CRF300L Rally vs. KTM 890 Adventure
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- Опубликовано: 11 июн 2023
- Here I'm comparing my new (to me) KTM 890 Adventure to my trusty CRF300L Rally. Really loving both bikes.
Disclaimer: If you don't like rambling dialogue, this may not be the video (or channel) for you. There may come a day when I actually write a script for my videos, but it is not this day. 
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Even though this is an apples to oranges comparison, I did find it helpful and appreciate your thoughts on each. Thanks!
Really appreciate the feedback!
You might get some people telling you that you can't compare these 2. Which to me is insane because you can basically compare anything but the rally and the 890 might be a decision for some people. I did Tenere 700 and 300rally which some people said negative things but a ton of people came to the comments and said it helped them out.
Yeah, I knew off the bat that there would be people who thought it was a ridiculous comparison, but my goal is always to make videos that I would personally find interesting, and I enjoy this type of video. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen and enjoyed your Tenere comparison as well.
And you’re right. We could compare a motorcycle to a goldfish if we wanted 🙂
@High Desert Hills well my major thought process on the subject is who better to talk about these bikes then an owner who has the rare experience of exstend riding both back to back. I think the value that offers is really overlooked.
Why did you upgrade ??
I wanted a bike better suited for highway riding for longer adventure rides. The bigger bike has been great for that, but I still love the 300L Rally for my solo desert and trail rides.
... Love your channel Andrew.
I think comparing the light weight ADV and the (heavier side) of a mid weight ADV is what a lot future riders are considering therefore your T-7 and this 890 to the 300 are great comparisons.
Is the Honda too small or does a person really need to spend the extra $$ and have a heavier bike?
My brother in Montana has the 2023 890 Adventure and I bought a lightly used 2021 CRF 300 Rally that had a lot of upgrades already.
He didn't want something smaller and I didn't want something more expensive and heavier.
Both of us are happy with our choices.
. Jeff .
Thanks, this was exactly the comparison I hoping for. Keep it up.
Thanks!
I put 10k miles on my 300L Rally and had thrown thousands in mods on it. CBR300R cams, tune, exhaust, Rally Raid Level II, etc. Was going to replace it eith a KTM 890 Adventure R but didnt like the in your face appearance of the KTM. Ended up getting the Norden 901 and absolutely love it. It is just as easy to pick up and manuever in technical riding than the Honda. While its heavier the KTMs and Husky carry their weight down low.
The Honda was holding me back on longer rides with its lack of power and was not the right tool offroad for the enduro style riding I do. For me the Norden 901 paired with a KTM 350EXC F will be the ultimate setup.
Anyways, fuel mileage is similar on both, but the fuel range on the Husky is around 100 more miles.
The seat on the Husky is the best I've ever experienced.
The 899cc engine is an absolute riot and I can finally blast down the interste with confidence for longer trips.
Cruise and the quickshifter add a whole new element of enjoyment.
They are all fantastic bikes honestly and it just comes down to your use case.
Thanks for the info! I would have loved to try a Norden as well, especially now hearing your review of the seat comfort. Also nice to hear that you have an easy time picking up and maneuvering the Husky on the trails. That’s my biggest concern about the bigger bike.
@@HighDesertHills I'm still in the honeymoon phase, so I'll encourage you to throw your leg over one and see what you think and make your own opinion.
I'm probably going to get the single piece seat eventually due to my 35" inseam but the stock one is plush, wide towards the back, and feels better than any dual sport seat I've ever ridden.
Its still a chonker of a bike, but the lower center of gravity makes moving it around pretty easy. I'm overweight and out of shape, but I can wrangle it just fine solo. An 890 Adventure may be easier, but after test riding both I couldn't say it's enough to be noticeable for most.
Thanks for your comment Marco! I’m
Thinking of selling my CB500X and getting a 901, or an 890, and to hear your positive reviews sound like I could be going that way, I do love the round headlight and retro style of the Norden😊
@@hondaexplorer that would be a huge upgrade from the CB500X, but you'll need to make sure it's not too tall. The Honda has a much lower seat height. Lowering kits are of course available though.
