450RL is made in Japan and has a noticeable difference in build quality. I still love the 300 Rally and might own one someday, and although it's still made very well in Thailand, there is something special about that 450RL.
I have the 2019 Crf450l with 14k on it now and I’ve changed the oil between 1k-2k with zero issues. Hits the limiter on every ride and I’ve run it as a supermoto sometimes on kart tracks. Checked the valves at 8k with all still in spec. The recommended 500-600 oil change is overkill. It’s a Honda - ride it!
My 2022 DR has that twitchy handling in rocks etc even with done up suspension. I ride the same roads and tracks with the old 2010 F800gs and presto no problemo. The long wheal base and greater fork angle makes all the difference on long trail rides. Good on Honda for doing that. Terrific review as always. Keep it up.
Great review. I fully agree with the 300 being a great adv bike. Yes the highway is a compromise but one I am happy to make because of how easy it is to use in the tighter trails. It is very comfortable just not fast on the freeway. One thing that is frequently overlooked about the 300 is the advantage the crazy fuel efficiency gives it in the really remote trails when going unsupported. Recently did the Madigan on it and despite the flooding and detours making it 850 klm I was able to carry the fuel needed quite easily where many other bikes had handling problems due to the extra fuel needed.
Got an FMF power core 4 on mine and the header off the 450x, makes a hell of a difference torque wise, the grunt you get then get is incredible, pulls like a train
Great review. Awesome bike,I had the choice between 1 of these or a gasgas es 700, I got the gasgas it just comes better equipped and only cost 1000 aud more. It’s so much fun weather on road or off road, it’s hard to beat
Great video fellas! I share your opinions. I like how quiet the bike is. That's why I wouldn't change the exhaust, even if it is heavy. I didn't just get the Vortex for rideability, but cooling reasons with the engine. I have the feeling the motor runs slightly cooler with a richer air/fuel mixture. Wish I could ride like you lot, but I haven't been into offroad very long. Need more practice and less work hours.
Re oil changes, I’m following a fellow riding around the world on his crf450. He’s covered over 77,000 km with no issues and clearly no 1000km oil changes. Forget about recommendations, way too conservative. Same applies to the KTM/Husky 500’s.
300 rally is based on a streetbike engine (CBR and CB 300). They have modified it to get a bit of extra umph and lower weight, but it still has the same long legs and low maintenance. 450RL is based on MX/cross county engine. They have tamed it, but it would take way more work to turn it into ADV. Besides, their 450ish ADV is the NX. Even though it is not that offroad worthy and not that light, I doubt Honda would dilute their lineup.
@JacobLaurance-vw8sn Same here it blows my mind they even made a crf250 rally, people complained about the power and they only went to crf300rally?? if I were Honda there would be a 450rally, the transalp would have been more offroad focused or if they kept it touring focused add a more offroad capable middleweight in the line with the CRF name to compete with t7, 790 middleweight, maybe named a 700rally or 750 rally, how the heck doesn't honda have a decent middleweight adv bike, its the biggest category right now, everyone is buying T7s and the like, they should be releasing something akin in a freaking panic.
@@longdaysandhardworkatramra8260 They went to 300 because they've had the 300 CBR and CB to use the engine from. And they've bothered at all, because that was enough for me and loads of other people to pull the trigger and get one.
Nice video! Not mentioned, bike has an aluminum subframe great for supporting heavier luggage on ADV rides. Not typical for this class. Adds weight but more durable.
Currently the 300 Rally seems the ideal, light (ish) adventure bike for the average rider. Taken mine all over the place, love the little thing, but yep, needs a few more HP. Honda (and all manufacturers really) have the ability to produce the unicorn adventure bike but keep missing the target. Someone will one-day I guess. Cheers for the honest up-load 😎👍
Great video! 👏🏽 I’ve got both and love them for different reasons. Got over 7,000 miles on my 450RL and 6,000 miles on my 300L. The 300L was always so much smoother and easier to ride UNTIL last week when I added the GET ECU from Athena sold by Taco Moto Co. and it improved it 1000%. Taco Moto Mike tunes it for your set up and sets it up with a couple different MAPS. The only thing it needed to stop the twitchiness and stop the flameouts. Of course it’s more powerful as well. The GET by Athena is the exact one that Honda Racing and Jett Lawrence use in their SX bikes if you don’t want to believe a random dude in the comment section of RUclips. Can’t wait to wake up and take it for ride! 🏍️💨
@@jayd3931 no sweat, the 450. The 300 is so smooth already. Definitely lacking some power and needs suspension but the 450RL needs a new ECU to be the bike it should be from factory. Hope that helps. 🏍️💨
Thanks for putting together this video, its got me buggered why these manufacturers keep missing the target for the adventure enthusiast! 1.1 liters of oil just does not cut it, a bit of well thought out R&D before it left the Honda factory would have been good! I think 1.7 to 1.8 litres of oil and 3000km factory recommended oil service intervals would be what is needed!
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVDave, you’ve probably got a few connections around the shop, do you know anyone in the business that would know the answers to those questions? If you do, I’d love to see a video on the effects of increase oil capacity and/or oil cooling’s effect on oil life, and service intervals etc.
Had my CRF450L since they first came out in Oz. Did a bunch of mods Vortex ECU, a Yoshi RS4 full system, rekluse clutch, LHS Rear brake handle, bark busters,. bash plate, rack, pivot pegs, frame protectors, enduro mirrors, GPS/power mount etc. I find it a really fun dual sport/ light adv bike (post mods) for the shorter trips just as you stated. From what I have read/seen allot of people have analyzed their oil in the US and as you have stated, unless you are hammering it all the time, you can stretch the changes to 2k. I also added the vortex dual map switch so I can change from full power to enduro mode...also another trick of the vortex is activating traction control (ECU controlled) :) BTW 6.8Lt/100 seems too thirsty as I average around 5.5Ltr/100km in mixed is dual/single track - agree about the seat its made out of concrete.
As a ADV rider that has owned a few of the new models of small Adv bikes including a fully kitted out Drz 400 new in 21 as well as a new 22 KLX 300 also fully kitted less ecu and fuel tank. The newer bikes feel smoother and much more refined than my Drz400. That does not mean more capable or more fun my Drz400 is making nearly 43hp. The bike is good off-road ok on road KLX 300 is good on road and good off road. Here’s where all this is going my oldest son got himself a 2019 Crf450l with 3100 miles on it to me that bike wasn’t rideable. Stalled looking at rocks and roots so we kitted it out Vortex ecu full yosh pipe seat concepts seat bigger tank all of it, now it will spank my Drz400. And it’s for sale. At the end of the day the service interval really hurts it and now it’s real personality comes to the surface. This is an off-road race bike with blinkers and tweaks to get it on the highway. If that’s your plan going in great. But if your really looking for light adventure in far away places the new 300s or the good old Drz400 is a much better option. Now go riding!
6 months ago I had a choice of the Honda 300l, 300l Rally & the 450l all on the showroom floor ready to ride away. I ended up picking the Rally, I liked the extra features, fuel economy, cheaper price than the 450l and the long service intervals. I almost went the 450 but being new to bikes I decided the 300 was enough for me to get adventure riding. 6 months later I’m still content with my decision, I haven’t felt like I need more power or need to go faster. I’m quite content to just mozy along and enjoy being outdoors, the 300l seems forgiving for a new rider too.
I`m still smoking from being burnt by the CRF 450L. Boat anchor. Flame-out regularly. Spent more money on the Vortex and FMF. Flame out less often, but still an unpredictable issue. A review on the 450RL can be amazingly impressive, but I won`t be touching one without an apology and compensation from Honda.
Ah, this is what I came here to find out. Good off idle characteristics are so important for novices, the whole "leave it restricted while you learn your dirt skills" narrative falls apart without that. Previous versions of this bike had a terrible reputation for bottom end manners, if Honda have fixed that I think it needs to be called out loud and clear. Great review as usual.@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV
Clubby someday you'll be a pensioner too. Great vid fellows. Good to see the comparison of the different concepts of the same machine. Beautiful place. Daryll did a great job on the Vortex bike. Now tune the suspension to each his own. Good camera work Cubby. Next time guys. Time for a new Yammie.
As someone that owns a Tenere 700 for almost a year now and now have just bought both 2022 crf450rl and crf300l rally used for a sweet deal off a couple, all stock right now with the crf's I haven't ridden them much as i've just gotten done fixing them and get them road worthy again. the 450rl is peppy and I'm sure a ecu would liven it up a little but it's solid from the get go. I agree it's not enjoyable to be on pavement or highway linger than 10 minutes. the crf300l rally is just a chill bike to ride. definitely needs suspension work and ecu/exhaust but for what it is it's kind of what i wanted out of by previous bike (rally raid cb500x) but lighter.
I definitely agree with you on the oil change. If I was racing or winding it out on the highway, I would change it every 600 miles or sooner, but riding back roads and trails, i would at least go 12 or 15 hundred miles if not more.
John T Young on the CRF450L is your man about oil...he had his professionally analysed...go watch some of his videos, he's the leading bloke on these bikes
I guess my thinking is that the CRF300L is the compromise between the trail-worthiness of the 450 and the CRF300L Rally , mods Acerbis 14l tank, bashplate, racks and barkbusters of course. Long service intervals, nothing extra you don't need if you drop it on the trails etc...
