PastaPilot

I had so much fun I'm heading back for more. Camp greenhorns, ride 'horns, Piutes, and the Kern plateau.

This thread needs one track. With a view.

Ugh. That's a bigger goat show than the Soboba Trail ride. There's an equal number of riders but they launch 4 at a time. That guy on the Husaberg at ~13 minutes deserved to go in the drink after that douchey pass. What a disappointing end to his Erzberg experience. I love the mountain scenes. That makes me want to go ride. I think I'll go ride in the the Kernville area. All of the good trails, none of the garbage, and no other riders to collide with.

I saw that earlier. Looks

If I still lived in PB I'd consider one of those. Especially the Monkey. However, with an MSRP of $3999 I wouldn't even consider it. The Grom is $3399. All that cutsey retro style isn't worth that much for a little beach cruiser mini bike.

Good to hear

Have you called the Blackrock or Kernville Ranger Station? The trails may not be open yet. There wasn't much snow this year but there's typically a lot of deadfall to clear from the trails. I have to work this weekend but am thinking of going into the area Sunday night thru Wednesday morning. I hope to get up there monthly this summer. When you're ready for another trip reach out.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Honda Broadens CRF Lineup with Expansive New-Model Launch Largest performance off-road release yet includes new models for diverse applications IRVINE, Calif. (May 23, 2018) – During a recent “CRF Collective” unveiling ceremony at Fox Racing headquarters, Honda announced its most far-reaching range of performance off-road models ever, expanding the group by three and significantly improving the four returning models. Leveraging the brand’s unparalleled experience in the manufacture of dirt bikes, Honda’s performance off-road lineup now includes CRF machines for riding applications including motocross, closed-course off-road, pure off-road, and even dual sport. All seven models are based on the platforms of Honda’s revolutionary motocrossers, the CRF450R and CRF250R. Those two machines return for 2019 but with important updates, as does the closed-course off-road CRF450RX. In addition, Honda is offering a factory-replica version of its full-size motocrosser called the CRF450RWE (“Works Edition”). The trail-ready CRF450X is entirely new for 2019, and it’s joined by a road legal CRF450L that enables customers to connect trails via asphalt. Finally, Honda is also introducing an all-new CRF250RX closed-course off-road machine. CRF450L Dual Sport The trails are calling, and the all-new road-legal CRF450L answers, expanding customers’ off-road possibilities by enabling access to the best riding trails, even when that means connecting them via asphalt roads. Street legality is achieved via features like LED lighting, mirrors, and a dedicated exhaust system. Equally at home in the woods or desert, the CRF450L has a wide-ratio six-speed transmission for maximum adaptability, while a lightweight, 2.0-gallon tank offers great range. Compared to the CRF450R motocrosser, crank mass is up for tractability in technical conditions, where a large-capacity radiator keeps things cool. Color: Red Target Price: $10,399 Availability: September Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450L.aspx More pictures, video & specs on the 2019 Honda CRF450L CRF450RWE (Works Edition) For the 2019 model year, you don’t have to be Ken Roczen to enjoy a CRF450R with factory enhancements, as the new CRF450RWE features a number of upgrades based on the bikes in the Team Honda HRC race shop. Rocketing to the top step of the podium through the use of a specially designed cylinder head with hand-polished ports, Yoshimura titanium slip-on muffler, and special ECU settings, this new model offers increased low- and mid-range torque. It also features the same graphics as Roczen’s No. 94 race bike, including a Throttle Jockey factory seat cover. Upgraded black D.I.D LT-X rims are included, along with black triple clamps and a gold RK chain. Titanium nitride-coated fork legs and an updated, titanium nitride-coated shock shaft increase traction and bump absorption. Color: Red Price: $11,499 Availability: August Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450r.aspx CRF450R Already the industry’s top-selling motocrosser and the winner of the 2018 Daytona Supercross at the hands of MotoConcept’s Justin Brayton, the CRF450R receives a number of important updates for 2019. Better engine performance is achieved through a new combustion-chamber shape, as well as improved over-rev characteristics through a refined oil-management system. The frame and swingarm have been revised for optimized rigidity and weight reduction, while the braking system has been updated with a lightweight front brake caliper featuring a large-piston design. As a result of the weightsaving measures, the CRF450R is 1.76 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. For added