No they wouldn't. The 450 starts at $10K. No way I am dropping $10K on a 450. Not intentionally neutering the XR650L with a tiny gas tank is the answer.
@@someguy5035 Sorry, I don't think you understood my point. We all know about the crazily priced current CRF450 that needs an oil change every half an hour! I'm asking for a bigger version of the current 300s, to replace the XR range we don't get in Europe.
Great work. I think the most significant thing to get from this comparison is that "the best bike" depends on the user's necessities, uses and preferences. 👍🏻
We pay super high taxes here in California, and our potholes are horribly inadequate. Even when we do get one every now and then, they get fixed. Sometimes I wonder why I bother to pay taxes at all.
A really balanced review - thanks for sharing. I have had the CRF300 Rally (there is no L anymore) since February and have put 3,500 mostly highway/urban miles on it. 75mph all day is comfortable and returns a consistent 83.2mpg. The SRC Moto luggage system is awesome with the spare jerry can. I haven't had anything under 650cc since the early nineties and was worried about a puny 286cc. It's anything but, and requires very little maintenance. A great, fun bike, and a keeper.
I'm thinking about getting one but I need it to be comfortable for very long road trips of months, riding every day. Do you think it's ok for that? Did you have issues with vibrations?
I'll be 58 next spring, 230 lbs. Been looking for that unicorn. I think I'm going with the 300 rally, up grade the shocks. Take the back roads and hit the trails and be happy 😊
I absolutely love my 250 rally, for use here in the Philippines anyway, where average road speeds are considerably slower. Ill be returning stateside shortly and the T7 is in my sights, pretty excited. Thanks for the video, enjoyed watching...
I think a Tenere 300 based off the MT-03 would be pretty sweet, especially if they biased it a bit more off road with extra suspension travel to go along with the lighter weight.
I think the 300l rally is such an amazing adventure bike. Very capable. The T7 is as well, maybe even more, but it takes SO much skill to get what the 300 gives you more naturally.
DSTV- Real adventure motorcycles have 21" front wheels, 18" in the back. Me- Has a Dyna Fat Bob with 16" wheels front & back that spends more time on gravel & off road than most people with adventure bikes.
The definition of adventure lies between the ears, not the knees. :) Though I have to admit, crossing creeks with a 1500 Vulcan was getting a bit sketch. So I only did it a couple times. :D
Great video again - your bad influence made me order a T7, LOL. Went for black, found an Ontario dealer with a few on order who was not price gouging & ordered it (now sold out) - so look forward to adding this one to my DRZ400 & TW200! No room or cash for a Honda Rally - looks like a great machine. Safe riding to you & your wife! Cheers, Ronny.
If only Honda had made the Rally a 500cc and kept the weight under 300lbs fueled with performance suspension priced the same as the T7 they would own the Dualsport/adventure market for years to come. Great video that shows why lighter is better.
Real nice comparison!! Lots of very real points being made, all starting with your comment on how many CC's are in play. I have a KLX 250 at moment and a vintage Bonneville but looking to transition into an ADV bike. The Tenere is on my radar because of it's midsize feature thus your comments were key to me. Thanks!!
I agree with much of which you talked about in this video! My first bike was a sv650 and after that I've owned a lot of different road bikes, until I started driving for the Swedish Armed Forces on our Husqvarna MC258 (two stroke with automatic centrifugal clutch). After a couple of years with offroad riding in the military I sold my road bike to buy my own better suited offroad bike, and that was the CRF300 Rally. It was a really great bike after changing suspension and adding a real bashplate. But, it was only great in the woods. On road(gravel and tarmac) it was lacking, and rightfully so. It is a 286cc single after all. So after 1120km I sold it... and this weekend I am picking up a used Tenere 700 from 2019 with only 1500km on the odometer. I am quite sure that this is the bike I should have bought in the first place... but you live and you learn! Anyways, thank you for many hours of entertainment. I wish you all the best.
I bought the Rally, simply for the weight since I had zero offroad experience. Ordered Wilbers suspension today and even with that added cost it still makes sense to me. But ofc that is because it's the only lightweight dual sport available in Europe. Already did some proper offroading, following a friend with tons of experience in Enduro and motocross. Ofc I couldn't keep with his pace but I did manage to follow the trail he was creating without major issues. No way, as a novice, I would have pulled off that on a heavier bike :)
Here is the *_vs_* difference between the two (2) bikes without having to watch the video: - The Yamaha 700cc wins _on the road_ - The Honda 300cc wins _off road_ I just saved you 12 minutes of life. Stay frosty
@@sboy1955 I don't think so: - Price is irrelevant in this case a 700cc will be more expensive than a 250/300cc. - I just said _"the Honda 300 is a much better off road bike..."_ - Your opinion of the "degree" of performance in *_off vs on_* is pure bias and not scientific. Thus rejected. - The Yamaha 700cc _still_ wins on the road - The Honda 300cc _still_ wins off road obviously. _Stay frosty_
@@sweetcostarica - All I’m saying is, in the opinion of many (which is relevant), as a true dual sport bike the Honda 300 is clicking off all the boxes to be at the top of it’s class. While the Yamaha as a road bike isn’t anywhere near the top of any class. As far as money goes, you can buy the Honda and have money left over for a good down payment on a decent road bike!
@@sboy1955 The Honda CRF 300 is a good bike. BUT in reality you can not 🍎🍊 compare a light 300 cc adventure bike to a 700 cc adventure bike. I don't know 🤷 why this video even tried. So yes your bias for the Honda that maybe works best for you and your budget. The Yamaha works best for folk who have $5,000 more and will be riding on roads and highways 🛣 more. This was/is obvious. Full-discloser I own and ride a CRF 1000L and am looking into getting a 300cc as the Africa Twin is better left to road riding. So I am talking from my experience. God bless 🙂.
These two bikes are awesome. I live in Brazil, own a Tenere 250. I'm planning to move to Canada someday, when I do, probably I would buy one of these, or a CB 500 X, since it is "kinda a halfway" between crf and tenere. Good work on this video man, congrats.
Always thought the T700 would be the perfect bike to have. And maybe it is if you only have room for one bike in your life. But honestly, the best is having a road oriented larger displacement ADV for most road rides, touring and two up riding while having a light dual sport for the single track and back roads riding. (Also a great commuter). The Yamaha is so overpriced in Canada because demand for it is so high. You can spend less on 2 slightly used bikes that are better suited to on road and off-road duties. But that’s just the approach I took and it works for me.
Lucky you are, t go offroad legally in your country. In Germany it is not allowed to go offroad. In Baden Würtemberg it is even forbidden to go on a single track with a bicycle! So I own an electric mountainbike to go forest roads legally and I also own a Honda VFR 1200 F for streetriding. On the motorway we are allowed to go as fast as we can: 22o km/h is my maximum, although my Honda woul go 250km/h. In fact a Tenere 700 would be a good choise as well. But what about the Africa Twin ? This bike is very popular in Germany!
Très bonne revue! I have riden the T700 in the desert of Morocco for 5 days and it’s a great machine but man it’s heavy in the sand, full throttle and don’t drop it, which I did numerous times! I have a CRF 300 Rally on order in Montréal and should put my hands on it next week (July 2021). Will let you know my experience with Honda. I also own and off road fantastic BMW GS Adventure 1200 and now this is heavy in the single tracks! No wounder I just added the 300 Rally, enough sweating in trail with that 600 lb horse, but love them all. Keep the good reviews guys!
