Honda’s new road-legal CRF450L

Honda’s gone public with its 2019 CRF-based motocross and enduro line-up, and the biggest news for Aussie customers is the launch of the CRF450L – a serious enduro-capable dirt bike that can be ridden on the tarmac as well. Essentially, it’s a full-on dirt bike with a registration plate – but could also become a very capable lightweight adventure bike in its own right.

Due to arrive in Australia in spring of 2018, the CFR450L is based on the 2019 CRF450R motocross bike and has a wide-ratio six-speed transmission mated to an “evolved” 449cc single-cylinder fuel-injected engine. The L also has revised cam profiles and timing, and a dedicated EXCU setting.

The six-speed gearbox will definitely make road riding a more comfortable affair, while street legality is achieved via features like LED lighting, mirrors, and a single-sided exhaust rather than the dual setup on the competition models.

It has a 7.6-litre titanium fuel tank, lithium-ion battery, larger radiator and, compared to the CRF450R, crank mass is has been increased by 12 per cent for more traction and better control in tighter terrain.

Weight is 131kg wet, while Honda is claiming a whopping 32,000km between major service intervals.

Bikesales has already seen the CRF450L in the flesh at Honda Australia headquarters in Melbourne, and it’s an impressive unit!

To keep abreast of pricing information and an arrival date in Australia, click here.