Honda CRF 300 Rally - 6000 Kilometres - Did I Buy The Right Bike?
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Always a bit of a worry buying a new bike- especially when down-sizing from a larger machine. But I did, and 6000 kays later, here's my thoughts on the Rally. If you liked the video, thumbs up and subscribe, help grow the channel! 😁😎👍👍
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If Itchy Boots can ride the world with it, it must be a good bike!
To everyone considering buying a 300 Rally (note: Phil's videos 'finally' inspired me to buy mine) LISTEN carefully to when Phil repeats something that is so important. He says on several occasions 'You've just got to know what you are buying' !! I promise you that if you fully understand 'what' you are buying and you have reconciled yourself to just 'what' it is and decide 'hell yeah, that's for me' then I promise you that you too, will have no regrets. Again, awesome work mate, you've got a great knack for hitting the nail on the head with every word.
Ah thanks mate 🙏 Thanks heaps for the positive feedback. Information is power hey. Glad you're enjoying you Rally 😎👍
2 years ago I broke out my piggy bank and bought my brand new 300 Rally…..zero regrets!!
My riding needs exactly as seen in this video.
Nice job of presentation 👍👍👍
Good one mate! 😎👍 Enjoy the bike and the places it takes you 🙏
The most important thing is that we enjoy your travel videos. You are showing us that you don't need a big bike. I'm following a Dutch guy riding a Yamaha 700 in north west Australia, he just blew the gearbox, 6 to 7 thousand to rebuild.
Thanks mate 👍 Damn, the Dutch guy's repair bill is near the total cost of the Rally (sort off). Bummer. Enjoy your weekend mate 👍
I have just purchased the Honda CRF300L Rally as my first bike (5 months ago). I wanted a machine that I could not only commute to work and back on. But give me an introduction to off-road riding.
I ride mine daily, wind, rain, or shine, and it has NEVER let me down. Are they're more powerful ADV bikes....hell yeah! But I always know the Honda will get me there no matter what.
I've found that not only is it an amazing ADV bike. But a fantastic touring machine I rode mine on mainly motorways on a three hour round trip. I had to stop for fuel, but honestly, it wasn't a problem . By that time, you are ready to stretch your legs and have a coffee anyway.
The Rally is deffiently the best out of the two for a true all-rounder.
Thank you for this video.
Nice honest review Phil. Totally agree a 400cc would certainly give you that extra sniff of power and without sending the bikes weight through the roof 👍🏻
Thanks mate! The next model will be 400 cc-----I hope...lol Good to see you still beaming riding yours 😎👍
@@MidCoastAdventures I’m loving it Phil, we are going into winter soon but hopefully I will be still getting out on her. 👍🏻
@@budget-adventure can’t get them in the UK and the ones that are available are old and tired
Could not agree more with your comments. I had my 300L since Dec22 ,Only change out the rear spring for my weight an added a race tech front spring just clocked up 12k's Great Bike for Guys over 50 . Happy Riding , look forward to more future videos.
Cool mate! If i was heavier I'd consider the suspension up-grade- I think I'm (at 80 kg) right on the max limit really. Catch ya 😎
Yeah, 450 cc with cruise control slightly larger windshield dream bike
Had mine 5 months, 6000 klm, just upgraded the suspension, new Dunlop on the back, Pirelli on the front.
We are off to Birdsville next Friday, can't wait.
Cool, Steve. Big trip - have fun mate 😎👍
Just got new '23 Rally. Upgraded suspension with Rally Raid Level I and throwing some crash bars and rear rack, USB port and I am ready to go! Not a hot rodder. I know what I have and it will be a brilliant trail/BDR bike.
Great videos BTW! Really well done and enjoy them and always learn a lot.
Thanks mate, enjoy the new bike 😎👍
My other two bikes are a '22 Moto Guzzi v85tt and a '98 750 Ural Deco with side car.
My middle name is Adventure.
I have a mate who has a Rally and he loves his, but he's only jockey size! He also has a big Bimmer in his garage for touring! Best of both worlds!