Finally I did get the CRF Rally and love it. Did about 2500 km of track in 2021 and some road and it’s a great machine for the price. Can go up to 110kmh on highway, quick to get to the trails and a lot lighter in the tracks. My only concern was the height which was too high for me. I did not feel comfy in very technical stuff. I asked the dealer to lower it and they did! 2in less and now it’s a charm. Does not look as great but man I’ve got feet on the ground in heavy trails.
@@robertberthiaume7301 Thanks. I am thinking about buying one for a long trip in Africa. Do you have any problems with vibrations and how do you think is the long distance comfort?
The 701 Enduro blends the best features of both of these bikes. A properly outfitted (skid plate, barkbusters, pannier rack,etc) Long Range model with its 6.5 gallon capacity and 330 mile range, weighs only 383lbs WET and produces 70hp. Light enough to toss on a hitch carrier, powerful enough to cruise all day on the highway, and more competent in the dirt than either the Honda or the Yamaha.
I bought the CRF 250 rally and I love it, I have rally tires on it and I can still do all my highway driving on my way to the trails. You're right, it's a matter of what you prefer, I've ridden the tenere and if my primary riding was on the road I would stick with that.
Another to throw in the mix: The new KLX 300. Better suspension than the Honda. Incredible maintenance intervals. I bought a KLX250 (didn’t know the 300 was coning out) and sent the suspension to Noleen for tuning and to drop it 2” front and rear. Very affordable. Because it’s tuned to my weight and riding style, I don’t notice the ground clearance issues at all. It is no less than perfect now. All I need is a larger tank. I do love my KLX.
Wow.! You're still putting out Professional MotoVids even when on Vacation. That's dedication.! (salute) One day in the future, can you maybe do a smaller then Baby-Bear Dual-Sport Video. Bikes like the XT 125, KSM 200 (with Knobby's added) XTR 200, VanVan 200, DR 200, TW 200, XT 225, CRF 230L, CRF 230m & the new KXL 230. Can you limit you video to the year 2000 & newer plz. Is there No Market in Canada for a Tiny Street Legal Dual-Sport.?
Thanks Angel. Got another one out today in record time because it was time sensitive. I’m planning on doing a dual sport breakdown soon and including those bikes. Cheers!
The Sportster S Video was or is very Time Sensitive.! DS-TV, what if I have an simple but maybe an excellent video idea for you both. I know you two could do much better job of it then we ever could.
What a great comparison! I considered both bikes and ended up with the 300 Rally. I have been gravitating towards smaller bikes the last few years. I grew up riding dual sport bikes and eventually switched from a KLR650 to a big sport tourer (FJR1300) and then 12 year ago started on my path to smaller bikes by getting a V-Strom 650 and then another newer one. I regressed and went uber big in the ADV world with a Beemer 1200GS, then an Africa Twin, and then a Tracer 900GT, and back to a V-Strom 650. All were amazing street bikes (the Tracer being dedicated to that), but none are brilliant off road. In the meantime, I have been toying with smaller dual sports and coming to the realization that I don't do much long-distance riding. The dual sport meets most of my needs. When Honda came out with the 250 Rally a few years back, I was intrigued...until I rode it. It just didn't have the power and I wondered why Honda didn't put the 286cc mill in there since it was already in use in the CBR. I considered a CB500X, but at the time it was still rolling on 17's front and rear and doing the Rally Raid treatment was expensive. Functionally, a KLR650 makes more sense than a kitted 500X if you are ok with a carb (I'm over them thanks to crappy ethanol fuels). Either bike is too big for me alone to be able to throw in my truck. Ended up with a XR650L a couple years ago, but never bonded with that bike and replaced it with a CRF450L. That think was a hoot on the trails, but almost too rowdy for my to enjoy on a more casual level and I hated its street manners. I also had picked up a little Kawasaki Super Sherpa 250 project bike and got it going. While it was an old, neglected, and tempermental bike, it renewed my interest in smaller dual sports. I had to decide whether to keep it and replace my 450L and DL650 with a T7 or sell the Sherpa and sell/trade-in the 450L on a 300 Rally. As much as I'd love a T7, I knew it wouldn't get ridden. I hardly ride my V-Strom, but it's 13 years old, paid for, and also not worth a whole lot of money. The Rally is much more useful for my purposes. I can only ride one bike at a time, anyway.
Nice list of bikes youve owned. How many do you tend to keep at any one time? I only have room in my garage for one, 2017 African twin fully accessorized. Wish I had a bigger garage for a 250-300 cc enduro as well.
@@oldtimer3824 I've had as many as 5 bikes simultaneously, but that was only a short time and two of those bikes were minis (Honda Monkey 125 and Kymco Spade 150). Fairly recently, I had the V-Strom 650, CRF450L, Super Sherpa, and Monkey. Started selling off the bikes I didn't ride much. First, I sold the Sherpa because it sat unused 90 minutes away in storage. Then I sold the Monkey. In June, I traded the 450L for the 300 Rally when my local dealer miraculously got one in that wasn't spoken for. Ended up selling the V-strom a few weeks ago after realizing I could get by with just the 300 Rally. 2 bikes in my garage was very manageable, but I love having all the extra space now that I'm a one bike owner.
The T7 top heaviness can be resolved with a simple idea; learn the bike and develop your skill based on that bike. The road capability is necessary for most who must ride to a location to get to dirt and the 300 Rally just can't ride nearly as confident on the road with the wind and blow back from trucks and natural gusts. I wanted both, the 300 was not available and the T7 was so I scooped it up and I've had to learn the bigness of the bike but over time it feels smaller and I feel like a ninja on it now. Again its always about skill.
Fantastic and honest comparison video of two of the most popular bikes out there. Many thanks. On the Rally, did you have to shorten the kickstand after having it lowered? Thanks again.
The KTM 690 Enduro R is the best of both of these machines. Yes I do understand it is more expensive, but it’s a no compromise best of both of these bikes!!!! It weighs less than both at 321.9 pounds, superior WP suspension, 74 horsepower, more than the Yamaha T7 & still gets depending on how you ride it, between 45 to 60 MPG. The only sacrifice is the extra $2,000, but way better in every other way.
Since you have taken over the 300 for your dirt bike & are only using the 700 as your street cruiser, cuz of its weight & top heavy weight distribution, I suggest getting your wife a Yamaha tt200 or XT250, both have very low seat height & plenty of power for even the largest woman.
Really nice comparison video, thanks! I believe my Super Tenere ES would share the garage nicely with the little Honda. Deposit placed, still waiting....
Dear Honda and Yamaha, PLEASE build a bike that's 400-500cc's with maintenance intervals similar to that of the 300L. The CRF450L doesn't hit the mark because most adventure riders don't want dirt bike-level maintenance. The KTM 500 and Husky are awesome but expensive and don't have reliable and simple Japanese engines and overall reliability. One day this bike will come and will absolutely crush the dual-sport / lightweight ADV market.
LOL, yesterday I thought about trading/selling my Triumph Scrambler 900 and mused about the T700 vs the CRF300L. Today, RUclips presents this video in my feed. Damn, I'm predictable.. Thanks @Different Spokes TV for creating the content YT wants me to see!
I don't ride any motorcycle,but I think that both bikes are very good. It depends on what you are looking for in a motorcycle. Cheers from Canada, snow country.
