"feel like a little kid again on a bike" That is exactly how I feel on my TW. It's like a whole new world out there, I find myself stopping at more spots, checking out more roads I normally would just cruise right by. It just makes you feel like wandering and seeing what's going on around town like the old days.
At 46, I got my first motorcycle, KLX 230 dual sport! In the first 6 months I had 1500 miles (90% off road/dirt roads). Learning on a slippery surface such as dirt was the BEST decision I could have made. 4 months after riding the dual sport, I bought my second bike, a Tuono 660. The 20 hp KLX just didn't seem too safe on the streets. It was too slow. Having both is like having a Jeep and Ferrari in my garage. I love it!
I just upgraded to a new CRF300L from my 2017 CRF250L. At 15:20 you hit the nail on the head. I am an older returning rider and on my CRF250L I always enjoyed mellow relaxing rides around the local area, taking in the scenery etc etc. Now on the CRF300L at 60+ years I am riding like a teen hooligan again! Something about the set up of the CRF 300L encourages that way of riding. Maybe the gearing but it is something not mentioned by other reviewers. Honestly I think I am more suited to the CRF 250L😅
Sounds like you and I have a lot in common. I'm having a hell of a time deciding on which model to choose from. Six months since you posted this comment. Would you say at our age it's a choice of perhaps how... 'active' you want to be on the bike? I'm sort of thinking 51/49 'active' one day and 'scenic back roads' the next. Thus again, I'm struggling as of course would really like to make the right decision first time around. 🥺 By the way I'm ~ 92kg/202lbs.
I have a 2016 crf250l. I bought it brand new. I since have put a big bore 305 kit, ejk controller, I ported the head, ohlins rear shock, ohlins fork springs, zeta pegs levers, rear brake pedal, full yoshimira exhaust and fender eliminator kit and a few other tidbits. I did it in stages one item at a time over the course of 5 year's so I know how each mod did performance wise. The 305 kit added horsepower but the full yoshimira exhaust really complemented the power. I then took the head off and cleaned up the ports and polished the combustion area there were lots of casting flaws disrupting flow.. The porting made a huge difference. I am pleased with the overall performance of the motor. I then added a ohlins rear shock and fork springs. Huge difference in handling, much more enjoyable off road. I have ridden it from sea level to 13,000 ft. All types of terrain even snow. It has 40,000 miles on it and runs like a champ. Top speed is around 90 mph with stock hearing and it handles the freeways well. I've ran different gearing but like the stock gearing best. Higher gearing works well but didn't like it geared lower. I've owned over 30 motorcycles mostly mx and dual sports and can say this is my favorite bike. The only drawback is the weight. I wish I could shave of 30 pounds - LOL.
Your spec differences are off. The crf300L has a completely new frame and swingarm with much less lateral rigidity, the ground clearance is increased to 11.2". Wheelbase is also different. The way the engine sits in the frame is different. All this affects handling positively. The 300L is much more nimble and balanced. Aside from the intake valve timing change and increased lift, the airbox and exhaust are different as well. Also, when you compare pricing to determine if it's worth the increase, you're comparing brand new pricing on the 300 to used pricing on the 250. The msrp on the 300L in USA is $5249. If you paid more that's because the dealer charged you extra. Honda priced it only a couple hundred dollars more than than the 250L. So, is it worth the extra. Yes, by a long shot.
All that is pretty redundant when they came away from the test saying they are fairly similar. And comparing new and used prices is perfectly fair because that's how the market works - both are options.
@@ewganhoff It might be redundant if they knew what they were talking about. They are far more different than they suggest from their limited test ride. I put 62,000 kms on a 250L and about 4,000 so far on a 300L, and those changes I mention plus others make this bike behave quite a bit better than the 250L. Of course buying a used 250l instead of a new 300l is an option, and on that basis their price comparison is valid, but the video is comparing a 250l with a 300l in light of the changes Honda made to the bike, and on that basis the only meaningful price comparison is using the msrp's of both bikes. Only then can a person decide if the changes are worth the extra money charged; in this case only a few hundred dollars, not a few thousand as the video suggests. I like their content normally, but this one was not well thought out and prepared for.
Yea probably best to brush up on what you are talking about before making a pointless video to sway others’ decision. The 300 is twice the bike than the 250.
If you want to compare new, then compare it to the new 250L which used the exact same new frame as 300L. The reason 250 exist at all is because Japanese, Asia, and European market is bigger combined than the USA. Anything applied to 300 class will be retrofited to 250 class because they're essentially the same bike if the year of production is the same.
Went from 2012 WR250R, 2013 WR450, to 2009 YZ450F. They were all uncorked with tuners/ECUs, pipes, and Rekluse on bigger bikes. Came full circle to the 300L. It's just more fun to daily and does very well in the dirt too.
yo i rode 15k miles on my 125 and then passed das - i think i want flat seat and more power - do i want a 300? i wana go fast and take it off road maybe, i want a flat seat to get my arse back for better wheelies and i want to go at least 75 on motorway. 300? 450? 600? were your 450s too big and heavy to be as fun as ur smaller bikes? i love how nimble and light my 125 is. bandit 600 i rode on test had mad power but it was heavier than i want and i didn't like the riding position. instructor let me ride his cb100r and it felt as light and nimble as my 125. what gives? do i maybe want a litre bike if i find the right one for me? or go with something more reasonable like ur 300?
Really love the Dual Sport/ADV content. Been looking for a bike I can use around the farm while still being able to handle a 30 mile interstate ride to work without being near max speed.
@@thierryfaquet7405 I've been thinking that same thing. I noticed that some of the higher CC Dual Purpose bikes are cheaper than smaller bikes from the same manufacturer. I'm guessing cause they're not updated as often.
Not far behind you and I am looking at one of these as a second/loaner bike. Instead of my larger ds bike I can take this one places I am afraid to go with my 850.
