I bought a Rally to teach my son how to safely ride a motorcycle, since there would soon come a day a young man decides a motorcycle is a great idea. He liked it so much he bought his own 300L. Next week we're taking a 3 day trip together to the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve in Mason, Texas. Best idea I've had in a while.
I'm biking 40 years and have recently gotten a 300 rally. I instantly fell in love with it. Not sexy, not fast.....but it will get you there, and back which is more important. Off to Scotland next year, Spain, Portugal and maybe Morocco after that. Scandinavia is also on the cards. What a brilliant bike. Mid life crisis.....60 is the new 20 as far as I'm concerned. Looking forward to my mid life adventures.
You say it's the most ridiculous video you've ever made......to be honest I think it's one of the most sensible and honest videos I have ever watched. I am 59 years old and I have been riding bikes for the past 53 years, I have raced them, ridden them for work, pleasure...you name it I have done it. I have owned BMW RT's, GS's, GSA's and for the last 18 months an Africa Twin AS DCT, they have all been fantastic machines however they are all top heavy, 250 to 270 Kg's. The Honda CRF300 Rally is in my opinion the best lightweight dual sport adventure bike on the market. I like it that much I have just pulled the trigger on a brand new one, trading my Africa Twin for it and I can't wait for it to rock up. Re the mid life crisis like you I spent silly money on Guitars, bikes, cars but there is nothing like the feeling of a bike. Great video, ride safe and yes I have subscribed. 👍🏻
Thanks for the sub, and the great comment. And I completely agree - the Rally is unsurpassed in the lightweight adventure segment. I recently picked up a KTM 890 Adv, and it’s fantastic. Super low center of gravity, brilliant on the long sections of highway, and very solid off-road. But you can’t get away from the weight. When it’s just me heading out into the desert alone, I almost always opt for the Honda.
I just bought a new Honda CRF 300L Rally, I'm 39.......I'm divorced and have two kids.........not a mid life crisis. I just needed a good cheap dependable dual sport and this bike checked the box.
I think I'm having an end of life crisis. I'm 73, sold my last mc about 5 years ago and want one of these 300 rally's real bad. I'm jealous of everyone who owns one and has great places to ride it.
I discovered the CRF300L a few weeks ago from a coworker. I have pretty much no motorcycle experience but a lot of mountain bike experience. Took his for a quick spin and loved it. Did a good amount for research and went in and put down a deposit on one. Right after that I took my MSF class and got my license! It should arrive next week! I turn 40 in one month so it is definitely my midlife crisis!
Hey! We must be living in parallel universes 😳. I’ve been riding for many years and I’m right with you on the 300 Rally, bought one last year and it’s by far my go to motorcycle. I always dreamed of getting a big road bike and finally settled on a second hand Vulcan 1500, as you suggested, it just sat in my garage most of the time as I don’t really get off on riding pavement. I keep several old smaller road bikes around for the occasional ride with friends BUT my CRF300 Rally is my favorite of all the many bikes I’ve owned over the past 55 years of riding motorcycles. I love riding the back roads and trails of Montana and south eastern BC, the Rally does it just beautifully. Yes I recommend the Rally for the exact reasons you do. Advice….look after your health (and your wife and kids) and enjoy this beautiful earth, it’s a gift from God . 👍😎
51 years old here too. My 40s were a mess but I came out the other side intact. Currently, new wife of 4 years, 3 3/4 year old son, and a week old new 2022 300L Rally. Retire in less than 4 years. Life couldn’t be better. There is hope after making some bad decisions during the mid-life crisis stage of life.
I just turned 54 and for the first time in my life I learned to ride and got a 300 rally. I'm still breaking it in. I love to ride it. Thank you for the video
64 here and I am a happy rider of a 300L, mostly riding in the mountain roads of WA. state. The best decision to deal with my mid-life crisis. I hope you all enjoy the ride! Cheers!
Excellent video, I have had a motorcycle crisis since the age of 15, now 67. Rode road and track up until five years ago, brought a crf250 Rally and got into off road, green lanes in southeast England, would love to ride where you are being able to see the horizon. Just got the 300 and in the process of doing the add ons but I would say this bike is the best bang for the bucks.
Well, the grass is always greener. And in this case that’s literal for me. I’d love to make it over the pond and do some riding in all the greenness of your area. Congrats on the new bike! Probably not a huge difference from your 250, but O agree. Best bike on the market right now for the type of riding I do.
Six years ago, I bought a Harley Sportster as my mid-life crisis bike. I must be still going through it because I bought a CRF300L Rally four days ago. 😂.
I’m 51 & getting back into ride after several years of not riding. Mid life crisis has hit me pretty hard & any day now will be picking up my new 300L rally & can’t wait to officially start my midlife crisis. Great videos & love your channel keep it up
Just stumbled on this comment in my “held for review” folder. No idea what UA-cam thought was suspicious about it, but enjoy the new bike, and have a blast with the oncoming midlife crisis 🙂
So true the right motorcycle is exciting every time, ride after ride, year after year! Been at it since 1979 and my favorite 2 motorcycles are the small displacement ones I currently own, a cb500x and a crf 300 Rally. I will change my suspension asap, $1500 is a drop in the bucket compared to a Corvette type crisis.
