Here's Why I Didn't Choose The Rally | CRF300L vs CRF300 RALLY
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- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2024
- #hondacrf300l #hondacrf300rally #chroniclesofsolid
In this video I go through the major differences that separate the Honda CRF300L and CRF300 Rally. Both are fantastic little light weight dual sports perfect for adventure but I could only chose one. So here is how I made the choice of motorcycle.
Chapter Times
00:00 Intro
00:40 Lighting
01:15 Plastics
02:21 Dead Dinosaur Capacity
03:23 Weight 04:25 Windshield
05:30 Brake Rotors
06:22 Suspension
07:01 How Did I decide?
07:24 Plastic Problems
07:41 Hell Handsome
08:27 Terrain
09:06 Weight Weenie
09:45 In My Head
11:45 My Advice
Thanks for watching,
COS 
Авто/Мото
This is probably the most comprehensive and logical comparison between these two bikes that I've seen on RUclips; Especially since it's focused on the average rider.
As the owner of a 300 rally I was expecting this video to rip into how shit they are and I’m pleasantly surprised it’s an honest assessment. I needed a bike for the UKs green lanes (unpaved roads out in the sticks) but don’t want to suffer to much on the way there. The bigger fuel tank, the led lights and the screen fit my usage spot on 👍
Hey, 2 years on, any update? Whats your thoughts on the bike now?
@@yeahboyiiiii222 the spokes corroded. The headlight pointed way up and off to the right (dealer said it wasn’t adjustable and normal) in fact the dealer treated me like a p.o.s. I sold it. I’ll never buy a Honda again
Thats not like Honda! Thats crazy, what are you riding now?@@richbrock9876
@@richbrock9876Thanks, I also noticed poor Chinese welds on 150 model.
I just found your commend are you still have the rally .?I live in the uk also and I am really interested in getting one, did you upgrade the suspension?
I bought a 300 Rally today. I initially wanted a 300L, but these things are so hard to get your hands on, I snatched a Rally that came up for sale instead. But I think I made a better choice when picking the Rally instead of the 300L. The riders I usually go off-roading with have adventure bikes like Yamaha T7, KTM 890 Adventure R, Tiger 900 Rally. Some even have bigger bikes than those. I rode a 250L with this group, and while I had no problem keeping pace on the road, it didn't feel very stable at high speeds and I did end up running short on petrol way before everyone else. While not massive drawbacks, the Rally addresses these issues and makes it more into a bike I can live with. Range is something I'd rather not have to worry about too much. Off-road, the L is of course lighter and more nimble than the Rally. But only a bit. The Rally is a _lot_ more nimble and lighter than a Yamaha T7, though. So all in all, I think the Rally suits me better actually.
“Slow and pathetic pace, with not much skill and falling off a bit”… well that sums it up for me. Great comparo review, Solid!
😅👍
This was perfect, exactly how I would describe my riding
love to hear other people are like that.
cannot beat honesty, what youre that good, you could ride with us any time them lol
How tall are you Solid? I’m 6’3” and would like to know your thoughts on the seat heights please. 👍
The mental part is paramount. I have had a BMW GS for 15+ years now, and still it looks like a monster to me. Climbing on it is a task - and I am 182 cm. This is why I am now considering one of these two Hondas!
I hear you! Currently ride a 650L for my dual sport. Have a Guzzi Griso for the road and a KTM for single track. I’m a confident rider on most any terrain or bike, but the height of the big XR is something I’ve never gotten used to. Seriously considering a 300L for the lighter weight and lower stance. Not being able to get a foot down confidently is getting really old really fast.
Choice was clear for me. Rally plus drop protection. Better seat, wind protection, about the same weight feel when on both, better suspension wth higher ground clearance, better headlights, & a much nicer looking bike.
My choice in early 2021 was Rally and I don't regret it. Those few kilos are nothing compared to advantages of bigger tank, lights, navigation mounting and a windshield, which actually doesn't get in your field of view when in difficult terrain, because 99% you don't ride it sitting. You can wheelie over the logs easily. It feels very light and manoeuvrable! If you're into racing, you won't buy any of these bikes, so that's why I bought Beta RR300 as my competition bike. The only con for Rally was a rear shock, so I got me a custom one from Hagon. Can't way to test it.
