What's So Great About The HONDA CRF300L?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- #hondacrf300l #chroniclesofsolid #dualsport
In the previous episode from the CRF300L series I went through all the problems I had encountered. This video we are going through all the great things about the little Honda CRF300L dual sport motorcycle. It's quickly becoming my favorite little adventure bike.
Chapter Times
00:00 Intro
00:53 ABS
01:49 Mighty Motor
03:03 Light Clutch
03:52 The Bling
04:35 Long Service Intervals
05:38 Comfort
06:45 Handling
07:59 Nice Box
08:58 Versatile
Thanks for watching,
COS 
Авто/Мото
There's something appealing about motorcycles that offer simple biking pleasure -- light, economical. reliable and versatile with minimal electronics to worry about......The CRF300L looks to be a great choice! Cheers from the UK.
I agree! I rode high cc bikes 1000 cc
I bought a klx 140 years ago it was the best purchase and fun I had out of any motorcycle
ItchyBoots apparently agrees with you. She did her first overland trip from India to The Netherlands on a Royal Enfield Himalayan.Then she started her Patagonia to Alaska trip on another RE Himalayan. She had to cut that trip short because of covid and had to leave her bike in South America. Then she switched to a Honda CB 500X for a Skandinavia tour. After Scandinavia she did a trip in southern Africa for which she locally bought a Honda CRF250 on which she did some 15k kilometers I believe. She also participated in the Kalahari rally on the CRF250, at the end of which she broke the subframe of the bike. This bike is now in a South African museum. Back in the Netherlands she was so enthousiastic about the CRF that she bought a 300 Rally on which she resumed her Patagonia to Alaska trip. She is now in Colombia and is still very happy with her choice. In southern Africa and South America the two CRF's have proven their value especially by being light weight and easier to handle in difficult situations (mud, rocks, sand, skinny bridges, steep hill climbs, dropping the bike and even a river crossing in a basket). No way could she have done this on an Africa Twin or similar bike. Also the 300 Rally has a larger tank an great fuel consumption. If you want a hands on review go see seasons 5 and 6 on ItchyBoots chanel.
Will do! Did she have the rally or regular 300l?
I'll answer for Windmill, The one she took to South America was the rally version and you would not believe the places she took that motorcycle!!!!
Jesus dude, you should probably propose to her.🙄
Completely agree! My days of stump jumping are long gone. This bike will be perfect to hit the back roads, two-tracks and trails to get to trout streams and ponds.
This bike simply provides hours and hours of low-cost fun and asks literally nothing in return.
*LAUGHS IN MSRP*
I absolutely love my 300L, the only issue I’m having is that I just can’t afford all the mods I want haha!
I got lucky had it a week and can already tell its a keeper, perfect handling, perfect power, perfect cornering it ticks lots of boxes, if anyone gets the chance to get one, go for it you will not be dissappointed.
Talking about the seat, I found I was constantly sitting on top of the strap. I got rid of it as Im not planning to carry a pillion on this bike. The seat feels way better as you can shift your body from and back without issues. The strap is attached to the underside of the the seat by two nuts and screws. Super easy to remove and put it back.
From uk 🇬🇧 see honda 300crf & 300 rally for first time in honda dealer they look amazing remind me of old school 1990s dirt bike. Currently riding a honda cb1000r, but can't stop looking @ these as second bike
I'm about to buy a bike in a couple of weeks. For over a month now, I was having a hard time deciding which one to take. This video just convinced me 100% that I'm gonna go for the CRF300L!
its a great bike bro
I pulled the trigger got me a 300L yesterday going to Croom today
I think I will too! Awaiting to see if my dealership has it in stock. Or the rally. And if not what the waiting period might be?
This is the most comprehensive review of this bike i have seen. It may well be the 'next bike' i've been looking for. Cheers. 😁👍
GREAT review!!!! The way that you broke down all the points was Brilliant!!!!
I am giggling like a 18 year old with the news of this legend coming to our shores in India. I am so so so excited man, Itchy boots fan here ..
Adventurised 500EXCF owner here. I understand all of your praise for this great little bike. However, please stop making comments re “5 second oil change intervals and other lines which imply that the 450/500 can’t do your sort of riding. You certainly can’t run the service intervals of the 300 but 3000km is OK for the sort of riding you do. The KTM costs more and needs modifications but nothing can touch it on dirt, it is 25 kg lighter than the 300 and can cruise at 110 kph for periods during multi day trips. How about 450/500 riders who are riding around the world or from Scandinavia to Capetown with NO problems and expected motor life of 50-100,000 km. To each their own.
