Honda CRF450L proper long distance review
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- It's too expensive! The service intervals are too short!
Everyone wants to complain about the new Honda CRF 450L, so Dave took one on a 4000km road and trail ride from the UK to Morocco. Could it be the perfect trail bike, or is everyone else right?
I have always been a Yamaha man but this Honda is what i have always dreamed of. Thank you Honda. Wake up Yamaha.
Same here man. Grew up riding Yamaha 250 4 strokes and daily drive a supermoto WR450F to work. If they would release that damn 700 I would buy it immediately - even more so, a WR450R.
I'd never waste money on a 25bhp bike what a load of shit,I'd rather buy a CRF450R and put lights on or buy a KTM 525.
Yamaha blows the wheels off this weak slow turd.
@@snkneo-geo933 not 25 hp in america 😂 more like 40 and with an exhaust and tune 55 hp its a 450 not a bicycle haha the ktm 500 exc put out 41 hp on the dyno and the crf450l is 38.5 stock to the wheel not a bunch of difference really
@@maximlevesque9916 Why waste money on a 450L and spend a fortune tunning it when u can just go and buy the Motorcross version lighter quicker 🤦♂️
This video convinced me to buy my CRF450L, and 6 months later I'm still loving it. Thanks a lot Dave for putting in the mileage and reporting back. Being new to trail riding I didn't think I'd go the 450 route, but have to agree it feels like the bike is looking after you at every turn. For a typical UK rider exploring the local lanes it's more than enough machine, as well as something I can grow into as my skills improve. Also a big thanks to the motley crew at Adventure Spec for all the helpful content, it's much appreciated.
Thanks Mike! Glad you are enjoying the bike. :-)
awesome review! you convinced me to take my 2021 crf450rl on a 2,000 mile trip thru MN, WI, Mi with buddies that all have big adventure bikes
Did you consider the T7?
Thank you for sharing the kind of riding you were doing, especially with pictures of each. It backs up your opinion immsensely for actual dualsport riders. All too often we see some dualsport rider taking his bike "off road" on some gravel or dirt road that any suv can handle.
This by far the best review I’ve watched for this motorcycle! You’ve convinced me that this will fit my needs perfectly. Thank you!
Yeah me too, I was looking for more of a streetbike but this fits my needs perfectly
Now give us a CRF450L Rally Honda, we want! 😁
I would buy one so fast. tune down the engine and give us better service intervals. Yamaha Tenere 500 would be sick too
Just picked one up here in the USA. I freaking love this bike!
Have you done many road miles on it? I want to leave from home to jump to the CA forests and desert 🌵. Thanks!
I cannot believe you did that distance with that seat. You are a hero. I sat on one in the dealership here and couldn’t get over how much it felt like a narrow piece of lumber on the arse. And I thought my stock wr250r seat was bad! Iron butt indeed...
you do know that you are supposed to stand up on the trails ?
I was almost convinced that a KTM690 was going to be the bike I buy...until I watched your review. Thanks for the comparison and detailed ride report about the CRF. You covered all of my concerns and more. It also helps that Honda is significantly dropping the price on it's leftover 2019s here in the US. That checks the last box for me.
Love the down to earth style and great to see a good UK/European review looking at the trails we have.
Thanks for watching
Thank you for such an honest and useful real-world review! I rode the CRF 450L for a day at the Dave Thorpe off-road centre and came to similar conclusions.
I'm convinced now that with some modifications I could take it round the world!
Well that’s it, Dave, you’ve blown it..! I don’t want to watch any more bike reviews - unless it’s you doing them!!! 😂
That was so genuine and down to earth, that I’m going to pay my deposit on one tomorrow! I will though be getting the bits to up the power to the US model PDQ! Well done Dave. 😊
Wow...thank you...
Great review John, most reviews are from riders that havn't done the miles or properly tested the bike. Folks you don't need a large cc motorbikes that are heavy and difficult to handle/maneuver. You can still have alot of fun & cover big miles on smaller cc bikes.
Great review. You touched on the reasons why I sold my 701E. The bigger husky was a blast, especially with a sumo conversion, but I didn’t enjoy it on tight single track. Which is mainly all the riding in my area. Sounds like this is on the list to compare to the KTM 500.
Thanks for the solid info
I have a XR650L and I was just going to upgrade to this when I found out I have two herniated discs in my neck, now I can't ride offroad really sucks! enjoy your health while you have it!
Shit I feel for you mate. Can't they fix er up so you can get back on the horse?
