Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links: Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork Giant Loop: www.giantloopmoto.com/?ref=dork
So after almost 9 months of researching bikes, lots of bikes & their respective pros/cons..... this one has just popped up on the radar? With all the dual sport talk I've only just now found this & I'm kinda impressed b/c it does have features that you'd have to add to other bikes..... I'm at 170lbs so I'm not sure how that equates & I'll be a new rider once I've selected a bike. So this bike does have a big aftermarket? Guess I'm going to check out your other videos on this bike now. Glad you were here so I can at least say I LQQKed at everything before I finally buy? peace Mr Dork
@BigRockMoto have you seen the 300 Rally that Shonky Production has with the 550 Performance big bore kit? It’s faster than a a stock 450l… Hopefully he keeps it on his channel long to give us feedback on the reliability etc.
A trend I've noticed with adv riders. Many people start on these types of bikes, get "good" and sell it. Get an expensive/higher maintenance bike and absolutely regret getting rid of the low strung/low maintenance/fun easy bike and sell.. again.. and buy again the smaller bikes like this one. I'm certainly in that group. You can go 80% as fast and have 100% the fun with 30% the work/wrenching. Excellent review. Fun factor on these bikes is such a thing. I think the Internet encourages a competitive part of ourselves, not necessarily a bad thing, but I believe it has sold more bikes than we would like to admit.
I’m in the same group, sort of. The difference is that have been smart and kept my DRZ that I’ve had since 2006. During the time I’ve owned it, I’ve had a new 2012 KTM 500 EXC. I sold it two years later. I bought a 2007 KLR in 2012, did two big mostly pavement adventure rides and a few other rides and finally sold it in 2020 because I didn’t ride it for at least two years, so it made no sense to keep it. 2019 I bought a 450 EXC-F, which I still have, but the DRZ is a better all day fire road bike. 2022 I bought a T7. 2023 I broke my wrist. 2024, T7 is for sale. I have just come to the realization that as I’m getting older, I’m going to stick to 300 ish lb and smaller bikes. If someone is shopping for a T7, I’m in Washington.
About 20 years ago I built a Honda xr650r into an adv bike . I put a lot of miles on it . Engine had a cam and a pipe . I miss that bike . Life got in the way and I sold it . Probably will end up building another 1.
I'm 65, and I own an Ultra Classic. Got sick of being a "fair weather" rider. I just bought a new 300 Rally and I love it. Took it out for its first 100 mile ride, freaking cold out, seasonal roads that still had snow on them. Motored right through it. This thing rocks!
@@kengoold7157 as I , BMW GS 1250 last edition :) and CRF 300 L with some farkles like Hyper pro Suspension front and rear, windshield, luggage rack, and Acrapovic exhaust
I just finished riding my 250 Rally from Seattle to Patagonia over the past year, and I really couldn’t have asked for a better companion on the journey. I sold the bike a week ago in Chile and fought back tears as I watched the new owner ride away. The bike never failed me after nearly 30k miles of hard riding, including a crash in Baja Mexico that shredded the plastic faring on the right side of the bike into four separate pieces, and numerous drops since. I’d love a more powerful version one day, like a 450/500 rally, but you’ve got to respect what Honda has accomplished with these already. These bikes simply won’t quit and will take you where you want to go as faithfully as any other motorcycle ever made, as far as I’m concerned.
Believe it or not, when you upgrade the rear sprocket on this bike from a 40T to a 42T, you don’t lose any of your top end speed for the highway, and you gain an incredible amount of low end torque for the technical stuff, going up hills, and overtaking vehicles. Not to mention that you can still use the stock chain. I didn’t believe that you wouldn’t lose any top end speed, so I was hesitant to do it for two years, but woodsman adventure talked me into it, and I’m so glad I listened to him. The combination of the stock improved ECU tune, and the 42T sprocket, completely changed this bike into something much more enjoyable and fun to ride. I can actually pop wheelies now, and still top out at 81mph. I weigh 205lbs.