Spot on and I share your interpretation(s). Retired Army officer here, working an office job at the county to stay busy, but that has been a "yawn".... Bought a 2022 KLR650 and that was a perfect fit for me as I used to ride the KLRs years ago... The KLR has been an excellent ROI, especially for the 9K that I spent out the door. Nice ancillary benefit was the re-invigoration of my YT channel, video editing was a fun little side skill to pick-up in my later years.
I"m here for a midlife crisis. Not sure if I want it on the 300L or Rally. I'm 265, 6'2 so probably the Rally. I hate cars and don't want to see them, but I feel like I"m to fat to pretend I'm going to go crazy on trails. Your crisis gave me some great insight
I believe my midlife crisis hit me around when COVID first hit. Like no doubt many other folks, I had moments of introspection about my own existence around that time. Since then I quit my corporate job to start my own business. I am financially set, and I'm close to the point where I could retire comfortably. I've spent 30+ years only working, I've reached all the professional goals I set for myself. But I didn't take time to live life. I skipped vacations, I've turned down relationships, I never got married. I feel like I've only been a corporate drone my whole adult life. I'm planning on getting a CRF300L Rally in about 6 months, where I will wind down some of my obligations. To me it's about the simplicity and the approachable nature of the bike. I don't care about going fast, I care about finding empty roads I can just leisurely enjoy at my own pace.
I rode a Honda CV250 back in high school and college. 56 years old now. Watched Itchy Boots’ movie. Been wanting to get back into the game and adventure ride! This was a great message, thank you.
Nice video. I bought a beautiful R NineT in 2017 I still have it, but then I realized I really like adventure riding so last year I bought a XRE300 which is the South American version of that crf300 and I love it. It's not the motorcycle it's what you do with it that makes you feel alive. Like the german brand says "Make Life a Ride".
At 42 I got go home and die cancer. First thing, bought a motorcycle. Then trip around the world. Bought a nature retreat in Northern MN. At 72, will buy a Honda CRF 300 L Rally. Wife is the only obstacle. Have to give her equivalent money for trip to Paris. Other guy is the problem. Dangerous. Be Frank Sinatra. I did it "my" way. I want the best summer of my life. I have to live my life "my" way. Hard bike to find. $6,200 now new. Great video. Summarized my situation 100%. Excellent job. Forever grateful. Thanks.
I rode down to big bend np on my crf rally to treat my midlife crisis. I broke my ribs and legs and had to pull the trailer with my totaled crf on it. But the ordeal was worth.
OMG! Excellent video. This is the most creative bike video I’ve seen. And it wasn’t just a lark or a spoof. The content and your premise made good sense. Thought provoking. Thanks for this. More please. Subscribe!
Amen! I was 41 when I got my birst motorcycle and have never looked back. Started with an Italian Sportbike, then to a metric cruiser, then the ADV bug bit me (around the same time as the Long way Down folks) picked up a KLR 650 and have been on a Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert Edition since.. I recently picked up a 300l Rally, less than 30 miles so far. Same with the guitar, bought an American Ultra Strat a few years ago. Seems we can afford more these later days of our lives. Ride safe.
Very good video I’m 51 now an I’ve bought several bikes for my son growing up along with a few 4wheelers I’m glad I taught him from early age he has rode street bikes an has now switched back to a dual sport cause he likes the dirt more but still wants to be able todo both so I got a crf300L to go ride trails together and to have good ole hooligan fun just for the thrill !!love the bike it’s so close to being that unicorn we’ve all been searching for for years
Sports cars are awesome, if you're a car person. If you're just an average Joe who thinks driving is just a method to go from point a to point b, then yeah they're probably not for you. If you want to go driving in the mountains and having fun maintaining speed around corners, always trying to find the perfect line on the road (in your own lane, never cross the double yellows), and just driving for the enjoyment of driving, then sports cars are for you.
@@HighDesertHills I'm one of those weirdos who likes both cars and bikes, lol. I definitely prefer motorcycles, but I also love my 6 speed FRS (GT86). Both are fun in their own way.
Which state are you driving through. Looks great for this type of motorcycle. Thanks for this awesome video and information. I’m 50, so the topic applies.
Great video and discussion. I recently bought a Hawk Tuah 50 for my mid-late life crisis. Always wanted one . Too old for the other kinda Hawk Tuah I guess. 😢. But it has helped. Already thinking about a Japanese upgrade. Hey adventure riding for me is making it to the dollar store and back. But I'll do it in style 😂.
One of the bucket list that was set aside in favor of raising a family, sending the kids to the best school, providing a good life for the wife. Now that everything went well as planned wouldn't it be nice to reward ourselves? Midlife crisis or whatever, buy that car, bike, boat , light aircraft etc. Motorcycles? Yessss of course!