Motorcycle riding is like being a modern day cowboy. It's a freedom machine. Open roads, sunsets, the sound of the motor rumbling, witnessing nature's elements, unendless grins under the helmet. My dog (sadly on the other side) and my bikes have turned a frown upside down.... many a time. Go for it mate, it's wicked!
I had a CRf-250L. 2nd gear was way too high...while 1st gear was WAY too low. I would just leave the intersection and had to shift into 2nd before I even crossed it. Not much fun off road. Ended up putting a high end power header and an fmf q4 pipe with the fuel map computer. Huge improvement.
I have a 2021 crf 300L and I agree with what your saying..With better tires new,rear shock new spring in front fort new exhaust the bike perform so much better. There a few other smaller mods you can do but going from road to dirt even single track the bike now is great!!
When I purchased my 2018 crf250l, I thought it felt like a puppy when it came to torque. Then, I installed a 45 tooth sprocket on the rear and it made a huge improvement. The second gear is still too high, but I'll live with it over the cost of the improved crf300l.
I'm out here making videos on my CRF250L and I love it!! It wheelies, off roads, and still even does the highway for me💪💪While I'd love the 300L, the 250L does great for me and you can get killer deals on them!
Changing sprockets 1 in the front and 4 in rear, a sumo setup, a full pipe, and a tune made my 2017 250L a completely different bike. Acceleration is night and day, but I’m completely redlining at 65-70mph so highways that are over 55 are a no go. But the twisties are heaven on that bike.
Same 2014 crf250l sprocket changed new chain power command and fmf pipe and it rips I can get 70mph on roads but why would I when I can have so much fun off road and I can cruise at 60mph to get to some green lanes and off road stuff the next thing I want to get the bigger tank, I paid £3500 for mine with all that done to it and I love it
I was looking all over for a 300l and then I found one that somebody had backed out on and I pulled the trigger immediately. All said and done I paid $6247 otd.
A year later... the market's still crazy! I went to my dealership just yesterday to see if they had any 300L's in stock.. nope. but they had a 250L there fora little over 5K. as a beginning rider it looked way bigger in person. but I'm 5/11 190. It's tough to decide and I'll be on the road more than offroad.. but I think I'd be happier in the long run waiting for the 300L. or Rally? I haven't been on a dirt bike "1986 YZ80" and Kawi 90" since my teens.. and I'm 40! but this is about new hobby and fun! I really think I should make the best inspiring move right out of the gate! don't want to be let down..
Makes me want to upgrade my 2-fiddy CRFL , new stance and graphics look fantastic!. You bought the CRF300L for the channel as a give away, I think the channel has benefited having Josh around to use his, so IMO you ought to just give him the 300L and give away his 250 instead. That would make 2 people happy instead of just one by my reckoning, so win-win, which would be the ultimate bro-move. Would like to see more dual sport stuff in general, including Josh!. Thanks as always.
As someone who bought a stock 250L, just taking the baffle/spark arrestor out of the stock muffler and adding an ejk fuel tuner makes a huge difference!
@@scottb8907 yeah I heard about that, I did that last fall and mainly did some small trail riding while home on breaks, so it didn't get too hot. Once I'm back from college I'm getting new turn signals in the front and back
I have the opportunity to buy a Honda CRF 250 from 2013. mileage only 4100km for 3000usd. After watching your movie, I think I'm going and buying tomorrow
Put the 42 tooth gear in the back of the 250l. Livens it up the most out of all the mods, plus ya can still do highway speeds without feeling like your tearing it up
i came from a 450r to a 250l it's an ok street bike not as comfortable as my street glide . but in the trails its a big heavy pig with no power i have an aftermarket pipe and tuner and its still terrible on the trails the suspension is way to soft forget about jumping anything unless you like the feeling of bottoming out and you can forget about climbing a hill in anything but 1st gear what it's good for is cruising backroads and riding gravel roads that about all its good for i had this bike for 4 years only thing i can say as a positive it starts every time and had no mechanical issues i may try the 300l or the 450l and see how that goes. i do not recomend the 250l period. unless you just want to ride backroads and gravel roads. if you buy one be prepared to buy better offroad tires the stock is complete junk off road
And I really enjoy your crf 300 L videos. I learn a lot from them! I just got my CRF300L 2 weeks ago and your video and plenty others helped convince me it was the right bike for me as a beginner. Had a BMW g310gs for about 4 months to learn on but quickly learned it’s not “off-roady” enough for my intended uses. Keep up the great content 🙌🙌
Biggest change in comfort for me when I had my 250L was 2 inch bar risers by Rox made standing more comfortable off road and even sitting down having my hands slightly higher made a big difference for my back as well. And I didn’t need to replace the cables and brake lines anything over 2 inch rise you will need longer everything
I’ve got the 300L now. And owned a 250L before. (My last bike was a Tenere 700.) The differences are marginal between 250L and 300L. But their are many of them. So they all add up to a tighter, lighter feeling easier bike with the 300L But it’s still underpowered on the road. But great fun on the trails.
I have a 2020 250L and I’ve ridden both of these bikes aggressively on and off road. Sprockets, exhaust, tuner, tires - they really do feel pretty much the same with the 300l having more low end in just the seat of the pants feeling. But still, the differences are indeed slight. The 300 is just a little lighter, a little faster, and no one mentions this but the 300 is a little smoother. Feels more like a road bike to me. Sorry it’s just not THAT big of a difference. They are both great bikes you can’t go wrong with either. Now would I like to have a 300l? Sure! Is it worth getting rid of my 250 to go get one? Nah not really, I’d rather go for a ktm 350exc/500exc or a wr450f.
I'd save the money overpaying on a new 300l if you have a 250l and grab a 305cc bb kit. Head wind riding is improved a ton by adding 2 teeth in the rear. It's pretty nuts such a small change helps.
I'd love to put a 305 kit on my 250L, but I've heard they're a ticking time bomb. Problems with the piston I guess. And apparently the Japanese 305 kit isn't much better.
