Thanks very much Chris, hope you're doing well and wishing you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Thanks for all your contributions and comments this year Chris, cheers, Phil.
I am right at 2000 miles on my 24' CRF300l Rally. I am very happy with it. I have taken it on some gnarly single track trails, done a couple photography trips to cross country races, and I used it to deliver fuel after a tornado destroyed my neighborhood and closed my road. I was able to ride over debris and through people's yards with absolute confidence while carring gallons of fuel. The bike has a permanent place in my heart because of that last experience. It really was there for me when I needed it most. I would say the suspension is good enough for most people if rider+gear is less than 200lbs. I think people who want a motorcross experience should start with a different bike. Honda probably should have called it the XR300L rally instead of a CRF because it is more of a billy goat than a race horse. Eventually when the suspension is worn out I will upgrade it and if I start riding more than 200 miles a day I will likely swap the parallel twin engine from a CBR500R(been done a few times now.) My pervious experiences were riding a Honda CT70, Yamaha SR400, and a 1100 Kawasaki Vulcan. Overall I'm so happy I chose a light weight bike with very low running costs as my first brand new motorcycle.
@c0c0asauce, good to hear from you and your update on your own CFR300 - great to know you're happy with it! As you say, it can pretty much do anything and go anywhere in any weather conditions. You're right that the suspension is mostly good enough, most of the time but I would say it doesn't allow you to get the most out of the chassis and it can be a little unpredictable at times - especially on faster (rough) terrain. To be honest though, I'm quite happy pottering around and working around the suspension so I'm still 50/50 as to whether I'll do anything about it. The bike will also last forever. People have put the 500 twin engine in the CRF? Really? That must be wild! Thanks for again for dropping by and hope you have a great Christmas and New Year, cheers, Phil.
It was a treat to see another of your videos pop up in TH-cam. If you did yearn for a more long legged trail bike it's all happening in the sub 500 market. Nathan the postman channel is good for keeping up with small trailbike developments. All the best for Christmas and the New Year.
Good afternoon Mr. Judge and many thanks for your comments. As you say the 450 class is definitely where the action is at the moment. Nathan the Postman's channel is a cracker and he's spot on in terms of his analysis of light and not too powerful being the best option for non-expert trail riders. I couldn't agree more 😀 And likewise, wishing you a very happy festive period, all the best, cheers, Phil.
Thanks very much and great to hear from you! I do have a confession though.....I'm an outsider and was born in Manchester 😀 Hope that's OK! Don't tell anyone! Thanks for your comments, all the best, cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil. I'm very glad that your back on the CRF Amazing bro. Forget the 2 strokes bro stick with the 4 strokes it's way safer and silencer. I still have my 250l and love it. She's winterized, 5 more months to wait ... lol. I bought new tires for next spring. Kenda 270 with new tubes as well. Merry Christmas and Happy New year as well bud. Have a great day.
A very good morning to you Francis and many thanks for your comments. 2-Strokes, yeah I know - definitely a 'dream garage / lottery win' as I'd need to employ someone to maintain it 😀 Good to hear you're still very happy with the 250 and that it's nice and ready for whatever Winter brings this year. And a very Happy Christmas and New Year to you also! 🍻, Phil.
Hi Phil, thanks for the shout out. Enjoyed the latest end of year report. You have some lovely countryside to ride round. You know my history of past bikes I think I may need help, I’m looking at the Royal Enfield scram 440 just need to make some more room in the shed. Cheers Pete.
Morning Pete, how are you doing? Well, 'White Laning' is a rather fine phrase so recognition was due 😀 Help? I think you need a Guzzi ? 🤣 Just ask Mike Shaw - it makes him very happy! Will you be keeping the CL? Or what about the Beta? Hmmm....Is it electric start? Call me! Cheers, Phil.
Well, good morning Tim and thank you very much - nice to know you like the channel and combination of bikes and biscuits. Hmmm maybe I should change the channel name? Was that my leg squeaking ? 🤣 This time it wasn't but it was clicking a little - think torque spanner reaching the desired point! All the best, cheers, Phil.
Morning...Thanks for stopping by and for your comments - glad you enjoyed the countryside 😀 Wishing you a great festive period and New Year, all the best, cheers, Phil.
