Nooo well still the desert X is still is a pretty amazing bike plenty of power while still being not too heavy just save up and get the crf300l for winter riding if that You're cup of tea ride safe
I purchased a CRF300L Rally new in 2022. I've put >11,000 miles on it. The rear suspension is pathetically soft, but it's a great gravel road/double track explorer and commuter.
I am a 160lb rider and the suspension is still very bad. I knew this when I bought the bike and replaced the rear chock and front spring. Tyres are useless on all surfaces. After these changes the bike is great.
i think people are forgetting that the main strengths of this bike isnt the power or the torque. Its the ability to go anywhere, just lugging through everything with confidence. This bike isnt really built for US roads & speed, this is more for the europe/asia/south america continent where most speeds are below 70 mph and roads arent always made of tarmac. its built to chug down shitty gas from coke bottles and still run smoothly. this bike is more about being able to get to the destination regardless of conditions
I have a CRF250 Rally it's all stock. I really like riding it in the city. The flickability is great. I have fairly knobby tires on it right now, its pretty decent off road. But I'm going to make it more road focused soon because there isn't a lot of offroad areas around me. I love this bike.
I own the same bike and it works great for me. I have ridden on the highway and have not had much problem with it other than the suspension. I have replaced the suspension and put the usual skid plate and bark busters.
I bought a 2024 Rally in May and agree with your conclusion as it pertains to the Rallye as a road bike. It's twitchy, nervous and never completely settles on the road, due to the quick steering and the semi-knobby 50/50 tires, but eventually you get used to it. I'm not much of an off-roader, but I've ridden the Rallye about 100 miles off road so far, and it works well enough there for dirt roads and up to medium/low level of difficulty trail riding. I recently replaced the standard shock and the front spring with stiffer Ktech shock and spring and it's made all the difference off road (with a slight reduction in on road twitchiness). I believe the twitchiness on road is caused by the quick steering designed to offset the naturally slower turn in of a 21" wheel. I also own a 2023 KTM 890 Adventure S and notice the same thing as to its on road performance, although the KTM is much more stable than the Rallye on road. Does anyone else have an opinion on the interplay between 21" front wheel and quick steering?
I owned a 2018 in silver...obviously the 250 Rally in that year. I loved that bike despite its shortcomings. I now own a 2020 Africa Twin 1100 but still miss that little goat...there's just something about small bore Honda's. I did everything on it that I do on the AT, except pillion...it wasn't so great two up, understandably. I really miss how easy it was in rough off-road situations.
I have 250 miles on my 2024 CRF300L rally. I'm 128lbs 5'8" with 30" inseam. It's almost too tall for me but I've gotten used to it. The suspension is great for my weight but it's probably too soft for bigger people. I've already run about 3 hours/10 miles of single track trails and a motorcross track. I also have about 40 miles on my own property going through trees and climbing logs. I effortlessly surpassed what I thought my limits were. The bike will happily idle in first gear up obstacles and that made it very beginner friendly. If you want to see someone actually ride this bike seriously go watch Pat O'niell 555.
I have a Versys X300 and a VFR1200X. I would take the Versys every time if I could only have one bike. I don’t think I will ever get comfortable off road on the big one. However I do enjoy the heavy bike on the freeway for stability and smoothness at 70+. If I’m not gonna get above 65, I will take the Versys, even if the highway part of the ride is well above a hundred miles. I took the VFR on a longer ride this week, and cussed every time I needed to stop at a light.
This is why a sub is in order just because of this straightforward awesome review!👍 Also liked the 24AfricaTwin you review back to back with this. But practicality-wise between these two Hondas, I'd always go for the CRF300Rally. imo.🍻✌️
A friend of my riding buddy just bought a CRF300L. He let me ride it and I thought it was a smooth bike all around. If all you're going to do is commute or ride dirt roads, it would be ideal. The suspension is great for just cruising, but it bottoms out easy, so I wouldn't want to ride roads with big rocks or single track. I like my 2014 DRZ400 way better. I let him ride the DRZ and he couldn't believe the power. That should tell you how weak a CRF300L is on power.
