The Vortex ECU and FMF Full exhaust changes this bike so much it's unreal! I was on the fence of selling mine but now that I did the tune and exhaust I fell in love!! Never stalls, no flame outs, and WAY more power.
The MX wheel setup would be 21 and 19. The 21 and 18 is identical to the cross country race bikes, the RX models for Honda. I had a 2021 KLX300 which I traded in because it had an electrical issue (still under warranty) and I was tired of waiting for the dealership to sort it out. I was going to get a new KLX300 but there was a used CRF450L with only 750 miles, for about the same price. I decided to do the upgrade. Man, oh man! Huge difference! I did go ahead and invest in an aftermarket ECU which really helped to smooth out the power delivery and make it more linear, but also increased the power. I got a switch to be able to go from full power to an enduro mode which smooths it out even more. I also had to order a Seat Concepts seat immediately to replace "The Log Splitter". It's my commuter, it's my light ADV bike, and it is also my backup single track bike. It truly is a do-it-all machine. Nothing wrong at all with the KLX300.
I've got a KLX300 and thinking of getting a 450RL , I like the KLX but want some more power and I don't like the hand vibrations when riding the highway on the KLX
@@mrcolin2u The 450RL will certainly give you the power you're looking for, but I don't think the hand vibrations on the 450 will be any better than on the KLX, at least stock. I still have a stock handlebar setup on my bike, but hear that a 1 1/8 bar will vibrate less. I also don't remember for sure if the 450 vibrates any more or less than the KLX but do know for certain that if you're looking for more power than the KLX, the 450RL vibrates much less than some of the other competition like the KTM 500/ Husqvarna 501.
I have the 450L, which is essentially the same, and you have to be a little more active on these bikes. I ride mostly desert with some mountain trails in the Cascades and medium to fast it's a dream machine. Slow, technical, or something similar is way outside it's design. I have added quite a few mods over the years and at one point tried to set it up for more technical riding and it did not do well. Probably related mostly to my lack of skill with that type of riding but either way I set it up again for faster desert riding/racing with a tower for GPS for some ADV/BDR stuff. As of now I couldn't imagine a bike being better for me.
22.40 The seat is so bad x 100, good review buddy everything you said I was saying it just before you said it. Two mouths now 2nd service coming my Wed ( 17th Apr ) can't wait to get back to riding after that.
I think I would like that quick jerky throttle because if you're hustling on a single track, that quick little snap will help loft that front tire off the ground and other earth buy products 😉..What I heard about that bike it's a pass for me . And I'm a Honda fan . But to buy an ECU right off the showroom floor . Nope ....
The key to riding this bike (you can even ride it in tight, slow going trails easily) is clutch control. People who struggle on the 450rl usually are the type who think the clutch is only used for taking off and switching gears (and holding the clutch in to rev it up lol).
@@theatvfamily it is jumpy for sure. I’m talking about the infamous “flameouts” that people talk about. They don’t really happen to me unless it’s user error with the clutch. As far as the twitchy throttle, it’s something you just have to get used to
@dominic9279 look up san deigo power house stage 2 crf450l. Bigger cam, heavier valve springs, custom tuning. Makes it perform like no other. Can bring front wheel up at 70mph with a 45tooth rear sprocket and top speed around 115mph.
@@dominic9279 im not sure what more i could send you that you can't look at on there website. I can only give you my opinion of the kit and that is, it's worth every penny. The bike performs amazingly and the reliability is still awesome too. It's like having a 450R with wide ratio gearing. Very wicked machine.
Well, yeah because it is an MX bike pretty much that’s why. It’s also $4000 more to. And the Honda can’t hold a candle to the technical slow moving aspects of what the Klx is designed for. You’re talking about two totally different machines built for two totally different purposes so
Dumb joke alert: Your brother was moms favorite. 😂😂😂 (I love my 450RL) I just don't understand why other people don't like it. It is the ultimate Zombie Apocalypse survival vehicle. Granted, you do need to chip, tune, and rip out all the EU garbage, but its like a goldwing for the dirt.