@@doobielawson702 they are, you can’t just add 50cc and expect the same reliability. Nothing comes for free and IMO to added stress to the motor isn’t worth it.
@@Broxty I'm sure it's not quite the bike the 300 is. However, I've had my 250L for 9 years now and have had a ton of fun on it. I've had the pleasure of seeing a lot of beautiful countryside on that bike :)
I've had a bit of a mental hurdle with buying a dual sport lately. I've never had much desire to get one, but have some friends that ride off road now that would be fun to ride with. My hurdle is, at least now they seem quite expensive for what they are. You can get plenty of great used street bikes in the $3-5k range, but most off-road bikes you're looking at at least that and they're way less powerful, simpler and lack as many features. Knowing you could find plenty of bikes like a the TW200 for $1000-2000 back around 2013-2014, but they now go for $4000-5000, it's just hard to justify for an off-road toy I wouldn't use that much. I think a CRF300L Rally would be ideal for what I'm looking for, but you're looking at $6k+ for one, if you can even find it.
Yes. My 17 250L was 24 HP out the door and claimed 3HP boost with my Yoshimura RS4 Exhaust. No other mods. Here in canada I can ride mine all day at 120 kph. 130 is where you max out and start to rely on tucking/wind conditions etc. But I have had my speedometer at 147kph many times. How a curate vs gps I don't know. But I have no problems on highways for 1 hour plus
@@Basketballdad21 just got mine 1 month ago, never had a bike before have a 2017 250l i live in canada as well NB . Whats your honest opinion on highway arnd 110-120kph? lots of ppl dont seen to like the hwy?
@@pete6687 it rides fine. The 2013-2016 models didn't have a tachometer so they can't see they're revs. These are crf250R engines detuned. Ours show redline is at 11 and 12000 rpm. I shift at 9k and stay in the powerband. Stock is 7K and with my Yoshimura RS4 it's more at 8k. You can redline your bike once In a while if your not holding it at redline. Ride it like you stole it.i bet most people are luggin thier bikes around 4-5 rmp so when they shift they drop to 3 and have no power. Try riding in 7k range. Bump it to 9k let of throttle and play around 7. Enjoy The bikes can handle it no problem. I'm on year 5 no issues with regular oil changes once a season. I have ridden this bike on the 401 highway and haven't had any issue on it. 100-130 I can pull. 130-145 is me holding full throttle with a slow climb and me tucking a bit. Enjoy the bike. Onroad and off.
I got a KLX300 last March. It was available before I could get my hands on a CRF300L. I was in the market for whichever one I could get, to be honest. My buddy recently got a CRF300L and we took our bikes on single track. My buddy dropped his CRF300L on the third or fourth turn. The plastic rear side panel broke. That plastic is like the plastic on a sport bike fairing instead of the flexible, bendable plastic you'd expect on a dirt bike or dual sport. What's up with that? He dropped his Honda again a bit later and bent his brake lever. I don't get it. My KLX has been dropped a few times with no damage. That being said, I have had a mechanical issue. My KLX is currently at the dealership getting a top end rebuild, at 11 months and 3400 miles, 50% back roads, 50% single track.
Do you feel bad knowing your buddy has the better bike with the 300l. He's got a gas gouge and a gear indicator and a bike that doesn't look like its from 1991.
@@SeanSR Nope, not at all. If I feel bad about anything, I feel bad that I got either one of them. For my use, a CRF250F would have been the better bike than either. And it has no gas gauge or gear indicator. A gear indicator is pointless for my use. If the rpm is too low, I'm in a gear too high. If I'm bouncing off the rev limiter, I need to shift up. Now I'm looking to sell my KLX300 and replace it with a real off road dirt bike, not a dual sport. Maybe a KTM 300 XC-W
Love the DS content. You guys really should get the suspension rebuilt/swapped out for crf suspension and take them racing hare scrambles for shits and gigs.
Love my 300l rally but realy wish honda would come out with a 400l my most favorite bike was the xr 400 but its issues was kicking it all the time & just heavy if they would revise it to contend with the drz400’s & other upper power dual sports theyd sell like hot cakes
Graham Jarvis?! Look at you watching the hard enduro scene!! Totally stoked to see what kind of dirt content you keep pumping out during the warmer months. GO TO A PROPER MX TRACK!!
I have a '13 250L with the programmer and full FMF exhaust (Q4 and megabomb header). It brought the bike alive. My buddy has a '17 250L with a programmer and stock exhaust. Mine is definitely faster. The problem is even with that Q4 it's still really loud. We use comms so loud isn't good.
i love love loveeeee my 250 just like you said in the start give off this explorer feel like i was a kid great video yammy, may i suggest the 13/42 gearing its nice
I can not believe the 450L is not more popular than it is. I owned a big bore dual sport for a number of years, was one of the funner bikes i have ever owned.
Yamster, as one who is a road handling guy, could you please comment on Newbies learning on a Dual Sport. Perfect Bike (indestructable), Useless Tires (unstable at any lean). IMO: If you want to be good, you must put on street tires at a minimum.
"' I COULDÁ BEEN A CONTENDÁ " ' that was my first thought when I started thisvideo,!😂. I'm so glad I watched cus I have a choice at my local dealer between a lightly used 250L & the 300L ! I Think I'm going to pay the extra money & go for the 300L!!! Thanks 👍
I nearly bought a klx300 but it was way too high for me, even if they lowered it, I had a new green Grom at the time. I got bored fast, monster,d in traffic by tailgaiters in Adelaide 🇦🇺 so I bought a 2017 MT03, later moved to the country & bought a 🏠 house.
Looking at these bikes (specifically the 250L rally) for my first off road venture. If need be where can I find upgraded shocks and spring for my larger (200+ pound frame). Thanks for the help, thanks for the help and the reviews!
The 300 l is actually 286cc from 249cc in the 250 l so it's an increase but not a 300... but yes the gearing witch everyone changes eventually is likely the biggest change... fun bikes regardless just don't drive it like a motocross bike without full suspension upgrades..