Good point. I have a 350 EXC-F and I used it for a rally this year with at least 1500 km of distance without changing oil. Had no issues with the bike whatsoever, I'm really happy with it. Now though the bike has racked up 300 hours total and started to consume a bit of oil and does not start so well anymore when it's cold, meaning that most likely the top end needs to be rebuilt. I guess that's something the CRF300 would not require after the same amount of use. Totally agree with you that the much lighter weight of the EXC is a huge factor over the Honda when doing technical offroading. Nonetheless I think the Honda can be the right bike for someone looking for something a bit simpler, much cheaper and doesn't need/want the capabilities of the KTM.
Don't be offended, as a 300L owner, there's no doubt that the 500 EXC is in a completely other level of performance. It's apples and oranges really
But the KTM will break down undoubtedly. The Honda won’t. No matter how fast you are on the KTM, the Honda will eventually pass you while you’re sitting waiting for help. KTM’s are pure overpriced garbage.
Spot on timing for me as I explore downsizing from my KLR to the CRF 300. Age and injuries make a nimble bike more and more appealing. You’re analysis was invaluable and much appreciated. Great work 👍
I down sized my Tiger 800 XC to the CRF300l and I am having way more fun on the little Honda than I ever could on the Triumph. This bike is actually being used for proper adv riding now.
@@WillPower46 appreciate that feedback and great to hear how much you are enjoying the Honda. Did you get the ABS model by chance? If so, any regrets?
Great review Solid, you left one point out though.........it looks pretty sweet too! Glad to see you're enjoying this bike so much mate, that's what it's all about. Stay Solid.
I feel the same way on all of these points. Coming off motocross bikes and looking to explore more this is exactly what I wanted. I knew purchasing the CRF300L that it wasn't going to be a beast however the power is all useable power and bottom line it's a blast to ride.
Finally 👌🏻 .... This is the happiest I've seen you in many years of watching your vids. Glad you found the machine to put you on the path back...
You and me both!
I agree with every point. It is an amazing bike. Doesn't have any competition here in Europe. Drz-s and wr-s are long gone and hard to find so I'm thrilled this came out. Keep it up Solid!
Great review. Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for the shot of positivity! That bike sure makes it easy to be positive! Glad you've found your unicorn.
Thanks mate 👍
I really appreciate this review - thanks!
Great review Solid, thanks!
Good show, really liked the info given. Done well, and reconsidering the this bike again.
I love your channel, very sorry to hear about your illness, so happy you're back in the saddle 👍🏻 Best wishes from the USA
Thanks Ron👍
Keen to see the fit and finish with an adventure tank on it plus a review with the tank on.
Always been keen to try out the 250l, and on Saturday I got my wish. I had so much fun on it, it really surprised me. I imagine the 300l is just that bit better all round, so I reckon I'm gonna have to take the plunge and buy one. Excellent review, you really sold it to me! Cheers
May God Bless you brother and thank you for the great review. I'll share this with my buddy who's looking in to buying one. Cheers!
Always enjoy your insightful commentary on our dynamic two-wheel sport. It is great to see the manufacturers putting good effort into evolving the smaller dual sport products. I was a bit surprised to see you flashing tattoos.. it is a bit off-putting. Cheers!
Thanks for a great review I’m seriously thinking of buying one. I brought a 2014 Tenere 660 11mths ago besides being heavy I don’t feel confidents on the trails the suspension let it down big time it’s great on the road tho. I’ve only put 3000k’s on it mainly black top. My old adventure bike was a 98 Ktm 400 supercomp LC4 fitted with a 18Ltr tank with a factory high rise seat which was my best bike I owned( regrettable sale big time) which I sold 3yrs ago 😢 it did everything only down full not battery poor headlight & unable to change anything. I’m getting closer to 60 these days & still like to play. I ride the famous Honda 110cc 5 days a week & still love it 👍👍 I love your no BS reviews
Great video, great review! Very nice bike🤩
Thanks for this.
I just bought mine 340 sweet miles ago...loving it.
You must watch Noraly of "Itchy Boots" on her Honda 300 Rally currently traveling solo through South America.
Great vid Solid!
Nice touch on all the bases that matter to me.
Very well explained. Great job.
Because of your reviews Solid, I pulled the trigger and bought the CRF300L. Have to agree it's been a great bike and couldn't be happier. 👍
Congrats Michael
Another excellent unbiased and conscious video as to the attributes of this fine machine. I've been riding the Honda CRF250 L Rally over the last year, and enjoy it like no other bike before. It feels like a mountain bike on steroids that just keeps begging to go and go. No regrets.