Hi Doug, yeah, would be ideal to have two bikes- one day I'll own two. The question is which second bike 🤔
I’ve got a stock set of IRC tyres pulled them off at 1400kms. Happy to give them to you Phil. Great content mate.
Cool. If you live close-ish, I'd grab them. Where you Travis? (PM me) Thanks mate 👍
I have a set too, 1000kms.
@@MidCoastAdventures Victoria Phil. Probably abit far. Can post if need be?
Thanks mate, postage would probably kill me ..lol Thanks anyway 🙏
As long as you’re happy that’s all that matters 👍 and you still produce awesome content win win 🥇 cheers Phil 👍
Well put, Johnny 😁
INTENT for your riding style & then the money OR visa-versa but I doubt most people truly know what their intent will be until after
they've bought a bike. I looking to buy so I've spent 6 months with a list of dual sport bikes that I believe will fit my wants/needs?
Since I've had time still saving for my purchase I taken all my selections & noted most the MOD's for each one including the costs
and how feasible that I'll have the money, time, and ability to do them. The Rally version is on my short list & you got the right bike
or at least one that offered you more than others..... kudo's for the video, it helps me. peace
I got mine today. Ready to explore Costa Rica ❤
Awesome! Enjoy your travels 😎👍
I bought a used 250L six months ago and rode it through this Canadian summer. Less power than the 300, and really struggled on some uphills with all my gear. The L version has a smaller gas tank, which really limited the range. Otherwise, it's been a cracking bike. I've put about 5000 km on it. I just had the 25000 km service done and the mechanic reported all valves still perfectly in spec, but it was time to replace the chain and sprockets.
I had the 250 Rally back in 2017 - great machine also, bit under powered but super fun, light, reliable machines 👍
Great review Phil. Thank you. As I'm getting older I can see this bike doing what I need more every day. thanks Again,. From Valla
No worries Rodney, and thanks mate 👍
Great review, agree with you totally, had mine 2 years now, previous was a 950 adventure, missed the crazy power at first but once I got over that Ive always been happy with it and cant see anything better for what I use it for, which is small back roads and some trails, carries what i need for a week camping, drops pretty well, cheap. Its a bit of a ball ache on dual carriage ways and motorways but what bike isnt, where I live most roads are 50mph and while the big bikes are still so popular most of them are one trick ponies. Thank you.
They are what they are, Steve. Good, honest, reliable, light adventure bikes. Cheers mate 😎👍
Spot on the money Phil. I scored a rare 300 rally that an enthusiast built from scratch during Covid. It is very much rebuilt and modified but it is still a 300. I would like more power from it but that is not what it is. I love it and will keep it as my all rounder. Considering a Transalp 750 as my big mile tourer though. Love your vids mate and maybe tag along someday and compare bikes. Keep it up mate, you’re the best. 👌
Thanks mate 👍 Ah would be a good combo with the Transalp! I'll go the two bike route when finances allow. Cheers for the feedback 😎
Been lookin forward to this vid, id wondered how the smaller bike would go for your kind of riding. Its definitely gotten ya out to some cool spots, some awesome scenery in these vids for sure👍👍
Cheers Kurt 👍 It's a fun machine, all that's needed to get me pretty well anywhere I want to go. Catch ya mate
Well said cheers 👍👍
Thanks David 👍
Great review and here here! Love mine and does exactly what I bought it for.
Cheers Craig! Enjoy you machine mate 😎👍
I've got the 18 built 250 Rally in Black. So far I love it...and that's after a string of big bore thumpers. I ride it every day, commuting, rural touring, club day rides with all types of other bikes in the group. So far, little to no downside, maybe excepting the perception that I'm a newb when in fact I've got 40 plus years under my belt. Suspension and perhaps a bit more squirt would be great but I can live with it.
I also have that bike ,18' and black, I ride it in the extreme cold, rain, shine..you name it.Hauls lots of groceries too.
Since upgraded to an Africa Twin 1100...I often miss the little Rally for its simplicity and easy going nature. The AT is a handfull off road and I can'tdo many of the same tracks...just far too heavy. Nicer bike for churning out hours laoded tho.@leeinwis
Great girls bike....nah just kidding mate😂.
