Honda CRF Rally - Good and the not-so-good...
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- #HondaRally #CRFL #HondaRally
A quick look at some of the good and not-so-good points of Honda's 'soft-roader'.
In between lockdowns, I have made it about half-way on the #TransEuroTrail on my CRF Rally from #Newcastle to #Cumbria. Time for a nice sit down and reflect with a brew...
Thanks to everyone who has watched this channel and helped to reach the 1,000,000 view milestone :D Much appreciated you guys! Thanks for watching :D
#CRFrally #Motoeuro #hondacrf
what i never told you is that i like your calm english way of telling... keep it up ... and of course a big thumbs up for this video
I sold my CRF250L and I really regret it... but I`m seriously considering to buy the CRF300L as a second bike (an edition to my NC750X) :) 30hp, 300cc and less than 140 kg (with the right modes) and 12000km service intervals sound almost perfect :)
I did the old Silk Road on my NC but if I would go again (or on a trip around the world) I would definitely go with a CRF 250/300L!!!
Big bikes are over rated ;)
Stay healthy!
The little Rally is so much fun - Fair points, thanks for watching :D
@@keithsheeley3031 DO IT! Its just so much fun without the hassle of an Enduro bike :D
@@keithsheeley3031 good luck with the wife ;)
Dear Sir!
I really like your videos. English is not my mother tongue language and it is a joy listening your pronunciation, I can understand every word. Also I'm fan of that bike to. Keep up the good work 😉
Love the dry humor and the sincere reviews....The filming is great and the scenery is beatiful. Thanks for providing such a great channel and you deserve a million more views...and subscribers! Much love and respect, greetings from Costa Rica! Pura vida!
Thanks Bernard, always appreciate your comments :D
I don’t know if it’s British or English, but these videos make me want to relax.
I have just acquired a CRF250 Rally and all your points are totally valid! Cheap fun!
Good video I like the no-nonsense format. I have a 2020 250 rally- Upgraded to the YSS rear shock and the Race Tech front fork upgrade with additional spring and heavier fork coil. World of difference!! No bounciness- just absorbs the bumps. Also get the Seat Concepts seat -super comfortable. Happy riding mate - Allan So Cal USA
Cheers Allan, thanks for that and for watching :D
Congratulations. I'm looking forward to watching the developing saga of the Trans European Trail. A big project to take on let alone film as well. Your approach is a good one and it's nice to listen to someone with a good sense of humour. I'm a returning rider after a 5 decade absence from the saddle and am enjoying pooling along the big network of gravel roads that we have here in eastern Ontario, Canada. Not many 'bike trails though in this area. We can ride here for about 7-8 months above freezing and the weather's generally much drier than most of the UK! Parts of Europe seem superb to ride in so good luck!
Cheers, Niall.
Best bike I have ever owned in 50years of motorcycling
Now that's a real endorsement :D Cheers George thanks for watching!
Congratulations on the success. It just gets better each time. "How way man pick it up""!
LOL!!! I'm old you know.... :D
Congrats on a million views, Davey! Love your adventures, stay safe. 💞
Thanks to you I bought a rally 3 weeks ago and bloody love it.
Great!!! Enjoy your bike, so much fun 👍
@@Motoeuro cheers!
I have the exact bike you have & I love mine it's fast enough to have fun with, it's reliable maintenance is super easy... I've been riding a Honda Grom & a Zuma 125 for over 10 years (Zuma anyways) bought a Africa twin 1100cc was way Overkill the 250 rally is perfect for me. The only thing you give up the highway travel pretty much cause it's just not fast enough 65mph is about it. The bike did 75mph on GPS but you can't hold it that fast. Great 🏍️💨 imo
Great content as always! Bought a crf250l recently. Michelin Trackers have transformed it's off road ability. Cheap, and makes any trails easy. Deep mud no problem now. Keep it up.
Cheers, the Trackers are on the list - Thanks, all the best :D
@@Motoeuro Suggest you go for the 110/100 as the tyre sizes are enduro which means a 110 is the same width (actually a little wider) than the stock 120 tyre. Also means the tyre won't rub on the inside of the toolbox area, which happens with the 120 tracker, apparently!
