MAKING PROGRESS
ASEXPLAINEDINearlierissues,
our aim is to turn this versatile
off-road machine into a one-trick
pony. The pony we’re trying to
create is an enduro bike.
The CRF450L is the ultimate
do-it-all machine. With 1000km
service intervals, 32,000km strip
downs and long gearing, the
CRF450L makes for a decent
weekend adventure machine or
even daily commuter (it comes
standard with soft, dual-purpose
tyres). And, don’t forget it’s based
off the 2018 CRF450R so it’s also
capable on fl owing trails. But, it is
a touch top-heavy and the fi nal
gearing is too tall for tight
sections in the bush.
To rectify these issues, we took
it to Mat Boyd’s chop shop (see
issue #476). We removed a bunch
of unnecessary ADR compliance
gear including plastics and metal
brackets, plus we turfed the
sidestand cut-out, clutch and
brakelight switches, bolted on a
larger rear sprocket and fi tted
lighter handshields. It may not
seem like much but it has made a
world of difference.
The bike is now 6.7kg lighter and
the larger rear sprocket means I
can trailride through tight treeswithoutdestroyingtheclutch.It
now has a more usable spread of
power when low in the rev range,
but I would like to slow it down
even more by bolting on a smaller
front sprocket.
Unfortunately, no one has made
a front sprocket for the CRF450L
as it runs a different spline to
Honda’s other models.
FMF has promised me a new
pipe! I’ve been in touch with the
factory in Europe and they are
shipping one out in June. I’m
looking forward to seeing if the
pipe improves the responsiveness
of the engine which could do with
some help. We’ve removed the top
of the airbox but I’m still searching
for more abrupt power which I
could fi nd in the pipe and smaller
front sprocket.
As for the CRF450L’s handling in
the bush, it would best suit your
average trailrider. We haven’t
touched the suspension so it is
soft but incredibly forgiving at
cruising speed.
For those who ride long days in
the saddle and areas like the
Victorian High Country, you will be
able to ride this bike all day
without feeling fatigued.
We had the opportunity to ride awhooped out sand track near
Braidwood, NSW and the front-end
struggled to hold up under braking
and would dive when in-between
deep whoops.
It’s great for eating up regular
trail debris but is too soft when
pushing through serious bumps.
While I wait for the pipe and a
smaller front sprocket I’m going to
give the Honda to ADB’s ADV Ed
Andrew “Clubby” Clubb. This is a
versatile bike and we want to
prove it by showing how easy it is
to go from enduro to adventure.
Many people have asked us why
we didn’t just buy a European bike
already setup for enduro riding.
There are many reasons, but
here’s three:
1) People who live in rural areas
may not have access to European
bikes because a dealer is not
nearby.
2) Some people just love Hondas.
3) Some people are on a budget.
Our spend so far is less than
$200 and the only parts you need
to buy are the rear sprocket (and
tyres of course). The changes have
improved the CRF450L’s ability in
the bush and, with a few more
mods, I think it will be competitive
with the best. Editor Mitch LeesMITCH IS PRAYING FOR AN FMF SYSTEM
FACTORY RIDE / READERS RIDE / HERITAGE / ACTION / OAS / BUYERS GUIDE
http://www.adbmag.com.au JUNE 2019| 117
123SOFAR
HOURS:
12
MODS THIS MONTH
Topline seatcover,
Metzler MC360 tyres
Kustom MX graphics
MODS NEXT MONTH
Ballards taillight assemblyMAIN. Topline seat cover looks
the part and adds grips- Metzler MC360 tyres need
some time in the dirt - KustomMX graphics look factory
HONDA CRF450L
RRP
$12,990
WARRANTY
12 months, unlimited kilometres
DISTRIBUTOR
Honda Australia
INTERNET
hondampe.com.auHONDA
CRF
450L/ WE RECOMMEND / TECH / KIDZ KORNER / USED RIDE / FACTORY RIDE / READERS RIDE / HERITAGE / ACTION / OAS / BUYERS GUIDE