Why the Honda CRF300L might be the best dualsport ever
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- Опубліковано 26 січ 2021
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A CRF500L or CRF650L would be nicer. What everyone really wants from Honda is a nice simple, no frills updated version of the XR400 and XR600. Honda would kill it with either of those in their line up, especially in the US/Australia. A 300lbs, 500cc dualsport that could cruise at 70-75mph with the reliability of the CRF250L would be a nice fun trailbike or travel bike.
Absolutely! 500 or 600. And as a kid I remember 72 as a good year too!
Emissions regulations means Honda would have to completely redesign the CRF500/650 engines. Meaning EFI, CAT, more complicated ECM etc. All this just to sell in Europe/US and higher costs to customers
@@jltrack They did it with the CRF250/300L, a brand new from the ground up motorcycle, and they managed to sell them at a bargain price too. Same principle, just needs more C.C's.
You can't redesign an engine that doesn't exist. Any CRF500/650 would be a newly developed engine anyway, but Honda would easily recoup that in many countries with the right bike aimed at the old XR250/400/600/650L series type of trail riders favourites. Build it in Thailand alongside the CRF300 with the same engineering, keep it around 140-150kgs. Sell for between 6,000-7,000 bucks, or pounds. It would be a sure winner, just like the XR series was for two or three decades.
I don't do new bikes but i would consider buying a CRF500 or CRF600L if they did one. I would even sell my blinged up XR600 for one of those!
I want them to make a 300 2t or another 500 2t.. cause they have patented a new direct fuel injection system for 2t engines
I’d trade my 1190r towards a fuel injected 500-650 Honda for sure
this just proves how much the Yamaha WR250R was ahead of its time coming out in 2008 with 295lb and 33hp... the crf300l is on sale almost 15 years later and still can't beat that specs...
(EMISSIONS)
@@drury2d8 unfortunately yess
As long as I can remember everyone has asked, begged, and pleaded for a 300cc 6-speed dual sport. Why? Because 250cc on the highway suks. FINALLY, Honda and Kawasaki listened and now we have what we've asked for - and it performed just as we wanted. FINALLY! Trying to make this into a 350cc would just add needless weight when the 300 is exactly what we asked for.
Glad you were able to do this report.
This is heaver than a DR350 6 speed with less power.
@@JohnSmith-ef8nr Great, there's a bike out there that fits your criteria. Go buy a DR350. My point is both Kawasaki and Honda finally listened to the input folks have been giving them for years and they Gave Us What We Asked For! Even so, people still feel compelled to say it isn't enough, which is ridiculous.
@@luvnotvideos
No because the 250l and 300l are too heavy and under powered, even when compared to 20 year old bikes.
The new KLR is also under powered and too heavy.
Kawasaki also don't make the KLX450R anymore with no replacement for it.
I'll stick with my KLX450R and Tenere 700.
Excellent footage! The video is crystal clear and excellent! I enjoyed this video/review very much!
Very well edited and put together video, made me even more sure about picking up the 300L as my first bike.
Great info coverage. Thanks for sharing and happy riding
So true, I have a 250L and a 690 Enduro 👍
Very good video.
My 87 XL250R is awesome to this day ! After market pipe and dual carbs for a 1 banger !
KInda glad I got the Husky 501 to complement my XT250. The husky701 made the most sense and I almost bought it. But remembering how heavy the xt250 was to pick up, I didn't want more weight...glad I got the lighter 501.
Mate, I am 56 years old and I am retired (ok, I went to work at 14 ...) when I was a child I did motocross competitions for 10 years ... and you know the first love is never forgotten ... now I want to get back on the bike, ( i'm triatlhon trained...) to make some trips, go a little off-road, but I like light bikes, in my opinion this is the perfect bike, then Honda is a guarantee of quality and ease of riding, their bikes they are always easy to drive, thanks for the great video. Greetings from Northwest Italy. Ciao.
