Radiator cap upgrade 23 crf 450

tdawg949
Posts
48
Joined
11/11/2023
Location
Fullerton , CA US

Does anyone know of a good radiator cap upgrade? Also what bar/psi is optimal for aggressive trail/track riding? Thank you all!

|
Meister
Posts
3219
Joined
3/21/2013
Location
Canton, OH US
12/12/2023 3:52am

I used the mylers one on rocky mountain. 

moto314
Posts
935
Joined
10/20/2009
Location
Mooresville, NC US
12/12/2023 4:53am

I always use the Kawi 1.6 or 1.8 on my Honda's, I can get you the part number if you need

 

misshoop
Posts
4
Joined
2/9/2023
Location
Koningshooikt NL
12/12/2023 5:45am

Twin Air 1.8 (177900) or 2.0 bar (177903)

1
hubbardmx50
Posts
2777
Joined
11/17/2016
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
12/12/2023 7:13am

Stock KTM cap from 2019 gives you a 1.8. I've never lost a drip. 

The Shop

uncledaddy69
Posts
2325
Joined
4/2/2011
Location
Huntington Beach, CA US
12/12/2023 7:28am

I use a 1.8 from twin air on my 250 and it’s perfect. 

1
lumpy790
Posts
11308
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
12/12/2023 7:36am Edited Date/Time 12/12/2023 7:37am

Stock Japanese is a 1.1 so any upgrade from 1.3 - 2.0 will be step in the right direction.

Just remember that Higher PSI will also reveal any weaknesses.

4
Shannon ward
Posts
226
Joined
11/6/2014
Location
Elkhorn City, KY US
12/12/2023 8:06am

I went with a cv4 2.0 on mine. 

tdawg949
Posts
48
Joined
11/11/2023
Location
Fullerton , CA US
12/12/2023 7:15pm

Thank you everyone I appreciate all of you!

stonerb
Posts
171
Joined
12/13/2010
Location
Fontana, CA US
12/12/2023 7:22pm
lumpy790 wrote:
Stock Japanese is a 1.1 so any upgrade from 1.3 - 2.0 will be step in the right direction. Just remember that Higher PSI will also...

Stock Japanese is a 1.1 so any upgrade from 1.3 - 2.0 will be step in the right direction.

Just remember that Higher PSI will also reveal any weaknesses.

I'm stupid about this kind of thing. What weaknesses? Like how tight the hoses are sealed up, or how much pressure the radiator can take?

TeamGreen
Posts
36732
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
12/12/2023 7:25pm
lumpy790 wrote:
Stock Japanese is a 1.1 so any upgrade from 1.3 - 2.0 will be step in the right direction. Just remember that Higher PSI will also...

Stock Japanese is a 1.1 so any upgrade from 1.3 - 2.0 will be step in the right direction.

Just remember that Higher PSI will also reveal any weaknesses.

stonerb wrote:

I'm stupid about this kind of thing. What weaknesses? Like how tight the hoses are sealed up, or how much pressure the radiator can take?

Some of these caps will allow the system pressure to almost double; so, what Hoser is saying is that if there's a weakness/potential leak in your system...? Well, a higher pressure cap just might help you  find it...sooner. Laughing

2
Marty1028
Posts
930
Joined
10/5/2017
Location
Lafayette, IN US
12/12/2023 8:50pm

Tusk one with the gauge. Its super useful if i have any doubts if im running hot or not. Just one look down and I know.

2
stonerb
Posts
171
Joined
12/13/2010
Location
Fontana, CA US
12/12/2023 8:55pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Some of these caps will allow the system pressure to almost double; so, what Hoser is saying is that if there's a weakness/potential leak in your...

Some of these caps will allow the system pressure to almost double; so, what Hoser is saying is that if there's a weakness/potential leak in your system...? Well, a higher pressure cap just might help you  find it...sooner. Laughing

Gotcha. Thanks dude!

1
tdawg949
Posts
48
Joined
11/11/2023
Location
Fullerton , CA US
12/12/2023 10:38pm

Update just got a tusk 1.6 for my 23 crf 450 👌🏻

1
SCAM124
Posts
177
Joined
10/7/2014
Location
Northville, MI US
12/13/2023 5:07am
tdawg949 wrote:

Update just got a tusk 1.6 for my 23 crf 450 👌🏻

As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk...

