Honda
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ธ.ค. 2021
- Honda CRF300L - YSS Suspension upgrade + Pirelli MT21 + Renthals
Here's a quick update of my Honda CRF300L to which I've added the following bits and pieces and attempt to answer the question, it is worth it?
YSS Suspension Front and Rear
www.brooksuspension.co.uk/mot...
www.brooksuspension.co.uk/hon...
Pirelli MT-21
www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-gb/m...
Renthal Handlebars
www.renthal.com/moto/rc
RTech Enduro Hand Guards
www.24mx.co.uk/motocross-part... - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![เกิดใหม่ทั้งทีก็เป็นสไลม์ไปซะแล้ว ซีซั่น 3 - ตอนที่ 64 [ซับไทย]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Pmsta0byEpk/mqdefault.jpg)
![เบิ้ล ปทุมราช - อ้ายกินดอง น้องลาบงัว ft. สแน็ก อัจฉรีย์ [Teaser]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n863TMuA1Ck/mqdefault.jpg)
Very enjoyable video. Thank you! I really enjoy the camera work, as well as the helpful content. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much - glad you enjoyed it! All the best, cheers, Phil.
Compliments of the season from New Zealand and happy riding.
And likewise to NZ from the northernmost reaches of England! Lots of mud at the moment, so the riding is very happy thanks. Hope all is good where you are, cheers, Phil.
Thanks for another really good video. The CRF looks great!
Have a great new year and I look forward to future videos of your 3 beautiful bikes!!!
Thanks very much and Happy New Year to you also. Hope all is OK where you are, more videos coming soon (once it warms up), cheers, Phil.
Happy New Year to you too and please keep the vids coming!
Thanks Richard, hope your 2022 has got off to a good start. More videos are definitely arriving and thinking about doing something different this year. Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
Great video, as usual. Your production and content is so far above expectations for a "smaller" channel. Happy New Year to you as well!
Hello, thanks for your kind comments - I'm going to up the quality of the videos this year, not quite sure how / where yet but I think things need to change! Thanks for watching & hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews What device are you using for recording and showing all the data like lean angle, acceleration/braking, etc?
That riding looks fun. Love your videos. Happy New Year!
Thanks and same to you also! Yeah, mud = good fun, makes me feel like I'm 12 years old :-) Cheers, Phil.
Happy New Year to you too. That Fuller’s looks delicious. Excellent video. Thanks
Morning! Yes, it was very nice - a bit of skull cracker @ 8.5% but totally trad, warming and delicious. Good with cheese, but then most things are :-) At my local they had Fullers Jack Frost on - never tried it before and that was very nice also.
Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching (again) and hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
Happy New Year! I liked the neat little gimmicks with the vids playing in the background 👍
Morning, thanks for stopping by and Happy 2022 to you also. As for the background videos, great to know you liked them, hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
Thanks for posting such great content. Happy New Year.
Hey Tim, and Happy New Year to you also. Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
Happy New Year and thanks for the nice Video :-)
Nice bike .. enjoy it.
Unfortunately it is super hard to get a new CRF300 here in Germany - :-(
Anyhow .. looking forward to your next video 👌🏼🍻
Good morning and happy new year to you also. Hope all is ok in Germany despite the scarcity of CRF300’s. Great to know you enjoyed the video, thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
Great video….love the beer description
Good evening, thanks for your comments - really good to know you enjoyed the video. As for the beer, yeah it was very nice I have to say! Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
Great video man - love the bike! I'm making videos on my CRF250L and am jealous of the 300L!! Subbed to see more💪💪
Thanks Connor, much appreciated and look forward to seeing some of your videos! Hope all is well where you are and thanks for the sub, cheers, Phil.
Thanks for great advice. I have the same bike on west coast of Canada
Good morning, hope all is ok in 🇨🇦 . Isn’t the CRF just a brilliant little bike? I’m really enjoying mine even though it’s winter here in the UK and the modifications do really make a difference. Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
Thanks for sharing video great stuff all the best to you!!
And all the best to you also! Thanks for watching and hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
Brilliant as ever. I see a sideline channel in beer reviews in your future 🤣,! I'd watch it....
Thanks David, great to know you enjoyed the video. As for beer reviews, the danger is of course is not stopping at just one or two and given I trip over my words when sober…😀 Still, it would fun trying!
Thanks for stopping by & hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
Did you install YSS front suspension yourself? Can you do more reviews on it?
