Soggy, Slippery, and SURPRISING First Off Road Ride on the Honda CRF300L Rally
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- I've had this Honda CRF300L Rally for 2 days now, and soggy weather be damned, I'm getting out to ride and enjoy it. Riding the Honda CRF300L Rally off road for the first time was an absolute blast. It immediately took me back to the days riding my first Honda dual sport motorcycle in some of the same areas, but with an entirely new perspective. In this comprehensive Honda 300 Rally first ride we take the 300L Rally off road and on the highway, on logging roads, up a hill climb, and even on some ATV trails to see just how well it performs in all of the various situations that a dual sport motorcycle is supposed to be capable of.
I'm happy to report that my overwhelming feeling after this first CRF 300 L Rally off road ride was "impressed." This is an incredibly confidence inspiring light adv bike, and I think anyone who hasn't seriously considered the Honda 300L Rally as a true all around, do it all bike, is mistaken. I know because I was one of those people who dismissed the Honda Rally specifically because I didn't understand what it was for and why you would every choose it over the regular Honda CRF300L. After riding this thing on and off the road, I see the light now. I'm a believer in the CRF 300 L Rally.
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How do I contact you for lightweight adventure bike advice?
Is your klr gone?
My old 1983 Yamaha IT490K ring ding would eat this thing alive in this terrain.
And be much more fun!
And $200 overhaul every summer!
Have we really made progress?
@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp Can your old 1983 Yamaha IT490K pull 70mph on the highway without shaking you off, get 70mpg all-terrain riding, pass modern emissions tests so we don't all die of asthma, and forgive and inspire confidence in beginner riders on a variety of surfaces?
Because if not what are you talking about, it's nothing remotely comparable, the IT490K is a 500cc 2-stroke enduro bike, is it even road legal? The CRF300 Rally is a 300cc 4-stroke dual-sport that does very well on roads BUT you can still ride on trails and have fun with... And yes, we've come absolutely miles with that!
I used to have street bikes 20 years back since then I never mounted a bike again, now that I live near a mountain and have spare time I was thinking to buy a CRF 300 in order to retrain my self get used to riding again and learn new skills (e.g technical riding) but if I get such a bike in surely would use it on the highway and it getting just barely up to 60 is like a big draw back for me, like if it could at least go up to 75mph comfortably then I would get it in a heartbeat
The 450 is even faster and stronger open all revs and has more expensive stuff and needs more attention so I don't think it would be a good idea to go uphill with it as a guy who last rode street bikes 20 years ago....
If only the crf300 had like 300cc or something and was just a bit faster....
You said "good first adventure bike"' You should add "good last adventure bike" also. At 53 as of 2 days ago, overweight, high blood pressure, with Rheumatoid Arthritis, this bike is why I still ride.
Riding a slow bike fast will always be more fun than riding a fast bike slow. Glad you're having fun!
Riding a fast bike fast is also a heck of a lot of fun.
Riding a horse is also fun, riding a cell mate named Horse, not so fun
@@jaysoncolbert6187 A horse is already 15HP
My boy always said that. Why I loved my DR650
@@anxiousapplianceexactly, people who have never power wheelied out a corner say that.
DUDE, YOU'RE SMASHING ON THAT THING. This makes me happy. Def feels like the good old days.
I owe it all to you!
@@DorkintheRoad I got chu. 👊
Dork’s last words: “there’s never any traffic on this road…”
"we'll be fine"
Passing two dump trucks on a blind crest scared me
As a fanboy of the smaller cc Hondas I really enjoyed hearing the fun and excitement in your voice for this ride 👍🏻
I purchased a 300L for my first "adventure " bike and I agree with you, it's a great, fun, confidence inspiring bike. A great value too.
After owning all kinds of bikes over 40 years, this one takes me right back to my earliest experiences in the 80's on a clapped out XR250R. Just fun. Great little bike, and after putting 10k on a 250L, I firmly believe the 300L is the bike to take on long adventure rides. So it won't do 90mph all day on the slab - who wants to do that anyway?
I had an XT 250 as my first bike. That thing went everywhere. It makes me think we are getting carried away with what we actually need to enjoy motorcycling.