I owned a DRZ for 6 years. Only reason I sold it was because I had to pay medical bills. I bought a Rally 10 years later and liked it so much, I own a Rally and a standard L model. It only cost me $800 to upgrade the suspension. The fuel injection and 6th gear are very nice. I loved my old DRZ, because it was way better than my previous XL250. But I’m liking my new bikes the best.
@@user-nt6te5ej9o It should be for nearly double the money. I'm not skilled enough to push my DRZ400 to its limit, so I definitely don't need to spend money on a Husqy.
The CRF300L only has 1 shock up front, which is why it dives so much. Only upgrades the bike really needs is new suspension and exhaust. Still love riding it on and off road!
I love to explore and have always wanted a CRF300L Rally, however, now that the iBEX 450 from CFMoto is about here, I am thinking that would be a much better choice.
I’m really looking forward to your 2024 Honda CBR650 with the E-Clutch. I’d like to see whether or not you also believe this will revolutionize the motorcycle market and what that will mean from their competitors. Anyways great content as always. ✊
Man I shouldn't have watched this video. I was choosing between a CRF300L and a Kawasaki KLR 650 and up until this review I was firmly in the CRF300L camp, but now I'm second guessing if I should go with the KLR 650.
Was actually looking until getting one for my first bike. I'm nit a huge fan of driving on the highway to begin with so I'm happy with the fact it's nit a good bike for that
For real off road, weight is everything, so the lighter, the better. But I'm an off road guy. I will give up some stability on the road for maneuverability off road. Wrestling around any extra weight in an environment with limited traction just wears you out. Also, a lighter bike can stay more on top of deep sand whereas a heavier bike will dig in. My two bikes are a 220 lb Beta XTrainer and a 290 lb Honda CRF450L. The Honda feels like a heavy pig, so the CRF300L Rally is REALLY a heavy turd for the riding I do. I'm perfectly content to ride the CRF450L at freeway speeds. It feels plenty stable to me. And that's with Kenda Trackmaster knobbies.
I think it’s a great looking bike. But I’m not buying a bike that I would immediately need to upgrade the suspension on. It’s way too soft for Americans. I get it’s fine for small 120lbs folks in Asia but it’s not adequate for us 6 foot 200-240lbs guys.
I actually like have a cop behind me... If I can see them, everyone else can see them, and it's the only time people drive safely, which makes me feel Soooo much better. And even better, they maintain a safe distance between myself and them, and NOBODY is stupid enough to try to fill that gap, if they did they would be the ones getting pulled over and given tickets for unsafe lane change and following too close! The cops can follow me all they want, they aren't going to get for anything, but they do keep me safer!
Too soft suspension is complaint of every single person riding it and many, many people just change suspension out of the box. Honda really needs to fix it...
The problem is you can't take a passenger with the crf 300 Cf moto 450 mt and Himalayan can take a passenger If you want it for solo riding the Honda is better choice
Honda needs to get its head out of its ass with the NA market. No updated cbr600, this thing needs power/performance upgrades… they have a reputation to uphold and if they dont theyll fall off quickly
@@airadaimagery692 my comment was intended as a response to another comment on here. Why it got posted as a solo is confusing… anyway, it’s not a bad thing. You just got from a more buttoned up street bike to an on/off road with 11” of suspension travel and a 21” front end and it feels so different. I think it’s fun.
It don't have abs. I'm sketched out by that. What a soft world we are living in. When someone complains that a basically dirt bike with lights don't have abs
I really really want to go with the Honda CRF300 Rally for my ADV/street legal dual sport. But, they did nothing of any improved value from previous years. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 seems to be a better option for me out of the box than the Honda 300 Rally. No, Royal Enfield does not have the reputation and network of Honda. Things change, and if they have a better product for less money (which is tight) I feel like that's my ticket. I mean, MORE HP, MORE torque, superior handling on-road, equal or just about equal handling off-road due to better OEM suspension, better seat, better looking IMHO (user preference). Can Honda PLEASE come out with a 390cc CRF390 Rally with better power, better suspension, better seat (if you are gonna call it an entry ADV) and get rid of that stupid minions looking headlight assembly???!!! I am a Honda CRF fan, but I feel like Honda is sitting on their hands with these bikes.
