First Ride: 2021 Honda CRF450R - Michael Lindsay Testing
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- The 2021 Honda CRF450R has been long awaited and based on the first couple test released, there's some serious questions about the changes made. Here's my take on Honda's latest 450. For my full tech video on the bike, head here: • First Look: 2021 Honda...
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Got any questions, throw them in the comment section here and I'll answer them!
Let us know the engine durability when ever you can, if you can. Mainly Clutch life ( last few years clutch was junk)
Best oil in your opinion for these bikes?! Currently running the Honda G4 10W40. Scared to switch over but could be missing something better?? Love the vid as well man! Ride Red!
Awesome review man. Do you know when you'll do a 2021 450 shootout
@@robbietucker7815 Motul! 300V 10w40. A good chunk of factory teams use Motul products...
@@MichaelLindsay Great info man! I'm going to try it! I feel a lot better about trying a new product now. Thanks
It's nice to finally hear an honest review on this bike!
Kris Keefer
@@dicktrickler Keefer does an excellent job, for sure.
The way he can dissect a bike when it comes to testing them each year is just purely unmatched. The amount of even littlest detail he mentions is exactly what I’d think most people would want to hear before buying a new bike, and Michael is the only one who provides that. Such a good review, much appreciated!!!
Mucho gracias! Personally, I think Pat Foster (swapmoto) and Kris Keefer (Racer X and Keefer Inc) kill it as well. Make sure you give a listen to their thoughts on the new bikes this year too.
Great job ML! Can't wait for you to review our exhaust for the new CRF.
I NEED IT!
Couldn’t be more thankful for your reviews. Of course as a die hard moto guy, I watch all the rest of the first rides but I always rely on yours for the most honest and detailed feedback. Thank you for all your hard work ML512!
Now that is a review.
I put a deposit down on this bike and I’ve never been more sick about my decision after watching these reviews
KINGDOM MT I have been told since this that a reliable source has said they are going to reflash all the ECU to fix the fuel mapping issue before the ship them out which was my only concern
So how'd it turn out for you I'm thinking of getting one
@@tcmx712 after 30min of riding it fouled a spark plug and everyone I have talked to has had the same issue, after that I haven’t had any issues with mine, the bike is great with the the exception of the suspension being the worst I’ve ever had, but I always go through and have my suspension reset for my weight with new valves and springs so not a big deal for me
@@coreydamron4799 cheers for the reply mate. Is it worth upgrading from the last model or should i just wait till next year
@@tcmx712 I have a 17 and it was worth it for me but if ur good with what you have already I would just wait till 2022, it will just be a more polished version of what I have
Just placed my order for a '22. It sounds like they have listened and addressed the front end issue's! Cannot wait to see how it stacks up this year!
I have no bike, so I am pretty sure a new bike would change my life!
Okay, a bike may change your life if you don't currently have one ha!
For the love of god post up the Kawi videos you made from the 2019 kx450 you said you made!!!!! You started a bit of a series based around the kx450 then just never did anything with it. I bought one of those bikes hoping for those videos to come out. You even said you have all of it filmed already!
Never buy a first year Honda!! Great honest review!
Also a good tip if you want to buy a KTM! 😂😂
True. That first aluminum frame 1997 CR250 was a pogo stick.
This is the review I’ve been waiting for. Not to disrespect the other dirt bike magazines, but MLs reviews have always been in my opinion the most honest and comprehensive.
Kris Keefer
Sucks hearing about the flame out issue. You and at least 3 other reviewers have brought up the same issue. It’s like the old 2 strokes when they’d cut out going up a face. Don’t want that to happen. Thanks for posting these videos. Always enjoy the way you describe the bikes
Man knows his stuff🤙🏻
Been doing well this year bro keep it up!!
You do the most impressive reviews on the net.
Mike, I always enjoy your honest and descriptive reviews. Thanks!
Everyone that I’ve heard from doesn’t like the new bike. 😢 What was Honda thinking?
Really excellent technical review & feedback 👊 And excellent timing on the video drop too!
The mapping issue and stutter is enough to make me nervous. I feel like there is less than zero reasons a 2021 efi bike should have any hesitation anywhere.
DOWNEY770 it’s small and not always as noticeable, but KTm and Husky aren’t the most well mapped in my opinion as well.