I had a 2018 crf250l rally for my first bike. I loved it and miss it sometimes. I've got a 2021 cb650r now. In a year or 2 you may get bored with the 300 like I did my 250
@@toethumbmorris9 thank you for the insight bro, I really want the 300 rally, but the speed here on the freeways are basically 75plus... plus I'm a bigger dude, 6ft 240. I'm sure if I was a lighter dude in the 180s it would get up to that 75mph. Idk man, it's tricky. Was also thinking about the Honda cb500x...
Can you put a 300L gearbox in a 250L to get the same ratios? I would actually love to keep my first gear from the 250L and the swap 2-6. I don’t want first gear any shorter esp for the street but a shorter 2nd and 3rd would be life changing.
I live in Phoenix Arizona 10 months ago my local shop wanted $8,800 OTD for the 300 rally & then came up with some bullshit saying the bike was on consignment so I gave them the 🖕🏼 found a 2018 rally with 172 mi for $7,100 OTD in Phoenix to do the paperwork & tags about 2K 🤦
I have a 2020 250. Added a larger rear sprocket, tuner, new seat and a larger tank. I’m perfectly content now. I just have to avoid the interstate and bigger highways. That’s fine as I’m in no rush to get anywhere.
The market and inflation are crazy. There are a few good deals here and there but honestly, they are hard to find. Some people don't have the option to go multiple states over or the one good deal like yours is just that - one.
He should have just bought a Yamaha wr250r lol. 🤠 it doesn't have a tachometer big effing deal other than that it far exceeds either of those two Hondas in every way.. suspension.. performance.. looks.. everything else. 😊 p.s. I love riding my wr250r on the interstate it has no trouble doing 7075 all day long. It loves to Rev!! 🤠
"feel like a little kid again on a bike" That is exactly how I feel on my TW. It's like a whole new world out there, I find myself stopping at more spots, checking out more roads I normally would just cruise right by. It just makes you feel like wandering and seeing what's going on around town like the old days.
TW? Like the 200? Upgrade brother! That thing is tiny haha
Exactly... I can spend all afternoon just driving down every road around my town. Hell, even driving into the hood part of Poughkeepsie is fun.
At 46, I got my first motorcycle, KLX 230 dual sport! In the first 6 months I had 1500 miles (90% off road/dirt roads). Learning on a slippery surface such as dirt was the BEST decision I could have made. 4 months after riding the dual sport, I bought my second bike, a Tuono 660. The 20 hp KLX just didn't seem too safe on the streets. It was too slow. Having both is like having a Jeep and Ferrari in my garage. I love it!
Loving the dual sport content would like to see you guys do a klx300 as well
I hope they get a klx300sm, those are fucking sweet
@@CuckBalls gotta agree with you
I can't get one in the UK. So sad :(
Do they Husky FE501s!
Lots of Klx 300 reviews out there. Good bike - I’ve got one. Klx suspension is good as they talk about the Honda being soft.
I just upgraded to a new CRF300L from my 2017 CRF250L. At 15:20 you hit the nail on the head. I am an older returning rider and on my CRF250L I always enjoyed mellow relaxing rides around the local area, taking in the scenery etc etc.
Now on the CRF300L at 60+ years I am riding like a teen hooligan again! Something about the set up of the CRF 300L encourages that way of riding. Maybe the gearing but it is something not mentioned by other reviewers.
Honestly I think I am more suited to the CRF 250L😅
Enjoy it, man. I'm still rocking the 2017. I'd like to see how my stage 2-3 mods compare performance wise to a 300l
Sounds like you and I have a lot in common. I'm having a hell of a time deciding on which model to choose from.
Six months since you posted this comment. Would you say at our age it's a choice of perhaps how... 'active' you want to be on the bike? I'm sort of thinking 51/49 'active' one day and 'scenic back roads' the next. Thus again, I'm struggling as of course would really like to make the right decision first time around. 🥺
By the way I'm ~ 92kg/202lbs.
I have a 2016 crf250l. I bought it brand new. I since have put a big bore 305 kit, ejk controller, I ported the head, ohlins rear shock, ohlins fork springs, zeta pegs levers, rear brake pedal, full yoshimira exhaust and fender eliminator kit and a few other tidbits. I did it in stages one item at a time over the course of 5 year's so I know how each mod did performance wise. The 305 kit added horsepower but the full yoshimira exhaust really complemented the power. I then took the head off and cleaned up the ports and polished the combustion area there were lots of casting flaws disrupting flow.. The porting made a huge difference. I am pleased with the overall performance of the motor. I then added a ohlins rear shock and fork springs. Huge difference in handling, much more enjoyable off road. I have ridden it from sea level to 13,000 ft. All types of terrain even snow. It has 40,000 miles on it and runs like a champ. Top speed is around 90 mph with stock hearing and it handles the freeways well. I've ran different gearing but like the stock gearing best. Higher gearing works well but didn't like it geared lower. I've owned over 30 motorcycles mostly mx and dual sports and can say this is my favorite bike. The only drawback is the weight. I wish I could shave of 30 pounds - LOL.
Love this content! I had the 250 rally and missed it so I just bought the 300 rally. Best beginner bike to just do anything and go anywhere
Your spec differences are off. The crf300L has a completely new frame and swingarm with much less lateral rigidity, the ground clearance is increased to 11.2". Wheelbase is also different. The way the engine sits in the frame is different. All this affects handling positively. The 300L is much more nimble and balanced. Aside from the intake valve timing change and increased lift, the airbox and exhaust are different as well. Also, when you compare pricing to determine if it's worth the increase, you're comparing brand new pricing on the 300 to used pricing on the 250. The msrp on the 300L in USA is $5249. If you paid more that's because the dealer charged you extra. Honda priced it only a couple hundred dollars more than than the 250L. So, is it worth the extra. Yes, by a long shot.