Sounds like you may have bruised your voice box (aka vocal hemorrhage). You do have to talk a lot on the daily so it definitely makes sense. I’m not a doctor, just an opinion 😂
Just gonna throw this out there. The crf300l does not have more power than the wr250r. The Wr250r has more power as well as weighs less than the crf300l
As is, the bike is a pass. For the price the competition (new Royal Enfield H450 - $5,800 and CFMoto MT450 - $6,500 vs the CRF 300L Rally w/ABS - $6,500) has better value, power, performance and functionality. Honda needs to update the CRF Rally with more power, a lower seat height, better suspension and 50/50 tires. For a quasi adv bike, it’s barely adequate on the highway. We all don’t live next to the trail and have to ride an hour plus to get there.
That depends. The Rally is way lighter than the 450MT and a lot of off road riders will prefer that. However, for the price being what it is, and if reliability will continue with CFMoto, then they are in a big problem and future will show them to move to the 400-500cc.
I think the 450 MTs are selling like hotcakes. You probably can’t say the same for the Rally. Yes Hondas are super reliable. But the competition is catching up to them in regard to quality and reliability for less money. Honda will need to innovate and offer better value. Otherwise they are just another Harley Davison.
@@alexmoreno8156 of course there are, CFMoto pretty much presented what everybody has been asking the big brands to do for years. I believe soon they will also present a model like such (because the NX500 isn't it)
If you are doing 90% off road, this is the BEST lightweight adv bike because it's actually a dualsport. Don't forget it's a CRF300L before being a Rally. Dualsports will always be better off road than ADV bikes no matter how much you try because they will be made for off road and it is the fact with the Rally against all others lightweight ADV bikes. Now if you plan on doing more road riding (like 50% or more) than now the CRF isn't as good as the others (Honda would push you to the NX500) and that is because it's a Dualsport. TLDR: It's a dualsport made for long distance, which makes it better off road than the lightweight ADV bikes but worse on the road.
![✔ 6 Months w/ the Honda CRF300L Rally ✔ [Brutally Honest Good & Bad]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kGevh1cUAKA/mqdefault.jpg)
You have no idea how much research I've done on this bike the past month and the only thing I wanted is you to make a video I'm so happy thank you
Me too and was on the top my list unfortunately I decide to go for Ducati desert x
Nooo well still the desert X is still is a pretty amazing bike plenty of power while still being not too heavy just save up and get the crf300l for winter riding if that You're cup of tea ride safe
I purchased a CRF300L Rally new in 2022. I've put >11,000 miles on it. The rear suspension is pathetically soft, but it's a great gravel road/double track explorer and commuter.
Lose some lbs it’s meant for 160lb rider
@@brendanlindamood4263 Your mom said you've exceeded your screen time.
I am a 160lb rider and the suspension is still very bad. I knew this when I bought the bike and replaced the rear chock and front spring. Tyres are useless on all surfaces. After these changes the bike is great.
@@brendanlindamood4263 not everyone is victim weight
Please could you tell me what are the service intervals?
I followed Itchy boots on the same bike. The things and roads she's been through on it made me respect it a lot.
i think people are forgetting that the main strengths of this bike isnt the power or the torque. Its the ability to go anywhere, just lugging through everything with confidence. This bike isnt really built for US roads & speed, this is more for the europe/asia/south america continent where most speeds are below 70 mph and roads arent always made of tarmac. its built to chug down shitty gas from coke bottles and still run smoothly. this bike is more about being able to get to the destination regardless of conditions
You actually fit on that bike, most new bikes seem small , but that is an affordable model !!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I have a CRF250 Rally it's all stock. I really like riding it in the city. The flickability is great. I have fairly knobby tires on it right now, its pretty decent off road. But I'm going to make it more road focused soon because there isn't a lot of offroad areas around me. I love this bike.
I own the same bike and it works great for me. I have ridden on the highway and have not had much problem with it other than the suspension. I have replaced the suspension and put the usual skid plate and bark busters.
Such a great bike, I bought one in 2023, so fun, rip around all the country b roads of Ireland👌
Dude, do they ever finish road construction projects? LOL! Feels like that one road has been under construction forever!!
In Georgia? Never.