Klx300 is better
"Itchy Boots" here on RUclips has taken one of these from very south of South America to the to very top of Alaska, and now she's going through Africa on the same bike. That really proves to me that its a "do-it-all" machine :D
Great review!
I have been riding a CRF250 Rally for 3 years. I am 72 years old and have been riding dual sports all my life. I totally agree with your evaluation of the bike. I downsized from a KLR and am loving it. Not only is it a pleasure to ride, I can pick the thing up if I drop it. I weigh 165 lbs, so it always has enough, even on the highway.
I love my 250l only mod 1 down in the front 1 up in the rear and handle bars 😂😂 a few times
Always like your videos. Had a DR 650 years ago and went with a new 2021 CRF 300L. Miss the power of the 650, but the 300L is much more balanced with a lower center of gravity and easier to toss around. Started on mini bikes in the 60’s, Honda’s in the 70’s then Harley street bikes in the 80’s to present day. 300L is a terrific bike and priced right, but I wish HONDA would’ve made it an honest 350cc with 35hp. That’d be KILLER! Ride safe, Brother!
I’m riding a DR650 now, and thinking about downsizing. I’m getting long enough in the tooth that it’s getting heavy to pick up. Four or five drops and I start to lose interest. I, too, wish for something with a bit more power, because 60 mph doesn’t qualify as highway speed in Texas. I need to be able to run at 75 mph.
John, Your story sounds just like mine. Around here, few if any roads for dual sport but I do like the ride of a lighter weight. I have thought, and still do... about getting a crf300. But I like my DR650 and since the few gravel roads I ride.... not sure what to do. At 70+ I no longer ride like the old days ... I do VERY MUCH like that I DO NOT have to bring my bike to a dealer. ( most are incompetent and way over priced) ...
@@tracythorleifson4108 What if dropping was not part of the ride? in addition....I do VERY MUCH like that I DO NOT have to bring my bike to a dealer. ( most are incompetent and way over priced) ... that means a lot to me.
@@davidfalgout7304, you must be a much better rider than me! 😂 That's part of why the DR is a good choice for me; it's tough as a hammer. I agree with you 100% on not bringing your bike to the dealer. I do pretty much all my own wrenching. I actually enjoy it quite a bit; it's part of the overall experience for me.
I can see a huge difference in your riding skill on this bike. Its amazing how riding those bigger bikes has made you so much better. Awesome to see!
I've had my 2022 Rally for about 7 months now. I completed the MABDR in the Fall. I love the bike. Spending the Winter in Arizona and looking forward to the AZBDR. Love this bike ! 62 years old, 50+ years riding and racing everything with handlebars ! Keep up the good work ! Love your channel !
On a waiting list for 300l, can’t wait to get the call to pick her up. Haven’t road a bike in over 15 years haha. Should I haul her back or ride??
I just traded my T7 for a well equipped CRF250L. No regrets yet, have all my confidence back. Glad you're enjoying the Rally!
Confidence is the most important skill!
I bought a modified 250l too, took it 200 miles packed out to a week long group riding trip. Totally abusing it with the weight, rear shock was bottomed out. Still chugged along at 45/70mph mixed the whole way. Next upgrade is suspension! The ecu tuner + pipe and header are real nice
I sold my T7 when I left the US. I'll likely stay in Thailand once we settle down, so I'll end up with a 300L since they're made in Thailand and there are so 250L/300Ls on the used market.
This was one of the best CRF 300 Rally reviews I’ve seen. You’ve convinced me…I live near some great trails here in wales 🏴 and having sold my sports bike a few years ago I was after something simple, fun and reliable. This looks like it. I was considering the T7, but want something light and ‘chuckable’ for now.
Great content mate. New subscriber. All the best. Ash 👏👏
It is between this and the T7 for me too, but with 0 offroad experience I'm thinking of going with this one then getting a T7 further down the line with some experience under my belt.
My wife has expressed interest in getting her bike license so she can join me on some forestry roads and was thinking this would be a great bike for her. Now I'm even more stoked with your excitement over it, even though you said they're a bit hard to find lately. Definitely looking forward to your future content with it!
Lucky you. My lady is too intimidated by my Rally, I think I’m going to have to start her on a TW or XT, and work our way up. I’d make sure she’s not intimidated by it first, especially if you plan on “fixing” the suspension…
@The Old Husky She is only 5’4”. I’m gonna have to check out the DR250., thanks!
