I absolutely love my 24 CRFR50RL. I've had mine now for about a year and it is still bone stock except fir the Seat Concepts Comfort/Tall seat (which is incredibly effective). Great video!
Great review! I've owned mine for 3 years now and you definitely hit the nail on the head with this bike. It's a race bike, and is happiest at the higher RPM's. Like most people, I tried to tame it with mods, but some animals can't be tamed and this is one of them. The bike simply performs better when you go fast. I'm looking forward to seeing your journey with this bike. Take care!
I am lusting for this bike. Been riding dirt bikes for 50yrs now! Look into a heavier fly wheel. I have heard that this could be just as good as getting an ECU upgrade.
I grew up and learned how to ride on a Honda. My first three bikes were red and loved them. The only thing that's disappointing about them is premature countershaft wear. I've owned two that wore the spines out far earlier than they should have, a Sadow Spirit 750 and CRF 150F. After doing some research I found out that it's not uncommon for Honda, going back to the XR lineup. Had a buddy that owned a GSXR600 and put 110,000k on the original engine, no discernable countershaft wear. I myself have owned one of almost every other brand and never had an issue with countershaft wear. Looks like Honda would get their metallurgy in check and fix the problem. Before anyone blames it on "cheap" aftermarket sprockets, I used genuine Honda replacements on both.
I have a 2022 450RL and I’m closing in on 8,000 miles. Only issue I’ve had with mine is the starter reduction gear broke. Other than that, it’s been a great bike.
Absolutely my dream bike, only wish they would update the oil change intervals to 3,500 miles and would be perfect, no cap. B.T.W. I love the fact that you got another Dual Sport!
II bought one in 22, it way to heavy. The Beta or Sherco 4 strokes are light years ahead. Yes it is reliable yes it has power. It is too heavy for its class compared to the Euro race bikes that are street legal. The throttle is snatchey. Go read reviews on when they first came out. People spent over a $1000 on new computers and throttle tubes to fix this. Go test ride one first. Then test a Beta or Sherco. No comparison.
Well, to be fare. He said in the video he would not prefer something lighter. There is a point to that when riding on the highway. People have to choose what works for them. EDIT: By the way, yes, I would also replace the ECU. That being said, that extra $1,000 still makes the 450RL cost less than those other bikes and you still have Honda reliability for the rest of the bike.
Terrac, the other bikes are just as overpriced as the Honda. The RL is still to light to drive next to big rigs on 45-60 mph roads. The throttle is snatchey die to the emissions and the injectors turning off at low throttle thus the aftermarket ecu. If Honda had made it lighter it would have been badass. There is very few people who would ride on the road lots with an enduro. Anyway just my point of view, to each their own.
the bike is great at everything but super slow technical enduro harder to fineness the clutch and throttle. i could prob use a lower gear ratio 13/52 atm but you will definitely feel the weight. i have the get ecu, tamer and, righteous stunt clutch lever. gona swap the flywheel this winter
@@DB-sd3cw ya probably but it is an almost perfect bike once you do. bout what you will pay for the ktm 500. I get not wanting to have to put the 800 into a ecu at start.
Yeah, that's my pain too. However, the new DRZ4S still appeals to me for my needs. I think it will be a better dual-sport for me to customize for DS duties but with a hint of customized long range rally/ADV usefulness. I need a DS that can get me to long range destinations for a mix of off-road riding and moto-camping.
I have this same bike and love it but you are gonna need a few bucks left after buying it because a new seat is 400$ right out the gate and you will definitely need it no matter what you think. Then Acerbis frame gaurds ,and maybe upgraded skid plate and a luggage system so you dont have to wear a hot goofy back pack. Good luck
@@DB-sd3cw The Tenere is an ADV, which is a great bike. The discussion is concerning dual-sports, so I am lost on why mention a different bike type in a dual sport discussion?