Amen brother. Wife and I decided she needed to stay home with our kids twenty years ago. Tough on dad? Yep. Best decision ever? Yep. Now, here I am 51 and don’t feel a bit guilty about my motorcycle habit. Own an immaculate 2002 xr650r, a 2001 xr250r and my crf300 rally hit the dealer Friday, picking it up this week. Between the three bikes and associated gear I don’t have enough money tied up for anyone to miss, but it genuinely fuels my lifelong passion and keeps me young! Ride safe!
thanks for this very entertaining, funny and the potential to be serious thoughts of yours. i own a big gs and a tenere 700, riding all my life. currently i am going offroad through europe on a crf 300 and i am loving it. it is pure fun on this small thing. i did the suspension upgrade, would recommend it if you are doing harder offroad, for normal adventure use and moderate offroad not really needed. again thank and all the best from the middle of bosnia on a 300 rally
It's great to hear from a true adventurer, and I'm glad to hear that that the 300 has a place in your rides alongside the bigger bikes. Have an amazing trip!
@@HighDesertHills no true adventure rider - smile. only doing this for the last year. before that only tarmac. much more fun offroad. in europe we have a track called TET, offroad through the whole of europe. i think a bit like bdr in usa.
If you're currently riding offroad through Europe, that counts as a true adventurer 🙂Yes, we have various BDRs, and we also have one called the TAT that is similar to the TET. I'll be riding about 1200 miles of it in September. Looking forward to it.
I've owned a couple street bikes, a 86 ys600 Radian, which was a super fun, lightweight, peppy, 4cyl. bike, then I got an 83 V65 Magna, 1100cc, 4cyl., that was fastest production bike made the year it came out, which I still own, but it needs carbs rebuilt, along with other maintenance and repairs, which I plan to do when I get my new shop finished. I have been looking to get a dual sport for years, and when I did rider safety course a few years ago, they had 250 dual sports, and tw200's and they were super fun to ride. I've been eyeing the CRF300L Rally because I own some rolling ground, and I live in a fairly rural area, where it is super fun to ride back roads, occasional gravel, and trails. Of course, a tractor or even an atv would be good for my property, but I want something light, that I can ride on the road as well as trails, and is easy on my wallet. The 2024's are in and there are a few in my area, so I plan on test driving one soon. I 100% agree that these bikes are great for those of us that enjoy riding. A coworker uses his when he goes on float trips. He drops bike at takeout, chained to a tree out of view, then goes to where he puts in, and when he gets to takeout, he rides bike to get truck, and then go pickup kayak/canoe. I'm 52 and kids are in college, and I work on call, 24/7/365, with no set days off, so the freedom of one of these is very enticing. I still have my old acoustic guitar, sold my Gibson SG Standard years ago, and bought a 20 year old truck because new truck prices doubled in last 5 years for no reason. I don't need the latest greatest anything, except maybe a new CRF300L Rally.
Sounds like an idea situation for a lightweight dual sport. Very similar to me - except I recently lost a major contract, which has forced me to go back into the traditional workplace. Sadly, I can't just zip off into the desert whenever I feel like it anymore.
Absolutely love your commentary on mid life crises..spot on.. I believe I've commented on a vid you made on the xt225.. of which i have and really enjoy for what it is, also xr650l.. love the xt225 for ease of use.. lighter, lower.. upgraded springs etc.. great on forest roads but really is dangerous on the highway in between routes.. I see your in Utah, I'm in Az. similar drivers on the road (fast, posted 65=75+ here)... on a 2 lane highway, is the Rally 300 at ease or struggling at 70 for a good stretch like 30+miles? average terrain, not up a big grade, or even bigger would you ride from your Provo valley area (familiar as I lived in SLC in the early 80's) to say Moab and back on it staying off I-15..?. cheers, Paul.
Hey Paul! I’ve done stretches of 30+ miles at 70 mph, and it’s not too bad. Feels a bit weak at that speed on any decent sized hill, but definitely doable. And yes, if I could stay off the freeway, I’d take it down to Moab and back. My personal preference would be to seek out as many dirt roads as possible, but that’s me being paranoid about distracted drivers, not any shortcomings of the bike.
I've got the 250 Rally. 70 is the sweet spot at which I can comfortably cruise all day without serious wind buffeting or engine vibration. 75-80 is possible but with vibration and MUCH more tiring and also more fuel consumption. But the places you should be buying this bike for is where you can't go over 50-60 anyway. Also, see this from yesterday (not me!): ua-cam.com/video/cAWFyxGhmtc/v-deo.html
The KLR650 also has two engine problems straight out of the factory that would play on my mind, so I avoided it for those reasons. Videos on here about the Doohicky (balance chain adjuster that is a time bomb) and some coolant issue.
My Gawd...do some research. It was quietly addressed in '08, they strengthened the spring. And nobody who actually owns a KLR has ever had one go out. If that or the thermostat was an actual issue it wouldnt have earned the title of most reliable bike to travel the globe
Yeah, that's better - but my problem is I'm forgetful. It's better for me to risk being separated from it in a crash, than to not have it at all because I forgot to grab it on the way out of the garage.
Too Funny ! (` don't know if that was intended) At 71 and wanting to learn to explore on a cycle, I may be having a mid-life crisis; I may live to 140; I haven't decided, yet. But, I have decided that God didn't leave me here to wait to die; HE left me here to L I V E !!!
