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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
I cannot thank you enough for doing the effort to make your great videos… After watching them and having a life changing event 6 mths ago , heart attack, double bypass fixed , and now wanting to recover my youth , back when I was 18 I loved my XR250RE , then life n work took over till now 57 , I did a 3 hour bike refresher course 2 days ago on a Honda 125 Roady , and ❤it … So today I pick up a 2nd hand (2km on the clock 😊) CRF300L from the shop , with brand new Top notch Adventure Protection Outfit, $2.5k …. If I can capture 1% of your videos fun , I shall be EXTREMELY HAPPY ❤
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.
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......
@@Wedgebiggs I would say 60-65 mph. I live with lots of hills and have never done freeways on it but 6-7000 feet elevation, hour -2 hour long runs at 65 is easy. A friend recently changed the front sprocket and on flat ground, he added about 4 mph but it killed him riding with me in the hills.....Meaning Lake Tahoe, Northern CA area. I also added the 550 Performance ECU and that is a huge help. Added midrange. 1-2 mpg less. Still over 70 mpg. But added up hill acceleration. And fixed the throttle being so jerky off idle. Another thing I did was add the Acerbis 3.5 gal gas tank. Very easy swap and I love the idea of an over 200 mile range now. Other things I have done is a Seat Concepts seat and a Rally Raid Level One shock. Stock exhaust. Love not bothering other non riders and the ECU does more for much less money......
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.
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!
I am that everyman too. I never need to hit high speeds on the motorway. I'm very interested in buying a 300 rally version. Thanks for the interesting video.
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!
It appears you are at the start of a healthy long term relationship. Good on Ya! I am still modding the crap out of my WR to make us as dirt capable as possible given my limited and deteriorating skills. The biggest foreseeable issue with these bikes is that it will be impossible for Honda to make enough of them! Cheers from the back of my Himalayan in Ecuador!
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.
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
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)
Come to the Southwest where highways are 75mph but people drive 85 and you'll feel like your going to die unless your on a 650cc or more. I just sold my CRF230L and bought a DR650 so I could ride on roads to get to the trails. It was truly frightening even on two lane 65mph roads which was my max speed at a screaming 7K rpms. People rode my ass and passed when solid line and dangerous. My DR650 purrs at 80mph around 5.5K rpms with plenty left in the throttle. Its my perfect bike that can be comfortable on and off road.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@tg8150 I am a big fan of the CRF, but I own a KTM 390 Duke. It has never gone wrong in four years. I also had a 950 Adventure that never went wrong in two years and 40,000 km.
No matter what the displacement, we always want a little more. For highway cruising, 400cc would be better. For the riding I do, the 300 Rally is probably the sweet spot.
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.
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 👍
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.
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.
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.
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
Me, my Dad and my Brother all own a CRF 150L. Only difference is our dad's is the '20 extreme model. All of us enjoy the bike cos we can go on trails, long rides and just normal commutes.
First bike a 1984 Honda 350XL dually…..have always loved Honda and ADV bikes. Owned Kawa 650 KLR and now have a Suzuki 650 V strom because I live in Texas and highway miles are more plentiful than trails and a mid size adv bike is more adapted to longer range and comfort for me. I’ll never do anything larger than a 650 cc….but yearn to own a 300 cc lightweight for 80% off road someday…..soon.
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...
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.
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.
i got my eye on this little crf300l as my second bike, a few years back my idea was swap my mt07 for the t7 but, it took too long to arrive to my country and the price was obscene, same price as a ktm 790 and more expensive than the f850gs. then the ajp pr7 nice finally arrive to my country but... 100 bucks cheaper than the t7 are you kidding me?! hopefully in a few years these crazy prices will go down. at least the crf price tag its a lot nicer to look at
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 have a crf250 in Australia and bought a crf300 for Northern Thailand loops. Have done 12000k on it. The best mod I have done is a “Throttle Tamer” I imported from the US. The original was quite snatchy which really annoyed me compared to the 250. I know many others have complailed about this but the Throttle Tamer has fixed the problem. I think it is the most important mod you can get for the 300l Cowboy
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.
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.
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
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.
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 need to ride one I guess....currently on a zuki DR650 with mods..seat ect....just wondering does the 300L have enough motor..I donno..at 366 wet.the DR is light for this class..anywho thankx for the vid :0)
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.
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
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
12000km intervals is such a selling feature for travel and beginners. You can go further before service and you can learn to ride more before learning maintenance. In Honda we trust.
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!
An other great review! Top. hang on you are doing a great job. What would be better for a first off road rider and also a city and b road users, this red toy/swiss knife or the new yellow toy/swiss knife Suzuki DRZ 4S. Cheers from the lightblue italian sea
I have a Honda XR650l, I've owned it for over 12 years. I keep thinking I'd like something lighter, but every time a new motorcycle appears I find the weight is so close to my XR, it isn't worth the change to me. I also like the simplicity with the aircooled motor and it has decent road performance for a 6' 4" 220lb rider like myself. I'm going to have a good look at the CRF300l, but I'm not sure anyone's making the bike I'm looking for yet.