A real motoman rides a bike, and drives a car.. Busted!! 😆 lol
good for you buddy for wanting to get on. As I get older, I really dont care about going fast anymore. Im in it for exploring and just checking out the scenery. I really think the honda crf300L is the perfect dualsport. I take my KLX250 on some tight single track and some rocky trails and it does great to be honest. No I am no grahm Jarvis or Billy Bolt and I dont care to be. the average rider does not even ride like them, so this is why i think these bikes are perfect to explore. Dead reliable, cheap, and can do some difficult trails if you want. Also know a guy with 90k miles on his crf250L
@@RWWRENTAL Ciao Will. I'm Italian and I live in a small town in North West Italy (near Genoa) where around me there are mountains and sea and many trail to explore,also across the Alps, for me a bike like this is fine, I'm curious to try the new 300 version which must be a little more powerful (I have always been a racing car mechanic anyway ... and upgrading is a moment for me ...) I link you a tourist competition that they do in my beautiful area, near my home...look at what landscapes. ua-cam.com/video/8acBr1H_S-g/v-deo.html
@@RWWRENTAL You really want to see what you are missing and ride locally without being harassed...buy an electric bike.
@@andrewjake0 you could not give me an electric bike. Petro all day long and everyday.
Thanks for another great video of good information and incredible scenery professionally edited to be pleasing to watch while learning something. The time and effort you put in shows, please keep putting in that time and effort!
Now onto my question. You have always said such great things about your Kawi KLX250, I'm curious why the video focuses on the Honda CRF300L that isn't even sold here yet, while the Kawi KLX300 is in USA dealers now. I realize your video had to be started well before KLX300 availability, but it has been known to be coming sooner. I was surprised you mentioned hypothetical future 350s without evening acknowledging the KLX300. I don't mean that as criticism, I'm just curious. Has something put you off to the KLX300? I'm seriously considering buying the KLX300 Tuesday, but if there's something I'm not considering or I've missed, I can save my money for another few weeks until the Hondas are offloaded from the boat. Ride on!
Awesome breakdown! You've compared enough bikes, pros and con to formulate a sound review for the crf 300...thx
I'd love to see a revival of the 350 / 400 range bikes. Yamaha has checked out, Suzuki is milking the old DR. KLX 300 just a bit too small. You bring great points about the weight and handling and my first love is the single trails. The only thing is are you carrrying your bike there or riding it on the road and that dual flex requires a bit more freeway power.
Robert DeMilo , agreed, I've not ridden any 250 / 300cc 4 strokes with too much power. While I'm not fast on trails, I have to ride them there and need to cruise at 60 - 65 mph for a while. Add in the soft suspension for my chubby 186 pounds, and I'll pass. Despite the extra cost, I'll be checking out my closest Beta dealer.
I have a CRF300L Rally on order. Can't wait for it to arrive.
Did they say when it will arrive at the dealership?
I put down a deposit for the Rally a few days ago too. My dealer is getting 6 of them and I got number 6
Great job. This might be the next bike for my teenage son to move from dirt racing to dual sport with his dad. I'll keep my eye on this for the future.
BTW - recognize some of your local trails.
Honda 4 ur kid good dad. 👍👊
Great Video, I would like to see a 2021 XT350 electric start, a little upscale from the XT250. For years we have been waiting for a nice mid bore dualsport that was under 260 LBS and could do 125 miles on a tank of gas. It would be fun to ride this bike the Honda 300....
Because of you I'm going to put some money back on it. I'm just sick of waiting for a bike. October was told march and I still don't own a new bike. Australia is a bit behind you guys
I owned two 1976 honda 350 xl, they were the most fun on off road bikes, I ever owned. They were great around town and off road. You could take them on the interstate, but they weren't made for that. They got great mileage, sat high and easy to maintain. Off road was a lot of fun. Girls loved to go for a rides. The tires gripped , but a hour at 60 mph, you were ready for a break, probably 20 minutes to a half hour, was enough at that speed for a passenger. Slower speeds you could last somewhat longer. I mentioned I had two, one I sold to my best friend and bought another with lower miles and we rode them for years, just changing plugs, oil, filters, tires and points. Those bikes made for some of the best days in my life. It was late in the 80's he traded his in for a new silverwing and I sold mine to another friend and bought a new silverwing as well. Silverwings were decent road bikes and we took them on many road trips, they purred, but I always missed going off road like I did on the 350 XL. I'd like either the 650 or the 450, but will probably buy the 650, because the 450 needs valve adjustment every 1800 miles and I've heard the 650's can last 100,000 miles. I want a small luggage rack put on as well. It's time to get off road again.
