I'd get a Yamaha WR450F if you can plate it if you're spending CRF450L money, as it costs less and has a proven track record for reliability. The 450L is too new to say. You wouldn't really want to do many highway miles on a race-oriented Enduro like any of the 450 class.
Honestly though, start with something less powerful. If you've only ridden a bit on Chinese bikes and some air-cooled Japanese 250s, it'll be a whole new world in terms of power to weight ratio.
It's better to get something cheap, get some riding experience, and then move up after some time. The class you took is a start, but that doesn't mean you're ready for a powerful bike, particularly in the woods. Heck, if you want new, get one of the CRF250Fs. Any 450 will be too powerful, the DRZ-400 is quite a bit different, it would be more approachable, and would probably be the best balance between okay on the highway, and good in the woods, though you might have to change your gearing when you set up camp.
Getting something less powerful, while you develop skills, will save you money on the front end (less expensive initial purchase price), and on the back end, as you're less likely to get injured.
Just trying to save you some heartache and money.
|