VOLUME 57 ISSUE 21 MAY 27, 2020 P53
T
he Honda CRF450L is a solid
high-performance dual-sport bike
but it is stuck in a strange spot
among the alternative options available
in the market. It weighs 25 to 40 pounds
more than comparable KTM, Husqvarna
and Beta dual-sport bikes and that
extra weight puts it at a disadvantage
on moderate-to-tough trails. If you are
looking for the best off-road bike with a
license plate, it will take some aftermar-
ket modifications to reduce the weight
and improve the performance of the
Honda. But if you are looking for a great
bike for exploring back roads and less
difficult off-road terrain, the CRF450L
is a great platform for this type of riding.
We decided to go this direction with the
Honda and keep it 50-state street legal
with sensible modifications to improve
the performance, comfort, range and
cargo capacity.
PERFORMANCE
BY CN STAFF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIT PALMER