Good morning - thanks for stopping by. No, I didn't fit the suspension - the front isn't a huge job, but I don't really have the facilities at home and I never like working on bikes at the kerb-side!
As for more reviews - Oh, I'd absolutely love to :-( However, I broke my leg badly last year (not on the CRF) and as I can't even get on the bike and it's looking like recovery is going to take a while, the CRF has now gone to a better home where it's going to get used. Sorry..I'm a bit sad also. Still, not to worry, the bike and the revised suspension was brilliant and I'm glad I was able to enjoy it while I had the chance.
Hope all is well with you, cheers, Phil.
You used to have a Honda Dominator? I agree with you. Modding is generally a waste of money, but these suspension mods seem like a good idea. Excellent bike. I'd get one if I wanted an off-road bike. I prefer your model to the Rally. And I agree with you about loud exhausts.
Happy New Year, 80:8. From Nick
Morning Nick, yes, I used to have an ‘88 Dominator - absolutely brilliant bike. Kinda unfortunately it got me back into trail riding (which to be honest it wasn’t the best best at) so it had to make way for the CRF. As the CRF is a long term proposition for me I felt the suspension was worth the investment, especially as I plan to stick some luggage on it and stock, it may have struggled or turned into a chopper….Thanks again for stopping by, hope 2022 has got off to a good start, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews I remember being in Sagres, the southwest tip of Europe, in the late 80s, it must have been '89, on my XT500E. A Portuguese bloke had a Dominator. They were good-looking bikes.
Wishing all the best for the New Year. The fifth change after, bars, boots, suspension and waistline would probably be the saddle….. just wondering if the CRF would be any good for a long haul across Europe?
It seems super capable and frugal.
Hey Christian, how are you doing? You’re probably right about the saddle but as I lost all nerve endings in my backside many years ago (after a long trip on a DR 350) I don’t really notice it. But yeah, it’s more a vinyl covered plank than a saddle. I like the shape though and it’s good off the tarmac. My intention is very much to do some long haul stuff on the CRF - I’m strangely attracted to chuffing around Europe at 63 MPH, getting 78 MPG and visiting some of the old unsurfaced mountain passes in the Alps. So with rack and a petrol solution I’ll be sorted. Hopefully this year or maybe next.
As always thanks for stopping by again, hope 2022 has got off to a good start, cheers, Phil.
If I were to get a dirtbike it would be something along these lines however I've never been able to justify the money for something like a on off road dirtbike that has 250cc to 300cc. It must be amazing! 'nother great review! Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by and great to know you enjoyed the review. The great thing about the CRF300 (especially over the 250) is that it’s a lot better as a road bike so it’s become a really versatile machine now. Sure it’s not super fast on the road but it cruises easily at 70 mph with a little bit left for overtaking, so it really is a bike you can use in the week then get muddy on at the weekends. Plus it’s really low maintenance unlike other more dirt worthy bikes. For me it’s a great compromise and I’ll be doing some longer trips on it at some point.
Hope all is well where you are, thanks again for watching, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews Thanks for that response and your insight! I suppose the lack and ease of maintenance could contribute to overall price as well. Keep them coming!
Hello Phil.
thank you so much for the nice videos and calm atmosphere therein .
Maybe I missed it but what's your height and weight if you don't mind me asking.
Here in British Columbia I have a V7 III (love it) and thinking of a CRF 300 as well for trail excursions.
I am just afraid of becoming a unstable ballerina on the bike in gnarly stuff 😅
Also consider the XT250 as it is lower but almost to small for me .
Happy New Year
Hey Tom, great to hear from a fellow Guzzi rider and many thanks for your kind comments about the videos. Height and weight…I’m 5’10 and around 80kg and on stock suspension the bike sags massively so I can flat foot it with inches to spare. Unstable ballerina hahaha, aren’t they the best kind 😀?
Hope that helps a little, hope all is well in British Columbia, cheers, Phil.