Chicago is worse…
I bought a 2024 Rally in May and agree with your conclusion as it pertains to the Rallye as a road bike. It's twitchy, nervous and never completely settles on the road, due to the quick steering and the semi-knobby 50/50 tires, but eventually you get used to it. I'm not much of an off-roader, but I've ridden the Rallye about 100 miles off road so far, and it works well enough there for dirt roads and up to medium/low level of difficulty trail riding. I recently replaced the standard shock and the front spring with stiffer Ktech shock and spring and it's made all the difference off road (with a slight reduction in on road twitchiness).
I believe the twitchiness on road is caused by the quick steering designed to offset the naturally slower turn in of a 21" wheel. I also own a 2023 KTM 890 Adventure S and notice the same thing as to its on road performance, although the KTM is much more stable than the Rallye on road. Does anyone else have an opinion on the interplay between 21" front wheel and quick steering?
The CRF300 is FUN!
I owned a 2018 in silver...obviously the 250 Rally in that year. I loved that bike despite its shortcomings. I now own a 2020 Africa Twin 1100 but still miss that little goat...there's just something about small bore Honda's. I did everything on it that I do on the AT, except pillion...it wasn't so great two up, understandably. I really miss how easy it was in rough off-road situations.
I have 250 miles on my 2024 CRF300L rally. I'm 128lbs 5'8" with 30" inseam. It's almost too tall for me but I've gotten used to it. The suspension is great for my weight but it's probably too soft for bigger people. I've already run about 3 hours/10 miles of single track trails and a motorcross track. I also have about 40 miles on my own property going through trees and climbing logs. I effortlessly surpassed what I thought my limits were. The bike will happily idle in first gear up obstacles and that made it very beginner friendly.
If you want to see someone actually ride this bike seriously go watch Pat O'niell 555.
I just sold my rally about 3 weeks ago….butnow I kinda want it back 😢wish I had money for multiple bikes but alas….
How did your boots feel after riding this bike? Itchy?
I have a Versys X300 and a VFR1200X. I would take the Versys every time if I could only have one bike. I don’t think I will ever get comfortable off road on the big one. However I do enjoy the heavy bike on the freeway for stability and smoothness at 70+. If I’m not gonna get above 65, I will take the Versys, even if the highway part of the ride is well above a hundred miles. I took the VFR on a longer ride this week, and cussed every time I needed to stop at a light.
This is why a sub is in order just because of this straightforward awesome review!👍
Also liked the 24AfricaTwin you review back to back with this.
But practicality-wise between these two Hondas, I'd always go for the CRF300Rally. imo.🍻✌️
A friend of my riding buddy just bought a CRF300L. He let me ride it and I thought it was a smooth bike all around. If all you're going to do is commute or ride dirt roads, it would be ideal. The suspension is great for just cruising, but it bottoms out easy, so I wouldn't want to ride roads with big rocks or single track. I like my 2014 DRZ400 way better. I let him ride the DRZ and he couldn't believe the power. That should tell you how weak a CRF300L is on power.
Rubbish Bike
I owned a DRZ for 6 years. Only reason I sold it was because I had to pay medical bills. I bought a Rally 10 years later and liked it so much, I own a Rally and a standard L model. It only cost me $800 to upgrade the suspension. The fuel injection and 6th gear are very nice. I loved my old DRZ, because it was way better than my previous XL250. But I’m liking my new bikes the best.
Fe350s is the best bike available in the 300-400cc class hands down, 255lbs and 33 hp out of the box.
@@user-nt6te5ej9o It should be for nearly double the money. I'm not skilled enough to push my DRZ400 to its limit, so I definitely don't need to spend money on a Husqy.
@@GLHS592 Well these hondas run $6500 ish, I got a fe350s on sale for $8900 new, just need to find the deals.
Jake the garden snake has a really cool 300l build too
I just wished Honda would ditch the X and NX line and just focus on the CRF line. CRF150L, CRF300L, CRF500L, CRF650L, and the CRF1000L Africa Twin.
Seeing this bike and the Kove 450.
I really wish Honda (or Kawa) goes out and and makes a ~450cc version.