I'd have to go with the 450RL. The Husky 701, GasGas ES700, and KTM 690 Enduro R are ALL the same bike. That being said, these bikes are actually made for KTM (parent company) by Chinese manufacturer CF Moto. The bikes have very high tempo maintenance schedules, are very expensive to maintain, customers cannot change their own oil or it voids the warranty (or so I've heard), and lastly but not least...KTM is rumored to be under the threat of falling into bankruptcy. The 701/ES700/690 Enduro R are all great performers but have quality control issues, stringent maintenance protocols, and a history of poor warranty support. Honda is rock solid (ECU and 2x4 seat are only weak points). They have a dealer network everywhere, strong customer support, huge aftermarket. The 450RL has superior suspension than the others mentioned. Not many people will admit that. I said a lot, but at the end of the day don't take my word for it, look it up for yourself. I am not trying to sway your choice, just throwing something out there you may not have been aware of. If you get a 701 it's a great performing bike. Just be aware of the issues Husqvarna's parent company KTM is facing which would/could impact your ownership experience of the 701.
same motor specs as a dr4-s but without the dumb maintenance. only difference being 40 lbs heavier. suzuki could have built a lighter frame and it would have stole all the sales from honda. or honda could have made their motor more maintenance friendly and end up with the same result...
I absolutely love my 24 CRFR50RL. I've had mine now for about a year and it is still bone stock except fir the Seat Concepts Comfort/Tall seat (which is incredibly effective). Great video!
Great review! I've owned mine for 3 years now and you definitely hit the nail on the head with this bike. It's a race bike, and is happiest at the higher RPM's. Like most people, I tried to tame it with mods, but some animals can't be tamed and this is one of them. The bike simply performs better when you go fast. I'm looking forward to seeing your journey with this bike. Take care!
Thanks Micha this is srsly one of the best moto channels
Thanks man! 👍
You are hilarious fun to listen and watch you ride..
Exactly. Clutch is key. Every time I've killed mine has been my own fault. I'm never spending the money for a different ecu. LOVE mine!
I am so glad Honda made it, just wished they would make the CRF250RL myself - but one can hope.
Awesome review! One of the best reviews I’ve seen. Thanks for really testing it out for us. 🤠
Great review! You convinced me that I should buy this and skip the dr650👍
I'm excited to see how far you go with this. If the rider has enough skill the bike can do it all!
I am lusting for this bike. Been riding dirt bikes for 50yrs now! Look into a heavier fly wheel. I have heard that this could be just as good as getting an ECU upgrade.
I always put on the heaviest flywheel u can get , it makes all the bikes better, just put one on my yz450f so much more manageable 😊
I grew up and learned how to ride on a Honda. My first three bikes were red and loved them. The only thing that's disappointing about them is premature countershaft wear. I've owned two that wore the spines out far earlier than they should have, a Sadow Spirit 750 and CRF 150F. After doing some research I found out that it's not uncommon for Honda, going back to the XR lineup. Had a buddy that owned a GSXR600 and put 110,000k on the original engine, no discernable countershaft wear. I myself have owned one of almost every other brand and never had an issue with countershaft wear. Looks like Honda would get their metallurgy in check and fix the problem. Before anyone blames it on "cheap" aftermarket sprockets, I used genuine Honda replacements on both.
I have a 2022 450RL and I’m closing in on 8,000 miles. Only issue I’ve had with mine is the starter reduction gear broke. Other than that, it’s been a great bike.
Absolutely my dream bike, only wish they would update the oil change intervals to 3,500 miles and would be perfect, no cap.
B.T.W. I love the fact that you got another Dual Sport!
I know, that's seriously it's only downfall. And yes, it's always good to have a backup lol 👍
I subbed to see the valve checks! I’m already at 700 miles on mine :)absolutely love it, but the stock tires are awful in dirt imo
Very positive video
This dudes demeaner has stunting Bob Ross vibes hard asf.
Awesome!