Happy Happy New Year to you and the wife ! I see what you are doing here .. You are making this one into a 20 year keeper. Every time I think of you the whole idea of biting the bullet and putting a new suspension on the Street Scrambler comes into my head ... Then I go hmmmmm How can I get a teli-lever or Earles Fork on the front and a shaft drive (I would love Triumph to make my bike with a shaft drive) . 15K quid later maybe ....just buy a Guzzi with an upgraded suspension (Our local Guzzi dealer is world famous for suspension work) or the same on a R nine T makes more sense .. Oh Yes and then I remember I am 71 and should enjoy I still have a bike and am upright still making flowerpots ... SO my question on local riding : At 1:02 was that a modern Caravan for the traveling folk ? I bought an old one in County Limerick and tried to get it back to Cork and onto Swansea to the pottery in Ewenny...Long story but ended with a Fail ... It was worth the whole adventure though ... Great joy to you and yours ... Guy
Morning Guy & likewise to all in CT, hope you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. An Earles fork on the Triumph...I'd like to see that! I once worked with someone who would wax lyrical about his Earles forked Greaves, which he claimed was much superior to the telescopic forks of the time...Must admit I never quite believed him having no experience of such things and being somewhat young and callow at the time (now I'm just callow).
I kinda suspect that as you suggest, there might be better ways of spending your money though :-)
You're right though, I have invested in the CRF because the intention is for it to become a long-term (and much abused) motorcycle and part of the overall retirement plan. I'm determined not to be tempted by anything else - I've got all the bikes I need and one for each job. Still, if an old V7 / V50 came up or perhaps even a T3 I might kick the tyres...
As for the caravan...It's one of those slightly disturbing (for me) 'off grid' dwellings that I come across occasionally tucked away in fields with no direct access. Powered by gas canisters, they typically have faded net curtains and too much chicken-wire fencing for my liking. Basically I get a bit 'Texas chainsaw massacre' whenever I come across one and don't hang around. There's probably a delightful old lady knitting jumpers inside, but my danger radar kicks in and as I don't want my face being made into a lampshade I make a run for it....
And of course you would have had a mad caravan adventure! I'd expect nothing less...Please feed me the details as you see fit Guy.
As always, thanks for stopping by Guy and great to hear from you again, cheers, Phil.
p.s.Pots/Banjo/Motorbikes and upright...Sounds good to me.
I use the MT21 on my DRZ400 and they are hard to beat for good grip on and off road, longevity and price. I was not a big fan of the D606. They were noisy on the road and the front would track in ruts. The rear would last longer then the MT21 but had less grip off road.
Hello, that’s great to know you’ve had a good experience with the MT-21’s…I’ll see how these do over the next few months and maybe opt for the trackers, but to be honest I’m very happy with the Pirelli’s at the moment. Thanks for stopping by and hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
Go the D606 rear , M21 front perfect 👍 combo
Evening! Next time! Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
HNY & thanks for all the varied & interesting content in 2021. Beavertown brew some cracking ales, their Neck Oil is a favourite of mine. Look forward to more content in 2022, with your usual high quality production.
And the promised biscuit channel should deal with the following difficult question - it's Xmas, do you go shortbread or liebküchen? In fact are liebküchen actually biscuits?
Afternoon Hugh, how are you doing? Not sure I can cope with both the New Year and the existential question of whether liebküchen is cake or biscuit. We could be straying dangerously into the jaffa cake / fig roll controversy which would never do. Kuchen is German for cake isn't it? So perhaps it's cake in a biscuit shape?
As for shortbread, not a fan to be honest unless it's wafer thin - the stuff that's as thick as a brick tends to weigh me down somewhat and seems to take a week to digest. Still, such is the rich and varied tapestry of the biscuit world. I was tempted to say the 'pantheon of the biscuit world' but that's way too pretentious. Yes, love Beavertown - one of the local bars here has neck oil on draft and it does go down rather well. Planning for the biscuit channel is underway, I'm speaking to various focus groups but I wonder should it include crackers also? Is a cracker a type of biscuit in the same way a viaduct is also a bridge?
I'd best go for now....
As always, thanks for stopping by Hugh, wishing you a great 2022, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews Hi Phil, I'm good thanks. Definitely include crackers, there's a whole world of discussion waiting, like "water biscuits - what's the point?" Or "Carr's Cheese Melts - are they truly savoury biscuit heaven?"
Not forgetting a sub-section on which ales best complement cheese & biscuits and "cornichons - is the 'ch' hard or soft?" Actually, I think this one depends on which side of the Pond you're from.
I'll keep you busy Phil, in-between the top drawer motorcycling content!
Hmmm water biscuits…They’re the kinda thing I imagine would be stashed in a barrel on some grim voyage to the Northwest passage in the 17th Century alongside the salted pork. Enough to make me mutinous…These days…as you say Hugh, what’s the point? Hard ch, for me 😀
@@80eightReviews Only a hard 'ch' in the US, apparently. The OED likes a soft one. Me, I just like eating them!