I've done days over 300 miles on my 250L Rally multiple times, including one over 500 miles. And the new model has even better tweaks for that kind of riding. Seriously want to hunt one down (though for my style of rising I'm also curious about the 500X)
Good review. Thanks for info.
Agree with every thing you said....love riding it, and it brings out my inner hooligan!!!!
What a wonderful review and story. Thanks.
Thanks for the good review 👍.
Love the content and thoughtful non-cheerleader approach. Balanced and smart. Now, if your mates are leaving you behind on the trail, you want to branch out in selecting mates to ride with.
Solid bro. Great vid
Thanks again! Confidence Inspiring indeed. I learned to ride on this bike 7 months ago. 1st offroad, then on. 3600+ kms now. Sunny 4 winter days coming. More riding days. I agree with your opinions. Some of the stock components could use upgrades (shocks, handlebars, etc) but as said great engine. I live in southern BC and have always dreamed of visiting the Yukon so I have ordered the Seat Concepts (which is on 10-12 wk backorder) and a sheepskin from Egli (Ontario sheep farm) for long expedition. Added a rack for this year's group expedition in our mountains. Bags ordered and coming. GPS next. Super wilderness (Alaska semi-lite). Cheers. Keep the excellent 300L vids coming and GREAT to hear you are feeling better.
But I should add that only once have I had any ass discomfort on any ride. Some over 200 kms, no prob. I am getting the seat mods to ENSURE long distance comfort. The riding options here are excellent, outside of "greater Vancouver". Some urban nice spots but very very bad drivers. Accident rate is ridiculous
Well, after living with a stock 2022 300L for a few months now, I have to agree with COS 100%. Especially the confidence. I've been riding since 1965 and being in my early 70s now, this bike is soooooo much fun. And gets amazing mpg too. Highest has been 80 mpg. Average over the three months probably 73 mpg. I can live with that.
Great bike for some great fun......
Very very good review😊. Going for a testdrive soon
I agree with you 100%. I’ve owned many bikes and the CRF300L is my favorite. Thank you for your videos!
Nice vid. Am eagerly awaiting the CRF300L Rally to be launched in India. I hope it happens. Keep up the great work. Thanks & cheers!
Cheers mate
Good piece. If I were younger, I'd get one of these. Had a Honda 350 for a couple of years in college. Loved that thing. I wouldn't ride off road much, but for running around, I think I'd get one of these. Thanks.
Cheers from Windsor, Ontario COS, got my three hundred rally and just love it for all the great reasons you point out here! Great videos on this bike Sir!
Congrats mate 🎉🎉👍
Very cool! I have driven the crf 250l for over 5 years daily and loved it. Now I moved to america and try out the tw200 from yamaha but I’m thinking already about getting a crf 300l for the summer time lol such a cool bike!
I just want some decent weather, few more months here in the states! 🤘🏼
Love the Honda CRF 300l. Had some doubts on my next motorbike but now sure its gonna be this one . Ciao from ITALY
And let's not forget about the price!!!
Leaves some change for personal mods and upgrades.
Love this bike
Great vid solid.
Well made video, very precise and organized. And probably the first person I’ve seen making videos with a 300 that doesn’t have an annoying voice 😂
Totally agree with the power delivery. I have to wring my wrs neck to get at the power. I still have the small tank on it for off road riding. I wish it had a fuel gauge like the Honda’s. No constant guessing and looking inside the tank.
Thanks for this review. I have been pondering this transition for myself. Thinking of ditching my VStrom650 AND my KLX250 to just have a CRF300L Rally and make it work for all my riding.
This really does help me debate myself into this decision. Next summer might just be a BIG change for me.
I've owned a 250RL for two and a half years now and put almost 10k miles on it, including a lot of highway hours and some 300-500 mile days. That's the old model with slightly worse fuel range, less power, and a buzzier top gear. I imagine the 300RLA will be a proper unicorn if you can get your hands on one!
As a 62 year old, a Seat Concepts seat would be nice. Other than that, this bike is what it is and I love it.
A Fantastic Versatile motorbike, indeed. Very well said..
Nice review thanks.
very good test Rider /// hit the strong and important 'points' of this Bike!
First, I'm happy to see you have regained your health. Second, as a CRF250L owner, I agree with everything you said in this video. So much so that I want to upgrade my 250L to a 300L because the 300L has a wider gear ratio for better on-road performance. In fact, I'm really thinking of trading my V-Strom 650 in for the 300L Rally and keeping the 250L
I can't recommend enough to get suspension work done. It makes it way better off road and on. And don't let anyone tell you that you can't rebuild the existing shock. I spent $800 USD and had the shock and forks re-valved and re-sprung. Now I have no issues keeping up with my mates on their 450s and XR650Rs.