The most enjoyment I got out of "adventure riding'' was touring on my wife's "adventurised" '08 XT250. Relaxing 80-90 kph dirt back road touring on a light easy to turn around bike.
The CRF300 would be at the top of my list if the DR650 ever got sold👍.
"girls bike" 🤣 Kind of miss my DR, great machines. But love the light feeling of the Rally. Two bike garage would be perfect hey
Nice one mate really good little bike by the sounds of it, glad your loving it🙌
Thanks Curt👍 Fun little machine mate 😎
I don't know about the logistics of getting it down under, but 550 Performance in the US makes a big bore kit that bumps it to 301cc and improves the low and mid-range torque. From what I've seen online, it doesn't have too much of an impact on the fuel efficiency. Might be worth looking into.
Ok, ill might look into one. Thanks mate 👍
Good review mate. I had considered getting one, was also looking at a Suzuki 800DE, V-Strom 650, and DRZ400. I think I have settled on the KTM 390 Adventure. I still have some time until the divorce lawyers stop draining my bank account and am looking forward to getting out there and exploring our beautiful country.
Thanks mate. Would be great to have a few bikes, but...time and $$$. The KTM 390 would be a terrific adventure- good reviews, and good price. And more comfortable than the Rally for sure. Cheer mate 👍
Careful with the 390- have ridden one a fair bit and it's ergonomics are NOT ADV. You sit very much on top of the bike. The motor is sweet as and very powerful but coming
off a late model KLR, nowhere near as comfortable/ergonomic for extended cruising and off road. Great city bike for a bit of weekend work. Duke 390 motor.
@@Mikethebike-ov1yp Thanks for the insight.
Thanks for putting together this video! I really think Kawasaki with there klx300 and Honda with there crf300 really should have made these bikes 350cc from factory! I am running the klx250 with 331cc big bore kit and it has totally transformed the bike to what it should have been like from factory!
Ah cool the big bore kit in the KLX 😎👍 I think Honda should sort out a larger sump for the 450 l. Then they have a light, powerful low maintenance motorbike already. Cheers mate 👍
@@MidCoastAdventures Fair point, though crf300 engine is more of a street engine vs crf450L is more of an enduro engine, yes you can modify ecu but still an enduro bike at heart I also own an swm rs500 but it's road manners are not at the same level as klx300 or crf300L !
Great review Phil, it is a great bike and I have been tempted in the past. I use the dr for a while and get some use out of it. Cheers mate.
Cheers Bazz. Keep using the DR- great machines mate 😎👍
Great video Phil, I’m looking at Tiger Rally Pro down the track but won’t have the finances for quite awhile so am looking at the CRF in the interim.
Will be my first proper foray into adventure riding after 33 years on the road, found a new one today and very keen.
Also my son will be able to use it as well as it is LAMS approved.
I’m down near Maitland and have heaps of gravel roads that I just want to explore.
Would also love to head north to the roads you have been exploring.
Will take the time to check out your other videos
Thanks for your insights!
Hi Roccet, would be a world of difference between the Tiger and the little Honda Rally, but perhaps a good interim bike, and certainly a fun bike for your son- assuming he's fairly light 👍 The Honda will be good to "find your feet" with adventure riding off road. Should be a fun journey for both 😎👍
You definitely can’t take someone else’s word on how comfortable, or uncomfortable the seat is. I don’t know exactly why that is, maybe because everyone isn’t built the same on the back side? Whatever it is, I couldn’t sit on that damn stock seat for more than an hour without experiencing intolerable discomfort. Thank goodness for Seat Concepts. Aside from the seat issue, and that was the only thing I didn’t expect to have to do something about straight away, I love the bike. I don’t ever plan to get rid of it.
Good point on personal seat comfort. Everyone has a different view, and tolerance level. Funny, on my DR650 it has a Sargents comfort seat, and I don't find it any more comfortable than the stock Honda seat. Maybe and Air Hawk of the like may be a winner 👍
Totally agree 101% 😉
Thanks mate 😎👍
The journey not the destination. God bless
Love this little bike, but the Kove 450 rally will take away a lot of sales from the legacy manufacturers.