@@MichaelLindsay just from past injuries due to a bike coughing I get really nervous hearing about that. Guess I'd have to.ride one to determine if its not for me. So many things factor in to a riders bike preference its hard to say I if I'd even notice or if I'd think its worse than what you say. I love the brutally honest no marketing agenda reviews though man. I like your no bullshit say what mean, mean what you say attitude.
Most underrated dirt bike channel
Thanks for leaving out all the technical details. After seeing all the other 1st rides I feel like you nailed it an summed it up very well, and were able to have a head start on setup knowing how it went for the others. Well maybe you picked up a few tips on Vital too?
Nope, I stayed away from really digging into other opinions until I rode the bike myself. I'm also hard headed, so I don;'t usually care what others say on a motorcycle, I'll always go with what I feel haha!
honest and best review so far. honestly I had my doubts with the all Japanese championship cut short and everything going on with corona, I thought its a huge gamble to get a first year new generation. I don't how manufactures don't get the spring rates on point. cut offs and ECU problems on a 2021 production bike? wtf are you kidding me?
I own a 15 crf250r and I swore I'd never buy another honda. But this one looks soooooo much better. Lol I hope I don't catch myself in a trap.
Spot on review!!! Every new bike no matter how radical the change, it always takes a lot of time to make it perfect or more ridable . It's sometimes better to just rebuild the old one. And cheaper.
Michael, have you spoke to Honda about the mapping issue? (What Honda think about that?) Do you know if they’re planning a free ECU update to fix the low rpm problem for those who buy the 2021? Thanks!
Marty D I think there’s a chance they could do some sort of update or re-flash. We will see in the coming weeks!
Love how he doesnt over hype these bikes. Solid honest review 👌
Kris Keefer
As usual...The best in the biz! Great review! Go Cody!
And the award for best bike reviewer goes to... "Michael Lindsay". Don't understand how VItal let him go. These are so detailed I feel like I just took the bike for a ride. Keep up the good work!
Alex Norton I left. They wanted me to stay, I just had some different things I wanted to do with my time in the industry and thought it was time to move on. I really enjoyed my time there.
@@MichaelLindsay I'm glad you moved on to do what you wanted to do! Hats off to you.
Well put Michael... We don't want to say bad things when a manufacter makes effort to improve bikes this our passion. But I feel like they don't know what to do anymore. I reckon kawasaki have found the sweet spot regarding frame with 2019 kx 450 coming on the 2021 kx 250. I wonder if Yamaha really trust their weird setup with the airbox it is awful for me. The air fork for the mass isn't possible as well. Only possible to ride a kx for me as I don't spend money on aftermarket parts. But maybe people see diffently.
Thank you for your test input ur the best at dissecting it best ,ur the one I listen to for that ,and u only 👍👍👍
I really appreciate that. These videos mean a lot to me and the goal is to always improve.
"Is this gonna be the bike that changes my life?" HAHA!
I love it, "Is this the bike that's gonna change my life?" LMFAO I very much value your opinions/assessments on bikes as you seem to look for the same things I do.
Best bike reviews hands down. Keep it up ML!
Always good stuff from Michael Lindsay, just saying motor on.
As always, best guy to review stuff!
A little off topic...I've been on CRF450Rs since 2003 and have always enjoyed them. But I'm now 58 and looking for a well balanced, smooth, yet powerful 450 that won't hurt me! The Kawasaki's have felt good to me in the past (riding buddy's bikes) and I'd like to like a Yamaha for their excellent reputation for reliability...but their older bikes turning issues were a turn off. (I know they've been working hard on that)
I'd like to hear your and your followers thoughts on a solid recommendation.
Thank you for the excellent review.
Hopefully Honda will send out new ecu mapping quickly.
Ktm 450 FE
The old saying of “Yamaha can’t turn” is simply bull shit at this point and I’d be willing to put money on the people still saying that have not ridden a newer 18+ Yamaha. Give one a ride and see for yourself. Best suspension and motor period. I can corner the the hell out of my 19 yz450
@@shanemoto97 Thank you for your input. I definitely will. The last YZ450F I was on was probably a 16 model. I live near Reynard Raceway and Robert Reynard has always been a big supporter of the YZ450F for durability and reliability. I just need to find a newer model to try! 👍
If you’re looking for something a little kinder on the power delivery side of things, I’d highly recommend trying a KTM or Husky 350 if you can snag the chance to try one for a couple laps. I think you’d be pretty impressed.