🍻👌
Morning Dave, thanks for stopping by again, hope all is well, cheers, Phil.
This was interesting to watch as I'm planning planning to replace my klx250 rear tire to mt21. How do you like it on wet tarmac? Cheers and happy new year from Finland!
Good afternoon, well, as Finland 🇫🇮 awarded “nil point” in the Eurovision I shouldn’t really reply (our song was pants though)…However..They are OK actually…You have to “feel” your way round corners but given the power delivery of the KLX/CRF is quite soft that’s easy enough to do. It all depends on your mix of riding / personally I prefer a tyre that’s better off road and I’m happy to compromise on the tarmac.
Having said that though the MT’s, as long as you are “aware” of what you’re riding on are perfectly fine on wet roads. I haven’t ridden them on hot sticky tarmac yet, where weirdly, more care may have to be taken.
Hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil, this was the perfect video for me to come across as I am due to pick up my new CRF300l soon and making a list of potential upgrades and liked what you discussed. Something I was wondering if you could let me know was what had gaurds and bash plate had you installed?
Thanks Tony
Hey Tony, how are you doing? Picking up a new CRF300…you’re going to love it! Let me know how you get on. For the hand guards, originally I was going with Acerbis Rally guards but I ended up with R-Tech guards based on a recommendation - I’d never heard of them before but they are really quite good to be honest and a brilliant price of £30! There’s a link in the description. I always prefer fully plastic, wrap around guards as opposed to the alloy ones and these feel very strong. Bargain!
At the moment I’ve got my old R&G CRF250 skid plate on (which actually doesn’t fit and is cable tied on!) it’s ok for now but only protects the sump and a little bit of the engine below the exhaust, so I’ll probably look to get something slightly more protective and plastic later on. Again I’d go for Acerbis but stock seems erratic at the moment.
I should really get frame guards but old school duct tape does it for me. If you wear mx boots the frame above the swing arm pivot will be bare metal in no time at all.
Hope that helps, thanks for watching and hope all goes well with the new bike (and yes, it does sound a bit rough at 5000 rpm on a steady throttle!), cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews Thanks Phil this is a really helpful reply. Will go take a look at the handgaurds at that price it sounds a really good shout. Will keep digging around for a skid plate and let you know what I come across. I know I am planning plastic. Is the 300l frame largely different from the 250l that none would fit the new bike? Will drop you a message when the nee bike arrives. Thanks again
Hey Tony, on the frame - overall dimensions are the same, but the main difference, especially for a skid plate, is that there are two mounts on the frame just below the main down tube and where the ‘y’ cradle begins. These are much closer together on the 300 compared to the 250. Hence the 250 skid plate I’ve got ‘fits’ perfectly well but I couldn’t use the mounts, hence cable ties! Hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
Great video. Which YSS option did you go with? Just curious. Thank you.
Hey Tyler, thanks for stopping by. I went for the basic suspension so the shock without the remote reservoir www.brooksuspension.co.uk/honda-crf300l-yss-shock-absorber-86-105kg-rider-21/
and the basic front fork spring. Both are a big improvement on stock and more than good enough for my meagre abilities on the dirt! Hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
Nice mods! I'm curious what size your Pirelli MT21's are. Some run bigger, but stock size might be a better way to go.
Good evening and thanks for stopping by. I’ve got a 120/80 on the back - which I think is the stock size? It seems to work well - hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews Thank you for your reply Phil. I'm still researching. I may go stock, may go bigger. I have to wonder if Honda installed short tires to simply to lower seat height. Many riders are highly concerned with seat height and the low seat height is a strong selling point of the 300L. Your bike looks great the way you set it up.
Great informative video. What size MT21 did you put on the front?
Hey James, thanks for your comments - glad you enjoyed the video. The front tyre is a 90/90 and it’s cracking! Hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
Dunlop 606 rear and Pirelli MT21 front are the best tire setup for dual sports in my experience.
Thanks Marco, good to know, cheers, Phil.
That ducktape on the frame hehehe... there is already protectors for it! everything else great!
Ha ha, well it’s true I am a bit cheap 😀 Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Glen Affric IPA 8% is what you need. Nice mods. How far do you get on a tank of fuel when you’re sloshing about in the mud?
Hmmm…I’ve never tried Glen Affric…Just had a look at their website so I might be having some of that! As for sloshing about in the mud, my local lanes are nearby so I tend to do about 40 miles on road, 25 off and still have a few litres left, so probably 90 odd miles to empty I reckon. When on road it will be over 100 or so. Hope that helps and thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
Happy New Year - considering a crf300l too hence doing some recon. But completely off topic: at 3:30 to 4:00, you use an overlay of data.. what is the source of data? And what software do you use to do the actual overlay?
