I've got a '24 that I've put about 1500 miles on it. Has the vortec. Best thing I did with it was getting rid of the stock tires. They were so bad off road, any soft sand or dirt on the trail and I was just stuck praying that I wouldn't get sent right into the ground. And it did send me a couple times. I almost sold the bike over it cause it was that miserable but last resort ditched those tires and that turned it into a whole new bike. It's so much fun now tearing up washes and dry lake beds down here in southern az.

I bought a 24 450RL tonight used with 140 miles on it Excellent condition . 8.9k with my pick of a helmet 30 day tags out the door.just putting around the big yard I can already feel the whisky throttle if one was to not be paying attention lol. I’m not looking for an adventure bike just a local ride on these hilly roads in Ohio to and from work 20 miles round trip . Save on gas vs our Diesel truck . I live on 5 acre and farms got 57 with some woods. I wanted a Honda and this machine will suit me perfectly . Will take a ride tomorrow and begin the mending with this new animal . Ride safe Yall

The Honda can only be considered an ADV bike if you are specifically talking about "Light" ADV. I don't believe you're going to get 200 miles with the IMS tank. The stock tank is 2.01 gallons and the IMS is only a 3 gallon tank. The IMS might ensure you're able to get over 100 in most cases. I've kept the stock tank and carry a Giant Loop 2-gallon Armadillo bag with gas whenever I'm using my 450 as a light ADV bike. That gets me a total of 4 gallons. It's not necessary, but I swapped out the stock ECU for the AIM ECU and a switch for full power and an enduro mode, and that really has helped out the fueling. But, I don't think there's anything you can do to make this bike great at slow speed technical stuff. It can do it, but I think it will always be difficult on this bike. The engine is a detuned motocross engine, so its nature is to be on/off. The enduro map helps to make the power more linear, but I don't think there's anything that can be done to make the engine work like an engine designed specifically with a linear powerband in mind. If I'm very ginger with the throttle, I can eke out mid 40s mpg. But it's typically in the mid 30s to low 40s. YMMV. Being a street legal version of the CRF450X, the desert racing king of Baja, it's great for open high speed stability off road, but not enduro style stuff. That also gives the bike good stability on the highway. Off road, the suspension really starts working once you're going fast enough, 3rd gear or higher. If you want a plated dirt bike for connecting technical trails, there are better options like those from the KTM group and Beta. But I know I wouldn't want to do any more than that on one of the KTM bikes because I rode a buddy's 500 and that thing vibrated like a jack hammer. My buddy has a Beta 390 and it's super sweet off road, but he won't go over 55 mph on the street because he says it's very unstable at the higher speeds on pavement. I think if you want a plated dirt bike to connect trails, a play bike, something from Beta or the KTM group is the bike to get. If you want a real ADV bike, the only single cylinder bikes that I would say meet the requirement are a KLR650 and the KTM 690. What makes the CRF450L/RL great is its versatility. It's a jack of all trades and that's not a bad thing. In some cases that's better than a one trick pony.

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your detailed insights! You make some excellent points about the Honda's capabilities and limitations as an ADV bike. The fuel range with the IMS tank and the need for extra fuel storage like the Giant Loop bag is spot on for longer adventures. I appreciate the tips on the ECU swap and the switch for full power and enduro mode-definitely worth considering for better fueling. You're right about the bike's performance in slow-speed technical situations; it's always going to be a bit of a challenge with a detuned motocross engine. Your experience with different bikes like the KTM 500 and Beta 390 highlights the trade-offs between off-road stability and highway comfort, which is valuable information for anyone looking to choose the right bike for their needs. The versatility of the CRF450L/RL is indeed one of its greatest strengths, making it a solid choice for those who want a bike that can handle a variety of terrains. Thanks again for your comment, and happy riding!