@@MichaelLindsay Thank you!
Yeeeeessss,I’ve been waiting for this for sooooooo long
Glad to not hear someone beating around the bush about a review. Great review my man!
2020 pandemic definitely wrecked havoc on the final touches for the weekend warrior. Out of the box it's a Pro-rider level bike mainly due to they revalve and respring no matter. The miss is the steeper rake, it's like they went in the wrong direction. The hiccup on the bottom isn't present on the production models like the press release bikes. All that being said wait for the 2022 or go get a FC450 or KTM. I've only owned Hondas, 2021 switched to Husky.
ive been waiting for this!! you and keefer are gospel!
Chris Zacharias Keefer and I talked a bit more about the bike on the Pulp show last night 👍🏻
Michael Lindsay awesome I’m in aus, it’s morning here I’m about to listen👌🏽
Chris Zacharias morning mate!
Michael Lindsay morning legend, listening now! You bring such a good vibe to the pulp mx show!
Michael great review I think it's going to improve a lot with a bit off fine tuning but it's good so far.
evo the base package is defientely a step forward and I love the character changes to the bike, just needs a tuning 🤘🏻😁
Great review Michael, as always. I have a 2018 CRF 450 with a spare aftermarket wheels, xtrig triple clamps, ti footpegs and harder fork springs and thinking making the change, do you know if they will fit to the new one??
Thanks for being honest. That takes big balls kid. Good for you!
Best review i've ever seen thanks man
Good report on the honda I've made my mind up I'm staying with the tc250 two stroke
So I put my deposit down a '21 Works Edition...but I'm having second thoughts so this sucks.
Great review! When you're riding, does it feel smaller/lighter with the single muffler, new frame and plastics?
Great breakdown! I’m not in the market for a 450 at all but I enjoy hearing all the reviews and seeing where all the platforms are at. To me, it doesn’t sound like the bike is as bad as the current public perception is making these reviews out to be. Maybe I’m just under the impression that everyone gets their suspension done to fit them specifically but I can still see why that would be something worth noting! My personal interest is to just see what the base platform/chassis leaves the pro teams and riders to build off of and still be legal. Sounds like if you have some extra money it is a better platform the build off then the 2020’s.
Do you think the 250 switch to a single pipe design again when it gets this facelift?
Honda took a bike that already was known to be sketchy and hard to set up, and made the front end STEEPER? You don't just tune out that, although Michael's company Works Chassis Lab may find a new niche selling adjustable steering head bearing races.
John Depperschmidt But he said the frame and chassis changes are an improvement over last year’s bike.
Hey bro great review! I have watched and read just about every review on this bike and even thou I haven't ridden one yet for some reason I can just tell that everything you said about this bike is true.... I just put a deposit on a new 2021 Honda and I was planning on getting the suspension re-valved so my only concern is the hesitatation that everyone is talking about.... Has anyone come up with a solution for that yet? And what is the spread of power on the motor like? I rode a 2020 CR 450 and I found the power was short and sort of abrupt.... For some reason I can't get past the power characteristics of my 2012 KX 450.... Just long and spread out... That's the kind of power I like.
are you going to be doing a review for the rx?
good honest review 512!
Tommy Battelle yup when Honda calls I’ll be all over it!
Why do we hear different things on the mapping?
Ping, I think, said that map 2 worked the cleanest, Swap said map 1 was the cleanest off the bottom.
Is it really just the riding style? Seems so weird.
Not entirely sure. I'd have to listen to Swap's, but I could've sworn he said three was best, Keefer thinks so too. I spoke with Kris a bit after my test...I think there could be a bit of variance in these units. Mine was very noticeable. But I also rode at a different elevation then the others, at least 2000 feet higher.
Every one said 3 was the cleanest and 1 was dirty off the bottom.
very good, honest review an that is difficult to find nowdays
Nice review!
Mucho gracias
@@MichaelLindsay Is your team getting this bike?
FrankCRaymerDDS I have one or two coming. Coty may race one at the final outdoor national. But our primary focus is the 250 class next year.
Looks like ECU tuning shops (twisted development, XPR, tokyo mods, etc) are gonna have a hay day. Clean up the 1/8-1/4 throttle and balance the bike it will be good, but will it be the greatest 🤔
Same with the ride engineering guys on that chassis
Hmmm Motul.....Main sponsor for the upcoming season for the team?
