Honda’s latest off-road bike concept looks stellar, though details are scarce.
There’s a lot to love about Honda’s off-road and dual-sport bikes, and the CRF450L Rally Concept could be the company’s next addition to its lineup.
The concept bike is a little more suited for the road than the backcountry, but the Dakar-inspired bike still boasts a lot of off-road equipment.
Details of the CRF450L Rally Concept
To be honest there isn’t much. Honda has stayed pretty tight-lipped. That said, it’s clear the bike is based on the CRF450L model. That is both good and bad, based on that bike’s specs.
Michael Guy, the Sports Editor at Motorcycle News, got an up-close look at the bike and made some observations. Here’s what he saw/said:
“If complete with the CRF450L motor, the Rally may struggle to be considered a viable long-distance competition machine though, due to service intervals of just 1000km (or around 600 miles).
“Unlike their actual Dakar bike, which features two extra fuel tanks towards the rear, this machine has been given a handy tool box where one of the tanks would ordinarily sit. A low-slung Termignoni exhaust system retains some of the Dakar appeal, alongside a high front mudguard.
“Alongside this, there appears to be space for a Sentinel system in the switch gear (a unit used to warn Dakar riders of potential dangers) and large TFT screen, which could also suggest a potential for rallying. However, mirrors, indicators and a horn would also suggest the potential for on-road use.”
Here’s to hoping that more info about this bike will appear at a later date. Right now there isn’t much else to say about it other than the fact that it looks awesome. I want it in Honda’s lineup.
If the price were right, I’d definitely buy one. This is exactly the kind of bike Honda should be making.