All that is pretty redundant when they came away from the test saying they are fairly similar. And comparing new and used prices is perfectly fair because that's how the market works - both are options.
@@ewganhoff It might be redundant if they knew what they were talking about. They are far more different than they suggest from their limited test ride. I put 62,000 kms on a 250L and about 4,000 so far on a 300L, and those changes I mention plus others make this bike behave quite a bit better than the 250L. Of course buying a used 250l instead of a new 300l is an option, and on that basis their price comparison is valid, but the video is comparing a 250l with a 300l in light of the changes Honda made to the bike, and on that basis the only meaningful price comparison is using the msrp's of both bikes. Only then can a person decide if the changes are worth the extra money charged; in this case only a few hundred dollars, not a few thousand as the video suggests. I like their content normally, but this one was not well thought out and prepared for.
Yea probably best to brush up on what you are talking about before making a pointless video to sway others’ decision. The 300 is twice the bike than the 250.
I don't know how long yall have been watching Yammie noob but you learn to take everything they say with a grain of salt.
If you want to compare new, then compare it to the new 250L which used the exact same new frame as 300L. The reason 250 exist at all is because Japanese, Asia, and European market is bigger combined than the USA. Anything applied to 300 class will be retrofited to 250 class because they're essentially the same bike if the year of production is the same.
Please keep up the dual sport stuff. This has got me watching and interested in your content again.
I agree
As much as it probably won't appeal to the SPEEDBOYS it's much more interesting to watch
Went from 2012 WR250R, 2013 WR450, to 2009 YZ450F. They were all uncorked with tuners/ECUs, pipes, and Rekluse on bigger bikes. Came full circle to the 300L. It's just more fun to daily and does very well in the dirt too.
yo i rode 15k miles on my 125 and then passed das - i think i want flat seat and more power - do i want a 300?
i wana go fast and take it off road maybe, i want a flat seat to get my arse back for better wheelies and i want to go at least 75 on motorway. 300? 450? 600?
were your 450s too big and heavy to be as fun as ur smaller bikes? i love how nimble and light my 125 is.
bandit 600 i rode on test had mad power but it was heavier than i want and i didn't like the riding position. instructor let me ride his cb100r and it felt as light and nimble as my 125. what gives? do i maybe want a litre bike if i find the right one for me? or go with something more reasonable like ur 300?
Really love the Dual Sport/ADV content. Been looking for a bike I can use around the farm while still being able to handle a 30 mile interstate ride to work without being near max speed.
Looks like the crf450 is what you are looking for.
@@thierryfaquet7405 I've been thinking that same thing. I noticed that some of the higher CC Dual Purpose bikes are cheaper than smaller bikes from the same manufacturer. I'm guessing cause they're not updated as often.
I'm 61 and retired. I have an itch to get my motorcycle license this spring. Is this a thoughtful decision?
You only live once my man,you only live once... go for it!
Might be one of the best life decisions!
Not far behind you and I am looking at one of these as a second/loaner bike. Instead of my larger ds bike I can take this one places I am afraid to go with my 850.
Go for it.
Motorcycle riding is like being a modern day cowboy. It's a freedom machine. Open roads, sunsets, the sound of the motor rumbling, witnessing nature's elements, unendless grins under the helmet. My dog (sadly on the other side) and my bikes have turned a frown upside down.... many a time. Go for it mate, it's wicked!
Great review guys, I had a KL 250 back in the 80s it did 135 kmh flat out a great bike back then.
I had a CRf-250L.
2nd gear was way too high...while 1st gear was WAY too low. I would just leave the intersection and had to shift into 2nd before I even crossed it. Not much fun off road. Ended up putting a high end power header and an fmf q4 pipe with the fuel map computer. Huge improvement.
I have a 2021 crf 300L and I agree with what your saying..With better tires new,rear shock new spring in front fort new exhaust the bike perform so much better. There a few other smaller mods you can do but going from road to dirt even single track the bike now is great!!
Thinking of getting this bike. I like the fuel efficiency for long rides and the ability to explore where most bikes wouldn’t dare to go
Good advice. Non Snob attitude is refreshing. Thanks. Ride on
When I purchased my 2018 crf250l, I thought it felt like a puppy when it came to torque. Then, I installed a 45 tooth sprocket on the rear and it made a huge improvement. The second gear is still too high, but I'll live with it over the cost of the improved crf300l.
I'm out here making videos on my CRF250L and I love it!! It wheelies, off roads, and still even does the highway for me💪💪While I'd love the 300L, the 250L does great for me and you can get killer deals on them!
Changing sprockets 1 in the front and 4 in rear, a sumo setup, a full pipe, and a tune made my 2017 250L a completely different bike. Acceleration is night and day, but I’m completely redlining at 65-70mph so highways that are over 55 are a no go. But the twisties are heaven on that bike.
Same 2014 crf250l sprocket changed new chain power command and fmf pipe and it rips I can get 70mph on roads but why would I when I can have so much fun off road and I can cruise at 60mph to get to some green lanes and off road stuff the next thing I want to get the bigger tank, I paid £3500 for mine with all that done to it and I love it
I was looking all over for a 300l and then I found one that somebody had backed out on and I pulled the trigger immediately. All said and done I paid $6247 otd.
Same here. They pulled out and I bought it Christmas Eve. Yay me!!!
I paid 4400 for my crf250l brand new 2019
Dang that’s 900 more than I paid for my 2020 250L. I’m assuming you’re talking USD
A year later... the market's still crazy! I went to my dealership just yesterday to see if they had any 300L's in stock.. nope. but they had a 250L there fora little over 5K. as a beginning rider it looked way bigger in person. but I'm 5/11 190. It's tough to decide and I'll be on the road more than offroad.. but I think I'd be happier in the long run waiting for the 300L. or Rally? I haven't been on a dirt bike "1986 YZ80" and Kawi 90" since my teens.. and I'm 40! but this is about new hobby and fun! I really think I should make the best inspiring move right out of the gate! don't want to be let down..