Too Tall.. But you can get an adjustable dogbone to lower the suspension... I had the Rally back in the day and if I was to get a Honda again I would just go for the L model... (I bit the bullet after many bikes and bought a 350 KTM exc-f)
@The Old Husky The adjustable dogbone did not cost that much and was easy to install..
"The weather is shite, I love it" sums it up perfectly!
These are the videos I love, you testing a bike In all different conditions, highway, street, trail, dry, wet, mud, hill climbs, descents, single track etc… I can enjoy watching dozens of videos of this bike in different conditions and eventually other bikes you test. This is the content I love! Good stuff
It's more enjoyable to watch you ride a bike when you're enjoying rather than watching you ride a bike that scares the sh*t out of you. Smart man coming back to the smaller bikes to hone your skills. You need to actually know how to ride a slow bike and not just rely on the huge power to get you out of tricky situations. Keep the small bike and keep having fun.
Any bike is an adventure bike, if it takes you on adventures.
Awesome vid, have just down graded from a Tiger 800 to a 250cc Honda Rally due to medical grounds, cannot handle the heavy weights anymore at 67 years old. What an absolute pleasure, once you realise how nice it is to use gears and not brute power.
Bought my 300L as a Christmas present for me from a coworker. It just eats up gravel roads and double track. We have a public beach we can drive on, so I've been practicing sand. Between bouts of exploration it's my commuter as well. It really brings out my inner hooligan. I find myself looking for excuses to hop curbs and cut through unpaved shortcuts. Overall, I'm extremely happy with mine
Long legged adventure scooter in stock form. Fun fun.
I've had several bikes but, the most fun I have had on a bike was the 1974 Honda xl350 that I bought new when I was a young man. It was like an over weight trials bike. Loads of fun just plunking around on challenging terrain at slow speeds. Faster isn't always better or more fun.
Trying to find one has been hard. After watching season 6 of Itchy Boots that bike can do anything, I so want one over my vstrom 650. Its good to see you out having fun on one, and covering its benefits.
I'm thinkin' about selling my V-Strom 650 and getting one of these too. Or maybe keeping them both. I don't feel confident on my Strom offroad.
Great video!
As owner of 450RL and 300L you nailed the comparison. You can just enjoy the 300 with no effort while the 450 requires your full attention.
🏍💨
You should always have full attention on a motorcycle
I’m excited to see more of you riding this and the 450L. I both love and loathe my 250 Rally. It’s currently in a warehouse 100 miles away, though, and absence makes the heart grow fonder😊
Love it, I have a Honda Africa Twin I took on the CaBDR was way more work than fun. I wanted the Honda 300 here in California they are never on the floor so got a DRZ400s built a light ADV bike and love it way more power and good suspension for a stock bike. 2 months ago a fragment camo KLX 300 is on the floor and my son loves it so new bike day! And I am blown away by how competent this bike is. It’s ok on the highway and will do anything short of hard enduro and motocross. These 300s are insane value. Great fun and the KLX300 Has a 7500 mile service interval these will bring new blood to our sport and your excitement for these 300s shows well done!
Great video! That little bike is growing on me - I was so afraid it was going to be massively under-powered. Congrats on your riding by the way, you look so much more fast, comfortable, and in-control on those tight tracks now.
I'm having more fun, too!
Rode 2023 CRF300L all over northern Thailand last month (regular, not Rally). I'd booked a Gas Gas 300 2 stroke, but my ass was so saddle sore from the seat after 1st days pavement sections that i switched to the Honda for a day. It was so capable in the rocky singletrack sections that I kept the CRF the rest of the trip. Yes, it was "slow" in comparison to the GasGas, but it had a true one-finger clutch, one-finger brake, and after a rocky rut "reshaped" the rear brake lever up a bit, the controls fit me perfectly! Balance was effortless. At 210lbs, i only bottomed the stock suspension a few times and that was either washouts or steep downhills. Jarring, but the bike did not rebound crazily or anything scary. There is sufficient torque from idle, and on tall rocky obstacles, the clutch held up to a number of flywheel dumps. Plus the suspension unloaded predictably. I've ridden dirt bikes most of my 61 years, and know "how" to ride nearly anywhere. I'm no longer fast, and am definitely out of shape, but from first hand experience, i can say this is an extremely "capable" dual sport motorcycle!!! Plus, it is very comfortable on the road sections. BTW, Grace (aka Bikehedonia.com) had already mounted proper knobbies, fatbars, metal bark busters and a free flowing exhaust. Otherwise it was a stock 2023 CRF300L.
