Hey everyone! I made a small mistake and rushed the video out. You'll notice a couple of errors in it, including a missing sponsor Logo. This video was made possible by the awesome folk at Kriega. if you're interested in the luggage or any other stuff we use, you can find links in the description of the video. Thanks for watching 🙌
That last line was a bit weird, but OK. You have tried to be as unbiased as possible and even after saying that you prefer big ADV bikes to small or light ADV bikes I appreciate the time you took to ride the bike and make a video about it. After 105000kms, riding from Spain to Turkey with a mix of TET and tarmac sections I can tell you this bike creates memories. It won't break, and it won't let you down. For Goodness sake I forgot to change the oil and I did it in Spain after 21000kms and the engine didn't loose oil, it was just dirty. This is a farmer bike, or a Defender, the comparison is great. Most of my friends say the bike lacks power, but I am always in front, and no we don't go slow. True the bike is shit at suspension, but for low riders (something you didn't mention) like me this is a great bike. I have riden most of Spain TET with it and there has only been a few occasions where I have told myself "I can't do this" Tis' not a bike to ride a rally but a bike to enjoy outdoors and the beauty the world has to show.
Top comment man! LIKE at “create memories” and “the beauty the world has to show”! Just bought one and i am trying to break it in. TET in Greece and Turkey within the horizon! Take care!
I hate the term "beginner bikes" right up there with "women's bikes." My riding career went from upper midsize to large displacement bikes, then down to smaller displacement and then lower midsize. Nowadays, I find 300 to 500 cc to be the sweet spot. Bikes this size are fast enough, light enough, cheap enough, etc. I've had liter-plus size bikes, and at the end of the day, they all feel like pigs, especially off-road! I think the concept that many people have that proper motorcycling starts at 700 engine size does a disservice to the motorcycling community in general, as they're generally not affable, approachable, affordable bikes. And then people complain that the young aren't getting into motorcycling! We should all embrace lighter bikes. There are some great ones! Thanks for the honest review of the CRF300 Rally that dispenses with calling it a beginner's bike.
I've seen countless (little) problems and some rebuilds for all the usual suspects who have owned the 250/300 for more than a few months...it's funny how the initial impression people have is the one they tend to hold, no matter what actually happens. Reliability seems to be mostly a subconscious thing these days!
@@nomading_in You'd have to abuse and neglect this bike to a ridiculous level for it to need a rebuild or run into a bigger issue, at that point the problem is the user and they are probably the type of person who could make an anvil malfunction.
3 місяці тому+2
@@OriginalUsername9000 the components are cheap, and its a single cylinder. People talk as if all Honda's are godlike every lasting bikes, but really they have owners who love them / look after them, and are willing to keep them on the road by doing big maintenance jobs when they need to...which is mostly comparable to most other bikes/brands out there. Not to drag anyone into the argument, but lightweightadventurer is having an epic time over in South America on his...but yes, its been to bits and back again, and currently he's having an overheating issue...such is life. I'm not hating on Honda, I'm just saying its just a bike and that's the reality. Beyond that everyones just caught up on their own perceptions of these things.
my 2022 300Rally has been fantastic for 17k miles so far. No issues with suspension, no issue with the stock seat, no issues period. I ride Sun, Rain, Snow and everything in between and it is perfectly fine. I can cruise 75-80mph all day on the highway or hop on the trails and ride it hard for 12hrs straight. It really is the perfect little bike
@@bradsanders6954 then it slows down to 75mph. But it still will EASILY do those long highway miles without a complaint. But I did do 80mph for 7hrs on the highway last week.
@@cptpackrat1 I can confirm that the motor is capable of doing what you are claiming, but why? I bet your right leg was about melted off after 10 mins at that rpm…you’re claiming you ran at 8000 +/- rpm for hours on end? Impressive to say the least.
@@cptpackrat1yea, and saying this bike easily does 75-80 mph is…false. The bike will in fact do 75-80 mph, yes, you are right, however, in order to do over 70 on this thing, I’m using every bit of power the motor can squeeze out, and that means staying in the power curve which is above 5000 rpm at that given speed…so to say this bike easily does 75-80 isn’t true. You have to keep the bike WOT to stay above 75 and that’s about all the little 300 can squeeze out. “Easily” do 75-80 mph is incorrect.
@@Seveneleven44 i did indeed do it from eastern Nebraska to western South Dakota and then back. No issues with heat. Yeah, gets a little warm, but not an issue. Bike didn't care at all. I will be doing the same trip +200 extra miles here in a few weeks to earn my Iron Butt Certification.
My wife and I have one of these each. We have swapped out the rear suspension for YSS and have swapped out the ECU for a 550 stage one ECUs, to get away from that fuel cut-off issue. Add lower crash bars, a rack on the back. We pretty much sit down for most of our riding. Cheers, from Australia.
Hi I'm from Aus as well, just wondering which YSS shock you used, I've heard mixed reviews , as there are a few versions. I'm about 90kg with riding gear on. Cheers .
@@jethrowingnut13 No worries. We've replaced one rear shock with an MZ456-415TR emulsion shock, the least expensive of the three options from YSS. The other one is due today or tomorrow. This first shock is rated 80-95kg. The spring has "80" on it, from memory. We've found this is ideal for my wife at 70kg (I'm 88kg). We started with the preload nut 1.350" or 34.3mm from the top of the shoulder and then went another 10 full turns down, measuring as we went to get static sag of 10.4% and rider sag 32.6% for her while for me it's 35.8%. Static sag is usually 10-15% and rider sag 30-35%, you probably know, so it's does seem better suited to her than me Add 10kg of other crap to carry, tools and other things, and this becomes 37% and 40%. Add another 10kg of camping gear and it's 41% and 43%. All that aside, it has stopped the whole pogo stick sensation the factory bike has. That's been shit. I never liked it. The other new shock arriving today or tomorrow is the same MZ456 but rated for 95-110kg rider. I expect this to be ideal for me, but we'll see. For $875 each delivered it's a lot to spend for on a $9k bike, but without doing this it's the sort of bike I could not tolerate as it came from the factory. That and the fuel cut-off both crapped me to tears, but you don't know these things when you are buying the first bikes to arrive and before any user reviews come out. The two main flaws of this bike (as I see it) have been resolved with the YSS shock and the 550 ecu. We are two oldies doing easy rides. If you're going to give it the beans on very harsh terrain, the emulsion shock might fade and die for you once it gets too hot or if it gets cooked, then it's rooted. No warranty well help if it's cooked like that. You might have to consider the MG456 options for that style of riding. Hope this helps.
@@Michael_Mears Hey Michael, thank you for the awesome feed back, this is very informative and will help me make my decision. I wonder if your shock would handle hours of corrugated road, or it would cook it as you said. I'm 64 so by no means hard core anymore. Cheers again for the detailed info, Greatly appreciated. Apparently theres a mob is Queensland MPE suspension, that mod the stock shock, but I'm a bit cautious of sending stuff like this in the mail. Anyway thanks again great info. 👍
@@jethrowingnut13 Hey, thanks for the MPE reference. I didn't know anything about them. Might be something to consider if we do the front forks. Yeah...hours on corrugated road is the kiss of death for these things. I'm making up a clamp-on digital temp gauge for the shock body. I'm going to keep an eye on it. I'll put another reply in here when the other shock has been installed and we've given both bikes a test. Probably after the weekend. Take it easy.
I know people with the little 300 Rally, have done a fair few tours and TET riding in Europe with them. It's a great bike. It really is a 'Jack-of-all-trades'. It does everything competently enough to get the job done. As an 'adventure' platform, it just needs a few tweaks that will make a massive difference (e.g. suspension). But as a dependable, light, reliable, go-anywhere bike, i reckon it's one of the best you can spend your own money on. Everyone i know that has one, totally loves them. I'd say it's less Land Rover Defender and more Suzuki Jimny....i.e., capable of embarrassing the 'big boys' at their own game...
I put Rally Raid Level 1 suspension, Graves exhaust, and 550 ECU on my 300 Rally and this thing can actually rip quite well now. It can also do gnarly two track well now. For me as a 82kg rider it's an absolute unicorn bike for adventure riding.
I did the suspension on mine. It makes it into a completely different bike. On and off road. I did the NC500 on mine from south Wales without a problem. And I'm not a small person. I've had big bikes and fast bikes. This is just cheap easy fun.
Spot on, good honest review. Had mine for nearly 3 years now, coming from a 950 Adventure previously I did miss the power,🎉 and its specs wont blow you away, after a year I considered swapping but... the Rally is cheap to run, service, fun and easy to modify/upgrade, you can drop it, ride it most places, smash it, crash it, bash it and the little beast will still love you for it, I still cant think of a better all rounder for me- the T7 has been tried -maybe that is better on the black top but for my skill level on the technical tricky bits of off road the CRF matches me and doesn't throw me off very often 😅
CRF300L is my favourite bike Take it green laneing, take it down the motorway, it'll do 70mph all day, and still smash the trails Needs better suspension if you're heavy. And that 90-100 MPG helps
@HypeRapEnjoyer No, a 125 really struggles to do 70mph. Unless it's off a cliff 🤣 Even I was surprised how capable the 300 is. Unless Honda remakes a really good CRF450/500, you'll have to prize this bike out of my cold, dead hands 🤣
lol, I’m as skinny and light as it gets [187 cm, 60 kg weight], and the CRF suspension was just dreadful when I tried it. Dreadful. The front was diving like Premier League players. And I could close it without even trying. I honestly don’t know who this bike is for. Girls, maybe.
Love my 300 Rally. I picked one up after spending something like 750kms on one in Costa Rica last spring. While most of that ride was on pavement, as you mentioned I was really pleasantly surprised with how well the bike handled on pavement, and enjoyed its balance on the mellow gravel sections I rode as well. You can't beat its fuel efficiency (~75mpg/35kms/L) and range (~250miles/400kms) on a single 3.5 gal tank. I've had my personal bike on some really hairy/rocky stuff in Colorado (Poughkeepsie Gulch) where a larger bike would've been eaten for breakfast. Even my buddy on his KTM exc 500 struggled because with all of the power that bike has he kept spinning his rear wheel on the lose rock losing traction where my soft suspension and mellow power delivery allowed me to "bounce" my way up the steep, loose climb to the top of the gulch. I disagree that the bike isn't great for riding standing up. It has incredible low speed balance, and I think any vagueness while standing can be blamed on the admittedly too soft suspension. Right now my bike sits in stock form and I'm very happy with it. However, I am planning to upgrade the suspension a bit, but I don't want to go too stiff as that soft, spongy suspension really comes in handy in super technical terrain where you're just crawling along at minimal speed. It allows the tires to remain in contact with the terrain thereby maintaining traction. Something you don't have if your tire bounces off the earth because your suspension is too stiff. I love how you describe the bike as an "access tool" or "key" that will unlock the world of adventure riding. That is exactly why I bought mine and I've been very very happy with it. Great review!!
I picked up the 300L Rally in June this year. I've put 2200 miles on it, including 2 moto-camping trips, mostly offroad. I only started riding last year and I find the Rally to be just perfect for my skillset and riding style. I know it can do more, if I need it to, and I'm excited about growing into it. It's light enough that I can pick it up by myself when I drop it. For dirt roads, 2-track, some chunk, and 2-lane highways, I think it's a great choice. I do plan to upgrade the suspension, levers, and bars.
I got my license in March, bought a used and set up 300 Rally in late March. It opened the door for me to begin my adventure-riding dream. I have about 4k on the bike since I purchased it and have fallen in love with riding all the forest roads and gravel we have here in the Mid-Atlantic. I'm Currently trying to decide on what I'm buying next. Tuareg 660, Vstrom 800DE, T7. Either way, I will keep the Rally as I have had so much fun on it
@erikellett78 I have a 2021 CRF300L that I've logged ~12k miles on. I recently purchased a 2019 Africa Twin base and I absolutely love it! The Vstrom 800DE was on my short list, but the 2019 Africa Twin was more aligned with my budget. All the best on your journey.