2 good budget alternatives would be the drz400s and the klr650. They're old, cheap on the used market, and they both have something these two bikes don't have, 20 years of aftermarket support for any build you ever wanna do.
Great bake-off mate. Thanks for posting. I agree with Hugh Silberrad: Honda could even use their 500 cc engine from the cb500x and make it more trail friendly for the WIN!
Choosing between two is should be depending on your type of riding you wish 😏, 300L will not harm your heart when it falls, more offroad , less maintenance,less wight..T7 for more tour,better quality..smoth powerful ,better look and techs,..
Awesome Video!!! I just bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan which is in the middle of these 2 bikes. Well, almost! I plan on doing some BDR routes here in the US and the Himalayan will be perfect for me. Capable yet cheap enough to not care if I trash the bike. My regular ADV bikes are my new Triumph Tiger 1200 XCX and my new Harley Davidson Pan America S. The Triumph is superior for more highway dirt roady stuff, the Harley is better for dirt roady desert stuff and the Enfield is better to beat the crap out of on serious crap roads and yucky stuff. Great video Sir!! 🙌👏👌✌🖖🤙👍👋🙂
Meanwhile, it is no secret that an aftermarket rear shock needs to be added to the purchase price of an CRF300 from the very first beginning. Once this is sorted out, the bike turns into a surprisingly capable trail bike. I own the 300L (not the Rally) and it took me to places I wouldn't even dare to think about when sitting on one of the big adventure bikes I owned in the past.
I find it hilarious that we live in a market/world where out of all the bike manufacturers out there with a 450 class bike, NONE of them has created a 450cc thumper rally trim to corner the part of the ADV market that rides somewhere other than Starbucks and regularly groomed logging highways. Can you imagine how much BETTER a CRF450 rally would be versus the CRF300? It could keep up on the highway just fine, probably have a top speed of around 100mph which pushes the envelope of speed rating for suitable off road tires anyways, and have ample low end torque so that you don't have to milk the clutch on the 300 to get mid-rpm power in tricky stuff. But there's no FE501 or 450-EXC, no WR450, no KLX450, set up with a rally tower windguard and a simple rear ABS selector switch and street oriented speedo/display for trip logistics. Something with at least a 3000 mile oil change interval, 6000 mile valve clearance checks, and 250 mile fuel range. That would be the perfect BDR bike to roam everywhere in North America for US and Canadian consumers. One might argue that the 701 Enduro is that bike. I guess... I consider it more an anomaly and a ghost of the 650 thumper era, where KTM/Husky threw FI and liquid cooling at a market dominated by air cooling and carburetors and produced a monster of a machine. I say this while owning a new Aprilia Tuareg 660, which I just took over the COBDR last month. I own a Husky FE250 that is slowly being relegated to obsolete for me as I discover just how great the Tuareg is (much like the T7). I do like having a redundant bike though. Especially since one thing Aprilia lacks in comparison to Yamaha is a responsive spare parts distribution network. I damaged some plastics on my BDR trip last month (I went before I equipped it with crash guards) and it's a 2+ month wait for replacement parts. I would buy a rally/tour 450 to replace my FE250. I think a rally/touring trim thumper is a FANTASTIC idea. But the Honda 300 is just too small of a motor for it. Poor thing is getting flogged at 75mph.
@@ChrisSauer-oe5ve I'm in Phoenix, AZ. I've bought parts from the local dealer I bought my bike from (Reparto Veloce), and I've also bought parts from AF1 out of Texas, one of the largest Aprilia dealers in the US and a reliable vendor for most people living west of the Mississippi River. Generally the same story, 2-4 months for parts. Plastics, kick stand spring mounts, fuel sensors... those are things I've had to wait on so far.
I am awaiting the delivery of my Honda CRF 300 rally right now......spend my time watch videos and thinking about mods ! Ahh well, its paid for, and will come when it comes ! Im not TOO excited ! { I LEAP at the phone when it rings in anticipation of its arrival !]
Well done comparison. The unicorn adventure bike remains elusive. Either gonna be better on the road or better in the dirt. The one that can run highways speeds and overtake without concern, yet handle the rocky trails out west (i.e. super slab it from the east coast out west to take in a BDR) would be the closest to being the perfect adventure bike. Maybe the KTM 490 Adventure or 690R?
I think the world is ready for the unicorn and Honda could easily be first if they added another variant to the CRF 450 line. Realistic intervals, windscreen and 3.5 g fuel tank, leave off all the side plastics, keep it at 330 pounds with 40 hp and I would trade my Tiger 900. I've had a 300 Rally now for 2 months and it's far and away my favorite. My off road skills have improved far more on this bike than a year on the Tiger. Being able to go out in the woods alone helps as well which I won't do on the 900.
What I would love to see from Honda... Scaled down Africa twin with CB650 motor is the CRF650L Transalp. The CRF300L with CB500 moto the CRF500L Rally.
I say the Rally. especially if it's more about the fun factor and not going 70mph everywhere. but must be willing to wait 3 months for the dealership to get it there!
Great video. I would choose the yamaha tenere because I would spend 90% on the . I do love the little honda though. I ride a kawasaki zx9r but would love an adventure bike to add to my collection 😀
I didn’t pick the Tenere700 because of price. Dropping a $12k bike off road sounds so painful compared to $7500 bike (out the door prices with all the stealer ship fees)
Slow and light bike is honestly more fun. Keep the engine in it peak torque range and you will love it. Don’t rev it out as such. The value is brilliant. Cost + reliability + capability. Only real upgrades in my opinion would be seat, suspension and tyres. You only need the seat if riding road for more than 2 hours (in the dirt you will be standing). You only need suspension down the track when your riding abilities get better. You only need new tyres when you are doing more than fire trails. To me, this is the closest bike to the magic unicorn.
Two different classes. Nice info on both. I'd choose a KLR over the T7. I'd choose a Hymalayan over the T7 as well. I've ridden all of them. This is a bit dated. The Honda is now CRF350. Price wise this bike is a champ. Kawasaki has a KLX 300 is on point with the price. Both are a blast to ride but the KLX 300 can be bought in super moto or 300sm. The tires are also tubeless. I'd tend to lean towards the Kawasaki in either model.
I had a 660 Tenere and now a CRF300L not rally and the 660 was only better on longer trips but I didn’t like it at all off road and I love the little Honda it’s all based on your needs.
I am totally on the fence on which to buy. I had a KLR 650 than a GS 1200 and recently going around town on my neighbors vespa scooter. I realized that the smaller vespa is more fun which made me want to buy a 300 Rally. I am also a bigger guy at 6'2 so ....
Thesnatchy T7 throttle is not chain. It is the same problem (to a slightly lesser extent) as the MT07. The fuelling is quite poor. Reflash the ecu properly and the snatchiness disappears.
Love it. A good honest review. But as a trail rider, I know which one I would take. Hint: Starts with H. But it doesn't mean that Y doesn't make some great trail bikes too. Except, that it is also great to cruise on the highway. So, now I don't know what to believe. Lol :-)
I prefer the Honda because I do not believe a heavy bike is ideal for off road adventures. A small engine between 250 and 500 cc with a weight less than 350 lbs is the way to go. Bikes should be light efficient and easy to ride. The trend of making heavy bikes is wrong.
People always say that certain adventure bikes (like, say, the CB500X) with19" front wheels "can handle some gravel." Can't any bike handle the gravel? Even a cruiser can go on gravel. I've taken my G650GS with a 19" front wheel on single track and it's been fine.