Hey Stephan, thanks for stopping by and best wishes to you also. The telemetry overlay is a little application that you can get at this link goprotelemetryextractor.com
It uses the GPS data from whatever device you have (that has a GPS feature) but typically a GoPro Hero 5 and above so it's all in sync with the footage. You can use GPS data from other sources also, so presumably you could use GPS data from a phone. It's easy enough to use and it will output either just the overlay data or the overall with the video to use straight away.
Hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
It would be great that Honda would decide to sell here in Europe the Honda cb200x, or the cb150x and the 125"trail". For the lovers of the trails and others profiles. Good year 2022
Morning, yes, I like the look of those bikes and have you seen the CB350 RS - that looks rather nice also - I reckon it would do very well in Europe and the UK. Anyway, thanks for watching & hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil and thanks for your great video. I have just ordered the YSS rear shock and fork spring. Just one question : do you know if fork oil needs to be changed when upgrading with the new spring (my CRF 300 L has only 2000 kms) ? Thanks a lot if you can help
Morning Alexis, thanks for stopping by and great to know you enjoyed the video. As for the fork oil, I guess you don’t have to change it, although it will need topping up a little as you’ll lose a little when removing the old spring. Mine was changed anyway with some slightly heavier weight oil - fork oil is quite cheap and I figured this would be the first and last time I’d do it! Hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
Thanks a lot for the answer !
Just interested if you considered the Rally Raid kit out of UK.
the YSS seems OK from many reviews but could you ket the spring rated for your weight of YSS?
MOTOZ Rall Z also a good rear from many reviews.
Afternoon Michael, thanks for dropping by. To be honest I didn’t consider the rally raid kit but only because I hadn’t heard of it and the YSS stuff had a general feeling of being a good balance between quality and cost - especially bearing in mind I just use (or did use) the bike for easy to medium trails in the UK and really just wanted to firm up both ends and not to use half the travel up by merely sitting on the bike!
From my perspective the YSS kits feels pretty good - it’s done what I wanted, the bike handles better and doesn’t bounce / wallow all over the place. As for the rear spring - I just chose the one in my weight range which was the 86-105KG one. It does need less pre-load for me as I’m right at the lower end of that but I’ve not had chance to yet. And probably won’t now!
Hope that helps and thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
Nice video, thank you for all the info. Out of curiosity, what springs did you go for? I am ˜70kg so probably around 80kg with all the gear boots etc and I am wondering whether I should go for the 55-85kgs ones or the 86-105kgs option. Particularly keeping in mind that I'll be carrying luggage on longer trips.. thank you!
Good morning Andrea, great to hear from you and glad you enjoyed the video. I’m around 75kg with no gear on and as, like you, I was intending to carry luggage at some point, I decided to go for the 86-105kg. They felt fine to be honest and I also figure, from a weight perspective, I’m only going to get heavier 😀
Hope that helps, have a good day, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews that's great, thank you so much!
I hope that beer wasn't room temperature😬🍺 Link not working.. Rebound only on the rear ? And did you simply swap the front spring over ? Any revalving ? Cheers 👍
Hello! I’ve just updated the link but yes, I’ve got the most basic YSS Shock which has rebound only. It does the job for me and just the improved spring is night and day compared to the stock shock. As for the front forks - again, I went the most basic route and it’s just a spring kit with heavier oil - this is at the second link. It’s pretty basic, but the bottoming out and wallowing feeling has gone so it works for me and the type of riding I do.
Hope that helps and thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
www.brooksuspension.co.uk/motorcycle-motorbike-shock-absorbers/yss-shocks/yss-mz-series/honda-crf300l-yss-shock-absorber-86-105kg-rider-21
Hi I just put the YSS frontspring in my shock. However the YSS is a bit longer than the original. Did you also had to remove the "small spring piece"? Otherwise I couldn't close the shock....
Great vid BTW.
Thx for your time.
Xavier/Belgium
Hey Xavier, thanks for stopping by..Good to know you enjoyed the video! Unfortunately, I didn't do the work myself - I'm rubbish with a spanner...However, I've dropped a note to the guy that did the work to see what he did. If I get a reply I'll let you know, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews Thx Phil! Greatings, X.