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV still advertising new ones on suzuki motorcycles australia website. still seeing new owners posting pics of their new bikes every week on the fb group. usually the rumours that they're being discontinued don't start until the end of the year.
@@jarrod1687 yeah except they don't, the 400e has more power than the uncorked crf450l/rl, only weighs 4kg more but carries 3l more fuel and a 1l more oil, gets better fuel economy and is proven bulletproof reliable. e model comes with bashplate radiator guards barkbusters and costs 2k less which is enough to get the already excellent fully adjustable suspension setup for your weight and use and buy a safari tank and rear rack. for the same price as a stock honda you have a bike that that you can ride across the continent and back..without a support vehicle.
The fact that they are 25hp in the EU and AUS versions are criminal. No wonder the 300 is almost better than the 450 over there. The vortex and the NORMAL intake boot is a lot of power, I even added another 10 or so hp with the RX cam swap. It's basically a RX with a 6 speed. Had to gear it taller it wont keep the front end down. I'm sure the 300 is much better for long distance tours though.
@@jarrod1687 It's about the same as the RX. Honda limited the power output with the camshaft. The only parts change necessary is the camshaft, followers and the YELLOW intake springs from the RX parts catalogue. But the cam needs milled, watch "RideofLife" on where to mill or get the SDPH kit, with vortex and exhaust. Stock gearing the front end gets up in first, second and light in third. Had to change to taller gearing to keep it sane and reduce RPM on the highway. It has about 9000 miles (14500Km). Have not checked valves, starts easy and I don't abuse it often. If you've only ridden it at 25hp it's going to be an eye opening experience.
Sounds like fun, that's a good amount kms to obviously still reliable. Mine just got exhaust and dynojet fuel adder plus derestricted intake so 40ish hp
@@jarrod1687 You can ditch the dynojet, the USA ECU (if it's still on the euro box change it out) tune has a lot of room to play with. The bike is rich from the factory and everyone crying "It's lean!" are misinformed. If it's popping on decel, it's the Pulse Air Injection Regulator. The PAIR valve adds air into the exhaust in the head just before the exhaust header to light the cat up and burn excessive fuel. If there is no fuel, there is no pop. Since there is pop, it's indication means the exhaust has fuel in it, which means it's rich. I don't have an aftermarket ECU, I use the honda box with a DIY booster plug to skew intake temp down 20C. I actually need to alter it as it's VERY rich when it's cold out. Doing it this way keeps the fuel consumption and instant MPG meter accurate as it's not altering outside the ECU like a piggyback does. I still get about 50-60mpg depending on how I ride and my work commute was 50 miles on the highway.
Itchy boots had to rebuild her Honda Rally at around 35000km. I noticed this included a new gearbox output Shaft. Now we don't know if perhaps the chain wasn't adjusted properly or perhaps gears weren't changed properly. However thats not what i would call a reliable motorcycle.
She's harder on that bike than most riders would be, and I wonder how much maintenance she really does with her busy traveling schedule. Possibly not very much at all since she's focused on editing and putting out videos.
@@churchofbrap876 it would probably be good to see how shonkey productions is going with his crf. He's probably clocked quite a few miles by now. I don't think itchy boots has much of a clue about motorcycle maintenance
Are folk still watching her...after Peru,I regarded her as an idiot, with her mask wearing stunt...things like that can get you killed in the 3rd World? I gave up with her after that,I'd rather give my time to people with some common sense!
Was tempted to buy one, before the announcement of re-release in 2024, looked at some 2018 models, with all the upgrades, thought I would hold off until the new one was released, unfortunately it seems it has all the same issues as the previous models, still an expensive upgrade...still tempted, but will wait until some upgraded ones appear on BikeSales...maybe will have a 690/701 before then
The 690/701 size bikes are in that range where theyre too big and heavy to take on fun and tight trails. It can be done on a 701 but it’s not enjoyable. Also, the 701/690 is good on the road but it’s not good enough to make up for the sacrifices on the trail. To me, the 701/690 doesn’t do anything good enough to warrant owning one. The crf450rl is nimble enough to be a blast on trails and it does the road well enough to make it fun. The 450 is the perfect compromise whereas the 690/701 just doesn’t make sense over the 450rl in any scenario
@@roycemartin9068 I guess you are saying Dave is clueless for owning one. It has almost double the power of the 450RL, for 15kg more weight. I've been all over Australia on mine, including crossing the Simpson, and there is no bike I'd rather have. Head out on the Husky trek, and you will see loads of guys loving it on the trails. The 450 didn't sell last time and the 690/701's are everywhere in Australia, and they are more money to boot.
Interesting bike but can’t help but think for the price and time you would spend fixing all the fueling and power issues you would be better off with a KTM 500 . Better components and the engine is fairly good straight out the box also they both have fairly similar service intervals
Kato suspension is not nearly as good straight out of the box and the whole package is thousands more. I know, I've just built a 501 Rallye. Mind you I think it's worth it.
Imagine if the 450 RL gets some full aftermarket rally kits like there are for the 690/701. Hopefully aftermarket can get ways of extending the service too, since Honda doesn't seem to care much.
One of the BMW K bikes had predictive maintenance calculator based on load, RPM, mileage, idling, sitting, ..., but I haven't heard anything since. Even BMW doesn't want to rewrite the legal document.
Timely video as I just caught up with the '24 dakar and was wondering how capable these 450's would be if used for ADV riding! Awesome content mates and keep it up!
@@jarrod1687 that’s better than nothing I’d say. A gentle rider should be able to stretch an adventure ride to 2k without freaking out that it will ruin the bike. It’s a Honda after all. My 300 SWM has 1800ml capacity with 2k service intervals but unfortunately I rarely get that many Kay’s in inside 12 months. It’s not my only bike though, so it gets me through a year and that’s fine for me.
Had a 23 450RL last year. Couldnt take the throttle twitch so its gone. One of the riders in our group has a 300 rally, and i dont think the two compare. The 300 is heavy and clunky. The 450 is great once you get used to the throttle.
I always wondered what happened to Clubbies 450L with the FMF and Vortex ? he just didn't gel with it ? The RL would be great, but the new gen bikes frame is a little rigid and the 6 speed isnt really any wider than the old X's 5 speed (waaaaay narrower than a 300L and even a 500exc). It's practically A-Kit suspension on a dual sport tho. Good job on the vid.
Both of these bikes will do the same things that they each took a different approach. The 250 and 300 rally our fantastic bikes and amazingly low maintenance. If you ride it like an old man they are fantastic, if you want to push it the budget parts show up immediately. The 450 L is much more performance oriented, It will also happily just ride around but When the pace picks up it is happy to do so But this comes at the cost of comparatively high maintenance.
Dave and Clubby, just a thought, it would be a very interesting test to fit a VORTEX ECU ignition system to the Red Rooster and see how it compares. They don't make one for a 701 but it already has maps. But I just thought maybe the Vortex and exhaust combo might liven the little red beast up? 😅
The RL is an off road bike that needs the crap put on it to comply with emissions regs uncorked. Great bike, same old story. I have a 701, same thing, it is pure evil in tuned form. The little 300 interests me as I love projects. With a proper ECU, pipe and suspension work I can see the 300 being a really cool do it all bike. I also see there are higher compression 301cc bore kits and other mods. Oh my 😆
I bought a 2022 brand new. Honda 450 RL Put the vortex in it rosharima pipe Low mirrors raised up the license plate and light way up underneath the fender New sprocket and counter sprocket and diamond o-ring gold chain. The suspension on this bike is the stiffest suspension I have ever had on any bike ever in history of my life Is stiffer than a covered wagon? I took it to the shop they reworked all of my suspension And the suspension is STILL!!!!! stiffer than a Flintstone car with absolutely no suspension. The suspension might as well be welded, solid front and back. If there was words to say about how bad this suspension is, I would say them. Even after I put $1000 into having the suspension Reworked. Other than that, I love the bike. I have had the bike now. 2 years and only have 160 miles on it. Honda should do a recall. I wish there was other words. I could tell you words to tell you how p***** off I'm about the suspension. Ex motocross racer and I probably rode every bike ever made for the dirt And have owned them to !!!!!!
You obviously don't know the bike I have been Riding and racing my whole life. Most of my bikes have been Honda CR500s I love the big Bore my 92 CR500 I had the suspension reworked revolved And used to racing at carlsbad california Is the best suspension? I've ever rode on any bike in my life now. The same guy did suspension on both bikes. The new 2022 450 is the absolute worst suspension I've ever rode.My CR500 is absolutely the best i've ever rode And I told you I weigh 210lbs
I've had both bikes and no you won't be picking the 300, it's gutless and lacks suspension. 300 beats you to death when hitting trails or God forebid, jumps, I sold the 300 and my 450 is banging in every aspect of dirt riding, from SX, MX, to dirt scramblers and trails. P.S. you need to change out that bulky worthless turd of an exhaust pipe, it's heavy and loads the bikes power down.
