Why did I sell D. Vader (Tenere700), to buy an Ewok (CRF300L)?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- I picked up a little Honda CRF300L recently, and I have been loving it so far, some people asked me why I would sell my Yamaha Tenere 700 and buy a much more tame little red Honda.
So I put my thoughts on this into a video. :)
Feel free to skip to my summery at the end, or listen to me ramble on about the 300L and how it compares to the Tenere700.
I had a 660 Tenere and now a 300l which is so much more fun on the trails and I love it because it’s all I would ever need I’m 60.
Im only 34 and last 4 bikes were 400+cc Dual sports. The 300L Rally is just a blast on and off road. Riding a slow bike fast makes you feel like youre getting away with something you shouldnt. Nobody can really max out a 450 bike on the trails unless they are a Pro rider anyways.
I also have a Tenere 660 and going to sell it and change on the 300l. I like to drive more remote roads (lanes) in the mountains there Tenere makes me feel scary. And it’s hard to lift it then I fall down.
Welcome to the world of fun. On my third CRF, lots of bike and very manageable and even been to Spain with friends on an L and my Rally. Change your tyres to Michelin Trackers or similar and wet lanes become so much easier. Lots of after market accessories to make it your own bike and Honda reliability. You’ll have a great time.
I share your thoughts, as I have sold my T7 for a CRF 300 Rally. No regrets so far. T7 is very good pof road, when travelling in group, but I am on solo adventures, so weight matters.
Do you prefer the 300 rally than t7 ? Which one is better off road ? cheers
@@FrenchyRider574 Lighter is always better off road. It only doesn't matter as much if you have pro skills.
Good points and interesting video!
I would stay with the T7 personally !
But the CRF is quite perfect as a low cc and light adventure bike
“Use case” as you say is very accurate. I’ve bought bikes in the past based on impulse rather than use. This is a really smart video for people to see.
Great little bike, very popular and incredibly good value. Winner winner chicken dinner
Great video! I'm in exactly the same position with my t7 atm, I'm trying to get out with greenlaning groups but all seem to not recommend the t7. I am also in Cornwall so your vids are spot on! May have to try a Crf! 🤔👍
Nice. Feel free to join us on a ride.
We have a very small Facebook group “Cornwall trails group”
And look me up as Blake Evans if you like.
The T7 can certainly go almost anywhere.
But if things go wrong it’s much harder to self rescue. (And possibly more of a dangerous crash.)
@@biscuitsalive OK great, Will look you up 👍
I think you've now got the bike that you always needed.
Great video! I also have a T7 and am getting a CRF 300l for the exact same reasons. Quick question: do you have a list of mods that you have done so far? And are those the Oxford premium touring heated grips?
The bike came with oxford heated grips (I recommend those. Very capable of getting hot!)
The acerbis hand guards (had these before they are decent)
And a bashplate. (All of which I would have added, but I may have favoured a thick plastic bashplate, personally. )
So I haven’t actually added anything yet.
Things I want to add-
I think a suspension upgrade is on the cards for later in the year. And better tyres.
Then some folding mirrors (double take probably)
Maybe a light weight battery too.
I’m not bothered about exhaust or ECU at moment. I like being quiet so I don’t annoy people on lanes.
But not going to spend any more money just yet.
Just want to get first service done and enjoy it for a few weeks.
Excellent video! I'm thinking hard about trading my cb500x for one of these.
Good video, thanks. How are you finding the stock tires off road? You seem to be getting on better than most reports I have read about them. I pick my CRF up this week. Incidentally I also have a T7 that I am keeping, but have also ridden the GWT, other TET and trail riding on, and completely agree. When I am off road on it on unknown lanes I am always thinking what is coming next? Especially in the wet. The T7 is great off road, but it’s a compromise, the same way that the CRF is a compromise the other way.
Thanks. Yep if I had more spare cash (and space) I would keep the T7 and buy a dirt bike on the side. But one bike is all I can justify.
I was expecting the stock tyres on 300L to be crap in the extremely greasy mud we have down here at the moment.
But I actually think they are doing medium ok.
Clearly better options available. But I’m going to wear down the stock tyres a bit before upgrading. Don’t feel like they are holding me back much. Maybe when I get to the 600 mile service, I will swap them then.
