Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 8
2up with Honda CRF 450 ?

Hello guys,

Does anyone have experience with 2 up Honda CRF 450?

* (We are planning to go to Africa 2 up on off road and unpaved road)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
None of the CRF 450 models are/were ever designed to take a passenger - you need to look at a different bike.

fwiw. if you are looking to ride on rough roads two-up, you need a bike with a strong subframe and comfortable seat.

You could do worse than choose the Honda CB500X with the Rally-Raid wheel and suspension kit fitted - still a cosy/compact bike for two, but a good handful have been ridden the length of Africa now with no issues.

Riding with a passenger and your associated luggage really is going to limit the route you take to established dirt roads. Any of the larger ADV bikes would handle that on the right tyres.

Food for thought I hope...

Jenny x
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Oct 2018
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,524
Jenny is spot on here. The Crf450L isnt designed for two up riding. It doesnt even have pillion footpegs. Except from that it has 7,6 liter fueltank which with luggage and lets say an imaginary pillion would take you maybe 150-175 kms if ridden very easy. Thats a patetic range imo. It also requires oil change every 1000 km and valve check every 3000 km. Even though one could probably stretch it a bit it is ridiciously short intervals. Its a enduro competition machine and never meant for long distance riding and never meant to be ridden two up.

https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450l.aspx

Riding two up on bad roads requires what Jenny writes, strong subframe and comfortabel seat. I would also add suspension that can handle such conditions, far from all bikes comes standard with that.

In my opinion riding two up on gravel roads isnt much to aim for. Sure a firm gravel road isnt any big problem and can be enjoyable. But as soon as the roads starts to get sandy, gravelly, muddy, stoney, bumpy or full of potholes - the fun disappears very quickly. One can for sure manage a short stretch with such conditions, but long stretches, days, weeks - good luck!

If you really want to get off the beaten track maybe consider getting one bike each. That will make riding in rough conditions so much easier and enjoyable. And remember - lightweight bikes too! If you insist to ride two up on one bike it make more sense to stick to better roads, not totally off road.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Oct 2018
MEZ MEZ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Gateshead N/E
Posts: 328
Quote:
Originally Posted by Humandavid View Post
Hello guys,

Does anyone have experience with 2 up Honda CRF 450?

* (We are planning to go to Africa 2 up on off road and unpaved road)
Is this your current bike...??? As the others have stated, please don't attempt to go 2-up on one of these not just Africa but anywhere. Time for a new bike, be excited...!!!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
you can do this on CRF but not this one - get CRF1000L, that's the proper bike for 2up, not the dirt bike like 450L.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
None of the CRF 450 models are/were ever designed to take a passenger - you need to look at a different bike.

fwiw. if you are looking to ride on rough roads two-up, you need a bike with a strong subframe and comfortable seat.

You could do worse than choose the Honda CB500X with the Rally-Raid wheel and suspension kit fitted - still a cosy/compact bike for two, but a good handful have been ridden the length of Africa now with no issues.

Riding with a passenger and your associated luggage really is going to limit the route you take to established dirt roads. Any of the larger ADV bikes would handle that on the right tyres.

Food for thought I hope...





Jenny x
Thank you for your message.
I think i go for Yamaha tenere 660.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy View Post
Jenny is spot on here. The Crf450L isnt designed for two up riding. It doesnt even have pillion footpegs. Except from that it has 7,6 liter fueltank which with luggage and lets say an imaginary pillion would take you maybe 150-175 kms if ridden very easy. Thats a patetic range imo. It also requires oil change every 1000 km and valve check every 3000 km. Even though one could probably stretch it a bit it is ridiciously short intervals. Its a enduro competition machine and never meant for long distance riding and never meant to be ridden two up.

https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450l.aspx

Riding two up on bad roads requires what Jenny writes, strong subframe and comfortabel seat. I would also add suspension that can handle such conditions, far from all bikes comes standard with that.

In my opinion riding two up on gravel roads isnt much to aim for. Sure a firm gravel road isnt any big problem and can be enjoyable. But as soon as the roads starts to get sandy, gravelly, muddy, stoney, bumpy or full of potholes - the fun disappears very quickly. One can for sure manage a short stretch with such conditions, but long stretches, days, weeks - good luck!

If you really want to get off the beaten track maybe consider getting one bike each. That will make riding in rough conditions so much easier and enjoyable. And remember - lightweight bikes too! If you insist to ride two up on one bike it make more sense to stick to better roads, not totally off road.
Thank you for your message.
I think i go for Yamaha tenere 660.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by MEZ View Post
Is this your current bike...??? As the others have stated, please don't attempt to go 2-up on one of these not just Africa but anywhere. Time for a new bike, be excited...!!!
Thank you for your message.
I think i go for Yamaha tenere 660.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Oct 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by tremens View Post
you can do this on CRF but not this one - get CRF1000L, that's the proper bike for 2up, not the dirt bike like 450L.
Thank you for your message.
I think i go for Yamaha tenere 660.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
africa


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
new honda crf 450L next year tremens Which Bike? 19 13 Jun 2018 13:57
Honda Crf 250 L as overlander Snakeboy Which Bike? 23 17 Jan 2016 07:29
Honda CRF 250L: a suitable bike for Africa touring? larrysimpson The HUBB PUB 6 15 Jan 2013 04:34

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:32.