Another reviewer between the 300 rally and 450 rl said that the 450 doesn't feel lighter then the 300 rally despite the specs. Perhaps because the 450 COG is higher? Have you ridden a 690/701 and able to make comparisons between those and the 450rl?
I was really enjoying the video but right at the end it just cuts off abruptly mid interview. No wrap up or outro. Quite uncharacteristic of this channels normal videos.
The video had gone for 30 mins. The algorythm couldn't give a stuff about wrapping it up and I'm penalised for it. Crazy I know but not worth my while to produce those three mins.
Great video fellas Ive got a few more questions about the 450RL. When the last one was released, few years ago, there was lots of discussion about weight, and reducing excess weight, eg engine guards etc - is that still the case. Does the new model have a cush drive on the rear sprocket? Could it be set up for trails, compete against EXCF, WR? I dont know much about the Vortex, but can the standard bike be remapped to get better performance?
Engine guards still there but their job is to reduce noise of the engine. No cush drive. Yes it would be a good trail bike once derestricted. Yes, Honda do have an accessory
Great stuff as usual fellas. I had a chance at two fully modified 450RL bikes when I "lucked into" my 501 at about a $3K savings with only 66 miles on it and in showroom condition. I could have gotten either 450 for $12K US. I've often thought I messed up buying the Husky because of the cost of mods, even with the substantial savings in initial purchase cost. I'm still looking for a Cush drive which the Honda comes with as standard. Maybe there is a savings because I haven't done a Vortex or equivalent. I'd be interested in an in-depth comparo between the 450 & 501/500 platforms.
I'm about 99.44% sure the CRF450L/RL doesn't come stock with a cush drive, so you'd be looking for one either way. I think we both had KLX300s in the past. So we have a similar comparison there. I have the 450L but have ridden a KTM 500 on the road and in single track. My opinion of the two bikes is that the Honda is the better light ADV bike while the KTM/Husky is the more hardcore dirt bike with lights. After sorting out the twitchy throttle and flame-out issue with the Honda, all cured for my bike by the AIM ECU, my bike is a solid off-road focused dual-sport. It's heaps better than the KLX300 in every way, on road and off. The KTM, being lighter, was better than the Honda for technical single track. But for me, it just seemed too harsh, buzzing and vibrating too much for me to consider one for any sort of pavement riding besides a few miles of connecting trail. But maybe I'm just sensitive to that; plenty of others swear by the KTM/Husky platform. For technical single track, I have a Beta 2-stroke. For everything else, it's the CRF450L for me. It's proving to be my unicorn bike. As always, it's subjective. If you got your 501 for $3k savings over the Honda, I think you made a wise decision, and with the money you saved, you should be able to set it up for whatever you'd want to do.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV It is strange right now. Bikes aren’t moving like they were a year ago in the States. My local Honda dealer has the 450 RL for $8999 before the other cost. They were almost $11k a year ago. I lucked out with my 501. It was traded in for a Pan America with only 66 miles on the 501. I got it for $10K us.
@@jwaller1327 That all makes sense. I got the Husky for $3K less than MSRP, and less than the two fully kitted out CRF450L bikes the dealership had. I've put plenty into grabbing the mod parts though after purchase and still haven't gotten the Cush drive and wheel. Honda might have changed it but I could have sworn that the 450 had a Cush drive or some kind of cushion going on at the rear. I could be wrong there. Yep, we both had the KLX300. Which would have been fine for me except for all of the road riding I need to do to get to the dirt. The 501 feels like I'm wringing its neck on the road but 75mph is doable with room to spare, in stock configuration. If I hang onto the 501 I'll have the ECU looked at. Stay safe out there!
450L doesn't come with a cushion drive, it has a rubber ring around the big sprocket which some people think is a cush hub. The 501 is a better bike anyway, just more vibration. I've got a 450l that I use mostly on the road, if I was doing heaps of offroad I'd go a ktm/husqy
I like the 450, 300 not so sure but the thing that gets me is, how much more advanced are these 2 bikes in comparison to the 20+ year old design of a DRZ 400 E ? Apart from fuel injection and an extra gear, they don’t seem to be light years ahead, similar weight, power and price new but a 10 or 15 year old DRZ is mega cheap, just curious about your opinion as I bought a new DRZ middle of last year and love the bike, bar risers, safari 17 litre tank allowing 380 klm range, pannier racks and that is about it, less than $13000.
How do you think the Kawasaki KLX 300 stacks up against the Honda 300 Rally? Great job on the 450 comparison. I'm always looking for that next bike but for now I'll stick with my 701.
Love the review, thanks boys. I own a 2019 450l with a vortex but still have stock exhaust. Would b interested in trying the Barrett exhaust out but the vortex only has settings listed for fmf and yoshimura systems. Would be very interested to know what settings Chris Watson is running with the vortex as vortex has nothing listed. Any info would be great appreciated. Thanks 14:36
I’d personally like to see a comparison between an older model verse a new model, comparing 2 new bikes when 1 has had significant upgrades to make it better doesn’t really make sense to me like of course it’s going to be better that’s why the upgrades were done . My question is …. How much better is the 2024 450RL against my beloved 2006 450X ? Is the power as brutal as mine or has it been dulled down or is it even more brutal and I’m just a 🐱🤣🤣
$17,330 to adventure equip the bike with a range of 6.8 litres per hundred ks and a rebuild interval of 30,000kms full top and bottom end specs from Honda. How could this possibly be rated at all as a adventure bike? Ticking time bomb like any other 450s oil change every 1000 km what about valve clearance 🤔 cant see how anyone being happy with this bike after one year of owner ship
Jim, don't get hung up on this 1000km, that's in race conditions. That said, both Clubby and I see it as a 5 dayer if your going to take the excellent dirtbike into the realm of adventure.
1000k service intervals and top end rebuild due at 32000k is a deal breaker . It's not a duel sport its just an overweight enduro bike. I predict this bike will discontinued once again,and for the same reason money 🤑 it won't sell enough units.
Last ones were sold 4yrs ago,the Germans were selling them off for £6Grand(£9600 in the UK)...you can get a Gas Gas EC500 on zero percent these days, for that money, £9600...only option is to buy one in the USA or Canada and import it!
100%. Pair with a ktm 300 tpi and you have best of both worlds. 450L is good if you can only have 1 bike. 690 not lams approved though if that applies to you
Considering a Barrett exhaust now as an alternative to FMF. I have a vortex currently, are there any different maps for different brand exhaust (as the vortex has Yoshi / FmF only) ??
I have the 2022 rl ,kept it stock cause im not the best rider yet, wanted to get to know the bike first,you think bike will last longer if i dont put aftermarket ecu on it?
Both are excellent. I lean towards the Husky because the engine isn't as noisy as the 450 when putting around. However it really is close. The suspension on the Honda is brilliant straight out of the showroom. Lots to think about.
Lots of talk about the Vortex. Does the RL come with a derestricted inlet manifold. The original restricted L had a massive restriction. Fitting a Vortex alone won't free it up.
Easily slips out to be replaced with an open inlet manifold sure, but it's a new part that needs to be ordered from Honda. I'm guessing it isn't supplied. My L came with it and the unrestricted Honda ECU from new.
Would it be fair to say the 450RL is smack bang in the middle of a 500 and a 690? In terms of feel/vibrations/weight etc? Or would you say closer to a 500? At $17-18k with mods you're at 690/701 prices.
Hi, as a CRF450LX 2019 owner, I was really looking forward to watching this, but I was really disappointed :( I was hoping for a bit more detail, and what's the go with only having 1 RL with a Vortex, with the standard pipe, and not anFMF or Yoshi pipe !!!! There was no mention of the settings on the Vortex, but to be getting high usage figures, it must have been set maximum rich, like #8 or #9. I get about 5l/100k, with a Vortex & FMF pipe. As for the Chris Watson "edition" (I bought mine from his store, btw), nobody is really going to want to spend that much, I give the RL a year or 2, and it'll be gone again. Sad :(
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV to elaborate, if the bike with the mods had a bigger tooth sprocket in the rear lets say then it may make it more responsive down lower. you mentioned the difference it performance when one rider could do a section in second gear but the other could do it in third. I just wondered if they were both "stock" sprockets. If the rear sprocket on the modded bike was 1 or even 2 teeth bigger that may explain it. If both bikes have "stock" sprockets then the VORTEX ECU would truely be the reason why the mod bike could do it in third.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV yep, understand it’s a different bike for different purpose, but what you get for similar money. Bigger engine, twin cylinder, means greater emissions control, electronics, bigger tank, more robust plastics. Can’t see how the cost to manufacture both bikes would be similar
Here in the US they just renamed it RL for 2021 model year and gave it all red plastics with some minor mapping changes, but it's pretty much the exact same bike as the 2019-20 L model.
I just sat on the 2024 Honda CRF450RL yesterday here in the U.S. Honda, I’ll take my new Honda in the form of a 2025 450 rally, PLEASE!!! The 2024 CRF450RL seat hurt after 3 minutes! Why punish your customers so badly with terrible seats, as a reward for buying Honda products?!
I think Honda is simply saving money by utilizing the MX bike seat rather than designing and manufactuiring a new design. Maybe Honda secretly owns stock in Seat Concepts!
