Cycle News

Cycle News Issue 44 November 6

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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VOL. 55 ISSUE 44 NOVEMBER 6, 2018 P89 The CRF450L gives us another great option to get out and enjoy days on the dirt like these. (Above) Finally one of the Japanese manufactures listened and gave us a true dirt bike with a license plate. Hope the others follow. (Right) Those engine covers act as both sound-deadening devices and protection. We're in no hurry to remove them. tires. These offer a lot more dirt traction without sacrificing much on the pavement. CRF450L COMFORT The 450L comfort is right in the middle of it all. Not as sharp as race-bred models and not as soft as street-focused machines. Overall, it vibrates less than its dirt bike competition, but it's not as smooth as the real mellow dual sports. It still has the seat shape of a race bike even though the foam is thicker. Its ergonomics are a bit polarizing. For most rid- ers the bike is most comfortable to ride when sitting. So, it fits with the old-school dual-sport world here. But the frame is race-like and the bike likes to steer with the rear tire, so it's not a commut- er, either. Its handlebar bend is built to make room for the switch- gear controlling the turn signals, horn and headlight and, while it's plenty tall to stand up with, it just sort of falls back in your lap when you're on your feet. CRF450L DURABILITY On the quality side of the coin, we're doubtful Honda will suffer with the CRF450L, especially when it comes to the external structure of the machine. The street-legal running gear is top- notch and far from the disposable units currently featured in the dirtier-side of dual-sport. The LED front headlight is actually very usable at night and provides good visibility on roads and trails when the sun gets low. The turn signals are miles above the rest with good looks and permanence. We see these as nearly indestructible—at least compared to the rest of the fragmented ones we're surround- ed by from Europe. The rear section is also not likely to fail. The full-length metal rear subframe extending inside the rear fender provides a stable base for luggage or accessories as well as an ultimately secure place to bolt the license plate hanger to.

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