@@WOODZMAN , yes but some of us have an Interstate stretch or 60 mph highway to and from the trails. I'd like to see something like a CRF350 or 400 come out.
@@tedthurgate , You may be misunderstanding me. Not everyone has a truck or trailer; some of us have to get to the trails. That can mean a few Interstate miles or maybe 10 - 15 miles on a state highway and we'd like enough power to not get run down. And almost everyone agrees the suspension is too soft. Honda could easily make these a 350 and firm the springs up.
@@captainamerica9353 sure, they could make it a 1000 too. It is what it is and serves a purpose that many people like. I mean in dual sport they make a 150, 300, 450, 650... I don't think they need a 350 in there. Yes the 450 isn't the 300. It needs more maintenance, is more dirt oriented... but still there has to be limits to the lineup.
I've had my 300L since August of this year. I'm 73 and been riding since I was 12, mostly KTM's. Got mine for $6500 OTD. I have 2200 miles on it already. Love it. Great vid, thanks.
I whole heartedly agree with you. I’ve had pretty much everything and also raced moto and even flat tracked on an XR750 HD. Now at 60 I too am enjoying the heck out of my 300L. Great vid. Thank you.
I got a 2017 250L, few weeks ago I got a lot of riding in in the state forest. I rode dirt roads,forewheeler trails,single track,log jumps and even trails that I wasn’t suppose to be on,old abandoned logging roads lol. Personally for me the suspension is fine,I weigh about 160. I really like the 250L,for me it’s perfect.
I’ve got 4000 miles on my 2021 CRF 300L It’s definitely reliable, great on gas- and I ride mostly pole line trails with whoops- tight and rocky wood trails- I’m on my 3rd set of tires- getting mounted tomorrow- Best bike I’ve ever owned-
@@adkjeep1 I thought the front tire didn't come in oem sizing. The stock tire size on the front is 80/100-21 but it looks like the tire is available in 80/90-21 and 90/90-21...not sure which size is closer to stock.
@@JohnnyBoy919 where I live on the east coast, in upstate NY in the Adirondack park, there is a shop that gets them to exact OEM specs- guys been in business for over 30 years- I wanted the most aggressive dual sport tire, with the best handling characteristics that I could get- it cost me $300 and change for both tires, mounted and balanced- I ride mostly sand/Jeep trails/roads that are rocky and have roots- They’re not a pure sand tire for sure or a mud tire- the compound is pretty hard on the outside of the knobs, but at the base they’re soft for flexing- honestly you get what you pay for- I don’t skimp on tires- they’re the only thing in contact with the trails I ride- I want to have confidence while thrashing 309lbs of dualsport bike in the woods!
@@adkjeep1 interesting, I will have to look into that. I'm from long island, if only there was a place like that closer to where I live. I always try to stick to oem sizing as well. Run into gearing issues etc when you go larger, not to mention added weight.
I waited 8 months on a bike that the dealer already had on order for several months. I am 73 and ride it exclusively on the street. I can handle about an hour and a half before my butt is sore. Only issue is first gear does not inspire smooth sharp right turns from a stop. Bike wants to do a u-turn or just fall over. Now as I come to the stop to take a right turn I just orient whole bike to the turn to be taken instead of tuning front wheel. The bike cost me $6500 out the door from a a dealer in Indiana.
Put a rubber band from your grip to the lever when you loosen that banjo in case you go too loose so it pumps out instead of sucking air. Put a paper towel under it in case it leaks when loosening it, it's corrosive.
Got about 2300 Miles on mine last Summer. The 5k rattle was very much there at first but it eventually almost completely went away. It's still there but it only comes on very rare occasions where I go a certain speed going through town. But it's very mild compared to what it was new. So far I am enjoying this bike and can't wait for all this snow tongo awaysl so Incan ride lol
It may be pretty good value but I don't want to buy a new bike knowing it's gonna need a load of work done to it. Front and rear suspension, tail tidy, LED headlight, mirrors, fuel tank, exhaust, levers and footpegs, mooses, belly pan, auxiliary power, lithium battery, retune, heated grips.
@@tymobyrne4451 I've watched someone get bucked over the handle bars by the stock suspension and he ended up with broken ribs and collar bone. He wasn't over weight, the rear suspension just couldn't absorb the pothole.
I have 5,000 daily miles on mine with a few hundred off road and single track miles sprinkled in. Rally Raid suspension and basic protection parts have made it a capable woods weapon/daily ride. There are many bikes better at both of those things, but not many are as good at both at the same time. No regrets and wouldn’t hesitate to ride it 1,000 miles, hit trails hard, then ride it home.
I love my Rally, at 1200 miles now. The seat was my biggest gripe, but seat concepts cured that issue. It actually exceeded my expectations, I can’t talk enough about how good the new seat is! Even after having to recover it myself, it’s the best upgrade that I’ve made. I’m running the Tusk Dsport in the rear and the stock IRC in the front as well, and I’m completely content with that set up. I’m 50 years old and I don’t have any plans to ever sell mine either.