The retro styling really drew me to it, over the KTMs. Reminds me of old sports bikes from the 90s. It definitely stands out of the crowd, but in a good way.
For around $1,500 you can get a Supermoto set of wheels with tires for commuting and pavement which would basically give you a sport tourer and middle weight ADV bike all in one package.
Hoping to order some 17" Warp 9s for mine in a few months.
Hope you enjoy whatever you end up with brother 🤙
Exactly the video I’ve needed. Currently own a KTM 500 EXC with many upgrades. Did the Idaho BDR this Summer. Loved every minute of it, as it’s just a fun bike to ride in the off-road environment and a few highways here and there. However, getting the bike back home on mostly highways was challenging as it really doesn’t like to cruise faster than 65mph. The stress of trucks on my ass during that drive was enough to know the 500 is truly just to use highways to connect the dirt. That causes a dilemma for me next Summer. This June, in addition to the Oregon and Washington BDRs, I’d also like to tackle Prudhoe Bay for a swim via a motorcycle. The KTM 500 EXC would be a brutal bike to do that type of trip on. So, I’ve narrowed down my choice of another bike to these two you reviewed here. Your review sealed the deal for the KTM 890 as the second in my stable. I like and want to stick with small bikes for so many reasons. For that reason, I was really intrigued with the 300L Rally for longer trips. It is capable enough to do the highway miles. With the additional costly mods needed (I’m 6’1” 205 lbs) on the 300 and the similar cockpit experience you indicated (I can’t find a 300 to sit on, only 890s, so was unable to compare), in addition to all the extras you get on the KTM 890, it’s just a better choice for longer trips even though it’s heavier. Thank you. Much appreciated. Very helpful.
Thanks for the great comment - glad to hear the video was helpful. I can tell you, after the last few months of riding the 890, I’m more sold on it than ever. Amazing bike, both on and off road.
Great video! I just found your channel. I’m going to go through all your vids. I’ve got a 2022 Honda 500X, and I’m thinking of the 890 adv due to me not being of “proper adventure bike height”, im 5’7 and I’m looking for a lower seat height, and I’m tossing between the 890, the Norden 901
Thanks! The Norden looks awesome, but I believe it has a taller seat. I would have loved to check out the Tuareg, but there are zero Aprilia dealers in Utah. Best of luck!
Very helpful video
Thanks!
Great review! I have the KTM 790 adv R and love it on the road. Way lighter than my 1200GS but wondering how it will do off road. I was thinking of getting this 300 Rally for the California BDR, specifically for the weight savings and just mucking around o fire trails. Thanks for the great review!
Thanks! “Just mucking around” is the Rally’s sweet spot 🙂
Looks like you have a Good combo of bikes, I went from a 1200gs to the f800gs, and from a 690 Enduro r to the 300l , looks like you got a good deal on the 890, You are absolutely right about the honda after the mods you may endup with a $ 10 k bike, I bought both of my bikes used for about the same price but gs was pretty much ready for touring with very good adds on.
Cheers
Nice. How did you like your 800 GS? I'd like to take a closer look at the 850 GS. Looks like a great bike.
@@HighDesertHills I really like the 800 and haven't found a good excuse to replace it with something newer it has very good wind protection, it has a low center of gravity and it only weights 454 lbs fully fueled, the 850 is heavier but it's a very comfortable bike it gives a feeling that you are in the bike and not on the bike, they are both very good for long distances but not so much off road oriented as the ktm
Good to know. Just based on that, it sounds like I made the right choice. I’ll be off road at least half the time on this. Probably more.
What GPS app do you use when trail riding? Great video.
I've been using Gaia. There's a subscription for the full featured version (I believe it's $40/year), which is true of most GPS apps these days. It's decent, but the interface is a bit clunky for me. I'm keeping my eye out for something better.
Which version of Oxford heated grips did you go with on the CRF?
The Adventure premiums. They’re a bit wider than stock, so I had to move the controls in a bit, but I I like the size.
Good vid, I was wondering about the hard tailpack you have on the Rally, what's the brand, size and is it lockable?