I am so happy to see you on these wonderful back lanes and dirt tracks ...Please keep taking us out into this fabulous countryside ... Have a listen to the great Billy Pig if you need any Northbumbrian pipes in the background ... Have A healthy happy Christmas and New Year !!! Yours Guy
Afternoon Guy, Fabulous to hear from you as always! I'm hibernating at the moment but will emerge with camera once the daylight (and warmth) returns. Billy Pigg - I'll have a listen, thanks for the suggestion. I see he used to live in Coquetdale...That's one of my favourite places. And likewise Guy, wish you, Erica and family a fabulous Christmas and New Year, all the best, cheers, Phil.
Good morning PK! Pops? 😂 Well, I'm sure you'll enjoy the CRF Rally - if / when you get one I'd be interested to see what you think and how it compares to the Himalayan. I'm really enjoying mine and keeping it pinned on the tarmac is strangely good fun also! All the best, cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil. So pleased to see you managing the CRF again. Your progress from where you were is staggering and your pleasure must be off the scale. Thinking back I don’t know how you thought the Triumph was up to the task of green laning. The Rally version with the bigger tank is a good choice as is the TRF.
Hey Jonathan, thank you very much - at one point I thought would never ride a normal bike again, let alone dare to do some trail riding. I am very, very happy. As for the Triumph, yes, I must have been mad - it was really quite awful and extremely hot! I'm glad I never dropped it as I'd still be there 😀 All the best, hope you have a cracking festive period, cheers, Phil.
I really like the video quality, the editing, and the nice, easy-to-digest presentation. The first thing that I would swap would be your riding boots. Your Daytona is perfect for touring, but when off-road, you always have to consider falling down and getting your foot stuck under the bike. I got lucky with my V Strom a few weeks ago, crossing a much smaller stream than the one in your video, but I did not think about the mud after the stream. Luckily my foot didn't get stuck under the bike and I was with the same style of touring boots (of course I went for a short 15-minute ride just to warm up the engine). As a former DRZ owner, I could say that the DRZ is an amazing motorcycle dear to my heart (my very first bike) but the lack of 6-speed is a major consideration for me, so I would see how the gear ratio is going to feel like in the real world. The thing is the price...if Suzuki announces something like 7500 - 8000 EUR price in Europe (those are the rumors) I would give it a pass.
Good afternoon Lyuben, great to hear from you and many thanks for your comments on the video - much appreciated. As for the riding boots, yes, I know the Daytona's are not ideal. I used to always to ride in my MX boots, but since breaking and recovering from my broken knee and leg, I find MX boots really difficult to wear and walk in, change gear and get on / off the bike! I keep trying them though so hopefully the situation will improve. In the meantime I'm very careful where I ride and avoid anything that could snag my feet / ankles or fall off! Glad you got out of your own predicament on the V-Strom! I'm not a fan of river crossings either 😀 As for the DR-Z...Yes, you're right - I'm thinking it's going to be rather more expensive than I'd like... All the best, cheers, Phil.
@ Dear Phil, Please excuse me, I didn’t know about your injury and if I was at your place I would be very careful as well. My “official” riding boots nowadays are Sidi Adventure 2 which is some kind of hybrid between touring and MX boot with very distinctive squeaking noise on every step you take but I would say they are pretty comfortable to put on and off (not like a hard MX boot). I am sure that you will find the best solution for you and most importantly you are eager and motivated to ride after an injury. All the best ☺️
Morning Lyuben, hey no worries at all - you make a good point though that something other than a full on MX boot might be the better option. Also I do like a boot that squeaks 😀 I'll check out the Sidi's or something similar if I can't get on with my current MX boots - thanks for suggestion. All the best, cheers, Phil.
A very entertaining end of season review Phil, though Jön will be disappointed by the lack of livestock. 😳 Sadly, you've got more chance of winning the Lottery than of Honda bringing out a CRF350 with half decent suspension!
Thank you very much Hugh. As for Jön, I know gravel and mud doesn't agree with him so he may not have watched this one...Oh wait! He has! Next stop, knobblies on the U-Boat? As for the CRF350...Sadly, you are probably right, still perchance to dream and all that.
Hello Phil, I think the essence of the matter is like everything -> it should be fun, no matter what👍👍👍. With that in mind, I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2025. One more thing - the biscuit report is still pending😄. Cheers KG
Good morning Mr. KG, great to hear from you again. Yeah, as long as it's fun, it doesn't matter what the bike is or what you do with it. It's all about what it allows you to do. Sorry about the biscuits although the previous two episodes do feature some rather scrummy ones...All the best for Christmas, cheers, Phil.
