2019 DUAL-SPORT SHOOTOUT
COMPARISON
P76
sharp bumps and excep-
tional hold-up and resis-
tance to harsh bottoming
on hard hits and/or g-
outs. It does this without
harshness or surprise.
As a platform nearly
identical to the newly
launched CRF450X, the
CRF450L has the best suspension and
chassis manners in this comparison when
it comes to straight-up bump compliance. It
was loved by all and proved the most stable
bike in a straight line.
The Honda's the engine is deceptively
good, but since it's wrapped in a shield of
noise control it can trick you into think-
ing it's sleepy. It is not. It has grunt that
feels great when opened up. The engine
pulls from idle to redline very smoothly.
Its linear and strong, torquey delivery will
impress you after you stop listening for
power and it will be really impressive if it's
the only bike you ride.
The Honda is likely not the fastest bike
in the test, but none of our test riders
knocked its power output more than
saying it wasn't very exciting. It's sort of
boring compared to the others, but it's
not lacking or weak. Its mellow delivery
is a plus in almost all riding scenarios.
From full stop to fifth gear cruising, the
engine will pull with the identical smooth
and strong power up to the next gear. It's
a great engine for this class.
That smooth power delivery translates
into the smoothest, most stable ride in
the class on the road. It vibrates less than
the other bikes in this test, but still buzzes
more than the old-school bikes do. The
450L feels more planted on any road big-
ger than a two-track, as well.
Also getting high marks from our crew
is the Honda's superior LED lighting and
turn-signal array. The headlight provides
The CRF450L is
quite capable of
handling all of
the elements that
you might come
encounter on the
trail, despite not
being the lightest
bike in its class.