Wow I used to ride those roads back in the early 80s! Haven't ridden for many years. Brings back memories and lust for a new bike.
I also bought my relatively unused 500R for $4200 at the time. 3 years later and 10k km later, I sold it $4500. lol
You can get a 500 for $4200? Jesus youth bikes are running that where im at rn
Makes me want to upgrade my 2-fiddy CRFL , new stance and graphics look fantastic!. You bought the CRF300L for the channel as a give away, I think the channel has benefited having Josh around to use his, so IMO you ought to just give him the 300L and give away his 250 instead. That would make 2 people happy instead of just one by my reckoning, so win-win, which would be the ultimate bro-move. Would like to see more dual sport stuff in general, including Josh!. Thanks as always.
i picked up a 2018 250 Rally for $4,500 with 21 miles on it.. in the middle of ohlins install. Im very happy with the bike
Whats different on the Rally other than the body and windshield ?
Yessss. Sweet video, and I love the dual sport appreciation videos
loving the yam and josh duos, you guys gel together on screen really well
As someone who bought a stock 250L, just taking the baffle/spark arrestor out of the stock muffler and adding an ejk fuel tuner makes a huge difference!
P.s. love the dual sport content, it's really nice seeing your opinions on something I already own
You will melt your turn signal if you do this.
@@scottb8907 yeah I heard about that, I did that last fall and mainly did some small trail riding while home on breaks, so it didn't get too hot. Once I'm back from college I'm getting new turn signals in the front and back
As a CRF250L owner, I'll watch all the content related to that
Thank you guys for this awesome comparison video. Super helpful !!!
I have the opportunity to buy a Honda CRF 250 from 2013. mileage only 4100km for 3000usd. After watching your movie, I think I'm going and buying tomorrow
The Crf300l without the 5k rattling noise will be perfect, still loving mine
WR250r life here! Keep it till they release a new one haha
Way better than the Honda's anyway!! 👍
Yams going full dual sport boy and I’m here for it.
Put the 42 tooth gear in the back of the 250l. Livens it up the most out of all the mods, plus ya can still do highway speeds without feeling like your tearing it up
i came from a 450r to a 250l it's an ok street bike not as comfortable as my street glide . but in the trails its a big heavy pig with no power i have an aftermarket pipe and tuner and its still terrible on the trails the suspension is way to soft forget about jumping anything unless you like the feeling of bottoming out and you can forget about climbing a hill in anything but 1st gear what it's good for is cruising backroads and riding gravel roads that about all its good for i had this bike for 4 years only thing i can say as a positive it starts every time and had no mechanical issues i may try the 300l or the 450l and see how that goes. i do not recomend the 250l period. unless you just want to ride backroads and gravel roads. if you buy one be prepared to buy better offroad tires the stock is complete junk off road
Nice comparison. I also did a 300L vs 250L comparison. I really feel they did a great job with the new 300L.
And I really enjoy your crf 300 L videos. I learn a lot from them!
I just got my CRF300L 2 weeks ago and your video and plenty others helped convince me it was the right bike for me as a beginner. Had a BMW g310gs for about 4 months to learn on but quickly learned it’s not “off-roady” enough for my intended uses.
Keep up the great content 🙌🙌
Biggest change in comfort for me when I had my 250L was 2 inch bar risers by Rox made standing more comfortable off road and even sitting down having my hands slightly higher made a big difference for my back as well. And I didn’t need to replace the cables and brake lines anything over 2 inch rise you will need longer everything
I’ve got the 300L now. And owned a 250L before. (My last bike was a Tenere 700.)
The differences are marginal between 250L and 300L. But their are many of them.
So they all add up to a tighter, lighter feeling easier bike with the 300L
But it’s still underpowered on the road.
But great fun on the trails.
How would you compare it to the T7 and why'd you get rid of it? Cheers
Yeah why did you switch a T7 to a CRF 300?
@@Motoexplorer300L weight.
I did a whole vid on it if u want to see
I have a 2020 250L and I’ve ridden both of these bikes aggressively on and off road. Sprockets, exhaust, tuner, tires - they really do feel pretty much the same with the 300l having more low end in just the seat of the pants feeling. But still, the differences are indeed slight. The 300 is just a little lighter, a little faster, and no one mentions this but the 300 is a little smoother. Feels more like a road bike to me. Sorry it’s just not THAT big of a difference. They are both great bikes you can’t go wrong with either. Now would I like to have a 300l? Sure! Is it worth getting rid of my 250 to go get one? Nah not really, I’d rather go for a ktm 350exc/500exc or a wr450f.
I'd save the money overpaying on a new 300l if you have a 250l and grab a 305cc bb kit. Head wind riding is improved a ton by adding 2 teeth in the rear. It's pretty nuts such a small change helps.
I'd love to put a 305 kit on my 250L, but I've heard they're a ticking time bomb. Problems with the piston I guess. And apparently the Japanese 305 kit isn't much better.
@@doobielawson702 they are, you can’t just add 50cc and expect the same reliability. Nothing comes for free and IMO to added stress to the motor isn’t worth it.
Lol.... the 250 is very weak in comparison... completely different bike to the 300L. It's not just the displacement they changed.
@@Broxty It's just too bad they took a frame with issues and then added the bonus of a 1pc sub frame to it...
@@Broxty I'm sure it's not quite the bike the 300 is. However, I've had my 250L for 9 years now and have had a ton of fun on it. I've had the pleasure of seeing a lot of beautiful countryside on that bike :)
300 CRF was 2k more than my 250 rally... Not worth 2k more 4 me. Love the 250cc plenty of shit 2 love about this bike!
Great vid guys 👍
Wonderful explanation ...very actualized information ...fun to watch ...and relaxing ...I will rate 100% good stuff ...THANK YOU !!!!! ...