Hello! Add a rally raid suspension kit on it, and you will find new ponies on the 300 (those wasted on fighting the soft suspension). I did so on mine, and it transformed it completely. Happy Xmas.
I upgraded the suspension on my CRF250L and without thinking, I am definitely travelling faster and in control more of the time. For trail riding and enjoying the countryside I don’t need more power.
Morning Guy, thanks for stopping by - good to hear from you. As for the suspension - good call. I had YSS fitted to my previous 'L' and it transformed the bike off-road but it made it very, very tall. At the time that was fine but since breaking my leg (as you can see on the video) I have difficulty throwing my right leg over the saddle even on the standard suspension. I'm thinking I need better quality suspension but without the seat height and I also don't want to fit a lowering kit particularly. I might have a word with the Rally Raid guys and see what they think. All the best, have a great Christmas! Cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews totally understand your point, just saying more power from the engine is not necessarily helpful if suspension cannot get it to the ground. By the way, the new Suzuki DRZ400 has a seat height of 920mm!
Absolutely - the stock suspension definitely stops you getting the most out of the engine off-road - also, improved suspension as I found on my previous 'L' made the bike a lot more consistent in terms of how it handled the terrain. Maybe the new version improves this a little / a lot!
Modern bikes are really improved with a remap. Got my CRF done by Geoff at Hilltop mc's in Hinkley. Done many of my bikes over the years. Thought about engine size of CRF and would it be worth it. Oh yes even more noticable on small capacity bike. Result its a lot more perky and would you believe even more economical which is absurd as how can it possible average over 100 mpg but it does. I'm tall so Hagon rear shock as original too soft for my size and cheap rear rack and remove that daft uncomfortable strap from seat and whilst doing that put on cool cover. Cheap bar riser kit 25mm is all I needed. Stonking little bike. Also will now pull 80 mph easily but happier at 70 obviously on a private road and what a wonderfully smooth engine for a single. Find I get it out more than my much modded and tuned Tenere 700 asking myself do I really need the T7 now
Morning Gaz man, good to hear from you and hope you're doing well. I never thought that a remap would make such a difference to such a small engine but gosh, that's incredible. Did you change anything else - silencer, airbox or anything? It must be nice to have a 'private road' nearby also 😀 I'm still thinking about what to do with the suspension and I've always been a bit of a Hagon fan...I might give them a call next year... All the best, have a great Xmas, cheers, Phil.
@80eightReviews Hello. No the CRF is running standard exhaust and airbox. Also got a tooth bigger front sprocket that I have not fitted yet. A flip screen ontop of standard screen helped make it a better ride. If you want a bit more from this humble do it all bike get it remmaped . Just checked my mpg and it 101.7 . Bearing in mind riding round rural B roads mostly and mostly under 5.5k revs. All the best . Bye
Hi Phil, another very entertaining video, thank you. Can I ask what rear rack you have? I put an AS one on and it has no handles for "ground handling", very finger injuring too due to sharp edges etc. Seasons greetings.
Afternoon David, good to hear from you again - and thanks for your comments on the video. As for the rack it's a cheapo Chinese one but it works well, fits OK and seems suitably strong enough, here's a link: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09ZLF8KT6 Hope that helps, have a great festive period, cheers, Phil.
Hey Neville, good to hear from you and yeah, I've heard many good things about the 450 - it sounds like a cracking machine. My reservations about it, given I'm focused on making trail riding as easy as possible, is the additional weight and while +20KG doesn't sound huge, when stuck in a rut it multiplies by 4 times 😀 And I'm weak as a day old 🐥 Once / if I've had enough of trail riding, something like the 450 will defintely be on the short list. All the best, have a good Xmas, cheers, Phil.