performance and increased comfort, the 2019 model features new ECU settings, HRC launch control, a Renthal Fatbar® handlebar and adjustable handlebar position. Black rims and redesigned fork protectors are also new. This is how you convert the “Absolute Holeshot” into moto wins. Color: Red Price: $9,299 Availability: August Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450r.aspx CRF450X Having featured heavily in Honda-mounted teams winning 20 of the last 21 Baja 1000s, the CRF450X gets a complete overhaul for 2019, based on the modern CRF platform but with off-road-appropriate features. A true off-road machine that’s ready for racing or trail riding, this model features a headlight, taillight, and side stand, as well as an 18” rear wheel and lightweight 2.0-gallon fuel tank. For maximum versatility in challenging terrain, the CRF450X also features a 49mm Showa fork with dedicated settings, wideratio six-speed transmission, and higher crank mass than the CRF450R. Color: Red Target Price: $9,799 Availability: October Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450X.aspx CRF450RX Currently campaigned by JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger and Trevor Stewart in GNCC and WORCS competition, respectively, the CRF450RX inherits the same performanceenhancing features of the 2019 CRF450R, including an updated cylinder head and refined oil-management system, while still featuring off-road-specific features like a 2.2gallon resin fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, and aluminum side stand. Suspension is specially tailored to the CRF450RX and uses low-friction fork oil. For added performance and increased comfort, the 2019 model features new ECU settings, HRC launch control, a Renthal Fatbar handlebar, and adjustable handlebar position. Black rims and redesigned fork protectors are also new. Color: Red Price: $9,599 Availability: September Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf450rx.aspx CRF250RX Based on Honda’s successful 250cc motocrosser, the all-new CRF250RX joins the CRF450RX as a weapon for closed-course off-road competitions throughout America. Equipped with a larger-capacity, 2.2-gallon resin fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, and aluminum side stand, the RX makes quick work of challenging situations, its dedicated suspension and ECU settings helping the rider work through even the toughest trail sections. As with the CRF250R, HRC launch control, a Renthal Fatbar handlebar, and black rims are standard. Color: Red Target Price: $8,299 Availability: September Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf250rx.aspx CRF250R Newly introduced in 2018, the CRF250R has seen the GEICO Honda and TiLube Honda teams earn multiple wins in AMA Supercross and Arenacross competition, respectively, while also achieving success in amateur national races. For 2019, the model is revised with increased low-to-midrange engine performance for improved corner exiting. Inspired by the factory version, the Double Overhead Cam engine features updated cam profiles and intake- and exhaust-port profiles, a 50mm shorter right exhaust pipe, and a 2mm smaller throttle body. Riders can select from three engine modes for ideal performance depending on conditions, while HRC launch control has been adopted for improved race-start performance. A Renthal Fatbar handlebar sits in a four-position-adjustable top clamp, while the braking system has been updated with a lighter, CRF450R-inspired caliper with larger piston for optimum braking performance. Black rims are standard. Color: Red Target Price: $7,999 Availability: September Info: https://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf250r.aspx CRF150R / CRF150RB Raced by Amsoil Honda hotshot Hunter Yoder on the amateur national circuit, Honda’s smallest motocross machine returns for 2019, featuring a Unicam four-stroke engine thatoffers a spread of ample, useable power and torque across the rev range. Suspension duties are handled by Showa, with a 37mm inverted fork and Pro-Link rear link system. In addition to the standard version, Honda offers the CRF150RB, which features larger wheels, a taller seat, a longer swingarm, and more rear-suspension travel. Color: Red Target Price o CRF150R: $5,099 o CRF150RB: $5,399 Availability: August Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2019/crf150r.aspx ABOUT AMERICAN HONDA American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts thesales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

The source for the quote above. 7 Things to know... http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/things-to-know-honda-crf450l/

Just a quick update with some info in the HP numbers that are floating the internets.

Trail feel. The most important and hardest measurement to quantify.

Hey Kawee, Sorry for the loss man. You sure had some great adventures on the KLR. A pitbike adventure in Borrego sounds like a comedy in the making. Looking forward to the report.

