2019 HONDA CRF450L
FULL TEST
P90
Sure, the expanded aluminum
plate bracket looks excessive
and will certainly be modified by
many. But, this is the only one
we've consistently ridden with
that hasn't disintegrated. Again,
the CRF450L has erred on the
side of real dual-sport use than
"competition" use—real or delu-
sional.
The only area we really want to
see increased durability so far is
with the clutch engagement hold-
ing up under moderate abuse.
CRF450L WEIGHT
Weight is a performance factor
on all motorcycles regardless of
their intended use. It's an easy
comparability tool although it
rarely translates into how a bike
feels in normal riding conditions
by an owner. After all, how many
bike owners jump around on
different models for comparisons
on every ride? Regardless of
ownership bubbles, weight is an
accurate indication of what you're
dealing with. And, in the world
of dual sport, it tells you exactly
what you'll need to pick up from
time-to-time.
With the Dunlop 606 tires
installed with rim locks the 2019
Honda CRF450L weighs 303
pounds with a full tank of fuel.
That tank of fuel is a tick over
two gallons.
On most levels, the Honda
CRF450L does a pretty amaz-
ing job at hiding this weight
disadvantage (a 40-pound swing
versus a fueled-up KTM 500
EXC). Our test riders assumed,
after hearing the number, the
bike would handle like a pile