Personally, I’d like a mini bike with a 200 hp single piston with pro off road race suspension, 26” of travel, 146mpg a 15 gallon tank and built in water desalination plant. Oh and a 32 “ stand over height. Ayeeeee....and 275 lb wet weight. Doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen.
Plus being only 140 pounds and picking up that Yamaha is not the easiest for me but I would use it more as a tourer especially with the newer dual tank rally one coming out till then my MT-07 works good too.
@@averagejoe2895 You just believe all the jealous idiots out there & are repeating their comments. I have a 2005 KTM EXC 525 & have never had any issues since I purchased it new in 2005. I have gone through 4 cars that were near junk when I got rid of them for fear they would completely stop working. Please try a KTM & keep up with the maintenance like I have then you can pronounce a true conclusion rather than what others have told you. Who knows you might like them as much as those of us who own them. Oh, & by the way I in the pass owned a Honda, that broke a second gear, not cheap to repair since the case had to be split to repair. I also had 2 Yamaha’s as well that as all bikes back then had parts break that I had to repair. If your going to worry about a motorcycle unreliability don’t unless you buy a Chinese bike then you have something to worry about!!!!
Even though the Tenere 700 is twice as big and costs twice as much as the Honda, I would have to go with it, because it has a centerstand available. A bike with tube type tires, that is meant to be ridden out in the middle of nowhere, without a centerstand that will allow you to fix flat tires, can literally get you killed.
I am looking at these two for Australian conditions. I have to take in to consideration the long stretches of highway - T7 wins that, and also the fact that I'm exploring remote ruff trails solo - Rally wins that. I'm leaning more to the Rally with YSS suspension upgrade for now. I know I will be more likely to explore a hard looking track on the Rally vs on the Tenere (keeping in mind that I will often be by myself)
@@slakk5093 Nice! Wish you safe enjoyable rides on the multiple conditions you have access to. This channel's better than most locals. Ride safe matey 🦘👍🇦🇺
@@DifferentSpokesTV yeah I think the 300 Rally is better for me. From what ive heard it is more manageable in the sand (and there's a lot of sand around here 😬)
Tenere $14700Cdn out the door with tax, insurance is $180 a month approx with no discount if you live is Sask. Rally $8400 out the door with tax, insurance $80 a month approx.
I'm working on convincing the household that I need a 300l to take care of the middle ground between the T7 and Husky enduro. Multiple bikes unfortunately is the answer if you can swing it.
I couldn’t see what the luggage system was on the rally and it’s not in the notes. Looks ideal and I’d like it for for the new rally I collect on Thursday. What is it? Thanks for all the great videos too.
10:22 This is common misconception that engines are more efficient at lower loads. In fact, the opposite is true. Comes down to relative compression mostly. I can guarantee that the Honda will use less fuel than the Yammy with both sitting at the same speed in stock, serviced condition.
I‘ve got a T7 but I’m going to swap for a CRF300. The T7 is great, but it still is way to heavy for me. With my brothers CRF250, I can tackle every trail …
And last but not the least, CRF is made in Thailand (I think) but Tenere is made in Japan. This doesn’t make a difference to many, but makes a big difference to me. So, I’d rather buy even Yamaha XT250 (made in Japan) than many Hondas and Kawasakis that are not made in Japan.
oh man, havent seen the video yet but these 2 are litteraly the two bikes im arguing in my head about getting. yamaha is bigger, heavier but way more hp and better at asfalt... but oh man, the honda, so light and damn fun, easy to maneur... hard choice!!!!
If Honda built a CRF450L & Rally, with 40bhp & the same maintenance intervals & sensible pricing, like the 300s, they would clean up.
They already have that with the XR650L. Why they haven't updated it and slapped a rally style windscreen on it is anyone's guess.
@@IRQ1Conflict Sadly, we've not had any XRs (or DRs) in Europe for over a decade, hence my comment!
No they wouldn't. The 450 starts at $10K. No way I am dropping $10K on a 450.
Not intentionally neutering the XR650L with a tiny gas tank is the answer.
@@someguy5035 Sorry, I don't think you understood my point. We all know about the crazily priced current CRF450 that needs an oil change every half an hour! I'm asking for a bigger version of the current 300s, to replace the XR range we don't get in Europe.
@@mrsilbo6499 I have read that the single cylinder bikes can't meet your emissions standards.
Great work. I think the most significant thing to get from this comparison is that "the best bike" depends on the user's necessities, uses and preferences. 👍🏻
Well said! Which one you prefer depends on how you ride it.
95% people dont need a motorcycle so do your own conclusions
Gonna test my 300L on Illinois potholes 🕳 can't wait. We have the best potholes. We pay higher taxes for them.
Mass got you beet
You certainly do! As a Brit abroad, I was amazed at the size of the potholes in Chicago - big enough to hide a small dog!
You shall be seeking them out... On purpose soon.....😃
We pay super high taxes here in California, and our potholes are horribly inadequate. Even when we do get one every now and then, they get fixed. Sometimes I wonder why I bother to pay taxes at all.
UK has lots of dreadful roads and dangerous
A really balanced review - thanks for sharing. I have had the CRF300 Rally (there is no L anymore) since February and have put 3,500 mostly highway/urban miles on it. 75mph all day is comfortable and returns a consistent 83.2mpg. The SRC Moto luggage system is awesome with the spare jerry can. I haven't had anything under 650cc since the early nineties and was worried about a puny 286cc. It's anything but, and requires very little maintenance. A great, fun bike, and a keeper.
On Honda Canada's website, they list the CRF300L and CRF300L Rally (I thought it was 300L and 300 Rally, but they have the L suffix for both.)
I'm thinking about getting one but I need it to be comfortable for very long road trips of months, riding every day. Do you think it's ok for that? Did you have issues with vibrations?
@@sayuas4293 Go check out the Itchy Boots channel, it's a gal riding from Chile to Alaska on the CRF Rally on every type of road.
I have a Tenere 700 and we just bought my 16 yr old son a CRF300L Rally. Perfect pairing as far as I'm concerned. Love them both!
Preice Honda CRF300L pLese
The perfect father doesn't exis... oh well :D
I'll be 58 next spring, 230 lbs. Been looking for that unicorn. I think I'm going with the 300 rally, up grade the shocks. Take the back roads and hit the trails and be happy 😊
I absolutely love my 250 rally, for use here in the Philippines anyway, where average road speeds are considerably slower. Ill be returning stateside shortly and the T7 is in my sights, pretty excited. Thanks for the video, enjoyed watching...
I think a Tenere 300 based off the MT-03 would be pretty sweet, especially if they biased it a bit more off road with extra suspension travel to go along with the lighter weight.
No, those 300 twins have very little low end torque and are terrible for off-road work. Make it a 300 single or just do a WR300R.
I think the 300l rally is such an amazing adventure bike.
Very capable. The T7 is as well, maybe even more, but it takes SO much skill to get what the 300 gives you more naturally.
At twice price also
This was the best review of these bikes I've seen. Thanks!
DSTV- Real adventure motorcycles have 21" front wheels, 18" in the back.
Me- Has a Dyna Fat Bob with 16" wheels front & back that spends more time on gravel & off road than most people with adventure bikes.