@@ChaosAttractor13 that’s opinion. Not everyone wants a jumpy throttle. If I want the performance of an Mx I would get it. I want precision and fine control which this does not have at all. The Klx is way better trailing slow and steady. Feathering in tricky situations
The KLX is a great bike. I love it and the 300L. Its on the highway where the 450RL shines. Give it some more seat time. I have a 2025 Sherco 500 SEF on order, so I may have to crown a new king. I loved riding the Sherco in a Super Moto configuration. Thanks for the response. Love the channel.
A throttle tamer will fix any jumpy throttle. I don't use one because I have no enduro race ambitions. I like popping wheelies. Plus, the tune calms it down a little. But I get it, the KLX is pretty much ready to go off the showroom. But I love tinkering and modifying everything I have. I am always chasing perfection.
@@ChaosAttractor13 I definitely agree with you on the road part for sure. I just can not get used to that throttle jumpiness in the trails. I’ve tried to use it many times lol. Just can’t.
Because they are over priced. And the 500 would be way too much for what I wanted to do. I didn’t buy this bike. This isn’t mine as stated in the video because it was just too much for what I wanted. If I’m gonna spend that. I’m getting a street machine. But I do know the KTMs are good bikes
I have just sold my Husqvarna FE501 , basically the same bike as an EXC500 and I am buying a 450L because I want reliability and more comfort on the road. If I change the ECU then I have the same power as the Husky/KTM
This bike is superior to anything in its class. This guy made this video simply to down class it over his. lol. And anyone with knowledge knows this. Why even make a video at all?
No where did I down anything! Clearly I explained why I like the bike I choose and clearly I stated what type of rider should buy this one! Did you even listen to the video? No you didn’t. Just another moron that spouts off about not knowing a thing
Best in class with a 2 gal tank. For mx, ok. For dual sport - nope! And when I read about people saying get a larger tank, ECU and other upgrades, the price point advantage compared to others fades away...
Feel? Gage HP? lol. From a video? Trust me. It can be ridden on a track no issue. As I sated in this video there are other videos with this bike tearing up a track. Also a local rider here used this bike in amateur class race and took 3rd. It’s All about the rider which was also stated in the video. lol. Definitely a beast.
@@theatvfamily well, if google is correct, it has 3 HP less than a 125CR and 40 kg more, so you are not gonna shine much on a MX track. But it's true that more power is not always better after all. It looks like a good bike for trails tho.
@@DaniaFavier You’re a goof- Nobody is buying a $12K RL to “Shine” in a moto. Most just want to drive it to work comfortably, legally and quietly and then hit some dirt roads and trails on the way home while also being capable of having a lot of fun at any local track on the weekends.
The Vortex ECU and FMF Full exhaust changes this bike so much it's unreal! I was on the fence of selling mine but now that I did the tune and exhaust I fell in love!! Never stalls, no flame outs, and WAY more power.
Its just unfortunate you have to pay so much for the exhaust and ECU to improve and already $10k+ bike
The MX wheel setup would be 21 and 19. The 21 and 18 is identical to the cross country race bikes, the RX models for Honda. I had a 2021 KLX300 which I traded in because it had an electrical issue (still under warranty) and I was tired of waiting for the dealership to sort it out. I was going to get a new KLX300 but there was a used CRF450L with only 750 miles, for about the same price. I decided to do the upgrade. Man, oh man! Huge difference! I did go ahead and invest in an aftermarket ECU which really helped to smooth out the power delivery and make it more linear, but also increased the power. I got a switch to be able to go from full power to an enduro mode which smooths it out even more. I also had to order a Seat Concepts seat immediately to replace "The Log Splitter". It's my commuter, it's my light ADV bike, and it is also my backup single track bike. It truly is a do-it-all machine. Nothing wrong at all with the KLX300.
NICE!
I've got a KLX300 and thinking of getting a 450RL , I like the KLX but want some more power and I don't like the hand vibrations when riding the highway on the KLX
@@mrcolin2u The 450RL will certainly give you the power you're looking for, but I don't think the hand vibrations on the 450 will be any better than on the KLX, at least stock. I still have a stock handlebar setup on my bike, but hear that a 1 1/8 bar will vibrate less. I also don't remember for sure if the 450 vibrates any more or less than the KLX but do know for certain that if you're looking for more power than the KLX, the 450RL vibrates much less than some of the other competition like the KTM 500/ Husqvarna 501.