Mornin’! Just found your channel, great job on the overview. Picking mine up from the dealership tomorrow, can’t wait! That’s actually not true, I apparently can wait, had a deposit down since April!! I’m the proud owner of an 02 XR650R, so I’m not without during the wait, but quite honestly want something a bit tamer and street legal to just hit the back roads and decompress. Don’t get me wrong, the XRR is a blast, just can’t get it plated in Kentucky so the scenery never changes unless you haul it somewhere. At any rate, thanks again for your overview, pretty nice to find someone likeminded in keeping that stock Honda stock for all the right reasons! Ride safe!
I’m approaching 1 year waiting for mine to arrive. Called the dealer the other day and they told me April 2023 is now the expected date but could be pushed back again. Was meant to be picking it up in November
@@JohnnyBoy919 it will be a 22, or I guess a 23 if/when they come out. Three Honda dealers in my city and same for them all unfortunately. I’m just going to start buying parts so when it arrives I’ve got some mods for it. A secondhand one showed up near me but he wants $700 more than it will cost for a new one
I found mine in one day but called 14 different dealerships and ended up driving a few hours to get it the next state over. They are out there but you have to pound the phone.
You wouldn’t have to but it is different. You could still make the lights work. I just did it because they sent it to me. The headlight switch and signals are wired different
The kiss poster got me haha. So I’m almost in the same boat you are. Age. Riding my whole life bla bla. I have a couple bikes now but I think I’m gonna pull the trigger on the 300. Thanks.
As I said after one of your other videos, I'm going to buy one of these in northern Thailand. I'll be getting the oil and filter changed at 5,000 km/3,100 miles. I'm happy to have undersprung suspension. I'm buying it to be comfortable on the back lanes around here. And as you say, we get the LED headlight etc. as standard out here. Nice tip regarding the brake line. You say you have a cruiser. What is it, please? My 'cruiser' is a 'scrambler', a taller version of the Yamaha Bolt: the SCR950. Nick
Man.. Each 300L review I watch the more I'm wanting one. and I'm like you not wanting to be extreme on it... and by being able to tighten the suspension a little should be good enough for me. 40 year old beginner at 5/11 195. and would be on the road more then trails. I can ride a bike I just haven't done so since my teens! lol so probably will take some courses.. take my time, do it right! Thank you! nice bike!
Hello, beautiful video! I still have to pick up my motorcycle, and I’m a bit concerned about some rumors regarding heat from the radiator and the catalytic converter being transmitted to the right leg. Have you noticed anything about this? Thanks! :)
Oh hardly anything on maintenance, i mean all you pretty much have to do is change the oil and filter every 8000 miles, I do change mine every 3000 but Honda says 8000. Tires is the biggest expense but I have only bought 2 sets. I replaced the stock with tusk Dsports and I have a new set to put on now. That is all the maintenance
Thanks. I’m dithering between this bike and a GasGases700. Same weight but totally different ride characteristics. I can’t demo either unfortunately. I have many miles of pavement before any trails (150miles). That’s my dilemma. Also what seat is that your bike? Seat concepts don’t make a seat for the GasGas as yet. Thanks again for a great review.
Super happy I found your channel. Great review. Question, what is the little circular controller on the right Handel bar. I think I read “record”. What is it pls. Btw, your audio is great
Thanks for sharing and thanks for taking the time to make this great video I recently bought a pre-owned 300l for $5200 with some good upgrades including suspension, On the other hand a Honda dealer in southeast Texas wanted $7700 for a new 300l out the price door .
Great all round bike plenty of spares good looking not for hard core riding ,a cruiser and ok for dirt roads not jumps etc, thats not its wheelhouse, not designed for that at all, slightly geared to highway
I checked out your video because I've been trying to decide what bike to get after I sold my CRF250X. Nice to hear the feedback after riding a 300L for 6000 miles. Moreover, with the motor, suspension, muffler, gearing and exhaust not modified. I may get a CRF300L. If I miss riding the technical single track I could modify the 300L more for the dirt.
Good informative review i'd say. As an Englishman he does sound like Jethro which you yanks better google. A compliment definitely as sadly he's recently RIP.
I thought yours was specced out as the Thai model but with the higher seat and ground clearance, as you are aware I’m sure the Thai model only has 244 mm ground clearance and 830 mm seat height, wish it was taller
Mine is a U.S model but It has the wiring and lighting of the Thailand model. I was sent the wiring harness, all led lights including the signals and headlight, the front fender, the dash mount bracket and all mounting hardware to convert it, so yea mine is tall because it is a U.S. model
Hi Frank I had a 250L a couple of years ago and now just bought a 300L. Can you tell me is your 300L a lot louder than the 250L because mine sounds a lot louder. Both bikes were/are standard? I'm in the UK if there is any difference to where they're shipped.
