WHAT MAKES THE HONDA CRF450L SO COOL?
In Honda's broad CRF range, 2019 is a big year. Besides updates to a variety of models and the new CRF250RX, the arrival of the first Honda CRF450L is a major addition to Honda's dual sport lineup.
It's big news in the dirt bike and motocross worlds, at large. The CRF450L inherits the off-road-only CRF450R's foundation and adds road legality to the mix.
Of course, it's a bit more complicated than lights and a license plate. Yet the CRF450L is, at its core, a road-legal dirt bike with proper on-road ability and an outstanding capacity for off-road adventures.
What's so cool about it?
1. Motocross-Worthy Suspension
The CRF450L offers 12.01 inches of suspension travel at the front; 12.36 inches at the rear. Serious Honda dirt bike fans will recognize those numbers - they're the same travel figures you'll find on the CRF450X.
2. Clearance
You didn't buy a cruiser, a scooter, or a sport bike. A proper dual sport bike needs to be able to tackle tough trails off the beaten path. The CRF450L reports for duty with 12.4 inches of clearance.
3. Power Delivery
One significant change that occurs when Honda alters the 450's powerplant for the L involves taking away some of that dirt bike peakiness and enhancing the feeling of low-down torque. "The power comes on relatively evenly throughout the rev range and delivers a solid mid-range punch," RevZilla said after a first ride.
4. Lighting
Besides emissions and a plate, one key element in legalizing a dirt bike for road duty comes down to lighting. The CRF450L certainly doesn't disappoint. The headlights, signals, and taillights are all LEDs.
5. Fuel Tank
You know the benefits of a titanium fuel tank. For starters, the corrosion resistance is a big boost to long-term durability. The titanium also means less evaporative emissions, making the CRF450L friendlier to the environment and making it easier to pass emissions certification tests. But there's another factor: because titanium is so strong, Honda can use less of it, making a thinner tank. Moreover, Honda uses less titanium and it takes less time to construct than a traditional plastic housing. So the exotic titanium material actually helps lower the total cost of the CRF450L.