@@travisbrown9267 I had my ECU flashed about 6 months before I added the new sprocket. It was a big improvement in itself. I gained 9% more power, and 4% more torque. But I wasn’t searching for more power, I was trying to achieve more linear acceleration through the rev range, and smoother throttle response, which is what you get with a stock improved tune. Additionally, the bike runs a little cooler. The fan doesn’t kick on and off quite as much. The bike runs a little lean from the factory. The ECU tune richens the mixture ever so slightly which causes the bike to run cooler, and ultimately should last even longer. I think everyone should do it. But that’s just my opinion. You might want to do your own research. I chose just the stock improved tune, with a simple air box mod. I could have chosen the stage 1 tune, which provides an increase 18% power and 12% in torque, but that would require an aftermarket exhaust, and I just wasn’t ready for the additional noise at the time. But it would had added even more power and torque, by providing more efficient airflow. I will most likely upgrade to a stage 1 tune in the future. That’s what’s good about 550 Performance. Once you have them flash your ECU, they will flash it again in the future for free, I just pay the shipping. If I were you, I would go on 550 Performance’s website, and choose a tune, and try that out first. There are 8 different tunes to choose from. You might be happy with those results alone. But that’s just me. I like making incremental upgrades, and see how the bike reacts to each modification, before moving on to the next upgrade. Most people do everything at once. But they couldn’t tell you how the bike would respond with one modifications without another. I only chose to do a sprocket upgrade because I was seeking even more lower end torque for the more technical trail riding stuff, because I ride off rode more than I do on road. It just so happened that I didn’t lose any top end speed, which is a win win in my book. And I still have the stage 1 tune to look forward to. Possibly even a stage 3, but that will require a Big Bore kit, so that is in the distant future. Maybe next year.
I've owned several hundred bikes and this video is spot on. I just traded a modded 701 for the KLX 300 . I bought a new Rally in 2021, Rally raid suspension and SRC moto accessories. My Rally is better than the KLX in every way with the suspension upgrade. 63 and 175 lbs. I ride out of Quartzsite AZ. I can ride with KTM's and Huskys all day. This is a home run for Honda. Not as exciting as a KTM with massive power but at the end of the day my smile pushes away any doubts. The only person I have to impress is me, and this bike impresses me with every ride.
I would say its MORE exciting than the KTM because you know you will get home and it wont be at the shop being FIXED so you will be able to go on your ride as you desire.
I have also been following Itchy Boots for years, and now that she has hit 50,000 kms on her 300L Rally, riding some of the most difficult and treacherous roads from South America to Africa and across deserts, mountains, and swamps. She has never been let down by that bike. I have owned many bikes, and I agree with you - this 300L rally is the only one that can last the distance. My KTM's have been far less than confidence inspiring to own. Itchy Boots, and people like yourself, have really proven the Honda completely. Anyone considering a different make in this category is nuts!
You are correct about KTM,s.The main models assume a certain level of skill before you buy one. They are race bikes at the end of the day and the learning curve is a lot steeper. I have one and also a CRF300L. I can say categorically that the CRF (with modified suspension) is a far easier and more relaxed ride than my KTM 500. However the KTM will tackle far more difficult terrain than the Honda I will excite you for more. It's like a thoroughbred horse v your favourite horse that you love taking out for days.I am out three times per week on both bikes and have covered thousands of km . They are both great bikes to own and serve different purposes.
The only thing nuts is inexperienced riders falling for hype that a 286cc plastic bike is the best do it all. A DR650 is just getting broken in at 50k and only weighs a small amount more. Btw Norally has had major issues with her rally (she does ride it hard but weighs half what most riders do). Do not recommend at all. 0:03
Nope ! They aren’t nuts ! The 300 Rally is a bit .. “cardigan man” My own Husqvarna 701 weighs less, has way more power. It’s a totally different level of ability both on and off road.
You nailed it Ben! This is John Page Jr from Chelan WA at 72 years old and weighing in at 153 lb and riding my 2021 CRF300L Rally also. For the lighter riders out there I have been able to maintain 65 mph loaded down with camping gear but do not expect much more out of this bike in stock form. I like Ben love this bike and agree with Ben about every thing he said about this bike and thank you Ben for putting this review out there. I will also back Ben up about the soft suspension on this bike. Even though I am a light guy I have already put on a better shock and a new spring for my weight. If you are not into going fast the suspension is fine but if you plan on using it as a light ADV bike just know that you are going to want to at least change the springs to match your weight when you are suited up in all your gear and for sure if you are carrying any amount of camping gear. All thumbs up from me on this motorcycle. I love it!
