When I worked at a dealership, they built the bikes there from a crate. I think the tightness issue would probably be mechanics using air tools or the like to torque stuff down. I would suspect dealership before manufacturer.
I agree with that statement. We just just got 2 new bikes in the the family, and we found excessively loose fastners. The dealers are required to PDI these things.
@@pyrostwistedride4821 Same with grease and lube, there's always either too much or too little lol. Best to go through and double check everything on any new bike, you'ld be surprised at how many things you find that aren't correct. It can save you money and hassle in the future!
Yeah, when I bought my gas gas recently everything was really loose. It's a huge liability that I'm not sure why they can't just torque to the manufactures specs? Take two minutes and do it the right way. LOL.
Great reviews finally Honda’s on the channel, can’t wait to see more trail time with it (slow technical capabilities/ family cruising). And of course that new 250RX
@@DirtBikeChannel I personally would love to see you give it a shot anyways. For me at least I pick a bike that does the majority of my riding really well but its subjected to everything. It be good to know its at least bearable as very few people stay within one discipline and have more than one bike to chose from. If that bike could be made into a usable soft enduro bike and retain benefits in other environments it could be a knock out bike for a lot of people.
@@TheEdge549 I feel ya. The te300i is my first 2T and loving it as I get use to it. And I went in to the Honda dealer buddy of mine telling him I needed the RX but was talked into the RL model for ability to be street legal. I LOVE the crf even though it might be the worst 450 possible in the woods. On a side note and unrelated my Husky did not start two days in a row in 20 degree weather but the crf450 fired right up with one push. Different bikes is the best but it is nice to have a do it all really well bike too. Enjoy!
Agreed. The Yamaha YZ250fx with reverse cylinder and wrap around exhaust is ridiculous compared to any bike I’ve ever owned in the last 40+ years…especially my 250xcw. There is a reason that orange has taken over.
You can see the quality of honda products in the intricate designs of their various interlocking tab systems. It is why honda plastic body parts do not rattle or fall off. Usually there will be an order of operations for a particular panel and not pulling on it all at once. That is spelled out in the manual but technical trainers admit often technicians come up with their own better ways of doing things
i picked up a 21 250rx, actually impressed that you can basically tear the bike down with 4 t-handle sockets... oil change including skid plate removal and reinstall in under 5 mins seems impressive to me! anyways glad to see you giving red a honest shot.
When I got my 2019 KTM EXC 500, I pulled the swingarm and triple clamps and lubed the bearings, and went through the entire bike checking all fasteners. I ended up adding at least 20 zip ties to the wiring harness to really detail and secure various wires all over the bike, in addition to other prep I did on the bike. I don't think ANY new motorcycle is ready to ride when you pick it up from the dealer.
I have the 2021 CRF450RX. You are right about the radiator bracing. Get braces! I already smashed the right radiator. The manual instructs removing the muffler to adjust sag. It is just part of the deal. I haven’t had any trouble with the battery box, and dirt. I guess time will tell, but it seems fine. I find I take the cover off enough to ensure the battery is in good condition, that it doesn’t bother me to wipe things down with a rag. Agree about the clickers. And the fork plug bolt too!
I've owned and raced Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and now I own a KTM. I will say that Honda and Yamaha were built way better than the other Japanese bikes. I love the KTM. It just does everything better. I love it. That being said, there is a learning curve to everything working on them. I hate the torx on everything KTM. Had to buy tons of new tools. It takes a while to figure out why they did everything. Most of it makes sense. Some of it does not at all. Honda makes a great machine...So does Yamaha. I still own 2 of them. KTM has them beat all day long as far as I'm concerned. Still a ton to be addressed by all manufactures. I don't understand why they don't fix known issues or make them easier to work on. My guess is that they need/want the maintenance money. Anyone riding a dirtbike should know how to do all their own maintenance. How else are you going to fix your bike on the trail?
Having owned and worked on Yamahas my whole life I recently revived a CRF450r for a friend. I actually marveled at some of the Honda mechanical differences. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on Honda 450 vs Yamaha 450 power quality and delivery. I found one much more user friendly.
So the right hardware.... This is true. My air filter bolt came from the factory stripped. I had to re-thread. I think it's best practice to remove the skid plate for oil change anyways. Usually it holds so much mud that you wouldn't want to pull your drain plug with the skid plate on. I have the same concerns about the lack radiator bracing. I've laid my bike down a few times and have had no issues
Thank you for the video. I really appreciate your insight on bike setup and maintenance. The content you provide is excellent. I don't mind the nit-picky stuff as you do this with each and every bike you own and review. I look forward to more videos on this bike and the coming Honda 250.
Maybe I'm a unique viewer. I've never owned a bike but I'm in the market to buy one this year possibly. Does anyone else have a ton of anxiety around buying their first bike? Kyle, this video makes me want to buy EXACTLY what you bought and follow along with what you're up to on it. That could be a freaking cool series. I just don't know how to work on a bike and I'm not friends with any riders either. I'm all internet-video-trained lol
I strongly recommend a CRF250F. Electric start, air cooled (no radiator or coolant) and cheaper parts. You’re gonna buy parts. ‘X’ on Hondas stands for ‘expert.’
Agreed. I picked one up after 20 years off. I thought it was a great bike and easy to maintain. I did want more after about 30 or so hours and sold it though. Picked up a 2021 xtrainer which is also a great bike for a newer rider. I ride pretty gnarly trails in the coast range of Oregon and will stay with the strainer for the foreseeable future.
I helped my brother replace the fork seals on his bike (2020 crf 450RX) and even with the odd ball size specialty wrench the top caps took an extreme amount of work to loosen up.