@@HeadhunterUK007 Great advice, cheers - Ive never used them before but heard they're far batter than WIlds! Getting sick of clogging up and just spinning!
@@Motoeuro Seem to be lasting too, which I didn't expect given the tread pattern and softish compound.
@@HeadhunterUK007 That's great cheers, as soon as lockdown is over, I'll be down the shop for fitting!
Cracking video. Like you I don’t want to be sending my pride and joy down the river of massive depreciation through dents and scratches so I’m going to buy a CRF 300 Rally. Tried the 300L at the ABR Festival last weekend abs loved it, cheap as chips, great fun to ride and fantastic bang for your bucks. Cheers for sharing, subscribed 😊👍🏻
Cheers Shane :D Enjoy your 300L, thanks for watching!
Congrats for the million views!! I had my rally for the last year, as my first dirt bike, and I just love it! Sometimes I think of an upgrade to the T7, but agree with you. For the kind of riding I am doing now, dropping the Tenere would be painful! I write from Spain, and I love the way you speak, super British, and easy to understand for a non native english speaker! Keep it up!!!
Thanks for the comment 👍
Missed your northern humour great to see u back love my rally I’m from York keep safe
Thanks George, appreciate that :D
Now I’ve sorted the suspension my 2005 transalp does it all. Did the whole length of the French tet last year and hopefully more this year. I hope they bring out a new transalp.
Honest review. All others forget the not-so-good.
Your left side rear axel aluminum plate where the axel bolt tightens is up side down. Part with many dots go down so that you can judge the alignment comparing those dots with the one on the swingarm (for this bike speeds thats good enough), one dot side goes up where there is usually a green white red sticker showing chain wear after each alignment in case of stock chain and sprockets. . I think those hotgrips can be cut a bit, there is info in the manual about how much cut for specific grip model. Great bike and chanel.
Cheers I will take a look :D Yeah, grips are too long but was hoping to get some Barkbusters so was saving the trim until then, thanks!
I sure do like your approach to these videos. Informational and funny! I think you nailed the review.
Cheers Mike! Thanks for watching and the support :D
Honda alternative for me was a KLX250 , an older carb model . Plenty of aftermarket support for both power and suspension . Stock motor w/ pumper carb and aftermarket exhaust for stock reliability and had the suspension done with rebuilt shock and 1 leg compression and 1 leg rebound rebuild for excellent highspeed handling . Do wish it was lighter though it is very reliable .
Ahhh! I remember the KLX, good bit of kit :D Cheers!
Congratulations on 1MIL!!!!😆🎉
Thank you!!!
Good you're back.
I adore my 250L Rally. Fun, fun, fun!
the dry humor is fantastic! Side stand on my XR650L is the same PITA to use. I would describe it as a side "cane". Long, snaggy, and never really sets the bike at a confident angle when parked...
Love my small Honda crf 250 with the small mods it have
Where did you shoot the videos. I'm just about to pick up my new 300 Rally and not got a clue where to ride. I am in Northumberland. Cheers and great video
One million views OMG - It's amazing what lock down can do..............!!! No We love your lazy laconic sarcasm. But I would ride the alps with my rally, I like being the odd one out, but I am not allowed...something about lockdown.
Keep up the good work - Sarcasm is wit - the best kind.
You two make a great team. Well produced!
CRF300L / CRF300L RALLY review please....Thanks!
Ah! Yes, will try my best :D Cheers!
@@Motoeuro I just got the crf300 rally 2 weeks ago here in Thailand. I did a 500km trip and it was really smooth. Hit some trails and it was much fun, it really deserves the "rally". I haven't tried the 250 but i feel like this one has good torque and power. I truly hope that you can test it soon :). I'm working on my first bike review video, will share with you if you don't mind!
@@Etred02 Look forward to seeing your review :D Cheers!
Thank you for the Doctor Who throwback!