Tell your brother to swap the ecu to a Tacomto GET sx1 ecu and either Graves or Yoshi exhaust. Adds about 7 hp and power delivery is way smoother.
Will do! Thanks
I have the 450L, which is essentially the same, and you have to be a little more active on these bikes. I ride mostly desert with some mountain trails in the Cascades and medium to fast it's a dream machine. Slow, technical, or something similar is way outside it's design. I have added quite a few mods over the years and at one point tried to set it up for more technical riding and it did not do well. Probably related mostly to my lack of skill with that type of riding but either way I set it up again for faster desert riding/racing with a tower for GPS for some ADV/BDR stuff. As of now I couldn't imagine a bike being better for me.
Yeah 100% agree! It’s still a good machine. It’s just designed to do a little bit more active riding.
22.40 The seat is so bad x 100, good review buddy everything you said I was saying it just before you said it. Two mouths now 2nd service coming my Wed ( 17th Apr ) can't wait to get back to riding after that.
What was the out the door price and monthly insurance cost???
No insurance. Interest rates affect payment. Price was like 11500
11,700 no insurance
My insurance is about $20 / month in Oregon
@@HippieCowboy yeah we aren’t required to have it. But I got a quote if I wanted it. It’s 340 a year
Yeah I wish I had a xtra 2”😂 too
🙄
I believe your wife says the same thing
Where are you located?
Florida
I have the 2024 I’m getting 57 miles to the gallon
@@josephcarter9516 nice. Yeah that’s what I get on the 300
nice bike for sure, i lean more towards roads so id prob like it!
I think I would like that quick jerky throttle because if you're hustling on a single track, that quick little snap will help loft that front tire off the ground and other earth buy products 😉..What I heard about that bike it's a pass for me . And I'm a Honda fan . But to buy an ECU right off the showroom floor . Nope ....
Yeah I heard the same
THANK YOU FOR A REAL WORLD "TEST" ! EVERYTHING YOU SAID I EXPERIENCED... AND DIDN'T LIKE! AND LIKED ! IT'S AWESOME.... JUST NOT FOR ME ! COOL VIDEO 😎!
@@bobdowns6973 yeah it’s a good bike but like you said not my style.
The key to riding this bike (you can even ride it in tight, slow going trails easily) is clutch control. People who struggle on the 450rl usually are the type who think the clutch is only used for taking off and switching gears (and holding the clutch in to rev it up lol).
yeah i use the clutch on everything. this is still extremely jumpy even with clutch use, somethimes even more so
@@theatvfamily it is jumpy for sure. I’m talking about the infamous “flameouts” that people talk about. They don’t really happen to me unless it’s user error with the clutch. As far as the twitchy throttle, it’s something you just have to get used to
@@theatvfamily the more you ride it the better you get, like anything in life.
@@roycemartin9068 well yeah. But as mentioned. It’s not my bike. I have the 300 and in my opinion for what I do. A way better option.
Just put the cam in and be done. Trust.
What do you mean put a new camshaft in? Why?
@dominic9279 look up san deigo power house stage 2 crf450l.
Bigger cam, heavier valve springs, custom tuning. Makes it perform like no other. Can bring front wheel up at 70mph with a 45tooth rear sprocket and top speed around 115mph.
@@StumpStunter95 i want it... are you able to send me any more info on it
@@dominic9279 im not sure what more i could send you that you can't look at on there website. I can only give you my opinion of the kit and that is, it's worth every penny. The bike performs amazingly and the reliability is still awesome too. It's like having a 450R with wide ratio gearing. Very wicked machine.