I would LOVE a 300cc with two cylinders, ideally it would have even longer service intervals as it wouldn't have to rev high and stress the crankshaft prematurely. Alternatively, a 450cc single piston that is EFI with disc brakes, and an option for tubeless tires with the same service intervals, although that's a unicorn in my mind lol.
I think you could get a good condition used harley dyna and have fun modding it and not be so precious with it. I've also been looking at a Trump thunderbird and they are a really good deal and different . I'm seriously looking at the new suzuki katana or the yamaha mt 10 for some cool on road trips. Look at the used market could be a good second bike choice and you could really feel justified in spending some money on mods because it was already a great deal.
nice video! i had the same thought when i bought the rally 300.... do i already have a mitlife chrises? but it doesn't matter at all! It's a lot of fun with the motorcycle and that's not what it's all about! LG from Austria CHP#26
I like it a lot it’s really good on the road it handles way better than it should I keep catching myself speeding cuz it’s so smooth and feels like you’re going slower than you actually are
So me being dreadful cuz of how are country is going is a midlife crisis? DAMN this is gonna be a LONG MIDLIFE T_T ain't even 35 yet lol.I am just here to see if the Rally is nice for beginners lol.
The mid-life Harley is a bad plan, people that get a first big bike as a 40-50yo tend to crash them. The living the dream vs. experience ratio works against them.
Kind of like the RV or boat that sits in a storage lot 364 days a year so it’s safe while you work overtime to make the payments. Think it through fellas!!!
I bought a Rally to teach my son how to safely ride a motorcycle, since there would soon come a day a young man decides a motorcycle is a great idea. He liked it so much he bought his own 300L. Next week we're taking a 3 day trip together to the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve in Mason, Texas. Best idea I've had in a while.
Awesome! Have a safe trip!
I'm biking 40 years and have recently gotten a 300 rally. I instantly fell in love with it. Not sexy, not fast.....but it will get you there, and back which is more important. Off to Scotland next year, Spain, Portugal and maybe Morocco after that. Scandinavia is also on the cards. What a brilliant bike. Mid life crisis.....60 is the new 20 as far as I'm concerned. Looking forward to my mid life adventures.
Have you been to Scotland yet?
You say it's the most ridiculous video you've ever made......to be honest I think it's one of the most sensible and honest videos I have ever watched. I am 59 years old and I have been riding bikes for the past 53 years, I have raced them, ridden them for work, pleasure...you name it I have done it. I have owned BMW RT's, GS's, GSA's and for the last 18 months an Africa Twin AS DCT, they have all been fantastic machines however they are all top heavy, 250 to 270 Kg's. The Honda CRF300 Rally is in my opinion the best lightweight dual sport adventure bike on the market. I like it that much I have just pulled the trigger on a brand new one, trading my Africa Twin for it and I can't wait for it to rock up. Re the mid life crisis like you I spent silly money on Guitars, bikes, cars but there is nothing like the feeling of a bike. Great video, ride safe and yes I have subscribed. 👍🏻
Thanks for the sub, and the great comment. And I completely agree - the Rally is unsurpassed in the lightweight adventure segment.
I recently picked up a KTM 890 Adv, and it’s fantastic. Super low center of gravity, brilliant on the long sections of highway, and very solid off-road. But you can’t get away from the weight. When it’s just me heading out into the desert alone, I almost always opt for the Honda.
I just bought a new Honda CRF 300L Rally, I'm 39.......I'm divorced and have two kids.........not a mid life crisis. I just needed a good cheap dependable dual sport and this bike checked the box.
Well, it’ll be there for you when you do hit that midlife crisis 🙂 Congrats on the new bike!
I think I'm having an end of life crisis. I'm 73, sold my last mc about 5 years ago and want one of these 300 rally's real bad. I'm jealous of everyone who owns one and has great places to ride it.
Hopefully still midlife for you 🙂 Let me know if you end up getting one. I’d love to hear how you like it.
I discovered the CRF300L a few weeks ago from a coworker. I have pretty much no motorcycle experience but a lot of mountain bike experience. Took his for a quick spin and loved it. Did a good amount for research and went in and put down a deposit on one. Right after that I took my MSF class and got my license! It should arrive next week! I turn 40 in one month so it is definitely my midlife crisis!
You’ll love it. Congrats!!
At 70 ,I can still get on my Rally , but I don't think I could get out of a Corvette.
Honda should put that quote in their ads.
Hey! We must be living in parallel universes 😳.
I’ve been riding for many years and I’m right with you on the 300 Rally, bought one last year and it’s by far my go to motorcycle.
I always dreamed of getting a big road bike and finally settled on a second hand Vulcan 1500, as you suggested, it just sat in my garage most of the time as I don’t really get off on riding pavement. I keep several old smaller road bikes around for the occasional ride with friends BUT my CRF300 Rally is my favorite of all the many bikes I’ve owned over the past 55 years of riding motorcycles.
I love riding the back roads and trails of Montana and south eastern BC, the Rally does it just beautifully. Yes I recommend the Rally for the exact reasons you do.