Tuareg 660 or CFMoto Ibek 450...cause I want to hear what another Rally owner thinks but the 660 is the one I would probably get since I won't be selling my Rally for the Pine Barrens
I've been riding for 40 years, owned 15 or so bikes, some real beasts but one I loved was my 2018 250 Rally. It was quiet, slowish yet cheap and endearing. I now own and Africa Twin 1100 and a KTM 640 lc4 but still sing the praises of the little Honda Rally. I sold it to a bloke who rode it around Australia...a full lap of Oz. Reliable as a second hand axe
Had a CRF250 for many years, which I envision as being similar to the 300 - reliable, fun, capable and predictable off road. After the CRF250, I bought a T7 and rode it on BDRs through the US west. Then downsized to the 300’s big brother (or maybe cousin) - the CRF450RL, which is a beast on road and off, but I imagine shares some of the characteristics as the CRF300.
I love it. I mean the bike and your take on it. So true and absolutely brilliant. Instantly changed the way I look at my CRF - not trying to pretend it’s something it is not anymore. But still- it’s such a lovely little bike. Thank you 😊
Swap the suspension, take out all the emissions restrictions and tune ECU, change tires and the bike is a completely different animal. I know it's a lot of money to put on a bike like this but if you want a hooligan that will also get you around the world in any terrain this is a fantastic bike if you do some pretty serious mods to it..
@@nickg2431he’s talking about the exhaust, that’s it. It doesn’t take any “serious” mods to make it a whole lot better. You can remove the charcoal canister, but that’s just a weight savings. There is no emissions to remove, actually, you can drill the stock exhaust out, which is what I during my stock improved build. I switched the exhaust out later when I did the stage 1 ECU mods., and air box mod.
Probably also means the air filter and intake mod too even though it's not as obvious for "emissions". It's pretty easy and cheap and necessary for the upgraded exhaust.
I love the review! I own a CRF 300L with basic suspension upgrades and have been exploring alternatives that can almost keep up with enduro bikes off-road (soft enduro) while still handling decently on the road. So far, I've ridden the AJP PR7 and KTM 690 Adventure. After riding those, the CRF feels like a toy, especially compared to the bigger AJP. The power, chassis, and suspension of both the AJP and KTM are far superior, even with the upgrades on the CRF. Components like the handlebars, foot pegs, pedals, and tank feel more premium, almost like aftermarket parts I'd choose for any bike. In comparison, the Honda's parts feel basic. I'd rule out the CRF if you're not a reliability maniac, are willing to spend double the budget, want to overtake at 120 km/h or more, come from a strong enduro background, like riding very fast off-road, or are taller than 180 cm and strong. That said, the CRF has the advantage of being significantly lighter, which makes it much easier to handle in tight or technical terrain compared to the heavier KTM or AJP. Both the KTM and AJP push you to ride faster to enjoy them, which can be tiring over long rides, and they can feel a bit cumbersome in tighter spaces. The Honda is easier and more comfortable when taking it easy. With upgraded suspension, you can push it hard, and on less demanding terrain, it can almost keep up with the AJP or KTM. Plus, there's more thrill in working harder with the Honda to match their pace. I'm not planning to switch just yet, but if Honda ever made a PR7 or 690 equivalent, I'd seriously consider it.
I think you touched on something important here and I’ve covered this in the AJP review we have coming. Neither the 699 or the AJP are easy bikes to ride in my opinion. They’re very very good, but not easy.
Llewellyn, well said. You've captured the essence of the CRF300L Rally. I've logged ~12,000 miles on my my 2021 CRF300L Rally. It's a great commuter and gravel road adventurer. BTW, I'm on a diet with a goal weight of negative 30 kilos. 🤣🤣
Thanks for video and your analogy. 250 Rally is my the first bike ever. I cuold agree on many aspects you touched, however my bike got upgraded suspension, rised handlebar, higher seat and gearing by previous owner. I replaced 50/50 to dirt tires. I am pretty confident and happy. Really do not looking to any bike. I can do everything.
I think some people misunderstood this video. I ride both lightweight enduro competition bikes as well as big adventure bikes and I think people like me will agree with this statement: Honda CRF 300 is good bike for beginners but not beginners bike. Why? It's definitely good for someone looking to start with motorcycle adventure because it's affordable relatively lightweight compared to bigger adventure bikes so this obviously makes it good choice as everywhere talked about. Good offroad? Definitely yes but at the same time not as maneuverable and durable as more expensive competition enduro bikes what makes them much easier to ride, even for beginners. But these bikes are definitely not as good for adventure as crf (I personally use ktm 500 exc-f for lightweight adventure and crf will be much better in some aspects). Is crf good on road? Definitely yes. But don't expect same road comfort as with bigger and again more expensive adventure bikes which are far less capable offroad especially in hands of beginners. Conclusion: CRF 300 is good beginners bike as they can find themselves on their adventure journey and at the same time CRF 300 is not beginners bike because it fits many experienced riders needs.
I have one, have done 12000 miles mostly off road around Salisbury plain, stock suspension is fine for intermediate stuff, I weigh over 100kg and absolutely love it. New bars and levers only mods.
After a simple swap to a better rear suspension the little red rooster is just the bike for me! As you mention in your review, it’ll get you from a to b, and it’ll do it without any problems. You might not be first to the next traffic light, but you’ll still be a happy man when you pick up the bike for the tenth time on a ride. Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Great review. I’ve had many bikes. And only owning this one for a few rides understand exactly what you are talking about. It’s about getting to your destination. This bike will do as well as others. It’s just how you get there. I believe it will fit my needs. And yes I’ll be addressing the suspension.
Great video! I’ve had similar impressions of this bike - including its desire to be ridden while seated and the suspension that worked well if you plan your bounces properly - but you articulated it in such a genius fashion. It’s really unique how much thought you put in your videos!
We rode the CRF250/300 in Northern Thailand for 10 days in 2019. They were setup for the Enduro type Experience & I found them a very easy to ride bike. Low seat height, Soft power that allowed for traction in conditions that you would struggle to walk in & the little bike just kept going even at very low speeds. If it was my personal bike, I would invest in a serious suspension upgrade but You can go almost anywhere & it doesn't cost alot of money.
Just sold my '23 model cause I needed the money for something else. But I am very likely going to buy the same bike again very soon. It would be my perfect bike if Honda increased the engine to atleast a 450cc tho.
Like defenders I feel a lot of people modify their CRF250L/300Ls it’d be interesting to see what you make of a bike modified with aftermarket suspension, taller bars, hand guards etc all the stuff that most people seem to do. I never got round to modifying mine that way but suspension upgrades are expensive when maybe a different bike would be the better answer.
I agree with most of what you said in the video, but not the title. Yesterday, me and 2 mates arrived back in Plymouth after 7 days on the ACT and TET in Andorra and Spain. Two of us were on 790r's, the third guy was on a 300 Rally - all fully loaded with camping gear, cooking gear and the added extras to make life a little more comfortable. The guy on the 300 Rally only passed his test 2 months ago, having never ridden a motorbike before. He's around 6'6'' but doesn't weigh much at all. Straight out of the box he improved the suspension (on the advice of the other guy on the 790 who had previously had the 250 Rally), added crash bars and a decent bash plate. Straight off the boat we road 4hrs of road, then the next morning another 4hrs of road, getting us to Andorra to start the ride back over the Pyrenees. The 300 Rally performed perfectly. On the trails, the bike 'allowed' him to make mistake that would have otherwise (on a 790 certainly) resulted in the bike hanging from a tree. The conditions were a mix of dry, wet, wet and muddy, and all out monsoon. As a new rider, he doesn't know how a bike is supposed to feel (just the same as an amateur tennis player doesn't know when their strings are too loose/tight). The bike did allow him to make mistakes, without punishing him too much at all, even on the stock tyres. On something more powerful, I think he would have taken more of a beating. Maybe that's the difference between someone with lots of experience (especially across multiple bikes) and with a finer understanding of how a machine needs to perform. Post ride, and watching a beginner over the last week in some pretty testing conditions, I think I'd say it probably is a beginner bike.
I think the title is still accurate. The point here with the title is that I don't think it is a beginner bike. I don't think it's only for beginners, I don't think it's bike that you will learn great foundations on, it's a bike that will let a beginner have a great time and those are not the same thing, not for me at least. Beginner friendly, but not beginner specific. I think it's a great bike to give you access, but it's a bad bike for helping you learn control. It's nuanced. This is UA-cam. Thumbnails and titles are there to create intrigue. That's the job sorry 😅
Your description of this bike as a farm bike and everything you said about riding it as such is both accurate and matches exactly how I like to ride and have done for 50 years. I well understand the reasons for and benefits of standing on the foot-pegs to control the bike in poor conditions but for me seeking out those worst possible conditions is not my thing. The 6 gears on this bike with a top gear that can do highway speeds without stressing the engine {100 to 110 kph is the fastest legal speeds in my country} and a 1st gear so low that you should never have to slip the clutch is exactly what I require and enjoy. So apart from the overly soft suspension; a seat not perfect for me as new; and a fuel tank still too small I think it is a wonderful bike. By the end of your video I believe you actually summed up the bike better than many people do. It is certainly a great starting point for anyone who loves it enough to improve on the things they need to make it exactly what they want. Perhaps in the end that may mean that when your finished with the changes another bike might have been better from the factory and prove a little cheaper to buy {with the factory bike having those better components}; but this Honda is still a great bike overall. My one complaint is I wish the engine was a true 300cc. Why? Because I always had a love for the 350 even though back then they were almost as heavy as a 500; but if we have to remain below 350 cc to maintain a light bike I wish they could have actually made it 300cc instead of 286cc and lying to us calling it 300 when it falls more than 1 or 2 cc short of that size. Perhaps it would not perform much better but it could not hurt. Thanks for a very accurate summation of this bike.
@@BrakeMagazine Both have weird ergos for tall people. Both are underpowered but have enough torque where it counts that it doesn't really matter that much; you will get there. Both cheap out on parts in really weird places to cut overall costs. And most importantly both are somehow simultaneously underwhelming and satisfying if you know what you want out of them.
I like my little red defender though it's a modded L. Not Rally. I take it all the places I don't want to bust up, drop, or get stuck eith my T7. And I take it 90% of where I take my enduro. Ultra versatile.
You nailed it. It is and it isn't a beginner bike, I recently bought this bike and love it. I'm 64 years old, Been riding since I was 12. Raced enduro during late 1970's and early 80s. So not a beginner. I've still got my T7 but if I'm heading to the dirt, now, I take this bike, it's just so much fun. I feel the beginner bike label this bike has made it harder for us to get over our ego, and buy one of these. It's a fantastic bike better than I was expecting, I will be doing something about the suspension though.Cheers for the Clarification review, I hope more will get this bike. BTW, I did a review on my channel as well, to help get the word out. Cheers. 👍
Nobody seems to know that you can go with a 42T sprocket on the rear and gain a bunch of much welcomed low end torque without sacrificing any top end. Even keep the stock chain if you choose. My bike topped out at 81mph in stock form, and Because I flashed the ECU, it still tops out at 81mph. But even without the ECU flash, you will only lose 1-2mph with the 42T sprocket. See Woodsmans Adventure channel to verify. He has the 42T on a purely stock bike. I did a suspension swap on my Rally front and rear for less than $900US. Now I have to do it to my new used 300l.
I had a friend that lived on a ranch that wanted to start riding motorcycles. I recommended a KD 100 that I saw at the local dealership. Quiet and oil injection. He liked it for a while, but then after riding together one weekend he rode my YZ 80. He bought it off me, but I am still surprised that he preferred a noisy race bike - although better suspension and more power. I think his progression was the same as mine when you start using up travel - although you develop compensatory skills. I got a full size bike after the YZ. It must be quite different for people coming from non-ag backgrounds to find a horse for the course.