Wear your tyres out first, Phil. I also wish Honda would bring out a longer-stroke CRF350L. Would you consider the forthcoming Suzuki DR-Z400? Haha! Then you say you would. Good lad. I used to have a DR250SH. Nick
Hey Nick, good to hear from you. Well, actually, the tyres are already quite worn out - certainly for the dirt anyway. So I've got a perfectly good excuse now 😀 The new DR-Z has a lot going for it I think although I see the seat height is 920mm which could prove challenging from a mounting / dismounting perspective in addition to giving me a nosebleed 😀 Cracking bikes the old DR's though - they just run and run and run and run....My old 350 was a proper commute, long distance then race at the weekend kinda bike. Brilliant! Anyway, if we don't speak before Nick, hope you have a cracking festive period and thanks for all your comments and contributions over the last year, cheers, Phil.
Interesting Video sir, I’ve never been brave enough to do any off roading despite having ridden lawfully for the last 48 years. I’ll stick with touring bikes for now. But the big question is , what sort of biscuit is it ? Looks like a hob nob to me ready to be dunked at any time. Give it the extra 50cc and it can be a chocolate hob nob. Anyway have a happy Christmas and a healthy new year 👍
Good afternoon Andrew, very good to hear from you again. Hope your roof is OK? As the biscuit comparison...Hmm...You've got something there with respect to the 'dunking' aspect and a hob-nob is a good call...Let me give it some serious thought and maybe some practical research 😀 And likewise Andrew, Happy Christmas & a prosperous NY, all the best, cheers, Phil.
Hey Andy, good to hear from you! Yeah the CRF isn't the best on the road - it's an absolute compromise - for me though, the focus is trail riding and most of the tarmac between those trails is no faster than 60mph so it's a compromise I can live with. Having said that though, it is the reason why I won't be riding the CRF through Europe next year - I'd rather do it on my scooter! Hope you have a blast on the 450! All the best, cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil....seasonal beer greeting🎅🎅🎅s.....67machines later I've still got my keeper😂😂😂😂 anywaz we bikers are too much like kids in a sweet shop regarding bikes... so my 2025 resolution keep my himalayan and vogeds525x and just bl......dy!!!! get out n ride em...atvb👌
Evening David and cheers to you also 🍻 67? That's some going 😀 But, yes, I know what you mean! As for your resolution - that's very admirable! Give me a shout around June time next year David and let's see how you're doing 😀 All the best, cheers, Phil.
Hey Peter, ha ha yeah, you know what? You've put a bee in my bonnet with that suggestion! As you say, if the focus is purely trail riding (and getting to the trails) then the standard 'L' is a better bet - at least for me. 10kg lighter, better off-road ergonomics, more crashable and f the suspension is even just a tiny bit better (on the 2025 MY) then hmmm.... I'll let you know!!!! All the best Peter, hope you have a great Christmas, cheers, Phil.
Ha ha well, I'd completely disagree from a UK Trail riding perspective - where I've always felt that anything between 20 - 35HP is exactly what you need to get the job done. On road it's not the best but it's a compromise as anything with more power is either a proper enduro bike or a 450 which is too heavy for the trails. That's one reason I'm quite interested in the new DR-Z4. All the best, cheers, Phil.
Hey Terence, ha ha well, you never know, if you keep taking the pills and the special ointment, the 'malady' may improve 😀 But yeah - it does just work especially when it just gets chucked into the shed full of mud and snot and dragged out and abused. All the best, cheers, Phil.
Thank you for another excellent video and Merry X-mass.
Thanks very much Chris, hope you're doing well and wishing you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Thanks for all your contributions and comments this year Chris, cheers, Phil.
I am right at 2000 miles on my 24' CRF300l Rally. I am very happy with it. I have taken it on some gnarly single track trails, done a couple photography trips to cross country races, and I used it to deliver fuel after a tornado destroyed my neighborhood and closed my road. I was able to ride over debris and through people's yards with absolute confidence while carring gallons of fuel. The bike has a permanent place in my heart because of that last experience. It really was there for me when I needed it most.
I would say the suspension is good enough for most people if rider+gear is less than 200lbs. I think people who want a motorcross experience should start with a different bike. Honda probably should have called it the XR300L rally instead of a CRF because it is more of a billy goat than a race horse.
Eventually when the suspension is worn out I will upgrade it and if I start riding more than 200 miles a day I will likely swap the parallel twin engine from a CBR500R(been done a few times now.)
My pervious experiences were riding a Honda CT70, Yamaha SR400, and a 1100 Kawasaki Vulcan. Overall I'm so happy I chose a light weight bike with very low running costs as my first brand new motorcycle.