KLX will not hold a candle to the Honda
Just saying the money is in the Suspension
ECU and pipe and bike rips like any other 450
Well, yeah because it is an MX bike pretty much that’s why. It’s also $4000 more to. And the Honda can’t hold a candle to the technical slow moving aspects of what the Klx is designed for. You’re talking about two totally different machines built for two totally different purposes so
Dumb joke alert: Your brother was moms favorite. 😂😂😂 (I love my 450RL)
I just don't understand why other people don't like it. It is the ultimate Zombie Apocalypse survival vehicle. Granted, you do need to chip, tune, and rip out all the EU garbage, but its like a goldwing for the dirt.
@@ChaosAttractor13 that’s opinion. Not everyone wants a jumpy throttle. If I want the performance of an Mx I would get it. I want precision and fine control which this does not have at all. The Klx is way better trailing slow and steady. Feathering in tricky situations
The KLX is a great bike. I love it and the 300L. Its on the highway where the 450RL shines. Give it some more seat time. I have a 2025 Sherco 500 SEF on order, so I may have to crown a new king. I loved riding the Sherco in a Super Moto configuration. Thanks for the response. Love the channel.
A throttle tamer will fix any jumpy throttle. I don't use one because I have no enduro race ambitions. I like popping wheelies. Plus, the tune calms it down a little. But I get it, the KLX is pretty much ready to go off the showroom. But I love tinkering and modifying everything I have. I am always chasing perfection.
@@ChaosAttractor13 I definitely agree with you on the road part for sure. I just can not get used to that throttle jumpiness in the trails. I’ve tried to use it many times lol. Just can’t.
@@ChaosAttractor13 yeah my brother was going to do the tune and stuff and then I was going to go hop back on and try. He hasn’t done it yet.
Why don’t you ride KTM. Best bike on the market. 2024 ktm 500 excf or the 350 excf
Because they are over priced. And the 500 would be way too much for what I wanted to do. I didn’t buy this bike. This isn’t mine as stated in the video because it was just too much for what I wanted. If I’m gonna spend that. I’m getting a street machine. But I do know the KTMs are good bikes
I have just sold my Husqvarna FE501 , basically the same bike as an EXC500 and I am buying a 450L because I want reliability and more comfort on the road. If I change the ECU then I have the same power as the Husky/KTM
Blumpy
Never heard this terminology. Lol
This bike is superior to anything in its class. This guy made this video simply to down class it over his. lol. And anyone with knowledge knows this. Why even make a video at all?
No where did I down anything! Clearly I explained why I like the bike I choose and clearly I stated what type of rider should buy this one! Did you even listen to the video? No you didn’t. Just another moron that spouts off about not knowing a thing
Husqvarna fe501 kinda has it beat. I’m looking into either one for this season
Best in class with a 2 gal tank. For mx, ok. For dual sport - nope! And when I read about people saying get a larger tank, ECU and other upgrades, the price point advantage compared to others fades away...
It does not sound, look or feel like a track bike at all . From the video it feels mor like 25 HP than 45HP.
Feel? Gage HP? lol. From a video? Trust me. It can be ridden on a track no issue. As I sated in this video there are other videos with this bike tearing up a track. Also a local rider here used this bike in amateur class race and took 3rd. It’s All about the rider which was also stated in the video. lol. Definitely a beast.
@@theatvfamily well, if google is correct, it has 3 HP less than a 125CR and 40 kg more, so you are not gonna shine much on a MX track. But it's true that more power is not always better after all. It looks like a good bike for trails tho.
@@DaniaFavier yeah it’s a good bike for sure! Too touchy for my taste. But it has 42 hp which is the same as a 250 four stroke Mx bike
@@DaniaFavier You’re a goof-
Nobody is buying a $12K RL to “Shine” in a moto.
Most just want to drive it to work comfortably, legally and quietly and then hit some dirt roads and trails on the way home while also being capable of having a lot of fun at any local track on the weekends.
@@billyarsenault1970 yeah thats how i look at it. But at the same time it can do it if you want to. 👍
I get well over 100 miles per tank on my KLX300 !
@@mrcolin2u well over? 🤔. Really damn. Not sure how you are getting that done. But good for you. The best I’ve seen anyone get is around 70
@@theatvfamily sorry , I corrected my statement!
@@mrcolin2u ohhhhhh. Ok. lol. That makes more sense.