Okay, so I finally got my hands on a 2020 CRF450R. I’d been eyeing this bike for a while, and let me tell you, the hype is real. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Here’s how it went down.
The Hunt
First off, finding one in decent condition wasn’t easy. I scoured online listings, called up dealerships, even drove a few hours to check out some “promising” leads. Most were either beat to hell or way overpriced. I was starting to get discouraged, I saw rust, bent parts and a very “tired” appearance.
The Find
But then, I stumbled upon this one listing – a private seller, relatively low hours, and the pictures looked clean. I contacted the guy, and we chatted for a bit. He seemed legit, knew his stuff about the bike, and was willing to answer all my questions, I got some good feelings.
Checking It Out
I drove out to see it, and man, it was even better in person. The plastics were in great shape, the engine sounded crisp, and it didn’t look like it had been ridden hard. I took it for a quick spin, and the power was insane. It felt tight, responsive, and just…ready to rip. I checked the normal points of the motorcycle, like the chain, the tyres, the suspension and so on.
The Deal
We haggled a bit on the price, but honestly, I was already sold. We settled on a fair number, I handed over the cash, and loaded it up. It was mine, and I tried to get him down on price, but he wouldn’t budge.
First Real Ride
The next day, I took it to my local track. I spent some time getting used to the power delivery and the handling. This thing is a beast! It pulls hard out of corners, and the suspension soaks up everything. I was grinning ear to ear. I wanted to test its capabilities, not my capabilities, so I kept it pretty tame.
Tweaks and Adjustments
I’ve made a few small adjustments since then. I played with the clickers on the suspension to get it dialed in for my weight and riding style. I also added some handguards, because, you know, trees. I also needed to get a new air filter, they looked original and extremely dirty.
- Suspension clicker adjustments
- Installed handguards
- New air filter
- Chain adjustment
The Final Verdict
Overall, I’m stoked with this bike. It’s everything I hoped it would be and more. It’s powerful, handles great, and just looks awesome. If you’re thinking about getting a 2020 CRF450R, I say go for it. Just be prepared to hold on tight! I made a few changes, but over all, I am very happy with my final result.