Good review. Here in the States i have done easy Backcountry Discovery Routes to enduro tracks with it. I would agree, it is not a beginners bike. But i like to wrench and progressively have made it a very capable dual sport. RaceTech full suspension, exhaust and ECU flash., better levers, ADV bars, etc. When i got the bike getting the front wheel up was nearly impossible. After mods i nearly looped it. Money? Yep. But mods are part of the game for me. I bought the 300L Rally right when they came out in 2020. Didn't do all the mods at once. After many drops and crashes i still pick it up, hit the switch and go.
Tried it at the dealership. For someone like Noraly Itchyboots its probably perfect. For a dude 6'2 and over 200 lbs, it's nowhere near good enough when stock. I asked about suspension and Honda mechanic shook his head. He said that EVERYONE swaps it then and there, before even leaving the dealership and Honda STILL uses it.
I duno man, I'm 5'11 and 210 ish lb. Still on stock suspension and rip the bike pretty hard. Is it soft? Yeah a bit, do you get used to it and does it still rip? Absolutely. Its not a desert slayer by any means but the wooded trails I ride it's honestly more than enough
Your observations are spot-on. I bought a used CRF 300 L (not much plastics, lighter) this spring which has a better rear shock. But it still is a kind of traditional enduro bike, you call that farmer's bike. Which wants you to sit more than stand on the pegs. It's not a demanding and precise sportsbike at all. But the we don't have the terrain for that in Bavaria. The good thing: It's dead easy to ride and forgiving With a middleweight enduro you have to think before entering unknown terrain - will I get out again? With the CRF you just ride and get out of difficult situations without spending too much physical energy. Happy days, Günter/Nürnberg
OK… what’s weird is that I’ve just watched this as an owner of a Defender 90 (only car) and a CRF300 Rally (with upgraded suspension and better handlebars). It’s like you were talking about my life 😂. Another 59 year old, I’m lucky to have a collection of classic bikes, but the Rally is my ‘everyday, do anything, whatever the weather’ bike, which I’ve owned since March ‘21 and never regretted it. It kinda reminds me of classic two-strokes; if you’re in the right gear it’s rewarding, wrong gear and Aargh! Oh, and the best part of 90 mpg most days. Enjoyed the vid - thanks!
Great lightweight adventure bike almost in a category of its own. Used the enduro for laning and the 250L for TET trips 👌🏼👌🏼 Suspension is shocking but comfortable. Not sure I heard you mention fuel economy? I watched a guy crossed the Simpson and only used 21 litres whereas the DR’s carry over 40. Moving to Thailand next month and my first purchase will be a 300Rally as they’re screaming cheap over there where they are built around £3700 🇹🇭
versys 300 rider here, lots of parallels but less costume on the versys, it doesn't pretend to be a higher performance machine it simply cant. but still more happy that i chose it over the honda especially after being able to ride more similar machines since purchasing it and putting on loads of miles and mini adventures.
I put about 10,000 miles on my 2018 CRF250L Rally, including multiple days of 250-375 miles of light touring, before realizing I rarely ever actually took it on dirt and "upgrading" to a Kawasaki Versys 650LT. Hot take: I liked the CRF more, minus the lower fuel capacity and poor mileage much over 65 mph (an issue the 300L partially resolves with an extra couple liters of fuel and a much taller 6th gear). Better ergos, more character.
That was a very well put together piece I've been riding 50 years and at least I got a lot of good out of what you're talking about in comparison to other know-it-alls that seemed to think oh this is a beginner's bike or this is that or this is that nice to see someone that knows a lot about motorcycling can nail it the first time all the time thank you very much for video.
Love my 300L but it can't ride interstate speeds here in Arizona. Highways are 65mph and interstate routes are 75mph. Which it "can" do but only down hill or on flat ground. The moment I hit one of many 7% grades, game over. I had to get a T7 for adventure riding away from home. I will slightly agree, after replacing the suspension on the 300L. The 300L is definitely a great dual sport bike and is very capable off road but barely powerful enough to use on the road safely.
I think the performance of the bike really varies depending on the build of the rider. I have a '24 300L, and I daily it to work and use it for light trail riding, and I can easily get the bike to 80mph, (I've gotten it up to 90mph a few times), but I think that's due to the fact that I'm 5'7 at 160lbs.... So for me it's great, even for highway speeds. All that said, it would be nice if it had a bit more top end speed, even if just to keep the vibrations down
5 year owner of crf250l rally. Goes anywhere the expensive bikes go but lacks highway speed. I have lots of videos posted showing the bikes capability.
@@BrakeMagazine 😂 most of my off-road experience so far has been on a crf 300l. Great tool - but that’s it. I’m curious about the 690. And for the more road biased stuff - CF Moto 450 MT.
I do love my L (non Rally). Cheap, incredibly versatile, does everything *ok*, lots of fun. I have been riding for 40 years and this is my first off road bike and it's opened a new world for me. I ride it on road nearly every day as well. The Rally was overpriced and not over featured for the price point. I carry extra fuel on a hard point on the rear rack to deal with the one big problem with the L, range anxiety. I do agree with your assessment on the off road capability here, completely. It's a pogo of bolts flying in loose formation. It's a fine fire road bike in the main. The more demanding the OR, the more you finds its limits. Setup for me is risers, Zeta wraparound hand guards, OBM crash cage, rear rack, 30 l soft top bag, extra fuel and a bash plate, -1 sprocket up front.
I am a big fan of your work and have shared that opinion with many friends. I have a 300 Rally (suspension and ecu upgraded) and a KTM 500 excf (ecu upgraded). Surprisingly, I put 3k miles on the CRF and a third on the KTM. I like the farm analogy with a slight twist. The 300 is an older, well mannered horse that will get you out of trouble. The 500 is a bat sh%t crazy thoroughbred that’s trying to kill you every chance she gets. Both are really fun and have very different reasons for being. Great review, good to see your girlfriend make an appearance.
Interestingly, or not, the only reason I got into dual sport/adventure riding is because, for a time, neither of my four-legged horses were rideable due to either age or injury. My first motorcycle “trail horse” was/is the Honda 250L Rally. At 57, I found it to be “quiet” and “sane” on the trail. However, I now find myself wanting a bike somewhat like a seasoned, well broke thoroughbred - can still go fast enough but won’t get me in trouble. I’m leaning towards a Transalp, a T7, or an Africa Twin. I think the AT is too big for my 6’, 165lbs body. In the cowboy world there’s a saying: “admire a tall horse - ride a small horse”. I’d consider a KTM 790 adventure but I don’t want another “horse” broken down and unridable.
@@mitchwiebell2785 I have a 15 year old Appaloosa named Breezy. As you probably know, appys are small, sturdy horses. Cowboys, supposedly, loved them for those reasons. If I have to get off unexpectedly, which has happened, its a short drop to the ground. I have a few adventure bikes that are 550 lbs+. They are great for the road and good on less technical trails. When they go over, it’s a real challenge, depending on the conditions (worse in deep sand or steep hill). I am thinking of getting a Aprilia Tuareg 660. Great off and on road and just over 440 lbs. Take a look.
@@lorirussen638 Second horse I rode when learning to ride was an Appaloosa…too much horse but it taught me a lot. I’ve looked really hard at the Taureg. Dealer is only about an hour and a half from me. Lots of people love the bike but I just keep hearing sooo many people saying “buy Japanese” - that’s why I’m leaning towards Transalp or T7 or used AT. The AT, in my eyes, are beautiful.
I have owned my Rally for a year now. I weigh 245lbs so i had to change the springs and the rear shock. With the suspension sorted for my weight, the bike now can handle just about anything up to hard single track. You will spend some money sorting it out. You can swap out the ecm and install a slip on muffler for about 800USD and after that you will have what feels like a new bike. All of my friends are trying to pressure me into buying another bike that has more power etc, but I dont see the point for off road use. I dont think there is a better bike out there that will do more then the Rally for less money when comparing new bikes. The only thing that I feel is lacking is the complete lack of adjustment in the suspension damping. I installed the gold valve kit with spring on the front end of mine and it worked fantastic but its a set it and forget it type of deal so you cant make any further adjustments after its all put back together again. I would not recommend buying this bike if you intend to keep it stock unless you weigh under 195 lbs.
Based on my experience with the bike this review is the most spot on one that I've seen. No wonder I had been looking at Defender for a while. My bike has an upgraded suspension kit so I don't know how the stock feels. Other than that, this is how I feel about the bike and this will be the video I'll point others to when they ask how is the bike.
i am not a new rider but i am new to off road (off pavement more like). i went to a honda test drive day with the intention to buy an africa twin, decided to test drive a 300L only to kill time while i waited for my turn on the africa. TLDR i ended up buying the rally instead. the 300 rally is not the most forgiving dirt bike but it sure is the most forgiving adv bike i tried, considering my snail pace, which would be just as snail on any other bike, no matter the suspension or the engine. maybe i will learn to ride and change the suspension, i sure hope i do outgrow it, but lets be honest i ride adv proudly like a farmer :D
Hello, how are you, first greetings from Argentina. I use a 2011 Honda Tornado, I tell you that that motorcycle, in that year's edition of the Dakar Rally in South America, being practically without modifications, not only managed to finish the famous and tough race but also did so, staying ahead of many other motorcycles, bigger, more powerful and more importantly being P72 out of more than 140 motorcycles that launched that year. I use it on my trips and it is a motorcycle that humiliates the giant and heavy trail bikes that are very useful for big highways but not for true adventure.
Bought a Rally so family has bike to ride with me. Problem is I love this thing as my bike just sits. So light and manageable. Can't stop smiling when I ride. Wife not happy that now we need another one.
Chronicales of Solid upgraded his suspension - it's his unicorn bike now. Another fellow on UA-cam that lives in the northwest did about 1200 miles in long day (this included some stops for drone shots) and absolutely wrang the snot out of it on the freeway - too much time in the wilderness and a work schedule forced his hand. There are better bikes out there - but I suspect this universally fits more people better than other choices simply because it's not so niche. I've threatened to get one; maybe next year. Camera gear has taken all my money. :^D
I would say it is mostly the rider, however the 300 would be a good starter bike, ask itchyboots. But the rear spring really needs to be changed out for the load the rider is putting on it.
Some wise words there young man, there's so much sh*te talked about the wee Honda, so fair play for sticking your head above the parapet, as usual we can always rely on you to tell it like it is 👍 I totally agree with what you said about learning the bike, and what it's capable of. I ride a "sorted" 300L that has taken me more places than all the other bigger adventure bikes, and enduro's I've owned, have between them. Ride safe, and keep the video's coming.
I don't think it's like an old LandRover, more like a Toyota Hilux. It's tough, cheap and good enough to get going. When you find its limitations, you can upgrade or modify your way out without feeling like you wasted money on the standard equipment. And if all you want to do is potter around enjoying the scenery, it will just keep going.
@@BrakeMagazine I guess so. For me, the Land Rover has always been overpriced given it needs to be modified, where the Hilux was cheaper and good enough. But yeah, both have got softer and techier in a way the CRF hasn't. That goes with what you were saying- both an advantage and a liability.