Advice….look after your health (and your wife and kids) and enjoy this beautiful earth, it’s a gift from God . 👍😎
51 years old here too. My 40s were a mess but I came out the other side intact. Currently, new wife of 4 years, 3 3/4 year old son, and a week old new 2022 300L Rally. Retire in less than 4 years. Life couldn’t be better. There is hope after making some bad decisions during the mid-life crisis stage of life.
Glad you made it through, and congrats on the new family. I’m definitely jealous of the “retire in less than 4 years” part.
I just turned 54 and for the first time in my life I learned to ride and got a 300 rally. I'm still breaking it in. I love to ride it. Thank you for the video
Congrats on picking up an awesome new hobby. It’s addictive 🙂
64 here and I am a happy rider of a 300L, mostly riding in the mountain roads of WA. state. The best decision to deal with my mid-life crisis. I hope you all enjoy the ride! Cheers!
Excellent video, I have had a motorcycle crisis since the age of 15, now 67. Rode road and track up until five years ago, brought a crf250 Rally and got into off road, green lanes in southeast England, would love to ride where you are being able to see the horizon. Just got the 300 and in the process of doing the add ons but I would say this bike is the best bang for the bucks.
Well, the grass is always greener. And in this case that’s literal for me. I’d love to make it over the pond and do some riding in all the greenness of your area. Congrats on the new bike! Probably not a huge difference from your 250, but O agree. Best bike on the market right now for the type of riding I do.
God I'm only 31 and I already feel this way. Having a motorcycle is the therapy I NEED, and I love it!
No need to wait for mid life to have a midlife crisis 🙂
Six years ago, I bought a Harley Sportster as my mid-life crisis bike. I must be still going through it because I bought a CRF300L Rally four days ago. 😂.
Haha, yeah - mines been going on for quite a while now too 😂
Feel sorry for the sportster, it’s gonna sit way more now that you own a rally!!
Ride safe!
I’m 51 & getting back into ride after several years of not riding. Mid life crisis has hit me pretty hard & any day now will be picking up my new 300L rally & can’t wait to officially start my midlife crisis. Great videos & love your channel keep it up
Just stumbled on this comment in my “held for review” folder. No idea what UA-cam thought was suspicious about it, but enjoy the new bike, and have a blast with the oncoming midlife crisis 🙂
So true the right motorcycle is exciting every time, ride after ride, year after year! Been at it since 1979 and my favorite 2 motorcycles are the small displacement ones I currently own, a cb500x and a crf 300 Rally. I will change my suspension asap, $1500 is a drop in the bucket compared to a Corvette type crisis.
51 years old here. Did the big 1200cc ADV thing and love my 300 Rally. Such a slice of heaven and always look forward to it.
Ahh, so like me, you come from an era when "Tyler" wasn't one of the most common names in the country 😂 I was the only one I knew growing up.
@@HighDesertHills yes, we were cool before our time.
Spot on and I share your interpretation(s). Retired Army officer here, working an office job at the county to stay busy, but that has been a "yawn".... Bought a 2022 KLR650 and that was a perfect fit for me as I used to ride the KLRs years ago... The KLR has been an excellent ROI, especially for the 9K that I spent out the door. Nice ancillary benefit was the re-invigoration of my YT channel, video editing was a fun little side skill to pick-up in my later years.
Cool! I'll check out your channel. I've been having fun with the video side of it too.
I"m here for a midlife crisis. Not sure if I want it on the 300L or Rally. I'm 265, 6'2 so probably the Rally. I hate cars and don't want to see them, but I feel like I"m to fat to pretend I'm going to go crazy on trails. Your crisis gave me some great insight
Haha - glad you found it helpful. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I'm 36, just bought a 22 300L Rally, and feel personally attacked.
Haha, don't feel attacked. You're the age that we old guys are trying to pretend to still be 😂
Never too soon. You just have way more time to enjoy it 👍
Just turned 34, going to get one asap!
Recently turned 60, new to motorbikes, seriously considering one.
Do it@@MarkAustin-wz5gn
I believe my midlife crisis hit me around when COVID first hit. Like no doubt many other folks, I had moments of introspection about my own existence around that time.
Since then I quit my corporate job to start my own business. I am financially set, and I'm close to the point where I could retire comfortably. I've spent 30+ years only working, I've reached all the professional goals I set for myself.
But I didn't take time to live life. I skipped vacations, I've turned down relationships, I never got married. I feel like I've only been a corporate drone my whole adult life.
I'm planning on getting a CRF300L Rally in about 6 months, where I will wind down some of my obligations. To me it's about the simplicity and the approachable nature of the bike. I don't care about going fast, I care about finding empty roads I can just leisurely enjoy at my own pace.
Ditto! Two wheeled vehicles have solved my Midlife Crisis. Thanks from Seattle.
Much cheaper for me than therapy. And more fun!
Enjoyed the hell out of this. Great logic. I'm buying one next week!
Thanks! And congrats!
I rode a Honda CV250 back in high school and college. 56 years old now. Watched Itchy Boots’ movie. Been wanting to get back into the game and adventure ride! This was a great message, thank you.
Thanks! And good luck!
Nice video. I bought a beautiful R NineT in 2017 I still have it, but then I realized I really like adventure riding so last year I bought a XRE300 which is the South American version of that crf300 and I love it. It's not the motorcycle it's what you do with it that makes you feel alive. Like the german brand says "Make Life a Ride".