Great vid, I have been in Asia for 10 years now. All my prior ideas about how big or how much power you need have been totally inverted from my earlier days. Small is beautiful, flat smooth power delivery is the key. My CRF 150 L, yes air cooled, 5 speed and something like 14 hp is awesome. Correct it would not work in the states, but here on small side roads and then trails it's great. I am getting the 300, and here we get the leds, the sexy 450 style front headlight........And as always, it's a Honda. I love to work on bikes, but because I want to, not because have to. On my 150 valve adjustment is a 15 min job, including opening a beer. Super vid, thx.
Living in Cambodia and totally agree. My interest has gone from the big liter bikes to preferring a T7 and now being very tempted by the 300 Rally. This is if of course if you could only choose one bike to cover all.
You make a damn good argument for the CRF300L but after picking up the CRF450L.... I'll never look back. Thanks for the awesome vid.. as usual! 🤘 Keep on keepin on Man!! Thanks
Do you have a road legal CRF450L in the states or wherever you from?
Or is it the 450L with the race engine, that needs so much maintenance compared to the 300L?
Thank you!
@@sprechendemulltonne5051 -- Its the street legal version. Been around awhile and fits the needs pretty well across the board from hooligan work to commuter. Im in the U.S..
Well done. I agree that the 300lb 350cc mellow dual-sport is what the world is waiting for. I bought a Beta 390 while I wait, but a CRF350L would be the bomb.
I miss the XR350s
How do you like that Beta?
@@tonyrichengod9280 , my comment won't help much, prolly, as I have a Beta X Trainer. Managed to get it plated here in Communist WI, and while it is cool to have a modern 2 stroke on the street, it's only good for getting to the closest trails. (Unbalanced knobbies and short gearing). Otherwise it's been great on the trails, and I encourage you to check out an RRS.
Thanks! Awesome and true journey
If the new KLX300 is on par with the CRF 300L in power, then the KLX has an advantage with some adjustability in the suspension, although I'm not sure how much adjustability there is? I own a crf 250 rally and spent the money on suspension upgrades. It's amazing how much better the bike is now.
Regarding power, the KLX300 has more displacement, a wider bore, and a higher compression ratio. We won't know until both bikes can be tested side by side, but on paper the KLX300 has all the advantages on power.
I like it! but, where is that place? what is called? beautiful trails!. Thanks
In Australia Victoria crfl is out with a 6week wait or more but klx failed compliance I was told. I'm talking about 300cc in both
Good Video! The 701 must be a real PIG; I've ridden my XR600 all over Rampart without much issue. One of the new 300s is on my short list as I'm planning on doing some bike consolidation in the future. I am in 100% agreement on the DRZ400S, I've owned 2 of them over the last 20 years and the you can either gear it for hwy or dirt you could never do both with that bike.
Great video, I ride an XR650l and love the bike only problem is picking it up. It's 346lbs and I'm 155 so I really struggle picking when I drop it. The price is great for a brand new Honda, enough said this bike could replace my 650.
I too ride a big heavy xr650l.
Tranny is crap, as in the ratios, it's heavy , bike is giant sky scraper when factory. Forks are kinda lame. Clutch is hard, performance parts don't really get more performance And it's really heavy!
Now saying all that, it's cheaper than most if these dual sports currently avialble to get into, it still has that old honda ultra reliability! It's not powerful enough somtimes but it has enough power most of the time. ..
I have owned these big air cooled machines in nearly every cc honda has made in the last 40 years. Although I used to dream of uber high tech machines. With clean lines and chromolly/aluminum frames. But for now Untill 12grand gets freed up in my bank account or a good replacement for it comes along from Japanese manufacture. I would buy a 350.
If you ride with other riders, have them stop to help pick up the bike. We have a rule when we ride that no one picks up their own bike... When you go down, your heart rate is elevated, and then picking up a bike on top of that, just wears you out... Let your buddy's pick up the bike and you stop and help when they go down. This was game changer for us...
I'd like to see the 350 for sure.
I would love to see that as well, even the on the rally
This 300 Rally seems perfect to me. Low maintenance. Low fuel consumption. Highway speed capable. Essentially the most off road capable, long distance scooter on earth.
Unless you have a 28” inseam.
@@jimpiquette1375 the trail CT 125 will fit you. Or some kids bike.
@@jimpiquette1375 try thicker sole adv boots. shave seat . u can do it.