(Note they do skate around a bit on lines in the road, but not lots.)
I have an Africa Twin and a 300l, I use the 300 for the same type of rides you do and for the same reasons.
No doubt about it without luggage and the need for multiple miles above 60mph the CRF is the right tool. I've done some weekend off pavement travel camp trips on my 250L it's great. My 250L has the 300 kit EJK and full FMF exhaust, it has plenty of power for passing etc. I have a T7 now and the CRF, it's hard not to just settle on the CRF and make it work for everything.
Great looking bike, always liked your original Honda, perfect for those waterlogged lanes,nice one
Sounds like you found the right bike that suits your riding. I spent 3 years on a Yamaha WR250R (15,000 km) and totally loved it. But after a while I wanted more power without going to a heavy twin like the T7, so I recently got a KTM 690. Similar bike to the 701 you mentioned. It's my "unicorn" and I would highly recommend you try a 690 or 701, when you're ready for an upgrade. 690 or 701 has same horsepower as T7 (74 hp), but its 50 kg lighter than the T7. Much more expensive yes, but similar price to T7. Worth it IMO. Cheers
I may well do that.
I was riding all day yesterday, on a huge variety of trails... rocky climbs, rutty, slippy descents etc. (But mostly very wet muddy)
With a few other bikes. DRZ, 800GS etc.
And I was riding faster than everyone else and most other riders fell off (more than once).
But the little CRF was sure footed and easy all day.
So for now it’s deff the right bike for me.
I will want to upgrade suspension. Mainly because when I try to weight suspension and preload it to hop over holes etc it just squashes down, and doesn’t bounce back properly like taught suspension would. So it’s a bit more effort to pop front wheel and “dance around” the difficult stuff.
But in terms of power in the slippy stuff it’s totally fine.
Of course as soon as I’m on the road considering overtaking cars etc. Then I want an extra 20+ HP
@@biscuitsalive You can't have it all I guess. Doesn't really matter what you ride, the main thing is you're out there riding, on the bike that you enjoy and gives you confidence to improve your skills. I haven't ridden the 300L yet, and look forward to trying it one day.
I swapped my WR250R for T7 after 4 years and 20,000 km, and so far I'm happy with the upgrade. It's heavy to pick up, yes, but I do seek getting tired in my rides, because I really enjoy a good night sleep when my muscles are aching a bit.
On the other hand, the engine and ergonomics of T7 are so great for me that when I ride all day, my muscles are sore, but my shoulders and knees are not in pain as they were sometime on WR250R. I'm not yet sure that T7 is a forever keeper, but I'm looking forward to at least several enjoyable years on it 😎
"It's weight, weight, weight, weight, weight". I guess it's all relative. I got the 300L and loved it until I pushed it hard off road and realized, this thing weighs a lot (obviously not compared to your T7!) for hardish dirt riding. So I test rode a ktm 500 (post 2020 after they changed them significantly) and I was like, holy crap, this thing feels like a mountain bike compared to the 300L, and never looked back at the Honda again. Yes KTM's cost a kidney or two (depending on the buyer of the kidney), but at maybe 50lbs or so less weight on the KTM, it rides infinitely safer in the tougher stuff offroad conditions than the honda - super balanced and easy to go wherever you want - for the most part. I'm not an enduro rider, I'm just riding blue and some black diamond out west, deliberately and carefully. Still, the 300L, if you fix the suspension design flaw (for US market rider weights), it's really an awesome pricepoint for what you get. I think for lightweight ADV, Itchy Boots proved that. But if you can find a KTM deal, try it out, it handles like a dream comparitively.
So wasn't the fantic about the same weight with more power?
Yes. That was a good bike. But I was concerned how hot it was getting. Never failed me, but felt like the slow uphill slogs were cooking the engine.
I love you're videos. They are awesome.
How ever, I think you are not looking it right regarding this bike coolness.
This is a clean design, simple, cheap bike. You don't have to explain anything when you showing it to somebody, it's obvious as soon you see it.
Anything that more expensive bikes can do, it can do much easier.
He does same things, but for the fraction of the effort and a fraction of the price.