Dale Admire Godspeed on a full recovery
@@kingcrumpet I guess, but the bad thing is they may have to fuse two of my neck vertebrae together and there's so many nerves involved, it's very risky, I'm just going to try to be very careful for a while and keep my XR on the street. Thank you for asking, I'm just glad I can go back to work again on Monday!
@@oldtimer3824 thank you very much! treasure your health while you have it, because when you don't, nothing else matters.
@@daleadmire1451, that sucks but you make it sound like you have terminal cancer! It will heal with the proper physical therapy. If all else fails have the surgery and get back on the bike! Good luck!
What an EXCELLENT video and INCREDIBLE journey "THANK YOU!" I am 64 yrs old, I've been riding since 16. I have been away from dirt bikes for thirty years but "Today" I was at a Honda dealer sitting on the CRF450L and the XR650L, I must admit the extra four thousand dollars for the CRF450L makes a difference "HOWEVER" I am so impressed with the CRF450L. I can get either....leaning toward the XR650L (had an XR600R thirty years ago)...so nostalgia comes to play, but wouldn't be surprise if I wound up purchasing the CRF450L....Thank you again..(PS Just came back from Andalusia)
Great review, different angle to all the others. Very clear presentation to camera, easy to watch. Keep it up! 👌
Thanks, this is a new idea for us and the feedback so far has been really positive. We're glad you like it.
Waiting for honda crf 450l rally af!
That rally front end would make a huge difference on the highway
Me too
Brilliant review Dave, lots of very pertinent points made. I hope you get a chance to do a similar test of the AJP PR7, I rode one the other day and was extremely impressed. For my money at £8500 it it offers far better value than the Honda as a straight out of the box genuine adventure bike, which like the KTM 690, delivers a lot more power for at least the same fuel economy and particularly in the case of the PR7 wit it's 17 litre tank, greater range. I completed the extended 7,500 mile TAT on in 2015 on a 2015 690 and it was flawless, perfect off road and super smooth on road cruising at 90mph with power to spare whilst delivering 64 MPG. I totally get this Honda, but really struggle to find the justification for the price.
For £8500 you can buy the PR7 and not have to spend anything at all on upgrades, it even has a screen and GPS fitted, along with a massive under seat tank (KTM copied that from AJP not the other way around BTW) and a really comfortable seat. The Husky 630 derived 600 cc engine on board is bulletproof and you can get to everything to work on it, unlike the KTM. For instance the fuel pump is conveniently located (along with an easy to service external fuel filter) on top of the tank, not under it and the fuel tank as in the KTM. Every serviceable part of the bike is accessible without taking the whole bike apart. For instance, swapping a water pump would be a breeze in the unlikely event you had to do it. The only bike out there today you could fix at the side of the road.
It is a toss up for me between a 2019 highly improved KTM690 or the PR7 but stuff like a fuel filler in front of you in the normal place and an a air filter you can remove in seconds on top of the tank so no disassembly of the bike is required make the PR7 tempting. It also has a big Samsung 7 tablet mounted so you can either use it with GPS apps or benefit from a full screen version of whatever phone or GPS you link it too. To get the Honda to this spec (tank, screen, seat, GPS and suspension tuning) would cost at least £1500 making it £2500 more expensive for half the power and near identical weight as the PR7.
The major sticking point on the Honda is the RIDICULOUS oil change intervals. The 690 is in a much higher state of tune (now 75 BHP!) yet only requires 6000 mile changes and valve checks. The AJP PR7, again in a higher state of tune (50 OR 60 BHP depending on standard or race spec) requires 5000 mile changes and valve checks. Even the KTM 500 EXC oil changes are frequently extended to 1000 to 1500 miles as I found out talking to many long term owners in the USA with 10 to 15k miles on their pistons, and that is a 60BHP bike! It is not credible that a 25 bhp 450 requires 600 mile oil changes and 1800 mile valve checks in my book.
A Yamaha WR250R produces 30BHP, has 3000 mile oil changes 6000 mile oil filter changes and 28,000 mile valve checks, weighs less and costs the dollar equivalent of £6000. Hello?
Sorry but every single tester of the Honda 450 seems to be making excuses for it and somehow justifying massive short comings that would be laughed at on any other brand.Would a KTM or a AJP which weighed 289 lbs and produced 25 BHP with 600 mile service intervals be regarded as anything but a bad joke?
.
Honda is totally robbing people considering that they are now producing bikes in Taiwan, India and China for our market.....