Hello from Indonesia, I am planning on buying the Rally (still just a 250 here, road tax and such reasons). I am having difficult time getting good technical info on the YSS components, as in rider weight/spring rates required. The listings i find are for standard, enduro and motard components, with progressive increase of spring rates for each. Your YSS link seems to be dead, so I cant look it up. Kould you provide me with part numbers or spring rates since we are about the same size. In addition I know that to install the cartridge the bottom cap/casting has to come off but it is pinned in. Do you have any details on the removal of that pin? Finally just as fyi, last year I rented the Rally on Bali, with 28 000 km, the rear shock/spring was comically soft and useless. Thx
Morning Pawel, thanks for stopping by. In terms of the YSS shock, hopefully this link will work and on the Brooks Suspension UK site they also have lots of other options to look at.
www.brooksuspension.co.uk/honda-crf300l-yss-mz456-shock-absorber-86-105kg-rider-21-22
In terms of the question around the cartridge - I’m afraid I can’t help there as my local mechanic fitted all the bits and pieces. As far as I know the shock was an easy swap while on the forks I only replaced the one spring and didn’t fit or change the cartridge / damping.
Hopefully the link helps, and yes, I’d agree the stock suspension is rather soft and the kit I fitted, while still quite basic, does stiffen everything up quite nicely while still being plush enough. Hope all is well in Indonesia, thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
So can I assume the rear shock you replaced completely and the front shocks you took apart yourself and just replaced the spring is that correct?
Good morning, thanks for stopping by…So yes, the shock was replaced completely and in the forks, it’s got a new spring (only) plus some slightly heavier weight fork oil. That’s it, all done! Hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
This past week I took a test ride on a KTM 500 EXC. It felt so precise and easy to maneuver compared to my stock CRF300L that I've been considering selling my beloved 300L. It's a life or death kinda decision, because I need a safest, surgically precise steering/maneuvering bike for treacherous, technical single track alone on steep mountains (I do nature photography). I assumed the precision and hence easier riding experience on the KTM was all about the weight difference of 43 lbs. But, now I'm wondering if it was actually more about the suspension. Have you ridden KTM 500 EXC for comparison to your upgraded suspension CRF300L, or can you speculate otherwise in how your 300L handles for slow technical single track after upgrading?
Good afternoon - thanks for stopping by. I've not ridden the KTM and it's been a very long time since I've ridden a proper serious off-road bike - even if KTM do class the EXC as a 'dual-sport' I'd say it was closer to a clubman enduro machine. To be honest, you're never going to get the CRF to get anywhere near the EXC - the weight difference is why it feels so sharp - every pound feels like 3 off-road which then translates to how the suspension deals with it, not to mention some of the lightness is probably found in the wheels also.
So yes, the suspension upgrade has made the CRF much better, especially for more gnarly terrain - but it's still cheap suspension and you've still got the 40lb weight over the KTM. It 'could' be good enough for what you want to do but it would never match the KTM. For me the KTM (as a solo rider) would make me go too fast and way above my limited capability which would then lead to disaster. If I was in a gnarly single track kinda place, I'd consider something more trials-y like the freeride, Montesa or Alp Beta. Sure not exciting perhaps, but they'll climb anything and bunny hop over stuff!
So yes, the CRF with better suspension is more precise and has much less wayward suspension behaviour, so gives me tons more confidence. Is it a KTM? No.
Hope that helps & would love to see some of your photography!
Cheers,
Phil.
@@80eightReviews Phil, thanks for that response! I should have clarified that the bike needs to be RTW-able, leaving me with basically the CRF300L, 450L, or the KTM 500 in the ultra light adventure capable bikes, so far as I can tell. I absolutely do not want the power of the KTM 500, it is crazy beyond what I would ever want. But it handled so easily and precisely and didn't want to keep "falling over" like the 300L as I did slow technical riding. Does your 300L feel likes it's been relatively upgraded through the new suspension to a surgical tool navigating tight, uneven terrain slowly, or does the bike still feel kinda heavy or sluggish? The KTM 500 feels relatively "surgically precise" to me, that's a huge difference. When I get my photography site up I'll ping you, thanks for your interest - and you advice !
Hello again! Does the CRF feel surgically precise….steering wise yes, but the weight is still a factor when getting through really snotty terrain (which is mud, ruts and tree roots in my area). I’m a weakling though and I suppose if I were to think back when I did Enduro’s, I think the CRF would actually be ok, just not as fast. The engine isn’t sluggish as such but the thing I do miss and which the KTM will have is that instant jump off the throttle which allows you loft over logs / rocks and squirt the back end out of berms etc.
