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I think I want to sell the CRF450RL. I can work with how tall it is, but the engine is extremely high-strung. Even after warming up, it wants to stall when giving it even moderate or more throttle, which is the "flame-out" issue that reviewers have been complaining about for years. If I can't trust the engine, I can't trust the bike and I don't need that when touring (on-road or off-road).

(The luggage is plenty good and I plan on keeping it for whatever in the future.)

#motorcycle

Nuno Dantas reshared this.

in reply to Neil E. Hodges

I really should've gotten something like a CB500X or Tenere 700. :(
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Those are two such wildly different bikes... I'd ride them before deciding either way.
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Maybe a KLX300 or CRF300L? Their engines are "normal" and I'm on good terms with the folks at my local Honda and Kawasaki dealer.
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

Or a KLR650. Definitely need to do some test rides to figure this out.
in reply to Neil E. Hodges

I have been very happy with my vstrom 650. It has an engine tuned for very friendly power delivery and some tech specifically for anti-stall.

The 800 is kind of ugly and requires premium fuel, but I can't speak to how it rides. I have no regrets with the 650. Riding as one this is plenty of power for everything you would do on road or off.

in reply to Petrichor Squirrel

That looks pretty nice. The 650 and 800 have both been on my radar, but I kind of want a 21/18 wheelset since I already have street bikes.