More please! Look forward to your vids. Who knew Steve ‘Spielberg’ was behind the camera. Wow. Impressive.
Ha ha!! Cheers Mr.W :D
Love the Dr Who intro music! Congrats on the 1 million views - keep up the great work. Love your video style.
Cheers Sean :D Much appreciated!
Congrats on 1,000,000 views! Always enjoy your videos. The D606 were my tire of choice when I had the Rally.
Thanks, will check them out :D Much appreciated, all the best
Keep up the good work. As for travels, I've been to France and done some TET twice on mine, it's a lot better than you might think.
Agreed! Cheers :D
I really want this bike so much. I will get myself soon ❤️
Good to see you are back and well. Happy New Year! Cheers!
Cheers T K, all the best :D
Congrats on 1mil.
Once you gather pace the channel will grow. (As long as you keep uploading regularly.)
I’m approaching 10mils views now.
But I don’t upload regularly so my views took a big plummet after I stopped making vids. :(
But I do UA-cam for fun anyway, not views. (As it should be.)
Thanks! I do this because I really like making short films and enjoy photography, it’s just hobby, a bit like my biking, but it’s good that some enjoy the end result. All the best and serious congrats on 10M :D
@@Motoeuro keep it up. Enjoyed the TET vids. Looking for ward to doing that myself when I get a chance. My 250l is sitting on the driveway rusting away :(
@@biscuitsalive Thanks, think we’re all in the same boat with lockdowns…. note to self: must wash bike this weekend! Cheers for the encouragement :D
I picked up a new 250 Rally about a week ago and really like it so far. I have a 42 tooth rear sprocket coming today, which I suspect will help it off-road..
Yeah, it will. A bit more low down grunt works well off road. Watch your speedo, it will over-clock by around 10% (ish) Enjoy! :D
Can I ask why you went with the 42 rear instead of the 13 front please?
@@iangriffiths9930 Smaller front sprocket will tend to wear the drive components.
Wish Honda would just do it and make a 450cc rally with big tank/range, decent power, brakes, suspension on a slightly bigger overall package. Surely it would become the gold standard in ‘real’ adv bikes 🤷🏻♂️. Anyway 🍻
Oh yes, bit they are hopelessly optimistic with the price - Give us a 450L Rally at £7k - I’m in!
You can make one. Buy the 450 install a dekar rally kit.
Mario iroth from 'Wheel Story' brought me here, i love CFR250Rally
Good video, I just bought a 2017 with 2500 km... mint. Looking forward to ride here in Canada.. after snow melt...
Regards
Good choice! All the best
best vlog out there and funny !!!!!
Summed up very well. Its not the most powerful bike, its a bit weighty off road but after owning a 250L and now a Rally, my order is in for the 300. It will be better but not perfect and as you quite rightly say, at the price you do not need to be too precious about it. I've used Pirelli MT21 Rallycross and they are the cheapest but best value addition you can make to the bike. You have to treat them with respect on the road but they make a huge difference when the going gets slippery. I added Ohlins suspension but it was an expensive improvement. Given the current lock down should we expect you in Cumbria about July 2022? Keep up the videos and showing us the beautiful countryside.
Good luck on your 300L, it should be better in all departments :D Yeah, hopefully by the turn of the next century I should be in the Lakes LOL! Cheers and thanks for watching :D
Awesome content!
Cheers Adrian :D
Excellent review, though I've never fancied doing any kind of "mud plugging" you always make it look interesting and fun. Looking forward to your next episode..👍
Yeah, its hard work with those tyres! Thanks for watching :D
So, will you be tempted by hondas replacement for the 250.....?? The 300 rally..?? A bit more power and torque, can't be a bad thing.. Good to see u back, keep them coming 👍👍
Cheers Gren, the 300L is a tiny bit lighter and a tiny but more powerful - not sure it's enough to change at the mo, Cheers man :D
@@Motoeuro especially when there's a 300 conversation available, you'd have to way up cost to change.