The handle bar/ clicker issue is because the bars are in the optional position. If you have them in the standard position (holes closer to the rider) you can access the clickers normally. In the normal position it actually makes for a nicer more comfortable cockpit as well. The over torqued bolts are prob because a newb was assembling it at the dealership and didn’t have a torque wrench and just cranked it down to tighten. Sadly happens often at dealerships. For the drain plug, I cut a hole in my skid plate so I can change the oil more easily. If you get the Works Connection drain tube it won’t make a mess. Lean the bike over, take out the drain bolt (oil won’t come out until you stand it up), put in the drain tube, stand up the bike, undo the clamp and oil comes out without a mess. I totally agree about the filter inconvenience and is why I change it less often then changing the oil itself.
Your Positive battery terminal is rotated ccw by 90 deg.. hence the cable is trying to escape through the relief for the rubber strap and it is preventing the cover from sitting properly. I'm comparing it to mine, I noticed because I just wired up a Baja Designs headlight and ran across the same thing. BTW I ended up wiring the light to the frame ground point and the battery side of the starter relay block, it's much cleaner, less wire and you don't need to mess with any additional wires or connectors when servicing the battery.
To anyone struggling to reach their fork clickers: take an L-shaped allen key and grind the short end to a flathead until it fits in your clicker screw. I keep one in my trail toolkit for my YZ. I can reach it with a really long screwdriver but the allen key works and is way smaller.
I have not experienced any of the issues you are describing. Picked up my 450r Jan. 8th. I have 7 rides on it and 10hrs. Don't know how different the RX is from the R but the only issue I have is the clickers and it is minor. You DO NOT have to remove the bars!! Go get a long skinny screwdriver and adjustments can be made easily track side. I did turn the forks so the air bleeders are at about 4-5 o'clock so I could install bleeders and they are easily accessible. I change my air filter every ride, piece of cake getting the side plate on and off. Except for the initial break in I change my oil every three rides. Easy! Set the bike on its side undo the oil drain bolt and pick it back up. Works Connection makes a tool that makes it even easier. Adjusted my sag in a couple minutes without removing the pipe, a long punch or screwdriver is all that is needed. Plenty of room to work. I feel the torque specs are a little high/ tight, Keefer has updated specs available online.
I bought a spanner wrench for my CRF250F then took a quick peek at how to get it in the there…. Still haven’t set the sag. And I really need to bc I’m about 5’7”, 210. Also, my bike was easy to do an oil change, but not as serious a bike as an ‘RX.’ Did it on the rear stand I got for my CBR.
I took my 2023 model to Brushy Mountain NC, was an absolute blast. And then when I went to get off to pack up somehow my airbox bolt fell off and the entire plastic disappeared. Still waiting for it to arrive😂
Thanks for the info. You've got that bike looking good already! I've had 15 years on CRF450Rs/Xs, bought a new 2020 300 XC-W to give that a try, just sold it to go back to Red and this bike. I miss the Fun Factor of a 450. 👍😁
I like that you show some of the nit picks of owning each model. Also like that you don't give a full review until you have owned the bike for a long time. Hate when someone does a full review when they are really giving a first ride impression.
Great video as always. Looking forward to your CRF250RX review once you get it (last video i watched you hadn't received it yet). I bought mine last October and love it. Due to the amount of snow we have had the last couple months i haven't been able to put much time on it. hoping to see what you think of the height of the bike. I find it a bit of an issue and seem to be not alone on that one. keep up the great videos!
Love my 22 450r. Spin ur tubes to get where u can get to the clickers. But I have no issues with a long screw driver. I’ve had my bars in both positions. U have 4 positions u can set them. The side plate. Bend them 2 front tabs at a angle into the bike. Makes it so much easier. I wish u live closer. U need to ride mine. Gold valves made it a awesome bike. With a 7 oz fly wheel weight. 52 rear. I can lug it pretty dang good. Not a 300 2 stroke. But def a lot more friendly enduro bike than most race bikes
That positive terminal is positioned incorrectly, should point rearward so the cable goes through the recess in the cover. Makes the cover easier to fit/remove. 😃
Have you seen where the battery is located in sherco bikes, it's under the air filter and it is much worse than on that dirtbike, so that's a good place in my opinion.
The over tight nuts and bolts are probably the dealership that assembled the bike I guarantee they don’t use a torque wrench. And on my Japanese bikes in the past I use a drift punch and hammer to loosen the lock ring on the shock spring preload then twist it like you did to set preload then use the the drift punch and hammer to tap it snug
Nice video, currently i own a 17 450rx, looking at a toss up between a 2022 450 rx or a gas gas 300 ex, would live to have a comparison of both, with any bike if you are a serious rider, buy it in the crate take it apart and put it back together yourself for piece of mind, if you heard any stories of factory work, its better to do it yourself
That air filter cover is pretty slick compared to my 2019 Honda. Have to remove the 2 seat bolts and 2 bolts on air filter cover. 10mm and 8mm. But I don't ride in dusty areas though so I hardly ever clean my air filter.
Yeah that battery location just does not seem right. A lightweight Lithium up under the seat makes more sense. How is the airbox for water ingress from the side?...my EXC-F is really bad...laying it down on its side in even shallow water will drown it. I really like this walk-through!