If I wanted a RTW kinda bike, personally I’d choose the 300l - it’s more than good enough to get you anywhere and has the benefit of low service needs. I think it can go most places just not with the excitement of the KTM. And on that…Have you considered the 690?
So yep, the CRF with suspension is a much better bike than it was before, just it won’t stack up to an EXC!
That probably doesn’t help! Sorry, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews No it helps Phil, thanks. I may just have to do the suspension and see how much the stock slop is contributing to my crummy experience in the snotty terrain as you say ; ) thanks and ride on!
@Phil - I got the KTM 500 exc 2022 and it's a dream, it's night and day difference for me, as a C rider, in the dirt and road - although the crf300 rides on the road more comfortably. I put a nice fisher seat on the KTM and can ride all day on it. I stay within my limits. Initially it scared the crap out of me but now it honestly feels a bit gentle, until you get up to around 45 in 3rd (stock gearing), then it starts to really sprint. I've found it so far to be really comfortable on single track. If I didn't need it RTW and was just doing dirt I could see why so many love the 350 exc.
Did you get the 80/90-21 front and 120/80 or 120/90 rear?
Afternoon Andreas, I can’t actually remember to be honest and I can’t check at the moment! The front is right and I’m kinda thinking I had the 120/90 but can’t be sure. When I’m back on two feet I’ll let you know! Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Ok I’m really interested in how you are getting on with the Pirelli’s? Can I ask what pressure you’re running them at please? I’ve had some on my 250l now for around 1500 miles and the front has worn in a really strange manner! Hard to explain but the large central knob has not really worn Down at all but the rest of the tyre has???
Hey Ian, thanks for stopping by. From a feel and grip perspective both on/off road I really like them. I sorta expected more in slick / muddy conditions as I find they clog up really easily but outside of a proper mud MX tyre (which would be awful on tarmac) they are a really good compromise I find. I still want to try Michelin Trackers at some point though! As for pressures, it’s not very scientific as I tend to run 17/18 PSI on the road with the intention of letting them down to around 15 when off road but always forget to be honest. So most of the time is at 17/18 which again is a nice compromise. I’m not running rim-locks, otherwise I’d be down at say 12 for off-road.
I haven’t noticed anything odd about the wear pattern but I’ll check at the weekend. All I’d say is that knobbly tyres do wear weirdly! Hope that helps and I’ll let you know what I find at the weekend, cheers, Phil.
Hey Ian - just about to post some photo's in the community section - but mine seem to be wearing in a mostly linear fashion. See what you think, cheers, Phil.
Ok this might sound silly but where is the community section??
Hey Ian, if you go to the channel homepage th-cam.com/users/80eightPhotography
At the top of the page you’ll see a ‘community’ tab, cheers, Phil.
Ok great seen them now thanks. They look good, not at all like mine. When looking at the 2nd picture you can see the 2 central knobs either side of the tyres centre line, it’s these 2 that have significantly worn down. I’m in the process of looking for a replacement not not sure what to go with now. Maybe mitas mc23 rock riders maybe???
Hi Phil - Where did you purchase your suspension kit? It is a sizable purchase to do front and back and would prefer to speak to an expert seller to ensure I am purchasing the correct components and shocks... Also, did you consider Rally Raid? Finally, did you do the fork work yourself? Thanks Mike in New England USA. Cheers!
Hello Mike! How's the Fall this year? Around here we usually get some great colours but the leaves are just turning a crispy green and dropping off. I know the New England Autumn is somewhat of a cliché but I'd love to see it!
Anyway, I'm in the UK and researched the suspension here www.brooksuspension.co.uk
Then I got the local mechanic guy to fit it - not so much because it was an impossible job but I don't have a garage and would have to have done the work out on the street. I've changed fork springs before though and it's pretty simple - compressing the spring and getting the fork cap on is the tricky bit but it's not too severe.
Rally Raid have a great rep, but YSS do also and the price was super reasonable so I kinda went with the flow :-)
Hope that helps and greetings from the UK, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews Cheers all good here. Just did the New England Back country Discovery (NEBDR)route for 850 miles in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire (English titles, wonder why? Haha). Foliage was spectacular. many mountain passes and river roads. something you would love. Brought the joy out like the "green lanes" you speak of. I will check out the link; much appreciated. Maybe at some point we can ride the TET. Likewise state side do the same NEBDR. I have a couple of bikes - DR650, f800gs and of course the honda...cheers!