I find the suspension to be all I need, it irons out the ruts in our UK roads better than😄 anything I've ridden especially for my aged framework...!
@c0c0asauce, good to hear from you and your update on your own CFR300 - great to know you're happy with it! As you say, it can pretty much do anything and go anywhere in any weather conditions. You're right that the suspension is mostly good enough, most of the time but I would say it doesn't allow you to get the most out of the chassis and it can be a little unpredictable at times - especially on faster (rough) terrain. To be honest though, I'm quite happy pottering around and working around the suspension so I'm still 50/50 as to whether I'll do anything about it.
The bike will also last forever. People have put the 500 twin engine in the CRF? Really? That must be wild!
Thanks for again for dropping by and hope you have a great Christmas and New Year, cheers, Phil.
Ho yeah. Thanks for your tip with the nut on the tube valve. I will do that.
👍
It was a treat to see another of your videos pop up in TH-cam. If you did yearn for a more long legged trail bike it's all happening in the sub 500 market. Nathan the postman channel is good for keeping up with small trailbike developments.
All the best for Christmas and the New Year.
Good afternoon Mr. Judge and many thanks for your comments. As you say the 450 class is definitely where the action is at the moment. Nathan the Postman's channel is a cracker and he's spot on in terms of his analysis of light and not too powerful being the best option for non-expert trail riders. I couldn't agree more 😀
And likewise, wishing you a very happy festive period, all the best, cheers, Phil.
Beautiful photography, honest opinions and humour only those from the NE can deliver. Superb!
Thanks very much and great to hear from you! I do have a confession though.....I'm an outsider and was born in Manchester 😀 Hope that's OK! Don't tell anyone!
Thanks for your comments, all the best, cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil.
I'm very glad that your back on the CRF Amazing bro.
Forget the 2 strokes bro stick with the 4 strokes it's way safer and silencer.
I still have my 250l and love it. She's winterized, 5 more months to wait ... lol. I bought new tires for next spring. Kenda 270 with new tubes as well.
Merry Christmas and Happy New year as well bud. Have a great day.
A very good morning to you Francis and many thanks for your comments. 2-Strokes, yeah I know - definitely a 'dream garage / lottery win' as I'd need to employ someone to maintain it 😀
Good to hear you're still very happy with the 250 and that it's nice and ready for whatever Winter brings this year. And a very Happy Christmas and New Year to you also! 🍻, Phil.
Hi Phil, thanks for the shout out. Enjoyed the latest end of year report. You have some lovely countryside to ride round. You know my history of past bikes I think I may need help, I’m looking at the Royal Enfield scram 440 just need to make some more room in the shed. Cheers Pete.
Morning Pete, how are you doing? Well, 'White Laning' is a rather fine phrase so recognition was due 😀
Help? I think you need a Guzzi ? 🤣 Just ask Mike Shaw - it makes him very happy!
Will you be keeping the CL? Or what about the Beta? Hmmm....Is it electric start?
Call me!
Cheers,
Phil.
Hey Pete,
Forgot to say, please say hello to Stuart W and pass him my best wishes,
Cheers, Phil.
Merry Christmas Phil. Love your little channel and your videography. Was that your leg squeaking or the pump????
Well, good morning Tim and thank you very much - nice to know you like the channel and combination of bikes and biscuits. Hmmm maybe I should change the channel name?
Was that my leg squeaking ? 🤣 This time it wasn't but it was clicking a little - think torque spanner reaching the desired point!
All the best, cheers, Phil.
@80eightReviews you could shorten it to b and b's and have a sideline renting out the garden shed!!!
Good stuff, beautiful Northumberland, looking forward to new videos in the new year. All the best.
Morning...Thanks for stopping by and for your comments - glad you enjoyed the countryside 😀 Wishing you a great festive period and New Year, all the best, cheers, Phil.
I am so happy to see you on these wonderful back lanes and dirt tracks ...Please keep taking us out into this fabulous countryside ... Have a listen to the great Billy Pig if you need any Northbumbrian pipes in the background ... Have A healthy happy Christmas and New Year !!! Yours Guy
Afternoon Guy,
Fabulous to hear from you as always! I'm hibernating at the moment but will emerge with camera once the daylight (and warmth) returns. Billy Pigg - I'll have a listen, thanks for the suggestion. I see he used to live in Coquetdale...That's one of my favourite places.