In Spain with mine right now, completely modified AS luggage racks and full K-Tech suspension etc, the bike stands me at about 9.5k so when done its really not a cheap bike, completely honest its been horrible on the main roads from Santander to Malaga, but its great on the trails now I'm down here, definitely not powerful enough for continuesly keeping up with motorway traffic (fact) Would much sooner be riding home on my T7 But it's hard not to like the little bike, it does everything you throw at it and never brakes 😂
Thoughtful review Lel thanks. Some of the negative comments about this bike I think missed what you’re saying. There are many credible reviewers globally who have reviewed this bike & discussed its limitations but also highlighted what it does well within them, as well as mods available to extend the limits. Not a bike I’m attracted to but can’t ignore its popularity, I see many of them here on the trail in Oz, ridden by a variety of riders, including older riders wanting a lighter reliable off road adv bike that’ll take them where they want to go
Very good video I completely agree! I bought mine from a Honda shop 3 hours away, and got them to do the suspension before I even picked it up. I'm surprised they're still selling it with the shit suspension in it. I use mine mainly for fishing trips and just came back from a 400km round trip, it's definitely a solid bike and for someone like me I can't justify buying a more performance orientated bike at my skill level. I also don't want anything heavier, maybe if I was touring a bit further, also I've just ordered a new seat because my ass isn't doing to well 🤣
great video. I am curious about your height and weight as it would give a much better idea about what you are saying regarding the suspension. Seems like it could just use springs and I assume re valved or maybe the shocks are not serviceable and need replaced.
Paul from Australia, in stock form I agree ☝️ with most of your comments, BUT with a few mods Like Suspension upgrades, full FMF system, airbox mod and remapped ECU - you will gain around 5hp and it becomes a fantastic bike in the bush ( and yes adjustable levers ) So it because a great lightweight ADV or dual sport .
I totally agree that it's easy to see how this bike can change and that's why I think it's so Land Rover esque. Those upgrades easily amount to a 30% increase in the cost of the bike and then it's a supremely different prospect. :)
@@BrakeMagazine for comfort and drive quality the early discoveries were a heck of an improvement, Still I fancy a defender 110, if only because it will out live me 😅
Brilliant review an it’s nice to see someone mention the suspension I can Chime in having bought a 300 Rally an a lot of the rivals, as well as 1200gsa’s ex iom tt race bikes and lots of other stuff. The story begins as many with ready to race or in my mind now ready to break, 2x ktm390 advs brand new rejected at 147 an 269 miles riddled with major issues Ktm didn’t want to help eventually the dealer did the right thing as i knew the law, Then we lead onto a Himalayan a simple bike right surely no issues 500 miles on an the dealers phoning me admitting the issues shouldn’t have happened they couldn’t get the parts to fix it an we are back with another refund 🙃 luckily we only bought the 1 this time. That went for the Honda 300 Rally total reliability was actually able to go out do some green laning which I wanted to try never came off it or dropped it just super managable an a great weight I wish it had come with a bit more bottom end but that’s Nick picking an I ride a 1927 Norton 500cc on my other channel so used to torquey singles. It also suprised me on the road was a super nice place to be smooth gearbox good brakes worked well on a 10 hour day an most of all never let me down, I bought a rally raid level 1 shock which worked a treat an kept the seat height, speaking of seats I wish Honda had put something comfier on, When I decided green laning wasn’t for me the Honda 300 Rally went for a 1150GSA total bucket list bike. That got joined by a T7 for motivation for my dad through his stage 3b/4 prostate cancer treatment the T7 didn’t work out for him I went green laning on it a few times then sold it for a Honda Nx500. Which has been the absolutely perfect fit does what a Honda does that perfect evolution of design that leads to dependability reliability and something that doesn’t shake you to bits. Sometimes I think it’s the unassuming bikes that don’t necessarily get the fan fare that make the best purchases im just about to sell my 1150gsa for a 2nd nx500 instead of a transalp as there’s a few advantages to the nx500 Terrific fuel economy means more riding, tubeless, super manageable, great price and the insurance is sensible unlike the transalp. I think it’s all about just finding the right fit for your riding environment but I prioritise reliability above all else nowadays I’ve been there with bikes jammed in a dealers workshop waiting warranty work or parts. So been really enjoying the Honda experience after 40 bikes if i was green laning the Honda would be very high up my list an same if I couldn’t manage the weight of a twin an wanted something light. Sort the suspension, etc an it’s a different proposition I just wish Honda would make the plastics outta something better a friends dropped his a they are not cheap to fix on those belly pan sections. I do wish they would fit HISS as well as the insurance has jumped on them a bit when I looked at another.
As a pretty heavily modded CRF250L owner, I agree with everything you said. I love my bike and it will get me beyond where my current skill set will take me, but there definitely are some areas where she struggles. Tighter technical stuff is pretty awkward as 1st gear is too slow but in 2nd, it wants to rev higher than you'd like it too. I'm working on clutch control but even then, the 4-,5000 rpm range feels awkward and "stally". Bigger climbs require commitment and a lot of throttle, which can be intimidating, and your comments on holding your intended line are spot on. My biggest take-away after riding some enduro events on it, is that it lacks "corrective power" to get you out of trouble. On the upside, it's not out to kill you either, although I found getting in trouble is still very easy.😅
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks man! It was great to see a review about it pop up on your channel and you confirmed my main concern, that I’ll have to relearn some skills after moving on to another motorcycle. Thankfully I still have some kilometers on this bike to go before then though.
I have the 250L Rally and I'm debating on upgrading to the 300L Rally because of the extra couple horses and also to shave off an extra 50lbs. I've been looking hard at the Yamaha Tenere because it seems far more capable and equally reliable. I find the Rally lacks torque and isn't great for highway riding. It does the job but overtaking is nearly impossible unless you have a long stretch of road. What upgrades would you recommend to get the most out of this little workhorse?
My Rally has done the TAT, Trails with South Wales TRF, Some tough lanes in Cornwall. Went to Zagora in Morocco last year and is going again in a month. However its got Ktech front and rear and a UniFilter air filter. Trackers or Maxxis Maxxcross IT mediums are my tyres of choice. Ive not ridden a stock one. But with a few mods it becomes very capable. I am tempted to fit the 550 Performance 301cc kit to get some more performance from it. A good solid bike and capable imo
I'd describe the stock highway handlling as terrifying. At 100kmh the constant headshake and unintended line changes made the ride a white knuckle experience. Changing the rear shock to a YSS piggyback fixed it. I've modded my rally quite a lot and, for me it does everything well. My biggest complaint now are the dash buttons, which I find completely unusable.
I have had the older 250 version for a few months as my first off-road bike. Really love it so far. I love it for all the reasons you mention in the video but i am also intereated what bikes you do think are entry level and help you build skilla tgat would directly to bigger bikes and help folks grow as off-road riders. Next weeks video?
Hi. So using your term "access tool", which other similar bikes are better in your opinion? Just name 2 or 3 that are in the ballpark price wise and current new models? Regards.
I'm not sure I agree with that. You don't have to ride it fast to find the limit of the suspension. It doesn't means it's a bad bike, it's just a limit the bike has.
$900 US and she’s all fixed up, front and rear.. I got the bike cheap enough, so it didn’t bother me to shell out the $900 to make it perfect, for me. Now I just have to do it to my new 300l, that was almost two grand less because I bought it slightly used.
It's really on my radar as I am missing so much the off road feeling occasionally and have the feeling that CRF can compliment so good any mid-size adventure bike. At the end of the day it's all about the percentage of dirt that a person is doing...if it's 50/50 I would be very biased towards something like CFMoto 450 MT or Himalayan 452...same price, more weight but much more travel ready than the little Honda. Definitely your honest and out-of-the-box opinion and review about them would be highly appreciated.
On the Kriega OS Base with bags: Got the system on a T7. Find it very very fiddly to only get the bags off and leave the OS base on the bike. Any solutions for that?
Top video! Congratulations! Really nice review of that sweet “little” dual sport motorcycle that offers so much! The CRF300 Rally “Rather than thinking of it a beginner bike think of it as an access tool” and “The superb memories that come with that” Top comments👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🍻🍻 Gives to me “goosebumps”!
See when you get “experienced” RE old, size and price and power just doesn’t matter anymore. I prescribed myself this bike and although it’s boring with the usual upgrades it suits me perfectly for commuting and a little rock-hopping on the weekend. And unlike my defender it is reliable and cheap to own.
I've had one of these flipped over my (tall) head when I took it from its owner for a very difficult hill climb. Nothing broke, not even the windscreen! In another occasion the bike was dropped from a lifted RAM pickup truck we carried our bikes with and again nothing broke. If I ever saw a motorcycle that doesn't need crash bars, aside the MX and Enduro bikes, is this one.
I had the 250 version in 2020 for a few months before it was stolen. I recently added a small capacity dual sport style bike to my now 2 bike stable but did not go with the Honda partly due to increased height of the newer version, I actually opted for the himi 452
I've been leaning toward one of these as a first bike, with plans to move up to a larger ADV in a few years. I'd be doing quite a bit of gravel riding, mostly easier stuff (logging roads etc.) but I'll have to ride 30+ minutes on pavement to get to some of it. I'm curious what you'd suggest as an alternative.
Interesting perspective. So, if this bike is not the best bike for a beginner who wants to learn proper technique, which bike would be? That I would really like to hear your opinion about. Himalayan 450? CFMoto 450MT? Or...?
its the perfect adventure bike , i rode from the UK to spain , motorway , back roads , tet and the act across the pyrness , just 10 more bhp and it would be brill 🙃
Hey everyone! I made a small mistake and rushed the video out. You'll notice a couple of errors in it, including a missing sponsor Logo. This video was made possible by the awesome folk at Kriega. if you're interested in the luggage or any other stuff we use, you can find links in the description of the video. Thanks for watching 🙌
the track is whimsical. Lol nice turn of phrase
That last line was a bit weird, but OK. You have tried to be as unbiased as possible and even after saying that you prefer big ADV bikes to small or light ADV bikes I appreciate the time you took to ride the bike and make a video about it. After 105000kms, riding from Spain to Turkey with a mix of TET and tarmac sections I can tell you this bike creates memories. It won't break, and it won't let you down. For Goodness sake I forgot to change the oil and I did it in Spain after 21000kms and the engine didn't loose oil, it was just dirty. This is a farmer bike, or a Defender, the comparison is great. Most of my friends say the bike lacks power, but I am always in front, and no we don't go slow. True the bike is shit at suspension, but for low riders (something you didn't mention) like me this is a great bike. I have riden most of Spain TET with it and there has only been a few occasions where I have told myself "I can't do this" Tis' not a bike to ride a rally but a bike to enjoy outdoors and the beauty the world has to show.
It sounds like we’re on exactly the same page 📃 😀
Top comment man! LIKE at “create memories” and “the beauty the world has to show”! Just bought one and i am trying to break it in. TET in Greece and Turkey within the horizon! Take care!
Great summary!
@@ducaticyprus3289 those two countries have so many places to visit and enjoy. 😃
@@BrakeMagazine yeah we are! 😃🙌🏼
I hate the term "beginner bikes" right up there with "women's bikes." My riding career went from upper midsize to large displacement bikes, then down to smaller displacement and then lower midsize. Nowadays, I find 300 to 500 cc to be the sweet spot. Bikes this size are fast enough, light enough, cheap enough, etc. I've had liter-plus size bikes, and at the end of the day, they all feel like pigs, especially off-road! I think the concept that many people have that proper motorcycling starts at 700 engine size does a disservice to the motorcycling community in general, as they're generally not affable, approachable, affordable bikes. And then people complain that the young aren't getting into motorcycling! We should all embrace lighter bikes. There are some great ones! Thanks for the honest review of the CRF300 Rally that dispenses with calling it a beginner's bike.
100%
I agree looking forward to what ktm does with the 390 adventure r/enduro r they have announced
Land Rover: notoriously unreliable.
Honda: ridiculously reliable.
Perhaps not the best analogy?
Thats just one aspect of the comparison, but also the 300 isn’t the most reliable. It’s notorious for clutch problems.
I've seen countless (little) problems and some rebuilds for all the usual suspects who have owned the 250/300 for more than a few months...it's funny how the initial impression people have is the one they tend to hold, no matter what actually happens. Reliability seems to be mostly a subconscious thing these days!
I think you've missed the point.
@@nomading_in You'd have to abuse and neglect this bike to a ridiculous level for it to need a rebuild or run into a bigger issue, at that point the problem is the user and they are probably the type of person who could make an anvil malfunction.