Perfect review! you know how to review. this is the first guy I found speaking with percentages, finally. perfect!
What a wonderful comprehensive overview. I was just looking at this bike and wondering about its performance. Thank you..
"bike looks after you". Exactly how I feel about my '18 CRF250 Rally.
In Australia we get the European and USA ECU with the bike. So as you would expect I run the USA ECU with 38hp. I’ll change the muffler and header pipe and possibly get the Vortex ECU to really unlock the power that’s in this engine. This is an incredible bike.
It's a great bike with the extra power
I have the KTM 690 and I have not bonded with it for a few reasons. 1)noisy 2)heavy 3)exhausting on tarmac 4)expensive to maintain 5)expensive to modify. I agree that more power is not better and would trade some power for some comfort. I would buy the bike in second if it came in rally trim and the mods needed for travel wouldn’t break the bank. I am looking at new bikes now, so I will go see if I can test one out. Thanks for the review, it was helpful.
I feel your pain on the 690/701.
I'm not sure about what you would consider 'the mods made for travel' or 'rally trim'...but, after I rode the CRF in Morocco I was so impressed with it that we have been working on a set of kit to turn the bike into a longer distance machine.
We're making really good progress and expect to have something available by the end of March. We've deliberately kept prices right down on these pieces and are really excited by how the bike is looking. Keep an eye on our Facebook page over the next few weeks for some pretty cool images of our test pieces being ridden...
What did you settle for after the 690 ?
@@Automan9 I bought a Honda Africa Twin DCT that I put about 10k miles on in 18 months. Heavier, but much more comfortable. I finally sold it after a crash where it landed on my leg. I had to wait a half an hour for my buddies to miss me and return to get the bike off my leg. No major injuries, but just the realization that bicycles are not so heavy…
@@MonoLake02 hope we didnt lose you forever!
Great honest review . The L has been discontinued here in Australia not sure everywhere else . RL now here .
Amazing review! More of that please. Greeting from Bavaria
Outstanding. Thanks, that is exactly what I needed to know. Thank you for your work with this bike. Excellent review
You know any RUclips video that starts with cup of tea is going be good long video😄 great review.
for 10k, i think a long review is worth the watch! Im considering this as my first bike, over here in the us.
The first comment I see is about tea on a video with "proper" in the title. Not disappointed.
Edit: Sorry Ziltoid didnt mean to @ you lol
@@elysianesports8082 no worriers. I bought one yesterday for 10.252 otd. In the US we get about 40 something HP which is a little bit better. Im counting on this bike to last me a while, ive just found starting out with low end deals isnt ideal for me in the long run. Hope it woks out!
@@ziltoid3663 Thats not bad at all. The only thing im not liking is the 600 mile oil changes (but its not that big of a deal). Ive got about 5k to put on a 2nd hand bike. Im torn between TE610/630, and drz400/crf450l.
@@elysianesports8082 I got mine last night. Still learning how to start out and brake.
This review had great influence on me buying this bike.
Thanks for choosing Giant Loop for your adventure Dave!
I picked mine up back in November 19. When I first rode it the throttle was twitching and stalled often. Now after breaking it in that has stopped. This is, to me the best all around bike money can buy!
That was an excellent, clearly articulated and usefully objective review. Thank you. 👍
Thanks!
This is the review of this bike I've been looking for. Thanks so much.
Great summary of this bike, I’m currently looking at something to fit both spaces, dont want a 300 racer or a 690 and this may just hit the nail on the head. Your reviews been really useful thanks!
This video freaked me out. I thought those birds were in my house. Scared the hell out of me.
I live in Norway and the Honda cost 11.580 GBP over here, so its a no go for me.. considering a new 701is "only" 10.700 GBP.
A street legal Husqvarna FE 450 is 10.000 GBP..
And after owning both a -16 husky 450 and the -17 701 im a little woried about the 25hkr.
Good honest review from your side.. thanks!
This is all about having a discussion and hopefully showing manufacturers that those of us who prefer smaller bikes for longer distance / more technical riding have more choice. I hope being honest can help us with that.
Your so lucky to live in Norway, wonderful people, beautiful land ,don't let what happened to Sweden, happen to you!!
@@daleadmire1451 Don't worry, it's in the process of happening here in Norway as well. Ah, at least we'll still have the beautiful scenery.
Expensive . . but its a Honda so it will go forever!
@@daleadmire1451 what happened to Sweden?