Back in the Fall of 2020 I went looking for a dual sport bike after being away from off road riding since 2005. The dealer had both 250’s the Rally and the non Rally. I really liked the Rally better and then he said a 300 versions were coming out. So I decided to wait but none could be found anyway in the Spring of 2021 and actually all the dealers near me had hardly any bikes at all. So I happen to stop at a dealer that had a 2021 DR650 coming in so I jumped at the chance to get a new bike instead of waiting. Well I didn’t really ride off road much in 2021 but this year that changed. I ended up doing 1000 miles this year before getting hurt a few weeks ago. It was just a little silly from end washout exiting a mud hole. The bike ended up falling to the left side trapping my left left under the bike. I also ended up getting a small ankle fracture on the bone that sticks out on the left side of your ankle. But all that being said I wish I waited for the 300 instead. After all the riding I did this year I have realized the 300 is all I really needed here in Southern NH. If you want to see some nice riding up here just check my TH-cam channel. Love watching your videos 👍🏻 Thanks for doing them.
True statement Woodzman! I could care less wether your tractor is orange or green or you drive Fords and hate Dodge. You do your thing! I don’t ALWAYS ride motorcycles, but when I do, it’s RED!😎
Unfortunately I bought a new set of Dsports when I got my Rally thinking there might be a tire shortage at some point. Now I hesitate to mount them. Honestly, My riding style at 52 years old is similar to yours and I would be very happy with a new set of the stock IRC's. Anyway, thanks for the review, Frank. Be well. -Tyler in Vermont
Well, the rear is great ! The front feels strange and sketchy on pavement and it wears out pretty fast. A lot of people gripe about the stock IRCs but I really like them.
I have 2,000 miles on mine. Very happy compared to stock. Wearing extremely well too. Ride daily pavement and weekend single track. Not a bad all rounder IMO. Use Tubliss to air down to 6PSI and they grip extremely well offroad.
I would love to own one but i found a crf250l 2018 abs , 3000 milss with extras for $3,500. i just added a few things and did the racetech fork upgrade and I still have spent less than $3900 on it. So, the crf250l is just a better deal at the moment.
@@slakk5093 i know i have seen crazy prices on crf250ls. You just need to be patient. In 2020 i bought a 2017 crf250l for $3,200 with 3000 miles. Unfortunately, i totaled it shortly after. Last june, i got the crf250l abs 2018 for $3500 and simikar mileage. I was the second person to ask for it and was lucky to get it. I search facebook marketplace often and drove 5 hours each way for that deal.
hello sir. did you change your headlamp set? because it is the australian version and the asian version type because I saw the 300L headlamp from US version/variant is the same with the 250Ls. thanks for responding sir. nice review btw. yeah!
All of my parts was sent to me from the factory, about 4 months before the bike was even in the U.S. there was a lot of parts on mine because it was everything including all led headlight parts, instrument mount, front fender, turn signals and even a completely new wiring harness and control switches. Everything would cost over $1200 through bikersbitz but it could be done.
@@WOODZMAN i see! so you did purchase from bikersbitz and they are the ones who installed it? or they also do have those parts the all led headlight parts (looks like the transformers - autobots logo) one.etc. man! thank you so much for answering my questions. been planning to get here in philippines but i dont like the all led headlight except for the signal lights though. i like the US version headlight one. more like of a strong muscle type look. you rock sir!
Do you know when 23 model years will be coming out and if they will have the led headlight and turn signals? The U.S has to get them at some point I'd imagine.
I bought a 250 4 years ago because of your videos. Watching you ride with your boy and his friend. I didn't like how I felt it was just wound out on the interstate. How does the 300 compare to the 250l? Sorry if a dumb question.
The 300 Rally I have will to 75 - 80 mph on the freeway and it's a six speed transmission. For me it's fine on the highway for about a hundred miles. Might be a bit tiring after that, but it'll do it.
@@TurboPelican agreed. It will do it longer than we can. I’m 6’3” 260lbs in my nickers. Stock gearing with taller tires front and rear and it will do 75mph all day with enough to pull 80mph if the stars align. Will try a 42t and see if it helps but it’s definitely doable as is.
Nice video. I wonder if any adjustments would need to be made if you drove at 8000-9000 ft elevation? Our Polaris Ranger needed an re-flashed ECM to unlock the horsepower lost to altitude.
Hey man do you think I should buy a crf300L or a Xr650L. I like the extra power in a bigger bike but I dont like the fact that the 650 is air cooled and looks old fashioned. Now the 300 is liquid cooled which is a + for me and it looks extremely aggressive but I feel as if the power is not there. It only cranks out 22hp compared to the xr which is 40hp. The Xr650L is $7,000 compared to the crf300L which is $5,249. So about a $2,000 difference in both bikes. Let me know what you think, thanks!
It would mainly depend on what type of riding that you will be doing. The 650 would be better for higher speeds on the highway. The 300 is a lot more modern with the fuel injection and water cooling. The 300L also looks a lot better. It would be nice if you could ride each of them first
The sad reality is the crf300L you have to preorder a year in advance to buy it so there is no testing it out and the Xr650L is not in stock anywhere around me of course for several months. If any of the two models come in anywhere they will get sold instantly 😭. I do think I would like the power of the xr on the highway but do think the crf is more modern in everything but less powerful. Its a hard buy for me Im still very unsure. Cant get a $12,000 husqvarna 701 which would be a dream bike for me because its out of the budget. The xr and the crf are in a reasonable price range that I can actually afford :)
That was a tough choice for me too until I rode the XR 650. I love the bike, but it is way too tall for me. That’s not saying much since I’m only 5’7”, but I’m much more comfortable on my Rally than I am on the XR. But if I were over 6’ I might had bought the XR...