If it's ok, I'd like to leave a shout out for her motorcycle touring business, hivoltmototours.com. BTW Grace does have permission to share the video of my complete fail on a 3-4 foot vertical. 🤣🤣 It was not the Honda's fault! Lastly, i understand the Rally model adds quite a bit of weight. I'd recommend the non-rally and use the saved $$ for tires, bark busters and maybe an oversize plastic fuel tank. You really need to try it in true singletrack!!
We hear your excitement and thrill...this is what it is all about...off topic but to me when I think about an ADV bike I think about a bike that is ONE UP capable, panniers, and able to go long distance on ANY adventure no matter the weather or terrain. Dual Sport is probably more 75% off road and 25% on road. I rode a 1981 Yamaha XT250 in New Orleans for years. Did I take it off road yes but mostly cruised down the blacktop with it.
The shot at 6:47 is great….looking down at the clouds rolling over the peak👌
Definitely looks a lot more fun than a 500lb adventure bike in that environment.
I have a crf250l Rally and it's my first bike. I've never ridden offroad before prior to getting it. I've done some stuff on that bike that I probably shouldn't have been doing at my skill level, but it carried me through. I think it's the perfect beginner bike. A lot of people compare it to other machines that just punch way above it's weight class in terms of price. I think this bike is perfect for new riders and for older riders who want something a little more tame/want to be able to pick up their bike if they drop it.
I've heard a lot of stories from people who went from a 1250GS to one of these just because it's much cheaper and they're just not doing a lot of the long trip stuff anymore. They're absolutely not for everybody and I get frustrated at mine sometimes for the lack of power, especially if there's a headwind but they truly are good bikes. I'll get a T7 eventually but for now I'll keep building my skills and my confidence on my 250l Rally. I want to do the IDBDR on it.
You’ll get a T7 and eventually go back to a lighter weight bike, because you just can’t beat the fun factor!
My 300L (not rally) is the smallest displacement bike I’ve had in decades. I’m very pleased with it so far. Very Natural: fit, ride, and power. My 525exc was a bad fit, form, and function. My riding changes, but approx 80% dirt (roads and trails) and 20% street. Yesterday I hit 70mph on hwy with no problem whatsoever. Nice clip man!
My 250 rally goes over 80 .
@@leeinwis Yup. Sorry if it sounded like I was posting a max speed. I was just trying to point out that it exceeds my needs in that regard. So far, the only issue I’ve had is the ability of the low quality Stock tires .. to be specific the tires performance in sand… even so I’m still riding them. Yup
I had crossed this bike off of my possibles list because others said the suspension was soft and I am bigger. But between the videos youre doing and the one I watched yesterday on Adventure Dailys youtube about adding the lift etc I am back to having it in my top 3 of possibles to purchase to add to my stable in the next few weeks. Great Video.
The suspension is soft and cushy for any weight! Old people like this bike for that reason, no harsh hits.. bounces through everything
When I started looking for a bike this summer that was my issue also.
At 250lbs I would need a 450cc or bigger to not have to do forks/shock upgrade.
The way I ride (no faster than I want to crash) a 450 is wasted power and at 5'10 I dont want to stand on my tip toes.
For the cost of a 250/300 and the fork/shock upgrade is less than a 450 (new).
I had the 250 rally. I still miss it. Simple, utilitarian, cheap to insure and , yes , and go anywhere.
Subscribed. I love that you bought this bike. I grew up in Washington State and as a teenager I rode a 1978 Honda XL125 street legal. That bike took me places I'd never have gone otherwise. I've had my eye on the crf300l Rally. I like the simplicity of it. Yet it's got just the right amount of stuff to really get out and explore. You're a great story teller! Thanks for sharing.