The 250 from Honda got an update in 2017... Not sure how much of a difference that made but supposed to have a little more pep & nice review BTW
I've had a bit of a mental hurdle with buying a dual sport lately. I've never had much desire to get one, but have some friends that ride off road now that would be fun to ride with. My hurdle is, at least now they seem quite expensive for what they are. You can get plenty of great used street bikes in the $3-5k range, but most off-road bikes you're looking at at least that and they're way less powerful, simpler and lack as many features.
Knowing you could find plenty of bikes like a the TW200 for $1000-2000 back around 2013-2014, but they now go for $4000-5000, it's just hard to justify for an off-road toy I wouldn't use that much. I think a CRF300L Rally would be ideal for what I'm looking for, but you're looking at $6k+ for one, if you can even find it.
The second generation 250l from 2017 onwards had already a little more hp from factory.
Yes. My 17 250L was 24 HP out the door and claimed 3HP boost with my Yoshimura RS4 Exhaust. No other mods. Here in canada I can ride mine all day at 120 kph. 130 is where you max out and start to rely on tucking/wind conditions etc. But I have had my speedometer at 147kph many times. How a curate vs gps I don't know. But I have no problems on highways for 1 hour plus
@@Basketballdad21 just got mine 1 month ago, never had a bike before have a 2017 250l i live in canada as well NB . Whats your honest opinion on highway arnd 110-120kph? lots of ppl dont seen to like the hwy?
@@pete6687 it rides fine. The 2013-2016 models didn't have a tachometer so they can't see they're revs. These are crf250R engines detuned. Ours show redline is at 11 and 12000 rpm. I shift at 9k and stay in the powerband. Stock is 7K and with my Yoshimura RS4 it's more at 8k. You can redline your bike once In a while if your not holding it at redline. Ride it like you stole it.i bet most people are luggin thier bikes around 4-5 rmp so when they shift they drop to 3 and have no power. Try riding in 7k range. Bump it to 9k let of throttle and play around 7. Enjoy
The bikes can handle it no problem. I'm on year 5 no issues with regular oil changes once a season. I have ridden this bike on the 401 highway and haven't had any issue on it. 100-130 I can pull. 130-145 is me holding full throttle with a slow climb and me tucking a bit. Enjoy the bike. Onroad and off.
@@Basketballdad21 thanks for your answer. Here its all 100kph limit so 110 is usually max cause stupid one lane hwy. ride on and be safe
I got a KLX300 last March. It was available before I could get my hands on a CRF300L. I was in the market for whichever one I could get, to be honest. My buddy recently got a CRF300L and we took our bikes on single track. My buddy dropped his CRF300L on the third or fourth turn. The plastic rear side panel broke. That plastic is like the plastic on a sport bike fairing instead of the flexible, bendable plastic you'd expect on a dirt bike or dual sport. What's up with that? He dropped his Honda again a bit later and bent his brake lever. I don't get it. My KLX has been dropped a few times with no damage. That being said, I have had a mechanical issue. My KLX is currently at the dealership getting a top end rebuild, at 11 months and 3400 miles, 50% back roads, 50% single track.
Yeah the 300l needs about 2500 bucks in new mods which fixes all its short comings then it rocks..
Do you feel bad knowing your buddy has the better bike with the 300l. He's got a gas gouge and a gear indicator and a bike that doesn't look like its from 1991.
@@SeanSR Nope, not at all. If I feel bad about anything, I feel bad that I got either one of them. For my use, a CRF250F would have been the better bike than either. And it has no gas gauge or gear indicator. A gear indicator is pointless for my use. If the rpm is too low, I'm in a gear too high. If I'm bouncing off the rev limiter, I need to shift up. Now I'm looking to sell my KLX300 and replace it with a real off road dirt bike, not a dual sport. Maybe a KTM 300 XC-W
@@SeanSRyeah with garbage non adjustable suspension
Love the DS content. You guys really should get the suspension rebuilt/swapped out for crf suspension and take them racing hare scrambles for shits and gigs.
Love my 300l rally but realy wish honda would come out with a 400l my most favorite bike was the xr 400 but its issues was kicking it all the time & just heavy if they would revise it to contend with the drz400’s & other upper power dual sports theyd sell like hot cakes
I have 250 Rally. Wish they would make a Rally version of the 450L.
Graham Jarvis?! Look at you watching the hard enduro scene!! Totally stoked to see what kind of dirt content you keep pumping out during the warmer months. GO TO A PROPER MX TRACK!!
Love it!
I picked up a 2013 with 2k miles recently too! Got it for $3k . It's been a tank.
I LOVE MY CRF250L w 2500 miles!!!!!!!
I have a '13 250L with the programmer and full FMF exhaust (Q4 and megabomb header). It brought the bike alive. My buddy has a '17 250L with a programmer and stock exhaust. Mine is definitely faster. The problem is even with that Q4 it's still really loud. We use comms so loud isn't good.
i love love loveeeee my 250 just like you said in the start give off this explorer feel like i was a kid great video yammy, may i suggest the 13/42 gearing its nice
Love my Honda crf300l and real familiar with those roads 🤘
Wait.. So a 300 is bigger than a 250?! Haha. 😄 Lovin' the off road vids. Can't wait for Josh to get DRZ! 🏍💨 💥👊🏻💥 1,N,2,3,4,5,5️⃣ 🙂
I can not believe the 450L is not more popular than it is. I owned a big bore dual sport for a number of years, was one of the funner bikes i have ever owned.
The 450 is overpriced and, at least in Spain, underpowered. Maintenance is costly vs the 300. In fact, the 450 is currently not available in Spain.
The 450 is too tall and too expensive.
@@pleasedontwatchthese9593 it’s not that horrible. It takes a bit of getting used to but it is enough to scare off new owners.
Higher Maintenance schedule and the $10k+ price tag. I'd rather buy a T700 at that price point.
OMG did you have to pay a premium for the CRF? I bought mine in Dec for MSRP + freight. Was that an exceptional deal????