I think your height and weight are a pretty big factor. The xr650l is a tall and heavy bike compared to the 300. If it were me, I'd get the 300 and upgrade the suspension if you're taller or heavier. The lower seat height and weight plus the 6 gears and fuel injection would do it for me. If you're mechanically inclined, the carb on the 650 isn't as bad.
I’ve had mine for a while and just turned 70. Fun, peppy, not ever going to ride on the interstate. Very happy with mine.
I totally agree with you, there is nothing that I want to see on the interstate anyway
@@WOODZMAN , yes but some of us have an Interstate stretch or 60 mph highway to and from the trails. I'd like to see something like a CRF350 or 400 come out.
@@captainamerica9353 That is what my truck is for.
@@tedthurgate , You may be misunderstanding me. Not everyone has a truck or trailer; some of us have to get to the trails. That can mean a few Interstate miles or maybe 10 - 15 miles on a state highway and we'd like enough power to not get run down. And almost everyone agrees the suspension is too soft. Honda could easily make these a 350 and firm the springs up.
@@captainamerica9353 sure, they could make it a 1000 too. It is what it is and serves a purpose that many people like. I mean in dual sport they make a 150, 300, 450, 650... I don't think they need a 350 in there. Yes the 450 isn't the 300. It needs more maintenance, is more dirt oriented... but still there has to be limits to the lineup.
I've had my 300L since August of this year. I'm 73 and been riding since I was 12, mostly KTM's. Got mine for $6500 OTD. I have 2200 miles on it already. Love it. Great vid, thanks.
They are so much fun in my opinion. Hard to beat the fun for the price.
Thanks for watchin
6500?? Where how?? Its 8000+ in CA
@@allans7281 It's 8500+ in Phoenix too. I went to Muscleman Honda in Tuscon, AZ and got that price. Highly recommend them.
I whole heartedly agree with you. I’ve had pretty much everything and also raced moto and even flat tracked on an XR750 HD. Now at 60 I too am enjoying the heck out of my 300L. Great vid. Thank you.
Thanks for watchin Mike
I got a 2017 250L, few weeks ago I got a lot of riding in in the state forest. I rode dirt roads,forewheeler trails,single track,log jumps and even trails that I wasn’t suppose to be on,old abandoned logging roads lol. Personally for me the suspension is fine,I weigh about 160. I really like the 250L,for me it’s perfect.
I like the stock suspension myself, I like the smooth ride
Matthew Bosch , "four wheeler".
I’ve got 4000 miles on my 2021 CRF 300L
It’s definitely reliable, great on gas- and I ride mostly pole line trails with whoops- tight and rocky wood trails- I’m on my 3rd set of tires- getting mounted tomorrow-
Best bike I’ve ever owned-
What tires are you using?
@@JohnnyBoy919 Pirelli MT21 front and back- stock tire size- best tire for aggressive off-road riding and great on the street-
@@adkjeep1 I thought the front tire didn't come in oem sizing. The stock tire size on the front is 80/100-21 but it looks like the tire is available in 80/90-21 and 90/90-21...not sure which size is closer to stock.
@@JohnnyBoy919 where I live on the east coast, in upstate NY in the Adirondack park, there is a shop that gets them to exact OEM specs- guys been in business for over 30 years-
I wanted the most aggressive dual sport tire, with the best handling characteristics that I could get- it cost me $300 and change for both tires, mounted and balanced-
I ride mostly sand/Jeep trails/roads that are rocky and have roots-
They’re not a pure sand tire for sure or a mud tire- the compound is pretty hard on the outside of the knobs, but at the base they’re soft for flexing- honestly you get what you pay for- I don’t skimp on tires- they’re the only thing in contact with the trails I ride- I want to have confidence while thrashing 309lbs of dualsport bike in the woods!
@@adkjeep1 interesting, I will have to look into that. I'm from long island, if only there was a place like that closer to where I live. I always try to stick to oem sizing as well. Run into gearing issues etc when you go larger, not to mention added weight.
I waited 8 months on a bike that the dealer already had on order for several months. I am 73 and ride it exclusively on the street. I can handle about an hour and a half before my butt is sore. Only issue is first gear does not inspire smooth sharp right turns from a stop. Bike wants to do a u-turn or just fall over. Now as I come to the stop to take a right turn I just orient whole bike to the turn to be taken instead of tuning front wheel. The bike cost me $6500 out the door from a a dealer in Indiana.
A better seat does help. I have the Seat Concepts Comfort XL, it makes huge difference for sure.
Put a rubber band from your grip to the lever when you loosen that banjo in case you go too loose so it pumps out instead of sucking air. Put a paper towel under it in case it leaks when loosening it, it's corrosive.