That bike would change my life cause if I owned one I would do really well and probably get a double digit the first year. Maybe I'll ask the Honda dealer to sponsor me and a practice backup bike and a dual sport 450. But I want extra tires cause I wear them out fast cause I am on the gas and I practice
64maxpower 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@billymcculloch-hardenduro2755 thank you for your support Billy. I will be sure to thank you on the podium at A1
so are u going to do a reveiw of what chages you would do to improve the bike , eg mapping, suspension things like tht
very good an honest review.thanks.
Hey just wondering will you be testing the 2021 KX250 soon ?
Very good review !
Yes I just got home with mine
dang i wanted to hear the rev limiter at the beginning of the vid haha
CRF450R 2021 or KX450 2021?
Did he say drop the fork spring rate on one side? Shouldn't you keep your fork spring rates the same on each side?
LoudOrNothing teams and suspension shops do it all the time. The bike comes stock with 50nm springs, and you can optionally go to 52nm, 54nm, or say 48nm, 46nm etc. with the springs going in +/- 2 increments, if you only change one side, you’re basically getting a “half rate”. So if I take the right side 50nm spring out and change it for a 52, but leave the stock 50 in the left side...I now have spring rate and pressure on the front end relative to 51nm.
@@MichaelLindsay Ok well that is interesting. Personally it just seems like it could cause some uneven torquing and friction in the forks. But I'm new to suspension so I'll take your word for it. Thanks for responding.
Great stuff!
Will a shootout come out soon?
What's a good position for the fatbars
Also would you be able to put a stock hydro clutch from a 21 on an 18?
John Rolko technically you could but you’d have to buy the engine case, all the hydraulic clutch parts and probably the clutch components itself. I’m gonna guess it would cost around $800-1000 in parts plus splitting the cases on your current engine to swap it.
Would it be cheaper to put a Magura unit on it?
Ben Fairhall much cheaper and easier.
Looks like a red husky.
Can you put the 8 plate clutch in the 2018 or is that completely different sorry I’m young and don’t know much about clutches.
It requires a different inner hub and pressure plate. At that point it’s easier and better to just go to the Hinson 8 plate aftermarket clutch or go to a Rekluse Torq Drive clutch.
is it better from the current model?
Yes, in my opinion.
hey Michael I feel I always trusted your opinion I was stuck between the kx450 and yz450f for a while I wanted to wait to hear about this bike before a decision but From hearing the other testers and your comments on this video today I could also tell this isn't the bike so between kx or yz what would you say? also when is your shootout going to be done?
YZ, more reliable best suspension
@chris beerad Wrong again
Both are great, YZ has more engine, but KX is lighter and puts power to the ground better.
@chris beerad Its a known fact
Considering the Yamaha didn’t change this year and the Kawi only had minor tweaks...I’d say watch my Shootout video from 2020 models on those two bikes, listen to the characteristics of each I describe and pick which one sounds like it’ll suit you. I think they’re both good choices but for different reasons.
Why did Jeff walker leave the team?
That million dollar question again
Covid issues
Have they got the cooling system sorted? This one doesn’t eat coolant?
Ben Fairhall seemed to be better! Warm out but I didn’t exactly pound out the motos and grind if you know what I mean 😅
Michael Lindsay yeah you weren’t exactly doing 2 National length motos with the heat as well. Time will tell!
Ben Fairhall the main filing session requires a lot of turning around, slow riding and sitting with the bike on to find a gap for the shot. We did that for over two hours with no break and it never kicked coolant. But straight up 30 min Moto just slaying it...not in my wheelhouse right now 😂😂😂
Michael Lindsay hey I thought you looked ready for 2x30s any day of the week!
Ben Fairhall I’m ready for two 30 min motos around Chipotle...
they need a new factory rider most of all
So long story short it needs suspension work?
A little bit, mostly spring rate balance and some ECU love.
Michael Lindsay was really hoping it was going to be more dialed off the showroom floor like the Yamaha. For 9,500+ I expect nothing less at this point from manufactures. I really wanted this bike ugh
A lowering link might help
Steve Stiffler our of the box I think it would make the rear character even worse with a longer link.