@@jgrc73 I hear ya, but comparing the 450 to the 300 Rally for touring, the 450 doesn't make any sense. It costs Twice as much! 2X! Two! Has Zero wind protection. Requires 10 times as many oil changes! Then goes 1/4 the range on a tank of fuel! For long distance touring you'd need to carry a Jerry can and change the oil EVERY day! If they made a 450 Rally that was $2000 less, had good wind protection, and a larger fuel tank to give a decent range, it might be acceptable.
@@jgrc73 Depend were you ride and live. In east woods, the non rally might be good for single track, and you could ride it there. Eastern woods riders dont encounter jumps unless your on a moto track. Ive not watched a shootout with these vs a wr250 yet. Most serious riders will have both a lite trail / DP and a moto bike anyway.
This is some really nice scenery and video quality!
I own honda crf 150L here in the Philippines. Wish i could upgrade to 300L someday. Thanks for sharing this video. Ride safe!
I subscribed because of this video. Can you do another in depth comp between this and the drz? Any model possible. I even was looking at the DRZSM. Thanks man
Knowing Will, I am sure he will make a drz400 and CRF300 comparison soon lol. Its why I love his channel. its very interesting. Ill say though, I think the crf300L might be a better machine minus the power
Just bought my second CRF 300 L (11/3/2021)out the door for $5578.19 /with ABS. Bought from Southern Honda in Chattanooga TN. No transportation or dealer prep charges ever. They seem to have inventory where my local dealers did not. I had to wait 2 days for the Rally and two weeks for the 300L, did not want ABS but it was all they had to offer. I do have to pay Florida taxes when I tag it.
I expect to see a big bore kit soon enough. I'm just going to grab a 300 as soon as I can find one, and do the exhaust and fuel tune right away while waiting for the big bore kit.
THANK YOU!!! DID NOT KNOW THEY WERE SO INEXPENSIVE GOING TO TO MY HONDA DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY!!!
Great info! Klx better than a drz-s off road? Really depends what you mean “off road” Was debating between 300l and drz,Honda was too slow in announcing when,so got a drz.
I ride around Taylor Park CO often so I hear what your saying about elevation. I just sold my WR450F and ordered a KLX300. It would be nice to see the 2- 300's compared side by side.
Those that I have viewed were ok but seemed biased one way or another.
BTW- the used bike market is hot, I listed my WR for $1,800 over what the stealership offered on trade and it sold in 1 hour.
Great video, thanks.
My klx 250 is “good enough” for being on the road. I heard the 300 wasn’t much of a difference. I’ve had mine for over a year now. I love it, but at the same time wish I had some more power on road. I managed to tackle a full technical mountain climb this weekend. Only slammed once on ice. Stock tires kicked ass somehow. (I’m a noob off-road btw)
Amazing video quality from helmet view. Can you tell us what action cam? What settings? What colorgrade LUT or process? Thanks, I'm liking your content.
I'm just not sure 40cc increase in displacement is going to feel all that different, I hope so. I'm really looking at this bike, T7, and just making my KTM 500 a little more dual sporty for things like BDRs & TAT. I love the power of the 500, it's 50 pounds lighter that this bike, but will likely not be as comfy on the hwy. We all need to get on one & ride it before deciding.
Great video. Have my 300L reserved and looking forward to its arrival in a couple of months. I'll install an after market 3.0+ gallon fuel tank for longer trips, but that's about it. The bike checks all of the boxes for me.
Why didn't you go with the rally for the bigger tank?
Where you getting the 3 gallon tank ?
Is the new 300l engine built like the 250 with just a bigger bore or is it more designed like a race engine like the 450? Curious about maintenance. Can I run it forever like a 250 or need to shim valves and such like a 450?
Ive been wanting to pick up the CRF250l to go with my Africa twin. I do like that they have the 300 as that seems to be what a lot of people have been wanting. I just wish Honda didn't price it as high.
Thanks for your insight Will. I too will be interested in seeing the max load capacity for both KLX300 and CRF300. Too little data seems available now especially with the Kawasaki. I'm looking for that light weight dual sport that is capable of carrying a decent load.
Tw200
Honda if you made instead of teasing the CRF450 Rally 3 years ago now you would have a market all to your own and have a proper unicorn bike but yet again no Japanese manufacturer is filling this popular and die hard market of the ever growing lightweight, reliable,
Great video!