The rear wheel torque spec on that bike is like 94ft lb which is tight, you should need something long to remove that if you can remove that with a short wrench it's probably not tight enough. If you need to get that loose on the trail just stand on the wrench anyone that has changed a tire on a car along the road knows what that is all about. :) I can appreciate the open opinions on stuff but stuff like bolt tightness and how hard it is to get the side cover off is really kinda nit picky. It makes you sound like a real KTM snob. As far as oil changes I had a Honda CRF 450L and while the 450 was a hassle because you had to remove the skid plate I took that as a time to clean things up a bit and do inspections of frame and other parts. The other things may have some merit to it as my Beta has KYB's and it can be a pain to turn the clickers but I use an old Crafstman S shaped screwdriver that fits under the bars.
I guess you've missed all the videos where I bash on the KTMs. I nit pick on all of them. I also buy more bikes than the average person, and can tell you this is different than any other bike I've ever had. More than 60 bikes now :). Great bike so far though.
@@DirtBikeChannel No need to get defensive but in reality don't all motorcycles have certain quirks about them that annoy any owner especially if you wrench your own stuff? I have seen most of your videos and see where you say things about the KTM's but bolt tightness and cover removal seem picky. Maybe it's the way it comes off or it's said.
The 22 husqvarna fe450 requires you to take the skid plate off as well. The airfilter is the easiest thing to replace on the bike as there is no bolts to take off to get to it and to take it off. The battery is under the seat and requires one bolt to take out to get the seat off. And I'll brb 🤪 gotta go to a BBQ but the husqvarna will not disappoint. Okey apart from one thing which is no kick-start
gearing, what is stock, what will you try next? clickers, not funny I try to remember what I want to change, and then when when I have the front tire off, I'll drop the tubes to make a change, lol
They put handlebars on and air in the tires.... that's it most of the time. I've bought more than 60 bikes and I've seen SO many of them come out of the crates. Dealers aren't torquing things. That is the factory.
Honda needs to include a page in their manual showing special tools, which the average mechanic will need to buy, if he wants to work on his bike. It'd be poor form if you had to take dirt bikes to a shop for every little thing! On the other hand I know it's not easy to keep any machine under $12,000 brand new when you include R&D, plus all the overhead of a company the size of Honda!
Hello there, I'm Whit you, there are some ridiculous things about this bike, but man, I love it, I have a 450x 2012 HM version, and a 2023 Rx and I have to say, I really love that bike. I have a question for you, do you have any idea about how on earth can you install al light set? I mean, an oem one (L version maybe, or x version perhaps) is there any plug to install it? I'm a rally raid rider and really need to install a front light set. Thank you so much! And greetings from COLOMBIA.
I love my Honda, but I do agree with you with certain things. I’m curious, on the new bike. Look where the bolt goes into the factory mud guard… do they still put a plastic thread insert inside?
If you were 6 ft, 250lbs, riding trails in West Virginia with kids, which model Honda would you get? I’m between the 250 and the 300, but maybe the 450 would handle my weight better.
Its' supposed to do that because that's how RMATV does it. That is when they put the tracking part in your browser (cookie). I just wish it didn't work that way so that people would know I'm getting credit. O well.
Love the channel! I currently own a 2018 KTM xcf 250 with a recluse clutch and and FMF exhaust. I love the bike. I am looking to purchase a 2022 CRF450RX. I do a lot of the same riding you do. Is the 450 “too much power” anywhere for you personally? Looking for any helpful insight. Thank you!
I ride a cr250 with a big bore 300 kit on it and I have rode many 450s. 450 is a lot more torque down low and lower mid range then it evens out when the 2 stroke hits the powerband. However 450s are not meant to be ridden slow and are very hard to ride slow technical stuff, they flame out very easily and struggle to get traction because of the excess in tourque. I will say if you ride fast single track or Motocross get a 450 but if you do a bit of everything I would get a 2 stroke
Age 54, 5' 11" (not fat shaming, I'm 31% bodyfat)) moderate skill, wanting combo of reliability, quality & budget trail bike / dual-sport KLZ250S be too small for my weight?
The dealers don't actually touch them from what I've seen. I've bought over 60 bikes and watched about half of them come out of the crates. They put handlebars on them sometimes and put air in the tires. That's about it. The rest is done at the factory before the bike ships.
Full size mx bikes all the way down to the 150r for Honda don't have the front wheel installed when un crating. And there's much more the mechanic at the dealership is responsible for in the un crating procedure besides Handlebars and inflating tires. Not that they always complete those procedures.
I do love most of the review vids, but if the bike isnt one of the 3 different color KTMs the knit-picky complaints really amuse me. Anyway, kudo's to Honda for their '22 line up. That has to be the best looking Honda also, always loved their Tri-Color scheme
Huge fan great content I’ve been riding on an off since a kid recently got my gf a bike an teacher her to ride have her able to ride around in open areas but would be great for advice for beginner riders every thing is kinda second nature to me an not really sure how to get someone from riding circles to on the trail
Just wait till it fouls the plug 20 miles from the truck. Take an extra with you. They said they fixed that issue on a recall of the 21's. They have not, many having this issue.
Hope that doesn't happen to me. Same thing was said to me about the Yamaha I had in 2020, but I never had an issue with it. I think some of those things are flukes. Everyone wants to tell everyone if something goes wrong. You don't hear about all the times they work perfectly, which is 99.999 percent of the time.
@@DirtBikeChannel Just take a plug just in case. It's my sons first bike he bought on his own. He has fouled 2 plugs due to rich mapping. He has lost confidence due to the dealer not helping us or Honda. We could have a remap done, but a problem dirt bike is like a cheating girl friend. Just trade it in and start over. He's going to trade it in on a GAS GAS EX 300. At least you can get to the plug without taking half the bike apart.