Something like a Versys 500
I prefer the heavier low cC bikes and really wish that this was the CB 300R but it is what it is ... Wait are we flying now??? Nice touch👍👍👍👍
Hey Chase, have you ever considered doing a first ride on the Honda NC750X?
The CRF300L only has 1 shock up front, which is why it dives so much. Only upgrades the bike really needs is new suspension and exhaust. Still love riding it on and off road!
It ain’t a review until it’s a C2W First Ride 🤘🏼😎
Utuber did a 1000 miles on the highway at 80mph most of the time. It can do sustained highway speeds.
I love to explore and have always wanted a CRF300L Rally, however, now that the iBEX 450 from CFMoto is about here, I am thinking that would be a much better choice.
I’m really looking forward to your 2024 Honda CBR650 with the E-Clutch.
I’d like to see whether or not you also believe this will revolutionize the motorcycle market and what that will mean from their competitors.
Anyways great content as always. ✊
OC, What's the best motorcycle you personally reviewed that suits your personality/needs? A list of them maybe
Man I shouldn't have watched this video. I was choosing between a CRF300L and a Kawasaki KLR 650 and up until this review I was firmly in the CRF300L camp, but now I'm second guessing if I should go with the KLR 650.
I imagine it will be based on the country your from in my country the highest speed even on highways is 60mph and the roads are bad
I am not into that rally game but this bike looks like a bicycle for me rather than a motorcycle. 😁
Was actually looking until getting one for my first bike. I'm nit a huge fan of driving on the highway to begin with so I'm happy with the fact it's nit a good bike for that
The Itchyboot's bike 😊🎉🎉👍🏻👍🏻
I use lots of extra rear brake on bikes that dive in the front.
For real off road, weight is everything, so the lighter, the better. But I'm an off road guy. I will give up some stability on the road for maneuverability off road. Wrestling around any extra weight in an environment with limited traction just wears you out. Also, a lighter bike can stay more on top of deep sand whereas a heavier bike will dig in. My two bikes are a 220 lb Beta XTrainer and a 290 lb Honda CRF450L. The Honda feels like a heavy pig, so the CRF300L Rally is REALLY a heavy turd for the riding I do. I'm perfectly content to ride the CRF450L at freeway speeds. It feels plenty stable to me. And that's with Kenda Trackmaster knobbies.
How would this be for commuting
You should I try the qj srk400 please
Would you recommend the 450 if highway is needed? 🤔
I think it’s a great looking bike. But I’m not buying a bike that I would immediately need to upgrade the suspension on. It’s way too soft for Americans. I get it’s fine for small 120lbs folks in Asia but it’s not adequate for us 6 foot 200-240lbs guys.
I actually like have a cop behind me... If I can see them, everyone else can see them, and it's the only time people drive safely, which makes me feel Soooo much better. And even better, they maintain a safe distance between myself and them, and NOBODY is stupid enough to try to fill that gap, if they did they would be the ones getting pulled over and given tickets for unsafe lane change and following too close!
The cops can follow me all they want, they aren't going to get for anything, but they do keep me safer!
Too soft suspension is complaint of every single person riding it and many, many people just change suspension out of the box. Honda really needs to fix it...
The problem is you can't take a passenger with the crf 300
Cf moto 450 mt and Himalayan can take a passenger
If you want it for solo riding the Honda is better choice
Just traded my 2023 CRF300 Rally for a new Himmy 👌
Honda needs to get its head out of its ass with the NA market. No updated cbr600, this thing needs power/performance upgrades… they have a reputation to uphold and if they dont theyll fall off quickly
Hard to say. I love my RYCA Cafe. But it is lightweight and twitchy on the highway. My Yamaha Bolt is a better all rounder.
why manufacturers don't put led blinkers on your bikes in US? A legal issue?
no a cheapness factor
Some do but not all to save cost
Bros want this bike to behave like a Yamaha MT 😂
Wilber Dale
Like it!
7470 O'Conner Tunnel
I have a 2020 CRF250L Rally for an off road bike. Going from my 2022 Z900 to that is such a difference, it feels sketchy and so tall lol
That’s what dirt bikes with license plates are supposed to feel like.