@@Wanderer509- My one real criticism of the XR650L is the gap between first and second gear, where first is too low, but seconds too high. A six speed could have ironed that out so you had a nice close 1st, 2nd and third for off road keeping a higher top gear as well for on the road travel. When you drop the existing overall gearing with a sprocket change for off road the 5th gear becomes a little "thrashy" on the highway, but you can rarely have everything in the compromise between on and off road, but it would have been nice if Honda had sneaked that one in somewhere in the long production cycle.
I have a 450RL that I love to ride. Debating on if I should also get a KLX230/300 or CRF300L for around town and farther trips. I like to ride my bike to work sometimes but those miles add up real fast.
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
@@justinhamrick1099 140 years ago. Wow!
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.🙄
It's all consumerism
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.
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.
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?
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 absolutely love my 300L, the only issue I’m having is that I just can’t afford all the mods I want haha!
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.
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 ..
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?
I just want some decent weather, few more months here in the states! 🤘🏼
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!
Thanks for the shot of positivity! That bike sure makes it easy to be positive! Glad you've found your unicorn.
Thanks mate 👍
I cannot thank you enough for doing the effort to make your great videos…
After watching them and having a life changing event 6 mths ago , heart attack, double bypass fixed , and now wanting to recover my youth , back when I was 18 I loved my XR250RE , then life n work took over till now 57 , I did a 3 hour bike refresher course 2 days ago on a Honda 125 Roady , and ❤it …
So today I pick up a 2nd hand (2km on the clock 😊) CRF300L from the shop , with brand new Top notch Adventure Protection Outfit, $2.5k ….
If I can capture 1% of your videos fun , I shall be EXTREMELY HAPPY ❤
Congrats mate and well done getting back out there 👍
I agree with you 100%. I’ve owned many bikes and the CRF300L is my favorite. Thank you for your videos!
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
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.
You must watch Noraly of "Itchy Boots" on her Honda 300 Rally currently traveling solo through South America.
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.
Keen to see the fit and finish with an adventure tank on it plus a review with the tank on.
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
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......
How about cruising max speed? What's the average max speed comfortable with the bike?
@@Wedgebiggs I would say 60-65 mph. I live with lots of hills and have never done freeways on it but 6-7000 feet elevation, hour -2 hour long runs at 65 is easy. A friend recently changed the front sprocket and on flat ground, he added about 4 mph but it killed him riding with me in the hills.....Meaning Lake Tahoe, Northern CA area. I also added the 550 Performance ECU and that is a huge help. Added midrange. 1-2 mpg less. Still over 70 mpg. But added up hill acceleration. And fixed the throttle being so jerky off idle. Another thing I did was add the Acerbis 3.5 gal gas tank. Very easy swap and I love the idea of an over 200 mile range now. Other things I have done is a Seat Concepts seat and a Rally Raid Level One shock. Stock exhaust. Love not bothering other non riders and the ECU does more for much less money......
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.
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 👍
I just bought mine 340 sweet miles ago...loving it.
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!
I am that everyman too. I never need to hit high speeds on the motorway. I'm very interested in buying a 300 rally version. Thanks for the interesting video.
Man, the rally version is the one I'd get, but I'm not crazy about all the plastic !
@@markcollins5026 ok. Why? Just the look of it or some other reason?. I actually love the look of it.
@@charliem5332 man, the Rally is fine, but I'd rather see more of the engine, so I went and bought a new 2022 KLR 650 !
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!
You are killing me man....:-) I have a 300L and a Rally on order and no idea when will see either!... :-(
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!
Agree with every thing you said....love riding it, and it brings out my inner hooligan!!!!
It appears you are at the start of a healthy long term relationship. Good on Ya! I am still modding the crap out of my WR to make us as dirt capable as possible given my limited and deteriorating skills.
The biggest foreseeable issue with these bikes is that it will be impossible for Honda to make enough of them!
Cheers from the back of my Himalayan in Ecuador!
Cheers David, enjoy the jungle!
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!
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
A Fantastic Versatile motorbike, indeed. Very well said..
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)
Come to the Southwest where highways are 75mph but people drive 85 and you'll feel like your going to die unless your on a 650cc or more. I just sold my CRF230L and bought a DR650 so I could ride on roads to get to the trails. It was truly frightening even on two lane 65mph roads which was my max speed at a screaming 7K rpms. People rode my ass and passed when solid line and dangerous. My DR650 purrs at 80mph around 5.5K rpms with plenty left in the throttle. Its my perfect bike that can be comfortable on and off road.
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 🎉🎉👍
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@tg8150 I am a big fan of the CRF, but I own a KTM 390 Duke. It has never gone wrong in four years. I also had a 950 Adventure that never went wrong in two years and 40,000 km.
In a nutshell, versatility and practicality. I ordered a Rally last week. I won't sell my AT though
Honda pleaseeeeeee make thia platform 400cc. Imagine a rally version arround 40 HP. What are you waiting for
@C T With That bore increase could they reach 40hp?