Thanks for the review. I’m a get one.
Awesome review thank you
Thanks for this vid - very helpful
I've sat on both the klx300 and crf300. I'd say the CRF would need immediate suspension mods at my weight, where the KLX300 doesn't seem like it will. The only thing I like better about the CRF300 over the KLX300 was it felt larger and more comfy for my lanky frame. However, I've got a voyager 1200 for my road riding days, so I'm more focused on offroad performance from my dual sport.
Also hoping for the 350. I have a 1985 XL350 that is the best bike ever but it is old and wore out. With a change from 14 40 to 15 40 gearing I can now cruise at 75 and still do roll on first gear wheelies. A new version of this would be perfect. It has or had new anyways 27 hp and is 302 lbs though which is really close to this 300. So maybe i will stand corrected and the 350 wont be necessary. We shall see.
Good analysis. Thanks.
I should have turned my IT 200 into a dual sport, it wouldn’t have been great on the road, single track ? Pure magic.
I have the Kawasaki KLX250 and I like it, but it isn't the best on road. It is best at around 45 mph, but is still comfortable at 55. More than that and it starts to work the bike. Does pretty well off road. I am planning on better tires though. I like the new Honda, but doubt if I trade for it.
Great Great video even though you haven't thrown a leg over a CRF300L. Having owned and ridden (all plated ) a 00' XR400, 98' XR600, 01' DRZ400E, 08' KLX 250, 14' WR250R, 19' KTM 500 EXC and just rode a 20' KTM 350. You are damn near spot on and my next pick of bike would defiantly be a CRF300L Rally. For now, i will wait to see what Yamaha replaces the WR250R with. Suzuki aint never coming out with anything good in the future. Never ever had a problem with a Carb bike up to 8000ft so Carb vs EFI is not an issue for me. I'll throw a $1000 at any suspension needed and be happy.
thanks! I actually finally test rode both, and both a VERY SIMILAR however neither is a power horse. power is similar to a wr250R although the wr250r has better suspension. however the klx300 and crf300L is way better than the 250 predecessors. out of the 2 300s, I found the crf300L to have a bit more travel, but more plush. the crf had a more "dirtbike" feel, but still very similar. I also "felt" the power was SLIGHTLY better than the klx300. unfortunately, I test rode it on the flat tracks, so I still havent put any through its paces yet. sadly covid manufacturing delay is preventing this. hopefully when my buddy gets the klx300 and I the crf300L we can do some good comparisons
Dude how do you think this bike will fair 2-up for day trips and rides into town? Looking for something to throw on the back of my van for a cross-continental journey
Amazing review!
Bring back the BRP (XR650R)!
@Santino Lawrence Bro this is a scam to auto charge you $170 a month
@Yosef Shane Dude get off this dirt bike video with your scam, nobody is going to pay $15 for an instagram password and then get charged $170 a month for joining a service.
Had a 350cc bike for over 20 years ...looks like it might come full circle again as being the best size for a duelsports
In Australia, the 2021 DRZ400E sells at $10,399 on road. Onlt some colour changes (black rims and stickers). Nothing else has changed, bar the price. The 2018 models were $7,990 on road! I wish Suzuki would make changes that reflect their price rise. They are heavy but also strong, so cannot complain too much there. However, 450cc and a 6th gear and LED lighting would go a long way and certainly justify the price increase. I loved mine and if I were to have a bush basher or general purpose dual sport again, I'd buy one in a heart beat! They are just so comfy. But until then, I think my next bike is the 500EXCF to compliment my 1290R
There will be plenty of options for the suspension.. The race tech kit is simple for the front and upgrading the rear can be a simple spring upgrade or a full shock replacement. I run the Ohlins on the rear and Racetechs spring kit up front on my Rally and I couldnt ask for a better setup on the trail . I realize Im not on my dirtbike but thats the point of a dual sport. Go anywhere comfortably and have fun doing it. 250 L is my go to bike although I have a 450L its not as easy to ride as the Rally and goes anywhere the 450 does.
Thanks for the comment. I really don't want to have to throw core parts of a brand new bike into the garbage just to make it almost as good as its competitors and be out of pocket another $1+K plus lost riding time to do the work. You're helping me confirm I should get a KLX300.