Now, in my book that is cool!
REALLY COOL BIKE!
Keep uploading the videos.
All the best to you from Serbia.
Shine on
Thanks. I just try to be honest mainly. Rather than “correct”. :)
I have noticed that other bikers nearly ALWAYS nodded at me (a thing many do in UK) on the T7. But on the Honda300 it’s far fewer.
Especially guys on big bikes like harleys etc. Even they gave a nod of respect to me on the T7. But hardly any do on a little Honda.
I think part of that is it looks a bit like a bike a 16 year old would ride. So they don’t think you are a real “biker”.
Anyway. Just an observation.
Still loving the little Honda.
Prob will get a new rear shock for it soon.
@@biscuitsalive I understand, trust me.
It's the same here in Serbia.
I always give "bikers hello" to everyone, no matter what they ride.
And to those who won't return it, well that's on them, I wish them all the best.
I want to do the same thing T7 is awesome but it’s too heavy for a beginner off-roader. I live in the desert all sand all the time I’ve gotten tired of falling with it.
Yep soft sand and bikes = lots of picking up.
Deff around 150kg is a nice area to be in. So much easier to Chuck about without fear of dropping.
Because you wanted to be even more versatile and have even more fun?
If you haven’t yet please consider the 500cc dual sport bikes. My group finds 500’s have the power for the highway and the lack of weight for the dirt. These bikes are around 50hp
Nice route.
A CRF 450 L, 40 HP, better suspensions and 150kg would be my unicorn
Great vid, agree with everything you said, coming off a DR650 to a CRF300L the honda is a bit lighter but feels heaps lighter as it carries its weight lower
the crf300l Rally is Darth..have you seen the windscreen ??
Great video, thank you. I own a Super Tenere, excellent bike but way too heavy for much off road stuff. I've ordered a 300 Rally. Now just to wait and see if it'll ever arrive.
Nice video. Bought my 300L Rally in August of last year before they became so hot. I have done 1,000 miles and I find myself riding it more often than my R1250GS. What has surprised me is how much fun it is on the road. At 35-60mph on my local mountain roads it is a blast. I call it my easy button. Keep up the good work.
Honestly if the Ewok makes you happy, then that’s all that matters. It looks like you’re having fun 👌🏻🤙🏻
Makes sense to me. Did you consider the ‘rally’?
Yes. I was torn. But like a nice view of the trail in front. And the simplicity of 300L.
Bigger tank doesn’t bother me much. (Just more weight)
But I may get a windscreen /tower mod down the line if I’m doing long trips.
Nice , your defiantly driving with a lot more confidence. 1:34 where did you get your GoPro dead cat from ?
Same to me, from a KTM 890 Adv R to my little crf300L.
Yeah, T7 is a great bike but TET needs lighter bikes. Wise choice man, have fun!
I have swapped bikes a couple of times since this vid. Tried a 350excf. Then a DRZ400. Now on a Husqvarna 701…. Just can’t seem to resist trying diff bikes.
@@biscuitsalive Yeah, I have just saw those vids. What next? I would go for AJP PR7 :)
@@Eris-sp6yt nearly did. Maybe I’ll try one this yesr
How the hell did you manage to get a 300L? I think I ordered mine back when you had the Caballero and they're telling me June now. I'm back thinking about the Caballero Rally now but I guess I'll just be sensible and wait for the 300L :-(
A few are popping up second hand now, lots of people that ordered it on preorder have now changed their minds.
(thats how i got mine) it had 20 mile on the clock but was essentially new.
some idiots asking for more than new though due to demand, i wouldn't do that, but if its about new cost with under 100 miles on it and immaculate then i think thats ok... (the guy in demaralls told me he sold his own 300L for £5600)
@@biscuitsalive lucky you! Crazy times. Hopefully the other manufacturers cop on and bring a few other options out soon too. If you don't want a full on enduro bike with all the faff then It's basically the 300L, some bikes from obscure companies with questionable reliability or some 700cc death trap from KTM/Husky 😅 At least you've confirmed I've made the right choice in bike anyway
PS: will have to head down to Cornwall this summer, looks amazing in the videos!