I agree. If you’re having adventures on it, it’s an adventure motorcycle. Thanks for the comment!
At 42 I got go home and die cancer. First thing, bought a motorcycle. Then trip around the world. Bought a nature retreat in Northern MN. At 72, will buy a Honda CRF 300 L Rally. Wife is the only obstacle. Have to give her equivalent money for trip to Paris. Other guy is the problem. Dangerous. Be Frank Sinatra. I did it "my" way. I want the best summer of my life. I have to live my life "my" way. Hard bike to find. $6,200 now new. Great video. Summarized my situation 100%. Excellent job. Forever grateful. Thanks.
that was a great piece of advice for mid life crisis. thank you.
I don’t want a mid-life crisis. I just want the best light and manoeuvrable bike for going over pot holes and speed breakers. Is this the one ?
UK rider. Just bought a 300l, fantastic piece of kit. Midlife crisis but loving every moment.
Congrats on the new bike!
I rode down to big bend np on my crf rally to treat my midlife crisis.
I broke my ribs and legs and had to pull the trailer with my totaled crf on it.
But the ordeal was worth.
Oh wow! I'm glad you lived to tell the tale, and I hope you've recovered ok.
So, YT offers this video to me... I watched because the title is my middle name. Nicely done.
Haha - thanks. Glad you liked it.
OMG! Excellent video. This is the most creative bike video I’ve seen. And it wasn’t just a lark or a spoof. The content and your premise made good sense. Thought provoking. Thanks for this. More please. Subscribe!
Thank you!!
Amen! I was 41 when I got my birst motorcycle and have never looked back. Started with an Italian Sportbike, then to a metric cruiser, then the ADV bug bit me (around the same time as the Long way Down folks) picked up a KLR 650 and have been on a Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert Edition since.. I recently picked up a 300l Rally, less than 30 miles so far. Same with the guitar, bought an American Ultra Strat a few years ago. Seems we can afford more these later days of our lives. Ride safe.
An American Strat is on my short list for my next guitar ❤️
@@HighDesertHills a suspension upgrade is on mine...haha!
Very good video I’m 51 now an I’ve bought several bikes for my son growing up along with a few 4wheelers I’m glad I taught him from early age he has rode street bikes an has now switched back to a dual sport cause he likes the dirt more but still wants to be able todo both so I got a crf300L to go ride trails together and to have good ole hooligan fun just for the thrill !!love the bike it’s so close to being that unicorn we’ve all been searching for for years
Sports cars are awesome, if you're a car person. If you're just an average Joe who thinks driving is just a method to go from point a to point b, then yeah they're probably not for you. If you want to go driving in the mountains and having fun maintaining speed around corners, always trying to find the perfect line on the road (in your own lane, never cross the double yellows), and just driving for the enjoyment of driving, then sports cars are for you.
Fair enough. You make it sound a lot more fun 😂
@@HighDesertHills I'm one of those weirdos who likes both cars and bikes, lol. I definitely prefer motorcycles, but I also love my 6 speed FRS (GT86). Both are fun in their own way.
😂 The "dream car = nightmare" example is very true indeed...
Its really pointless to get something if we can't even enjoy it! 😂
Nice review btw!👍🍻✌
Thanks!!
Which state are you driving through. Looks great for this type of motorcycle. Thanks for this awesome video and information. I’m 50, so the topic applies.
I’m in northern Utah. Thanks!
Great video and discussion. I recently bought a Hawk Tuah 50 for my mid-late life crisis. Always wanted one . Too old for the other kinda Hawk Tuah I guess. 😢. But it has helped. Already thinking about a Japanese upgrade. Hey adventure riding for me is making it to the dollar store and back. But I'll do it in style 😂.
One of the bucket list that was set aside in favor of raising a family, sending the kids to the best school, providing a good life for the wife. Now that everything went well as planned wouldn't it be nice to reward ourselves? Midlife crisis or whatever, buy that car, bike, boat , light aircraft etc. Motorcycles? Yessss of course!
Haha, the light aircraft is a bit too far out of my comfort zone, but I’m with you on everything else 🙂
Amen brother. Wife and I decided she needed to stay home with our kids twenty years ago. Tough on dad? Yep. Best decision ever? Yep. Now, here I am 51 and don’t feel a bit guilty about my motorcycle habit. Own an immaculate 2002 xr650r, a 2001 xr250r and my crf300 rally hit the dealer Friday, picking it up this week. Between the three bikes and associated gear I don’t have enough money tied up for anyone to miss, but it genuinely fuels my lifelong passion and keeps me young!
Ride safe!
Fantastic video ! I almost laughed myself to death 👍👍👍
Thanks!!!
thanks for this very entertaining, funny and the potential to be serious thoughts of yours. i own a big gs and a tenere 700, riding all my life. currently i am going offroad through europe on a crf 300 and i am loving it. it is pure fun on this small thing. i did the suspension upgrade, would recommend it if you are doing harder offroad, for normal adventure use and moderate offroad not really needed.
again thank and all the best from the middle of bosnia on a 300 rally
It's great to hear from a true adventurer, and I'm glad to hear that that the 300 has a place in your rides alongside the bigger bikes. Have an amazing trip!