They’re both awesome, both fully capable. i got to ride both of them, and finally chose the Rally. Just personal preference.
Thanks Solid, this review has confirmed my decision to buy a Rally. I've recently sold my 2017 Africa Twin and still want open road traveling capability to get to dirt roads, not single track. Off to the local dealer tomorrow, cheers from NZ.
I bought the rally as it was all they had and had only just arrived. Glad I didn’t have a choice as I’d still be deliberating and someone else would have bought it. Fantastic bike (and this is a fantastic video, thanks).
Thanks Solid, you answered many of my questions in this clip. You are absolutely correct about the fact no-one talks about the amount of confidence a bike offers mentally. Particularly in the more tricky terrain. You must have in your head 'This bike can get me through this section.' Mental confidence is a joy and is the key to add even more enjoyment to our sport. Cheers.
Thanks Paul, perfectly summarized what I as trying to say 👍
Itchyboots choose the Rally to travel from Ecuador to Alaska, raiding dirt roads when possible, and I think she had an excellent choice for raiding adventure.
@Stanislav Knyazev good information, and she just had here rear shock improve in California. Every penny has been worth.
@Stanislav Knyazev good information, and she just had here rear shock improve in California. Every penny has been worth.
So go watch that channel then super simp.
Itchy also lives on her bike. This makes sense for day trips and singe track fun.
Where I live the difference in price between L and Rally is 1300 euros, around 2000 AUD, which I do not see justifiable. For 3/4 of that price difference with CRF300L I can fit new better aftermarket rear shock, new better front fork spring, and make it a blast on trails. For me it would be mostly off-road use, and only max 1- 1.5h to get to the trails using paved roads.
This was a great video. I think you did an awesome job of presenting very valid points of comparison that will help folks make the best choice.
Rally front brake has a floating rotor as well. Thanks for the great videos as always!
Great comparison, valuable, balanced, and interesting content as always. Such a fun channel to watch. 300l ordered! Love the music 👍
Now the most important part for me to consider (that I hadn't even factored in as a beginner) was everything you said about the confidence the bike gives you. Cheers mate!! 👍
I appreciate the humility. This very well may influence my decision!
Great review. Appreciate the down to earth honesty in your comparisons. You say it like it is, just as a regular person and not a superhero or a know-it-all. I think your explanation fits perfectly for most of us who aren't experts but who just want to ride and have a little fun. Thank you from the cold and snowy NE US.
Thanks from a very hot Perth (42c) 👍
Great as always! One little correction (3:54): The L is not 4 kg, but 7.25 kg, lighter than the Rally when dry-11 kg - 3.25 kg of fuel (5 liters).
Still have the Rally on order from June. In the meantime bought a 2016 MT-07 Tracer that I set up for touring on dirt (not single track). It's bigger and heavier than the Rally (650 vs 300), but has much less ground clearance and suspension travel, as well as 17"ers. Its been a great experience to play around with tyres, suspension and fitting bash plates etc and riding this platform to its limits. Riding the Rally after this will feel so light and nimble. Still excited for it.
For me it's the Rally. My style of longer range open country riding just suits the "adventure" flavor Honda put into this model. Same bike but more suited to longer exploration. Oh and the plastics, smashed mine off first beach ride, so an angle grinder soon had the motor exposed and enjoying a cool breeze...lol Will be tough to sell my DR650 to purchase another one though...
The rally literally isn't the same bike.... I've rode both versions of this bike and the rally is absolutely terrible. If you're wanting longer distance upgrade to the klr650 or tenere 700....
Do you believe that crash bars would have saved your ferryings?
@Mid Coast Adventures Long range with only ~9 Liters of effective petrol? LOL
Good luck going in open country but be sure to pay a subscription to a road assist company! LOL
@@billadmond9450 there’s a gas station in between every 240 miles through out this country. “Lol”.
@@airadaimagery692 Well not in my fucking country dickhead, which might be why the man used litres not gallons.
And what's a ferryings, Mr self appointed expert?