Every time I watch Noraly struggle with Alaska, I keep thinking there's gotta be a better motorcycle for that type of riding. The better than a CRF300L Rally Light Adventure Motorcycle. There really isn't when you factor everything in. It's either heavier, or much more expensive, or more questionable reliability and parts availability, or shorter distance. You can confidently get on a 300 Rally and just go anywhere on the planet and know you've got the best chance to make that trip without problems of any motorcycle produced.
@@iz723 She did modify the suspension, the mirrors, the seat, added a bunch of bags and handlebar mounts... But the frame and the drive train on Alaska is stock (and has been rebuilt several times at this point). That means everything important is stock except the suspension (which failed after it was installed and had to be rebuilt). I would say the bare minimum has been done to Alaska, hardly anything has been modified. That being said, the statement misses the point. The CRF300L Rally is still the best "Light ADV" for that type of travel, modified or not. But, I think it would be fairly easy to improve on it, but no one really has.
I would argue the DRZ400S would be a good alternative to have similar weight with a little more power and a HUGE parts selection. Biggest downside to the DRZ is its still got a carb. But you can almost double the power and not loose reliability, mine's still getting about 55mpg as a cammed ported big bore stroker with a fcr41. The extra quart of oil compared to some other bikes helps extend the changes too. And they hold their value pretty well. If not beat they sell regularly for $4k.
@@randombuilds8336 Yeah, I added a windscreen and luggage to mine-and a seat- and it's not a bad tourer. Runs rough on a cold morning at altitude, until it warms up,, but that's really my only complaint. Nice to have a bit more power than that 300.
Yes when I watch noraly I realize the little Honda is pretty much the do it all bike she seems to manage to ride thousands of miles with very few problems.. people keep talking about unicorns they are a mythical creature created to entertain little children ..so maybe just buy a bike and learn to ride it
I am still running a 2018 CRF250 Rally with upgraded suspension and I love it. It is light enough for off-road trails but capable enough to ride from Southern Illinois to Northwest Arkansas with camping gear and then trail ride. One of the best bikes I ever purchased.
How was it on the highway? I was considering a regular crf300l but now on the fence, would be nice to have an off road capable bike with the option of doing the highway if I ever needed to
I bought a 250 Rally in 2017 when they first came out to get back into dirt bikes after many years of bicycling. I spend summers in Vermont and have ridden in much of the state (around 10,000 mi now), mostly dirt roads (there are 9000 miles of them in VT) but some Class 4 and trails. The Rally is a perfect bike, economical (80+mpg), handles well, inexpensive, and nice looking. I've installed heavier springs. The views, old cemeteries, and colonial buildings make every ride an adventure. Did I mention I'm 77?
Yep. Spot on Ben. Took me about 4 bikes to figure this out and recently bought a 300L base model. Just sold my KTM 890 and had plenty of money left over to add some mods - suspension, bigger tank, header and pipe, and a few things to accommodate my short inseam. I'm still under $7k. I'm about 160 lbs and 85% offroad. It is now what I consider the perfect bike for me. One of the biggest pros? I can pick it up ALL BY MYSELF when I dump it, no problem. Keep up the great content. Love your vids.
I got my rally in 2021. I absolutely loved it. I put 21,000 miles on it in just over 2 years. Zero problems...checked the valves at 18k and they were still in spec. At 240 lbs, I was very rough on it. Sold it and my old goldwing to get a transalp. Love the transalp, but another rally will be in my future.
At 52 years young and never ridden off road, I decided to roll the dice on a crf300 rally. So far, I'm having a blast riding fire roads around my neck of the woods.
@@EastboundDwn I’m 52 as well and looking for my first bike. These videos have been very informative and it’s nice to see the feedback of others in my situation.
I haven't ridden in a few decades, last bike was a Yamaha R1. I wanted to get back into riding and more off the beaten path. Bought the Rally, in part to your videos, and I am loving the Rally. The previous owner bought it for the same reason I did but only put 1500 miles on. I have almost doubled that in a two months. Got my wife the Kawasaki KLX230S ABS because she is short and has never driven a motorcycle, only ridden as a passenger. The bikes fit us perfectly. I like the idea of ABS for both of us as novice riders. These bikes are far more capable than our skills. Thanks for the vids!