I’ve got 26-28 hours on my 22. No issues. I got my ecu done by Tokyo mods. Just got it back today. But no issues with the 22. Ppl giving them gas and not using high idle to start when cold is where the fouled plugs come from. Using wrong gas aswell. I just use pump 93 and been a good bike. I do a lot or slow hard enduro riding with moto on the weekends.
@@dekancaine We run 94 ethanol free and he always uses the high idle when cold. It happened after a rest on trail rides both times. We are going with Tokyo mods also. He decided he wants to keep it. Map 2 for Moto and map 3 woods map. Thanks for the info.
@@woodman4989 I run map 1 in the woods on my 450 2021rx its the least aggressive mode. But I'm in tight stuff. Number 3 is aggressive, and it gets hectic in that tight stuff
Wow, you’re literally nit picking things. Especially things your dealer is responsible for. The side panel is hard to put on? You ever taken apart a KTM rear fender/side panel area? I have no idea how viewers actually take you serious with your reviews anymore. You’re the flagship vet KTM fanboy.
Anyone out there know of any knee injuries do to radiator braces ? I want to think because your squeezing the bike with your knees , braces may become your worst nightmare ?
That is a terrible place for the battery. All that engine heat will kill it faster than usual, and that location it too tight. The fork clickers are totally idiotic.
you can actually adjust the bars so you can get to the clickers ,you cannot blame Honda for a shoddy P.D.I ..i have been riding Honda for over 40 yrs and i have just bought a husky 21 some of the bolts have already snapped .Never in my experience on a Honda has that happened ( beleive it or not ) could be my fault ?? Not bitchin !!The Husky way of fitting the plastics is another area i dont like its not bolted on i do worry about it ..never lost a panel on a Honda just sayin...This husky also loosens bolts i now locktight everything ..If you are comparing my husky frame has already been powder coated as the paint was worn through in places ..I since 2000 have never had to do that to a Honda ..the brakes seem a lot better than the honda it turns real easy and this 450 feels lighter than my crf250 x so i do what evey bike rider does i get on with it !!! Enjoy your Honda it may not do everything better than other makes but what does do is keep going ..
@@DirtBikeChannel I know my yamaha came out of the crate with the front wheel off and i was told this 17 year old with an impact wrench had to put it on for me.
@@DirtBikeChannel Looked almost exactly like this from the factory, and the dealer finishes assembly and charges 400 dollars. th-cam.com/video/zXC6DAStf94/w-d-xo.html
When I worked at a dealership, they built the bikes there from a crate. I think the tightness issue would probably be mechanics using air tools or the like to torque stuff down. I would suspect dealership before manufacturer.
I agree with that statement. We just just got 2 new bikes in the the family, and we found excessively loose fastners. The dealers are required to PDI these things.
100% agree. Dealership issue.
@@pyrostwistedride4821 Same with grease and lube, there's always either too much or too little lol. Best to go through and double check everything on any new bike, you'ld be surprised at how many things you find that aren't correct. It can save you money and hassle in the future!
Yes fully agree
Yeah, when I bought my gas gas recently everything was really loose. It's a huge liability that I'm not sure why they can't just torque to the manufactures specs? Take two minutes and do it the right way. LOL.
Great reviews finally Honda’s on the channel, can’t wait to see more trail time with it (slow technical capabilities/ family cruising). And of course that new 250RX
This ain't going to be a good go slow bike. I'll tell you that right now. I'm going to keep this bike doing the things it does well.
@@DirtBikeChannel I personally would love to see you give it a shot anyways. For me at least I pick a bike that does the majority of my riding really well but its subjected to everything. It be good to know its at least bearable as very few people stay within one discipline and have more than one bike to chose from. If that bike could be made into a usable soft enduro bike and retain benefits in other environments it could be a knock out bike for a lot of people.
Yeah I’ve got a crf450 and love it BUT just got a te300i for the tight woods riding. It’s wasn’t that much fun on the 450.
@@lukefish7562 was it the 450rx? I'm partial to a good 2 stroke (2017 300xc) but part of me misses riding a 4 stroke for my next one.
@@TheEdge549 I feel ya. The te300i is my first 2T and loving it as I get use to it. And I went in to the Honda dealer buddy of mine telling him I needed the RX but was talked into the RL model for ability to be street legal. I LOVE the crf even though it might be the worst 450 possible in the woods. On a side note and unrelated my Husky did not start two days in a row in 20 degree weather but the crf450 fired right up with one push. Different bikes is the best but it is nice to have a do it all really well bike too. Enjoy!
One of the main reasons I went from Honda to KTM is how easy it is to wrench on the KTM compared to the other brands of bikes
Agreed. The Yamaha YZ250fx with reverse cylinder and wrap around exhaust is ridiculous compared to any bike I’ve ever owned in the last 40+ years…especially my 250xcw.
There is a reason that orange has taken over.
There is something to be said about this.
KTM needs to make their bikes easy to wrench on they are always needing repair J/K lol
@@gpaull2 it makes one wonder what factory engineers are thinking. I believe they just like to experiment with dumb concepts.
Trying to cram so much technology into the tightest, lightest set up...
You can see the quality of honda products in the intricate designs of their various interlocking tab systems. It is why honda plastic body parts do not rattle or fall off. Usually there will be an order of operations for a particular panel and not pulling on it all at once. That is spelled out in the manual but technical trainers admit often technicians come up with their own better ways of doing things
i picked up a 21 250rx, actually impressed that you can basically tear the bike down with 4 t-handle sockets... oil change including skid plate removal and reinstall in under 5 mins seems impressive to me! anyways glad to see you giving red a honest shot.