Good questions. I own a Husky 501. A lot more dollars for the 500 but a better bike. But to get equivalent suspension performance you're going to have to spend at least 1,500 to 2,000 on the kato. The Honda's suspension is that good.
I had the 450 and sold it in short order. The seat was horrendous, so I bought a Seat Concepts. The fueling (I thought) sucked, so I bought a Vortex ECU and complete FMF exhaust. Ran better with more power, but still sucked - I think the real problem is that the bike lacks flywheel. After dumping a couple grand + in the bike I still couldn't stand riding it. The engine vibration was just ridiculous. The bike always felt like it was tearing itself apart. Riding sitting down for any length of time and I would get blurry vision and bad headache. Yes, I know it is a thumper. I have been riding for 47 years, and owned most of the more common ones including a couple of DR400s, a couple of EXC500Fs, a couple of DR650Ss, a WR250R and X, 690 Super Moto, etc. The bike was a huge disappointment. Then you get a few extra pokes in the eye that rubber monstrosity on the rear sprocket that makes lubing the chain a PITA, the plastic engine cover that slows down the excessive oil changes that are required, and on my bike, the excessively harsh forks which I could not get to loosen up adequately with the clickers. It almost felt like they were binding. Never been happier to sell a bike.
Completely opposite experience that I had. Did similar mods (Vortex, FMF, Seat Concepts), also added a flywheel weight, and now I love the bike. It's a hoot as a supermoto too!
You must have had incorrectly torqued engine mounts, these bikes are smooth as butter compared to every other 450. No 450 comes with a decent either, the plastic cover is 3 bolts- takes 10 seconds to rattle off, GET ECU works heaps better the vortex in terms of excessive engine braking and tuning ability. As for forks they run too stiff of springs in them, even with compression clicker all the way soft it's still non compliant and harsh even for myself at 97kg, rear spring too soft. You can easily double the service intervals using full synthetic oil, at 2000kms my oil (300v) looks great. Valves don't move unless you're doing mx style riding always on the limiter. Better bikes out there if you are doing mostly offroad riding
You must have had incorrectly torqued engine mounts, these bikes are smooth as butter compared to every other 450. No 450 comes with a decent either, the plastic cover is 3 bolts- takes 10 seconds to rattle off, GET ECU works heaps better the vortex in terms of excessive engine braking and tuning ability. As for forks they run too stiff of springs in them, even with compression clicker all the way soft it's still non compliant and harsh even for myself at 97kg, rear spring too soft. You can easily double the service intervals using full synthetic oil, at 2000kms my oil (300v) looks great. Valves don't move unless you're doing mx style riding always on the limiter. Better bikes out there if you are doing mostly offroad riding
I'm not quite with you on that. There are a couple of great adventures in Australia that you'd cover around 1,500 km and I'd be happy with the same oil.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Yes there certainly are short trips worth doing, but I’m saying the only way to do long trips is to do oil changes on the trip
@@poeticschemes Check out her videos: first time was in Canada and the second was by a brilliant street mechanic in an African country🕊️Not sure but I think the bike is still under 40,000 km.
@@ernier9033 her bike has been absolutely flogged….over heated…low on coolant….helper guy fried the clutch…the motor is well known to be bullet proof….wide open all day for a very very long time.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVit's bizarre how Yamaha is completely ignoring this segment of the market. Discontinued the WR250R with no replacement, and no 450 dual sport or smaller ADV bike either. They're missing out big time.
I would like to understand why you call 'adventure' bike to a bike that requires oil and filter changes every 1000km. This is the amount of km that an adventurer could do every 2-3 days ...
Got my 300 rally 8 months ago, got my license 6 months ago, 58 years old, just clicked over 14000 klm including a trip to Birdsville via the Flinders Ranges.
Love it, suits my nube skill set.
It's an exceptional bike for adventure.
Had my 450L a while now and absolutely love it, done everything on it, regular trail rides, raced, multi day adventure rides, it does it all. Was doing a rally once and passed a guy on a hill on a 300 rally like he was stationary - but that's 150kg and 28hp Vs 130kg and 48hp - next time I saw the guy at a race he'd bought a 450L. Great bikes, very interested to hear your thoughts
Thanks we always try to give a fair and thorough review.
Completely agree with what you said, I love my "L". I've done most types of terrain except slow, technical which I have no interest in. Would love to do a rally, do you have a tower on your bike? I currently just have an AS tower for power and GPS, it's OK.
@@terratrodder no in the British Rally champs you just follow a set route, we don't have the space to do proper rallies, I just have the AS mini fairing on mine
@@terratrodder What is the difference between the RL and L?
@@markusht Not much, maybe slight updates to the ECU map and some plastic changes. Even though the 450L has the R motor, people were confused that it was part of the "XL" lineage and not the R. So Honda changed the name to RL to clear it up.
Nice video. Thank you!
One thing that wasn't mentioned is the CRF450RL is made in Japan and has a noticeable difference in build quality. I still love the 300 Rally and might own one someday, and although it's still made very well in Thailand, there is something special about that 450RL.
I am pretty sure we mentioned that right at the beginning when talking about build quality. ON the other hand I may have edited that out.
I have the 2019 Crf450l with 14k on it now and I’ve changed the oil between 1k-2k with zero issues. Hits the limiter on every ride and I’ve run it as a supermoto sometimes on kart tracks. Checked the valves at 8k with all still in spec. The recommended 500-600 oil change is overkill. It’s a Honda - ride it!
Thanks for that insight.
Why cant Honda do the 450 with 10k oil change intervals,
For it would be the perfect adventure bike except for the current short oil change intervals
My 2022 DR has that twitchy handling in rocks etc even with done up suspension. I ride the same roads and tracks with the old 2010 F800gs and presto no problemo. The long wheal base and greater fork angle makes all the difference on long trail rides. Good on Honda for doing that. Terrific review as always. Keep it up.
Thank you.
Great review. I fully agree with the 300 being a great adv bike. Yes the highway is a compromise but one I am happy to make because of how easy it is to use in the tighter trails. It is very comfortable just not fast on the freeway. One thing that is frequently overlooked about the 300 is the advantage the crazy fuel efficiency gives it in the really remote trails when going unsupported. Recently did the Madigan on it and despite the flooding and detours making it 850 klm I was able to carry the fuel needed quite easily where many other bikes had handling problems due to the extra fuel needed.
Yep fully agree. A great bike.
Got an FMF power core 4 on mine and the header off the 450x, makes a hell of a difference torque wise, the grunt you get then get is incredible, pulls like a train
Interesting.
With the vortex ecu not the stock ecu
@@mikebishop6095 yes, you have to change the ECU, the bike is heavily restricted from stock
Great review. Awesome bike,I had the choice between 1 of these or a gasgas es 700, I got the gasgas it just comes better equipped and only cost 1000 aud more. It’s so much fun weather on road or off road, it’s hard to beat
Good choice!
You made the right decision.
Great video fellas! I share your opinions. I like how quiet the bike is. That's why I wouldn't change the exhaust, even if it is heavy. I didn't just get the Vortex for rideability, but cooling reasons with the engine. I have the feeling the motor runs slightly cooler with a richer air/fuel mixture. Wish I could ride like you lot, but I haven't been into offroad very long. Need more practice and less work hours.
I loved the handling.
Re oil changes, I’m following a fellow riding around the world on his crf450. He’s covered over 77,000 km with no issues and clearly no 1000km oil changes. Forget about recommendations, way too conservative. Same applies to the KTM/Husky 500’s.
Yes, I agree.
I don't get why there isn't a 450 rally. it's like manufacturers don't want to make the bikes we want.
So true
300 rally is based on a streetbike engine (CBR and CB 300). They have modified it to get a bit of extra umph and lower weight, but it still has the same long legs and low maintenance.
450RL is based on MX/cross county engine. They have tamed it, but it would take way more work to turn it into ADV.
Besides, their 450ish ADV is the NX. Even though it is not that offroad worthy and not that light, I doubt Honda would dilute their lineup.
@JacobLaurance-vw8sn Same here it blows my mind they even made a crf250 rally, people complained about the power and they only went to crf300rally?? if I were Honda there would be a 450rally, the transalp would have been more offroad focused or if they kept it touring focused add a more offroad capable middleweight in the line with the CRF name to compete with t7, 790 middleweight, maybe named a 700rally or 750 rally, how the heck doesn't honda have a decent middleweight adv bike, its the biggest category right now, everyone is buying T7s and the like, they should be releasing something akin in a freaking panic.
You can buy a KTM 450 rally edition for a measly £40k
@@longdaysandhardworkatramra8260 They went to 300 because they've had the 300 CBR and CB to use the engine from.
And they've bothered at all, because that was enough for me and loads of other people to pull the trigger and get one.
Nice video! Not mentioned, bike has an aluminum subframe great for supporting heavier luggage on ADV rides. Not typical for this class. Adds weight but more durable.
Good point!