Subbed ages ago love your vids always sad when they end 👍
Cheers Paul, much appreciated :D
1 million views, I think people leave your videos on to listen to the sound of your voice whispering them to sleep at night
4000 quid used? I paid 3750 (in fact NZ$7250) for my brand new zero mile 2019 Rally, on the road (inc all taxes and fees) in March 2020. Awesome bike for the price. Plus about 200 quid to throw the stock tyres in the bin at the 600 mile first service and put on some decent off-road D606 knobbies. At 2800 miles they're looking about half worn in the middle but plenty still left on the sides. The engine freed up a lot at around 1000 miles, then freed up a lot more again at 2500 miles -- one day I could suddenly go up hills in the midrange a gear higher than I could the day before, and it revs out into the 8000 to 9000 range far more freely too. Never tell me the Rally doesn't have enough power unless you've got the throttle pegged and the RPMs over 7000. Two weeks ago I went for a 200 mile afternoon explore around some twisty hilly tarseal roads, some even twistier gravel roads, some sand. It averaged 3.1 l/100 km, 76 USmpg, 91 UKmpg. Cheap fun! My other bike -- and the last one I bought before the Rally -- is a BMW R1100RT I've owned for over 25 years. It doesn't get taken out of the garage anywhere near as much now.
Still love my Rally.
Probably an obvious answer, but I'll ask since I note you've had both.
But for a relatively inexperienced rider, looking for a bike to commute on mainly, but with some touring around Scotland on the weekends with mild forestry trails thrown in, would you recommend a '17 or '18 CRF 250 Rally, or an '16 Africa Twin.
With the depreciation the Twin seems a really desirable option, since they can be had in the mid £6ks, vs CRFs which appear to hold their value far better at the moment & are few and far between below £4k. But I'm pretty worried that the full fat Africa twin would be a bit much for an inexperienced, but mature rider, who's only really ridden 125s & briefly a MT07, particularly considering mild vertical challenge (5'8, 30" inseam).
Hi, for touring the AT wins each time, that 95hp makes life so easy on the main roads and B roads. Easy gravel tracks are no problem but the stock rubber is not recommended. Try Mitas E07 Dakar, I found them good on gravel tracks. Tourances won’t fit the 150 cross section.
The smaller 250L / 300L Rally will be frustrating for touring. Yes she can get to 70mph, but after 50 miles you’ll wish you had the AT. The 250 / 300 is really meant for commuting and trail work, I would not choose it for distance.
Power delivery on the AT is very liner, so it’s not aggressive. Easy to handle and comfortable. At 5’8 she will seem tall, but so will the Rally too. I am 5’ 11. There isn’t the perfect bike out there….. yet! I'd nip down to your local dealer and have a sit on both the AT and the Rally (after lockdown!) Cheers :D
Came back to check out the video AGAIN 😉💪 I've ridden 3,000 miles in 1 year. I got a 15 tooth front sprocket because I do mostly street riding and might be cool to drop the RPMs a little bit & spread out the gears, I have the bike tuned on 91 octane from "550 performance" that ECU was worth its weight in 🪙!! & Slip-on exhaust. So with those couple mods it should be enough to push the bike with that 15 🦷 ⚙️... The only thing my writing buddy has that 2018 KLX 250 DS & both of our bikes or stock ⚙️ but it will be a fun experiment. Bikes were tied bone stock and then after I did my slip on and tune I can pull him in any gear so we will see if the 15 tooth makes the bike slower faster or the same speed🤷👍... I 🙏 faster 😂
Awesome video !
What would be the biggest difference between the rally version and Africa twin version, now that you have ridden both?
Cheers
Thanks Jimmy, good question! I miss the power of the twin, the ability to mile munch and the comfort. I don’t miss the weight at all!!!! The Rally is great and better off road for me :D Cheers!
Gearing change is a must, either down on the front 14>13 or up on the back 40>42-45. Although note the speedo and odo will be out as the pickup is from the gearbox and not the wheel or abs sensor as with other motorcycles.