Hey guys, just FYI I’m 165 pounds 5 11 and it’s top speed on flat ground is about 86 miles an hour maybe 90 with no wind. Going up steep hills it’ll cruise at 75. I start off at about 3200 feet above sea level and go all the way up to about 6000 feet.
Well said. I have a 2020 250L Rally. Picked up used about 6 mos. ago w/200 miles on her. Now i have about 1K miles on her. Love the bike, just have to know her limits. I also have a '09 KLX250 that I gave to my son so we can experience life together off road. Thanks for the review.
Awesome video Ben! I'm 64 year old T7 owner and am taking possession of a CRF300 Rally sometime in April / May. I've had my T7 for 3 years and it is awesome and I will not sell it, but off road, when it gets a wee bit technical, I get scared. It is just too heavy. Where I live (Yukon) we have some really nasty and rugged roads into very remote corners of the Territory and having a lighter bike is going to make things much more fun and SAFE. But now I will have to come up with next level excuses, to the lady, to explain the plethora of boxes that are gong to be arriving at my house as I build out the CRF300 Rally for adventure riding! Every summer I see dudes coming up the Alaska Highway on huge GS' piled high with gear that just blows me away. I pray for them as they head for Tuk, that the Dempster Highway doesn't turn into a friction-less, snot-filled, mud bog when it inevitably rains. Just say no to heavy bikes!
Well said. I feel similarly about my Himalayan. Especially: "By the time you outgrow this bike, skills wise, you'll know whether you want a true ADV bike or a more capable dual-sport."
I started on a CRF250l Rally, moved to the DR650, and then now I'm on a 701 enduro that I'm building into my unicorn. I don't think I'd say I miss my rally. Although I had some beautiful graphics on it that really made it stand out. I do respect the rally for what it is and I would feel more than comfortable recommending it to people. If there is one thing I've learned throughout my ownership, especially now that I'm on the 701. It cannot be overstated how big of a difference good suspension makes. New springs are the bare minimum for the Rally. A beginner probably wouldn't notice for a while but I'd be willing to make the argument that it's almost a safety issue. It's incredibly easy to out-ride the stock suspension on the Rally, even for a beginner. I put the hyperpro progressive spring kit in my rally and I think it costed me like $350. A great option for anyone wondering about suspension for their Rally but doesn't have the cash to shell out for a brand new setup. I took off the rear shock myself and brought it to a dirtbike shop and they switched the spring out for like $15. I was able to do the forks myself with the help of a friend.
Just got a new 2023 rally a few weeks ago and absolutely love it.Watched a lot of your videos on the rally and it was helpful in helping me make my decision.Keep up the great videos!!!
I'm a big guy as well (6'3 and 255 wet)... love your channel. I'm looking at this as my next bike to give me more fun on trails (my primary is a '19 BMW R1250GSA)...been researching the GPX FSE300R but... I'm leaning towards the Honda Rally simply because it's a known entity. Thank you so much for your time and effort to bring unbiased reviews for us larger riders!!!
Great review! I smashed most of the Con's you mentioned by upgrading front and rear suspension to Ktech, and gained some ponies by fitting a Yoshimura exhaust and a 550 Performance ECU flash. A bit of crash protection and better handguards and all is fine. Im 6'4" and 110kg so not small and my Rally will go 85 on the flat - but is happier at 65-70. One thing you didn't mention is that these great little bikes sip fuel and i get over 90mpg (imperial Gallon - not your short version!). With the tank size you can get a real long way on a tankful. I did however run out once on the way to work and a little old man let me steal the fuel from his lawnmower so i could get to the next town. Dropped him off a bottle of wine on the way home and we are now mates as he made me drink it with him!
I’m over in the UK and absolutely love my ‘23’ Rally. Mods are being done as and when needed, but for the price, the fun factor and the simplicity, it’s my favourite ever bike. VERY forgiving and makes me smile every day.