A suspension upgrade and transmission would have been a better fix for the 250l instead of a bigger engine.
I absolutely agree
Before the bike crisis I got my 2016 wr250r with 866 miles on it for 4500. A guy traded two in and they both went out the same day or so they told me.
The Yamaha is way Superior to those Hondas. 👍
Yamster, as one who is a road handling guy, could you please comment on Newbies learning on a Dual Sport. Perfect Bike (indestructable), Useless Tires (unstable at any lean). IMO: If you want to be good, you must put on street tires at a minimum.
Not to mention a 300 conversion kit (stroker ecu throttle body) costs like 900 for everything plus install. You can find 250ls for 3000 all day.
"' I COULDÁ BEEN A CONTENDÁ " ' that was my first thought when I started thisvideo,!😂. I'm so glad I watched cus I have a choice at my local dealer between a lightly used 250L & the 300L ! I Think I'm going to pay the extra money & go for the 300L!!! Thanks 👍
Got a cheap 250 and wait to see what yamaha do.
I nearly bought a klx300 but it was way too high for me, even if they lowered it, I had a new green Grom at the time.
I got bored fast, monster,d in traffic by tailgaiters in Adelaide 🇦🇺 so I bought a 2017 MT03, later moved to the country & bought a 🏠 house.
My 14 250l hits 87 easy. Cruises at 75 easily. The key is reducing all the extra weight and I’m 180lbs
Looking at these bikes (specifically the 250L rally) for my first off road venture. If need be where can I find upgraded shocks and spring for my larger (200+ pound frame). Thanks for the help, thanks for the help and the reviews!
Wish they did the same test with the klx250 and the klx300
Compare it to WR 250 plz !
I'd be happy with Both I have a 650 and on the road it's great picking it up on the trail is a please hope a friend is around
Not really fair to compare these. The 250 is a 2015. Mine is a 17 and has a tachometer and hits 90mph with a mod or two without issue.
The 300 l is actually 286cc from 249cc in the 250 l so it's an increase but not a 300... but yes the gearing witch everyone changes eventually is likely the biggest change... fun bikes regardless just don't drive it like a motocross bike without full suspension upgrades..
Love both of the bikes looking to get one
Great review, buy either if you can find one is the key;)
Picked up a 250l for $4,000
First time rider.
High way riding especially in Texas is super sketchy 😂
considering neither one maintains highway speeds very well i would go with the 250. it's probably lighter, lighter means more fun in the trails.
The 300 is lighter.
300l is 14lbs lighter.
The 250l 2020 has the hp you mentioned. His bike from 2015 however, is somewhere around 20hp
How would you rate the Yamaha XT250 in comparison to the CRF250?
Night and day.
old xt is a dinosour
Truely pains me there comparing a before 17 to a new 300L. The 2017 and after 250L are completely different animals performance wise :(
No they aren't lol..... brother has an 18.
Would love to see a full Video of you husqvarna fe 501
I'm looking at the 300 rally or the new aprilia 660 tuareg for my first bike... any thoughts?
I had a 2018 crf250l rally for my first bike. I loved it and miss it sometimes. I've got a 2021 cb650r now. In a year or 2 you may get bored with the 300 like I did my 250
@@toethumbmorris9 thank you for the insight bro, I really want the 300 rally, but the speed here on the freeways are basically 75plus... plus I'm a bigger dude, 6ft 240. I'm sure if I was a lighter dude in the 180s it would get up to that 75mph. Idk man, it's tricky. Was also thinking about the Honda cb500x...
Man I'd go with the cb500x or nc750. But you still can't go wrong with the 300 rally if that's what you really want.
There are a lot of theses second hand around in my country
So they aren’t super different. Nice to see many similar parts
Can you put a 300L gearbox in a 250L to get the same ratios? I would actually love to keep my first gear from the 250L and the swap 2-6. I don’t want first gear any shorter esp for the street but a shorter 2nd and 3rd would be life changing.
The 250 comes to life if you change the exhaust and ECU with a
52 tooth sprocket too.
I live in Phoenix Arizona 10 months ago my local shop wanted $8,800 OTD for the 300 rally & then came up with some bullshit saying the bike was on consignment so I gave them the 🖕🏼 found a 2018 rally with 172 mi for $7,100 OTD in Phoenix to do the paperwork & tags about 2K 🤦
I have a 2020 250. Added a larger rear sprocket, tuner, new seat and a larger tank.
I’m perfectly content now. I just have to avoid the interstate and bigger highways. That’s fine as I’m in no rush to get anywhere.
Mo powa baby!
Not sure where there are looking bit cycle trader has 300l for anywhere from 5200-6000...
What communication system are you using??
crf 250 is much cheaper in Japan than the US. so this upgrade is to keep the market apart, and no US citizen would buy spare parts from Japan directly
You got rinsed, I got my 300L brand new for $5800 and my previous 250L used for $2200 a few years back.
The market and inflation are crazy. There are a few good deals here and there but honestly, they are hard to find. Some people don't have the option to go multiple states over or the one good deal like yours is just that - one.
We all can’t be so lucky
I was quoted at $7k+ at 3 different dealers and all of them were reserved with deposits already
He should have just bought a Yamaha wr250r lol. 🤠 it doesn't have a tachometer big effing deal other than that it far exceeds either of those two Hondas in every way.. suspension.. performance.. looks.. everything else. 😊 p.s. I love riding my wr250r on the interstate it has no trouble doing 7075 all day long. It loves to Rev!! 🤠
Hes got one bro he's selling it lol
@@toethumbmorris9 because he's a doofus lol. 😂
The lack of confidence off-road is hilarious🤣 you can float, don’t gotta stand all day
Whoa he said more better i love it
Are Canadians eligible to win the giveaways?
Why would Honda leave that cable sticking out above the bars. Looks bad and could catch a branch on some trail
Stay off the highway... big sprocket in the back... have fun on smaller roads and off-road 🤗