To say the least 👍
II bought one in 22, it way to heavy. The Beta or Sherco 4 strokes are light years ahead. Yes it is reliable yes it has power. It is too heavy for its class compared to the Euro race bikes that are street legal. The throttle is snatchey. Go read reviews on when they first came out. People spent over a $1000 on new computers and throttle tubes to fix this. Go test ride one first. Then test a Beta or Sherco. No comparison.
Well, to be fare. He said in the video he would not prefer something lighter. There is a point to that when riding on the highway. People have to choose what works for them. EDIT: By the way, yes, I would also replace the ECU. That being said, that extra $1,000 still makes the 450RL cost less than those other bikes and you still have Honda reliability for the rest of the bike.
Terrac, the other bikes are just as overpriced as the Honda. The RL is still to light to drive next to big rigs on 45-60 mph roads. The throttle is snatchey die to the emissions and the injectors turning off at low throttle thus the aftermarket ecu. If Honda had made it lighter it would have been badass. There is very few people who would ride on the road lots with an enduro. Anyway just my point of view, to each their own.
👍👍
the bike is great at everything but super slow technical enduro harder to fineness the clutch and throttle. i could prob use a lower gear ratio 13/52 atm but you will definitely feel the weight. i have the get ecu, tamer and, righteous stunt clutch lever. gona swap the flywheel this winter
So what do you recken youll spend to make this pos rideable? 13k?
@@DB-sd3cw ya probably but it is an almost perfect bike once you do. bout what you will pay for the ktm 500. I get not wanting to have to put the 800 into a ecu at start.
6 speed? I wish the DRZ had a 6th 😭
And with the new DR-Z4S still being a 5 speed, looks like we may never get that...
Yeah, that's my pain too. However, the new DRZ4S still appeals to me for my needs. I think it will be a better dual-sport for me to customize for DS duties but with a hint of customized long range rally/ADV usefulness. I need a DS that can get me to long range destinations for a mix of off-road riding and moto-camping.
Its the 450RL or the 701. On an XR650L now, but in the market for something modern. How to choose?
I have this same bike and love it but you are gonna need a few bucks left after buying it because a new seat is 400$ right out the gate and you will definitely need it no matter what you think.
Then Acerbis frame gaurds ,and maybe upgraded skid plate and a luggage system so you dont have to wear a hot goofy back pack.
Good luck
Tenere 700
@@DB-sd3cw The Tenere is an ADV, which is a great bike. The discussion is concerning dual-sports, so I am lost on why mention a different bike type in a dual sport discussion?
@@terrarecon be quiet beta
I'd have to go with the 450RL. The Husky 701, GasGas ES700, and KTM 690 Enduro R are ALL the same bike. That being said, these bikes are actually made for KTM (parent company) by Chinese manufacturer CF Moto. The bikes have very high tempo maintenance schedules, are very expensive to maintain, customers cannot change their own oil or it voids the warranty (or so I've heard), and lastly but not least...KTM is rumored to be under the threat of falling into bankruptcy.
The 701/ES700/690 Enduro R are all great performers but have quality control issues, stringent maintenance protocols, and a history of poor warranty support. Honda is rock solid (ECU and 2x4 seat are only weak points). They have a dealer network everywhere, strong customer support, huge aftermarket. The 450RL has superior suspension than the others mentioned. Not many people will admit that.
I said a lot, but at the end of the day don't take my word for it, look it up for yourself. I am not trying to sway your choice, just throwing something out there you may not have been aware of. If you get a 701 it's a great performing bike. Just be aware of the issues Husqvarna's parent company KTM is facing which would/could impact your ownership experience of the 701.
SuperMoto version please Honda.
Did you change your channel name?
Yes sir 👍
same motor specs as a dr4-s but without the dumb maintenance. only difference being 40 lbs heavier. suzuki could have built a lighter frame and it would have stole all the sales from honda. or honda could have made their motor more maintenance friendly and end up with the same result...
Needs a fuel guage