Thanks for your reviews! Yours looks absolutely gorgeous. I love the yellow hand protectors too
Very good explaination of the two bikes, I think you did a great job of dividing the two, it really helps decide which bike is best suited for what kind of riding you really want to do.👍
Solid is absolutely right. I have a 300 Rally and my friend a 300L. We have ridden parts of the TET in the UK and been on a trip to Spain on the bikes. Both bikes coped wonderfully. My friend just preferred the fact that the L was easier to ride off road, less bulky and just for him more confidence building. I had a 250L a few years back and when the 300 Rally was announced, I just loved the look of it and the more adventure led style (coupled with a big engine improvement). So you could say one of us bought the L using their head and I was led by my heart. For this there is no logic!
You're realistic, straight to the point and honest. I like your videos; keep it up my, your contents are very worthy.
Great upoad - thank you - I will be choosing the Rally and your video has helped - safe riding
This is one of the best comparison videos, on the two bikes, thanks for sharing mate , I went for the 300l for the same reason as you, although I do like the look of the rally a little bit more especially after the eliminating of the plastics surrounding the engine, but I don't need the larger tank or the windscreen, also I found a great deal on a pre owned 300l with the upgraded suspension, 550 performance ECU, full after market exhaust and a few other goodies
Excellent review! Very clear and objective!! Thanks!
Such a great and direct review!
Thanks. Very good review and excellent arguments for both.
This was a great break down between both bikes good job well done I’m much more clear on what I want from these bikes. Thank you oh. I’m taking the rally.
Thank you so much for spending this amount of time and effort (and considerable skill) in order to produce this film/tutorial. It was/is very useful. I've had a rally on order for seven months in the UK. I'm probably (closer every day) going to get a one year old 300 L - because I can. Then sell it if I like the Rally more than the 300 L (if it ever arrives). You live in the right part of the world... enjoy it. Thanks again, Mike
No worries 😉 Sounds like you lucked out with the best of both worlds 👍 Enjoy the 300’s!
Great review. I’m in the US and just picked up a 300L. Love it so far and can’t wait for the weather to get better to really get some seat time in.
Congrats 🥳
What's up solid, a fellow 300L RUclipsr here. I completely agree with everything you said I love how you broke it all down. I go for a similar format in my videos. I also went with the L but I should also have the rally as soon as my dealer gets it. So hopefully I can do a side by side as well. Watched the whole vid and subbed! Keep up the good work man.
Should make for a great comparison mate. Keep the videos coming and shiny side up 👍
Excellent comparison of the CRF300L and Rallye. Thank you.
Another great video. Thanks Solid!
That was immensely helpful, thank you so much!
The Rally headlight is one of the best standard lights I have ever seen.
You would certainly know mate👍 Hope the 701 is treating you well 😎
Yeah I once I saw the CRF 300 L rally in the dealership I wanted to get it it's so cool it even says rally inside the headlight lol... I got the 250L rally & love it + it was 2k cheaper than the 300 rally.
@@honda116969 I owned one for a few months; it was an awesome little bike but i knew i would trash the fairing and it was just too nice to do that.
yeah but the drunk spiderman look puts me off.
@@jeffferguson899 looks hella unique & BADASS if u asked anyone else besides yourself! Everybody that I have asked liked it and it's very very functional also
It's decided I'll go for the 300L, time to call my dealers for inventory. I've used the same dirt bike for nearly 20 years, finally sold it because it was showing its age. I had a '99 WR400F with many upgrades done to it and I miss it, but don't regret selling it.
Perfect analysis.... For sure you made the right choice !!!! Me I found the rally version and I got it immediately, coming from a Tenere 700 is not an issue the more weight trough the L Version. Ciao Gianluca from Milano
Hi my name is Daniel ...and well I was enjoying this video and wel I have something to add ...I live here in Costa Rica my grandfather was one of the first motorcicle owners and not just that it took him 4 years to travel to each one of the roads of this country ...and well one thing he didnt knew (there where no motorcyclers in thouse days ) but as well today ...the weight of the "Kidneys" and the vibration on durt roads is never a good combination ...so standing up for a wile isnt good enough ....for long term durt roads we need special suspention seats ...humans are good and well built but the weight of the kidneys seems to be hellish when we become aware of the damage ...he ended in hospitals at the end of his life for this kidney reason ...this to share with you guys in grattitud for this videos ...have good ride and remember to take brakes during long trips ...and why not thry to fiend a solution for this seat suspention ...dificulty ...bye !!