@@airadaimagery692 my comment was intended as a response to another comment on here. Why it got posted as a solo is confusing… anyway, it’s not a bad thing. You just got from a more buttoned up street bike to an on/off road with 11” of suspension travel and a 21” front end and it feels so different. I think it’s fun.
@@sleeper.simulant7327 I like it so much I just bought a standard L model too.
Cardos go hardos
Kyleigh Row
It don't have abs. I'm sketched out by that. What a soft world we are living in. When someone complains that a basically dirt bike with lights don't have abs
I believe there is an ABS option as stated on Honda's website. But it's an option.
@@terrarecon the world is right again
David Crossroad
Spencer Heights
Tyrique Circle
Berge Motorway
I really really want to go with the Honda CRF300 Rally for my ADV/street legal dual sport. But, they did nothing of any improved value from previous years. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 seems to be a better option for me out of the box than the Honda 300 Rally. No, Royal Enfield does not have the reputation and network of Honda. Things change, and if they have a better product for less money (which is tight) I feel like that's my ticket. I mean, MORE HP, MORE torque, superior handling on-road, equal or just about equal handling off-road due to better OEM suspension, better seat, better looking IMHO (user preference).
Can Honda PLEASE come out with a 390cc CRF390 Rally with better power, better suspension, better seat (if you are gonna call it an entry ADV) and get rid of that stupid minions looking headlight assembly???!!! I am a Honda CRF fan, but I feel like Honda is sitting on their hands with these bikes.
Unchanged yeah?
Sounds like you may have bruised your voice box (aka vocal hemorrhage). You do have to talk a lot on the daily so it definitely makes sense. I’m not a doctor, just an opinion 😂
What’s he talking about ?? The wr250r is not a street focused supermoto.. there is a reason I don’t watch chases content
Martinez Gary Anderson Michelle Thomas Barbara
I cant stand the seat myself
Just gonna throw this out there. The crf300l does not have more power than the wr250r. The Wr250r has more power as well as weighs less than the crf300l
Oh yeah?😂😂
Runte Parkways
The wr is a better bike imo. I love honda don't get me wrong, but they should of put a 450 in this bike
Cfmoto did that, but admittedly it's significantly heavier. More adv than this which is close to a dirt bike
Honda has a 450 already.
Thirst!... I mean First!
pause💀
As is, the bike is a pass. For the price the competition (new Royal Enfield H450 - $5,800 and CFMoto MT450 - $6,500 vs the CRF 300L Rally w/ABS - $6,500) has better value, power, performance and functionality. Honda needs to update the CRF Rally with more power, a lower seat height, better suspension and 50/50 tires. For a quasi adv bike, it’s barely adequate on the highway. We all don’t live next to the trail and have to ride an hour plus to get there.
That depends. The Rally is way lighter than the 450MT and a lot of off road riders will prefer that. However, for the price being what it is, and if reliability will continue with CFMoto, then they are in a big problem and future will show them to move to the 400-500cc.
I think the 450 MTs are selling like hotcakes. You probably can’t say the same for the Rally. Yes Hondas are super reliable. But the competition is catching up to them in regard to quality and reliability for less money. Honda will need to innovate and offer better value. Otherwise they are just another Harley Davison.
@@alexmoreno8156 of course there are, CFMoto pretty much presented what everybody has been asking the big brands to do for years. I believe soon they will also present a model like such (because the NX500 isn't it)
If you are doing 90% off road, this is the BEST lightweight adv bike because it's actually a dualsport. Don't forget it's a CRF300L before being a Rally.
Dualsports will always be better off road than ADV bikes no matter how much you try because they will be made for off road and it is the fact with the Rally against all others lightweight ADV bikes.
Now if you plan on doing more road riding (like 50% or more) than now the CRF isn't as good as the others (Honda would push you to the NX500) and that is because it's a Dualsport.
TLDR: It's a dualsport made for long distance, which makes it better off road than the lightweight ADV bikes but worse on the road.
@@RMAPASA I totally hope they do. @cfmoto
Awwww...thanks for the shout out! I don't think you're a dumb ass ;)
Too soft, too heavy, too slow. very reliable bike, perfect for a 125-145 pounder.
I rather get the transalp😂 or they should make a crf750 rally,that be great.
You need to hop on a bmw 310 gs!