Currently the 300 Rally seems the ideal, light (ish) adventure bike for the average rider. Taken mine all over the place, love the little thing, but yep, needs a few more HP. Honda (and all manufacturers really) have the ability to produce the unicorn adventure bike but keep missing the target. Someone will one-day I guess. Cheers for the honest up-load 😎👍
Totally agree! But just about everyone is missing the target.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Yep, fair call, post modified for accuracy 👍
Love to see a 350 to 400cc with about 40 hp. In this segment
Shonky productions has a rally that he modded for more power his channel might be worth a look if you're looking for some extra hp
Great video! 👏🏽
I’ve got both and love them for different reasons.
Got over 7,000 miles on my 450RL and 6,000 miles on my 300L.
The 300L was always so much smoother and easier to ride UNTIL last week when I added the GET ECU from Athena sold by Taco Moto Co. and it improved it 1000%. Taco Moto Mike tunes it for your set up and sets it up with a couple different MAPS. The only thing it needed to stop the twitchiness and stop the flameouts. Of course it’s more powerful as well. The GET by Athena is the exact one that Honda Racing and Jett Lawrence use in their SX bikes if you don’t want to believe a random dude in the comment section of RUclips.
Can’t wait to wake up and take it for ride! 🏍️💨
Thanks
Sorry, you added the GET to the 300 or the 450?
@@jayd3931 no sweat, the 450. The 300 is so smooth already. Definitely lacking some power and needs suspension but the 450RL needs a new ECU to be the bike it should be from factory. Hope that helps.
🏍️💨
Thanks for putting together this video, its got me buggered why these manufacturers keep missing the target for the adventure enthusiast!
1.1 liters of oil just does not cut it, a bit of well thought out R&D before it left the Honda factory would have been good! I think 1.7 to 1.8 litres of oil and 3000km factory recommended oil service intervals would be what is needed!
You and me both! Mind you under non race conditions it should be able to go 3000 km before changing I would think, but I'm no expert.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVDave, you’ve probably got a few connections around the shop, do you know anyone in the business that would know the answers to those questions? If you do, I’d love to see a video on the effects of increase oil capacity and/or oil cooling’s effect on oil life, and service intervals etc.
Clutch cover and an oil cooler would give you that
Really clear description of the choices involved for different needs - excellent review!
Glad it was helpful!
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV
Thanks for the review! Would have liked to hear more detailed thougts on how it compares to the FE501.
Had my CRF450L since they first came out in Oz. Did a bunch of mods Vortex ECU, a Yoshi RS4 full system, rekluse clutch, LHS Rear brake handle, bark busters,. bash plate, rack, pivot pegs, frame protectors, enduro mirrors, GPS/power mount etc.
I find it a really fun dual sport/ light adv bike (post mods) for the shorter trips just as you stated. From what I have read/seen allot of people have analyzed their oil in the US and as you have stated, unless you are hammering it all the time, you can stretch the changes to 2k. I also added the vortex dual map switch so I can change from full power to enduro mode...also another trick of the vortex is activating traction control (ECU controlled) :) BTW 6.8Lt/100 seems too thirsty as I average around 5.5Ltr/100km in mixed is dual/single track - agree about the seat its made out of concrete.
Thanks for your feddback.
As a ADV rider that has owned a few of the new models of small Adv bikes including a fully kitted out Drz 400 new in 21 as well as a new 22 KLX 300 also fully kitted less ecu and fuel tank. The newer bikes feel smoother and much more refined than my Drz400. That does not mean more capable or more fun my Drz400 is making nearly 43hp. The bike is good off-road ok on road KLX 300 is good on road and good off road. Here’s where all this is going my oldest son got himself a 2019 Crf450l with 3100 miles on it to me that bike wasn’t rideable. Stalled looking at rocks and roots so we kitted it out Vortex ecu full yosh pipe seat concepts seat bigger tank all of it, now it will spank my Drz400. And it’s for sale. At the end of the day the service interval really hurts it and now it’s real personality comes to the surface. This is an off-road race bike with blinkers and tweaks to get it on the highway. If that’s your plan going in great. But if your really looking for light adventure in far away places the new 300s or the good old Drz400 is a much better option. Now go riding!
Good points.
6 months ago I had a choice of the Honda 300l, 300l Rally & the 450l all on the showroom floor ready to ride away. I ended up picking the Rally, I liked the extra features, fuel economy, cheaper price than the 450l and the long service intervals. I almost went the 450 but being new to bikes I decided the 300 was enough for me to get adventure riding. 6 months later I’m still content with my decision, I haven’t felt like I need more power or need to go faster. I’m quite content to just mozy along and enjoy being outdoors, the 300l seems forgiving for a new rider too.
If people took your choice they would discover the same
I`m still smoking from being burnt by the CRF 450L. Boat anchor. Flame-out regularly. Spent more money on the Vortex and FMF. Flame out less often, but still an unpredictable issue. A review on the 450RL can be amazingly impressive, but I won`t be touching one without an apology and compensation from Honda.
Mine stopped flaming out after about 5000kms, even with no ecu upgrade
No flame outs for us.
Ah, this is what I came here to find out. Good off idle characteristics are so important for novices, the whole "leave it restricted while you learn your dirt skills" narrative falls apart without that. Previous versions of this bike had a terrible reputation for bottom end manners, if Honda have fixed that I think it needs to be called out loud and clear.
Great review as usual.@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV
Clubby someday you'll be a pensioner too. Great vid fellows. Good to see the comparison of the different concepts of the same machine. Beautiful place. Daryll did a great job on the Vortex bike. Now tune the suspension to each his own. Good camera work Cubby. Next time guys. Time for a new Yammie.
Now Sam, love your comments, but I do all the video and they names DAVE! :)
As someone that owns a Tenere 700 for almost a year now and now have just bought both 2022 crf450rl and crf300l rally used for a sweet deal off a couple, all stock right now with the crf's I haven't ridden them much as i've just gotten done fixing them and get them road worthy again. the 450rl is peppy and I'm sure a ecu would liven it up a little but it's solid from the get go. I agree it's not enjoyable to be on pavement or highway linger than 10 minutes. the crf300l rally is just a chill bike to ride. definitely needs suspension work and ecu/exhaust but for what it is it's kind of what i wanted out of by previous bike (rally raid cb500x) but lighter.
Thanks for your contirubtion.
thanks guys, really your videos are entertaining and engaging. I rarely can sit though long video, but yours I can and they keep my attention, THanks!
Glad you like them!
Billy Tyo here on youtube did the TAT with his son on two crf450ls. Really good series.
Thanks Tommy. I'll look it up.
I definitely agree with you on the oil change. If I was racing or winding it out on the highway, I would change it every 600 miles or sooner, but riding back roads and trails, i would at least go 12 or 15 hundred miles if not more.
John T Young on the CRF450L is your man about oil...he had his professionally analysed...go watch some of his videos, he's the leading bloke on these bikes
Yeah I saw his stuff William. Very good. Very thorough.
Agree
I guess my thinking is that the CRF300L is the compromise between the trail-worthiness of the 450 and the CRF300L Rally , mods Acerbis 14l tank, bashplate, racks and barkbusters of course. Long service intervals, nothing extra you don't need if you drop it on the trails etc...
Yeah, thinking of getting one for the TET.
you're absolutely right it's no competition for the drz400e.
I'm hearing they don't make them anymore
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV still advertising new ones on suzuki motorcycles australia website. still seeing new owners posting pics of their new bikes every week on the fb group. usually the rumours that they're being discontinued don't start until the end of the year.
Too slow and oldschool, good for what it is but any 450 will smoke it in nearly every department
@@jarrod1687 yeah except they don't, the 400e has more power than the uncorked crf450l/rl, only weighs 4kg more but carries 3l more fuel and a 1l more oil, gets better fuel economy and is proven bulletproof reliable. e model comes with bashplate radiator guards barkbusters and costs 2k less which is enough to get the already excellent fully adjustable suspension setup for your weight and use and buy a safari tank and rear rack. for the same price as a stock honda you have a bike that that you can ride across the continent and back..without a support vehicle.
They have there place that's for sure and are a solid platform. Some don't mind paying a bit extra, depends what your priorities are
Imagine a 600L Rally version like the old 600 mono. It would be perfect
yep
Great review of the bike looks good. From your review I think we need a 300 rally with vortex ignition and 450rl suspension... 👍👍😁😁
That would be cool!
The fact that they are 25hp in the EU and AUS versions are criminal. No wonder the 300 is almost better than the 450 over there. The vortex and the NORMAL intake boot is a lot of power, I even added another 10 or so hp with the RX cam swap. It's basically a RX with a 6 speed. Had to gear it taller it wont keep the front end down.
I'm sure the 300 is much better for long distance tours though.
Big differences with the power of the bike in the different countries.
I'm looking to cam mine, how many km on yours with the cam now? Was it drastically different power wise?
@@jarrod1687 It's about the same as the RX. Honda limited the power output with the camshaft. The only parts change necessary is the camshaft, followers and the YELLOW intake springs from the RX parts catalogue. But the cam needs milled, watch "RideofLife" on where to mill or get the SDPH kit, with vortex and exhaust.
Stock gearing the front end gets up in first, second and light in third. Had to change to taller gearing to keep it sane and reduce RPM on the highway. It has about 9000 miles (14500Km). Have not checked valves, starts easy and I don't abuse it often. If you've only ridden it at 25hp it's going to be an eye opening experience.
