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Honda announces CRF450L

Surj said:
. Thanks! And I think you're right that it's not going to be quite as hardcore, but solid, dependable, and quite competent.
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Can I volunteer as a test rider when the press bikes become available and you do your first article? Heck, If you need a long term tester.... I could find the space in my garage. I'll sacrifice for the masses. :teeth
 
A slightly detuned version than the hi-strung Crf450R race engine the Ctf450X engine has been out for good number of years now.

I can only guess (Surj to fact check) that the Crf450L engine is one more step de-tuned for more balanced power and extended service intervals.

I've been saying for years when will Honda offer up a street legal dual-sport using the Crf450X engine. I guess they finally paid the CARB/DOT fees and tadah, hello Crf450L.
 
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Next to the grom, legitimately the best thing Honda has done for themselves in the US moto market in about a decade.
 
mototireguy said:
A slightly detuned version than the hi-strung Crf450R race engine the Ctf450X engine has been out for good number of years now.

I can only guess (Surj to fact check) that the Crf450L engine is one more step de-tuned for more balanced power and extended service intervals.

I've been saying for years when will Honda offer up a street legal dual-sport using the Crf450X engine. I guess they finally paid the CARB/DOT fees and tadah, hello Crf450L.
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I had heard years ago Honda did have a number of Orange bikes for testing and decided the route they went to make them street legal wouldnt work for a big company like Honda. This is second hand from an old Honda America employee. It was more than just detuning to meet CARB. Honda's philosophy and approach about what a street legal bike should be is different.

The CRF R and old X havent share motor architecture for some time. From what I have read and what I can see, the new X is an all new motor loosely based on the R and the L is based on it, the new X. According the to the interview, it was as much about getting it quiet enough as it was clean enough. I wont be surprised the L isnt down that many HPs from the X, but much quieter.

Like you, I'm looking forward to hearing more. I've got lots of questions.

And Surj... where do we sign up for the City Bike CRF unpaid testing internship? I can streak naked through the quad with the best of them!
 
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mototireguy said:
I can only guess (Surj to fact check) that the Crf450L engine is one more step de-tuned for more balanced power and extended service intervals.
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OaklandF4i said:
And Surj... where do we sign up for the City Bike CRF unpaid testing internship? I can streak naked through the quad with the best of them!
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I've got a note out to Honda on these very questions. I am not as well-connected with their dirt folks, but will hopefully hear back soon. :ride

As for the internship... the line is not exactly short. :laughing But if you can write, too... well, you know where to find me.
 
If this has service intervals in miles sign me up....if it is in hours I will have to pass
 
Awesome news! I wonder if they’ll make a rally edition?...

How long til the other big 3 follow suit?...
 
"Durable, high quality parts and long service intervals aim for a worry-free riding and ownership experience."

"compression ratio has been lowered and crank mass increased for improved drivability"
"
"it is designed to go 32,000km between major strip downs"


https://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Off_Road_Enduro/CRF450L

Also piston has 3 rings compared to 1 ring on the 450R
 
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banshee01 said:
"Durable, high quality parts and long service intervals aim for a worry-free riding and ownership experience."

"compression ratio has been lowered and crank mass increased for improved drivability"
"
"it is designed to go 32,000km between major strip downs"


https://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Off_Road_Enduro/CRF450L

Also piston has 3 rings compared to 1 ring on the 450R
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:wtf does the 450R really only have 1 ring? I've never heard of that on a 4 stroke before.

https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2018-honda-crf450rac/o/m162258#sch1051589 the parts fiche shows 2 for 2018
 
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Junkie said:
:wtf does the 450R really only have 1 ring? I've never heard of that on a 4 stroke before.

https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2018-honda-crf450rac/o/m162258#sch1051589 the parts fiche shows 2 for 2018
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Yes. CRF R OEM piston has had 1 compression ring. Pretty common on high performance builds. My guess the fiche says two and one of the two is actually the oil scraper as it isnt listed seperately and only one compression ring. One ring less friction, replace more often. Dual rings more friction, lasts longer.

Will be curious if it is actually 3 compression rings on the L. Would certainly increase the rings longevity or if its a standard 2 compression ring and 1 oil scraper. 20k miles between teardowns would be impressive if true.

Surj, I am also volunteering for the City Bike CRF non paid tear down internship! :laughing So much I want to know about this new bike. Like where the extra weight is. How much of the CRF X or R bolts on/swaps for easy weight reduction. Will provide own tools. :teeth

Will also volunteer to ride in at least one Harescramble, Barstow to Vegas, and of course two weeks in Baja. :ride
 
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bobl said:
I just hope that like many dual sports, the seat isn't uncomfortable for that trip to the trail head, and that the gas tank holds enough fuel to get home from the ride. The aftermarket is rife with fixes for those two foibles, and you'd think that the manufactures would take notice.
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This is why the aftermarket exists. I think you can count on most dirt bikes/dual sports to have a shit seat and mediocre, at best, fuel capacity.
 
OaklandF4i said:
Yes. CRF R OEM piston has had 1 compression ring. Pretty common on high performance builds. My guess the fiche says two and one of the two is actually the oil scraper as it isnt listed seperately and only one compression ring. One ring less friction, replace more often. Dual rings more friction, lasts longer.

Will be curious if it is actually 3 compression rings on the L. Would certainly increase the rings longevity or if its a standard 2 compression ring and 1 oil scraper. 20k miles between teardowns would be impressive if true.

Surj, I am also volunteering for the City Bike CRF non paid tear down internship! :laughing So much I want to know about this new bike. Like where the extra weight is. How much of the CRF X or R bolts on/swaps for easy weight reduction. Will provide own tools. :teeth

Will also volunteer to ride in at least one Harescramble, Barstow to Vegas, and of course two weeks in Baja. :ride
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If they said 1 vs 2, or 2 vs 3, I wouldn't have said anything.

I think it's extremely unlikely that this has 3 compression rings, I think it's 3 total.
 
RightCoastBias said:
This is why the aftermarket exists. I think you can count on most dirt bikes/dual sports to have a shit seat and mediocre, at best, fuel capacity.
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I rode my wr250r home from the sierras today. Yes i had fun and yes the seat sucks but my bike is setup to be comfortable to ride the pegs like a dirtbike should. 3.2 gallons goes far on that bike unless you are going 75mph the whole time


This honda is sounding nice
 

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I'm used to engines with 2 oil rings and an expander between them, as well as 2 compression rings. I guess I don't work on enough new stuff.
As someone who resents the pumpkin crowd, if this bike manages to walk the right balance of performance and longevity, I'm all about it.
I can't say it'll replace my beloved CRF Rally. Something about that bike works well for me. I may have converted a couple DRZ owners at the Sheetiron with it.
Glad to see someone taking on the KTM/Husky market.
 
Junkie said:
If they said 1 vs 2, or 2 vs 3, I wouldn't have said anything.

I think it's extremely unlikely that this has 3 compression rings, I think it's 3 total.
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I think its unlikely too, an error by a writer or translator. But would like to know. Have we ever seen three compression rings on a thumper?

BTW, KTM and Suzuki also use single compression rings on their MX/Performance bikes. Dont know about Kawasaki....
 
Oh, its too close price wise to the much lighter Katoom 500 for me.
That said, they could make a rally version like the AJP PR7 [which is not California legal] and I think they would sell boat loads of them.
It would be much lighter than the 600cc AJP so basically have no competition in a very desired niche.

Imagine an of the show room floor replica of the 450 Paris Dakar bike!

honda-hrc-crf450-dakar-rally_enduro21_1200.jpg
 
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