And likewise Guy, wish you, Erica and family a fabulous Christmas and New Year, all the best, cheers, Phil.
Hey pops, I'm your age and same taste in riding. Have a Himmy, which is a dog really, gonna swap out for your Rally. Cheers. Well done mate.
Good morning PK! Pops? 😂
Well, I'm sure you'll enjoy the CRF Rally - if / when you get one I'd be interested to see what you think and how it compares to the Himalayan. I'm really enjoying mine and keeping it pinned on the tarmac is strangely good fun also!
All the best, cheers, Phil.
Subscribed.
Thank you!
Merry Xmas by the way ---- thanks for the content - loved the ADV abroad series
Likewise Andy! Have a good one! Cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil. So pleased to see you managing the CRF again. Your progress from where you were is staggering and your pleasure must be off the scale. Thinking back I don’t know how you thought the Triumph was up to the task of green laning. The Rally version with the bigger tank is a good choice as is the TRF.
Hey Jonathan, thank you very much - at one point I thought would never ride a normal bike again, let alone dare to do some trail riding. I am very, very happy. As for the Triumph, yes, I must have been mad - it was really quite awful and extremely hot! I'm glad I never dropped it as I'd still be there 😀
All the best, hope you have a cracking festive period, cheers, Phil.
I really like the video quality, the editing, and the nice, easy-to-digest presentation. The first thing that I would swap would be your riding boots. Your Daytona is perfect for touring, but when off-road, you always have to consider falling down and getting your foot stuck under the bike. I got lucky with my V Strom a few weeks ago, crossing a much smaller stream than the one in your video, but I did not think about the mud after the stream. Luckily my foot didn't get stuck under the bike and I was with the same style of touring boots (of course I went for a short 15-minute ride just to warm up the engine).
As a former DRZ owner, I could say that the DRZ is an amazing motorcycle dear to my heart (my very first bike) but the lack of 6-speed is a major consideration for me, so I would see how the gear ratio is going to feel like in the real world. The thing is the price...if Suzuki announces something like 7500 - 8000 EUR price in Europe (those are the rumors) I would give it a pass.
Good afternoon Lyuben, great to hear from you and many thanks for your comments on the video - much appreciated.
As for the riding boots, yes, I know the Daytona's are not ideal. I used to always to ride in my MX boots, but since breaking and recovering from my broken knee and leg, I find MX boots really difficult to wear and walk in, change gear and get on / off the bike! I keep trying them though so hopefully the situation will improve. In the meantime I'm very careful where I ride and avoid anything that could snag my feet / ankles or fall off!
Glad you got out of your own predicament on the V-Strom! I'm not a fan of river crossings either 😀
As for the DR-Z...Yes, you're right - I'm thinking it's going to be rather more expensive than I'd like...
All the best, cheers, Phil.
@ Dear Phil,
Please excuse me, I didn’t know about your injury and if I was at your place I would be very careful as well. My “official” riding boots nowadays are Sidi Adventure 2 which is some kind of hybrid between touring and MX boot with very distinctive squeaking noise on every step you take but I would say they are pretty comfortable to put on and off (not like a hard MX boot). I am sure that you will find the best solution for you and most importantly you are eager and motivated to ride after an injury.
All the best ☺️
Morning Lyuben, hey no worries at all - you make a good point though that something other than a full on MX boot might be the better option. Also I do like a boot that squeaks 😀 I'll check out the Sidi's or something similar if I can't get on with my current MX boots - thanks for suggestion.
All the best, cheers, Phil.
A very entertaining end of season review Phil, though Jön will be disappointed by the lack of livestock. 😳
Sadly, you've got more chance of winning the Lottery than of Honda bringing out a CRF350 with half decent suspension!
Thank you very much Hugh. As for Jön, I know gravel and mud doesn't agree with him so he may not have watched this one...Oh wait! He has! Next stop, knobblies on the U-Boat?
As for the CRF350...Sadly, you are probably right, still perchance to dream and all that.
Hello Phil, I think the essence of the matter is like everything -> it should be fun, no matter what👍👍👍. With that in mind, I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2025. One more thing - the biscuit report is still pending😄. Cheers KG
Good morning Mr. KG, great to hear from you again. Yeah, as long as it's fun, it doesn't matter what the bike is or what you do with it. It's all about what it allows you to do. Sorry about the biscuits although the previous two episodes do feature some rather scrummy ones...All the best for Christmas, cheers, Phil.