Sounds like fun, that's a good amount kms to obviously still reliable. Mine just got exhaust and dynojet fuel adder plus derestricted intake so 40ish hp
@@jarrod1687 You can ditch the dynojet, the USA ECU (if it's still on the euro box change it out) tune has a lot of room to play with. The bike is rich from the factory and everyone crying "It's lean!" are misinformed. If it's popping on decel, it's the Pulse Air Injection Regulator. The PAIR valve adds air into the exhaust in the head just before the exhaust header to light the cat up and burn excessive fuel. If there is no fuel, there is no pop. Since there is pop, it's indication means the exhaust has fuel in it, which means it's rich.
I don't have an aftermarket ECU, I use the honda box with a DIY booster plug to skew intake temp down 20C. I actually need to alter it as it's VERY rich when it's cold out. Doing it this way keeps the fuel consumption and instant MPG meter accurate as it's not altering outside the ECU like a piggyback does.
I still get about 50-60mpg depending on how I ride and my work commute was 50 miles on the highway.
If Honda makes a CRF450L Rally with long service intervals and good suspension I’m in. Until then it just isn’t practical for ADV with long distances.
Many people think the same way.
With actual rally tanks too, low slung down the side of the bike and a rear tank add on if you want more.
Itchy boots had to rebuild her Honda Rally at around 35000km. I noticed this included a new gearbox output Shaft.
Now we don't know if perhaps the chain wasn't adjusted properly or perhaps gears weren't changed properly. However thats not what i would call a reliable motorcycle.
She's harder on that bike than most riders would be, and I wonder how much maintenance she really does with her busy traveling schedule. Possibly not very much at all since she's focused on editing and putting out videos.
@@churchofbrap876 it would probably be good to see how shonkey productions is going with his crf. He's probably clocked quite a few miles by now.
I don't think itchy boots has much of a clue about motorcycle maintenance
Bije's had a hard life.
Are folk still watching her...after Peru,I regarded her as an idiot, with her mask wearing stunt...things like that can get you killed in the 3rd World? I gave up with her after that,I'd rather give my time to people with some common sense!
Last ones in Europe(in Germany) had a 1/3rd off,they were only £6k British...was the time to buy one,still the same price 2nd hand!
Interesting.
Was tempted to buy one, before the announcement of re-release in 2024, looked at some 2018 models, with all the upgrades, thought I would hold off until the new one was released, unfortunately it seems it has all the same issues as the previous models, still an expensive upgrade...still tempted, but will wait until some upgraded ones appear on BikeSales...maybe will have a 690/701 before then
I still have my 701!
The 690/701 size bikes are in that range where theyre too big and heavy to take on fun and tight trails. It can be done on a 701 but it’s not enjoyable. Also, the 701/690 is good on the road but it’s not good enough to make up for the sacrifices on the trail. To me, the 701/690 doesn’t do anything good enough to warrant owning one. The crf450rl is nimble enough to be a blast on trails and it does the road well enough to make it fun. The 450 is the perfect compromise whereas the 690/701 just doesn’t make sense over the 450rl in any scenario
@@roycemartin9068Anything where you want the 10k Km service intervals (i.e longer trips). Whats a better trail bike with 10k KM service intervals?
@@roycemartin9068 I guess you are saying Dave is clueless for owning one. It has almost double the power of the 450RL, for 15kg more weight. I've been all over Australia on mine, including crossing the Simpson, and there is no bike I'd rather have. Head out on the Husky trek, and you will see loads of guys loving it on the trails. The 450 didn't sell last time and the 690/701's are everywhere in Australia, and they are more money to boot.
Thanks guys great review!
Our pleasure!
Interesting bike but can’t help but think for the price and time you would spend fixing all the fueling and power issues you would be better off with a KTM 500 . Better components and the engine is fairly good straight out the box also they both have fairly similar service intervals
Kato suspension is not nearly as good straight out of the box and the whole package is thousands more. I know, I've just built a 501 Rallye. Mind you I think it's worth it.
another advantage (for some) is that the CRF has a full rear subframe....yes this adds weight, but help in carrying options
Imagine if the 450 RL gets some full aftermarket rally kits like there are for the 690/701. Hopefully aftermarket can get ways of extending the service too, since Honda doesn't seem to care much.
Not happening. But a good dream.
One of the BMW K bikes had predictive maintenance calculator based on load, RPM, mileage, idling, sitting, ..., but I haven't heard anything since. Even BMW doesn't want to rewrite the legal document.
Yes, interesting.
That's a great idea
Timely video as I just caught up with the '24 dakar and was wondering how capable these 450's would be if used for ADV riding!
Awesome content mates and keep it up!
Glad it was helpful!
I’m with you on the oil change Dave.
I’d be fine at old man pace for sure.
Can you get a bigger clutch cover for more oil capacity like the 501s etc?
Don't know.
Rekluse has an increased capacity cover but I'm not sure how much more capacity it adds.
Yes you can, 200ml extra oil capacity
@@jarrod1687 that’s better than nothing I’d say.
A gentle rider should be able to stretch an adventure ride to 2k without freaking out that it will ruin the bike.
It’s a Honda after all.
My 300 SWM has 1800ml capacity with 2k service intervals but unfortunately I rarely get that many Kay’s in inside 12 months.
It’s not my only bike though, so it gets me through a year and that’s fine for me.
I believe you can buy oil suckers , that empty out the oil , without unscrewing the sump plug , they are about $130 …can buy them at marine shops.
Looking forward to the giant 450 comparo coming soon! 😉
You and me both!
Thanks for this video so informative awesome bikes cheers 🤙🍻🥳
Glad you enjoyed it! Tell your mates.
Do Tyres next, I find the stock Tyres are great for the black tar I mean really good. On anything that's loose look out.
I found stock tyres reasonable for what we were doing.
Had a 23 450RL last year. Couldnt take the throttle twitch so its gone. One of the riders in our group has a 300 rally, and i dont think the two compare. The 300 is heavy and clunky. The 450 is great once you get used to the throttle.
For adventure not dirt
Did you ever ride the standard crf300l? (Non rally version)
@JohnnyBoy919 never to either the rally or the plain 300l. Friend of mine had one but I never got a chance to ride it before he ditched it.
@@Sventy11 gotcha, I think with a suspension upgrade on the crf300l, it would be a much better bike.
@@Sventy11 adv 300l and 184racing on youtube, they ride the heck out of the 300l
I always wondered what happened to Clubbies 450L with the FMF and Vortex ? he just didn't gel with it ? The RL would be great, but the new gen bikes frame is a little rigid and the 6 speed isnt really any wider than the old X's 5 speed (waaaaay narrower than a 300L and even a 500exc). It's practically A-Kit suspension on a dual sport tho. Good job on the vid.
Thank you. We put a bit of effort in to providing a thorough review.
Both of these bikes will do the same things that they each took a different approach. The 250 and 300 rally our fantastic bikes and amazingly low maintenance. If you ride it like an old man they are fantastic, if you want to push it the budget parts show up immediately. The 450 L is much more performance oriented, It will also happily just ride around but When the pace picks up it is happy to do so But this comes at the cost of comparatively high maintenance.
Good points.
Dave and Clubby, just a thought, it would be a very interesting test to fit a VORTEX ECU ignition system to the Red Rooster and see how it compares. They don't make one for a 701 but it already has maps.
But I just thought maybe the Vortex and exhaust combo might liven the little red beast up? 😅
Yeah. It's just not worth the effort. We know of people that have done the head to heads between that and standard and there's not much in it.
Is it just an ECU swap?
great job gents thanks for sharing
Our pleasure! Tell your mates!
Also talk about a Fuel blader to help the 450, it needs it.
I had a fuel bladder with me just didn't talk about it.
The RL is an off road bike that needs the crap put on it to comply with emissions regs uncorked. Great bike, same old story. I have a 701, same thing, it is pure evil in tuned form.
The little 300 interests me as I love projects. With a proper ECU, pipe and suspension work I can see the 300 being a really cool do it all bike. I also see there are higher compression 301cc bore kits and other mods. Oh my 😆
A slippery slope to a cracking Red Rooster :)
I bought a 2022 brand new. Honda 450 RL Put the vortex in it rosharima pipe Low mirrors raised up the license plate and light way up underneath the fender New sprocket and counter sprocket and diamond o-ring gold chain. The suspension on this bike is the stiffest suspension I have ever had on any bike ever in history of my life Is stiffer than a covered wagon? I took it to the shop they reworked all of my suspension And the suspension is STILL!!!!! stiffer than a Flintstone car with absolutely no suspension. The suspension might as well be welded, solid front and back. If there was words to say about how bad this suspension is, I would say them. Even after I put $1000 into having the suspension Reworked. Other than that, I love the bike. I have had the bike now. 2 years and only have 160 miles on it. Honda should do a recall. I wish there was other words. I could tell you words to tell you how p***** off I'm about the suspension. Ex motocross racer and I probably rode every bike ever made for the dirt And have owned them to !!!!!!