I feel that the 450RL is a good blank slate to build a light adventure motorcycle. Oil quality analysis has proven that you can run it 1200miles or 65+/-hrs between oil changes without worrying about engine wear. It is possible to get a 20L fuel tank for it. The sub-frame is one of the strongest in class (despite what Honda says). There are a few inexpensive options for wind protection for longer tarmac sections. Lastly, Honda took into account the long tarmac rides by designing the engine and frame to reduce engine vibration.

I thought that looked like GJ! So many great places to ride and explore! I have a 23 with most the mods you're talking about on a few of my videos. Also set up your sag and suspension. I made my own throttle tamer and took the air boxoff. I'm almost to 1000 miles and the bike breaks in and gets way smoother. I dont feel the need for an ecu just yet. I may try a jd jetting tuner, full FMF Q4 system and airbox screen. Richen her up, lose some weight, and let her breathe better.

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

Thanks for the comment! Grand Junction really does have some fantastic spots for riding and exploring. It's cool to hear that you have a 23 with similar mods. Setting up the sag and suspension definitely makes a big difference. Your homemade throttle tamer sounds interesting! I’m at around 200 miles, so I’m looking forward to experiencing that smoothness as it breaks in. The JD Jetting tuner and FMF Q4 system sound like great upgrades too. Keep enjoying the ride and thanks for sharing your insights!

@billingsfmx

8 күн бұрын

@@zeromileadv theres a few videos of people doing the diy throttle tamer on youtube. You're pretty much just taking a file and flattening out the first section of the cam on the tube. That way it takes a little more wrist input in the begining of the pull where that on/ off twitchiness is.

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

@@billingsfmx thx I’ll look those up!!

On an unrelated note, can you do a video on your tattoos? They look great so I’m curious!

I have a 23 with g2 throttle tamer, used vortex Dunlop d606 tires. It runs very smooth but if I wanted lower gearing, just switch out sprockets and chain. I also have a 2020 KTM 690 enduro r, and a Suzuki dr 650 all modified for my use. I live in the mountains with mostly gravel roads but do go on trails with more technical demands. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. That’s why I’m keeping them all! Hahahaha

People say start on a lower power bike due to its easier to learn to ride. Starting with a 1000 as your first bike makes it more difficult to learn to ride well, it's less forgiving and give you a steeper learning curve. But yes responsibility is also Important

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I completely agree that starting on a lower power bike can make the learning process smoother and more forgiving. It definitely helps in building confidence and skills gradually. But I also feel depends upon the riding you want to do. Riding a 700 on the HWY at 80 MPH with trucks and wind you will get beat up. But on a 1250 GS for example you can hold your line. Responsibility is indeed key, no matter what bike you start with. Riding safely and knowing your limits are essential for enjoying the experience to the fullest. Appreciate your input!

Damn how many bikes do you have? Good for you !

I agree. Its not a good first time bike, the suspension and power are meant for faster/harder riders. Trying to putz around on one will beat u up, with the stiffer suspension and on/off power. I had one when in SoCal/AZ, used it as a plated dirt bike and it was awesome in the desert and mnts. Took it back home in Northwoods Midwest and disliked it, even as an experienced rider. Softer power and suspension was much more enjoyable here in the woods and tighter logging roads. The 300L and 650L {for bigger guys} make much better first time dual sport/ADV bikes cuz u can ride them all day

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree that the bike's suspension and power are geared towards more aggressive riding. It's definitely not the best choice for a beginner. It's interesting how the same bike can feel great in one environment, like the desert and mountains of SoCal/AZ, but not as enjoyable in another, like the Northwoods Midwest. The 300L and 650L sound like bikes I need to ride-I haven't had the chance to try them yet, but they seem like excellent choices for a more forgiving and comfortable ride. Appreciate your insights!