@@HighDesertHills no true adventure rider - smile. only doing this for the last year. before that only tarmac. much more fun offroad. in europe we have a track called TET, offroad through the whole of europe. i think a bit like bdr in usa.
If you're currently riding offroad through Europe, that counts as a true adventurer 🙂Yes, we have various BDRs, and we also have one called the TAT that is similar to the TET. I'll be riding about 1200 miles of it in September. Looking forward to it.
I've owned a couple street bikes, a 86 ys600 Radian, which was a super fun, lightweight, peppy, 4cyl. bike, then I got an 83 V65 Magna, 1100cc, 4cyl., that was fastest production bike made the year it came out, which I still own, but it needs carbs rebuilt, along with other maintenance and repairs, which I plan to do when I get my new shop finished. I have been looking to get a dual sport for years, and when I did rider safety course a few years ago, they had 250 dual sports, and tw200's and they were super fun to ride. I've been eyeing the CRF300L Rally because I own some rolling ground, and I live in a fairly rural area, where it is super fun to ride back roads, occasional gravel, and trails.
Of course, a tractor or even an atv would be good for my property, but I want something light, that I can ride on the road as well as trails, and is easy on my wallet.
The 2024's are in and there are a few in my area, so I plan on test driving one soon. I 100% agree that these bikes are great for those of us that enjoy riding.
A coworker uses his when he goes on float trips. He drops bike at takeout, chained to a tree out of view, then goes to where he puts in, and when he gets to takeout, he rides bike to get truck, and then go pickup kayak/canoe. I'm 52 and kids are in college, and I work on call, 24/7/365, with no set days off, so the freedom of one of these is very enticing.
I still have my old acoustic guitar, sold my Gibson SG Standard years ago, and bought a 20 year old truck because new truck prices doubled in last 5 years for no reason.
I don't need the latest greatest anything, except maybe a new CRF300L Rally.
Sounds like an idea situation for a lightweight dual sport. Very similar to me - except I recently lost a major contract, which has forced me to go back into the traditional workplace. Sadly, I can't just zip off into the desert whenever I feel like it anymore.
Absolutely love your commentary on mid life crises..spot on.. I believe I've commented on a vid you made on the xt225.. of which i have and really enjoy for what it is, also xr650l.. love the xt225 for ease of use.. lighter, lower.. upgraded springs etc.. great on forest roads but really is dangerous on the highway in between routes.. I see your in Utah, I'm in Az. similar drivers on the road (fast, posted 65=75+ here)... on a 2 lane highway, is the Rally 300 at ease or struggling at 70 for a good stretch like 30+miles? average terrain, not up a big grade, or even bigger would you ride from your Provo valley area (familiar as I lived in SLC in the early 80's) to say Moab and back on it staying off I-15..?. cheers, Paul.
Hey Paul! I’ve done stretches of 30+ miles at 70 mph, and it’s not too bad. Feels a bit weak at that speed on any decent sized hill, but definitely doable. And yes, if I could stay off the freeway, I’d take it down to Moab and back. My personal preference would be to seek out as many dirt roads as possible, but that’s me being paranoid about distracted drivers, not any shortcomings of the bike.
I've got the 250 Rally. 70 is the sweet spot at which I can comfortably cruise all day without serious wind buffeting or engine vibration. 75-80 is possible but with vibration and MUCH more tiring and also more fuel consumption. But the places you should be buying this bike for is where you can't go over 50-60 anyway. Also, see this from yesterday (not me!): ua-cam.com/video/cAWFyxGhmtc/v-deo.html
I'm legit thinking about having a midlife crisis. Thanks for the advice :D
Join us :)
The KLR650 also has two engine problems straight out of the factory that would play on my mind, so I avoided it for those reasons. Videos on here about the Doohicky (balance chain adjuster that is a time bomb) and some coolant issue.
Yeah, really strange that they haven’t fixed the doohickey thing from the factory yet. It’s been a known issue for decades.
My Gawd...do some research. It was quietly addressed in '08, they strengthened the spring. And nobody who actually owns a KLR has ever had one go out. If that or the thermostat was an actual issue it wouldnt have earned the title of most reliable bike to travel the globe
Yep, I also paid a premium for mine, a little over $8k OTD
Stings a bit, but the the riding makes it worth it.
I keep my inReach on my person, because if I ever really need it, I might be separated from my bike.
Yeah, that's better - but my problem is I'm forgetful. It's better for me to risk being separated from it in a crash, than to not have it at all because I forgot to grab it on the way out of the garage.
I was thinking more KLX, but the CRF is a great bike
Too Funny ! (` don't know if that was intended) At 71 and wanting to learn to explore on a cycle, I may be having a mid-life crisis; I may live to 140; I haven't decided, yet. But, I have decided that God didn't leave me here to wait to die; HE left me here to L I V E !!!
Amen!
worried that the 300 rally does not have enough power. Hope they bring out a 450 or 500 with same service intervals as the 300.
Yeah. Coming from a smaller bike, the 300 is a good size for me right now, but Honda would make a killing with a slightly larger version.