@@OriginalUsername9000 the components are cheap, and its a single cylinder. People talk as if all Honda's are godlike every lasting bikes, but really they have owners who love them / look after them, and are willing to keep them on the road by doing big maintenance jobs when they need to...which is mostly comparable to most other bikes/brands out there. Not to drag anyone into the argument, but lightweightadventurer is having an epic time over in South America on his...but yes, its been to bits and back again, and currently he's having an overheating issue...such is life. I'm not hating on Honda, I'm just saying its just a bike and that's the reality. Beyond that everyones just caught up on their own perceptions of these things.
my 2022 300Rally has been fantastic for 17k miles so far. No issues with suspension, no issue with the stock seat, no issues period. I ride Sun, Rain, Snow and everything in between and it is perfectly fine. I can cruise 75-80mph all day on the highway or hop on the trails and ride it hard for 12hrs straight. It really is the perfect little bike
80mph all day. I rode one a these......................are you sure? Wat if there's a hill or wind?
@@bradsanders6954 then it slows down to 75mph. But it still will EASILY do those long highway miles without a complaint. But I did do 80mph for 7hrs on the highway last week.
@@cptpackrat1 I can confirm that the motor is capable of doing what you are claiming, but why? I bet your right leg was about melted off after 10 mins at that rpm…you’re claiming you ran at 8000 +/- rpm for hours on end? Impressive to say the least.
@@cptpackrat1yea, and saying this bike easily does 75-80 mph is…false. The bike will in fact do 75-80 mph, yes, you are right, however, in order to do over 70 on this thing, I’m using every bit of power the motor can squeeze out, and that means staying in the power curve which is above 5000 rpm at that given speed…so to say this bike easily does 75-80 isn’t true. You have to keep the bike WOT to stay above 75 and that’s about all the little 300 can squeeze out. “Easily” do 75-80 mph is incorrect.
@@Seveneleven44 i did indeed do it from eastern Nebraska to western South Dakota and then back. No issues with heat. Yeah, gets a little warm, but not an issue. Bike didn't care at all. I will be doing the same trip +200 extra miles here in a few weeks to earn my Iron Butt Certification.
My wife and I have one of these each. We have swapped out the rear suspension for YSS and have swapped out the ECU for a 550 stage one ECUs, to get away from that fuel cut-off issue. Add lower crash bars, a rack on the back. We pretty much sit down for most of our riding. Cheers, from Australia.
Hi I'm from Aus as well, just wondering which YSS shock you used, I've heard mixed reviews , as there are a few versions. I'm about 90kg with riding gear on. Cheers .
@@jethrowingnut13 No worries. We've replaced one rear shock with an MZ456-415TR emulsion shock, the least expensive of the three options from YSS. The other one is due today or tomorrow. This first shock is rated 80-95kg. The spring has "80" on it, from memory. We've found this is ideal for my wife at 70kg (I'm 88kg). We started with the preload nut 1.350" or 34.3mm from the top of the shoulder and then went another 10 full turns down, measuring as we went to get static sag of 10.4% and rider sag 32.6% for her while for me it's 35.8%. Static sag is usually 10-15% and rider sag 30-35%, you probably know, so it's does seem better suited to her than me Add 10kg of other crap to carry, tools and other things, and this becomes 37% and 40%. Add another 10kg of camping gear and it's 41% and 43%.
All that aside, it has stopped the whole pogo stick sensation the factory bike has. That's been shit. I never liked it.
The other new shock arriving today or tomorrow is the same MZ456 but rated for 95-110kg rider. I expect this to be ideal for me, but we'll see. For $875 each delivered it's a lot to spend for on a $9k bike, but without doing this it's the sort of bike I could not tolerate as it came from the factory. That and the fuel cut-off both crapped me to tears, but you don't know these things when you are buying the first bikes to arrive and before any user reviews come out. The two main flaws of this bike (as I see it) have been resolved with the YSS shock and the 550 ecu.
We are two oldies doing easy rides. If you're going to give it the beans on very harsh terrain, the emulsion shock might fade and die for you once it gets too hot or if it gets cooked, then it's rooted. No warranty well help if it's cooked like that. You might have to consider the MG456 options for that style of riding. Hope this helps.
@@Michael_Mears Hey Michael, thank you for the awesome feed back, this is very informative and will help me make my decision. I wonder if your shock would handle hours of corrugated road, or it would cook it as you said. I'm 64 so by no means hard core anymore. Cheers again for the detailed info, Greatly appreciated. Apparently theres a mob is Queensland MPE suspension, that mod the stock shock, but I'm a bit cautious of sending stuff like this in the mail. Anyway thanks again great info. 👍
@@jethrowingnut13 Hey, thanks for the MPE reference. I didn't know anything about them. Might be something to consider if we do the front forks. Yeah...hours on corrugated road is the kiss of death for these things. I'm making up a clamp-on digital temp gauge for the shock body. I'm going to keep an eye on it. I'll put another reply in here when the other shock has been installed and we've given both bikes a test. Probably after the weekend. Take it easy.
@@Michael_Mears OK. Thanks heaps for that. I'll be interested how they go. Ride safe.
I know people with the little 300 Rally, have done a fair few tours and TET riding in Europe with them. It's a great bike. It really is a 'Jack-of-all-trades'. It does everything competently enough to get the job done. As an 'adventure' platform, it just needs a few tweaks that will make a massive difference (e.g. suspension). But as a dependable, light, reliable, go-anywhere bike, i reckon it's one of the best you can spend your own money on. Everyone i know that has one, totally loves them. I'd say it's less Land Rover Defender and more Suzuki Jimny....i.e., capable of embarrassing the 'big boys' at their own game...
I can get on board with that. I hope it's as loved in 20 years as the old XR's are!
I put Rally Raid Level 1 suspension, Graves exhaust, and 550 ECU on my 300 Rally and this thing can actually rip quite well now. It can also do gnarly two track well now. For me as a 82kg rider it's an absolute unicorn bike for adventure riding.
Good points. I have the 250 version, 75000 Kms, no issues. Cheers from a 59 year old rider with a hip replacement 😊
Yes! That’s why it’s a brilliant bike 👌
75K !!!😮 impressive 👍
I did the suspension on mine. It makes it into a completely different bike. On and off road. I did the NC500 on mine from south Wales without a problem. And I'm not a small person. I've had big bikes and fast bikes. This is just cheap easy fun.
I can 100% believe it’s a different experience with some mods
Spot on, good honest review. Had mine for nearly 3 years now, coming from a 950 Adventure previously I did miss the power,🎉 and its specs wont blow you away, after a year I considered swapping but... the Rally is cheap to run, service, fun and easy to modify/upgrade, you can drop it, ride it most places, smash it, crash it, bash it and the little beast will still love you for it, I still cant think of a better all rounder for me- the T7 has been tried -maybe that is better on the black top but for my skill level on the technical tricky bits of off road the CRF matches me and doesn't throw me off very often 😅
CRF300L is my favourite bike
Take it green laneing, take it down the motorway, it'll do 70mph all day, and still smash the trails
Needs better suspension if you're heavy.
And that 90-100 MPG helps
Absolutely. I can totally see why!
It will do 70mph all day? 😲🙀Like every bike 125cc?
@HypeRapEnjoyer No, a 125 really struggles to do 70mph. Unless it's off a cliff 🤣
Even I was surprised how capable the 300 is.
Unless Honda remakes a really good CRF450/500, you'll have to prize this bike out of my cold, dead hands 🤣
@@Darren_71 Yeah I forgot the "+", above 125cc should do it 😀
lol, I’m as skinny and light as it gets [187 cm, 60 kg weight], and the CRF suspension was just dreadful when I tried it. Dreadful. The front was diving like Premier League players. And I could close it without even trying. I honestly don’t know who this bike is for. Girls, maybe.
Love my 300 Rally. I picked one up after spending something like 750kms on one in Costa Rica last spring. While most of that ride was on pavement, as you mentioned I was really pleasantly surprised with how well the bike handled on pavement, and enjoyed its balance on the mellow gravel sections I rode as well. You can't beat its fuel efficiency (~75mpg/35kms/L) and range (~250miles/400kms) on a single 3.5 gal tank. I've had my personal bike on some really hairy/rocky stuff in Colorado (Poughkeepsie Gulch) where a larger bike would've been eaten for breakfast. Even my buddy on his KTM exc 500 struggled because with all of the power that bike has he kept spinning his rear wheel on the lose rock losing traction where my soft suspension and mellow power delivery allowed me to "bounce" my way up the steep, loose climb to the top of the gulch. I disagree that the bike isn't great for riding standing up. It has incredible low speed balance, and I think any vagueness while standing can be blamed on the admittedly too soft suspension. Right now my bike sits in stock form and I'm very happy with it. However, I am planning to upgrade the suspension a bit, but I don't want to go too stiff as that soft, spongy suspension really comes in handy in super technical terrain where you're just crawling along at minimal speed. It allows the tires to remain in contact with the terrain thereby maintaining traction. Something you don't have if your tire bounces off the earth because your suspension is too stiff. I love how you describe the bike as an "access tool" or "key" that will unlock the world of adventure riding. That is exactly why I bought mine and I've been very very happy with it. Great review!!
I picked up the 300L Rally in June this year. I've put 2200 miles on it, including 2 moto-camping trips, mostly offroad. I only started riding last year and I find the Rally to be just perfect for my skillset and riding style. I know it can do more, if I need it to, and I'm excited about growing into it. It's light enough that I can pick it up by myself when I drop it. For dirt roads, 2-track, some chunk, and 2-lane highways, I think it's a great choice. I do plan to upgrade the suspension, levers, and bars.
I got my license in March, bought a used and set up 300 Rally in late March. It opened the door for me to begin my adventure-riding dream. I have about 4k on the bike since I purchased it and have fallen in love with riding all the forest roads and gravel we have here in the Mid-Atlantic. I'm Currently trying to decide on what I'm buying next. Tuareg 660, Vstrom 800DE, T7. Either way, I will keep the Rally as I have had so much fun on it
This is exactly how I envision this bike being used 🙏🙏
@erikellett78 I have a 2021 CRF300L that I've logged ~12k miles on. I recently purchased a 2019 Africa Twin base and I absolutely love it! The Vstrom 800DE was on my short list, but the 2019 Africa Twin was more aligned with my budget. All the best on your journey.
Tuareg 660 or CFMoto Ibek 450...cause I want to hear what another Rally owner thinks but the 660 is the one I would probably get since I won't be selling my Rally for the Pine Barrens
Tuareg 660 is the jack of all trades
I just heard a Tuareg 450 Rally is in the works. I guess that eliminates the CF Moto. 😅
I've been riding for 40 years, owned 15 or so bikes, some real beasts but one I loved was my 2018 250 Rally. It was quiet, slowish yet cheap and endearing. I now own and Africa Twin 1100 and a KTM 640 lc4 but still sing the praises of the little Honda Rally. I sold it to a bloke who rode it around Australia...a full lap of Oz. Reliable as a second hand axe
I completely agree. It's a bike to be cherished
Had a CRF250 for many years, which I envision as being similar to the 300 - reliable, fun, capable and predictable off road. After the CRF250, I bought a T7 and rode it on BDRs through the US west. Then downsized to the 300’s big brother (or maybe cousin) - the CRF450RL, which is a beast on road and off, but I imagine shares some of the characteristics as the CRF300.
I love it. I mean the bike and your take on it. So true and absolutely brilliant. Instantly changed the way I look at my CRF - not trying to pretend it’s something it is not anymore. But still- it’s such a lovely little bike. Thank you 😊
It is lovely. I really enjoy riding it 😂
Swap the suspension, take out all the emissions restrictions and tune ECU, change tires and the bike is a completely different animal. I know it's a lot of money to put on a bike like this but if you want a hooligan that will also get you around the world in any terrain this is a fantastic bike if you do some pretty serious mods to it..