I have a CRF450L here in the USA, and let me tell you, this thing is a beautiful beast! My WR250R feels like a moped compared to this hotrod. The looks are ascetically pleasing, as well as the balance/power delivery. I am SO happy I picked this bike over the KTM/Husky 500/1! My only other option would be the Beta 390 RRS, being that it is incredibly light, but that bike leans a bit away from the onroad and toward more offroad, so that really just doesn't work in my location.
Don't know why you'd want a 250 as your dream off-road bike: for me it would be at least a 450 all the way (used to ride & love a CCM 644). I've watched Itchy Boots on a CRF 300 for the last couple of years, but I weigh twice as much as her so I think a 450 is a minimum for me (or the KTM 690). Curious that the CRF 300 has a 4000 mile service interval and the 450 just 600! You're right about the weight issue, lighter the better, but given the price and service intervals it has to be the KTM. I've got long legs and plenty of strength so I'm prepared to tough out the weight issue when it gets gnarly. Good film, I value your experience even if I don't agree with your conclusions and you've helped me make up my mind.
Thanks for watching!
I just bought one. I love that it pulls wheelies with just rolling on the throttle in first and second gear. I also love that it is a proper off road bike. It gave me the confidence needed with how great the suspension is to hit whoops for the first time. I use to just roll through them and now I'm skimming the tops of them.
Europe version pulls power wheelies on 1 and 2 stock?
Great review. I have not ridden it nor I am brand loyal. I like how you clearly described what it is good at and why, if you are looking for something else, you might not be happy. Nice job.
Awesome review!!! I just bought a KTM 450 6 days, which is a exc, and I feel the same way about. You can do it all. I put fmf exhaust on it and then took it back off. I like the quiet ride. I also have a 1200 GS and I've had several bikes in the 650 range and could not get happy. I'm finally happy. I did however install XC gear, mako and spurs. So that helped with the vibs, also fastco brass bar insert and seat concepts. I can stay off this bike. I think Honda is smart to play in this area, and they make great bikes.
Also, I subscribed. I think it's the only time I've done that in youtube, as much time as I spend on here. I like your no BS reviews.
what an amazing and informative and very, very well done review (clear conscious, knowledgeable and entertaining ) thank you so much.. looking for an enduro bike. On a RMZ 250 now (rode track for years and some trails) and want to ride to trails on freeway and be able to ride when i go off road like you would on a 250 mx bike (or as close as possible) . Looked at some KTM 350 and 500 and by this review and your knowledge i know this bike is much better . Great way to do a "linear line" to see where different bikes land. I agree with your thoughts on the Honda 250, adventure bikes. Thanks again....
Don’t buy KTM for road use they are no good for the road they only last 5000 kms on the great for bush but not a dual sport bike
Great review thanks, Good to hear all the likes and don't likes...Just finished a 14,000km ride through South America, Much poff road much high altitude on my Africa Twin....very good capable machine but heavy for real adventurous stuff that I was reluctant to do because of it...this may be an alternative, but as mentioned the comfort and maintenance intervals are something that need consideration. Cheers
Great video for me! at last someone who explain what the bike are meant for, not just performance
Thanks!
Thank you for a concise, honest review. Very well done.
I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I don't ride in the same terrain that you encounter, nor do I go those distances. I ride typical Kentucky, USA terrain, so I'm a DR650 guy, with no complaints. Thanks for the video.
Just bought one because of this Video.
did you liked it?
@@albertoharres2670 No , i recently sold it due to the spokes corroding after a few outings and wasnt impressed with "made in china" stamped under the seat.
@@steves5382 thanks
Very well done review! I've ridden one and loved it. I just cannot get past the price. Maybe when a used one comes along. IMO a 7k price point for a trail bike like this.
That's exactly what they cost here in South Africa. 120 000 Rand which is £ 7000.
Great review. I’m actually in the market for a dual sport and hadn’t considered the 450L...maybe I’ll go sit on one
See if you can get a test ride...definitely worth a day of your life.
Great review Dave. I found Suzuki DRZ400 also does surprisingly well for this type of riding. Not sure if you have them in the UK.
One of my favourite ever bikes. I managed over 50000km on them off-road between 2005 and 2010. So sad we can't get them here any more, particularly the E model...
Is that bike still being produced?
Thanks for doing this review. nice to see from a person who is actually riding the bike as apposed to keyboard heroes. not necessarily my cup of tea but good information to have. from a 690, 450x and 800xcx rider. and yes I race them all off road. horses for courses. cheers.