When I got my 2019 KTM EXC 500, I pulled the swingarm and triple clamps and lubed the bearings, and went through the entire bike checking all fasteners. I ended up adding at least 20 zip ties to the wiring harness to really detail and secure various wires all over the bike, in addition to other prep I did on the bike. I don't think ANY new motorcycle is ready to ride when you pick it up from the dealer.
if you plan on going long distance thats the way to do it. everyone should know how their bike works
I love my Honda too!! It cuts my grass so awesome!!! Now for riding I take my KTM and BRAAAAP!!!!!!
I have the 2021 CRF450RX.
You are right about the radiator bracing. Get braces! I already smashed the right radiator.
The manual instructs removing the muffler to adjust sag. It is just part of the deal.
I haven’t had any trouble with the battery box, and dirt. I guess time will tell, but it seems fine. I find I take the cover off enough to ensure the battery is in good condition, that it doesn’t bother me to wipe things down with a rag.
Agree about the clickers. And the fork plug bolt too!
I've owned and raced Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and now I own a KTM. I will say that Honda and Yamaha were built way better than the other Japanese bikes. I love the KTM. It just does everything better. I love it. That being said, there is a learning curve to everything working on them. I hate the torx on everything KTM. Had to buy tons of new tools. It takes a while to figure out why they did everything. Most of it makes sense. Some of it does not at all. Honda makes a great machine...So does Yamaha. I still own 2 of them. KTM has them beat all day long as far as I'm concerned. Still a ton to be addressed by all manufactures. I don't understand why they don't fix known issues or make them easier to work on. My guess is that they need/want the maintenance money.
Anyone riding a dirtbike should know how to do all their own maintenance. How else are you going to fix your bike on the trail?
That's a great looking bike - love the colours and detailing on the CRF Hondas.
Having owned and worked on Yamahas my whole life I recently revived a CRF450r for a friend. I actually marveled at some of the Honda mechanical differences. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on Honda 450 vs Yamaha 450 power quality and delivery. I found one much more user friendly.
So the right hardware.... This is true. My air filter bolt came from the factory stripped. I had to re-thread. I think it's best practice to remove the skid plate for oil change anyways. Usually it holds so much mud that you wouldn't want to pull your drain plug with the skid plate on. I have the same concerns about the lack radiator bracing. I've laid my bike down a few times and have had no issues
Thank you for the video. I really appreciate your insight on bike setup and maintenance. The content you provide is excellent. I don't mind the nit-picky stuff as you do this with each and every bike you own and review. I look forward to more videos on this bike and the coming Honda 250.
Maybe I'm a unique viewer. I've never owned a bike but I'm in the market to buy one this year possibly.
Does anyone else have a ton of anxiety around buying their first bike?
Kyle, this video makes me want to buy EXACTLY what you bought and follow along with what you're up to on it. That could be a freaking cool series. I just don't know how to work on a bike and I'm not friends with any riders either. I'm all internet-video-trained lol
I strongly recommend a CRF250F. Electric start, air cooled (no radiator or coolant) and cheaper parts. You’re gonna buy parts. ‘X’ on Hondas stands for ‘expert.’
Agreed. I picked one up after 20 years off. I thought it was a great bike and easy to maintain. I did want more after about 30 or so hours and sold it though. Picked up a 2021 xtrainer which is also a great bike for a newer rider. I ride pretty gnarly trails in the coast range of Oregon and will stay with the strainer for the foreseeable future.
Yeah I can't wait till you get to the 250 Honda great video
Hopefully soon!
Thank you for picking me as a winner have a nice day
I helped my brother replace the fork seals on his bike (2020 crf 450RX) and even with the odd ball size specialty wrench the top caps took an extreme amount of work to loosen up.
haha!
The handle bar/ clicker issue is because the bars are in the optional position. If you have them in the standard position (holes closer to the rider) you can access the clickers normally. In the normal position it actually makes for a nicer more comfortable cockpit as well.
The over torqued bolts are prob because a newb was assembling it at the dealership and didn’t have a torque wrench and just cranked it down to tighten. Sadly happens often at dealerships.
For the drain plug, I cut a hole in my skid plate so I can change the oil more easily. If you get the Works Connection drain tube it won’t make a mess. Lean the bike over, take out the drain bolt (oil won’t come out until you stand it up), put in the drain tube, stand up the bike, undo the clamp and oil comes out without a mess. I totally agree about the filter inconvenience and is why I change it less often then changing the oil itself.
Your Positive battery terminal is rotated ccw by 90 deg.. hence the cable is trying to escape through the relief for the rubber strap and it is preventing the cover from sitting properly. I'm comparing it to mine, I noticed because I just wired up a Baja Designs headlight and ran across the same thing. BTW I ended up wiring the light to the frame ground point and the battery side of the starter relay block, it's much cleaner, less wire and you don't need to mess with any additional wires or connectors when servicing the battery.
Yes, you need radiator braces! I set my down once bent both radiators. The shock went from one side to the other, and bent them both.
Yaaa I just ordered mine 😅
To anyone struggling to reach their fork clickers: take an L-shaped allen key and grind the short end to a flathead until it fits in your clicker screw. I keep one in my trail toolkit for my YZ. I can reach it with a really long screwdriver but the allen key works and is way smaller.
I'd just STUPID that they don't put finger clickers on these bikes. STUPID.
@@DirtBikeChannel I agree. I wish kyb added finger clickers. And the rebound is on the bottom
I have not experienced any of the issues you are describing.
Picked up my 450r Jan. 8th.