The definition of adventure lies between the ears, not the knees. :)
Though I have to admit, crossing creeks with a 1500 Vulcan was getting a bit sketch. So I only did it a couple times. :D
“most people with adventure bikes”… that you know
why share this
Shit yes brother. My Harley could go anywhere these tonka toy morons couldn't
Great video again - your bad influence made me order a T7, LOL. Went for black, found an Ontario dealer with a few on order who was not price gouging & ordered it (now sold out) - so look forward to adding this one to my DRZ400 & TW200! No room or cash for a Honda Rally - looks like a great machine. Safe riding to you & your wife! Cheers, Ronny.
Congrats on your T7. On the road you’ll find it puts your DRZ to shame. It’s a fun bike.
You don't need a 300L when you already own a DRZ
If only Honda had made the Rally a 500cc and kept the weight under 300lbs fueled with performance suspension priced the same as the T7 they would own the Dualsport/adventure market for years to come. Great video that shows why lighter is better.
Ive been looking for a comparison video for the 300l and 700, this was perfect thank you!
Real nice comparison!! Lots of very real points being made, all starting with your comment on how many CC's are in play. I have a KLX 250 at moment and a vintage Bonneville but looking to transition into an ADV bike. The Tenere is on my radar because of it's midsize feature thus your comments were key to me. Thanks!!
I agree with much of which you talked about in this video! My first bike was a sv650 and after that I've owned a lot of different road bikes, until I started driving for the Swedish Armed Forces on our Husqvarna MC258 (two stroke with automatic centrifugal clutch). After a couple of years with offroad riding in the military I sold my road bike to buy my own better suited offroad bike, and that was the CRF300 Rally. It was a really great bike after changing suspension and adding a real bashplate. But, it was only great in the woods. On road(gravel and tarmac) it was lacking, and rightfully so. It is a 286cc single after all. So after 1120km I sold it... and this weekend I am picking up a used Tenere 700 from 2019 with only 1500km on the odometer. I am quite sure that this is the bike I should have bought in the first place... but you live and you learn!
Anyways, thank you for many hours of entertainment. I wish you all the best.
That side x side trail video really highlights the differences well.
Good video. Keep up the good work! 👍
I bought the Rally, simply for the weight since I had zero offroad experience.
Ordered Wilbers suspension today and even with that added cost it still makes sense to me.
But ofc that is because it's the only lightweight dual sport available in Europe.
Already did some proper offroading, following a friend with tons of experience in Enduro and motocross.
Ofc I couldn't keep with his pace but I did manage to follow the trail he was creating without major issues.
No way, as a novice, I would have pulled off that on a heavier bike :)
Your channel is getting better and better, so is your presentation… Great video!
Thank you!
Here is the *_vs_* difference between the two (2) bikes without having to watch the video:
- The Yamaha 700cc wins _on the road_
- The Honda 300cc wins _off road_
I just saved you 12 minutes of life.
Stay frosty
Add 2 bullets: - The Yamaha 700 is a lot more expensive - The Honda 300 is a much better off road bike than the Yamaha 700 is a road bike.
@@sboy1955 I don't think so:
- Price is irrelevant in this case a 700cc will be more expensive than a 250/300cc.
- I just said _"the Honda 300 is a much better off road bike..."_
- Your opinion of the "degree" of performance in *_off vs on_* is pure bias and not scientific. Thus rejected.
- The Yamaha 700cc _still_ wins on the road
- The Honda 300cc _still_ wins off road
obviously.
_Stay frosty_
@@sweetcostarica - All I’m saying is, in the opinion of many (which is relevant), as a true dual sport bike the Honda 300 is clicking off all the boxes to be at the top of it’s class. While the Yamaha as a road bike isn’t anywhere near the top of any class. As far as money goes, you can buy the Honda and have money left over for a good down payment on a decent road bike!
@@sboy1955 The Honda CRF 300 is a good bike.
BUT in reality you can not 🍎🍊 compare a light 300 cc adventure bike to a 700 cc adventure bike. I don't know 🤷 why this video even tried.
So yes your bias for the Honda that maybe works best for you and your budget.
The Yamaha works best for folk who have $5,000 more and will be riding on roads and highways 🛣 more.
This was/is obvious.
Full-discloser I own and ride a CRF 1000L and am looking into getting a 300cc as the Africa Twin is better left to road riding.
So I am talking from my experience. God bless 🙂.
@@sweetcostarica - I ride big fat Harleys now but for years I rode adventure touring and sport touring bikes.. thanks and God’s blessings to you too!
These two bikes are awesome.
I live in Brazil, own a Tenere 250.
I'm planning to move to Canada someday, when I do, probably I would buy one of these, or a CB 500 X, since it is "kinda a halfway" between crf and tenere.
Good work on this video man, congrats.
Not really half way between them. Just as heavy as the Tenere with road focused suspension and rim size.
Thanks. I wish Yamaha sold the Tenere 250 here in Canada.
Can't find specs of the Tenere 250, is it much different from the XT250?
sorry wrong
Always thought the T700 would be the perfect bike to have. And maybe it is if you only have room for one bike in your life. But honestly, the best is having a road oriented larger displacement ADV for most road rides, touring and two up riding while having a light dual sport for the single track and back roads riding. (Also a great commuter).
The Yamaha is so overpriced in Canada because demand for it is so high. You can spend less on 2 slightly used bikes that are better suited to on road and off-road duties.
But that’s just the approach I took and it works for me.
Nice! Why have one when you can have two?
The whole point of dualsport is to have a bike you can ride and enjoy on the road and ride and enjoy off road. For me the klr650
plus a full enduro bike to go really fast on!
@@nickg2431 yeah. That is why I also have a KTM200EXC ;)
Lucky you are, t go offroad legally in your country.
In Germany it is not allowed to go offroad. In Baden Würtemberg it is even forbidden to go on a single track with a bicycle!
So I own an electric mountainbike to go forest roads legally and I also own a Honda VFR 1200 F for streetriding.
On the motorway we are allowed to go as fast as we can: 22o km/h is my maximum, although my Honda woul go 250km/h.
In fact a Tenere 700 would be a good choise as well.
But what about the Africa Twin ? This bike is very popular in Germany!
Great vid by the way , can I just say your voice reminds me of the narrator from the dukes of hazard 😂😂
Ha, ha. Thanks!
Wait .. is that where that guitar phrase at 1:20 is from? I knew it was familiar but couldn't place it. I was thinking Firefly.
Très bonne revue! I have riden the T700 in the desert of Morocco for 5 days and it’s a great machine but man it’s heavy in the sand, full throttle and don’t drop it, which I did numerous times! I have a CRF 300 Rally on order in Montréal and should put my hands on it next week (July 2021). Will let you know my experience with Honda. I also own and off road fantastic BMW GS Adventure 1200 and now this is heavy in the single tracks! No wounder I just added the 300 Rally, enough sweating in trail with that 600 lb horse, but love them all. Keep the good reviews guys!
You will really like the Rally in the tight stuff. Congrats on your new bike!
So how do you like the CRF?
Finally I did get the CRF Rally and love it. Did about 2500 km of track in 2021 and some road and it’s a great machine for the price. Can go up to 110kmh on highway, quick to get to the trails and a lot lighter in the tracks. My only concern was the height which was too high for me. I did not feel comfy in very technical stuff. I asked the dealer to lower it and they did! 2in less and now it’s a charm. Does not look as great but man I’ve got feet on the ground in heavy trails.