Hi i have one,what "emissions restrictions" did you remove Thanks
@@nickg2431he’s talking about the exhaust, that’s it. It doesn’t take any “serious” mods to make it a whole lot better. You can remove the charcoal canister, but that’s just a weight savings. There is no emissions to remove, actually, you can drill the stock exhaust out, which is what I during my stock improved build. I switched the exhaust out later when I did the stage 1 ECU mods., and air box mod.
Probably also means the air filter and intake mod too even though it's not as obvious for "emissions". It's pretty easy and cheap and necessary for the upgraded exhaust.
I love the review! I own a CRF 300L with basic suspension upgrades and have been exploring alternatives that can almost keep up with enduro bikes off-road (soft enduro) while still handling decently on the road. So far, I've ridden the AJP PR7 and KTM 690 Adventure.
After riding those, the CRF feels like a toy, especially compared to the bigger AJP. The power, chassis, and suspension of both the AJP and KTM are far superior, even with the upgrades on the CRF. Components like the handlebars, foot pegs, pedals, and tank feel more premium, almost like aftermarket parts I'd choose for any bike. In comparison, the Honda's parts feel basic. I'd rule out the CRF if you're not a reliability maniac, are willing to spend double the budget, want to overtake at 120 km/h or more, come from a strong enduro background, like riding very fast off-road, or are taller than 180 cm and strong.
That said, the CRF has the advantage of being significantly lighter, which makes it much easier to handle in tight or technical terrain compared to the heavier KTM or AJP. Both the KTM and AJP push you to ride faster to enjoy them, which can be tiring over long rides, and they can feel a bit cumbersome in tighter spaces. The Honda is easier and more comfortable when taking it easy. With upgraded suspension, you can push it hard, and on less demanding terrain, it can almost keep up with the AJP or KTM. Plus, there's more thrill in working harder with the Honda to match their pace.
I'm not planning to switch just yet, but if Honda ever made a PR7 or 690 equivalent, I'd seriously consider it.
I think you touched on something important here and I’ve covered this in the AJP review we have coming.
Neither the 699 or the AJP are easy bikes to ride in my opinion. They’re very very good, but not easy.
Llewellyn, well said. You've captured the essence of the CRF300L Rally. I've logged ~12,000 miles on my my 2021 CRF300L Rally. It's a great commuter and gravel road adventurer. BTW, I'm on a diet with a goal weight of negative 30 kilos. 🤣🤣
Good luck and thanks ! 😂
Thanks for video and your analogy.
250 Rally is my the first bike ever. I cuold agree on many aspects you touched, however my bike got upgraded suspension, rised handlebar, higher seat and gearing by previous owner. I replaced 50/50 to dirt tires. I am pretty confident and happy. Really do not looking to any bike. I can do everything.
I think some people misunderstood this video. I ride both lightweight enduro competition bikes as well as big adventure bikes and I think people like me will agree with this statement: Honda CRF 300 is good bike for beginners but not beginners bike. Why? It's definitely good for someone looking to start with motorcycle adventure because it's affordable relatively lightweight compared to bigger adventure bikes so this obviously makes it good choice as everywhere talked about. Good offroad? Definitely yes but at the same time not as maneuverable and durable as more expensive competition enduro bikes what makes them much easier to ride, even for beginners. But these bikes are definitely not as good for adventure as crf (I personally use ktm 500 exc-f for lightweight adventure and crf will be much better in some aspects). Is crf good on road? Definitely yes. But don't expect same road comfort as with bigger and again more expensive adventure bikes which are far less capable offroad especially in hands of beginners. Conclusion: CRF 300 is good beginners bike as they can find themselves on their adventure journey and at the same time CRF 300 is not beginners bike because it fits many experienced riders needs.
I have one, have done 12000 miles mostly off road around Salisbury plain, stock suspension is fine for intermediate stuff, I weigh over 100kg and absolutely love it. New bars and levers only mods.
Exactly!!
After a simple swap to a better rear suspension the little red rooster is just the bike for me! As you mention in your review, it’ll get you from a to b, and it’ll do it without any problems. You might not be first to the next traffic light, but you’ll still be a happy man when you pick up the bike for the tenth time on a ride.
Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Great review. I’ve had many bikes. And only owning this one for a few rides understand exactly what you are talking about. It’s about getting to your destination. This bike will do as well as others. It’s just how you get there. I believe it will fit my needs. And yes I’ll be addressing the suspension.
Great video! I’ve had similar impressions of this bike - including its desire to be ridden while seated and the suspension that worked well if you plan your bounces properly - but you articulated it in such a genius fashion. It’s really unique how much thought you put in your videos!
Thanks for the kind words 🙏
We rode the CRF250/300 in Northern Thailand for 10 days in 2019. They were setup for the Enduro type Experience & I found them a very easy to ride bike. Low seat height, Soft power that allowed for traction in conditions that you would struggle to walk in & the little bike just kept going even at very low speeds. If it was my personal bike, I would invest in a serious suspension upgrade but You can go almost anywhere & it doesn't cost alot of money.
Just sold my '23 model cause I needed the money for something else. But I am very likely going to buy the same bike again very soon. It would be my perfect bike if Honda increased the engine to atleast a 450cc tho.
Like defenders I feel a lot of people modify their CRF250L/300Ls it’d be interesting to see what you make of a bike modified with aftermarket suspension, taller bars, hand guards etc all the stuff that most people seem to do. I never got round to modifying mine that way but suspension upgrades are expensive when maybe a different bike would be the better answer.
I have one for two years and have upgraded plenty on it. This is a great videos. Well thought out 👍
I agree with most of what you said in the video, but not the title.
Yesterday, me and 2 mates arrived back in Plymouth after 7 days on the ACT and TET in Andorra and Spain. Two of us were on 790r's, the third guy was on a 300 Rally - all fully loaded with camping gear, cooking gear and the added extras to make life a little more comfortable. The guy on the 300 Rally only passed his test 2 months ago, having never ridden a motorbike before. He's around 6'6'' but doesn't weigh much at all. Straight out of the box he improved the suspension (on the advice of the other guy on the 790 who had previously had the 250 Rally), added crash bars and a decent bash plate.
Straight off the boat we road 4hrs of road, then the next morning another 4hrs of road, getting us to Andorra to start the ride back over the Pyrenees. The 300 Rally performed perfectly. On the trails, the bike 'allowed' him to make mistake that would have otherwise (on a 790 certainly) resulted in the bike hanging from a tree. The conditions were a mix of dry, wet, wet and muddy, and all out monsoon.
As a new rider, he doesn't know how a bike is supposed to feel (just the same as an amateur tennis player doesn't know when their strings are too loose/tight). The bike did allow him to make mistakes, without punishing him too much at all, even on the stock tyres. On something more powerful, I think he would have taken more of a beating. Maybe that's the difference between someone with lots of experience (especially across multiple bikes) and with a finer understanding of how a machine needs to perform. Post ride, and watching a beginner over the last week in some pretty testing conditions, I think I'd say it probably is a beginner bike.
I think the title is still accurate. The point here with the title is that I don't think it is a beginner bike. I don't think it's only for beginners, I don't think it's bike that you will learn great foundations on, it's a bike that will let a beginner have a great time and those are not the same thing, not for me at least. Beginner friendly, but not beginner specific.
I think it's a great bike to give you access, but it's a bad bike for helping you learn control. It's nuanced. This is UA-cam. Thumbnails and titles are there to create intrigue. That's the job sorry 😅
Your description of this bike as a farm bike and everything you said about riding it as such is both accurate and matches exactly how I like to ride and have done for 50 years. I well understand the reasons for and benefits of standing on the foot-pegs to control the bike in poor conditions but for me seeking out those worst possible conditions is not my thing. The 6 gears on this bike with a top gear that can do highway speeds without stressing the engine {100 to 110 kph is the fastest legal speeds in my country} and a 1st gear so low that you should never have to slip the clutch is exactly what I require and enjoy. So apart from the overly soft suspension; a seat not perfect for me as new; and a fuel tank still too small I think it is a wonderful bike. By the end of your video I believe you actually summed up the bike better than many people do. It is certainly a great starting point for anyone who loves it enough to improve on the things they need to make it exactly what they want. Perhaps in the end that may mean that when your finished with the changes another bike might have been better from the factory and prove a little cheaper to buy {with the factory bike having those better components}; but this Honda is still a great bike overall. My one complaint is I wish the engine was a true 300cc. Why? Because I always had a love for the 350 even though back then they were almost as heavy as a 500; but if we have to remain below 350 cc to maintain a light bike I wish they could have actually made it 300cc instead of 286cc and lying to us calling it 300 when it falls more than 1 or 2 cc short of that size. Perhaps it would not perform much better but it could not hurt. Thanks for a very accurate summation of this bike.
As an owner of both a 300 Rally and a '96 Defender, this assessment is dead on. Both benefit greatly from suspension upgrades. Nice video! ❤
Finally some on that agrees 😂
@@BrakeMagazine Both have weird ergos for tall people. Both are underpowered but have enough torque where it counts that it doesn't really matter that much; you will get there. Both cheap out on parts in really weird places to cut overall costs. And most importantly both are somehow simultaneously underwhelming and satisfying if you know what you want out of them.
I like my little red defender though it's a modded L. Not Rally. I take it all the places I don't want to bust up, drop, or get stuck eith my T7. And I take it 90% of where I take my enduro. Ultra versatile.
Yes!
Another T7 and modded 300L owner here - I use it in the same way, like a proper all round dual-purpose go everywhere bike.
Brilliant witty informative review. Thanks!!
You nailed it. It is and it isn't a beginner bike, I recently bought this bike and love it. I'm 64 years old, Been riding since I was 12. Raced enduro during late 1970's and early 80s. So not a beginner. I've still got my T7 but if I'm heading to the dirt, now, I take this bike, it's just so much fun. I feel the beginner bike label this bike has made it harder for us to get over our ego, and buy one of these. It's a fantastic bike better than I was expecting, I will be doing something about the suspension though.Cheers for the Clarification review, I hope more will get this bike. BTW, I did a review on my channel as well, to help get the word out. Cheers. 👍
Exactly. That shift in thinking is pretty important for putting ego to one side ☺️
Nobody seems to know that you can go with a 42T sprocket on the rear and gain a bunch of much welcomed low end torque without sacrificing any top end. Even keep the stock chain if you choose. My bike topped out at 81mph in stock form, and Because I flashed the ECU, it still tops out at 81mph. But even without the ECU flash, you will only lose 1-2mph with the 42T sprocket. See Woodsmans Adventure channel to verify. He has the 42T on a purely stock bike. I did a suspension swap on my Rally front and rear for less than $900US. Now I have to do it to my new used 300l.
I think this is the no1 recommended mod.
I had a friend that lived on a ranch that wanted to start riding motorcycles. I recommended a KD 100 that I saw at the local dealership. Quiet and oil injection. He liked it for a while, but then after riding together one weekend he rode my YZ 80. He bought it off me, but I am still surprised that he preferred a noisy race bike - although better suspension and more power.
I think his progression was the same as mine when you start using up travel - although you develop compensatory skills. I got a full size bike after the YZ. It must be quite different for people coming from non-ag backgrounds to find a horse for the course.
Good review. Here in the States i have done easy Backcountry Discovery Routes to enduro tracks with it. I would agree, it is not a beginners bike. But i like to wrench and progressively have made it a very capable dual sport. RaceTech full suspension, exhaust and ECU flash., better levers, ADV bars, etc. When i got the bike getting the front wheel up was nearly impossible. After mods i nearly looped it. Money? Yep. But mods are part of the game for me. I bought the 300L Rally right when they came out in 2020. Didn't do all the mods at once. After many drops and crashes i still pick it up, hit the switch and go.