Great idea, thanks
Got about 2300 Miles on mine last Summer. The 5k rattle was very much there at first but it eventually almost completely went away. It's still there but it only comes on very rare occasions where I go a certain speed going through town. But it's very mild compared to what it was new. So far I am enjoying this bike and can't wait for all this snow tongo awaysl so Incan ride lol
It may be pretty good value but I don't want to buy a new bike knowing it's gonna need a load of work done to it. Front and rear suspension, tail tidy, LED headlight, mirrors, fuel tank, exhaust, levers and footpegs, mooses, belly pan, auxiliary power, lithium battery, retune, heated grips.
It all depends on what you want
Name one bike that doesnt....suspension is fine for me, butt, i only weigh 120, im tired of hearing heavy riders complain, loose weight ffs...lol
@tymobyrne4451 haha I agree
@@tymobyrne4451 I've watched someone get bucked over the handle bars by the stock suspension and he ended up with broken ribs and collar bone. He wasn't over weight, the rear suspension just couldn't absorb the pothole.
I have 5,000 daily miles on mine with a few hundred off road and single track miles sprinkled in. Rally Raid suspension and basic protection parts have made it a capable woods weapon/daily ride.
There are many bikes better at both of those things, but not many are as good at both at the same time.
No regrets and wouldn’t hesitate to ride it 1,000 miles, hit trails hard, then ride it home.
I totally agree Marco! That it what is so great about a dualsport
I love my Rally, at 1200 miles now. The seat was my biggest gripe, but seat concepts cured that issue. It actually exceeded my expectations, I can’t talk enough about how good the new seat is! Even after having to recover it myself, it’s the best upgrade that I’ve made. I’m running the Tusk Dsport in the rear and the stock IRC in the front as well, and I’m completely content with that set up. I’m 50 years old and I don’t have any plans to ever sell mine either.
Yea the stock seat was terrible and the seat concepts is great
Mornin’!
Just found your channel, great job on the overview. Picking mine up from the dealership tomorrow, can’t wait! That’s actually not true, I apparently can wait, had a deposit down since April!! I’m the proud owner of an 02 XR650R, so I’m not without during the wait, but quite honestly want something a bit tamer and street legal to just hit the back roads and decompress. Don’t get me wrong, the XRR is a blast, just can’t get it plated in Kentucky so the scenery never changes unless you haul it somewhere. At any rate, thanks again for your overview, pretty nice to find someone likeminded in keeping that stock Honda stock for all the right reasons!
Ride safe!
Awesome, hopefully you will get your soon, they are a blast to ride.
Thanks for watchin
Glad I found this channel I have been binge watching all the 300l content and love it
Awesome! Thanks for watchin, we have more on the way!
I’m approaching 1 year waiting for mine to arrive. Called the dealer the other day and they told me April 2023 is now the expected date but could be pushed back again. Was meant to be picking it up in November
Man that sucks, it’s crazy how long it is taking in some areas
Is that for a 22 or 23 model year bike? Wonder when the 23 model years are coming out
@@JohnnyBoy919 it will be a 22, or I guess a 23 if/when they come out. Three Honda dealers in my city and same for them all unfortunately. I’m just going to start buying parts so when it arrives I’ve got some mods for it. A secondhand one showed up near me but he wants $700 more than it will cost for a new one
It’s a 21
I found mine in one day but called 14 different dealerships and ended up driving a few hours to get it the next state over.
They are out there but you have to pound the phone.
GOD Bless!!Honda CRF 300L, My Dream Motorcycle!!
why did you replace your wiring harness??
You wouldn’t have to but it is different. You could still make the lights work. I just did it because they sent it to me. The headlight switch and signals are wired different
Hi From Ireland.
Thanks For Your Review On The Honda CRF 300L, It Looks Like A Good Buy. Cheers.
Hi Lawrence! Thanks for watchin
Hi Lawrence, Thanks for watchin
Our local dealerships are selling the 300L for 10,200 otd. $6k mark-up plus taxes and fees.
That’s insane
Where is that?
Listing it for or selling it for? If selling for that's nobody's fault but the buyers. Stupid is as stupid does. This aint even a $7k bike.
The kiss poster got me haha. So I’m almost in the same boat you are. Age. Riding my whole life bla bla. I have a couple bikes now but I think I’m gonna pull the trigger on the 300. Thanks.
It’s a fun bike, I bet you will enjoy it.
Thanks for watchin
I ride mine everyday to work just love it hardly drive my truck at all..
Same here, I can’t stand it when I have to drive my truck lol
Great review; looking forward for the 2023 version!! of the crf300l.
As I said after one of your other videos, I'm going to buy one of these in northern Thailand. I'll be getting the oil and filter changed at 5,000 km/3,100 miles. I'm happy to have undersprung suspension. I'm buying it to be comfortable on the back lanes around here. And as you say, we get the LED headlight etc. as standard out here. Nice tip regarding the brake line.
You say you have a cruiser. What is it, please? My 'cruiser' is a 'scrambler', a taller version of the Yamaha Bolt: the SCR950. Nick
My cruiser then was a 750 Honda Shadow
@@WOODZMAN Thanks. I hope you are making a recovery.