@@robertberthiaume7301 Thanks. I am thinking about buying one for a long trip in Africa. Do you have any problems with vibrations and how do you think is the long distance comfort?
I owned a T7 fantastic bike, but I wanted a more 2 up tourer so I brought a BMW R1250gs, but love going off-road so I brought a Honda crf300l
Nice complement of bikes :)
On the other hand if money is limited then T7 does both but with a little compromises.
The 701 Enduro blends the best features of both of these bikes. A properly outfitted (skid plate, barkbusters, pannier rack,etc) Long Range model with its 6.5 gallon capacity and 330 mile range, weighs only 383lbs WET and produces 70hp. Light enough to toss on a hitch carrier, powerful enough to cruise all day on the highway, and more competent in the dirt than either the Honda or the Yamaha.
I bought the CRF 250 rally and I love it, I have rally tires on it and I can still do all my highway driving on my way to the trails. You're right, it's a matter of what you prefer, I've ridden the tenere and if my primary riding was on the road I would stick with that.
Thank you for the good jobs on these reviews. I’m leaning towards a CBX 500. I would love to see an honest review from you on this machine
I did a short one in 2019 but just on the road. It was when I was just getting started so the quality isn’t as good.
Karl, have a set of spoked wheels made up!
CBX is great but way less offroad than these both...
Another to throw in the mix: The new KLX 300. Better suspension than the Honda. Incredible maintenance intervals. I bought a KLX250 (didn’t know the 300 was coning out) and sent the suspension to Noleen for tuning and to drop it 2” front and rear. Very affordable. Because it’s tuned to my weight and riding style, I don’t notice the ground clearance issues at all. It is no less than perfect now. All I need is a larger tank. I do love my KLX.
Thanks for the good review.
I have the CRF300L Rally, and love it.
I also have the Kawasaki KLR650.
They both excel in their nitch.
Rock On
*niche
Wow.! You're still putting out Professional MotoVids even when on Vacation. That's dedication.! (salute)
One day in the future, can you maybe do a smaller then Baby-Bear Dual-Sport Video.
Bikes like the XT 125, KSM 200 (with Knobby's added) XTR 200, VanVan 200, DR 200, TW 200, XT 225, CRF 230L, CRF 230m & the new KXL 230.
Can you limit you video to the year 2000 & newer plz. Is there No Market in Canada for a Tiny Street Legal Dual-Sport.?
Thanks Angel. Got another one out today in record time because it was time sensitive. I’m planning on doing a dual sport breakdown soon and including those bikes. Cheers!
The Sportster S Video was or is very Time Sensitive.! DS-TV, what if I have an simple but maybe an excellent video idea for you both. I know you two could do much better job of it then we ever could.
good honest review by obviosly well experienced riders.
Spoky,
I hoped Honda would turn their CB 500 X into an offroader. I liked their choice to introduce a second frint disk for a better bite.
My first bike was a Honda CB 750 and was a great bike to learn on here in the Uk
Love yours vids bro
Thanks!
What a great comparison! I considered both bikes and ended up with the 300 Rally. I have been gravitating towards smaller bikes the last few years.
I grew up riding dual sport bikes and eventually switched from a KLR650 to a big sport tourer (FJR1300) and then 12 year ago started on my path to smaller bikes by getting a V-Strom 650 and then another newer one. I regressed and went uber big in the ADV world with a Beemer 1200GS, then an Africa Twin, and then a Tracer 900GT, and back to a V-Strom 650. All were amazing street bikes (the Tracer being dedicated to that), but none are brilliant off road.
In the meantime, I have been toying with smaller dual sports and coming to the realization that I don't do much long-distance riding. The dual sport meets most of my needs.
When Honda came out with the 250 Rally a few years back, I was intrigued...until I rode it. It just didn't have the power and I wondered why Honda didn't put the 286cc mill in there since it was already in use in the CBR.
I considered a CB500X, but at the time it was still rolling on 17's front and rear and doing the Rally Raid treatment was expensive. Functionally, a KLR650 makes more sense than a kitted 500X if you are ok with a carb (I'm over them thanks to crappy ethanol fuels). Either bike is too big for me alone to be able to throw in my truck.
Ended up with a XR650L a couple years ago, but never bonded with that bike and replaced it with a CRF450L. That think was a hoot on the trails, but almost too rowdy for my to enjoy on a more casual level and I hated its street manners. I also had picked up a little Kawasaki Super Sherpa 250 project bike and got it going. While it was an old, neglected, and tempermental bike, it renewed my interest in smaller dual sports. I had to decide whether to keep it and replace my 450L and DL650 with a T7 or sell the Sherpa and sell/trade-in the 450L on a 300 Rally.
As much as I'd love a T7, I knew it wouldn't get ridden. I hardly ride my V-Strom, but it's 13 years old, paid for, and also not worth a whole lot of money. The Rally is much more useful for my purposes. I can only ride one bike at a time, anyway.
Nice list of bikes youve owned. How many do you tend to keep at any one time? I only have room in my garage for one, 2017 African twin fully accessorized. Wish I had a bigger garage for a 250-300 cc enduro as well.
@@oldtimer3824 I've had as many as 5 bikes simultaneously, but that was only a short time and two of those bikes were minis (Honda Monkey 125 and Kymco Spade 150). Fairly recently, I had the V-Strom 650, CRF450L, Super Sherpa, and Monkey. Started selling off the bikes I didn't ride much. First, I sold the Sherpa because it sat unused 90 minutes away in storage. Then I sold the Monkey. In June, I traded the 450L for the 300 Rally when my local dealer miraculously got one in that wasn't spoken for. Ended up selling the V-strom a few weeks ago after realizing I could get by with just the 300 Rally. 2 bikes in my garage was very manageable, but I love having all the extra space now that I'm a one bike owner.
The T7 top heaviness can be resolved with a simple idea; learn the bike and develop your skill based on that bike. The road capability is necessary for most who must ride to a location to get to dirt and the 300 Rally just can't ride nearly as confident on the road with the wind and blow back from trucks and natural gusts. I wanted both, the 300 was not available and the T7 was so I scooped it up and I've had to learn the bigness of the bike but over time it feels smaller and I feel like a ninja on it now. Again its always about skill.
Whatever the skill top heavy is top heavy . Doesn't go away .
Fantastic and honest comparison video of two of the most popular bikes out there. Many thanks. On the Rally, did you have to shorten the kickstand after having it lowered? Thanks again.
Thanks! I didn’t modify the kickstand because I found it to be way too short to begin with. Now it’s slightly long but usable.
The KTM 690 Enduro R is the best of both of these machines. Yes I do understand it is more expensive, but it’s a no compromise best of both of these bikes!!!! It weighs less than both at 321.9 pounds, superior WP suspension, 74 horsepower, more than the Yamaha T7 & still gets depending on how you ride it, between 45 to 60 MPG. The only sacrifice is the extra $2,000, but way better in every other way.
That's the dry weight. No oil, gas, antifreeze
Still better though imo. Except for long trips
The biggest takeaway here, is the benefit of less weight.
Since you have taken over the 300 for your dirt bike & are only using the 700 as your street cruiser, cuz of its weight & top heavy weight distribution, I suggest getting your wife a Yamaha tt200 or XT250, both have very low seat height & plenty of power for even the largest woman.
Really nice comparison video, thanks! I believe my Super Tenere ES would share the garage nicely with the little Honda. Deposit placed, still waiting....