Sounds like an awesome bike you’ve built 🙏
Tried it at the dealership. For someone like Noraly Itchyboots its probably perfect. For a dude 6'2 and over 200 lbs, it's nowhere near good enough when stock. I asked about suspension and Honda mechanic shook his head. He said that EVERYONE swaps it then and there, before even leaving the dealership and Honda STILL uses it.
Itchyboots barely rides her own bike and gets guys to fix her bike for her
I duno man, I'm 5'11 and 210 ish lb. Still on stock suspension and rip the bike pretty hard. Is it soft? Yeah a bit, do you get used to it and does it still rip? Absolutely. Its not a desert slayer by any means but the wooded trails I ride it's honestly more than enough
@@Crnlconnychungagreed. I’m 6’2” and ride it just like my 450RL by doing whatever I want on it.
Any mention of Itchy Boots = your comment means nothing. Stop simping.
@@clvrswine lol
I've had this bike for 2 years I love the bike and I think this was a very fair review :)
Your observations are spot-on. I bought a used CRF 300 L (not much plastics, lighter) this spring which has a better rear shock. But it still is a kind of traditional enduro bike, you call that farmer's bike. Which wants you to sit more than stand on the pegs. It's not a demanding and precise sportsbike at all. But the we don't have the terrain for that in Bavaria. The good thing: It's dead easy to ride and forgiving With a middleweight enduro you have to think before entering unknown terrain - will I get out again? With the CRF you just ride and get out of difficult situations without spending too much physical energy. Happy days, Günter/Nürnberg
Exactly!
OK… what’s weird is that I’ve just watched this as an owner of a Defender 90 (only car) and a CRF300 Rally (with upgraded suspension and better handlebars). It’s like you were talking about my life 😂. Another 59 year old, I’m lucky to have a collection of classic bikes, but the Rally is my ‘everyday, do anything, whatever the weather’ bike, which I’ve owned since March ‘21 and never regretted it. It kinda reminds me of classic two-strokes; if you’re in the right gear it’s rewarding, wrong gear and Aargh! Oh, and the best part of 90 mpg most days. Enjoyed the vid - thanks!
Great lightweight adventure bike almost in a category of its own. Used the enduro for laning and the 250L for TET trips 👌🏼👌🏼
Suspension is shocking but comfortable.
Not sure I heard you mention fuel economy? I watched a guy crossed the Simpson and only used 21 litres whereas the DR’s carry over 40.
Moving to Thailand next month and my first purchase will be a 300Rally as they’re screaming cheap over there where they are built around £3700 🇹🇭
versys 300 rider here, lots of parallels but less costume on the versys, it doesn't pretend to be a higher performance machine it simply cant. but still more happy that i chose it over the honda especially after being able to ride more similar machines since purchasing it and putting on loads of miles and mini adventures.
I put about 10,000 miles on my 2018 CRF250L Rally, including multiple days of 250-375 miles of light touring, before realizing I rarely ever actually took it on dirt and "upgrading" to a Kawasaki Versys 650LT.
Hot take: I liked the CRF more, minus the lower fuel capacity and poor mileage much over 65 mph (an issue the 300L partially resolves with an extra couple liters of fuel and a much taller 6th gear). Better ergos, more character.
That was a very well put together piece I've been riding 50 years and at least I got a lot of good out of what you're talking about in comparison to other know-it-alls that seemed to think oh this is a beginner's bike or this is that or this is that nice to see someone that knows a lot about motorcycling can nail it the first time all the time thank you very much for video.
Love the fact you always treat bike in Portugal, right by my footstep :)
Great video as usual!
Glad you enjoy it!
I think light & nimble is the way to go on the trail
Love my 300L but it can't ride interstate speeds here in Arizona. Highways are 65mph and interstate routes are 75mph. Which it "can" do but only down hill or on flat ground. The moment I hit one of many 7% grades, game over. I had to get a T7 for adventure riding away from home. I will slightly agree, after replacing the suspension on the 300L. The 300L is definitely a great dual sport bike and is very capable off road but barely powerful enough to use on the road safely.
I think the performance of the bike really varies depending on the build of the rider. I have a '24 300L, and I daily it to work and use it for light trail riding, and I can easily get the bike to 80mph, (I've gotten it up to 90mph a few times), but I think that's due to the fact that I'm 5'7 at 160lbs.... So for me it's great, even for highway speeds. All that said, it would be nice if it had a bit more top end speed, even if just to keep the vibrations down
5 year owner of crf250l rally. Goes anywhere the expensive bikes go but lacks highway speed. I have lots of videos posted showing the bikes capability.
Bought a CRF250 Rally 7 years ago as a beginner bike..have now ridden through alot of South Oz from beaches to deserts.
what would you recommend as a first adventure bike? doing 50:50 on/off road
Depends what you’re planning to do with it. Probably a CRF 300 L 😂
@@BrakeMagazine 😂 most of my off-road experience so far has been on a crf 300l. Great tool - but that’s it. I’m curious about the 690. And for the more road biased stuff - CF Moto 450 MT.
Awesome review, with nice subtleties and nuances I haven't heard in others.
Much appreciated!
I do love my L (non Rally). Cheap, incredibly versatile, does everything *ok*, lots of fun. I have been riding for 40 years and this is my first off road bike and it's opened a new world for me. I ride it on road nearly every day as well. The Rally was overpriced and not over featured for the price point. I carry extra fuel on a hard point on the rear rack to deal with the one big problem with the L, range anxiety. I do agree with your assessment on the off road capability here, completely. It's a pogo of bolts flying in loose formation. It's a fine fire road bike in the main. The more demanding the OR, the more you finds its limits. Setup for me is risers, Zeta wraparound hand guards, OBM crash cage, rear rack, 30 l soft top bag, extra fuel and a bash plate, -1 sprocket up front.
Sounds perfect.
Would you choose this one over the new Himalayan or the CF Moto 450 MT? Thoughts on this are welcome. Thanks!
It totally depends on what I’m doing. On a personal level I’d take the CF Moto for adventure riding, but that doesn’t mean you should.
I am a big fan of your work and have shared that opinion with many friends. I have a 300 Rally (suspension and ecu upgraded) and a KTM 500 excf (ecu upgraded). Surprisingly, I put 3k miles on the CRF and a third on the KTM. I like the farm analogy with a slight twist. The 300 is an older, well mannered horse that will get you out of trouble. The 500 is a bat sh%t crazy thoroughbred that’s trying to kill you every chance she gets. Both are really fun and have very different reasons for being. Great review, good to see your girlfriend make an appearance.
I own a “sane” thoroughbred but your analogy is spot on!
This is brilliant 😂
Interestingly, or not, the only reason I got into dual sport/adventure riding is because, for a time, neither of my four-legged horses were rideable due to either age or injury. My first motorcycle “trail horse” was/is the Honda 250L Rally. At 57, I found it to be “quiet” and “sane” on the trail. However, I now find myself wanting a bike somewhat like a seasoned, well broke thoroughbred - can still go fast enough but won’t get me in trouble. I’m leaning towards a Transalp, a T7, or an Africa Twin. I think the AT is too big for my 6’, 165lbs body. In the cowboy world there’s a saying: “admire a tall horse - ride a small horse”. I’d consider a KTM 790 adventure but I don’t want another “horse” broken down and unridable.
@@mitchwiebell2785 I have a 15 year old Appaloosa named Breezy. As you probably know, appys are small, sturdy horses. Cowboys, supposedly, loved them for those reasons. If I have to get off unexpectedly, which has happened, its a short drop to the ground. I have a few adventure bikes that are 550 lbs+. They are great for the road and good on less technical trails. When they go over, it’s a real challenge, depending on the conditions (worse in deep sand or steep hill). I am thinking of getting a Aprilia Tuareg 660. Great off and on road and just over 440 lbs. Take a look.
@@lorirussen638 Second horse I rode when learning to ride was an Appaloosa…too much horse but it taught me a lot. I’ve looked really hard at the Taureg. Dealer is only about an hour and a half from me. Lots of people love the bike but I just keep hearing sooo many people saying “buy Japanese” - that’s why I’m leaning towards Transalp or T7 or used AT. The AT, in my eyes, are beautiful.
I have owned my Rally for a year now. I weigh 245lbs so i had to change the springs and the rear shock. With the suspension sorted for my weight, the bike now can handle just about anything up to hard single track. You will spend some money sorting it out. You can swap out the ecm and install a slip on muffler for about 800USD and after that you will have what feels like a new bike. All of my friends are trying to pressure me into buying another bike that has more power etc, but I dont see the point for off road use. I dont think there is a better bike out there that will do more then the Rally for less money when comparing new bikes. The only thing that I feel is lacking is the complete lack of adjustment in the suspension damping. I installed the gold valve kit with spring on the front end of mine and it worked fantastic but its a set it and forget it type of deal so you cant make any further adjustments after its all put back together again. I would not recommend buying this bike if you intend to keep it stock unless you weigh under 195 lbs.
Based on my experience with the bike this review is the most spot on one that I've seen. No wonder I had been looking at Defender for a while.
My bike has an upgraded suspension kit so I don't know how the stock feels. Other than that, this is how I feel about the bike and this will be the video I'll point others to when they ask how is the bike.
i am not a new rider but i am new to off road (off pavement more like). i went to a honda test drive day with the intention to buy an africa twin, decided to test drive a 300L only to kill time while i waited for my turn on the africa. TLDR i ended up buying the rally instead.
the 300 rally is not the most forgiving dirt bike but it sure is the most forgiving adv bike i tried, considering my snail pace, which would be just as snail on any other bike, no matter the suspension or the engine.
maybe i will learn to ride and change the suspension, i sure hope i do outgrow it, but lets be honest i ride adv proudly like a farmer :D
And I’m stoked for you that you do!
It's a all road travel starter kit. Add suspension, ecu, and ergo adjustments and it fits this long time explorers needs about perfectly.
100%. That’s really my point I think. The only caveat here is that those mods are quite significant and for a lot people beyond their knowledge.
Increasing the gearing helps quite a lot as well, especially on tighter trails.
Hello, how are you, first greetings from Argentina. I use a 2011 Honda Tornado, I tell you that that motorcycle, in that year's edition of the Dakar Rally in South America, being practically without modifications, not only managed to finish the famous and tough race but also did so, staying ahead of many other motorcycles, bigger, more powerful and more importantly being P72 out of more than 140 motorcycles that launched that year. I use it on my trips and it is a motorcycle that humiliates the giant and heavy trail bikes that are very useful for big highways but not for true adventure.
I agree. Love that bike! What colour do you have?
Bought a Rally so family has bike to ride with me. Problem is I love this thing as my bike just sits. So light and manageable. Can't stop smiling when I ride. Wife not happy that now we need another one.
Chronicales of Solid upgraded his suspension - it's his unicorn bike now. Another fellow on UA-cam that lives in the northwest did about 1200 miles in long day (this included some stops for drone shots) and absolutely wrang the snot out of it on the freeway - too much time in the wilderness and a work schedule forced his hand. There are better bikes out there - but I suspect this universally fits more people better than other choices simply because it's not so niche. I've threatened to get one; maybe next year. Camera gear has taken all my money. :^D
I agree that it has potential to be a really great bike if you spend a bucket of money.m but then we’re having a different conversation 😏
Honestly besides the suspension and tires, it doesn't need much!
Great video - fantastic breakdown of the capabilities of the CRF300.
Glad you liked it!
I would say it is mostly the rider, however the 300 would be a good starter bike, ask itchyboots. But the rear spring really needs to be changed out for the load the rider is putting on it.
How many things broke on her 300 ;-)
@@cpuuk she did
Itchy Boots = your comment means nothing. Stop simping.
@@clvrswine She has bigger balls than you.
Some wise words there young man, there's so much sh*te talked about the wee Honda, so fair play for sticking your head above the parapet, as usual we can always rely on you to tell it like it is 👍 I totally agree with what you said about learning the bike, and what it's capable of. I ride a "sorted" 300L that has taken me more places than all the other bigger adventure bikes, and enduro's I've owned, have between them. Ride safe, and keep the video's coming.