This was really helpful of me! "Solidified" me on the Rally. I've got a 250EXCF for my main dirt passion but I have Rally on the brain for doing some more dirt road day-trip adventure stuff which I used to do more of when I had my 250L.
Don't do it. Try and ride the rally before purchase, you will fucking hate it.
@@Broxty Why? How will it compare with the 250L I had?
Great vid. Ditch that tank bag and put that GL bar bag on the shelf (over your head in the intro) to use. Makes riding so much better in the technical stuff.
Nice comparison nailed it!
are you waiting for a tank to land as well?? From your experience do you think is gonna change the handling a lot
Still not sure if to get the tank ( extra weight in front) or get the giant loop bladder extra weight in the back… would be nice a video going in depth talking about it! Just a suggestion
Thanks
Great comparison and the Tat is coming on a treat.
Well said and a great honest review. Cheers mate
my big question is who in their right mind would add yellow hand guards to a CRF?
Once again, great comparison and logical break down of the pro's and con's Solid. I've got a 250L Rally and am considering stepping up to the 300L Rally. Agree the plastics can be a real pain in the butt. I've done single track and have had the plastics break either from hitting a hidden log/stump or from dropping the bike in deep mud. I think the ability to cut the plastics from around the base and replace with the 300L bash plate is a great option as the shroud although great to keep the wind and rain off on the highway, like in my case got damaged pretty easily. It honestly doesn't bother me if it gets scratches etc as its all part of the adventure. The rally is heavier, however I find I do get range anxiety often so having the (350-400km) range is important, and can forgive the extra weight as its all about compromises. Suspension upgrades, bash plate and the akro slip on and you should be out for around 12K. All things considered gives you a very versatile, reliable and capable bike. I don't know if you ever saw Rozalyn Veersma adventure trip, but she took a 250L around Australia. Worth a look if you haven't watched it already. Keep up the great videos!
Great review, thank you. Fully agree with your opinions.
Thanks a lot ! The mental stuff is definitely a key aspect for me !
Got the rally on order hoping for September can’t wait
That's an excellent review mate......really helps with decision making.....cheers!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great comparison, good work!
Another great video solid, I was wondering about which one would be most suitable for me. I think you've helped me separate them. I need both, curse you😛
😆
Is this a pro level vlog or what?
The good gets better.
Kudos homie!
👍😎
Thanks for this clear and clever explanation, i will order 300l and upgrade rear suspension...
Great video mate, exactly what I was looking for.
Glad it helped
One thing you never mentioned but would be something I'd have to factor in as well would be the cost, in my country there is a $1000 price difference which is no small amount. I'd be happy with either version, seems like a great bike.
Here in the UK the extra £1000 makes it a couple hundred pounds off the CB500x so at that price I'm not sure why you would go for the 300
If you plan on using the CRF as your primary mode of transport during the riding season, you'll find the small tank of the 'L' annoying very quickly. To upgrade the tank will cost $400 USD ($500 Cdn) plus shipping. Also, the price of a windshield, if you plan to commute, will be at least $300 Cdn...and then there's the supposed better seat of the Rally. These three things alone, which I was looking at adding to my CRF250L, will cost well over a grand to upgrade. I'm not a fan of the "bug eye" headlight, but neither am I a fan of the inadequate halogen on the Canadian bike...C'mon Honda, WTF?
@@Jisei13 I guess that depends on what you do with it, I chose the Rally because I like to do more offroad. Which I think the Rally is better at than the CB500X
I absolutely agree on your choice, I had the 250 Rally and was concerned with the amount of plastics to break, you can get a crash bar but that’s even more weight to deal with.
I think 450L headlight on the 300 is gorgeous
Great review mate as I am going through the same dilemma with a decision on either. I think though for my use the L will also be my choice.
Very honest review, well done.
Really like that last point you made. I am MUCH more confident off road than on it. Plus I already have an enduro style dirt bike for the more tricky rides and am after something for easier and longer adventure trail rides so I think the rally is for me.
channel could also be called 'philosophy of solid'. awesome ideas, point all around. helped a lot. cheers
Cheers mate, glad it helped👍
Great video, helpful a lot, thanks!
Great review. You had me all ears, through it all.
👍
Very expressible explanation.
Thanks from Russia.