Doesn't have enough power for WHAT? I've got a BMW 1100 and a 250 Rally, and the Rally is absolutely awesome for the purpose I bought it for.
I would LOVE a 300cc with two cylinders, ideally it would have even longer service intervals as it wouldn't have to rev high and stress the crankshaft prematurely.
Alternatively, a 450cc single piston that is EFI with disc brakes, and an option for tubeless tires with the same service intervals, although that's a unicorn in my mind lol.
Very well said sir. Thank you. Rubber side down.
Thanks!!
Wise words, what phone holder you got there?
This one: amzn.to/4dNPMgv Pretty cheap, but sturdy and versatile.
Thanks for the words of wisdom
My pleasure 🙂 I appreciate the comment
I would love to have a 300rally but I found it was easier to get a tenere 700 and so glad got it over the tenere..
I’ve been keeping an eye out around here, and T7s seem to be just as hard or harder find as the 300Ls. Congrats on the awesome bike!
I just bought a 300 L but I don't feel like I have nothing to look forward to. On the contrary
The 250L Rally is my quarter life crisis
You’re never too young to start having a crisis 🙂
I think you could get a good condition used harley dyna and have fun modding it and not be so precious with it. I've also been looking at a Trump thunderbird and they are a really good deal and different . I'm seriously looking at the new suzuki katana or the yamaha mt 10 for some cool on road trips. Look at the used market could be a good second bike choice and you could really feel justified in spending some money on mods because it was already a great deal.
Yes, but I had to settle for the 250 version, only 900 miles on her though .
Practically brand new!
Maybe a Lamborghini, definitely not a corvette
I had a feeling it was that mid-life crises thingy striking that resulted in my Rally also! Ha!
Haha, Just embrace it 😄
Brilliant video
Thanks!!
nice video! i had the same thought when i bought the rally 300.... do i already have a mitlife chrises? but it doesn't matter at all! It's a lot of fun with the motorcycle and that's not what it's all about! LG from Austria CHP#26
Thanks! And you’re right, it doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s all about the fun 🙂
So where is your review video of the Rally?
I’ve done a couple:
Honda CRF300L Rally - 3,000 Mile Review
ua-cam.com/video/J_GxOxSzAXg/v-deo.html
Honda CRF300L Rally 1000 Mile Review
ua-cam.com/video/vJCtc7xF5mU/v-deo.html
Guess i'm going to have a midlife crisis too lol
Haha, enjoy it 😂
My way of picking a motor bike if you can’t pick it up it’s not the bike for you
Can we pick two out of three?
🤣🤣🤣
I'm getting one next month for all the same reasons.
Congrats!
I traded in my supermoto for a new Transalp 750 and I love it so I’m officially getting old 😂
Can’t wait to try a Transalp. Hope you’re liking it.
I like it a lot it’s really good on the road it handles way better than it should I keep catching myself speeding cuz it’s so smooth and feels like you’re going slower than you actually are
That’s exactly how I feel about my KTM 890 Adv. it makes me go way faster than I should 😅
Lol I miss my f4i but I’ll take it over a sport bike any day and I was surprised how good it feels on curvy roads
unrelated :43 ooh squarebody
😂 Good eye
For 10 min I was waiting for you to get to the beach but you ended the vod just short of it. ....
Haha - calling the edge of Utah Lake “the beach” is awfully generous 🙂
Don’t listen to this guy if you are 47 and you want to be a rock star go do whatever you want
This guy wants to drive a motorcycle and that’s wat he does and if someone says he shouldn’t do that he shouldn’t listen
For sure. You be you 👍
The bikes are still $6300, and $7300 out the door. Still, very cheap toy and can be easily resold.
yes
I live my life a handful of mistakes at a time. No regrats
So me being dreadful cuz of how are country is going is a midlife crisis? DAMN this is gonna be a LONG MIDLIFE T_T ain't even 35 yet lol.I am just here to see if the Rally is nice for beginners lol.
Haha - well, in my opinion the Rally is good for tallish beginners. Would have been a bit intimidating for me just starting out (29” inseam)
@@HighDesertHillslowered mine 1.75” and it’s great.
Got by mine a month ago. First bike, it was an excellent choice. Get it and don’t look back.
Charlie Boorman
Thanks!
The mid-life Harley is a bad plan, people that get a first big bike as a 40-50yo tend to crash them. The living the dream vs. experience ratio works against them.
Or it goes the other way, and the bikes just sit in the garage and gather dust.
Kind of like the RV or boat that sits in a storage lot 364 days a year so it’s safe while you work overtime to make the payments. Think it through fellas!!!
Sad thing is people are having early life crisis! We all are! "Of all ages" Get a rally people it will be ok!!!
Amen. It cures what ails you 🙂
😘YES!
become a passport bro. fall in love all over again with a younger girl and this time your a baller.
12 cylinder corvette 😂😂😂
Haha - I’m surprised you’re the first person to call me out on that 😂
I mean crashing with a motorcycle and killing your self is worst than a affair, so I get you are a bit bias
Crashing a bike, or getting shot by an angry husband. There’s risk in everything 🙂
What a depressing video.
Reality