Well said and thanks for the kind words 🙏🙏
1:46, why do you pronounce Honda with R at the end? Like in general (not only you). I am intrigued.
It’s just a colloquial London/South England thing I think.
They also pronounce Idea with a R
Love my 300L.
I don't think it's like an old LandRover, more like a Toyota Hilux. It's tough, cheap and good enough to get going. When you find its limitations, you can upgrade or modify your way out without feeling like you wasted money on the standard equipment. And if all you want to do is potter around enjoying the scenery, it will just keep going.
Do those things not apply to Land Rovers too? I guess for me the modern Hilux is a very modern vehicle and the CRF really isn’t
@@BrakeMagazine I guess so. For me, the Land Rover has always been overpriced given it needs to be modified, where the Hilux was cheaper and good enough. But yeah, both have got softer and techier in a way the CRF hasn't. That goes with what you were saying- both an advantage and a liability.
In Spain with mine right now, completely modified AS luggage racks and full K-Tech suspension etc, the bike stands me at about 9.5k so when done its really not a cheap bike, completely honest its been horrible on the main roads from Santander to Malaga, but its great on the trails now I'm down here, definitely not powerful enough for continuesly keeping up with motorway traffic (fact)
Would much sooner be riding home on my T7
But it's hard not to like the little bike, it does everything you throw at it and never brakes 😂
Sounds like the right tool for the job though!
Thoughtful review Lel thanks. Some of the negative comments about this bike I think missed what you’re saying. There are many credible reviewers globally who have reviewed this bike & discussed its limitations but also highlighted what it does well within them, as well as mods available to extend the limits. Not a bike I’m attracted to but can’t ignore its popularity, I see many of them here on the trail in Oz, ridden by a variety of riders, including older riders wanting a lighter reliable off road adv bike that’ll take them where they want to go
Very good video I completely agree! I bought mine from a Honda shop 3 hours away, and got them to do the suspension before I even picked it up. I'm surprised they're still selling it with the shit suspension in it. I use mine mainly for fishing trips and just came back from a 400km round trip, it's definitely a solid bike and for someone like me I can't justify buying a more performance orientated bike at my skill level. I also don't want anything heavier, maybe if I was touring a bit further, also I've just ordered a new seat because my ass isn't doing to well 🤣
It’d be a mega bike for fishing trips 👌👌
I have the 300L I turn the key and go, I change the oil and add gas and I ride.
great video. I am curious about your height and weight as it would give a much better idea about what you are saying regarding the suspension. Seems like it could just use springs and I assume re valved or maybe the shocks are not serviceable and need replaced.
Paul from Australia, in stock form I agree ☝️ with most of your comments, BUT with a few mods Like Suspension upgrades, full FMF system, airbox mod and remapped ECU - you will gain around 5hp and it becomes a fantastic bike in the bush ( and yes adjustable levers ) So it because a great lightweight ADV or dual sport .
I totally agree that it's easy to see how this bike can change and that's why I think it's so Land Rover esque. Those upgrades easily amount to a 30% increase in the cost of the bike and then it's a supremely different prospect. :)
I reckon you got it pretty spot on, itd a great bike to start adventuring on.
Other than the misidentified landrover a great video and i understand why you chose the analogy. Really high quality presentation 😊
Thanks. I'm very much not a Land Rover guy
@@BrakeMagazine for comfort and drive quality the early discoveries were a heck of an improvement, Still I fancy a defender 110, if only because it will out live me 😅
Brilliant review an it’s nice to see someone mention the suspension I can Chime in having bought a 300 Rally an a lot of the rivals, as well as 1200gsa’s ex iom tt race bikes and lots of other stuff.
The story begins as many with ready to race or in my mind now ready to break, 2x ktm390 advs brand new rejected at 147 an 269 miles riddled with major issues Ktm didn’t want to help eventually the dealer did the right thing as i knew the law,
Then we lead onto a Himalayan a simple bike right surely no issues 500 miles on an the dealers phoning me admitting the issues shouldn’t have happened they couldn’t get the parts to fix it an we are back with another refund 🙃 luckily we only bought the 1 this time.
That went for the Honda 300 Rally total reliability was actually able to go out do some green laning which I wanted to try never came off it or dropped it just super managable an a great weight I wish it had come with a bit more bottom end but that’s Nick picking an I ride a 1927 Norton 500cc on my other channel so used to torquey singles.
It also suprised me on the road was a super nice place to be smooth gearbox good brakes worked well on a 10 hour day an most of all never let me down, I bought a rally raid level 1 shock which worked a treat an kept the seat height, speaking of seats I wish Honda had put something comfier on,
When I decided green laning wasn’t for me the Honda 300 Rally went for a 1150GSA total bucket list bike.
That got joined by a T7 for motivation for my dad through his stage 3b/4 prostate cancer treatment the T7 didn’t work out for him I went green laning on it a few times then sold it for a Honda Nx500.
Which has been the absolutely perfect fit does what a Honda does that perfect evolution of design that leads to dependability reliability and something that doesn’t shake you to bits.
Sometimes I think it’s the unassuming bikes that don’t necessarily get the fan fare that make the best purchases im just about to sell my 1150gsa for a 2nd nx500 instead of a transalp as there’s a few advantages to the nx500
Terrific fuel economy means more riding, tubeless, super manageable, great price and the insurance is sensible unlike the transalp.
I think it’s all about just finding the right fit for your riding environment but I prioritise reliability above all else nowadays I’ve been there with bikes jammed in a dealers workshop waiting warranty work or parts.
So been really enjoying the Honda experience after 40 bikes if i was green laning the Honda would be very high up my list an same if I couldn’t manage the weight of a twin an wanted something light.
Sort the suspension, etc an it’s a different proposition I just wish Honda would make the plastics outta something better a friends dropped his a they are not cheap to fix on those belly pan sections.
I do wish they would fit HISS as well as the insurance has jumped on them a bit when I looked at another.
As a pretty heavily modded CRF250L owner, I agree with everything you said. I love my bike and it will get me beyond where my current skill set will take me, but there definitely are some areas where she struggles. Tighter technical stuff is pretty awkward as 1st gear is too slow but in 2nd, it wants to rev higher than you'd like it too. I'm working on clutch control but even then, the 4-,5000 rpm range feels awkward and "stally". Bigger climbs require commitment and a lot of throttle, which can be intimidating, and your comments on holding your intended line are spot on. My biggest take-away after riding some enduro events on it, is that it lacks "corrective power" to get you out of trouble. On the upside, it's not out to kill you either, although I found getting in trouble is still very easy.😅
Yes! I was wondering what you would think of this man!
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks man! It was great to see a review about it pop up on your channel and you confirmed my main concern, that I’ll have to relearn some skills after moving on to another motorcycle. Thankfully I still have some kilometers on this bike to go before then though.
I have the 250L Rally and I'm debating on upgrading to the 300L Rally because of the extra couple horses and also to shave off an extra 50lbs. I've been looking hard at the Yamaha Tenere because it seems far more capable and equally reliable. I find the Rally lacks torque and isn't great for highway riding. It does the job but overtaking is nearly impossible unless you have a long stretch of road.
What upgrades would you recommend to get the most out of this little workhorse?
My Rally has done the TAT, Trails with South Wales TRF, Some tough lanes in Cornwall.
Went to Zagora in Morocco last year and is going again in a month.
However its got Ktech front and rear and a UniFilter air filter. Trackers or Maxxis Maxxcross IT mediums are my tyres of choice.
Ive not ridden a stock one.
But with a few mods it becomes very capable.
I am tempted to fit the 550 Performance 301cc kit to get some more performance from it.
A good solid bike and capable imo
I'd describe the stock highway handlling as terrifying. At 100kmh the constant headshake and unintended line changes made the ride a white knuckle experience. Changing the rear shock to a YSS piggyback fixed it. I've modded my rally quite a lot and, for me it does everything well. My biggest complaint now are the dash buttons, which I find completely unusable.
I have had the older 250 version for a few months as my first off-road bike. Really love it so far. I love it for all the reasons you mention in the video but i am also intereated what bikes you do think are entry level and help you build skilla tgat would directly to bigger bikes and help folks grow as off-road riders. Next weeks video?
Hi. So using your term "access tool", which other similar bikes are better in your opinion? Just name 2 or 3 that are in the ballpark price wise and current new models? Regards.
if you are not liking the way it feels off road , you are riding it to fast , its an explorer like the land rover not a trophy truck
I'm not sure I agree with that. You don't have to ride it fast to find the limit of the suspension. It doesn't means it's a bad bike, it's just a limit the bike has.
$900 US and she’s all fixed up, front and rear.. I got the bike cheap enough, so it didn’t bother me to shell out the $900 to make it perfect, for me. Now I just have to do it to my new 300l, that was almost two grand less because I bought it slightly used.
As always great script and delivery.
Thank you kindly!
It's really on my radar as I am missing so much the off road feeling occasionally and have the feeling that CRF can compliment so good any mid-size adventure bike. At the end of the day it's all about the percentage of dirt that a person is doing...if it's 50/50 I would be very biased towards something like CFMoto 450 MT or Himalayan 452...same price, more weight but much more travel ready than the little Honda. Definitely your honest and out-of-the-box opinion and review about them would be highly appreciated.
On the Kriega OS Base with bags: Got the system on a T7. Find it very very fiddly to only get the bags off and leave the OS base on the bike. Any solutions for that?
I don't take the bags off. I take the whole base off. It's much easier :)
Top video! Congratulations! Really nice review of that sweet “little” dual sport motorcycle that offers so much! The CRF300 Rally
“Rather than thinking of it a beginner bike think of it as an access tool” and
“The superb memories that come with that”
Top comments👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🍻🍻
Gives to me “goosebumps”!
Thanks! 👍
See when you get “experienced” RE old, size and price and power just doesn’t matter anymore. I prescribed myself this bike and although it’s boring with the usual upgrades it suits me perfectly for commuting and a little rock-hopping on the weekend.
And unlike my defender it is reliable and cheap to own.
Excellent points mate
I've had one of these flipped over my (tall) head when I took it from its owner for a very difficult hill climb. Nothing broke, not even the windscreen! In another occasion the bike was dropped from a lifted RAM pickup truck we carried our bikes with and again nothing broke. If I ever saw a motorcycle that doesn't need crash bars, aside the MX and Enduro bikes, is this one.
I disagree. I've seen those plastic panels crack so easily, and besides, it gives me a place to mount my 360 camera and my Kriega OS 6 for snacks!
That was a brilliant review.
What everyone thinks goes away everytime i ride mine. I have ridden over 75 motorcycles and the Rally is the best all around bike imo.
I had the 250 version in 2020 for a few months before it was stolen. I recently added a small capacity dual sport style bike to my now 2 bike stable but did not go with the Honda partly due to increased height of the newer version, I actually opted for the himi 452
I've been leaning toward one of these as a first bike, with plans to move up to a larger ADV in a few years. I'd be doing quite a bit of gravel riding, mostly easier stuff (logging roads etc.) but I'll have to ride 30+ minutes on pavement to get to some of it. I'm curious what you'd suggest as an alternative.
I wouldn't. This is a great option, just be aware that it won't work like the next bike you get in any way.
@@BrakeMagazine Yeah I guess that makes sense. Thanks.
Interesting perspective. So, if this bike is not the best bike for a beginner who wants to learn proper technique, which bike would be? That I would really like to hear your opinion about. Himalayan 450? CFMoto 450MT? Or...?
You explain even tricky concepts in such a simple way.
Thanks!
its the perfect adventure bike , i rode from the UK to spain , motorway , back roads , tet and the act across the pyrness , just 10 more bhp and it would be brill 🙃
Then it’s 10hp short of being the perfect bike 😏
@@BrakeMagazine the perfect adventure bike is not the most brillerant , it does everything you ask from it , just a bit slower but l get your point