Wow, that sounds amazing Mike! That's even more motivation for me! Have a good day, cheers, Phil.
Does anyone know which YSS shock to get? There seem to be so many options, and the links are so often broken. I know it's the MZ456, but not which specific number after that
Good morning SonofKrypton - a good place to start is www.brooksuspension.co.uk, search for CRF300L and filter for YSS.
There's two main types - with / without remote reservoirs and then you have 2 different weight springs and then the standard shock length and ones that are 10mm shorter - so 8 variations in total. They all fit the CRF so you just need to choose the one you want. If you do the search above on the Brooksuspension website the part numbers come up - so I got the standard 86KG - 105KG shock which is MZ456-415TR-07
Just be careful not to choose the 'rally' variants as I think they only fit the CRF Rally.
Hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
Thanks for your always grounded reviews. Does the YSS suspension affect your seat height as I'm only 5ft 7ins and the soft stock suspension allows me to get a decent tippy toe on the ground?
Hello! Thanks for stopping by and appreciate your comments. The YSS suspension does impact the seat height - basically the sag when sat on the bike is reduced - difficult to say how much but for me at 5’10 I’ve gone from flat foot with quite a bend in my knees, to flat foot with my legs nearly straight. So perhaps the sat-on-seat height is increased by 1 inch maybe (obviously the non laden height is the same) of course that depends on weight also of course.
All is not lost though as YSS do versions of their shocks which maintain an overall lower seat height of 10mm so that might work?
Hope that helps and hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.
@@80eightReviews Thanks Phil... very useful, first-hand info. Happy riding and adventures. Look forward to more videos 🙂
Did you get a LONGER kick stand ?
Good afternoon and thanks for stopping by. No I didn't (events kinda overtook me) but it does need one and/or the foot needs building up. Cheers, Phil.
Is that a piece of paper with a moving picture on it hanging on your wall?
Good morning! That's Sophia Loren (swoon)....Happy New Year! Cheers, Phil.
I like your videos, but can't more strongly disagree with you on suspension. The bikes come w standard springs for people who don't exist in the US..160-170 pounds of rider. Boots, helmet, clothing and gear have the bike compressed to the point of 40-60 of usable spring is gone.. springs front and back should be swapped for rider weight and if you are 75% of the market, and plan to 70/30 the bike..road/ dirt..dual sport/ adventure and put a tail bag, tank bag and or small saddle bags w or wo hoops.. better calculate some extra stones
Hey Randy, hope you’re doing OK and thanks for stopping by. Yeah what I was trying to say is that for the kind of trail riding I’ve been showing in the videos, changing the suspension (especially if on a budget) is not absolutely necessary - as long as the rider can accept the compromises and ride accordingly, the bike can still take you to the same places. Also, here in the UK we don’t have those fabulous OHV trails you have in the US with hundreds of miles of terrain where camping with your bike is a thing - we’ve got little bits of trails that are linked up by quite a bit of tarmac and generally no one camps so doesn’t have to carry anything.
So yes, the stock suspension is rubbish and I’m very glad I’ve changed it. For someone who just wants to potter around in the UK mud and ride around the suspension it’s probably OK - anyone who is a more advanced rider and has more challenging terrain, I agree it needs changing. Have to say I’m very jealous of your OHV areas though!
Anyway, hope you’re doing OK and thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
hi i know more yss suspention infomation. Is it soft compared to pure love? Is it hard
can you tell me yss part numbers. yiur link is closed
thank you bro
Hello! Let me check and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Either way, the YSS upgrade makes a big difference. Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Hello again - sorry for the delay, but here's what I put on the CRF - hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
Shock : Honda CRF 300 L (86-105kg) YSS MZ456 Shock Absorber (21-22)
www.brooksuspension.co.uk/honda-crf-300-l-86-105kg-rider-yss-mz456-shock-absorber-21-22?
Fork Spring : Honda CRF 300 L (75-105kg) YSS Single Fork Spring (21-22)
www.brooksuspension.co.uk/honda-crf-300-l-75-105kg-rider-yss-single-fork-spring-21-22
Your intro jingle is hideous. Good video otherwise thank you
Morning, yeah sorry - it was supposed to have a creepy fairy-tale vibe because of the location with the creepy caravan hidden in the trees. It won’t happen again I promise!
Anyway, glad you enjoyed the review, thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.