New rider here. I've had my 300 Rally for a few weeks and I can confirm, it's an easy ride for a beginner. Still breaking it in, so it's only been on pavement. The long service intervals and the high mpg's are fantastic. The rally headlight gives good visibility at night, and the larger fuel tank means I'm not hitting the gas station quite as often as I would be with the 2 gallon tank. I had also considered the Yamaha XT250, but the shorter seat height and the lack of a 6th gear dissuaded me from that. I'm 6'1 and I was on a little Suzuki Tu250x during the BRC. I was so cramped on that little Suzuki that making the U-turns meant watching out for my knees with the handlebars. I'm vastly more comfortable on the 300 Rally; it's comfortable and just feels right. Not easy to get a hold of and they're selling above MSRP, but they're still worth it. Fun to ride.
After watching a young lady on RUclips named Noraly (Itchy Boots) ride one of these bikes from Argentina to Alaska I'm convinced of the bikes moxy, I'm seriously considering buying one in the spring
Exactly how I felt last year when I sold my F800GSA & bought a KLX 300… funnest dang moto these small enduros just wring😅 it out!
Well I am going to chime in here with some more praise for this bike. I love mine and can't say enough good things about it. I had to wait 6 months to get it but it was worth the wait and every penny I put into it and I am going to put some more into it. My next up grade is going to be the suspension. I am 71 years old and weigh 158 lb and get 70 miles per gallon with it on the trails and on the highway going 65 to75 mph I get 65 mpg. Did I already say I love this bike? Thanks Ben for testing out this sweet sweet motorcycle.
Same here!
Considering itchy boots took this from the bottom of south America to the top of Alaska I feel like it's confirmed this is the bike that can take you anywhere.
Love your positive attitude and raw commentary/impressions while riding dude. You landed a sub with me!
Looks like your off road skills have improved dramatically! Nice to see you enjoy the 300L Rally, wish I could have found one last year, but wound up with a 300L that I love after riding it over the last year. The Rally looks like a lightweight Africa twin, and I have one of those…love it! But am avoiding sketchy off road on it, when I have the 300 for that stuff.
Can't agree with you more about your comments concerning this bike. You hit it spot on with the Pros & Cons. So, I own a 300l Rally. Rode a lot around my Province (Quebec) this summer on dirt roads, highways, etc. Even did the MABDR with all of my camping gear from Montreal to Tennessee and back. Had a great time. Like you said, I was ''impressed'' with this bike from the beginning. Did 18000km (11000 miles) this season and still having a lot of fun with it. Next summer, I plan to do WYBDR and COBDR on this incredible do it all motorcycle. Why not. Life is short. Might as well have fun along the way. With the 300l Rally, fun is a sure thing. Thanks for this great video.
The T7 would have been much better on the 30 hwy ride. The 450L would smoke it on the trails but I'll take my 300 Rally because it does both and its fun and cheap. I just ordered Tusk tires/tubes for mine plus all handlebar related stuff. Looks like you got a new windscreen. Should do a vid on the upgrades that were done to the bike. Trying to find an affordable skidplate for the Rally.
I really wanted one before watching your excitement riding it. Now I really want one!
Dude,this video is going to make a lot of people buy this bike!
Wowza, you really live in a beautiful part of the world; I'd kill for easy access to trails like those.
Newcomer to the channel, here; I came here for the CRF300L Rallye content but I'm staying for your personality.
I currently own a Ninja 400 but I'm really considering trading it in on one of these, street riding is fun but having the ability to just hit any gravel road you see in your travels sounds alot more fun to me
you trade it?
As a dork myself, I am living through you. Lol I look forward to getting the 300L and riding in storms
Maybe I'll see you out there. I recognized a lot of those areas, including Shotgun. I have to say, the older I get the more I like small bikes. I had a 1090R and bought a 390 Adventure to supplement it. I found myself only riding the 390. I have since sold the 1090 and added a Tenere, but I'm still more inclined to ride the 390. I've always been curious about the Rally. Thanks for taking me for a spin.
Smaller, more nimble bikes are so fun.
Have T7, had 390 adv prior. Now have a 300l in between the T7 and pure dirt bike.
I just keep saying I'd love to have the 390 motor in the 300l. Or if KTM would simply bring us a 390 Enduro R... I'd be in.