@1990-t1j Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
Man.. Each 300L review I watch the more I'm wanting one. and I'm like you not wanting to be extreme on it... and by being able to tighten the suspension a little should be good enough for me. 40 year old beginner at 5/11 195. and would be on the road more then trails. I can ride a bike I just haven't done so since my teens! lol so probably will take some courses.. take my time, do it right! Thank you! nice bike!
Yea main thing is take your time and it’s fun No matter where you ride
Hello, beautiful video! I still have to pick up my motorcycle, and I’m a bit concerned about some rumors regarding heat from the radiator and the catalytic converter being transmitted to the right leg. Have you noticed anything about this? Thanks! :)
I really don’t notice it but I also don’t ride with my legs squeezing the tank
@@WOODZMAN Thank you, my friend. I hope to have fun and enjoy great rides like you with my new bike. Greetings from Italy. Thank you!
@thefulldrivehotrockband5963 thanks so much!
Amigo, Excelente video. Clear and useful. Thank you. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽
Thanks for watchin
Just got mine this week. They are still hard to find.
Congrats
Thank you Frank for your video! Good practical tips. Quick question, how much hv you spent on maintenance?
Oh hardly anything on maintenance, i mean all you pretty much have to do is change the oil and filter every 8000 miles, I do change mine every 3000 but Honda says 8000.
Tires is the biggest expense but I have only bought 2 sets. I replaced the stock with tusk Dsports and I have a new set to put on now.
That is all the maintenance
Thanks. I’m dithering between this bike and a GasGases700. Same weight but totally different ride characteristics. I can’t demo either unfortunately. I have many miles of pavement before any trails (150miles). That’s my dilemma. Also what seat is that your bike? Seat concepts don’t make a seat for the GasGas as yet. Thanks again for a great review.
Yea that 300L would be great for dependability and low maintenance.
Mine is a Seat Concepts Comfort XL.
It’s awesome
@@WOODZMAN 👍
Super happy I found your channel. Great review.
Question, what is the little circular controller on the right Handel bar. I think I read “record”. What is it pls.
Btw, your audio is great
Thanks for watchin, that is the remote for the Thinkware M1 dash cam mounted on the front master cylinder and the rear of my bike
Thanks for sharing and thanks for taking the time to make this great video I recently bought a pre-owned 300l for $5200 with some good upgrades including suspension, On the other hand a Honda dealer in southeast Texas wanted $7700 for a new 300l out the price door .
$7700 is stupid high, sounds like you got a great buy! Thanks for watchin
$7,111 OTD on Black Friday here in NW Florida. (just to compare)
That is crazy, here in SW Missouri it’s $5200 OTD
@@WOODZMAN Which dealer has the good prices and you would recommend doing business with?
@lw8447 Honda Of The Ozarks in Springfield Missouri
Great all round bike plenty of spares good looking not for hard core riding ,a cruiser and ok for dirt roads not jumps etc, thats not its wheelhouse, not designed for that at all, slightly geared to highway
Right on
I checked out your video because I've been trying to decide what bike to get after I sold my CRF250X. Nice to hear the feedback after riding a 300L for 6000 miles. Moreover, with the motor, suspension, muffler, gearing and exhaust not modified. I may get a CRF300L. If I miss riding the technical single track I could modify the 300L more for the dirt.
Yea the 300L would be hard to beat for the price
whats your thoughts on the new gray color of the new 2023 model?
I think it looks good but I’m partial to Red
@@WOODZMAN yeah the red would be my choice also...
Good review! Question... Have you adjusted your valves yet and were they out of spec? Thanks.
I haven’t checked them yet, I had my 250L done at 8k and they was fine
Good informative review i'd say. As an Englishman he does sound like Jethro which you yanks better google. A compliment definitely as sadly he's recently RIP.
I thought yours was specced out as the Thai model but with the higher seat and ground clearance, as you are aware I’m sure the Thai model only has 244 mm ground clearance and 830 mm seat height, wish it was taller
Mine is a U.S model but It has the wiring and lighting of the Thailand model.
I was sent the wiring harness, all led lights including the signals and headlight, the front fender, the dash mount bracket and all mounting hardware to convert it, so yea mine is tall because it is a U.S. model
Absolutely a awesome motorcycle, great video frank 👍
Thanks for watchin
Awesome review. Sorry I’m late to the party but I’m going to subscribe to your channel. Thank you.
Haha no problem. Thanks for watching
i laughed when you put a picture of KISS lol
Lol there heels match my kick stand
Hi Frank I had a 250L a couple of years ago and now just bought a 300L. Can you tell me is your 300L a lot louder than the 250L because mine sounds a lot louder. Both bikes were/are standard? I'm in the UK if there is any difference to where they're shipped.
Yes my 300L is louder than my 250L was for sure, just different muffler I guess
@@WOODZMAN Thanks for that, just some people online saying it's really quiet.
Well it’s not loud like an aftermarket exhaust but it’s just not as quiet as my 250L was
@@WOODZMAN Yes same here, thanks again. Enjoying your videos, keep them coming.
Abs on this bike, does it make real difference over the non abs.?
I have heard that is does especially if you are a new rider
Which acerbis handguards are these? Your build looks solid. Greetings from Greece.