Can't find a dual sport new, any where, in central Wi. I want a CT125 Honda, then I saw the Kawasaki klx230. Then the CRF's, Now the 300s, from Kawasaki. Would like to see any of them in person. Slim pickings here. Thanks Covid.
Which do you think is better, XRE 300 2021 or CRF 300????
About how much for a supermoto conversion?
I don't know man. Kinda hard to leave the faithful and bulletproof klr650. It just works.
Agreed. Love my KLR, affectionately named Trogdor. Recently took it on some muddy single tracks in central GA. It was a pig, but made it through without too much issue. Didn’t realize how hard I was working on it until I borrowed my dads XR250 and rode it on the same trails in half the time and twice the fun. Now, I’ll never get rid of Trogdor, but that experience has made me want a lighter, torquier bike for the trails.
If you really like single track, I reckon you should try an Enduro bike like a Husky FE350.
already have a 2 stroke for that
Maintenance intervals suck..!!!
@@markberenger4413 Yep. Definitely kept me from going with the 350 or the 501.
What happened to selling the 701 and buying a CRF 450L? You get better road and trail performance compared to the 300L. Plus, the suspension will be much firmer and more adjustable. In my opinion, the difference between the KLX250 and CRF300 will not be that substantial. What are your thoughts? Thanks.
I pick up the KLX300S tomorrow. Not a CRF300L or Rally to be found right now. Hopefully Team Red will get bikes out to dealers soon.
Enjoy! I get the first 300L that me dealer gets but it’s end of April right now. I think both bikes will blow us away! Have fun with the new bike and be safe!
@@lukefish7562 👍 The end of April is right around the corner. I’m pretty excited to put some miles on the KLX but there isn’t a skid plate available for it yet and the dealer can’t verify if a KLX 250 skid plate would work.
🍻 Cheers, you’ll be riding a new bike soon!
CRF300L is my first bike, changed the rear shock and front spring to match my weight and it is amazing. Mine tops at 130km/hr ( 81mph,) but does 115km/hr( 70 mph) confortably. I'm 1.90, 90+kg ( 6.2 and 200ish pounds) for reference.
Its not a long range cruiser, but with the suspension upgrade its a fun bike to ride in town and trails.
I agree with the others, a 450cc - 500cc tuned to 45-50hp at the 140kg weight would be ideal.
were you comparing th KLX240? why not the KLX300? That's a great machine. and adjustable suspension... OH, and it is somehow as heavy as the 250 (about 302 lb.)
Curious why no mention of the KLX300? Might as well compare apples to apples. Some are saying they prefer the KLX300 over the Honda due to the adjustable suspension. I will end up with one of these two bikes, most likely, though it might be awhile. My dealer doesn't have them and can't get them for some number of months.
I'm getting back into riding again after being away for nearly 30 yrs. As a side note, I can't believe no manufacturer has figured out that a 350 dual-sport would be the ticket! Back in the day I had a DR370 dirt bike and loved it. Make something like it, or a 350 as a dual-sport, and it would be killer.
If tomorrow suzuki create again a drz250cc that would be the best on/off for me but right now I guess the best still the xr250 or the drz400 😊... Nice video
Why does the headlight keep changing?
How long before valve clearance checks? Any major issues?
I want the 350!!
Holding out for the Versys x 400. I own a Honda but the Kawa twin 400cc engine from the Ninja/Z 400 with the assist/slip clutch can't be beat at this time.
versys-x owner here. dont wait for the 400. Even if happens which I doubt with the new KLX300 and KLR650, suspension travel is not enough (13-15cm) and is heavy (175kg)
@@onthepegs Don't kill the dream lol. Thanks for the info
I’ll also kill your dream. Remember what you get with twins vs singles....more weight. If your type of riding is more off-road than on as this video suggests, you’re not gonna love a 400cc parallel in between your knees. If you’re more an “adventure” rider looking for on road with decent off-road capability then I understand your enthusiasm
The transmission ratio seems much better than most small dual sport with tighter low end and wider high end. Although I'd still like a bit higher top end if I actually bought my own. The shock is way too soft off-road, but at least it doesn't buck like my wr250r did before getting it adjusted. I think with at least another 100cc, 3+ gallon tank, and shaving another 11lbs off would make it very near perfect
The bike seems perfect for me. At 150 lbs, I have an advantage power-to-weight ratio. Unfortunately, it is too tall, I wish they introduce a 3rd model (the low Thailand version) to western market. I don't really care about adjustable suspension of the KLX, makes no different for my weight.