If the CRF300L/Rally had been available in the U.S. in 2018 when I last purchased a bike, I would have taken a very serious look and most likely purchased one. I already have a 40 year old Honda XL250R which I purchased brand new and love it but wasn't interested in a second 250 so I went with the XR650L It comes in at about 19 lbs heaver than the 300L Rally but with more HP and a taller seat height. I'm a Honda guy through and through because of their reliability, longevity and ease of maintenance. My 40 yr old bike still runs like the day it was assembled. I also love the price, saved enough dough to buy gas for years over other brands. Glad to see you back on the bikes you started the channel with and loving them again.
Great video! Perfect example of why I subscribed. Totally real, honest, and entertaining commentary. I ride a 2022 KLR 650 and am a bit less experienced than Ben. He is completely bereft of pretentiousness and smugness. I don't care if Ben lacks the experience and technical knowledge of many YT ADV riding "experts". I watch his videos because of the honesty, obvious reality, child-like wonder of riding, and overall "good guy" vibe of his videos. He is one of the few YT folks I would be honored to meet and hang out with.
Ive been riding off road since '68, I think his videos are great !
We got a KLX 230 and a KLX 300 last year and I wholeheartedly agree with your hypothesis!
Yes the crf was on my list. But not available in the Netherlands. I bought a KTM 690 Enduro. I like it, even beter than expected. So light and powerful. Good suspension, fantastic transmission, hydraulic clutch. Double the price, but you get double the power and great suspension.
Those are incredible Bikes, and like you said, Last Forever. I’ve been impressed with them ever since watching what Itchy Boots took one through. Honda should put a 350cc Engine in it, just for a little extra Torque.
now that you have a 300 and the 450, you are the only one on RUclips who could do comparison videos. You'll get a lot of hits.
Let's go OLD school ..I had a 1983 XL125 S ....I rode that bike EVERYWHERE...to school, work, football practice, road trips (yes, trips of 200+ miles and it would maintain the then limit of 55mph with no problem). At 98,000(!!!) miles, some a*hole jealous pr**k poured sugar in my oil one night while I was at work .....needless to say ..motor blown....complete rebuild....
My point: Honda motorcycles; with proper maintenance and care; will run forever!! Kudos to you for pointing that out in this vid!!
98,000 MILES ON A 125 !!!! Would have kept going except for a scumbag!!
I have a Crf250l. I had put a 45 tooth rear sprocket on the back and it really made a difference. With the 45 tooth, it will gain speed up a mountain. Plus, second gear is useful climbing on dirt. With the stock 40 tooth, it was a puppy dog.
I have four very different motorcycles one of which is this bike, the CRF 300 l Rally. It's my most recent purchase and would be my go to machine. You echo my sentiments. Great video
👍Just a bummer you can't find them anywhere, I had my heart set on one, I went with a DR650 for that reason and beginners can lower it really easy and raise it back when they get better. I have to ride 75 miles to get to any off-roading so the DR is better for me so it was a good compromise, I got tired of big adv bikes, had many
Great Vid. I enjoyed your opinions on the Honda 300 Rally. I hope I can purchase one this year, as they are hard to get. It will be my first bike. I'm very much looking forward to hitting the trails and exploring everywhere. Subscribed and digging through all your vids. Great content!
Looks like great fun. Back to the roots and basics of riding that brought many of us to where we are today now riding much larger bikes. I can see a definite fun factor with your bike that I might get back in to. I've had many bikes and one of my favorites was a DRZ400. I think I'd like the CRF300 but with a 400 engine for the added torque.
The intro alone was worth the price of admission.
I have given you some hell this past year for selling your 250l. You had become my very favorite motorcycle RUclipsr since way before I bought my bike, a year ago this week. And it was you and your 250l that inspired me to purchase the bike that I bought, the 300 Rally.
It’s funny how you dismissed this bike, but yet it’s the one that I chose.
I knew that you just didn’t understand it, so I had to forgive you for that. Lol… It’s so cool now that you’re finally riding my bike though! I can start liking you and your content again! Lol… I never stopped likening it…
I’ve said this a hundred times, I envy the accessibility you have to the coolest trials in the country! I dream of riding those trails. I KNOW it’s just a giant playground for the 300 Rally!
Didn’t hear you mention the seat? I know it sucks! Thank God for seat concepts seats! Before I learned about seat concepts, I thought I would have to sell this bike, that’s how much I hated that seat… Some people just don’t understand why I hate it so much. Everyone is built a little bit different. And if you’re built anything like me, then you know, that seat is one royal pain in the arse!