James, it's all about helping people to understand what this bike is. It's not for everyone, but there is a lot of nonsense spoken about it!
Did a similar journey in 1990 on a blue 1987 XT600 Tenere. No issues apart from two punctures. Wish they still made bikes like that.
Ahhh, the old 1VJ Tenere! I had one of those and rode down to Morocco on it many moons ago. My only regret...? I sold it when I got back. Big mistake.
Great review. That trip looked fantastic, look forward to hearing more and seeing the GPX tracks for some inspiration and trip planning. 👍🏻
The full writeup is on its way over the next two weeks!
Thanks for a great, honest review.
I saw one at my local Honda dealer here in Dallas, and immediately fell in love with it.
The service interval is no problem for me.
The price is a bit steep, but justifiable, since the bike is designed to do exactly what I want it for.
The music at the end of this video was excellent. Can you give a link to it?
Hit The Trail
Excellent review. You packed a ton of detail in but made it interesting -- and you took a stand and explained it. I have viewed and read a lot about the 450L but I feel that I know the bike better now.
Thank you.
Awesome review was thinking about the 250 rally or the 450l just price and oil intervals the sticky points. Can’t wait for the final review. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks!
Don't let oil change intervals be the sticky point, it just isn't that big of a deal and if you are just riding around then 20-25 hours isn't a big stretch. I have a 500exc with 17,000 km (400hrs and all original motor) mostly off road use in rallies and the oil changes are not a big deal at all. I don't even pull the skid plate, just pull the drain, screen and replace the filter, not even a 1 beer job.
Wonderful video. Thanks for the breakdown ❤
Watched the vid again because I suspected that I might have missed the point. Your point was, I think, simple and light gives more freedom to explore. I would be interested in anything you might have to say about your travel philosophy. Thanks again for the vid...
You have nailed my point exactly. For me having the freedom to explore matters more than anything else, it's the only reason I go on these trips.
I think my ideas are based around trying to do things with my free time that allow me to achieve a kind of inner peace that modern life doesn't allow me. These are just my opinions, but I feel that although humanity has progressed almost unimaginably over the last few 100 years, essentially human evolution hasn't really caught up. I feel like I'm not really made to cope with the world I inhabit almost every day.
For me, owning less and having the freedom to move from place to place using my innate (and mostly dormant) skills developed over 100's of thousands of years of evolution to quickly solve problems as they present themsevles feels very natural and satisfying.
So maybe you could say that it's about my way of scratching a natural and very old itch?
A year late to watch this, but an honest, well rounded review...
i love my yamaha blue adventure spec skid plate for my tenere 700! i got really excited when i just now learned you do videos like this. customer for lifffffeeeeeeeee
Brilliant review. Thanks for the input, I really needed this honest assessment.
Thank you!
Solid review vid with a good perspective on the Honda. I'm excited to see new entrants in the small DS bike category and with the range of bikes falling into the off road capable/worthy 400 - 500 cc category there is something for everyone's particular taste. Look forward to seeing some builds for the Honda.
Great honest review. It’s a great motorcycle. It’s a fun bike.. Is it worth 10.4k, Yes.... I would buy another one for my kids, if my wife wouldn’t kill me. A gentlemen in the US got his to 45hp at the wheel. He has a aftermarket filter, Yosi exhaust and booster plug. First stock pull was 38hp.
Jerry Perez in Europe then have 25 stock
You make a good point about quiet ! Its important. Well said
Hi great reviews.
What is your opinion about the new 300L vr 450L?
Wow be great if you could a video about it.
Many thanks.
eak power is 38.21 hp and 7,360 rpm and 28 pound-feet of torque at 6,510 rpm. Taken from cycleworld magazine
Thanks for the review, I'm thinking of getting one and it helped
Fantastic review. I keep coming back to see this. Very informative, but those damn birds get me everytime.
Great review Dave. While it's not the best dirt bike but it's up there in contention for the best dual sport. Needs a seat, tank and windscreen unfortunately. As a life long dual sport rider I share your perspective and appreciate your content. Hopefully someday we see a de-tuned 500cc Rally version.
Sweet review, done quite thoroughly. Thank you!
Very helpful, great words and explanation, thank you :D I'm really tempted now.......
For the power issue, Honda has a "Sport Pack" which is an airbox manifold + an ECU change that is completed by the dealer. 45hp on tap, but it may not meet the local regulations for road use.