"Not great at any one thing, but good/competent at everything" is a highly underrated quality in the online motorcycle community. Glad to see you stand up for that point. It sounds like if you dumped $1000 into the suspension, and maybe added a few power upgrades (assuming those exist) this would be a really formidable contender.
Hi Ben. You've seen the light! My son wisely directed me to the Rally 3 years ago when I (a new DS rider wanted a T7... after I saw some internet advertising lies, lol.) My son's dirtbike intuitions was spot on, and after 2 years of building my skills, confidence, and making the bike my own with motocampjng and trail mods, a distracted driver totalled me out while I was at a stop sign. I got a good settlement and had enough experience to upgrade to the Transalp on the showroom floor. Guess what I bought... another Rally! 😊😊 Thanks for sharing all your trips!
Bought a 23 and currently at 3700 miles. I found this 1 year review to be spot-on. The first time I took it off road I was thrilled at how easy it was to handle in tight north eastern rough rut and root infested single tracks and didn't want to stop. I've never had a bike that made me want to ride in the cold but I've ridden it off and all all winter. Price of admission is so reasonable I had money left to buy proper high quality gear. At 62 I've had bigger bikes and the 300 Rally seems so much more common sense practical. If I rode with a competition focus it would be different but when I ride its not a race. I slow down a bit so there is time to take in the scenery. I've even ridden it two up on and off road and other than the rear sagging, was amazed at how well it did on hills. To top it off the bike is very easy on the eyes just oozes class, style and masculine beauty. Peace!
My '22 Rally/ABS and I both agree with your analysis...it has earned it's use of valuable garage real estate and will continue to do so for some time - love the content!
Well, there is the Voge 300 Rally. Not in NA but pretty successful in Europe and SA, Asia and so on. I drove both and decided to buy the Voge, fits me better with 6"2, stiffer suspension, I like the look and sounds better. Of course saved 3000€ too. Been happy since. Would the Honda cost only 1k more I would buy the Honda simply because of resale value.
I own the CRF and bought the Voge for my father in law and hell, I was surprised. There are some downsides ("mirrors" for example), but it sure is a nice bike and much cheaper.
Awesome review! People don’t understand, but I’m glad you do. Between you and Adventure Daily(running 300L) you guys confined to me to get the 300L Rally
The 300 Rally is truly a lightweight mini ADV bike, and nothing really compares to it. Until you ride one for a while it is hard to get this. It just does a whole range of riding with no drama and no issues. I have been up and down the displacement ladder and owned many motos but the 300 Rally is the best adventure bike I have owned IF you don't want to go really fast, carry a bunch of stuff, are willing to do a few simple upgrades and like to route plan on dirt and twisty 2 lane backcountry highways. I put the Rally Raid suspension on mine and that makes is so much more capable. Good review. Everyone should note the asterisk in the owners manual by 8,000 mile oil changes. Change oil more frequently for extreme riding and dirt riding for longest engine life.
I owned a 2021 Rally for 1.5 years while traveling North America with a van. It was extremely reliable and I put almost 10,000 miles on it in that short amount of time. I ended up doing a full K-Tech build on the suspension and that made a huge difference. The power was really the only downside after the suspension was done. I've since then owned a 450L and now a Tenere. I missed how smooth the 300 was as a commuter when I had the 450, and I now miss how light the 300 felt compared to my Tenere. I'm a more experienced off-road rider and am glad I'm on a more powerful bike these days, especially when I'm traveling with my gf, but I would be just fine owning the 300 Rally still and it'd work well for my city commuting and weekly off-road adventures. Thanks for making this review. Glad you're enjoying the bike.
Got my 2023 CRF300L about a month ago. Havent put many miles on ot but i love it so far. Great videos. Came across them recently. Makes me jealous. I love in new jersey not many places to ride.
I've been watching loads of videos about this bike...I'm convinced, I'll get one this year, see you on trails. The only sad part about it is that it barely gets to 70 miles if it gets there and I currently have a Chinese Sinnis apache 125 cc stock that goes up to 65 miles .
I had both the 450l and 300l rally and completely agree with all you say in this video. But just traded in the 300l for a tenere 700. I loved my 300l off road and it taught me a ton but I was just bored on the road with it. When I ride the 450l to my local trails it's an absolute hoot. Uncomfortable and not stable at highway speeds but it's just got that fun factor I fell in love with motorcycles for. The 300l was just slow and dull compared to pretty much any other bike I've ever ridden.