Have you actually sat on a crf250l before? Seat height is very similar to a crf250l. I have a wr250r which is about 2 inches taller than a crf250l and I could touch the ground with tippy toes and I am about 140 pounds.
Not to mention the crf250l/300 has softer suspension so it will sag more.
Also typically the lower the seat height, the lower the ground clearance which sucks if you take it off road.
Also if it is still too tall you could try a seat concepts low seat without having to mess with suspension.
I have a KLX 250 and definitely agree it is under powered for highway driving. However I don't drive it on the highway very often, so I probably won't upgrade to a 300, I have a V-Star 1300 for road trips. But I can see how moving to 300 cc will make both the KLX and CRF better bikes for dual sport use. They should have done it years ago. Not sure why they stuck with 250 cc for so long. Nobody class races them anyway.
In this video I notice when you're riding your klx250 if I'm not mistaken it looks like your speedometer was at 0 is that in fact the case? If so I have a 2021 KLX230 that I've had problems with the - speedometer stopped working and displaying 0 and sometimes a check engine light. I was just wondering if you have the same issue because it appears to be that in the video.
So check the wiring make sure you didn't cut or snip a piece. It can also be the sensor or magnet by the rotors. I just never repaired mine because it kept slicing with every fall haha
A year ago I left my CRF 250 Rally for the new Husqvarna 701 Long Range. Now I can’t say I regret that decision, but I still miss my dear Rally. However now, if that CRF 300 got out at the same time last year, it would have been very tempting. It’s something about that feeling of reliability and quality. At the same time the CRF’s has a large crowd of worshipers in the east (and now also the rest of the world), making special part manufacturers go off limits for cheap. Even tho I now ride a 701, I will never talk CRF’s down. They simply rock! And if you’re more curious about the CRF250, feel free to visit my channel. Thank’s for the video!
Very well done video. Bravo......
Awesome bro
i love it this bike honestly without doubt
very informative thx, but you are missing one point. We will be spending at least USD1000 on suspension (front+rear) upgrade on the Honda. Especially with your riding style and weight. BTW: do you know if the KLX300 comes with or without ABS?
Apparently KLX250 and KLX300 do NOT have an ABS option. Stopping on dirt is a lot better (shorter distance) without ABS. However, it's really nice to have ABS on pavement. While I turn my ABS off when on dirt with my adventure bike, I intentionally practice to stop w/ABS on my sport bike all the time. The beemer is so sophisticated it's hard to know if ABS activated or not until you go back and review the sport info on the TFT after the ride.
He never actually Rode/owned the 300 this is all bullshit speculation
Fantastic video and bike.
I wonder how much weigh you can carry on the Rally without completely changing suspension.
From what I understand, it needs aftermarket suspension to even be ridable, which is what I expect from anything in its price range.
I'm not disappointed by the reviews but then again I was looking at the xt250 and tw200. Seems more of a worthy alternative to those than a real ripper on the tough trails. That soft suspension will squat a bit to accommodate shorter riders nervous about taller bikes. ABS and slipper aren't bad to have.
My step father taught me to ride in a 1987 tw200 when I was 13 or 14.
I would ride for two hours a day. Every weekend. Never a single issue except my chain popped off becuase it was old. Mud. Dirt. Rocks. Water. Hills.
In Canada, I would be able to get the new KLR650 for the same price.
Would it be worth getting the KLR despite being heavier? And which one might have better highway capability?
Where I live there really aren’t any trails nearby, so highway capability matters quite a bit.
That's my issue in the Ottawa area. Most of the trails are a good hour or more away. I've heard the KLR650 is super vibey on the highway, and is quite heavy (100 lbs heavier than 300 Rally). I'm kind of torn between 300 Rally and Versys-X 300, which is way better on the road and not bad on non-technical trails, and has a 17L fuel tank.
KLR is a pig with soft suspension
I like the KLR on the highway, I don't find it very buzzy. It will do 70 mph easily, 80 is okay also. I own one. It is not as good on single track because of the weight. I get 46 mpg, tank hits reserve at around 200 miles, it has 30 mile in reserve. I've put a gas can the back and actually checked it 3 times. I think the KLR is the best road, gravel road bike I've every had.