Great comparison. Thanks so much.
Dear Honda and Yamaha, PLEASE build a bike that's 400-500cc's with maintenance intervals similar to that of the 300L. The CRF450L doesn't hit the mark because most adventure riders don't want dirt bike-level maintenance. The KTM 500 and Husky are awesome but expensive and don't have reliable and simple Japanese engines and overall reliability. One day this bike will come and will absolutely crush the dual-sport / lightweight ADV market.
LOL, yesterday I thought about trading/selling my Triumph Scrambler 900 and mused about the T700 vs the CRF300L. Today, RUclips presents this video in my feed.
Damn, I'm predictable..
Thanks @Different Spokes TV for creating the content YT wants me to see!
I need a t7 in my life , for now my 650 transalp with hyper pro suspension bike will have to do
Nice ride!
Thank you! Excellent overview as I am looking at these two bikes. BTW where exactly are these trails? I assume you guys are in Ontario?
Riding both.
Now own a CRF - so much fun, to wring the small thumper, lightweight on the trails wins hands down.
Great comparison. I want one of each. Next year I hope.
Two wildly different bikes imo. No need to compare. Two different parts of the segment.
I don't ride any motorcycle,but I think that both bikes are very good. It depends on what you are looking for in a motorcycle. Cheers from Canada, snow country.
2 good budget alternatives would be the drz400s and the klr650. They're old, cheap on the used market, and they both have something these two bikes don't have, 20 years of aftermarket support for any build you ever wanna do.
Great review on a couple wonderful bikes!
Thanks for the video. It did ensure that CRF is the one to go for
Great bake-off mate. Thanks for posting. I agree with Hugh Silberrad: Honda could even use their 500 cc engine from the cb500x and make it more trail friendly for the WIN!
Choosing between two is should be depending on your type of riding you wish 😏, 300L will not harm your heart when it falls, more offroad , less maintenance,less wight..T7 for more tour,better quality..smoth powerful ,better look and techs,..
Awesome Video!!! I just bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan which is in the middle of these 2 bikes. Well, almost! I plan on doing some BDR routes here in the US and the Himalayan will be perfect for me. Capable yet cheap enough to not care if I trash the bike. My regular ADV bikes are my new Triumph Tiger 1200 XCX and my new Harley Davidson Pan America S. The Triumph is superior for more highway dirt roady stuff, the Harley is better for dirt roady desert stuff and the Enfield is better to beat the crap out of on serious crap roads and yucky stuff.
Great video Sir!!
🙌👏👌✌🖖🤙👍👋🙂
Himalayan's are nice bikes. You should watch the everide review. He rated it highly
The Himalayan will beat them both on the BDR :)
Meanwhile, it is no secret that an aftermarket rear shock needs to be added to the purchase price of an CRF300 from the very first beginning. Once this is sorted out, the bike turns into a surprisingly capable trail bike. I own the 300L (not the Rally) and it took me to places I wouldn't even dare to think about when sitting on one of the big adventure bikes I owned in the past.
Those are the exact two I want but couldn't find the exact tenere you have so I bought that Honda of your wife's last week to go with my MT-07.
This was a good vid, enjoyed.
I find it hilarious that we live in a market/world where out of all the bike manufacturers out there with a 450 class bike, NONE of them has created a 450cc thumper rally trim to corner the part of the ADV market that rides somewhere other than Starbucks and regularly groomed logging highways.
Can you imagine how much BETTER a CRF450 rally would be versus the CRF300? It could keep up on the highway just fine, probably have a top speed of around 100mph which pushes the envelope of speed rating for suitable off road tires anyways, and have ample low end torque so that you don't have to milk the clutch on the 300 to get mid-rpm power in tricky stuff.
But there's no FE501 or 450-EXC, no WR450, no KLX450, set up with a rally tower windguard and a simple rear ABS selector switch and street oriented speedo/display for trip logistics. Something with at least a 3000 mile oil change interval, 6000 mile valve clearance checks, and 250 mile fuel range. That would be the perfect BDR bike to roam everywhere in North America for US and Canadian consumers.
One might argue that the 701 Enduro is that bike. I guess... I consider it more an anomaly and a ghost of the 650 thumper era, where KTM/Husky threw FI and liquid cooling at a market dominated by air cooling and carburetors and produced a monster of a machine.
I say this while owning a new Aprilia Tuareg 660, which I just took over the COBDR last month. I own a Husky FE250 that is slowly being relegated to obsolete for me as I discover just how great the Tuareg is (much like the T7). I do like having a redundant bike though. Especially since one thing Aprilia lacks in comparison to Yamaha is a responsive spare parts distribution network. I damaged some plastics on my BDR trip last month (I went before I equipped it with crash guards) and it's a 2+ month wait for replacement parts. I would buy a rally/tour 450 to replace my FE250.
I think a rally/touring trim thumper is a FANTASTIC idea. But the Honda 300 is just too small of a motor for it. Poor thing is getting flogged at 75mph.
Where are you located? I’m curious, because some dealers are very quick with getting parts for Aprilia, & some are not.
@@ChrisSauer-oe5ve I'm in Phoenix, AZ. I've bought parts from the local dealer I bought my bike from (Reparto Veloce), and I've also bought parts from AF1 out of Texas, one of the largest Aprilia dealers in the US and a reliable vendor for most people living west of the Mississippi River. Generally the same story, 2-4 months for parts. Plastics, kick stand spring mounts, fuel sensors... those are things I've had to wait on so far.
I am awaiting the delivery of my Honda CRF 300 rally right now......spend my time watch videos and thinking about mods ! Ahh well, its paid for, and will come when it comes ! Im not TOO excited ! { I LEAP at the phone when it rings in anticipation of its arrival !]
Great video! Love the delivery! :)
Thanks a bunch!
Well done comparison. The unicorn adventure bike remains elusive. Either gonna be better on the road or better in the dirt. The one that can run highways speeds and overtake without concern, yet handle the rocky trails out west (i.e. super slab it from the east coast out west to take in a BDR) would be the closest to being the perfect adventure bike. Maybe the KTM 490 Adventure or 690R?
or Husky 701
I think the world is ready for the unicorn and Honda could easily be first if they added another variant to the CRF 450 line. Realistic intervals, windscreen and 3.5 g fuel tank, leave off all the side plastics, keep it at 330 pounds with 40 hp and I would trade my Tiger 900. I've had a 300 Rally now for 2 months and it's far and away my favorite. My off road skills have improved far more on this bike than a year on the Tiger. Being able to go out in the woods alone helps as well which I won't do on the 900.
Yes, but for me it needs to be Japanese. I’m done with dealing with breakdowns. CRF450L Rally with 5000km service intervals.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Fair point, I have never owned a KTM, but I have consistently heard about reliability issues. Maybe the updated KLR650?
What I would love to see from Honda... Scaled down Africa twin with CB650 motor is the CRF650L Transalp. The CRF300L with CB500 moto the CRF500L Rally.
I say the Rally. especially if it's more about the fun factor and not going 70mph everywhere. but must be willing to wait 3 months for the dealership to get it there!