In a nutshell, versatility and practicality. I ordered a Rally last week. I won't sell my AT though
Hey Solid, good vid and great to see you happy with the 300L. The best way I've seen people describe the problem with the lack of comfort and poor ergos on many plated Enduro bikes and the DRZ is that they felt like they were sitting "on the bike" rather than "in it". Looking at the 300Ls profile, it has a good V groove before the tank, a characteristic I see on many older purpose built trail bikes and dual sports that I personally find way more comfortable when sitting down with little to no downside when I get a bit more aggressive on trails (jumps etc). Flat Motocross plank seats and narrow ratio gear boxes just don't make any sense to me in all riding situations off the MX track. When I first started looking at offroad capable bikes, someone told to get a 525 EXC and I'm sure its a good bike but after riding one on the road, I didn't like the ergos at all and found myself having to work not to sliding forward on the seat while braking. As obviously visible as it is once you realize it, I don't ever really hear this called out in videos specifically as a positive characteristic of purpose built trail and dual sport bikes.
Thanks mate and good point there 👍
Awesome explanation Solid, I already have a 250 rally and enjoy it a lot, Greetings From Bolivia!!!
Thanks for another video with our (I had mine since April 2021 one of the first here) 300l. All ways waiting for your word regarding suspension. Actually - I don’t recall if you did yours (change the rear and took care with the front). Love to have a special one from you regarding this issue.
Sounds like the 300L is a great alternative to my klx250s. Easy to ride, forgiving, versatile, and confidence inspiring.
I have one I'm enjoying. I've moved the cables over the dash slightly forward with a plastic knitting needle vertically secured to the cables. (Only the cables not the frame). With heat I slight prebent the needle and cut the point out. Everything moves as before on the front shocks no restrictions. Now I can see the full display on the dash.
Yes, this bike is the most confidence inspiring bike I’ve ever owned.
I have spent a few months on smaller displacement dual sport bikes and now today I will ride my 300L. The smaller bikes are indeed less dangerous at slow speeds and easier to balance. I want to pay attention today to see if I have any issues for being higher on a bike, but I will enjoy the extra power.
My KLX250 used to scare me, it was top heavy and I never felt particularly confident on it. Sat on the 300L and instantly lovedit
Just picked up mine today! Already planning a trip
Congrats🥳
I’ve owned 3 KLR 650’s great bike but more road and top heavy with that 6+ gallon tanks no complaints but I’m looking towards the CRF like you something easy in town but can take it on single track. I think two things I’d change on it is upgrade the fuel tank and the rear shock I’m afraid it will want to bottom out at time with the stock shock. I just came across your channel actually this is the first video but we’ll done I appreciate the content. My first trip will be trailering it from NC to CO and duel sport in the Colorado mountains and the fuel injection will be perfect also want to do the same in Utah…
Once again well done on this video and look forward in watching more.
Be safe, have fun and enjoy the open air.
Brilliant stuff my friend ;-)
Thank you good sir
Sounds less like a machine and more like a 2 wheeled friend. I think you would have loved the Rally too.
I think so too!
Finally got to ride one off road. That motor and gearbox were brilliant. I still prefer the chassis on my klx300 for technical stuff but the Honda was a great ride.
Kawasaki wont bring the KLX300 here until it gets ABS 😥
@@chroniclesofsolid a sad day thing indeed. Of you ever get a trip state side let me know!
Bloody good vlog.
Geez, i may even have to buy one...
you are so right man, it is such a great bike in so many ways. i have the rally version and i love it. ive yet to use it very much tho. i kinda feel bad that i havent done anything with it other than use it as a street bike and ride it around a buddies land. lol
I am a daily biker and motorcycles have always been my primary transport everyday . Ive had all the bikes and the most recent bmw GSA had a severe gearbox failure with very low mileage on it . I think the best bike to have is something like this , it's cheap , easy to maintain and wont cost you a third of the value to fix when something goes wrong.
Great review once again 👏 it's good to see someone from Australia especially Western Australia doing these RUclips videos awesome stuff mate keep up the great work 👍
Thanks Matt 👍
Solid ,you didn't mention how friggin beautiful it is.
True! woops 😜
Thanks for the great review. I've been debating getting one, but wanted to be sure there was going to be enough additional power from my 2014 250f.
BTW, you must ride some pretty gnarly trails if you're finding "uphill descents!" LOL!👍 thanks
Hi Solid. First of all, keep up the excellent work you are doing, definitely one of the best channels about dual sport bikes.
On the topic: I had a lot of doubts about buying the CRF300L, mainly because of the 250L legacy. I went with it anyway.