Awesome video.
Agree with others...immediate $1k investment in suspension will be mandatory. The KLX300 will have a leg up in this department imho. These will NOT be enduros but will be reliable and the added HP or torque vs the prior gen demand my attention. I'm leaning toward a KLX300
If you weigh over 170lbs you're most likely dropping money on any bikes suspension you buy.
So if you're a bigger dude this should already be factored in regardless of which flavor of dual sport you choose.
YSS makes fully adjustable fork cartridges for around $700USD. The rear is around $470USD.
The Honda also has a massive aftermarket and global following. Parts are cheaper and readily available on the Hondas.
Considering the suspension on all bikes needs to he replaced anyways and the KLX300 is $350 for slightly better stock suspension, I think the $1,000 more spent on the Hondas suspension is worth it.
Exclnt report. Thanks~
Only 70 miles, been roading at 50 - 57 mph max. What mileage should I get before opening up more?
The owners manual says at 300 miles (500 km) get your first oil change, then you can ride normally. But to be honest, it's a Honda. You're not going to hurt it going highway speeds conservatively. Just avoid hard braking and rapid down-shifts.
As long as you haven´t actually tried the 300L it is all very speculative. In my view, the main glitches of the honda are still there:
A crappy suspension and only half a cooler which has the fan blowing hot air to your leg all day long (I live in the tropics). On top of that, the riding position of the KLX ist still better with lower pegs which are further back.
You also have to put the HP number in perspective. The higher HP means nothing if there is no low end grunt - which was the case for the CRF250. I´m sure the 300 will be better - but think of that tiny little cooler for an even bigger engine now. It is beyond my comprehension why Honda doesn´t give it a proper unit on both sides.
I´ve owned all DS variants from Honda and Kawa as I rented them out here in THailand. 2 KLXs is all I have left for now - for private use only.
Klx is much better than the honda....rideem both
For those of you saying we need a 500+CC bike, I guarantee I'll smoke most of you in the woods on a CRF300L.
There are maybe 1,000 people in the world that can truly max out a large displacement bike.
I went from two WR250Rs, to FI WR450Fs, a YZ450F setup for woods/dual sport riding, and when I was choosing my new bike there were 3 bikes on the showroom floor that I was looking at.
Could have gotten the CRF450RL, but chose a CRF300L.
Because I could wring the neck of my WR250Rs and left guys on larger displacement bikes behind. When I rode the 450s I was still fast but it wasn't near as fun as the smaller bike.
The only place a larger bike shines is on the Interstate or 80mph straight shots in the desert, and if you want those things things a dual sport isn't the right bike for you anyways.
Where can you find a new one?
Great video. The crf300 looks great but I in my opinion i believe there is a even better and real dualsport motorbike... was sold for 20 years, has lower seat height (great for short guys) , is extremely light, has a reliability as no others (has no liquid cooling, has no electric start) and is clearly more road oriented, who meets the real needs of usual biker... The 1986 Yamaha XT350...
Sweet single track great video 👍👊
You’re going strictly off of numbers. Great for bench racing but it will be interesting to see how you actually like it. Kind of surprised you aren’t jonesing for a KLX300. I think the suspension on the KLX is better?
i test road both and crf300L feels better and feels a little better on rocky rooty trails.
Just curious, obviously no seat time on the 300L, but how much riding have you done on the 250L? I didn't happen to see any riding footage in this particular video. Spec sheets of the new 300L looks great, especially since they lowered the weight and added clearance. I wasn't really impressed with what Kawasaki did with the 300 at all. But as far as I'm concerned they made the Crf300L on par with my klx250s (in regards to weight and ground clearance), a bike that has been around for 13 years... Regardless, I don't think it's fair to sh*t a little bit on the klx and hype up the new bike on the block just based on the spec sheet, and for the views. Unless you have seat time on the Crf of course and are able to have a tangible opinion comparing it to the other bikes listed in the video that you've ridden. Understandably it's easy to hop on the hype train of the new honda and include "might" in the title above, I don't blame you. I just think the viewer of this video should be wary of the "hype" conveyed. I for one really do hope that they improved upon the 250L and made this bike all-around better, but only time will tell. It's shaping up to be a pivotal age for the dual-sport market.