I have 7 rides on it and 10hrs.
Don't know how different the RX is from the R but the only issue I have is the clickers and it is minor.
You DO NOT have to remove the bars!! Go get a long skinny screwdriver and adjustments can be made easily track side.
I did turn the forks so the air bleeders are at about 4-5 o'clock so I could install bleeders and they are easily accessible.
I change my air filter every ride, piece of cake getting the side plate on and off.
Except for the initial break in I change my oil every three rides. Easy! Set the bike on its side undo the oil drain bolt and pick it back up. Works Connection makes a tool that makes it even easier.
Adjusted my sag in a couple minutes without removing the pipe, a long punch or screwdriver is all that is needed. Plenty of room to work.
I feel the torque specs are a little high/ tight, Keefer has updated specs available online.
I bought a spanner wrench for my CRF250F then took a quick peek at how to get it in the there…. Still haven’t set the sag. And I really need to bc I’m about 5’7”, 210. Also, my bike was easy to do an oil change, but not as serious a bike as an ‘RX.’ Did it on the rear stand I got for my CBR.
You are making me love my new GasGas ex 350F , more and more, as I watch this. Lol. Fun video!!
Super cross is on in the background. Love it!!
I've only had KTM's, i have 2 currently, but i must say the look on Honda's recently is over the top!😁
Agreed
I took my 2023 model to Brushy Mountain NC, was an absolute blast. And then when I went to get off to pack up somehow my airbox bolt fell off and the entire plastic disappeared. Still waiting for it to arrive😂
Thanks for the info. You've got that bike looking good already! I've had 15 years on CRF450Rs/Xs, bought a new 2020 300 XC-W to give that a try, just sold it to go back to Red and this bike. I miss the Fun Factor of a 450. 👍😁
It's good to have the honda. I'm really enjoying certain aspects of it
I'll stick with my 18 carbed TE300 Husky and my 21 carbed 300 race edition Beta... easy to adjust and maintain and ultra reliable machines.
Just picked up a 22 crf450r and I love the thing ! Also... bars in the rear hole on the clamps. Bingo can get to the clickers
I like that you show some of the nit picks of owning each model. Also like that you don't give a full review until you have owned the bike for a long time. Hate when someone does a full review when they are really giving a first ride impression.
Short 90 degree flat head ? Or Horizontal flat blade.
Great video as always. Looking forward to your CRF250RX review once you get it (last video i watched you hadn't received it yet). I bought mine last October and love it. Due to the amount of snow we have had the last couple months i haven't been able to put much time on it. hoping to see what you think of the height of the bike. I find it a bit of an issue and seem to be not alone on that one.
keep up the great videos!
The issues with torque specs is due to improper assembly by the DEALERSHIP, not Honda
U don’t have to take that skid plate off to change the oil filter or drain the oil. I’ve done it many times. 2021 crf 450 rl John T Young style.
Love my 22 450r. Spin ur tubes to get where u can get to the clickers. But I have no issues with a long screw driver. I’ve had my bars in both positions. U have 4 positions u can set them. The side plate. Bend them 2 front tabs at a angle into the bike. Makes it so much easier.
I wish u live closer. U need to ride mine. Gold valves made it a awesome bike. With a 7 oz fly wheel weight. 52 rear. I can lug it pretty dang good. Not a 300 2 stroke. But def a lot more friendly enduro bike than most race bikes
The wheels being so tight is ur dealer. The battery hasn’t bothers me. I’ve been I. Water up over it. Been riding and it’s pretty wet in ky.
Man you'd hate changing the oil on a ktm 450xcf then. Remove skid to access bottom plug, plus remove two screens then the filter.
That positive terminal is positioned incorrectly, should point rearward so the cable goes through the recess in the cover. Makes the cover easier to fit/remove. 😃
Have you seen where the battery is located in sherco bikes, it's under the air filter and it is much worse than on that dirtbike, so that's a good place in my opinion.
The over tight nuts and bolts are probably the dealership that assembled the bike I guarantee they don’t use a torque wrench. And on my Japanese bikes in the past I use a drift punch and hammer to loosen the lock ring on the shock spring preload then twist it like you did to set preload then use the the drift punch and hammer to tap it snug
Nice video, currently i own a 17 450rx, looking at a toss up between a 2022 450 rx or a gas gas 300 ex, would live to have a comparison of both, with any bike if you are a serious rider, buy it in the crate take it apart and put it back together yourself for piece of mind, if you heard any stories of factory work, its better to do it yourself
That air filter cover is pretty slick compared to my 2019 Honda. Have to remove the 2 seat bolts and 2 bolts on air filter cover. 10mm and 8mm. But I don't ride in dusty areas though so I hardly ever clean my air filter.
Fell in PA mud with my 2015 crf and bent the radiator lol
Yeah that battery location just does not seem right. A lightweight Lithium up under the seat makes more sense. How is the airbox for water ingress from the side?...my EXC-F is really bad...laying it down on its side in even shallow water will drown it. I really like this walk-through!
ride engineering sells hand adjusters . Just found them for my 2005 crf. Cant wait to buy them when I have some extra cash
The rear wheel torque spec on that bike is like 94ft lb which is tight, you should need something long to remove that if you can remove that with a short wrench it's probably not tight enough. If you need to get that loose on the trail just stand on the wrench anyone that has changed a tire on a car along the road knows what that is all about. :) I can appreciate the open opinions on stuff but stuff like bolt tightness and how hard it is to get the side cover off is really kinda nit picky. It makes you sound like a real KTM snob. As far as oil changes I had a Honda CRF 450L and while the 450 was a hassle because you had to remove the skid plate I took that as a time to clean things up a bit and do inspections of frame and other parts. The other things may have some merit to it as my Beta has KYB's and it can be a pain to turn the clickers but I use an old Crafstman S shaped screwdriver that fits under the bars.
