We now have the new IMS 3 gallon gas tanks in stock for the CRF450L, and recently installed one on our dual sport project bike. The tanks are available in Black or Natural color, and we decided to install the natural color on this bike, that way we can see the fuel level through the tank. Fit on the bike is really good, and you only have to make a very small modification to the back side of the left tank shroud (modification not visible once the shroud is back on the bike).
I've been using Seat Concepts seats on various dual sport and supermoto bikes for years now, and they are a must-have upgrade if you're like me and can't sit on the typical OEM seat for more than about 50 miles. On our Honda CRF450L project bike, I noticed how narrow the stock seat was right off the bat, and knew that one of Seat Concepts "Comfort" seats would be one of our first mods to the bike. I went with the Seat Concepts seat shown above, in the LOW Foam Height version, and the Black/Red Low-Slip Cover.
The Seat Concepts Comfort seat for the CRF450L is about 7 1/2" at its widest point, compared to about 5" for the stock seat (see photo). The seat tapers and gets narrower as it gets closer to tank, so it still allows you to easily move around on the bike. The combination of a wider seating surface, and Seat Concepts proprietary foam material, make it much more comfortable than the stock seat, especially on longer rides. I've done several 250+ mile days on Seat Concepts seats and they are a HUGE improvement over pretty much any stock seat.
Overall I think this is a great upgrade to the bike. The stock seat is not what I would consider un-comfortable, but after about 50-60 miles, I was ready for a break. The Seat Concepts seat on the other hand, is much more comfortable and you basically forget about the seat and can focus more on your riding. I will especially appreciate it once we get a larger aftermarket gas tank on the bike and can go further than what the stock tank allows. The LOW seat foam I went with is an added bonus since this bike is tall for a height-challenged rider like myself... I feel just a bit more comfortable now when I need to put my feet down.
Cover Material Options:
The 450L seats are available in several combinations of materials/color. The covers with the Gripper Top are best for aggressive riding if you really want to be held in place. The covers with the Low-Slip top are slightly less grippy than the Gripper top, but still will hold you in place. The suede seats look great but probably not the best for muddy riding conditions. More photos at links below...
Foam Height Options:
The Standard Height Foam version is about the same height as stock seat, but wider as mentioned. The other option available is the Low Height foam, which is about 1" lower than stock, and still features the wider seating surface. Both are equally comfortable and you don't seem to lose any comfort with the low foam version.
Installation: This is a complete and direct bolt-on seat for the bike. You simply take your stock seat off, and put the SC seat in its place, re-using the two stock bolts as mounting hardware. Its literally a 30-60 second install.
One of the first things we decided to do with our new CRF450L is install a set of handguards, which the bike desperately needs. Handguards will protect your hands and the bikes controls from tree branches and other trail hazards, plus they can help prevent damage if you crash or drop your bike. Another side benefit is that they offer wind protection in cooler weather.
On our CRF450L Project bike we've installed both a set of Zeta's standard Armor Handguards, as well as their PRO Armor Handguards. Both work great on the bike with the stock Renthal handlebars, and should also work if you install aftermarket 1 1/8" bars. Here's our recommendations...
OPTION 1: Zeta PRO Armor Handguards
If you want the best handguard setup for your CRF450L, Zeta's PRO Armor Handguards (shown above) are definitely the way to go. These handguards feature long and durable bar end inserts, protective plastic bumpers on the outside of the handguard, and a mounting kit that bolts to the CRF450L's top triple clamp instead of the handlebar itself. They come pre-drilled for mounting of the optional Zeta XC protector shields and Zeta Integrated LED flashers/turn signals.
OPTION 2: Zeta Armor Handguards
If you're looking for an affordable handguard for your CRF450L, the standard Zeta Armor Handguard is the way to go. These do a great job of protecting your hands/controls at a very affordable price. They come with handlebars clamps to clamp to the bars, and they come pre-drilled for mounting of the optional Zeta XC protector shields and Zeta Integrated LED flashers/turn signals. If you have the bikes stock Renthal handlebars, you'll want the 7/8" size, of you've installed oversize handlebars, go with the 1 1/8" size.
We just pulled the trigger on a brand new 2019 CRF450L Dual Sport. Big plans for this bike... all the dual sport goodies, and then eventually a supermoto conversion. Stay tuned!
All the parts we use on the bike will end up on our Honda CRF450L Parts page.