Fit a SpeedoHealer and reset the speedo after gearing change. It will be closer than factory too
@@leegraves101 yip that will work, just not so easy to come by here in Darkest Africa ;)
Got my from Amazon
Love mine after riding it more and more. It's a perfect fit between an Africa twin and KTM exc for example. Funny though that everybody thinks it should be different to how it is. The gs1200 crew think it should be more road-able and complain about the top speed saying its too much like a puddle-jumper. The Mx crew say it's not mental enough off-road and too much like a big bike 😆 but as you said they seem to be selling well. Highly recommend the little mods to the air intake to get a few more ponies. Ride safe
Cheers Rich, toally agree! All the best :D
@@Motoeuro loved the clip at the end of the video, more Steve laughing at your "and cut" outtakes please!
@@spiceychilli57 Cheers Rich! You might like this one I did from some time ago: ua-cam.com/video/oC-oQAqKxPo/v-deo.html
I personally bought himalayan. ..love hondas had the grandads to crf xl250s / xl250r.👌.. just like yu say cheap n not bothered about a bit of abuse....cash permitted I'd defo have crf aswell....atb from dave
Cheers :D All the best!
Hi after watching your videos im getting one of these next week. Im up in Newcastle any advice on finding suitable tracks as im a total novice at this.
Dowload the TET GPX file, plenty of good, legal trails in Northumberland! Good luck, it's very wet!
Great video bonny lad
Thanks cupcake :D
Its a cool looking bike, but a bigger engien, 450cc,would made it perfect.. And stiffer spring. Congratulation on 1 mill views. Good channel draw people 😊👍🏻
Thanks Toby, all the best :D
love the video ...
Cheers Rob, pleased you enjoyed this :D
Nice vid Sir! What kind of phone is that? Thx and stay healthy.
New to this channel, great review, you seem like a nice guy!
Thank you, hope you enjoy a novice just giving it a go :D
Love the channel. What’re the engine guards you have and were they easy to fit? Is it the GP one by inpreda and has the weight additional made much of an issue at 7Kg?
Cheers Cark, pleased you liked this :D The crash bars and the skid plate are below: Both were fitted before I got the bike, but here is the sump guard from the US: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-CRF-250-RALLY-SKID-BASH-PLATE-GUARD-2017-2020-/163307294764
Bars: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-CRF250-Rally-FULL-CRASH-BAR-ENGINE-GUARD-Upper-Lower-Skid-Plate-2017-2020/163760125316?hash=item2620dd3584:g:QZgAAOSwsgFdGgGq
The extra 7kgs / 8kgs doesn't really hurt - if you're taking luggage etc, it all adds up so go as light as you can, cheers :D
the scotch tape on the phone screen gets a thumbs up before the video even gets going!! love it
Ha ha!! The sad casualty of dropping the bike too often! Cheers :D
Loving the videos
Cheers Ken, thanks for the support :D
Excuse me, what was your comment about the Alps about? Would you feel bored by lack of power? Or is there no chance to make the seat comfy enough to get there? - I 've ridden 17-24hp bikes in the past and am confident to be content with the engine.
I’ve ridden the French, Swiss and Italian Alps on a VFR 750, Daytona 955i, Africa Twin CRF1000L and R1200GS - IMHO the little Honda lacks the power to really soak up those steep Alpine passes with your mates on a week’s tour. But let’s be fair, that’s not what it was designed to do best. It's a fun trail bike that can sit on the roads when needed.
Can’t wait to put tires on mine.
Any thoughts on the new 300l ?
There's 2.5hp more and a saving of 4kgs, for me, it's not worth changing, but I do like it - 30mm more clearance too :D
@@Motoeuro cheers D. Here's to the next million veiws, everyone loves a northeast accent.
your videos makes we want more ahahahah! i noticed you´ve changed the back sprocket. There´re people changing the front sprocket. Can you give some insight? Cheers
42 on the back gives a little more ‘go’ in lower gears on the trails 👍 Speedo out by around 10% mind! Cheers 😀
Can I order one with a 2005ish CR250 2stroke engine with a wide ratio trans, lol?