Love your work and respect your opinions- but that seat is awful for 99.9% of the people who sit on it.
But your integrity is so solid that I actually believe you just might be that 0.1%
Great video mate. Yes the big Adventure bikes like the GS and Africa Twin, are too heavy for a trip like you just did. I have a WR250R which is another great bike to consider, in this class of light-weight, dual-sport, small adventure bikes. I'm tempted to upgrade to the CRF450L, which is 40+ hp in Australia, but the Honda is significantly higher in price compared to the Yammy. It would be good to see a bit more competition come out in the future.
WR250 R with a Seat concepts seat, and a Safari tank, is an ideal Adventure bike, more than enough power off road, and happy to do 100-110 kmph.
Seat Concepts seats are superb...agreed. Lots of people are commenting about the WR250's. I feel like I should try one for my next trip!
Fake news. I had one for a year, was pretty horrible on highway/motorways. Not enough power on the dirt. Good if you want to take it very, very slow.
@@davejhlomax loved the video great honest review i would really like a honda 450 seems a great bike i have a wr250r never done any long trips on it but an all round brilliant bike you should really try one
The DRZ400SM fit with dirt wheels/tires is STILL the best thing going in the 'tweener niche. Take the $4000 you save & nuse it on upgrades & a trip!! Comparable hp/torque (modded, these can reach 60+ hp), same mpg, fully adjustable front & rear suspension, normal motorcycle service intervals, bigger stock tank, parts everywhere, huge aftermarket support, cruise down the road at 85 mph. Yeah, it's 25 pounds heavier but after installing a bigger tank and packing some luggage for any bike you buy in this segment, does it honestly matter?!
What bike? Very difficult question. I'm a trail rider in the UK and my usual ride is a 150-300 mile loop on off road legal trails and roads in between. My long term trail bike is a 2005 KTM 525 MXC that I've had from 2005. It has been ultra reliable with the only issues in more than 43,000 miles is broken drive chain where the split link lock tab wore through (My fault) a flat/worn out battery twice and the kick start idle gear (Known issue with the 525) that I changed myself for under £40 with KTM Parts. Other failures have been during home service with two oil filter cover bolts stripping the casing thread, one side oil screen bolt rounding off, a sump plug rounding off, a seal going on the rear shock £60 E-bay replacement shock and spring) and when I changed the kick start idler gear one of the light alloy clutch basket bolts snapped on undoing. Apart from that where the broken bolt issues were from the large number of oil changes over the 43,000 miles where they have been undone and done up for oil changes every two ride outs or every one wet ride out (river crossings). These approximate to between 300-400 miles, so in the bikes life, that's about 110 oil changes! It also gets a fresh cleaned and oiled air filter every ride out and two new spark plugs every year. Chains and sprockets as needed. NO I have not yet changed the clutch plates and the head of this particular bike has not been off yet so it is on the original clutch, brake disks, head stock bearings, swing arm bearings, valves and cam chain. I have done the front and rear wheel bearings twice, taken out cleaned and re greased the swing arm bearings and head stock 3 times, stripped and cleaned the carb once a year and drained and flushed the radiators. For me that's a very reliable bike. At 32,000 miles I was going on a long Welsh trail riding trip and wanted a professional confirmation everything was OK so I took it to a well known KTM dealer in Gosport ;) and asked for a full service and rolling road tune and to advise me if anything else needed doing. I was a bit concerned the valves and or piston may need a change. It got a service and the rolling road tune gave 56bhp !!! The dealer told me nothing else needed doing and it was a nice one.. I know the bike was prepped for a Namibia trip from new but didn't end up being used and I have always used Motorex oils and clean filters and once a year it gets a dash of slick50. I had thought about adding an oil cooler but it does seem to run very cool and the fan only kicks in when the rads are full of foliage on a very hot day during stationary or very slow going. I even block off half of each during the winter icy rides. Mods are a KTM comfort seat, heated grips and swapping out the rear light unit for the LED strip from a DRZ and clear silicone sealing it in. I also have a direct battery connection for a iPhone 5s running ViewRanger GPS on the bars. What would I do to make it better? Taller gearing for a long road and trail trips and possibly fit an oil cooler and try and find an all day seat as more than 300 miles in one day trail riding is a right pain in the~~se. I have a multi light LED new headlamp unit but would only fit it for prolonged night riding. Rear panniers and a tank bag? I've seen it done with