@@alexjson do it, lots of coastline to explore of course. :) and no motorways down here so little bikes fit in well.
I was lucky. A dealer had 4 Crf300l and my friends and me bought 3 of them, just 2 days ago. One call, instant purchase, even with a discount 😁😁😁
For that type of conditions the Honda obliterates the Yamaha...
Very good video, sensible points. I’ve ordered my ewok 2 months ago and i can’t wait ! Do you know the name/reference of your givi tank bag, i’m having a hard time finding it...thanks !
Sorry I can’t remember. It’s right in front of me now but can’t see anything other than “GIVI’. Pretty sure it was a amazon job. Fairly cheap tho. The giant loop ones look better but I’ve had this one for a while and it fits my phone well so I just keep using it.
Great choice!! Enjoy! ; )~
P.S.- Don't you miss your Caballero?! 🤔
Sometimes yes. It was a sweet spot. But don’t think it could take the abuse I’m going to give the little Honda. :)
Great post! I'm you're height and wanted to know if the shot of you on the T7 to show how you get your feet down was before or after the lowering link and lower seat?
Hi. The clips of the 300L and T7 in this vid is with both bikes at stock height.
Them crf300l are not a good choice for most parts of Welsh tet lol , slow, very heavy for such a small capacity engined bike , crap suspension . A old honda xr650l would run circles around one on road and off road .. they a novice off roader bike for novice riders ... load it up with kit you going to be spending out money on exspensive shock upgrades ... a old yam tt600r or tt600re or a xtz660 or a xr650l , dr650 xr600 or a xr650r would be a better buy and alot cheaper lol (xr600r xr650r not cheap any more ) let's not forget you won't be repairing a crf300l on the side of a mountain with basic tools unlike some of the bikes I've mentioned as there's to much electronics on them and no rocker arms and tappets you can adjust with some feeler gauges, and the crf300l are Thailand build quality and not japenese build quality either lol
Exactly what my plans are. Going for crf300 rally
Good choice.
I’m now at the point I need to decide to upgrade the suspension or change bike again! XD
Been a great bike and happy to keep it. But the sagging soft suspension is holding me back a little now I’m speeding up a bit.
Went from riding fully modded WR450Fs to a stock CRF300L Rally and have regrets.
It's so much more fun to ride a slow bike fast.
I had the same journey from my Africa Twin to a 300 Rally, I never ride more than an hour to the dirt and in the dirt I could make the Africa Twin work but it was just that "WORK" on the 300 I have fun and tear that trail to shreds
Nice video, something I would like to see is this Honda against the caballero rally
Generally the Caballero rally was good. On and off road.
But not quite as capable over the rough stuff. Ground clearance and suspension travel was less than the CRF. Also the header pipe was very exposed to bashing on rocks.
Totally fine over average green lane though.
The heat it kicked out always bothered me though. It felt like it was way hotter than it should have been. So long slow uphill trails made me want to park it to cool off afterwards.
Where as the Honda barely warms up at all.
I never had any real issues with the Cab. But it just didn’t feel as dependable as a Honda.
(It cut out on me a few times for no reason, and the headlight LED failed, warranty sorted headlight. But they never found the cause of the intermittent cut outs.)
So I generally had a niggling feeling it was going to let me down. (The Caballero)
May have been my paranoia, but that was my gut feeling.
Fun and good looking bike though.
I've been thoroughly enjoying your Cornwall and TET videos, and totally understand the mission to downsize to the CRF. I plan to buy one myself one day as an additional bike for the off-road fun. In the meantime, myself (on a 1250GS) and a friend (on a Tiger1200) will be visiting Cornwall at the end of this month. Are there any sections of the TET you'd consider okay for riders with no off-road experience, trails that on a dry day would be the easiest / most relaxed introduction to the TET, even for big fat overweight bikes with road tyres? We live out on the East Coast, and watch with envy the Cornwall and particularly Welsh sections of the TET. We'll be in Cornwall anyway at the end of June, and if there are any "overweight bike and rider friendly trails" I'd love to hear about them.