No, but you can order a 2021 Yamaha YZ250X , 2 stroke with a wide ratio trans and stick a dual sport kit on it.
@@13Sala13 They took our plates away years ago in Iowa on any dirt bike that was not originally street legal. It is also illegal here to register a vehicle in a different state.
I'm waiting to hear on the 300 Rally! lol
Yeah, looks cool but in the UK, just over £6,000
Very good, turn around and use your back when picking the bike up it will make life a lot easier.
@@anteusvehlen2099 I know, Trail riding takes a long time to get right sometimes and I believe listening to those who have years of experience will help in the long run. Ideally a trail bike should be light, easy to start and reliable.
Sorted those heated grips yet?
Err.... No! Still got a hole in there - will get some good hanguards soon..... :D
@@Motoeuro They looked a bit long? Great to have this time of year though. I just fitted new renthal bars. A mistake as they are narrower internally. I had to get some new bolts for the inside at extra expense. Probably should have gone protaper.
@@nobodyshero200 They seem OK on length, maybe 5mm too long but fit me fine - Its the hole at the ends that needs new handguards to look better. Ive got the standard bars, they look like they would snap easily, the Renthal pad was on there before I got the bike - but TBH, so far so good! Cheers :D
This bike comes in more Color options than the red?
Black with some grey and white .
Brilliant
beer video, pls
What/Where did you find those Crash Bars & Bash Plate?
The crash bars and the sid plate are here: Both were fitted before I got the bike, but here is the sump guard from the US: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-CRF-250-RALLY-SKID-BASH-PLATE-GUARD-2017-2020-/163307294764 Bars: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-CRF250-Rally-FULL-CRASH-BAR-ENGINE-GUARD-Upper-Lower-Skid-Plate-2017-2020/163760125316?hash=item2620dd3584:g:QZgAAOSwsgFdGgGq
Hello there can any one help me.. problem is my unstable RPM when I start it ,crf rally 250
It could be an ECU / EFI issue, best to take it to a Honda dealer who’ll have the right software to investigate.
Adorable mister.
When are you gonna test ride the ktm 390 adventure
We're sadly lacking any KTM dealers in the North East, but as soon as I can get my hands on one, I will. Cheers :D
How fast in km/h on the freeway is doable for some hours?
Not the best place to be on a 250L but comfortably I would say around 65mph (105km/h) cheers :D
🥳
Look up my friend Clinton Smout ( ua-cam.com/video/L5pmEVIPl78/v-deo.html )
I have photos of him showing my then 12 year old son lifting a GS800 that way.
The problem with lifting backwards, from your knees up, is it requires flat ground and good traction. Both things highly unlikely in any sort of ADV riding.
I'll keep watching.
I still want a new 300 Rally.
I wish I was tall enough to ride one 🥴
what a handsome camera person..
Bless ya!
Thanks Mom
Doesn’t the camera bloke pick the bike up for you boss
Nah, just laughs at me :D
Every crf250/300 review states that she doesnt have any power they bought one KNOWING there isnt much
Let me pay you a drink. I'm sure it won't cost me a leg :P
Ktm 690 enduro
Honestly... I didn't like the video. Your motorbikes are getting smaller and smaller. Soon you will have arrived at the Honda Z100. I'm already curious to see how you tackle the TET with it. It certainly has great entertainment value... When will we see "real" bikes again?
You know me.... I seem to chnage my mind all the time! I need to complete the TET and decide on our next big adventure - that will dictate the bike I think Jürgen, Cheers :D
if you are not going to drink, don't take the stoopid mug in your hand... show off
Sucks to live in england no where to ride it and terrible roads, terrible place for motorcycles
500. like meee :)
Speaks too slowly.
Like bike review for preschoolers.
No thanks! Way to slow! good for beginer like u😂🤣😁🤣😂
When you tested the brakes, why didn't you use the front? Poor review.
Love how you sell yourself as a “trail rider” yet you can’t pick up your bike and you ride trails sitting down, clueless 🙄
Yeah, sounds about right :D