Bonjour de la France. Excellente analyse, pleine de bon sens à l’heure de la course à la puissance et à la technologie. Robert Louis Stevenson avait raison !👍👏🙂
Merci Robert! Ce sont de superbes petites machines et fonctionnent bien une fois que vous réalisez à quoi elles sont conçues. Bravo mon pote 😎👍
@@MidCoastAdventures
Small translation problem. It's not a big deal. "Hello from France, Excellent analysis at a time of the race for power and technology. Robert Louis Stevenson was right about what you said: The destination doesn't matter, only the journey matters." Eric 👍🙂 Thanks Google 😂
You racked up those 6000km quick! Was it used?
They are a good go anywhere bike, if you stick to the speed limit 👌
Bought it new 👍 Been a fun little machine 😎👍
Hi Phil! It’s wonderful to see you having great adventures with your bikes. Pardon me if you have already answered this: how would you compare this CRF with your previous G310GS? I still have my 2018 G310GS, with 25000+ km of paved urban commute, and (embarrassingly) maybe only 5 km of hard packed dirt.
Hey mate, the GS was a great bike - would still like to own it. Very comfortable seat (as you'd know) , very similar power, the Rally is harder to stall (🤣) and both will take you to sweet places. Glad you still have the GS 😎👍
@@MidCoastAdventures Hi Phil, Thanks for your reply! Indeed I stalled out the G310GS many times. Then about a years ago, I took it to the dealership for the brake caliper recall. The dealer also updated the engine programming. This resulted in 2 changes: 1) engine now hesitates a little to start when cold. Sometimes I had to give it a bit of gas to keep it running during the first 10 seconds or so. 2) now I can ride at 5 to 15 kph in first gear without having to feather the clutch!! I don’t stall anywhere as often as before.
You are really right about knowing what you are getting. A few times I wish my bike is smoother at >7500 RPM trying to stay safe from the crazy freeway tailgaters; wondering if a twin or a triple might be better. But I just don’t think I would cope with manhandling a heavier bike with my aging joints. Overall this G310GS still suits my desires and riding style well.
got 19000km on mine today... have it for a year and a half. No regrets!! Would i like more power? Sure... but i don't need it.
Cool, that's a good run😎👍 Great little machines hey.
I bought one, 300kms in I sold it. Got back what I paid for it.. No regrets.
Good that you got your money back 👍 Had you test rode one before buying it? Cheers mate
Why did you sell mate? I’m considering a 300 rally or a KTM500… I’ll mainly be riding the Victoria high country
Have you ever watched Itch boots videos on her travels she’s done thousands of klm on hers ,she’s a really nice person ,have a look ,you do what I do ,I’m 60 ods I just plod along , I enjoy it I’m in WA I take my hat of to the engineered this engine
Cool Jimmy. Yeah, I've seen her stuff- she's done some miles! And seems like a very down to earth woman. Well, I hope you get out there exploring in 2024 mate 😎👍
Yes...400 is the answer
Needs cruise control for that price and considering that it’s a rally and not a regular. I mean the windscreen is for the highway mostly because it’s not really necessary off road
On a cable throttle ? lul
Good vid, how are you finding the ABS when you’re pushing it off-road? Is it getting in the way?
Thanks mate. The ABS, well, I've only turned it off once on a serious downhill. Generally don't touch it- though I tend to cruise around, not really pushing the bike.
Hey mate, I just came across your channel as im in the market for an adv bike. I haven't been on a bike since i was a kid so ill be getting my bike license and am hoping a crf rally can replace my 4wd which is my daily at the moment. I own td42 patrol so im used to driving something slow and underpowered 😂
When you say it's happy to do 95kph all day, is it reving its head off or is it happy to cruise at that speed?
Given my use case and riding experience, would you say this bike is a good fit for me (as a daily commuter)? My main concern is on the freeway (i need to drive a while to get to campsites), is it too light to the point where it doesn't feel as safe as a bigger bike? Does the wind blow you around at all?