Naiss video 😊
KTM is where it is at, lighter weight, steel frame, better components, handles better.
can you score me a discount?
Mark Gaudreau Chaparral does some pretty good deals!
Damn. Honda still hasn't sorted flame out. Don't buy it.
Things suck
Sponsor
Any weekend warrior, who will mostly buy this bike, like usual, can in no way feel all of that on the motorcycle, we need reviews for people who actually buys them to tell me which one "feels" the best. Everyone one is a pro these days. Weekend warriors can in no way tell the difference between manufacturers.
A&Taiken i just described the ins and outs of how this bike “feels” on track and I’m not pro by any means. I had two “vet weekend warriors” test it the next day with me and both said about 60-70% of what I said about the bike.
@@MichaelLindsay i didn't know you had to vet riders as well; i guess my point is most test riders, regardless if they are Vet or not are still 90 % better at feeling the bike, feeling the difference between them, etc. where a "Weekend Warrior" knows how tighten the chain and barely now how to mess with "Clickers" Triple Clamps, etc. that Test Riders can do in there sleep. Just would like to see one with actually Vet Weekend Warriors that were never Pro or A/B riders but a Vet B/C or even beginners only can tell you, the throttle response is quick, or the bike sits high, the pocket is slimmer or wider and typical spring clickers info or demonstrations. My point is, most of these videos really only apply to, i don't know, maybe B, A and ex pro riders. Its like letting Vet Pros race in a Vet Class with local racers, completely different skill levels and should not be mixed. Everything is geared more towards bigger jumps, rougher tracks, etc. which weekend warriors don't like, Hell, we spend the most money in the industry but yet nothing is geard to are skill level at all. I know its a lot but i have seen this going on for a while, APPEAL MORE TO tHE OLDER VET 30 + classes and not the amateur and ex pros. In a local race, the A& B classes are never full at the gate, maybe a total of 10 riders out of, i dunno, 700 like in California; the percentages are in our favor.
Thank you for reading my rant but i think a lot of people may agree. (I hope)!
A&Taiken I tried all my clicker settings and more options with two vet riders and a local B rider. They were all happy with the direction that I went (except sag as were all a bit different in weight).
I have two mind sets for testing. I have a slightly different feel I go for when I do these first rides. I try to go for a balance and performance setup taht multiple people can jump on. If I went down the rabbit hole of tweaking it exactly for myself, I’m going to end up with a bike that’s a bit more choppered out, has a ton of response and a very sharp throttle response, and a very relaxed steering input.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I grab a range of testers for my shootout but for the bike intros it’s rare I’m allowed to have a bunch of other riders and to put it bluntly, I’m way better on camera than most when it comes to describing these things. So for these initial videos I do all the talking.
@@MichaelLindsay Hey Michael, thank you for taking the time to respond; I guess what i'm really trying to say is why, for these shootouts, do you have to do anything to them, why not just test as "Stock" in multiple different situations, sand, red clay, and another type of condition that a "Stock" bike react differently? Most of us "Weekend Warriors" do nothing to the bikes and just ride it stock, stock is fast enough; everyone knows that suspension is the only really item we would change but i would hire a proffessional to do that as i did it once and the rea shock broke off mid air and lucky it was a big wide landing; hence why i do not mess with suspension really anything mechanical as i would ruin a $10,000 machine ,. I know i am overthinking this and can't believe you actually responded a couple of times, I'm not knocking your shootout, really the only one i watch. I t was just an suggestion so the novice rider can by the "Stock" bike that is right for them.
Anyway i'm done and will nothing it up again, Thank you for the discussion.
@@ataiken8406 Every shootout we do is with the bike in stock off the showroom condition. The only things we change are the suspension clicker settings and sag, which can be done with basic tools such as a hammer and screwdriver. We do not modify the bikes with any aftermarket components at all.
Vg
Looks like the new gas gas just with aluminum frame. I feel ktms are goin be the new blueprint makers for factorys 🤔
Jason Bartlett the Honda was in the works long before KTM even bought GasGas.
@@MichaelLindsay You got me there man. It may just be me personally. I think it looks Similar to the ktm plastic Weis.
Love the videos can't wait to see your review on the 2021 FC 450.
yeah honda motul . usally suzuki hahaha
Yawa
Just be honest.. this bike is a fail.
just an awsome guy ..respect