bicycle pannier rails and soft luggage. Mousse with a rim seal and two motorcycle tyre valves works well. Tubliss 2 would be my choice for a longer road/trail trip. My chains and sprockets last a good 2,000 trail miles and 500 fun miles. Road tyres v enduro road legal tyres would mean for me a compromise favouring enduro tyres needing a mid touring trip tyre change. I would also more than probably use a van to get me to the trail riding areas in Central Europe and go light for the actual riding with an overnight high mountain camp out loop back to the van in the campsite. I also have a KTM250EXC 2T 2005 that's brilliant for more technical rides, fun days and enduros etc... again high miles and owned since 2006 and now over 20k without having the head off. But these two bikes have cost me in oil and filter changes, spark plugs, chains sprockets and tyres. I worked out how much the oil changes were on the 525 once and I seem to have a mental block on remembering the cost. It's probably as much as a total rebuild that the 525 must be getting close to needed despite the care its had. But get me an all day comfort seat and I'll do the miles and change the oil and filters before I go to sleep each night. I now have a 690 Enduro R that to me is very heavy when full of fuel. I'm getting to grips with it and now I've junked the road trail tyres for proper enduro tyres it will go anywhere the 525 will go and it's quicker on the road but then excessive speed never bothered me at the legal speed limits on the 525MXC. So I'll probably sell it and get an old R100GS and do a mild comfort HPN job on it. I had a R100GS as a commuter bike for several years and once rode back from Germany on an ex convoy escort R100 with trail bars and knobblies on it via the Apls and Pyrenees and I love the HPN bikes. The 690R is good but I'd rather chug about on an R100GS and do the dirt and fire roads through the mountains rather than the more technical enduro type trails. Also electronic and fuel injection issues 10k up a mountain trail scare me. If I can't see the issue and blow out a dirty carb or spray on WD40 to get it going I'm lost... So big trail bikes = comfort on the road sections. Small trail bikes = pain on the long road sections and increased service issues on a long trip but MORE fun and ability off road.
Hope my 2019 KTM 500 exc is as good as your 525 Andy. Doing similar to you long trail rides and weekend camping away. Bike has been amazing traded a Husky 701 for it
So you're saying this Honda is a good bike? Not sure what you're saying here man.
Just got me a 21 crf450RL... in Texas. Great bike
Well, you meet the nicest people on a Honda. :)
I'll stay on my 250L Rally for now. Sure would like the extra HP, but cannot give up my more comfortable ride and longer maintenance intervals.
For a trip LIKE this, I would choose a CB500X, preferably Stage 2 Rally Raid version (not as extreme as you have done though). 70 to 90mpg, 300 mile tank range and enough power/amazing comfort. The CRF looks the part though! I sat on one in local Honda dealer, and now understand why they cost over £9,000. Thanks for the review and interesting to hear about your Desert Travels.
A really good sensible choice. If I was mostly running Pistes/known tracks and trails the CB would be a great option for a trip like this. With me spending a lot of time rooting around for unknown stuff the reduced weight and extra off-road performance was important for me this time. My full writeup is coming in the next few weeks if you want more details...
@@davejhlomax yes great, will it be on RUclips or website? 🤔 I'm looking forward to seeing the new improved cb500x out in couple of weeks. Many improvements... Just wondering how you got petrol in Morocco or you took supplies?
Oh, and those birds were messing with me. I kept hitting pause to figure out if they were on the video or outside my window, lol.
Good all round review...as you say it's a fairly unique bike in many ways. I'm always wondering what particular Honda would be a worthy successor to my XR650R. I'm amazed Honda haven't traded on the XR650R's pedigree and heritage and brought out a 'new ' version. Cheers, Steve
Stephen Eldridge I have been wishing for that for years!
@@UhYeahWhateverDude Who hasn't. A new XR650R with an electric start...yes please! That's also why I comment about the AJP PR7...it doesn't have a Honda badge, but its probably the closest thing we have the an XR650R successor currently.
Stephen Eldridge here in the States the 450L comes with approx 40HP. Plenty to put the XRR’s still around, to rest.
If your logic applies, they’d still be using them to win Baja. But alas, the CRF450 comes through. My old XR didn’t even come close to my 450L. Let alone the X or R.
Always good to visit the past though.
youtube can eat my ass with a spoon
I can see you’re an inexperienced Owner. Let the riders do the riding, and you make par for the course here on UTube.
Great review. Thanks.
Great channel too
Waiting for your review of the AJP PR7 and… KOVE 450 RALLY
I didn’t know Karl pilkington had a brother?