Thanks for your time
Hi Josh. Hmmmm, I'll touch on the freeways stuff first. By "sit on 95 kph all day" I'm referring to a happy rev (of about 6250 rpm) sitting on that speed. They will keep up with hwy traffic fine (100-110) it's just you'll be revving hard- around 7000 rpm - bare in mind they redline at around 11,000 rpm. So if you're hwy stints are only a few hours, they're fine 👍 As a commuter bike- again, totally fine 👍 As for wind pushing you around- yep. Any light bike will be wind effected, just part of the deal... If you over 90 kilo, they will struggle power and suspension-wise also. Best bet is go jump on one for a test ride. Any questions, feel free to ask. Cheers mate 👍
Thanks for taking the time to reply, that's very helpful info. I might get get my license first so that I can test ride a few models but I kind of know that this is the only bike that does what I want, every other bike I've been looking at is a fair bit heavier. It's really got no competition as it's in a class of it's own. At least with this bike I know I'll be able to pick it up when I inevitably tip it over
I guess the wind is to be expected on such a light bike, as long as it isn't dangerously bad is the main thing I wanted to know but I'm assuming that isn't the case by the way you explained it.
Seen a video from a guy in Asia said the rally production will stop the end of 23 new bike coming out in 24 we will see what’s coming
Time will tell I guess...
I wonder how would it perform with yamaha R3/Mt03 engine. It woul be slightly heavier for sure but additional power and torque would be fantastic. Also twin cilinder engine would reduce vibrations quite a bit.
Or maybe yamaha would redesign CP2 engine to single cylinder - it would be interesting to see how would it perform.
But these are just dreams... Honda will probably not do anything to impreve this 300l, yamaha left the dualsport market, kawasaki doesnt make dualsport in EU becasue KLX300 doesnt have ABS... We need more competition, Honda cant have monopoly in samll dualsport bikes!
I think they'd be on a winner if they blended the 450 L with the Rally - like simply put a larger sump in the 450 L, use the 450 L suspension, the Rally fuel tank etc. Honda are so close to getting it right.
@@MidCoastAdventures The maintanance on the 450 tho ..
Comparing it to a Kawasaki KLX 230 S has only 17 hp vs 27 hp it’s subjective it’s will do 100-110 km fine with out having to push it too hard the KLX you have to push it through every single gear.
A KLX 300 would be a good up-step. Though the Rally is pretty well ready for adventure straight off the showroom floor.
Do you miss the Dr650?
Yeah, some days. Miss the power and sound- kind of looked cool too with the tower etc. But enjoy the lighter feeling of the Rally. Both do the same job. But would be good to have two bikes...
6000km, you must have some thoughts on tyres!
please May I beg your advice because the tyres on my road legal CRF450RX are unbearable on the road..
Disregard ! I see you purchased the Dunlop 605
All good mate 👍 I just go the 50/50 type tyres, reasoning half my time will be spent of the asphalt. I've tried lots over the years, but the 605 Dunlops are new to me. Time will tell I guess... Cheers
Hi Phil
Looking at CRF 300 rally to compliment a Versys 650 which is not suitable at all for trail riding in stock form , but sweet as a button on the road .
But alas the 450 RL is now for sale .
I know all about the service intervals …and so forth .
The question I would like to ask someone who is roughly my age , who appears to be an explorer and looking to relax whilst on your bike , ….do you think you would rather the 450 if it was offered as a straight swap ?
There is a $3500 price difference on road ride away.
But the 300 needs suspension work ..I am 100 kg .
So say $1500 for front and back suspension mods on the 300 ….brings it to $12000 …only a $1500 gap.
Oil changes are a maximum $22.50 for oil …not sure about filter say $10 .
That equals $32.50 per 2000km ( stretching out the recommended oil change as per , long term owners advice .on the 450 .
That’s only approx $320 extra in servicing costs per $20000 kms.
Do you in your heart want that extra power , the 450 only weighs 132kg wet.
It does need a larger petrol tank approx $600?
But it’s set up to go off the floor , the 2024 model has been sorted as far as ECU is concerned ?
I see the beauty of the 300 rally , the comfort , the low fuel costs , the reliability , but would a lightweight fighter pilot power 450 , with just regular oil changes and valve checks it’s downside , be a better fit after you owning the rally for 6000kms?