It's the Apache 2800 from Harbor Freight. I've used the 3800 size (a bit bigger) on a different bike. They're very solid boxes at a very reasonable price. I drilled holes in the bottom to mount it to my rack, so I used rubber washers to make it stay waterproof. It doesn't have a built in lock, but there is a hasp for a padlock.
@@HighDesertHills Thanks for the reply. A good idea and a tough looking case, though not available in the UK - the cases packed with guns in the ad pictures a clue, Yee-haw. I'll be looking to China for something similar.
Haha, yeah - those marketing photos definitely scream, "AMERICA!". It's too bad you don't have Harbor Freight on your side of the pond. I don't generally trust their power tools, but for things like this they're great.
My GSA has the same issue with the footpegs placement as your 890. Right inside my shins/calf. My Tenere 700 are more like your 300 in placement.
Good to know. I'm pretty used to it now, but it'd be nice if there was a simple way to shift their position a bit.
I have a couple bikes with a spread on em as well. I have a 2022 KLR650 ADV and a 2022 Harley Pan American Special. They weight about the same and the Harley has over 4X the HP over the KLR. lol. I found your video cause I’m looking for a Rally and selling my KLR. I have been telling my self that I didn’t really like the looks of the KTM’s but after seeing yours I’m starting to think they or just yours is pretty sharp.
Yeah, the looks of the KTM do take a little getting used to. The only different on my standard model (non "R") in this video is the high front fender which cost about $25
I have a Triumph Tiger and a CRF 300 rally , best of both worlds
This is going to be INTERESTING! Love your content, keep up the good work man.
OK, after watching I am surprised you would go with the KTM for an ultimate choice, but I get it, the situation calls for it. I've gone 1200-800-650-300 and am pretty stoked with my ultimate decision.
I did enjoy my 800 and put 95000km on it, but after a couple of miserable attempts I basically stopped riding it offroad, it was SO heavy and ungainly. BMW though, not KTM lol.
I'm a little jealous of your stable, but for me right now a small "do-it-all" bike works well. Happy trails.
Thanks!
Yeah, it’s about my current situation, and if I just felt a little safer on the freeway on the Rally, I would pick that one for my “one and only” if I had to make the choice. And for solo riding, it goes to the Rally hands down.
Love both Honda and KTM. Honda for reliability and KTM for daring to be on the cutting edge! I do like the 890R much better for adventure-style riding than the S riding. At the end of the day not a bike on the road that is as much of a Swiss army knife as the Rally. So many options available to all of us no matter where we live. I live in Medellin our Honda Rally here is a different bike (XRE 300 Rally still doesn't have inverted forks). But still an awesome bike. I initially wanted the KTM 890 R. Have at least 5 friends w KTM390 Adventure. They all love it. To me a bit uncomfortable at 5 10. They say on road riding all you have to do is think turn on the twisties and it does it. The 390 is unique in that it's a more compact bike with lean tech controls to boot. The R and the S don't get the same type of performance in turns bcs it's just as long as Tenere, BMW GS, and so on. If you do end up having both in stable I would call Honda the apple and KTM my orange!!
Great thoughts - thanks for the comment!
Thats a really crazy comparison, makes no sense
There is no reason to get annoyed about the Tech Pack. It's always been this way. You just now get to try it all for free upfront instead of paying for it up front before you leave the dealer or having to come back and pay. Nothing new.
Since when did we need a good reason to get annoyed 🙂
Thanks for the insight - this is my first experience with KTM. So far, it’s been amazing. Actually in the middle of a trip on it right now. Five hours+ of riding per day, and it’s been awesome.
FYI you really should keep your GPS tracker on your person not on your bike.you may be separated from your bike and might not be able to get to it.
Thanks for looking out 👍 I’ve had that recommendation a few times, and my problem is that if it’s not on the bike, I often forget to bring it with me at all. I do often take it off my bike and keep it with me when I’m actually riding though.
@@HighDesertHills I keep mine attached to my hydration pack srap works out well
That’s another thing I need to get. Right now I just throw water bottles into my tail bag, but a hydration pack would be nice.
POWER ??????????????
Sorry - just sow this comment. The power isn't much of a comparison between the two bikes. The KTM has 105HP and the 300L has 27HP. If you're looking for a lot of power, the KTM is hands down the bike you want out of these two.