No matter what the displacement, we always want a little more. For highway cruising, 400cc would be better. For the riding I do, the 300 Rally is probably the sweet spot.
You're right. I always want some more but on europe to keep up With the Cars you need 40hp.
Love the Honda CRF 300l. Had some doubts on my next motorbike but now sure its gonna be this one . Ciao from ITALY
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.
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 👍
And let's not forget about the price!!!
Leaves some change for personal mods and upgrades.
Love 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.
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.
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.
I like the 300. I think I'll wait until there is a 400 on offer though. .. drz for now.
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👍
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
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!
Me, my Dad and my Brother all own a CRF 150L. Only difference is our dad's is the '20 extreme model. All of us enjoy the bike cos we can go on trails, long rides and just normal commutes.
First bike a 1984 Honda 350XL dually…..have always loved Honda and ADV bikes. Owned Kawa 650 KLR and now have a Suzuki 650 V strom because I live in Texas and highway miles are more plentiful than trails and a mid size adv bike is more adapted to longer range and comfort for me. I’ll never do anything larger than a 650 cc….but yearn to own a 300 cc lightweight for 80% off road someday…..soon.
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 .
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.
very good test Rider /// hit the strong and important 'points' of this Bike!
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.
i got my eye on this little crf300l as my second bike, a few years back my idea was swap my mt07 for the t7 but, it took too long to arrive to my country and the price was obscene, same price as a ktm 790 and more expensive than the f850gs. then the ajp pr7 nice finally arrive to my country but... 100 bucks cheaper than the t7 are you kidding me?! hopefully in a few years these crazy prices will go down. at least the crf price tag its a lot nicer to look at
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
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.
Nice touch on all the bases that matter to me.
Great review Solid, thanks!
Yes, this bike is the most confidence inspiring bike I’ve ever owned.
I have a crf250 in Australia and bought a crf300 for Northern Thailand loops. Have done 12000k on it.
The best mod I have done is a “Throttle Tamer” I imported from the US.
The original was quite snatchy which really annoyed me compared to the 250.
I know many others have complailed about this but the Throttle Tamer has fixed the problem.
I think it is the most important mod you can get for the 300l
Cowboy
Awesome explanation Solid, I already have a 250 rally and enjoy it a lot, Greetings From Bolivia!!!
Solid ,you didn't mention how friggin beautiful it is.
True! woops 😜
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!
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.
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.
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.
GREAT review!!!! The way that you broke down all the points was Brilliant!!!!
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.
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.
Uphill descents??? 7:50 Haha. Love the channel mate. Any chance of a comparison between this and the Rally?
I need to ride one I guess....currently on a zuki DR650 with mods..seat ect....just wondering does the 300L have enough motor..I donno..at 366 wet.the DR is light for this class..anywho thankx for the vid :0)
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.
Buying this bike today and saw the clutch part of the video, I have the exact same plate and screws in my left hand too lol 😂
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
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
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. Thanks for posting this.
I really appreciate this review - thanks!
Very well explained. Great job.
12000km intervals is such a selling feature for travel and beginners. You can go further before service and you can learn to ride more before learning maintenance. In Honda we trust.
Very very good review😊. Going for a testdrive soon
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!
An other great review! Top. hang on you are doing a great job. What would be better for a first off road rider and also a city and b road users, this red toy/swiss knife or the new yellow toy/swiss knife Suzuki DRZ 4S.
Cheers from the lightblue italian sea
Just picked up mine today! Already planning a trip
Congrats🥳
Good show, really liked the info given. Done well, and reconsidering the this bike again.
ive got 11 bikes already but i might have to pick one of these up
I have a Honda XR650l, I've owned it for over 12 years. I keep thinking I'd like something lighter, but every time a new motorcycle appears I find the weight is so close to my XR, it isn't worth the change to me. I also like the simplicity with the aircooled motor and it has decent road performance for a 6' 4" 220lb rider like myself. I'm going to have a good look at the CRF300l, but I'm not sure anyone's making the bike I'm looking for yet.
Yes we need a modern crf600l ! My 87 xl600r works good but I'm waiting.
Yep, I have an 02 xr400r that I put a license on, bigger tank, lots of farkles. But I wish it had electric start and another gear.
@@Wanderer509- My one real criticism of the XR650L is the gap between first and second gear, where first is too low, but seconds too high. A six speed could have ironed that out so you had a nice close 1st, 2nd and third for off road keeping a higher top gear as well for on the road travel. When you drop the existing overall gearing with a sprocket change for off road the 5th gear becomes a little "thrashy" on the highway, but you can rarely have everything in the compromise between on and off road, but it would have been nice if Honda had sneaked that one in somewhere in the long production cycle.
I have a 450RL that I love to ride. Debating on if I should also get a KLX230/300 or CRF300L for around town and farther trips. I like to ride my bike to work sometimes but those miles add up real fast.
liking the 2022 CRF450 Rally