My post from earlier in the thread is copied above. Listing unspecified dry weights on their website and promotional materials is a marketing tactic. KTM and the other manufacturers that do it sell a significant number of bikes because buyers think their new bike is 20+ pounds lighter than the Jspanese bike they rode for years. The reality is not that impressive. I imagine the real weight of the CRF will be within a few pounds of their claim of 289. That's a big number and nothing to brag about. Also you need to understand the logic of Japanese manufacturing. They pride themselves and on a global scale are expected to have the highest quality and longevity of their products. Bikeslut used to share a saying from the mt bike world. Strong, light, cheap; you can only have two. There is a thread on thumpertalk detailing a weight loss project of a WR450F that was quite interesting. The member owned a rainbow of bikes but was surprised at the WRs engineering. Where his KTM would have a bolt or tab or nothing, Yamaha had two bolts and a bracket. It's not light or even cheap and may not be necessary but it is strong. Engineered to last. Anyway, their was a lot of money into that project, titanium exhaust and such, but also cutting out or removing parts got that WR down to around 240 pounds wet. About a 25 pound weight reduction. My YZ started life at 245# wet, but with the bigger tank, tires, mousses, radiators, hand and frame guards, lights, etc is now at 260-265 pounds. Could be less but I didn't buy the lightest parts available.

"268 pounds on the scale full of gas" Read more at https://dirtbiketest.com/bike-tests/2016-ktm-500exc/#2LD6HAgUdmyTFfDj.99

A few years back all the Japanese manufactureres started using wet weights in their marketed specifications. That is with all fluids and fuel, topped off, ready to ride. Only the European manufacturers use dry weights. And nobody knows how dry that is. Some say it is completely dry, no gas, oil, coolant or brake fluid. But we do know the Japanese weights are indeed, ready to ride, gross weights. You can have it in any color as long as it's championship red.

I did just notice that the offroad versions all have wide ratio 6 speeds. That COULD be very good, but the Hondas that I've owned had very poorly ratiod transmissions.

Without a doubt. It's standard for any bike. Another article has put it at 289# wet. I can already see a few items that could drop 10# but the "Urethane injection in swingarm to reduce road noise" is unsprung weight that can't be removed (easily). I like the idea if it was road vibrations, but not a serious offroader if it has road bike design logic. I do like that the clutch and stator covers come with protection, but not the "Noise emissions minimized via covers on the left and right crank cases" reason. Makes me think thin and cheap plastic bits. That price is $500 more than a Beta 430RS and the Beta is 40 pounds lighter.

https://dirtbikemagazine.com/2019-honda-crf450l-a-hard-core-dual-sport-from-japan/ This one will certainly weigh 300+ wet.

Schedule change. It looks like I can be there.

Pics?

Welcome to the gang. Cool project bike. I have a YZ450 that I planned to turn into an enduro/trail bike and eventually have it plated. I swapped the 19 for 18" rear wheel and put on lights but the master plan was to change the transmission for a WR gear set. That got shelved with the release of the YZ450FX and someday I'll upgrade. Any chance you swapped the gear box on yours? Jon

Progress is right I guess. Makes your "off piste" riding pretty light weight on your conscious. Want to make new trails anyone?

Maybe. Pretty cool to have him at your ride. However, he may not want his personal email published to the world. You might want to smudge that out of the image. Ride on kelly, I wish I couldn't there for a few of those days. Can I join the ride if I'm on a Yamaha?

Welcome to the group. That's a fine collection of big and small bikes for wide and narrow dirt paths. Keep your eyes on the informal ride section there's usually an option or two every weekend to cut your teeth in the dirt. Jon

I haven't been riding much over the past 3 years and starting in April I hope to change that. My initial thought is to camp at Keyesville recreation area for a couple days. There is open camping there and vault toilets. We can ride the Kern canyon trail to Badger Gap and back. That's mostly a loop and about 50 miles of singletrack in a 52 mile ride. Second day is up into the pines and as high and far as the snow pack will let us go. By mid April it shouldn't be a problem getting just about everywhere. Day 3 and 4 can played by ear. More fun from Keyesville or on the other side of the river in the Piute mts. The days will be spent trail riding intermediate and better terrain. Getting deep into the single track is a great way to improve your overall riding skills. I'm working on this past as I travel. Check back for more info after the next stop.