I guess you've missed all the videos where I bash on the KTMs. I nit pick on all of them. I also buy more bikes than the average person, and can tell you this is different than any other bike I've ever had. More than 60 bikes now :). Great bike so far though.
@@DirtBikeChannel No need to get defensive but in reality don't all motorcycles have certain quirks about them that annoy any owner especially if you wrench your own stuff? I have seen most of your videos and see where you say things about the KTM's but bolt tightness and cover removal seem picky. Maybe it's the way it comes off or it's said.
The 22 husqvarna fe450 requires you to take the skid plate off as well. The airfilter is the easiest thing to replace on the bike as there is no bolts to take off to get to it and to take it off. The battery is under the seat and requires one bolt to take out to get the seat off. And I'll brb 🤪 gotta go to a BBQ but the husqvarna will not disappoint. Okey apart from one thing which is no kick-start
My rear axel on a crf125f came extremely over-tight as well. It was to the point to where i had to stand on the wrench to crack the first turn
Kyle, you need an offset screwdriver for the clicker.
Thank you for the content
gearing, what is stock, what will you try next?
clickers, not funny
I try to remember what I want to change, and then when when I have the front tire off, I'll drop the tubes to make a change, lol
I could be wrong, but I believe the dealer assembles some parts of the bike. They could have over torqued some of those things.
They put handlebars on and air in the tires.... that's it most of the time. I've bought more than 60 bikes and I've seen SO many of them come out of the crates. Dealers aren't torquing things. That is the factory.
Honda needs to include a page in their manual showing special tools, which the average mechanic will need to buy, if he wants to work on his bike. It'd be poor form if you had to take dirt bikes to a shop for every little thing! On the other hand I know it's not easy to keep any machine under $12,000 brand new when you include R&D, plus all the overhead of a company the size of Honda!
First Comment!
Thanks for the vid!
😂
Hello there, I'm Whit you, there are some ridiculous things about this bike, but man, I love it, I have a 450x 2012 HM version, and a 2023 Rx and I have to say, I really love that bike.
I have a question for you, do you have any idea about how on earth can you install al light set? I mean, an oem one (L version maybe, or x version perhaps) is there any plug to install it? I'm a rally raid rider and really need to install a front light set. Thank you so much! And greetings from COLOMBIA.
Guess you will have to take the battery box cover off and clean it.
I love my Honda, but I do agree with you with certain things. I’m curious, on the new bike. Look where the bolt goes into the factory mud guard… do they still put a plastic thread insert inside?
Excellent 👌🏿
How do you like acerbis skid plates. Their newer ones are real good
You're over looking the battery thing remember if it was sealed then the moisture would be trapped inside.
Honda rules ... You can't beat a Honda
Ended up getting braces for mine after I had to replace the radiator 😅
Coming at you two years later.
Is the battery placement a problem for water crossings?
That. Battery position will be a issue later I reckon👍
Don’t you just use a piece of thin flat bar to adjust the clickers? I just use my screwdriver sideways and it reaches right in there.
What’s a cherrybeez engine guard ?
Side access vs top access well both are a pain
Yeah, I'm just concerned about weather proofing on this one. Pros and cons here.
I don’t know how you keep your bikes so clean. One ride in my local mud and my bikes look worse than yours by the time you raffle them.
I use a pressure washer, and good lighting for the videos.
Damn! I just ordered a couple hundred dollars worth of stuff from Rocky Mountain ATV and didn't know this.
I know should have never got the bike I ❤️the Yz 250 x it’s awesome just thought try something else but no now it costs money
Having to take the bars off to adjust your forks would suck.
it's so dumb.
If you were 6 ft, 250lbs, riding trails in West Virginia with kids, which model Honda would you get? I’m between the 250 and the 300, but maybe the 450 would handle my weight better.
The tightness of your bolts falls back on your dealer not using a torque wrench
Ya, that thing where RM drops the REF=1017 has happened to me multiple times.
Its' supposed to do that because that's how RMATV does it. That is when they put the tracking part in your browser (cookie). I just wish it didn't work that way so that people would know I'm getting credit. O well.
thanks for your videos. I buy the 450 RX from Redmoto. Can you explain in a video the map switch pls
Let me know about the gas gas that bothers you I can't wait for that video
haha! will do!
The over tightening is the dealer set up. Bad dealer
Does that cfrx have the custom mapping app or is it just on the mx bikes?
ye
Love the channel! I currently own a 2018 KTM xcf 250 with a recluse clutch and and FMF exhaust. I love the bike. I am looking to purchase a 2022 CRF450RX. I do a lot of the same riding you do. Is the 450 “too much power” anywhere for you personally? Looking for any helpful insight. Thank you!
I ride a cr250 with a big bore 300 kit on it and I have rode many 450s. 450 is a lot more torque down low and lower mid range then it evens out when the 2 stroke hits the powerband. However 450s are not meant to be ridden slow and are very hard to ride slow technical stuff, they flame out very easily and struggle to get traction because of the excess in tourque. I will say if you ride fast single track or Motocross get a 450 but if you do a bit of everything I would get a 2 stroke
Age 54, 5' 11" (not fat shaming, I'm 31% bodyfat)) moderate skill, wanting combo of reliability, quality & budget trail bike / dual-sport KLZ250S be too small for my weight?