Good on ya Mate, Im selling my awesome Transalp 700 and moving back down to a Honda rally or L model, small lightweight is where all the fun is at. Confidence to poke it into anything. Just cant do that with the 200kg plus bike unless your well skilled rider. Even those pro guys have more fun on lightweight bikes. I reckon they look cool too. Greeting s from NZ. enjoy bro.
I swapped over to the Led headlight. Not that straight forward. Dash bracket definitely needed, and also indicators and front mudguard if you don't want to modify what u have. Still worth it though. Luv the look.
Thanks for the videos, that’s all 3 bikes crossed off my list lol. I want something for green lane riding but able to sit on the motorway… but then not take 3 people to pick up. I will see what you buy next 😉
Cheers. Very tempting bike (and I'm a T7 devotee). Are you aware of what the reason is for the Husky being more tiring than the CRF - I thought extra power would make it easier?
If you search for 300L vs 701 there’s a couple of guys that use both and they suggested the 300L just seems less work.
I think the lesser power makes it less of a handful on the tricky bits. And the gearing and clutch are both very light/easy.
I haven’t had much experience with 701 (just a quick test ride on road)
So I can’t really add much input. But I’ve used more powerful bikes off toad and do find it harder to keep traction on the steep slippy stuff.
@@biscuitsalive Thanks. Also, how would you feel on a big trip with the CRF? I carry around 22kg (ie camping/clothes etc) saddlebags (inc 4 litres of water - I now live in Thailand), plus 2kg water on my back and around 2.5kg tank bag. Also I'm 75kg, would the CRF handle it? I'm wanting to ditch my Versys to properly get off grid and thinking either T7 or CRF300L Rally. Cheers.
@@clivedarwell5732 it would
Prob want a stiffer spring. (It does anyway.) but with luggage it would be dragging its ass.
In terms of distance, it would be fine as long as not in hurry. It cruises at 65 happy all day.
But as soon as you try to push it more it’s just not as happy.
Subbed!
Yeah, TR7 looks cool, but so does the 300. Lovely looker!
Awesome review, totally right about the weight and usage, I have the rally, I use it on the smaller lanes and roads, no pressure to go fast, my skill level is zilch off road but I can give it a go because I can drag the bike around and pick it up if needed. I got scared venturing off road with a big KTM because it was heavy and too much fo me too handle. It did however, like your T7 have plenty on tap when needed on the bigger roads.
I think physical size of the rider is a big thing too.
Went out with a chap today who JUST picked up his brand new T7. And we went up a really tricky hill. We both struggled. But there is no way I would attempt what he did on a brand new T7!
But he’s a lot bigger than me and when the shit hit the fan his long legs could catch him before the bike went over (most of the time.)
So yes. Some bikes just are not a great fit for some people. Especially on the tricky trails.
Here’s some clips from today if you want a look (unlisted) th-cam.com/video/UsSt9nAqF-g/w-d-xo.html
(Big hill is from :35secs)
@@biscuitsalive great to watch, thanks mate
Morning mate! Good to see the Cornish lanes! Currently got an Enfield I & an SWM RS300 enduro.. came across the channel due to the Caballero 500 as potentially looking at moving both bikes on and getting a Caballero 500 Rally for the best of both (road & lanes).
How's your opinion between each bike now you've had the Caballero, the T7 and now the CRF? Does the Caballero stand up? Do you miss it?
Cheers for the content mate!
Hi. 3 very diff bikes really.
All capable of doing green lanes and all capable of commute etc.
Just down to where you want to ride it I guess.
T7 best by far on the fast roads.
All fine on the twisty roads.
All fine on gravel roads.
T7 would be the only one I would not want to take down anything too steep/slippy or technical off road. And that’s just down to weight. Not capabilities.
Only real issue I had with the Fantic is I didn’t trust its reliability. I never broke down on me, but it did cut out several times. (They looked at it but couldn’t find a problem)
And it always seemed to run very hot.
So I just felt like it was going to give me issues down the line.
But it may have been paranoia.
All fun. All good bikes. Can u get a test ride on a Cab? And they all have weaknesses too.
Thanks for your video. I own a teneree 700 and this year also a africa twin 1100 AS. I did some off road riding in Belgium and the Netherlands. With the muddy and wet trails i feel the weight from the Tenere. It is heavy and i am not a really experience driver. Now i also lean into a CRF 250 or 300 rally.....will this give a smile on my face? The tenere still hase a rally great engine and is a great bike! You can really give it a blast on gravel roads!