just my 2 cents but i have had a 21 RL i bought used with 400 miles on it and had it for a little over a year it came with aim ecu ,G2 tamer, the flywheel weight, and the seat concepts comfort. I got a little over 2500 miles on it now and would say get the new get ecu if you are getting a new one or a use vortex. the new get is the best because of the Bluetooth module. I was thinking about trading it in mine to taco moto and getting a get ecu I also will be getting a FMF q4 with the mega boom header because its only slightly louder than stock plus it still has the stock pipe i don't know how long it will last with the extra fuel it is burning. I can only ride mine on road because there are no trails close enough with out increasing fuel capaity so I may super moto mine just don't have the money for rims and tires at the moment good luck and looking forward to more on this bike

@zeromileadv

3 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience and advice! It sounds like you've put a lot of thought and effort into your setup. The new GET ECU with the Bluetooth module does seem like a great upgrade-having that control and tuning flexibility is a big plus. The FMF Q4 with the MegaBomb header is also a solid choice; it's good to hear it's not much louder than stock. Supermotoing your bike sounds like a fun project, and I'm sure it will be awesome once you get the rims and tires sorted out. Thanks again for your insights, and stay tuned for more updates on my bike journey! Good luck with your mods!

The 800DE is a fabulous bike.

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

Do you have one?

@jonwoodworker

8 күн бұрын

@@zeromileadv Yes, it's not the perfect bike, but it is an outstanding platform with fabulous torque.

It doesn't tame the throttle it makes the fueling proper. Most fuel injected have a twitchy throttle off idle. A tune can fix that

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

Thanks for the clarification! You're right-we're essentially talking about the same thing. The throttle does control the fueling, and a tune can indeed address the twitchy throttle off idle by making the fueling proper. It's all about improving the bike's responsiveness and making the ride smoother. Appreciate your insight!

@lenghtofpull

8 күн бұрын

@@zeromileadv I have a WR250R and it was so bad before it was tuned, It flamed out constantly. I've considered selling it for a the CRF, wish Yamaha would get it together and make a CRF450RL rival

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

@@lenghtofpull I would love to see Yamaha build a 450. They had their 250 for a while which seems awesome. I def would buy one. Or I would also like to see Suzuki update the DZ400 as well.

The Honda isn’t an ADV bike at all.. It’s a dual sport. Why compare it to twin cylinder ADV bikes? Maybe a better comparison would be to a 690/701, XR650, KTM500 etc… I have a 450RL and T7, they are completely different bikes. I recommend keeping yours stock for a while and get used to it. The ergonomics are excellent. The handlebars are actually fairly high compared to most dirt bikes. Raising them more wont do handling any favors. Mine has a Vortex ECU and it’s nice to be able to tune the way it runs. I have a Yoshi full exhaust for sale because I went back to stock. Just too loud,. Let me know if you’re interested :)

@zeromileadv

9 күн бұрын

Thank you for your insights! I appreciate your perspective on the CRF450RL. While it's true that it's a dual sport, I've noticed many riders building them out as light ADV bikes, which is why I wanted to explore the comparison. I agree that comparing it to bikes like the 690/701 or XR650 makes a lot of sense as well. I’m definitely taking my time to get used to the bike and appreciate the advice on keeping it stock initially. The ergonomics are indeed great, and I’ll keep your point about the handlebars in mind. Thanks for the offer on the exhaust; I’ll think about it!

Have on those 500 pound adv bikes. The people riding 350’s and 500’s have the most fun

Just go with the vortex ecu. Totally sucks that you have to do this but everything else is a workaround.

@zeromileadv

8 күн бұрын

This seems to be a very popular opinion for this bike

I’ve had a KLX250, an XT660Z, a WR250R and I currently ride a Husqvarna FE501. I will now sell my FE501 and pick up a CRF450L because this bike is a Trail bike, not an ADV or an Enduro. Honda have specifically made this to be road and trail worthy. But it ain’t an ADV bike. 👍

@zeromileadv

6 сағат бұрын

I agree and see a lot of people talking about building these bikes out as light weight ADV bikes. Thanks for the comment!!

The reason it’s not a good ADV bike is because: it’s not an adv bike!

My gasgas ex300 will do everything better than that 4 stroke junk