Most people don't even know who you are talking about! Funny though!
Ronnie Pickerin
@@veiledallegory yes they do,
Good info there Dave. I see that you have som interesting eq. For the bike at Adv spec as well. It looks like a different skid plate there?
Question about the weight comparison with 680/701 . It is 131 kilos compaired to 145-146. With the Extra tank I am guessing 134-135 kilos? 10 kilos is of course some weight but maybe like you say in combination with the lower height it makes a difference?
I am really struggling with wich bike to choose between crf 450 or 701.
In Sweden a Honda 2019 is almost as much as a 2021 701 at the dealers
CRF450L with American Spec full yoshi and Throttle Vortex kit checking in here. The bike RIPS on the road. Yes, I am hammering 1-2-3 every chance I get and it's a ton of fun. The bike barks and sounds like a proper race bike, it's awesome. I love this thing. Idk how you ride 500km in a day though, my ass is busted after 1.5 hours on the Seat Concepts.
Thank you very much for the review
Good review and awesome pictures at the end.
i bought one and love it.dont be afraid of price.deals can be made.
How much?
@@dennismorris6849 10.100.otd
oil changes take 5min.
unfortunately the perfect duel sport does not exist. It's all a compromise. Price, weight, maintenance, gearing, handling. I settled on a DRZ400E, 40 HP, Cheap to buy and maintain, 138kg wet weight, OK at most things but not great at anything. If Suzuki ever build a DRZ with fuel injection, 6 speed and upgraded suspension with the 6000km oil changes, it would be a killer but not holding my breath.
I think I’d be on a DR650 for this....scratch that, a street legal XR650R,king of long range dual sports!
Yeah, kinda boggled me when he didn't mention a DR650, XR650, or Klr650. I guess those single cylinder 650's are only big in America.
They stopped selling them in the UK about 10 years ago because of strict EU emission regulations I think, which sucks.
@@willbates7148 Yeah the EU sucks. It's starting in America too. Meanwhile China is producing 80% of the worlds pollution and they're worried about a few thousand people riding around on big thumpers.
Very good video and thoughtful opinion. Thanks
Not only about the honda crf450l, also about what type of off road bike suits you best.
I've been looking for a used one, my KLR 650 is just way too heavy for where I want to ride. I'll keep the KLR for long distance Moto Camping trips. But the crf450l/x is hard to find, I guess I might go look at a new one. Didnt want to go down that road as I know that I will mod it out, dont want to Mod a brand new bike like I could a decent used one. I think the crf450 is a great platform to tinker around with.....perfect balance of Power to Weight for serious riding ...
Great review! Even if I could afford this bike right now Im waiting to see if Suzuki will make a move in this direction first...could be a long wait!
New DRZ please!!!!!
This is a really good Review and I Greatly applaud you for it! Very thorough!!
One little thing, I believe you got the husky 250 4 stroke Power rating a bit off. Jarvis's Factorie Race bike is in the neighborhood of 40hp.
Gladius Jon and it‘s a two stroke🤷🏼♂️😂 or does he really use a 4stroke for his enduro races?
There goes that bullshit you only need 25 hp talk lol
Concise to the point honest logical - thank you. perfect.
Here in Australia we go further to lightweight because the distances between fuel stops can be 6-800kms. With a largely 60mph speed limit everywhere except on the motorways close to the cities, thats as fast as you need to go. There is no way I could sit on that Honda seat for 7 hours straight, but thats whats needed down here. And when you get off the tarmac here you have to slow right down because the corrugations can be a metre deep. You also have to be able to get spares anywhere so that rules out BMW, KTM etc. THose euro brands do not have dealer networks down here outside the main cities and their parts prices are horrendous.
So my pick is a 5 year old Yamaha XT250 with a long range tank and the lighest panniers you can get. You can buy one of these for $5000 and you are good to go. There is nothing on one of these, including a rebuilt engine that costs more than $500. And if it falls over, its easy to pick up again. If you are a 75kg guy or a smaller woman, try picking up a T700 on your own, let alone with all your gear on it and 20lt of fuel. Oh...and one last thing. You have to be able to place both feet flat on the ground when stopped. I am only 5'7", so thats important. Even the Yamaha is only just capable of that. Thats my FWIW.
I still don't get the 1k oil changes if the 22hp 250 has 10k changes. The far better chassis makes sense and is probably the reason for the price, but why not a 450 version of the 250l with its low servicing needs.