I’m curious about your opinion on the front tire your running now vs the Dsport front tire? Which one feels the most planted in that wet stuff?
Great video, and a very capable looking bike, looks great fun. Fair chucking it through those trails, wish we were allowed to do that here 😢 cheers from Scotland 🏴🥃👍
I got the 300l ABS I ended up putting a 45t on the rear with the yoshi exhaust and the 550 tune made a HUGE difference
Love your channel dude! Awesome content and reviews. Between this and the Tenere. I know, pretty drastic difference there...lol.
I did over 12,000 miles on my crf250l, only wrong was lack of power. Loving my new KTM ENDURO R 690 now lol
Great video. I focused on the trail and the lines I would take, and lo-and-behold, you hit every one of my lines. Nice. You have so much more confidence off road - good to see. Getting from point A to B without ending up in a cast is the first priority, and this 300 does that probably better than any other ADV bike - the 450, not so much. The 450 is fun, but the stress level really elevates, and the consequences are immediate and possibly severe.
Nice.... I know they aren't in the exact same category but I'm debating between the KLR, KLX, and CRFL... great video.
Now that....was just a pure fun video to watch in the mist of Winter (thanks)......."any motorcycle pointed in the right direction will give you an adventure:)"
It's such a beautiful country village. This is the village where I really want to live.
Rode trail bikes from the age of 10 to 15 then had road bikes from 16 to 30 years of age. Then whent without a motorcyle till I was 55. Got me a KLR and as a former rider, it did satisfy my dual sport day ride experience. But if youre just starting out, your right, start with a light weight to build confidence. You experience will be that much more enjoyable.
Fun ride. Brought back some good memories. Might still have the 250L I got when it first came out if it had had ABS. Perfect for the terrain you were on. With a Corbin or similar saddle, it’s fine on the 55-mph roads, especially with the shield. I was tempted to try single track and learned very quickly that, while relatively light, it’s still very heavy, especially the third or fourth time or from downhill haha. And the stock tires cake-up quickly (but are a great all-around tire). Gave up on single track with it pretty quickly. (Got an EXC 150, and now have an EMTB for that.) That 300L Rally is a great bike. Was close to getting a 250 Rally a couple times, but ended up with a Himalayan (since I have a dealer close by), which is just an overall more comfortable and usable platform for me.
300 on the BDR! That's what my friend and I do with ours. Slipon adds easy torque boost.
Great to see you're enjoying yourself. Going from a larger ADV (Bigger engine/weight displacement) to a smaller ADV (engine/weight displacement) always is enjoyable! You should consider coming out to Michigan there are some amazing trails out this way!
now let's get it setup for adventuring....larger fuel tank, luggage and suspension upgrades. Is it still a blast, especially on the blacktops in between the trails? I am your size and was stoked to hear and see all your positive commentary in this video. Thanks once more for another great review! EDIT: now I see the Rally has 3.4 gallon fuel tank. Soooo, let's roll:)
I had the rally.. well it is fun but the version you are riding has better suspension and better tires in true stock form she isn't very good off road.. I have been riding for 43 yrs now ..have had over 50 bikes over my lifetime ..this is a good starter bike ..good for dirt roads .. good for traveling but really lacks suspension and its not cheap to upgrade it.. if you push that bike hard in turns the front forks are horrible to the point it washes out easy and is down right unsafe also when running stock tires.. so beginner riders take it easy Don't get cocky cause it can get bad quick.. rear stock shock is also not so great..to be safe don't push the bike really hard in rough conditions go easy and go safe ..I build bikes ..I have raced.. and that is just my honest opinion..but I will say this is a great platform for new riders ..however I did sell it and got a drz 400 then built it out into a light weight adv bike and it is a far better bike in my opinion..for a budget friendly aspect and will have for a longer life in your stable as you progress..I have also had Ktm Dual-sport bikes.. but if cost is a major factor in start of your riding purchase go with a Japanese model bang for the buck bike
Great video and another endorsement for this bike! I’m hoping to do a few weeks on the TAT in 2024 and this is looking ever more the right machine…… Ok, Itchy Boots helped too with her amazing series and massive mileage.