I think the bolt tension for wheels is on the dealer. Seen dealers take deliver of bikes in crates without the bars and wheels installed.
The dealers don't actually touch them from what I've seen. I've bought over 60 bikes and watched about half of them come out of the crates. They put handlebars on them sometimes and put air in the tires. That's about it. The rest is done at the factory before the bike ships.
Full size mx bikes all the way down to the 150r for Honda don't have the front wheel installed when un crating. And there's much more the mechanic at the dealership is responsible for in the un crating procedure besides Handlebars and inflating tires. Not that they always complete those procedures.
I do love most of the review vids, but if the bike isnt one of the 3 different color KTMs the knit-picky complaints really amuse me. Anyway, kudo's to Honda for their '22 line up. That has to be the best looking Honda also, always loved their Tri-Color scheme
I guess you don''t hear when I nit pick the KTM bikes? I nit pick on all of them. It's kinda the point.
He bashed KTM for how close the radiator hose was to the frame and it wore a hole in them. Thats not even nit picking that could be a major disaster.
How does the 450rx compare to the Beta 390?
Both axles are torques by the dealership.
It would have been interesting to see what torque it would have taken to break the over-torqued nuts loose.
Huge fan great content I’ve been riding on an off since a kid recently got my gf a bike an teacher her to ride have her able to ride around in open areas but would be great for advice for beginner riders every thing is kinda second nature to me an not really sure how to get someone from riding circles to on the trail
Just wait till it fouls the plug 20 miles from the truck. Take an extra with you. They said they fixed that issue on a recall of the 21's. They have not, many having this issue.
Hope that doesn't happen to me. Same thing was said to me about the Yamaha I had in 2020, but I never had an issue with it. I think some of those things are flukes. Everyone wants to tell everyone if something goes wrong. You don't hear about all the times they work perfectly, which is 99.999 percent of the time.
@@DirtBikeChannel Just take a plug just in case. It's my sons first bike he bought on his own. He has fouled 2 plugs due to rich mapping. He has lost confidence due to the dealer not helping us or Honda. We could have a remap done, but a problem dirt bike is like a cheating girl friend. Just trade it in and start over. He's going to trade it in on a GAS GAS EX 300. At least you can get to the plug without taking half the bike apart.
I’ve got 26-28 hours on my 22. No issues. I got my ecu done by Tokyo mods. Just got it back today. But no issues with the 22. Ppl giving them gas and not using high idle to start when cold is where the fouled plugs come from. Using wrong gas aswell. I just use pump 93 and been a good bike. I do a lot or slow hard enduro riding with moto on the weekends.
@@dekancaine We run 94 ethanol free and he always uses the high idle when cold. It happened after a rest on trail rides both times. We are going with Tokyo mods also. He decided he wants to keep it. Map 2 for Moto and map 3 woods map. Thanks for the info.
@@woodman4989 I run map 1 in the woods on my 450 2021rx its the least aggressive mode. But I'm in tight stuff. Number 3 is aggressive, and it gets hectic in that tight stuff
I’ll stick with my beloved 2021 EXCF 500
You need to bring a spark plug with you at all tomes
9:00 weld bead A+
Wow, you’re literally nit picking things. Especially things your dealer is responsible for. The side panel is hard to put on? You ever taken apart a KTM rear fender/side panel area? I have no idea how viewers actually take you serious with your reviews anymore. You’re the flagship vet KTM fanboy.
Do you know if company make a fan kit for the bike
Can I ask. Do you sell or somewhere to buy the spinner wrench that you can change to sockets on the end ? The T handle wrench ?
May be a Tusk or Motion Pro wrench, I know MP makes one like it
@@brandonminear9400 it is a motion pro thanks just ordered one
Way fancier than my 96 xr650l lol
Anyone out there know of any knee injuries do to radiator braces ? I want to think because your squeezing the bike with your knees , braces may become your worst nightmare ?
That is a terrible place for the battery. All that engine heat will kill it faster than usual, and that location it too tight. The fork clickers are totally idiotic.
Real enburo bikes Kamen from Europe.
you can actually adjust the bars so you can get to the clickers ,you cannot blame Honda for a shoddy P.D.I ..i have been riding Honda for over 40 yrs and i have just bought a husky 21 some of the bolts have already snapped .Never in my experience on a Honda has that happened ( beleive it or not ) could be my fault ?? Not bitchin !!The Husky way of fitting the plastics is another area i dont like its not bolted on i do worry about it ..never lost a panel on a Honda just sayin...This husky also loosens bolts i now locktight everything ..If you are comparing my husky frame has already been powder coated as the paint was worn through in places ..I since 2000 have never had to do that to a Honda ..the brakes seem a lot better than the honda it turns real easy and this 450 feels lighter than my crf250 x so i do what evey bike rider does i get on with it !!! Enjoy your Honda it may not do everything better than other makes but what does do is keep going ..
Take the seat off for air filter maintenance...a lot easier dude 🤦🏻♂️
the first thing you need to do is swap in a 300cc 2 stroke motor.
The dealer over torqued your axle nuts.
No they didn't. Dealers don't torque things. I've seen more bikes coming out of the crate than I can tell you :). That is a manufacturer thing.
@@DirtBikeChannel I know my yamaha came out of the crate with the front wheel off and i was told this 17 year old with an impact wrench had to put it on for me.
@@DirtBikeChannel Looked almost exactly like this from the factory, and the dealer finishes assembly and charges 400 dollars.
th-cam.com/video/zXC6DAStf94/w-d-xo.html
@@johnj8840 Im not sure why he said that.