In my head I see myself being 20 again and going like a gun over trail jumps , powersliding every corner , wheelstanding up hill and downhill , but I am thinking I would get tired of that , then realise I can’t load the bike up so much with gear , no wind protection , having to do a 10 minute oil change every 2000 kms when I am basically lazy at bike maintenance .
I have to make a decision soon between the two bikes , are you thinking the 300 rally is what your head wants , but your heart wants the 450RL?
I have studied both bikes on the showroom floor , the 450 is surprisingly easy to plant a foot down …(174cm tall without tech 7 boots )very narrow seat at tank .
It is perfect for my height standing on the pegs …the 300 rally looks even better in person than on you tube , nearly half the horsepower though and 20 kg heavier .
You seem like a good rider , do you think you might grow tired of the 300 , because it’s lacking in excitement ?
It’s going to be a hard decision , any input would be appreciated , acknowledging your already excellent videos on the subject .
I'm torn between the CRF or a DR400E.....
Thing is, I know the DR will take me to a lot more places.....
Owned both (crf currently) sold my drz400e. I do miss the torque of the drz and that power slide feeling. But the crf holds its own off-road feels so much lighter and more friendly. Long service intervals on the crf, fuel injection, economy and road manners out of the box is good.
@@travisbrown9267 I'd like to do the Simpson and I doubt the CRF would get me across....
If you're light and want to explore in relative comfort- go the Rally. If you're heavier, don't mind the "dirt bike" feel of the DRZ, go the Suzuki. Both super reliable and will go anywhere 😎👍
Great video, the about to be released CRF 450RL might be an option ..serious off road , 120 km cruise speed on road,still with Honda reliability. $13990 on road …no suspension mods needed for non competitive riding .
How about the passenger seat? Its comfortable?
Not really. Unless the passenger is under 60 kilos, this is not a good bike to double on.
the kove450rally might be what you are looking for :)
They certainly have the specs! Thought about one, but not enough proven history for me, plus try to avoid helping China much. Hopefully some other manufactures are seeing the design idea Kove put out 👍
I am just about at the same point. @@MidCoastAdventures
The suspension is unacceptable, no matter what weight you are. The free sag (no rider just the bike's weight) is around 35% of the travel (proper springs should give 10% free sag). With me (75 kg), the rider sag was over 55% (30% is the target here). From day one, even the Rally 250 had same issue, so its 6 years of Honda not giving sh*t. YSS shock, fork spring and a new fork valves (with proper springs you have to have proper dampening) transform the bike ($1200 USD). My bike (in Indonesia) unfortunately has Euro ECU, the off idle throttle on/off response trail riding not fun. ECU tune fixes that, $300. Honda really overdid the low torque tune of the engine, the result is a choked up, out of air and power by 8000 RPM 286 cc single. Here again, ECU, opened air box, exh, possibly CBR300 cams ($500 + USD) opens up the engine. The slipper clutch for some can be problematic, CRF250L whole clutch, or stiffer springs and full friction plate ($60-400). The IRC front tire "falls" into turns on pavement. Once you are done, you have a reliable, 150ish kg adv bike. It's still a 90-100km side road bike, but it's the best light choice for now. The Chinese are coming, Kove, CFmoto (I have their little Papio SS bike, the quality is on par with Japanese bikes), it's a shame that Honda has not given us a proper Rally 350 or 450 like you said.
I've put 10,000 kays on it now in every type of conditions on offer here in Aus, and if it's ridden like a small displacement adventure bike, it's fine straight off the showroom floor. Yep, if youre heavy, want to jump the thing, start looking into up-grades where needed. A bit more power would be good also. Honda may sort out the CRF 450 with a bigger sump - fingers crossed anyway. Cheers
Cant wait to throw a leg over ones of these, Had both the Dr and a KLR, but im pretty tall and im thinking i might not quite fit?, love the channel
Ah, thanks Coop 👍 Mate, they're great little machines, just remember you won't have the power of the DR or the KLR, so with that in mind, ride one and go from there. I'm 5.11 and 80 kilos, and it's very comfortable (size-wise) for me. Ride one and see what you think 👍