I would suggest you replace with a quality branded rad cap of your choice in desired pressure rating.

3
lumpy790
Posts
11308
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
12/13/2023 8:07am
lumpy790 wrote:
Stock Japanese is a 1.1 so any upgrade from 1.3 - 2.0 will be step in the right direction. Just remember that Higher PSI will also...

Stock Japanese is a 1.1 so any upgrade from 1.3 - 2.0 will be step in the right direction.

Just remember that Higher PSI will also reveal any weaknesses.

stonerb wrote:

I'm stupid about this kind of thing. What weaknesses? Like how tight the hoses are sealed up, or how much pressure the radiator can take?

TeamGreen wrote:
Some of these caps will allow the system pressure to almost double; so, what Hoser is saying is that if there's a weakness/potential leak in your...

Some of these caps will allow the system pressure to almost double; so, what Hoser is saying is that if there's a weakness/potential leak in your system...? Well, a higher pressure cap just might help you  find it...sooner. Laughing

Yes and my thinking is more about head gaskets and water pump bearings and seal wear.

3
tdawg949
Posts
48
Joined
11/11/2023
Location
Fullerton , CA US
12/13/2023 12:10pm
tdawg949 wrote:

Update just got a tusk 1.6 for my 23 crf 450 👌🏻

SCAM124 wrote:
As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk... I would suggest you replace...

As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk...

I would suggest you replace with a quality branded rad cap of your choice in desired pressure rating.

I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol. The stock cap has been doing well so far I just wanna make sure it doesn’t boil over on long rides

1
1
TeamGreen
Posts
36732
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
12/13/2023 8:39pm
tdawg949 wrote:

Update just got a tusk 1.6 for my 23 crf 450 👌🏻

SCAM124 wrote:
As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk... I would suggest you replace...

As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk...

I would suggest you replace with a quality branded rad cap of your choice in desired pressure rating.

tdawg949 wrote:
I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol...

I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol. The stock cap has been doing well so far I just wanna make sure it doesn’t boil over on long rides

For long rides, a solid idea might be an over-flow catch tank...aka, over-flow-bottle. From the bad-ass Ti version as seen at Pro Circuit to incorporating a std plastic bottle from the X/RL that goes under your motor behind the skid plate. 

1
earlshive418
Posts
129
Joined
9/12/2022
Location
Paintsville, KY US
12/13/2023 11:10pm

Tusk cap and engine ice antifreeze

2
Chance1216
Posts
8382
Joined
4/1/2018
Location
Carson, CA US
12/13/2023 11:37pm
SCAM124 wrote:
As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk... I would suggest you replace...

As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk...

I would suggest you replace with a quality branded rad cap of your choice in desired pressure rating.

tdawg949 wrote:
I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol...

I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol. The stock cap has been doing well so far I just wanna make sure it doesn’t boil over on long rides

TeamGreen wrote:
For long rides, a solid idea might be an over-flow catch tank...aka, over-flow-bottle. From the bad-ass Ti version as seen at Pro Circuit to incorporating a...

For long rides, a solid idea might be an over-flow catch tank...aka, over-flow-bottle. From the bad-ass Ti version as seen at Pro Circuit to incorporating a std plastic bottle from the X/RL that goes under your motor behind the skid plate. 

4A36AA15-B10F-4135-AB36-CB05493E6B78.jpeg?VersionId=MkTAtdNNrLpSMQ7ebM5HGfqyE
Race Tech Titanium sells these bad boys as well. Pro Circuits coolant catch tanks are on back order for who knows how long. 

I just got mine about two weeks ago for $165. 
 

1
jmo443
Posts
1840
Joined
4/5/2019
Location
NY US
12/14/2023 1:30am
tdawg949 wrote:

Update just got a tusk 1.6 for my 23 crf 450 👌🏻

SCAM124 wrote:
As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk... I would suggest you replace...

As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk...

I would suggest you replace with a quality branded rad cap of your choice in desired pressure rating.

tdawg949 wrote:
I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol...

I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol. The stock cap has been doing well so far I just wanna make sure it doesn’t boil over on long rides

This is exactly why I would spend the extra money for the piece of mind. 