I wish I was out riding with you. Our off road isn’t great here. Lots of gravel, a few dirt secondary roads but that is about it. I need to get my bike out there some day. Traded my KLR for a 390 AdV cause small is awesome
18 months/7K mikes now on same rig. You’ve got the exact same crash guards and battery tender accessory (zip tie configuration, too). I added a tubular tail rack with grab bars because Honda made it difficult to pick her up after a spill. I’ve gone down 4 times, all on right side with only some scratched up plastic and damaged turn signal…..and that was prior to installing crash bars (regrets for not doing so sooner). Not bad considering one was on icey asphalt (that hurt!). Also, I always keep a heavy plastic garment bag (it fits over the windscreen) with me to cover my instruments when parking in rain. NC mountains have similar weather. Stock tires were awful in mud. She’s a bit tall for me (5’7”) off-road, but otherwise loads of fun and totally comfy on 200 mile days of dual sporting!
P.S. Why do I always have to jam to Tool when I see your vids? I didn’t know Justin Chancellor actually rode!!! 😂
I had the same opinion as you, so this was a good video. Love the thorough bike reviews.
Great episode! That CRF300L looks like a really nice bike to ride. Thumb up and shared.
Today’s dual sport is yesterdays Enduro. I’ve had more fun on my 125, 175 and 250 than bigger bikes. They will do more than some people realize I’ve climbed some hill climbs that some said no way.
Wow that was very cool and confidence inspiring I'm actually impressed with the little bike thank you for the great video
Confidence inspiring!
Back in the day, I had an XL250 motor in a Maico frame. I had a lot of fun on that bike. Maybe two wheels and attitude are the main thing? I still think Itchy Dork has a nice ring to it! Thanks for sharing.
Great first impression video!👍 I Have a 2019 690 Enduro r but recently bought the 300l with the upgraded suspension, the 550 stage 1 ECU and aftermarket exhaust , I am using the 300l more than the 690, it just feels lighter especially on single track and 550 ECU really helps to have that extra punch at almost any given RPM
interesting stuff. i have a 701 supermoto. was going to swap it for a 701 enduro. but maybe keep it and get the 300 rally eh?
@@misterchuck6866 It will depend on what you are going to do the most with the bike, I use the 300l mainly to get to the trails using county roads (60-65mph) the 701/690 is one of best large displacement dual sport/supermoto
300l/ rally is one of the best small displacement dual sport
I want to flash my ECU, but I’m concerned about being able to find fuel everywhere I go, like days on end on the TAT….
@@airadaimagery692 you can have your ECU flash for 87 octane as well, but on either case it will run more rich that means your bike will consume about 10 to 15 percent more fuel ⛽
@@ferkuzuel gotcha. thanks for the color
A heartier soul than I. 🥶😁
I'm quietly waiting/hoping for honda to release a tamer 450l rally. 😃🤞
It's not really the same kind of bike so I'd be pretty surprised if they did that. Hard to promote an "adventure bike" with 600 mile oil changes.
@@DorkintheRoad Indeed.
Maybe we'll get lucky and the 300 rally sales will shift the market for some more competition in the "light" adventure category. 😃
The XR400 of our day for sure.
Really enjoyed that, mate I don't know where you live but it's amazing. Great work
Great video! I came so close to buying one in July, but I only had $3k in the budget and I hate debt. I love the used bike I got instead.
I lived out in Lincoln City for a few months. Love the terrain of that area!
Great video
Nice video dorky boots
Noraly has one of these. She’s ridden the Hell out of it! 👍🏻👍🏻
Hell yeah, I want to get my hands on one of these so bad, but finding them is tough and making space in the garage is actually worse lol.
YEAH !! My bike is finally on the show!
I rode it stock the first year, the second year I trew some mods at it (stage 1) and next year i'm going Stage 2!!! ✌✌
This is the best beginner bike(for me is my first offroad bike) and you can trow some money at it to make it a more advanced ride!! 👍
Speaking of words good, so far I’ve heard “weathery”, and “meandery” and I like those choices.
I also just realized that you sound like an old buddy of mine that I haven’t seen in years! I reckon I should reach out. Thanks for that! 😉
Hi from down in Eugene! I love my 300L Rally, look forward to your new content!