Hello! Add a rally raid suspension kit on it, and you will find new ponies on the 300 (those wasted on fighting the soft suspension). I did so on mine, and it transformed it completely.
Happy Xmas.
I upgraded the suspension on my CRF250L and without thinking, I am definitely travelling faster and in control more of the time. For trail riding and enjoying the countryside I don’t need more power.
Morning Guy, thanks for stopping by - good to hear from you. As for the suspension - good call. I had YSS fitted to my previous 'L' and it transformed the bike off-road but it made it very, very tall. At the time that was fine but since breaking my leg (as you can see on the video) I have difficulty throwing my right leg over the saddle even on the standard suspension. I'm thinking I need better quality suspension but without the seat height and I also don't want to fit a lowering kit particularly. I might have a word with the Rally Raid guys and see what they think.
All the best, have a great Christmas! Cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews totally understand your point, just saying more power from the engine is not necessarily helpful if suspension cannot get it to the ground. By the way, the new Suzuki DRZ400 has a seat height of 920mm!
Absolutely - the stock suspension definitely stops you getting the most out of the engine off-road - also, improved suspension as I found on my previous 'L' made the bike a lot more consistent in terms of how it handled the terrain. Maybe the new version improves this a little / a lot!
and 920mm!!!! Hmm....
Modern bikes are really improved with a remap. Got my CRF done by Geoff at Hilltop mc's in Hinkley. Done many of my bikes over the years. Thought about engine size of CRF and would it be worth it. Oh yes even more noticable on small capacity bike. Result its a lot more perky and would you believe even more economical which is absurd as how can it possible average over 100 mpg but it does. I'm tall so Hagon rear shock as original too soft for my size and cheap rear rack and remove that daft uncomfortable strap from seat and whilst doing that put on cool cover. Cheap bar riser kit 25mm is all I needed. Stonking little bike. Also will now pull 80 mph easily but happier at 70 obviously on a private road and what a wonderfully smooth engine for a single. Find I get it out more than my much modded and tuned Tenere 700 asking myself do I really need the T7 now
Morning Gaz man, good to hear from you and hope you're doing well. I never thought that a remap would make such a difference to such a small engine but gosh, that's incredible. Did you change anything else - silencer, airbox or anything?
It must be nice to have a 'private road' nearby also 😀
I'm still thinking about what to do with the suspension and I've always been a bit of a Hagon fan...I might give them a call next year...
All the best, have a great Xmas, cheers, Phil.
@80eightReviews Hello. No the CRF is running standard exhaust and airbox. Also got a tooth bigger front sprocket that I have not fitted yet. A flip screen ontop of standard screen helped make it a better ride.
If you want a bit more from this humble do it all bike get it remmaped . Just checked my mpg and it 101.7 . Bearing in mind riding round rural B roads mostly and mostly under 5.5k revs. All the best . Bye
Hi Phil, another very entertaining video, thank you. Can I ask what rear rack you have? I put an AS one on and it has no handles for "ground handling", very finger injuring too due to sharp edges etc. Seasons greetings.
Afternoon David, good to hear from you again - and thanks for your comments on the video. As for the rack it's a cheapo Chinese one but it works well, fits OK and seems suitably strong enough, here's a link:
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09ZLF8KT6
Hope that helps, have a great festive period, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews Thanks Phil, some of those got bad reviews, so reassured that they're not so bad. 👍
Did you ever consider the CRF 450 Phil? Frequent servicing and flame out issues put me off .
Good stuff!
Thanks Jön, how's your rööf? All good here aside from errant wheelie bins roaming the streets...Cheers, Phil.
CFMoto 450MT. No need to change suspension, comfortable and relative low seat height and handle the longer distance on tarmac.
Hey Neville, good to hear from you and yeah, I've heard many good things about the 450 - it sounds like a cracking machine. My reservations about it, given I'm focused on making trail riding as easy as possible, is the additional weight and while +20KG doesn't sound huge, when stuck in a rut it multiplies by 4 times 😀 And I'm weak as a day old 🐥
Once / if I've had enough of trail riding, something like the 450 will defintely be on the short list.
All the best, have a good Xmas, cheers, Phil.