You must weigh 50 kgs.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV NO 210 lbs
You obviously don't know the bike I have been Riding and racing my whole life. Most of my bikes have been Honda CR500s I love the big Bore my 92 CR500 I had the suspension reworked revolved And used to racing at carlsbad california Is the best suspension? I've ever rode on any bike in my life now. The same guy did suspension on both bikes. The new 2022 450 is the absolute worst suspension I've ever rode.My CR500 is absolutely the best i've ever rode And I told you I weigh 210lbs
I've had both bikes and no you won't be picking the 300, it's gutless and lacks suspension. 300 beats you to death when hitting trails or God forebid, jumps, I sold the 300 and my 450 is banging in every aspect of dirt riding, from SX, MX, to dirt scramblers and trails. P.S. you need to change out that bulky worthless turd of an exhaust pipe, it's heavy and loads the bikes power down.
Thanks
Another reviewer between the 300 rally and 450 rl said that the 450 doesn't feel lighter then the 300 rally despite the specs. Perhaps because the 450 COG is higher? Have you ridden a 690/701 and able to make comparisons between those and the 450rl?
I was really enjoying the video but right at the end it just cuts off abruptly mid interview. No wrap up or outro. Quite uncharacteristic of this channels normal videos.
The video had gone for 30 mins. The algorythm couldn't give a stuff about wrapping it up and I'm penalised for it. Crazy I know but not worth my while to produce those three mins.
I want to see a review and to put up against them crfs, frantic 450 rally which is a fancy wr450
Sorry mate can't do.
Great vid! Thanks
Glad you liked it! Tell your mates.
Great video fellas
Ive got a few more questions about the 450RL.
When the last one was released, few years ago, there was lots of discussion about weight, and reducing excess weight, eg engine guards etc - is that still the case.
Does the new model have a cush drive on the rear sprocket?
Could it be set up for trails, compete against EXCF, WR?
I dont know much about the Vortex, but can the standard bike be remapped to get better performance?
Engine guards still there but their job is to reduce noise of the engine. No cush drive. Yes it would be a good trail bike once derestricted. Yes, Honda do have an accessory
Great stuff as usual fellas.
I had a chance at two fully modified 450RL bikes when I "lucked into" my 501 at about a $3K savings with only 66 miles on it and in showroom condition. I could have gotten either 450 for $12K US. I've often thought I messed up buying the Husky because of the cost of mods, even with the substantial savings in initial purchase cost. I'm still looking for a Cush drive which the Honda comes with as standard. Maybe there is a savings because I haven't done a Vortex or equivalent.
I'd be interested in an in-depth comparo between the 450 & 501/500 platforms.
I'm about 99.44% sure the CRF450L/RL doesn't come stock with a cush drive, so you'd be looking for one either way. I think we both had KLX300s in the past. So we have a similar comparison there. I have the 450L but have ridden a KTM 500 on the road and in single track. My opinion of the two bikes is that the Honda is the better light ADV bike while the KTM/Husky is the more hardcore dirt bike with lights. After sorting out the twitchy throttle and flame-out issue with the Honda, all cured for my bike by the AIM ECU, my bike is a solid off-road focused dual-sport. It's heaps better than the KLX300 in every way, on road and off. The KTM, being lighter, was better than the Honda for technical single track. But for me, it just seemed too harsh, buzzing and vibrating too much for me to consider one for any sort of pavement riding besides a few miles of connecting trail. But maybe I'm just sensitive to that; plenty of others swear by the KTM/Husky platform. For technical single track, I have a Beta 2-stroke. For everything else, it's the CRF450L for me. It's proving to be my unicorn bike. As always, it's subjective. If you got your 501 for $3k savings over the Honda, I think you made a wise decision, and with the money you saved, you should be able to set it up for whatever you'd want to do.
I'm happy with my 501 and since modified for ADV is better than the CRF, but at a significant price.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV It is strange right now. Bikes aren’t moving like they were a year ago in the States.
My local Honda dealer has the 450 RL for $8999 before the other cost.
They were almost $11k a year ago.
I lucked out with my 501. It was traded in for a Pan America with only 66 miles on the 501. I got it for $10K us.
@@jwaller1327 That all makes sense. I got the Husky for $3K less than MSRP, and less than the two fully kitted out CRF450L bikes the dealership had. I've put plenty into grabbing the mod parts though after purchase and still haven't gotten the Cush drive and wheel. Honda might have changed it but I could have sworn that the 450 had a Cush drive or some kind of cushion going on at the rear. I could be wrong there.
Yep, we both had the KLX300. Which would have been fine for me except for all of the road riding I need to do to get to the dirt.
The 501 feels like I'm wringing its neck on the road but 75mph is doable with room to spare, in stock configuration. If I hang onto the 501 I'll have the ECU looked at.
Stay safe out there!
450L doesn't come with a cushion drive, it has a rubber ring around the big sprocket which some people think is a cush hub. The 501 is a better bike anyway, just more vibration. I've got a 450l that I use mostly on the road, if I was doing heaps of offroad I'd go a ktm/husqy
Super info! Thank you.
Omaha Nebraska
Our pleasure! Thanks. and Tell your mates!
I like the 450, 300 not so sure but the thing that gets me is, how much more advanced are these 2 bikes in comparison to the 20+ year old design of a DRZ 400 E ?
Apart from fuel injection and an extra gear, they don’t seem to be light years ahead, similar weight, power and price new but a 10 or 15 year old DRZ is mega cheap, just curious about your opinion as I bought a new DRZ middle of last year and love the bike, bar risers, safari 17 litre tank allowing 380 klm range, pannier racks and that is about it, less than $13000.
The drz400 is a brilliant bike.
Someone revoke this dudes ride card, crocs are war crimes
I agree!
I got one. I love it👍😄
They are a good thing.
How do you think the Kawasaki KLX 300 stacks up against the Honda 300 Rally? Great job on the 450 comparison. I'm always looking for that next bike but for now I'll stick with my 701.
I've kept my 701.
Love the review, thanks boys. I own a 2019 450l with a vortex but still have stock exhaust. Would b interested in trying the Barrett exhaust out but the vortex only has settings listed for fmf and yoshimura systems. Would be very interested to know what settings Chris Watson is running with the vortex as vortex has nothing listed. Any info would be great appreciated. Thanks 14:36
I won't be catching up with Chris for a while.
Does the 450L vibe less than an early 690? What about a later one with the double balanced motor?
Nope and I own a 701
I’d personally like to see a comparison between an older model verse a new model, comparing 2 new bikes when 1 has had significant upgrades to make it better doesn’t really make sense to me like of course it’s going to be better that’s why the upgrades were done . My question is …. How much better is the 2024 450RL against my beloved 2006 450X ? Is the power as brutal as mine or has it been dulled down or is it even more brutal and I’m just a 🐱🤣🤣
Not happening on this channel. The next Honda we test will be the Africa Twin.
Hi al, hope you're well, how about a series of videos for suspension for dummies.
If you look at our bike build series and there's been a number of them, there's a heap of detail.
$17,330 to adventure equip the bike with a range of 6.8 litres per hundred ks and a rebuild interval of 30,000kms full top and bottom end specs from Honda. How could this possibly be rated at all as a adventure bike? Ticking time bomb like any other 450s oil change every 1000 km what about valve clearance 🤔 cant see how anyone being happy with this bike after one year of owner ship
Jim, don't get hung up on this 1000km, that's in race conditions. That said, both Clubby and I see it as a 5 dayer if your going to take the excellent dirtbike into the realm of adventure.
1000k service intervals and top end rebuild due at 32000k is a deal breaker . It's not a duel sport its just an overweight enduro bike. I predict this bike will discontinued once again,and for the same reason money 🤑 it won't sell enough units.
Time will tell. I love the suspension and handling.
Wondering if the 450RL is coming to Europe?? I really hope so. Does anyone know?
Sorry mate, I don't
Last ones were sold 4yrs ago,the Germans were selling them off for £6Grand(£9600 in the UK)...you can get a Gas Gas EC500 on zero percent these days, for that money, £9600...only option is to buy one in the USA or Canada and import it!
Spend a little more and just get the 690/701.
For adventure? Yep I'm there with you.
100%. Pair with a ktm 300 tpi and you have best of both worlds. 450L is good if you can only have 1 bike. 690 not lams approved though if that applies to you
Where to carry xtra gallons of oil n wre to dump it whn on big adventures wh using 450???
Can you please test the Kove 450 rally!
We'd love to, they're just not in the country yet.
Considering a Barrett exhaust now as an alternative to FMF. I have a vortex currently, are there any different maps for different brand exhaust (as the vortex has Yoshi / FmF only) ??
I think so, but not sure.
I have the 2022 rl ,kept it stock cause im not the best rider yet, wanted to get to know the bike first,you think bike will last longer if i dont put aftermarket ecu on it?
No.
What is the Yamaha rumour you mentioned
400 ADV. Been around for years, comes and goes.
Hi Dave, out of interest, how do rate the Honda450RL with the mods compared to your Husky FE-501 ? Thanks.
Both are excellent. I lean towards the Husky because the engine isn't as noisy as the 450 when putting around. However it really is close. The suspension on the Honda is brilliant straight out of the showroom. Lots to think about.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thanks. Appreciate your feedback.