They are the Acerbis X-Factory amzn.to/3BViuKX
@@WOODZMAN Thank you for the quick response! Do they require any DIY modification to be installed on the CRF300L ?
Basically the bolts that come with them that goes in the end of the bars are 8mm. You just need to replace them with 6mm bolts
Back in the Fall of 2020 I went looking for a dual sport bike after being away from off road riding since 2005. The dealer had both 250’s the Rally and the non Rally. I really liked the Rally better and then he said a 300 versions were coming out. So I decided to wait but none could be found anyway in the Spring of 2021 and actually all the dealers near me had hardly any bikes at all. So I happen to stop at a dealer that had a 2021 DR650 coming in so I jumped at the chance to get a new bike instead of waiting. Well I didn’t really ride off road much in 2021 but this year that changed. I ended up doing 1000 miles this year before getting hurt a few weeks ago. It was just a little silly from end washout exiting a mud hole. The bike ended up falling to the left side trapping my left left under the bike. I also ended up getting a small ankle fracture on the bone that sticks out on the left side of your ankle. But all that being said I wish I waited for the 300 instead. After all the riding I did this year I have realized the 300 is all I really needed here in Southern NH. If you want to see some nice riding up here just check my TH-cam channel. Love watching your videos 👍🏻 Thanks for doing them.
Yea the DR is a really good bike, I had one. It was heavy and outdated with the carburetor. The 300L is modern.
Thanks for watchin Rob
Excellent review. And I fully agree with all your points.
Thanks for watchin Stan
Great review! I still think I like the KLX300 better, similar price and engine but the KLX has much better suspension.
Nothing wrong with that, it’s about what you like not anyone else.
I have always been 100 % Honda and will never change.
True statement Woodzman! I could care less wether your tractor is orange or green or you drive Fords and hate Dodge. You do your thing! I don’t ALWAYS ride motorcycles, but when I do, it’s RED!😎
Same here, I’m just a Honda guy
looking to buy one in Thailand. New price is 4300 us dollars.
Is that US dollars?
@@WOODZMAN its 152.000 Baht in local currency.
Can I ask what the otd price was? I live in Florida and these dealers are at 7,700 what do you think?
OTD price in Springfield Mo was $5700
Thank you that helps a lot sir
Do you remember the dealer ?
@tomskinner6640 yes Honda of the Ozarks
Unfortunately I bought a new set of Dsports when I got my Rally thinking there might be a tire shortage at some point. Now I hesitate to mount them. Honestly, My riding style at 52 years old is similar to yours and I would be very happy with a new set of the stock IRC's. Anyway, thanks for the review, Frank. Be well. -Tyler in Vermont
Well, the rear is great !
The front feels strange and sketchy on pavement and it wears out pretty fast.
A lot of people gripe about the stock IRCs but I really like them.
I have 2,000 miles on mine.
Very happy compared to stock. Wearing extremely well too. Ride daily pavement and weekend single track. Not a bad all rounder IMO.
Use Tubliss to air down to 6PSI and they grip extremely well offroad.
@@marcochavanne glad to hear. It sure looks like it should be good. Being in Vermont I have 6 months to decide what tire to run next summer.
Very well done! Thanks Frank
Thanks Mike and thanks for watchin
I would love to own one but i found a crf250l 2018 abs , 3000 milss with extras for $3,500. i just added a few things and did the racetech fork upgrade and I still have spent less than $3900 on it. So, the crf250l is just a better deal at the moment.
Well, that is a good deal and the 250L is a great bike anyway
You know what’s crazy, secondhand 250’s are now going for the price of the 300 new where I live.. there’s just so few of either available
@@WOODZMAN thanks for all the videos. The crf is a great platform. The new one is better and looks better too. This is my second crf250l. No regrets
@@slakk5093 i know i have seen crazy prices on crf250ls. You just need to be patient. In 2020 i bought a 2017 crf250l for $3,200 with 3000 miles. Unfortunately, i totaled it shortly after. Last june, i got the crf250l abs 2018 for $3500 and simikar mileage. I was the second person to ask for it and was lucky to get it. I search facebook marketplace often and drove 5 hours each way for that deal.
Hey, Frank. What were your biggest complaints with the Dsport front tire?
Riding on wet leaves or mud, other than that it does ok
You can’t beat the Seat Concepts custom seat
Yea it’s way better than the stock
hello sir. did you change your headlamp set? because it is the australian version and the asian version type because I saw the 300L headlamp from US version/variant is the same with the 250Ls. thanks for responding sir. nice review btw. yeah!
Yes, mine has been converted to be like the Thailand model. I was sent the parts from Thailand to do it
@@WOODZMAN did you have any modifications with the plastics or is it just plug and play? Is it thailand from bikersbitz?
All of my parts was sent to me from the factory, about 4 months before the bike was even in the U.S. there was a lot of parts on mine because it was everything including all led headlight parts, instrument mount, front fender, turn signals and even a completely new wiring harness and control switches. Everything would cost over $1200 through bikersbitz but it could be done.