Great video. I would choose the yamaha tenere because I would spend 90% on the . I do love the little honda though. I ride a kawasaki zx9r but would love an adventure bike to add to my collection 😀
I didn’t pick the Tenere700 because of price. Dropping a $12k bike off road sounds so painful compared to $7500 bike (out the door prices with all the stealer ship fees)
Slow and light bike is honestly more fun. Keep the engine in it peak torque range and you will love it. Don’t rev it out as such. The value is brilliant. Cost + reliability + capability. Only real upgrades in my opinion would be seat, suspension and tyres. You only need the seat if riding road for more than 2 hours (in the dirt you will be standing). You only need suspension down the track when your riding abilities get better. You only need new tyres when you are doing more than fire trails. To me, this is the closest bike to the magic unicorn.
Two different classes. Nice info on both. I'd choose a KLR over the T7. I'd choose a Hymalayan over the T7 as well. I've ridden all of them.
This is a bit dated. The Honda is now CRF350. Price wise this bike is a champ. Kawasaki has a KLX 300 is on point with the price. Both are a blast to ride but the KLX 300 can be bought in super moto or 300sm. The tires are also tubeless. I'd tend to lean towards the Kawasaki in either model.
Great video guys!
T700 was bust for me after demo ride. CRF300 is something I could pick up in the future without much thinking.
I had a 660 Tenere and now a CRF300L not rally and the 660 was only better on longer trips but I didn’t like it at all off road and I love the little Honda it’s all based on your needs.
I am totally on the fence on which to buy. I had a KLR 650 than a GS 1200 and recently going around town on my neighbors vespa scooter. I realized that the smaller vespa is more fun which made me want to buy a 300 Rally.
I am also a bigger guy at 6'2 so ....
Thesnatchy T7 throttle is not chain. It is the same problem (to a slightly lesser extent) as the MT07. The fuelling is quite poor. Reflash the ecu properly and the snatchiness disappears.
Love it. A good honest review. But as a trail rider, I know which one I would take. Hint: Starts with H. But it doesn't mean that Y doesn't make some great trail bikes too. Except, that it is also great to cruise on the highway. So, now I don't know what to believe. Lol :-)
keywords: not too many bells and whistles, reliable 👍
I prefer the Honda because I do not believe a heavy bike is ideal for off road adventures. A small engine between 250 and 500 cc with a weight less than 350 lbs is the way to go. Bikes should be light efficient and easy to ride. The trend of making heavy bikes is wrong.
Thanks for the comparison.
People always say that certain adventure bikes (like, say, the CB500X) with19" front wheels "can handle some gravel." Can't any bike handle the gravel? Even a cruiser can go on gravel. I've taken my G650GS with a 19" front wheel on single track and it's been fine.
Personally, I’d like a mini bike with a 200 hp single piston with pro off road race suspension, 26” of travel, 146mpg a 15 gallon tank and built in water desalination plant. Oh and a 32 “ stand over height. Ayeeeee....and 275 lb wet weight.
Doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen.
Do you like your Music choice ?
Plus being only 140 pounds and picking up that Yamaha is not the easiest for me but I would use it more as a tourer especially with the newer dual tank rally one coming out till then my MT-07 works good too.
What about a KTM 690/Husqvarna 701 LR?
There are direct competitors of the T700 but lighter... The major trade off is reliability.
@@averagejoe2895 You just believe all the jealous idiots out there & are repeating their comments. I have a 2005 KTM EXC 525 & have never had any issues since I purchased it new in 2005. I have gone through 4 cars that were near junk when I got rid of them for fear they would completely stop working. Please try a KTM & keep up with the maintenance like I have then you can pronounce a true conclusion rather than what others have told you. Who knows you might like them as much as those of us who own them. Oh, & by the way I in the pass owned a Honda, that broke a second gear, not cheap to repair since the case had to be split to repair. I also had 2 Yamaha’s as well that as all bikes back then had parts break that I had to repair. If your going to worry about a motorcycle unreliability don’t unless you buy a Chinese bike then you have something to worry about!!!!
Even though the Tenere 700 is twice as big and costs twice as much as the Honda, I would have to go with it, because it has a centerstand available. A bike with tube type tires, that is meant to be ridden out in the middle of nowhere, without a centerstand that will allow you to fix flat tires, can literally get you killed.
I am looking at these two for Australian conditions. I have to take in to consideration the long stretches of highway - T7 wins that, and also the fact that I'm exploring remote ruff trails solo - Rally wins that. I'm leaning more to the Rally with YSS suspension upgrade for now. I know I will be more likely to explore a hard looking track on the Rally vs on the Tenere (keeping in mind that I will often be by myself)
A Sydney Aussie here! Which part of Oz are you in, as there’s no remote trails near north west Sydney unless I’m mistaken?
@@slakk5093 Nice! Wish you safe enjoyable rides on the multiple conditions you have access to. This channel's better than most locals. Ride safe matey 🦘👍🇦🇺
Just spent three hours on the Rally on a scenic highway going 100kph. It did fine, not as well as the T7 but I can’t complain.
@@DifferentSpokesTV yeah I think the 300 Rally is better for me. From what ive heard it is more manageable in the sand (and there's a lot of sand around here 😬)
@@darylclifford cheers Daryl 👍 same to you
Tenere $14700Cdn out the door with tax, insurance is $180 a month approx with no discount if you live is Sask.
Rally $8400 out the door with tax, insurance $80 a month approx.
I take my Africa Twin Adventure Sports on single track and it is a hell of a workout. I was surprised, actually.
Good review - I would want both.....; ) But the 250 rally I have is awesome so just the t7 on the wish list
Yep, no need to get the 300 if you have the 250 all paid off.
I'm working on convincing the household that I need a 300l to take care of the middle ground between the T7 and Husky enduro. Multiple bikes unfortunately is the answer if you can swing it.
I couldn’t see what the luggage system was on the rally and it’s not in the notes. Looks ideal and I’d like it for for the new rally I collect on Thursday. What is it? Thanks for all the great videos too.
10:22 This is common misconception that engines are more efficient at lower loads. In fact, the opposite is true. Comes down to relative compression mostly. I can guarantee that the Honda will use less fuel than the Yammy with both sitting at the same speed in stock, serviced condition.
Yes but the Yam has a bigger tank which affects range.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Yes of course, I thought that you must of meant to say range instead of efficiency. Excellent video BTW
At 120mph the crf would be well outside its efficiency range and use more fuel than the T7.
@@JohnSmith-ef8nr 120mph is well above the crf's top speed
@@godfreytomlinson2282
Even at 80mph the T7 should use less.
I‘ve got a T7 but I’m going to swap for a CRF300. The T7 is great, but it still is way to heavy for me. With my brothers CRF250, I can tackle every trail …
So basically tenere is great off road for a road bike and crf is great on road for a small dirt bike.
T7 is not a road bike
Thanks buddy for the video . Where is this nice trail ? Thanks
Great video!
Nice vid. Try a KTM 690 or Husky 701. Same hp as T700 but 50 kg lighter. Better suspension too.
And last but not the least, CRF is made in Thailand (I think) but Tenere is made in Japan. This doesn’t make a difference to many, but makes a big difference to me. So, I’d rather buy even Yamaha XT250 (made in Japan) than many Hondas and Kawasakis that are not made in Japan.
oh man, havent seen the video yet but these 2 are litteraly the two bikes im arguing in my head about getting. yamaha is bigger, heavier but way more hp and better at asfalt... but oh man, the honda, so light and damn fun, easy to maneur... hard choice!!!!
The CRF300 just needs more power for me.
CRF450L would be perfect. With a road centric low service engine.