Wear your tyres out first, Phil. I also wish Honda would bring out a longer-stroke CRF350L. Would you consider the forthcoming Suzuki DR-Z400? Haha! Then you say you would. Good lad. I used to have a DR250SH. Nick
Hey Nick, good to hear from you. Well, actually, the tyres are already quite worn out - certainly for the dirt anyway. So I've got a perfectly good excuse now 😀
The new DR-Z has a lot going for it I think although I see the seat height is 920mm which could prove challenging from a mounting / dismounting perspective in addition to giving me a nosebleed 😀
Cracking bikes the old DR's though - they just run and run and run and run....My old 350 was a proper commute, long distance then race at the weekend kinda bike. Brilliant!
Anyway, if we don't speak before Nick, hope you have a cracking festive period and thanks for all your comments and contributions over the last year, cheers, Phil.
Interesting Video sir, I’ve never been brave enough to do any off roading despite having ridden lawfully for the last 48 years. I’ll stick with touring bikes for now.
But the big question is , what sort of biscuit is it ? Looks like a hob nob to me ready to be dunked at any time. Give it the extra 50cc and it can be a chocolate hob nob.
Anyway have a happy Christmas and a healthy new year 👍
Good afternoon Andrew, very good to hear from you again. Hope your roof is OK?
As the biscuit comparison...Hmm...You've got something there with respect to the 'dunking' aspect and a hob-nob is a good call...Let me give it some serious thought and maybe some practical research 😀
And likewise Andrew, Happy Christmas & a prosperous NY, all the best, cheers, Phil.
Have a great remainder od 2024!
Thank you very much pinkiewerewolf! Good to hear from you and wishing you a cracking Christmas! All the best, cheers, Phil.
@ Merry Christmas from Nor-Cal Phil!
Cheers! 🍻
John aka pinkie
Just sold my 300L and got a Himalayan 450. Miss the 300 but no good on roads. Only have mental and physical space for one bike hence the 450.
Hey Andy, good to hear from you! Yeah the CRF isn't the best on the road - it's an absolute compromise - for me though, the focus is trail riding and most of the tarmac between those trails is no faster than 60mph so it's a compromise I can live with. Having said that though, it is the reason why I won't be riding the CRF through Europe next year - I'd rather do it on my scooter!
Hope you have a blast on the 450! All the best, cheers, Phil.
I like the 450 Himalayan for exactly the same reason when I test rode it a few weeks back.
Hi Phil....seasonal beer greeting🎅🎅🎅s.....67machines later I've still got my keeper😂😂😂😂 anywaz we bikers are too much like kids in a sweet shop regarding bikes... so my 2025 resolution keep my himalayan and vogeds525x and just bl......dy!!!! get out n ride em...atvb👌
Evening David and cheers to you also 🍻 67? That's some going 😀 But, yes, I know what you mean!
As for your resolution - that's very admirable! Give me a shout around June time next year David and let's see how you're doing 😀
All the best, cheers, Phil.
Sounds like you might now be better suited with the basic CRF300L rather than the Rally? Lighter, less bulk & blank canvas? Thanks for sharing 🍻
Hey Peter, ha ha yeah, you know what?
You've put a bee in my bonnet with that suggestion! As you say, if the focus is purely trail riding (and getting to the trails) then the standard 'L' is a better bet - at least for me. 10kg lighter, better off-road ergonomics, more crashable and f the suspension is even just a tiny bit better (on the 2025 MY) then hmmm....
I'll let you know!!!!
All the best Peter, hope you have a great Christmas, cheers, Phil.
its so underpowered a skateboard has more power
Ha ha well, I'd completely disagree from a UK Trail riding perspective - where I've always felt that anything between 20 - 35HP is exactly what you need to get the job done. On road it's not the best but it's a compromise as anything with more power is either a proper enduro bike or a 450 which is too heavy for the trails. That's one reason I'm quite interested in the new DR-Z4. All the best, cheers, Phil.
It's honda it just works, my off roading is curtailed since I contracted a malady, can't spell or pronounce the Latin but initials are W__I__M__P
Hey Terence, ha ha well, you never know, if you keep taking the pills and the special ointment, the 'malady' may improve 😀
But yeah - it does just work especially when it just gets chucked into the shed full of mud and snot and dragged out and abused.
All the best, cheers, Phil.