Since then I've ridden 5000 Km on it and if I try to sum up my experience with this bike with one word, I honestly can't, unless it is Unicorn! 😉
It is perfect for my weekend rides and multi day trips, on or off-road.
I now only keep the Africa Twin for two up rides, otherwise, I'll take the 300L instead.
(I upgraded the suspension, obviously, the stock one is a piece of crap for my heavy a$$)
Thanks mate and congrats on the 300L, glad I am not the only one content 😎
Great review Solid!
I hate dropping my $25k adventure bike when the track gets greasy and your review has helped me to arrive at my final decision (almost). Now I just have to decide between the 300L and 300L Rally...
Rally , I have the 250 and it's awesome .
I love my 300L. My only gripe is the seat is like sitting on a board to me. I'm going to upgrade that and I'll be set.
Thanks to the funny regulations here in Japan, we don’t get the 300, the other 3 Japanese builders don’t sell road le again duel sports here. So crf250l or nothing. But I’d love a chance at the 300l
Good vid, great channel man.
I like the new KLX300, for the moment, due to financial reasons, I got a brand-new Dinamo Scorpion200, air-cooled, carbureted, 5 speeds, for 32000 Mexican pesos ( 1800 USD ). Perfect to learn, considering before I had a Yamaha R6, a completely doifferent way to ride.
I've wanted a lightweight and nimble ADV bike since 1975, before there were ADV bikes. I've made do with dual sport thumpers. We're finally getting a few small ADV bikes and this market is set to explode. I bought a G310GS as my unicorn bike before the CRF300 was available and it's a better road bike than any I've owned, but I wish for more off road capability. I love the 3.8 gallon tank on the CRF300 Rally version, but another gallon of fuel capacity would be even better. Good job on keeping the price reasonable but I'd gladly pay $500 more for much better suspension - preload and damping, front and rear. I wish Honda sold this in a color other than red. At least it isn't KTM orange.
Totally agree on everything even tho for me is just my first off-road bike and I am a beginner
I am so glad I choose I am improving day by day!
Wish just had few liters more in the tank but I am carrying a couple of fuel bottle and no prob
Good luck on your dirt journey Silvio 👍
Great review from the real deal. I love off-roading in a reasonably light bike because if your going hard you're going to dump it. Nothing worse than trying to pick up a tank in the mud. Love the taller gear for the road. Unicorn indeed. Cheers for doing this.
Opt with the budget suspension solid 👍🏻
Hey there. If you haven't already decided I would recommend going for the highest level YSS shock which comes with High and Low speed compression adjust in addition to preload and rebound...or the lowest with only preload and rebound. I have heard a few times that the middle level shock with compression adjust does not provide the most useful compression adjustment. Who knows. I just received my YSS topline shock and can't wait to use it. Up here in Ontario Canada we are having to wait for the snow to melt before we get on the trails!
really great summary of this bike. I'm waiting to buy a gray one here in the US...more are appearing but still a bit hard to find. Hoping too that prices will get discounted a bit. Fantastic video mate! Jim
Cheers Jim, good luck on the hunt.
Just picked up my CRF300Rally. It is astounding how easy to ride this thing is.
The camming/efi is excellent ( efi could be better at the bottom of the revs, but that will be addressed).
Rode home Hervey Bay to Bundaberg ( 100km) and it was so easy in every way.
Stuff all wind load ( thank rally tower). Motor, brand new, and it just spun out and comfortably cruised at the 100kph speed limit.
Suspension was surprisingly OK , though not great. That will be fixed.
Disagree about the seat. The seat cuts into my lower inner thighs. Seat concepts low will be in the mix.
Completely agree about the handling. Came home via a 17km lumpy dirt road. Cruised on the rocky surface at 100kph easily. Actually had to keep bringing DOWN the speed to keep it at the speed limit. Biggest let down was the knobby IRC's VERY vague on the road and on the dirt.
Great review. I appreciate your expert opinion. I just bought a 2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro and it does not give me confidence. Yes I can ride it anywhere I need to but the reason I added this Honda 300 L Rally to my stable was it gives me confidence off road. I should be taking delivery soon as you well know at the time of this comment they are extremely hard to find. Mine has shipped and I have the bill of sale in hand just waiting on delivery. Now with the options of having a true ADV that I can take into the bush and camp for a week or so and the joy of having a fun Dual Sport...I think my Jeeps are about to get lonely sitting in the driveway.
Enjoy mate👍
Looking forward to your review of the 2023 CRF300 when it comes out.
You are killing me man....:-) I have a 300L and a Rally on order and no idea when will see either!... :-(