Put it this way, I’ve done nearly 5000 miles on the 300L now, and I still miss the Tenere700 EVERY TIME I’m on any roads.
But every time I’m on tricky off road, or picking my bike up after a slip, I’m glad I’m on the 300L.
It is gutless, but it’s VERY easy to ride in difficult situations. So you don’t get AS tired, and have more confidence. (Than you would on a bigger bike)
So, it’s always a compromise.
But I’m still glad I didn’t go full enduro.
I like the freedom to do long trips and not worry about servicing it every few hours etc.
That’s deff not for me.
It would stop me riding as much I think.
Noooooo 🥲
I totally agree. I sold my Africa Twin and picked up a CRF300L Rally. Love it.
Thanks for the nice comparison. I can't choose between this and the Aprilia Tuareg 660.
Tuareg is similar to the tenere
Thanks for this video 💯
Was the klx300 or Ktm 390Adv on your radar at all , before buying the crf ? Also which tank bag is this on your Crf? TIA
I tried the 390adv. I was worried the ground clearance wasn’t great. And the wheels aren’t really off road “strong”. The KLX reportedly has better suspension. But the Honda is a tighter more modern little bike according to those that have tried both. And is the torque and gearing better on the Honda?
I think it maybe. But haven’t tried the KLX so only going on hearsay.
The tank bag is a GIVI one from amazon. Had it ages so can’t remember a specific model number sorry.
@@biscuitsalive thankyou for the insight and bag info ! Happy trails !
50 years old the mid life crisis thing hit a few days before just looking at the future and all I could muster was a meh..... hoping to pic up something in the spring have to check out the rally
What’s your height and weight?
I still love my little 300L. But the T7 is more suited to big/tall people.
@@biscuitsalive 6foot 230
@@damonhicks5776 you may find the 300rally/L a bit cramped. Suspension will prob need a swap out (rear shock is very soft and undersprung even for me at 13 stone)
@@biscuitsalive i was looking at the 650 adventura from cfmoto but it is not as capable off-road but its definitely a tourer. that was a good fit and there partnership with ktm their fit and finish is really good
@@damonhicks5776 I don’t know much about that bike, but looks like a big tourer to me.
Fine if that’s what you want to do with it.
I Wouldn’t want to take it in some serious stuff.
Great vid. Luv the bike. What tires do you have on it pls? Got a 300 myself. Perfect for everything except motorway. ☺
Still on stock. Not brilliant but better than I expected to be fair. Once they are worn in a bit I will upgrade.
@@biscuitsalive Tks for reply. I can't complain on the stock. Decent all-rounder
realy like the channel
Nice video.
One question: the T700 footage at 8:00 is stock, before you lowered it. Right?
yep that was both stock, before i lowered it, i could ride it stock, but felt tricky on the slow slippy stuff.
@@biscuitsalive thanks a lot for the clarification 👍🏼
RE himalayan
I think lots of people will replace their T7 because it simply isn't as good as the hype is and it is not as cheap as people say it is. It is really overweight, overpriced dual sport with street engine. It is very good looking bike but, not really great at anything.
I think that’s a bit harsh.
It’s a great bike. Just too heavy for my use.
@@biscuitsalive It is harsh but that's how I see it. I was sceptical of it during development but, I fell in love with it when I saw it on the floor and sat on it. To me, it is one prettiest bikes. It was just matter of time for me to get it. Then, I went to try it at one of Yamaha demo days and it was a total bust for me. It was top heavy, catching wind like sail, jerky throttle, not very comfy etc. I just didn't see $12k on the road with tube tires and just unfinished design. For skilled guys spending lots of time on dirt yeah but, I was looking for unicorn. I do ride Super Tenere and while I love the bike, I'm having second thoughts about it too.
Don't you regret that option?
On that road. Yes.
In the skippy stuff. Seldom.
I’ve moved onto a KTM350excf now. And low it. Really makes difficult terrain a breeze.
Bullshit. It is because the T7 is too heavy and requires a lot of skill to ride off-road.