2
Heavyhitter
Posts
338
Joined
3/20/2023
Location
Machias, WA US
12/14/2023 4:19pm

We see a good handful of bikes roll through with issues due to those tusk caps not releasing or releasing too early so keep an eye on it! 

tdawg949
Posts
48
Joined
11/11/2023
Location
Fullerton , CA US
12/15/2023 1:09am
SCAM124 wrote:
As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk... I would suggest you replace...

As a random data point, I've only seen 2 rad caps go bad while in our adventures.  And both were Tusk...

I would suggest you replace with a quality branded rad cap of your choice in desired pressure rating.

tdawg949 wrote:
I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol...

I just spend close to 10 grand on a new bike the last thing I wanna do is spend more money than I have to lol. The stock cap has been doing well so far I just wanna make sure it doesn’t boil over on long rides

jmo443 wrote:

This is exactly why I would spend the extra money for the piece of mind. 

So you’re telling me it’s worse than a stock radiator cap? If it’s not I don’t need your drama bro

2
SCAM124
Posts
177
Joined
10/7/2014
Location
Northville, MI US
12/15/2023 4:36am
tdawg949 wrote:

So you’re telling me it’s worse than a stock radiator cap? If it’s not I don’t need your drama bro

It's your bike and your money. You asked for opinions and are getting them.  Yes, it's worse than a stock radiator cap.   Tusk products are typically lower quality to achieve a lower price point. 

With that said, Tusk products have their place.  I've purchased Tusk stuff and will continue to but I stick with levers, the occasional tools, etc.  Nothing ever for critical engine function. Just an opinion...

Enjoy that new bike.  My son just brought one of those home, I'm jealous.  Been thinking of going green to red! Wink

 

2
1
CPan
Posts
464
Joined
2/21/2022
Location
CA
12/15/2023 5:17am

Most aftermarket products, not just tusk, are inferior to oem. 

2
Falcon
Posts
12240
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA US
12/15/2023 5:33am
CPan wrote:

Most aftermarket products, not just tusk, are inferior to oem. 

Can confirm. If you knew the severe pains the OEM goes through to select just the most mundane of parts, you'd understand why.

Now, aftermarket parts often have performance improvements which are useful enough to trade off the quality standards. For instance, I'd be fine going with an aftermarket exhaust, which saves several pounds. It won't last 15 years like the stocker would, but who cares if it's lighter and makes your bike faster? 

Radiator caps are one of those parts which are not made by the OEMs, and the aftermarket companies often source them from the same sellers but with different specifications. I'm actually surprised that Tusk was able to find a manufacturer that made an inferior cap. They must have looked hard!  

tdawg949
Posts
48
Joined
11/11/2023
Location
Fullerton , CA US
12/15/2023 10:24pm
tdawg949 wrote:

So you’re telling me it’s worse than a stock radiator cap? If it’s not I don’t need your drama bro

SCAM124 wrote:
It's your bike and your money. You asked for opinions and are getting them.  Yes, it's worse than a stock radiator cap.   Tusk products are typically...

It's your bike and your money. You asked for opinions and are getting them.  Yes, it's worse than a stock radiator cap.   Tusk products are typically lower quality to achieve a lower price point. 

With that said, Tusk products have their place.  I've purchased Tusk stuff and will continue to but I stick with levers, the occasional tools, etc.  Nothing ever for critical engine function. Just an opinion...

Enjoy that new bike.  My son just brought one of those home, I'm jealous.  Been thinking of going green to red! Wink

 

Well shit, 

just ordered a cv4 2.0 lol. Yea man not gonna lie Honda stepped up fat since my piece o shit 2011 crf 450. The new 24 kawi 450 looks sick but at the same time it’s a first year model and you know how those can be you know? I can tell you for sure this bike is the best bike I’ve had out of the box. I just had to change the rear spring because it was way too soft for me. Green or red you can’t fail

1
5/14/2025 10:24am
Marty1028 wrote:

Tusk one with the gauge. Its super useful if i have any doubts if im running hot or not. Just one look down and I know.

Any updates on how its been working? 

Marty1028
Posts
930
Joined
10/5/2017
Location
Lafayette, IN US
5/19/2025 9:15am
Marty1028 wrote:

Tusk one with the gauge. Its super useful if i have any doubts if im running hot or not. Just one look down and I know.

Any updates on how its been working? 

It worked great. Had it for probably a year now. No leaks. Holds pressure fine

Post a reply to: Radiator cap upgrade 23 crf 450

The Latest