Good luck!
Great video. I feel like i could choose between the two if needed. Thanks. I love the duel sport bikes.more offroad than street. Not crazy about extra fairings.
Fantastic vlog & nice compilation 👍
Excellent video! Thank you. Cheers
I chose the Rally and love it! No regrets here.
Looking at the bugs n guts on my screen, etc. pretty sure I made correct decision also 😋
Torn between these two now, thanks!
Just started researching getting a dual purpose bike and have been leaning toward a CRF300L or Rally and then found this video. Awesome info and thoughts, thank you. I live in Colorado and have a shit ton of trails near me that I want to ride. I'm only 5'9' and 155lbs, so weight is something that I need to consider as is relates to rider confidence, control, etc, as you nicely pointed out. However, on many of our mountain trails, you can ride for many miles from one old mountain town to another old mountain town, so the added fuel availability on the Rally would really be beneficial in that situation. Hmm...decisions?! Lol... The only other problem I have is there's none available anywhere around me right now anyway, so I guess I have time to figure it. Happy trails.
I think this video sums it all up pretty good. I got a 250l, that has a windscreen addon - and i do absolutely love that for my type of riding (except for the fact that its really ugly). It's easy to remove aswell, if you would want that. As you and others mentioned - If you are in to modification you could probably do alot of the mods "converting" the l into a "light rally" suited for your riding style for less money total then buying a rally in the first place
Soft enduro is me too! Have the 300L too. Good video! 🏍💨
Very honest report thank you
I have a Rally and my son just bought an L. They feel really different to me. The L feels way lighter than 30 lbs should. I don't think the rally is a street bike, I think it is a speed bike. Long fire roads or desert or whatever with significant speed it's nicer. The L is way more fun slow. Also a weird extra, I swear the seat foam on the Rally is softer. 1st thing I noticed sitting on the L.
It doesn't make sense to me a Rally bike with only a 300cc (even smaller) engine.
I believe that if Honda really wants to make an impact in the market, they should release a 450-500cc Rally bike and that would be a winner because there is nothing like that right now.
And don't even mention the Suzuki DR or the Kawasaki XLR because they are "old" projects with some face masking here and there.
@@billadmond9450 I along with thousands of others have been begging for a simple, lightweight 400-600cc bike for decades. This bike lies between this 300 and the 450RL. A 400 with a middle of the road compression ratio and medium tune is what we want. Decent service intervals and decent power. Not one or the other as said bikes have on either end of the spectrum.
@@kignacio The bike you're looking for is not profitable for manufacturers because if the bike never breaks, they don't make money! LOL
The Italian manufacturer Fantic Motor (Yamaha's partner) will release around June a 450 Rally bike which trialed in the latest Paris Dakar.
It's a bike engineered to be a winner which has everything (for example it carries a huge amount of petrol distributed around the frame and gas tank) a rally bike needs to.
Not like Honda do, they make a rally bike but they must contain the costs so they save on this and that like they have done with 500CBX so buyers then spend another $5,000 on top of the bike's price!
I would like to see a Royal Enfield Himalayan with a 500-550cc engine and that will be the true winner!
xHECKx ... Do you notice much of a difference between the two in terms of leg stance? I'm 5' 8" with a shorter inseam and wasn't quite able to flat foot my narrow seat '15 CRF250L. With the wider seat of the Rally, I expect that my legs will splay out a bit further making the Rally that much more difficult to plant my feet. That said, I have heard that the Rally seat is more comfortable, and I do look forward to that.
The rally DOES have a softer seat
Some very good points here. I'm a new subscriber. Think I've seen 10 of your videos in the last 3 days. I like how they're very matter of fact and just honest. I'm just an okay rider that likes to look of a dual sport. My work commuter is a dr200. And my touring bike is an V-Strom 650. I don't think either are going away, but I feel like the 300 rally could cover both.
Welcome aboard J👍
love the video. im a beginner as well, and i find the rally perfect, but i hate the headlight. gonna be on the road more then the dirt. thanks for the video/guide
Very great explanation of difference, in my country I could only buy The 300L non rally version and I am very satisfied with the bike.
