Your thoughts on the New Honda CRF 450 L

[Dirtclods]

Would you go Honda or KTM for a Dualsport?

[Blackdiamond]

Here is some more info to help you decide. Dirtbike shootout

[Dirtclods]

That's an awesome quote ~ ( I refused to drink the "orange" Kool-Aid)

[fitznj]

I understand the KTM/Husky reliability/maintenance stigma, and I refused to
drink the "orange" coolaid. However, 12 months ago I bought a Husky 350 and
have been shocked by how good this machine is.

I came from a Honda 250->DRZ->WR250 but the Husky is in a totally different league. The suspension is sensational and safer, in that the bike will go
over stuff that I struggled with on the other bikes. The engine is just so
powerful and tons of grunt.

Reliability? so far 100%
Maintenance? no more than my Japanese bikes, oil, filters, brakes pads.

I think KTM/Husky has come a loooooooong way over the past 5 years. I still have
my WR250r, as it's a better dual-sport bike and more relaxing.

[nayther]

When I was deciding between my 2005 450x and a KTM I rode my BIL's 2003 KTM 525 with the PDS single shock rear (no linkage) and did not like it. I think there's a definite difference between euro and asian bikes' basic handling and ergos.

I'm more comfortable on Asian bikes.

Also for reliability how can you beat a Honda? Unfortunately I have a very bad taste for KTM/Husky reliability from a few bikes, my son's KTM 200 and prior to that an older 500 Husky; poured a ton of money repairing those bikes.

I know they're not the same but as much as I like wrenching on things fixing and buying parts got old. Through the years we had numerous Yamaha and Honda smokers for my 3 boys and beside one or two big failures (like letting the bottom end go too long before rebuilds, cold seizing from stupidity and a broken piston from lack of maintenance) they were stone reliable and cheap to fix.

[Dirtclods]

CampingN.C. I definitely respect anyone that is ~ (woods racing)

[dedmiston]

[CampingN_C_]

Like previously mentioned KTM has had, and always will have the premier dual sport bike. Yes they cost more like the rest of their line up but there IS a huge difference.

Off topic but,
My sons and I race hare scrambles, (woods racing). I have 6 KTMs in my garage and just this Sunday I raced for the first time on my new KTM 350 after riding my Honda 250X for years. The balance, weight and overall feel of the KTM is night and day better.

In our off road racing world those who ride Red, Blue etc etc often poor mouth KTM because of price, but then will typically immediately purchase after market upgrades to new bikes and by the time they're done, spent the same as an Orange one. :h

[Blackdiamond]

Go to Cycle News, they just published a pretty comprehensive review of the new Honda. They make it sound like something in between a DRZ and KTM, claiming a 40 lbs (302 lbs, full of fuel) difference between it and the KTM. I am sure it will be a good bike, just depends on what you are looking for.

[Dirtclods]

I too like RED but, I love all motorcycles . I have a couple R's in the garage now ones converted to a Dual Sport plated in AZ. KTM is one of the few bikes I can jump on and feel real comfortable right away! I'm a bit concerned about the new KTM 500 EXC-F not having a kick starter. I'd like to get away from adjusting valves on the Honda's. I don't mind routine maintenance. I go from wide open DEZ to goat trails. I won't be on the street much. And I don't do sanction Dualsport rides. I Blaze my own trails. I need a little softer seat nowadays so probably an after market one. Just thinking out loud. Please continue to share your thoughts.

[trail-explorer]

It really comes down to what type of riding you do.

If I were doing a lot of gnarly trails, then KTM. (lighter weight)

KTMs do require more frequent oil changes like any RFS engine.

[nayther]

Dirtclods wrote:
Would you go Honda or KTM for a Dualsport?

Andy Kirker just got one, waiting on his feedback; he still hauls butt at his age.

[Blackdiamond]

I am sure the Honda will be good and reliable bike and sell well but the thing that would keep me away is the extra 30 lbs over the KTM/Husky. I just find that I can ride longer and feel less tired with less weight my current 350 is 10 lbs less than my 450 and on a long ride it feels like it is 50lbs less. Now take is for what it is as I have a 2005 KTM with 12,000 miles and a 2015 Husky with 7500 miles all about 98% offroad. Neither has ever left me stranded, now if I could just stop getting flat tires (I know there is a fix for that too). The modern fuel injected KTM have been going 300-400 hours on a top end, then it is just a cylinder re-fress and new rings.

[fitznj]

If you are talking about strictly Dual-Sport capable and not single track,
woods type riding then I would not choose either the Honda nor the KTM (I assume 450);

I have a Husky (nee Ktm) and a WR250; The Husky is a woods bike and the WR is a Dual Sport bike; I also had a DRZ - which I would brand DUal Sport.

When you take into account vibration (engine and road), road worthiness, 10 hour riding days, suspension harshness etc etc, then neither the Honda nor the KTM would be my choice as a Dual Sport machine.

The WR is a "softer" machine which can be ridden all day long on the road and
to the trails. The Husky is sensational once you get to the trails but murder on the roads.

I just wish Yammi would make the 450 road legal.

However if the OP is going to spend 90% of the time in the woods, then it's hard to beat either the Honda or the KTM but look at the weight of the Honda - 270 lbs...... KTM 450 is less.
road.

[boogie_4wheel]

I have not ridden a 450L yet...

With that said, if I were to be spending a KTM amount of money for a dirt bike, it would be a KTM. Sorry Honda, and I ride RED.

As I sit here typing, the 500EXC is the only real competitor to the 450L that I'm aware of. I've been seeing the 500 everywhere, and with good reason. It's a great bike. Tons of power, light weight, electric start (with kicker backup), 6spd, the list goes on. Spending ~$11k for a dirt bike with blinkers is nuts in my book though. A friend of mine has a few year old 500EXC, and I had an opportunity to get a steal on a used one (that I didn't take). With a little help from the aftermarket, they can be everything you want.

In my eyes, the 450L is trying to get a piece of the 500EXC pie. You just have another manufacturer doing the exact same thing as the first one. What Honda should have done is not kill off the XR650R; they should have added electric start and made THAT street legal. the old technology 650R is still pulling big prices in my area. Big power, easy maintenance (key item), aluminum frame even.

I currently ride an '07 XR650L (yep air cooled, steel frame, conventional fork, 340lb, 25yr old technology). It replaced my modded XR400, and have had a list of Honda XR and CR, and even a Kawasaki (KLX650R) in the past. A good riding friend of mine swaps bike frequently so I've had the opportunity to ride an assortment (KXF, KLX, KDX, WR, YZF, DR, DRZ, CRF, the old Husq...) and honestly KTM has done a **** good job of making a "1 bike fits all". I expect the 450L to do the same.

[FireGuard]

Honda seems to be heavy and underpowered.