VOL. 55 ISSUE 47 NOVEMBER 27, 2018 P75
the exhaust (it's in the 13-pound muffler). It's also
obvious that sound control, not just exhaust cleanli-
ness, was a paramount developmental focus by
looking at and riding the 450L. Insulated plastic cov-
ers encapsulate the entire running gear and engine.
Cushioned sprockets keep the chain from being
noisy on rotation. The airbox is hidden deep inside
the skeleton, far away from pesky sound meters that
could pick up decibel-spiking intake rattle, gurgle or
gulp as the CRF combusts.
Yes, the Honda is a compromised machine, in
a sense, because of its meticulous development
for—and careful final production specs to meet—
street legality (and off-road) standards with nothing
left to chance. It's very Honda in this sense. And it
is meeting future regulations that the United States
might not even see.
Even as such it puts traditional dual-sport per-
formance to shame with modern off-road racing-
inspired engine performance and suspension. Also,
nice, this bike will likely remain mostly unchanged
for the next decade, meaning the aftermarket will
soon have the keys to make this into whatever peo-
ple want. As a platform, the Honda is as solid as the
Ride Red brand is in American dirt bikers' hearts.
During our tests, the Honda got high marks for
comfort and quality. It brings a package to the mar-
ket that many Honda faithful will embrace. It feels
like a Honda through-and-through. It provides warm,
fuzzy consumer confidence. It's safe.
Most universally liked about the Honda was its
chassis and suspension performance when it came
to hitting bumps head-on. The bike rides just the
right line between plush compliance over small,