I'm collecting my Rally in a few days - UK (I ordered it last November but didn't want it during the winter so it's been sat in the shop for 2 months). I'm replacing a 250L which I fitted with a big tank and comfy seat - hence the Rally to save me the bother of altering it. I use the 250L on the road (45,000 250L miles since 2015) and the 300 Rally will be my every day bike. I'm now quite old and refuse to have a quarter ton Africa Twin when the UK speed limit is 60 mph on motorcycle type roads. For off road I use a CRF230F which is much lighter, air cooled and with more ground clearance. Nice to hear your thoughts though Mr. Solid.
Super video ! Would it be interesting to do a video comparison between the CRF250L vs. the Royal Enfield Himalayan ?
great review. i would have liked a price comparison and what extra you get for the extra money, tank, fairing? is the dash the same? are there any other differences (than the ones covered?) , gearing? thanks
Great summary!
Nice Work! one question, the headlight of your bike, is it the standard 300 L or is it from the 450L? Thanks
Very good video. Thank you.
Great review. I think your analysis is great. But at the end of the day it is still a personal thing. I think we all know if we listen to our inner voice.
Thanks Shawn and agreed 👍
That's a fair comparison! Cheers!
I’m still unsure if I got the correct bike but after 7700kms in 4 months on the 300L (abs) I’d say I’m buying the standard version again. 110kmh speed limit and I could hit 154kmh. Fitted heated grips for cold nights and was perfect. I liked pushing off road & dropped 60+ times easily, so the rally plastics I doubt would have held up. If you can find one buy it
Great video! Thanks
Good quick comparison.
I went with the Rally for my riding in SW CO. I have pretty long (and awesome) road rides to get to the big passes and trails. My rides are really about linking a Mtn road with a Mtn pass and a few trails, back to a Mtn road to cruise back home. The Rally comfort on the open road was high on my priority list and eliminating the wind screen would frankly suck too bad. The distances out in SW CO are pretty big and the wind can be a factor as well. If I was riding mostly dirt and/or trailering the bike, I'd probably have gone with the L, but super happy with my decision.
Very usefull info on the bikes, good content ! Thanks for your opinion :)
Nps 👍
Good note about rider confidence rating mate.
Thinking of buying a 300L as my first since riding an nsr 80 when I was a teenager.
Can’t wait to get back into motorcycling
Great review! I'm an older guy and new rider and just looking for something to putz around on the street and slow trail rides on occasion. May need to ride 20 miles to get to the trails and dirt roads. Rally would be perfect for me.
Great review!
I was a bit afraid that Rally would be a worse bike and that is why you didn't chose it. But it turned out it's just a perfect bike for me. Designed perfectly spend more time on the pawed road and do only light enduro
Great video. I'm really interested in the Honda CRF300L but it's really hard to find them used in Mongolia where I live. The CRF250 version is a better bet for used but, after your review, it sounds like the 300 would suit me better. The somewhat competitive Yamaha WR250R is also more widely available used but I prefer torquey than high-revving.
My rides are 95% off-road as I actually live off-road but I occasionally need to go on-road for part of my rides.
I'll keep my eye out for a used CRF300 this spring and summer.
Everything you’ve said is 100% accurate solid (owner of 2016 Crf250l for 3 years and current owner of a cbr300r equiped 2017 Crf “300” rally.) Even when I had the rally I had both bikes for a year and took the 250L on more than 50% of rides (I had both available so could have taken either). I do about 70-80% off-road and it has probably taken me a year to take my rally everywhere I used to take the 250l - but now I am happy as I have a bike that does the road sections a little more comfortably. I can also ride with road riding mates and not be “totally left behind” I run d606 and mt21 and find it surprisingly capable in the twisties, of course when it comes to the straights, a 130hp sports bike will leave anything behind, but at least in the 40/60/80/90 Kph corners, the rally handles things pretty well and is still a more capable bike than its rider ;) I just love the fact you can do anything and go anywhere with this lightweight dual sport adventure category !! One really has to ride both they are different bikes but at the same time the same. I believe the extra wheel length and take make the rally a bit less twitchy..my advice - ride them both (even the older 250l and rally) and see which you prefer.
very informative and easy to understand video, need your advice, a friend of mine is going to sell his 300L and i m planning to get it. I like the look of the 300rally, can the 300R headlamp used at 300L and what parts are compatible to 300R. Thanks