@@WOODZMAN i see! so you did purchase from bikersbitz and they are the ones who installed it? or they also do have those parts the all led headlight parts (looks like the transformers - autobots logo) one.etc. man! thank you so much for answering my questions. been planning to get here in philippines but i dont like the all led headlight except for the signal lights though. i like the US version headlight one. more like of a strong muscle type look. you rock sir!
I didn’t purchase from bikersbits but someone told me they did.
Thanks for watchin
Do you know when 23 model years will be coming out and if they will have the led headlight and turn signals? The U.S has to get them at some point I'd imagine.
After the first of the year I heard and I haven’t heard anything about the LEDs. I bet they will still be halogen
@@WOODZMAN That will be a shame if it's still halogen.
What kind of seat is that
That is a SeatConcepts Comfort XL seat. It is awesome
What kind of heat shield is that around the muffler?
That is a Rigg Gear shield for the saddle bags th-cam.com/video/xFDHKQDJP9E/w-d-xo.html
Frank, will a Pirelli MT21 in size 80/90x21 fit the crf300 front rim? I don't see an 80/90x21 out there for sale (stock size) What do you think?
Oh yea it will work fine!
Hey buddy, what do you use to edit your videos??
We love watching your videos by the way, thanks, David w/ Ozark Baggerz.
I have a Mac and use Final Cut Pro X
@@WOODZMAN thanks for getting back to me, is Final Cut Pro X an apple app?
Yes it is, a good one for windows is Movavi
Where did you get the Head light? I like it better
Another great review!
It came from the Thailand Factory
@@WOODZMAN Frank where did you get the led kit from? Part numbers or something? Thinking about doing the same thing when my 23 300l comes in...
I was send mine before the 300L was in the U.S. but I heard that you can buy all of it on BikersBitz but it’s extremely expensive
Change the pads to EBC, the sponginess goes away.
I bought a 250 4 years ago because of your videos. Watching you ride with your boy and his friend. I didn't like how I felt it was just wound out on the interstate. How does the 300 compare to the 250l? Sorry if a dumb question.
That’s not a dumb question!
It still not great on the interstate but it is better for sure.
@@WOODZMAN thanks for answering. I guess ill hold off on getting a 300. I truly appreciate your honesty
The 300 Rally I have will to 75 - 80 mph on the freeway and it's a six speed transmission. For me it's fine on the highway for about a hundred miles. Might be a bit tiring after that, but it'll do it.
@@TurboPelican agreed. It will do it longer than we can.
I’m 6’3” 260lbs in my nickers. Stock gearing with taller tires front and rear and it will do 75mph all day with enough to pull 80mph if the stars align.
Will try a 42t and see if it helps but it’s definitely doable as is.
Did u switch to full synthetic oil?
No I still use the Honda GN4 10w30
Nice video. I wonder if any adjustments would need to be made if you drove at 8000-9000 ft elevation? Our Polaris Ranger needed an re-flashed ECM to unlock the horsepower lost to altitude.
It is possible, a Honda dealer should be able to say if the bike side in places with higher altitudes is different
on face book there is a 2016 250l for 3600.00 is this a good price thanks corky
Hey man do you think I should buy a crf300L or a Xr650L. I like the extra power in a bigger bike but I dont like the fact that the 650 is air cooled and looks old fashioned. Now the 300 is liquid cooled which is a + for me and it looks extremely aggressive but I feel as if the power is not there. It only cranks out 22hp compared to the xr which is 40hp. The Xr650L is $7,000 compared to the crf300L which is $5,249. So about a $2,000 difference in both bikes. Let me know what you think, thanks!
It would mainly depend on what type of riding that you will be doing.
The 650 would be better for higher speeds on the highway.
The 300 is a lot more modern with the fuel injection and water cooling.
The 300L also looks a lot better.
It would be nice if you could ride each of them first
The sad reality is the crf300L you have to preorder a year in advance to buy it so there is no testing it out and the Xr650L is not in stock anywhere around me of course for several months. If any of the two models come in anywhere they will get sold instantly 😭. I do think I would like the power of the xr on the highway but do think the crf is more modern in everything but less powerful. Its a hard buy for me Im still very unsure. Cant get a $12,000 husqvarna 701 which would be a dream bike for me because its out of the budget. The xr and the crf are in a reasonable price range that I can actually afford :)
That was a tough choice for me too until I rode the XR 650. I love the bike, but it is way too tall for me. That’s not saying much since I’m only 5’7”, but I’m much more comfortable on my Rally than I am on the XR. But if I were over 6’ I might had bought the XR...
I think your height and weight are a pretty big factor. The xr650l is a tall and heavy bike compared to the 300. If it were me, I'd get the 300 and upgrade the suspension if you're taller or heavier.
The lower seat height and weight plus the 6 gears and fuel injection would do it for me. If you're mechanically inclined, the carb on the 650 isn't as bad.
Thanks for your opinion
It's taken me the first 900 miles to even start to like this bike. I'm comin around but boy are carbed bikes 100x more effortless to ride.
America. Gun shots in the background while you’re giving a moto review. 2:30
No, The rally is
Nothing wrong with that
@@WOODZMAN I need a 300 one, I have a 250 and love it .
👍👍👍