Lots of talk about the Vortex. Does the RL come with a derestricted inlet manifold. The original restricted L had a massive restriction.
Fitting a Vortex alone won't free it up.
That easily slips out.
Easily slips out to be replaced with an open inlet manifold sure, but it's a new part that needs to be ordered from Honda. I'm guessing it isn't supplied. My L came with it and the unrestricted Honda ECU from new.
I'm pretty confident when you purchase these bikes that will be included with the sale. @@dewimtbmoto
👍👍👍@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV
Would it be fair to say the 450RL is smack bang in the middle of a 500 and a 690? In terms of feel/vibrations/weight etc? Or would you say closer to a 500? At $17-18k with mods you're at 690/701 prices.
Nope. It's below them both. Engine noisier, but bloody good suspension straight out of the box. Swings and round abouts.
Hi, as a CRF450LX 2019 owner, I was really looking forward to watching this, but I was really disappointed :(
I was hoping for a bit more detail, and what's the go with only having 1 RL with a Vortex, with the standard pipe, and not anFMF or Yoshi pipe !!!!
There was no mention of the settings on the Vortex, but to be getting high usage figures, it must have been set maximum rich, like #8 or #9. I get about 5l/100k, with a Vortex & FMF pipe.
As for the Chris Watson "edition" (I bought mine from his store, btw), nobody is really going to want to spend that much, I give the RL a year or 2, and it'll be gone again.
Sad :(
amte, it wasn't a Vortex review! We could only test two bikes. You're hard to please.
Vortex has like 9 maps pre installed, it's a no brainier, u just turn the dial on side of ECU to map # you want.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVtough crowd eh? Ignore these guys who are overly demanding. U guys do some of the best reviews.
It suited as a weekend bike with its 1000km service range. Dave are you not using your infatuation vest any longer?
We need to talk about the vest. I just haven't got around to it.
what about the modified CRF300L you guys built vs the 450RL built?
We discuss that at the end of the video. Maybe you didn't watch it that far :(
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV I did just got excited, fired too early
Is the 450rl, the 500exc without vibration?
I hate that vibrations...
For me it was the 1st reason to get the 690.
On long days on the highway.
The 500 doesn't like freeway. Neither does the 450. That's not what they do.
@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV so is no advantage with the honda?
They said that it has a lot of insulation ... isn't it?
No love for the 300l?
Cheers
We just like the screen on the rally for protection and mounting stuff.
Is this the bright/paupunka area ? awesome place.
Yep
Why don't Honda offer that suspension on the Rally
Good point. It's made to a price.
Do both bikes have the same tooth stock sprockets?
I don't know, but you're forgetting gear ratios in the mix.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV to elaborate, if the bike with the mods had a bigger tooth sprocket in the rear lets say then it may make it more responsive down lower. you mentioned the difference it performance when one rider could do a section in second gear but the other could do it in third. I just wondered if they were both "stock" sprockets. If the rear sprocket on the modded bike was 1 or even 2 teeth bigger that may explain it. If both bikes have "stock" sprockets then the VORTEX ECU would truely be the reason why the mod bike could do it in third.
How can that cost $14k when compared to the 750 Transalp for $16k
That;s a completely different beast designed for comofrtably cruising the alps.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV yep, understand it’s a different bike for different purpose, but what you get for similar money. Bigger engine, twin cylinder, means greater emissions control, electronics, bigger tank, more robust plastics. Can’t see how the cost to manufacture both bikes would be similar
Is Clubby dyeing his hair?
no
450rl or husky fe501s
My 501 is in the shed. Have a look at that build on this channel.
If you do mostly offroad, go 501. If you do a lot of road riding 450L
So is there actually any difference between the old 450L and the “new” 450 RL?
No idea.
Here in the US they just renamed it RL for 2021 model year and gave it all red plastics with some minor mapping changes, but it's pretty much the exact same bike as the 2019-20 L model.
I just sat on the 2024 Honda CRF450RL yesterday here in the U.S. Honda, I’ll take my new Honda in the form of a 2025 450 rally, PLEASE!!! The 2024 CRF450RL seat hurt after 3 minutes! Why punish your customers so badly with terrible seats, as a reward for buying Honda products?!
Yes that seat.
I think Honda is simply saving money by utilizing the MX bike seat rather than designing and manufactuiring a new design. Maybe Honda secretly owns stock in Seat Concepts!
How does it compare to 500 EXC ?
Good questions. I own a Husky 501. A lot more dollars for the 500 but a better bike. But to get equivalent suspension performance you're going to have to spend at least 1,500 to 2,000 on the kato. The Honda's suspension is that good.
I had the 450 and sold it in short order. The seat was horrendous, so I bought a Seat Concepts. The fueling (I thought) sucked, so I bought a Vortex ECU and complete FMF exhaust. Ran better with more power, but still sucked - I think the real problem is that the bike lacks flywheel. After dumping a couple grand + in the bike I still couldn't stand riding it. The engine vibration was just ridiculous. The bike always felt like it was tearing itself apart. Riding sitting down for any length of time and I would get blurry vision and bad headache. Yes, I know it is a thumper. I have been riding for 47 years, and owned most of the more common ones including a couple of DR400s, a couple of EXC500Fs, a couple of DR650Ss, a WR250R and X, 690 Super Moto, etc.
The bike was a huge disappointment. Then you get a few extra pokes in the eye that rubber monstrosity on the rear sprocket that makes lubing the chain a PITA, the plastic engine cover that slows down the excessive oil changes that are required, and on my bike, the excessively harsh forks which I could not get to loosen up adequately with the clickers. It almost felt like they were binding.
Never been happier to sell a bike.
Completely opposite experience that I had. Did similar mods (Vortex, FMF, Seat Concepts), also added a flywheel weight, and now I love the bike. It's a hoot as a supermoto too!
Very interesting the differences in experience.
You must have had incorrectly torqued engine mounts, these bikes are smooth as butter compared to every other 450. No 450 comes with a decent either, the plastic cover is 3 bolts- takes 10 seconds to rattle off, GET ECU works heaps better the vortex in terms of excessive engine braking and tuning ability. As for forks they run too stiff of springs in them, even with compression clicker all the way soft it's still non compliant and harsh even for myself at 97kg, rear spring too soft. You can easily double the service intervals using full synthetic oil, at 2000kms my oil (300v) looks great. Valves don't move unless you're doing mx style riding always on the limiter. Better bikes out there if you are doing mostly offroad riding
You must have had incorrectly torqued engine mounts, these bikes are smooth as butter compared to every other 450. No 450 comes with a decent either, the plastic cover is 3 bolts- takes 10 seconds to rattle off, GET ECU works heaps better the vortex in terms of excessive engine braking and tuning ability. As for forks they run too stiff of springs in them, even with compression clicker all the way soft it's still non compliant and harsh even for myself at 97kg, rear spring too soft. You can easily double the service intervals using full synthetic oil, at 2000kms my oil (300v) looks great. Valves don't move unless you're doing mx style riding always on the limiter. Better bikes out there if you are doing mostly offroad riding
It is a great bike, but an ADV? Better pack oil for the oil changes you’ll have to do mid-trip
I'm not quite with you on that. There are a couple of great adventures in Australia that you'd cover around 1,500 km and I'd be happy with the same oil.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Yes there certainly are short trips worth doing, but I’m saying the only way to do long trips is to do oil changes on the trip
Some guy did tests on the oil, 3000 ks was OK according to him. @@MotoVania
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thanks, I will be sure to compare and consider the recommendations of Honda Engineering and “some guy”
They were professional oil tests. I have the data. I will publish on the community page. You need to chill a little on your language. @@MotoVania
is this the bike itches boots ride?
Itchy rides the Honda CRF300 RAlly
Itchy Boots’ 300 Honda has had the engine totally rebuilt - twice! Maybe not the best example of reliability….🕊️
She's not going down to the shop for coffee.
After how many kilometers? Come on now.
@@poeticschemes Check out her videos: first time was in Canada and the second was by a brilliant street mechanic in an African country🕊️Not sure but I think the bike is still under 40,000 km.
@@ernier9033 her bike has been absolutely flogged….over heated…low on coolant….helper guy fried the clutch…the motor is well known to be bullet proof….wide open all day for a very very long time.
@20:55 You heard a whisper there might be a Yamaha? Don’t play games with my heart please. I would sell my first born for a Yamaha 450.
so would I
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVit's bizarre how Yamaha is completely ignoring this segment of the market. Discontinued the WR250R with no replacement, and no 450 dual sport or smaller ADV bike either. They're missing out big time.
6.8 ltr / 100 k is a THIRSTY single. Even the brain flash on the T7 only pushed it to around 5.3 / 100
I've got my T700 way higher than that. Particularly in the Vic High Country with steep assents at full noise.
A KTM 500EXCF/Husky501FE is already better out of the box , adventurizing it is cheaper than this CRF4500RL.
A big call. If you look on this Chanel I’ve adventured a 501 and mate it’s a LOT more than that
I would like to understand why you call 'adventure' bike to a bike that requires oil and filter changes every 1000km. This is the amount of km that an adventurer could do every 2-3 days ...
We are not calling it an adventure bike but many will convert it to one even knowing the service intervals