It is a dog for anyone who has ever rode a dirtbike. It is reliable and cheap though. I had a dr650 and loved how much torque it had . Unfortunately, she was killed on my way home from completing the nebdr. I ended up buying a 24 tenere 700. It is awesome! I am considering buying a 450l for the tighter more technical woods riding. In your experience, how awesome is the 450l?
@@MaxwellBenson80 The most fun bike I ever rode. Fun playful and light on the road and I have raced it against my buddies tenere and it beats it up to about 70 mph. Only downside is it's not super stable around highway speeds and the oil change intervals. It is tall but honestly I have a harder time reaching the ground on the tenere because of the wide seat. Definitely a good combo.
Thanks in large part to all your Rally content, I just purchased my own 300L Rally. Never ridden off road so will be learning with this bike. Really wanting to get into light adventure stuff.
You are like me..getting old. I find that I can do more on my smaller bikes and get less fatigued than the previous fire breathers I have owned. I too went from a 450 to a 300 and now on the street I'd like to get rid of my 1100 and get either a 700 or 750. Less is more. The 300 2t is a game changer in the woods and I have so much fun on it and see the backcountry in all its glory.
I own a GS1200 and a 300 R, previously had a Honda 450X, 2011 version, lost 150 cc s but gained so much more. this bike is so easy to live with. I'm 67, feel this bike will last for the rest of my adventure life.
I could be wrong, but it feels like there's a HUGE market for the casual "light adventure" category (300-500cc), but the industry is somehow missing the clues. 🙃😊
True! I have a 2022 Honda CB500X that I enjoy, but it's not a great off pavement bike despite a Rally Raid rear shock upgrade and RR skidplate. It just needs a little more ground clearance and a better stock suspension. The 2025 Ibex 450 looks really intetesting though!
@@leeinwis That's relative - it's light compared to most ADV bikes yet heavy versus true dual sports. Until you ride one, the CB500X is easy to dismiss but it's such a good all round ADV for the money spent.
@@alozborneYou mean CFMoto 450MT? Seems like a nice bike but it is very heavy. It fits in middle weight category, not lightweight. Same weight as CB500X.
@@constantinosschinas4503 Yes, for whatever reason CF Moto are cslling the 450 MT the Ibex 450 in North America - same bike. The bike is definitely heavier than dual sports, but what other bike is designed to be as off-road oriented as the 450 MT is while also being comfortable enough to ride for 500 kms in a single day on the highway? For an ADV, 200 kgs is about as light as they get. It's really only dual sports that break that 200 kg barrier, with the one exception being the KTM 390 Adventure. I'm excited to see what KTM do to update that bike as the rumor is that it will be much more off road oriented.
I bought a 2023 Rally last year and so far it has been great....hauls the wife and I on all kinds of adventures BUT....I would never even think of going a whole year before changing the oil. Mine has just over 4200 kms on it right now and I have changed the oil 3 times already. Once after break-in, then whenever it gets black...that's my reminder to change oil!
I built the "Ultimate" 300 Rally and it was great. At the end of the day, I have more experience and different desires for my setup, so I bought a KTM 500. I do sometimes wish I'd have kept the 300 for certain things. I'm fully convinced that if you would invest the (admittedly significant) money into a Rally Raid suspension setup for your weight it would make the 300 even more of a Unicorn than you already think it is. Glad you're having fun with it all and filing it for us!
I had a smile every time I rode my 300. The lack of power on the hills exactly as you mention, was the reason I sold it. I thought long and hard about engine upgrades and decided it was purpose built. It just seemed to costly for everything it needed. Ultimately I chose the 690 and am very glad I did.
I ride a KLX300. Bought it over the 300L because it was used and could get a good deal . Absolutely love this class of bike as an older experienced rider. I do the Knarly off road trails just fine. Easy to manoeuvre and pick up when you drop it. Pretty much a jack of all trades. Wish it had a larger tank like the 300 Rally but do prefer the better suspension of the KLX.
I agree with all your observations.. I have the crf300L, Crf450rl, and tenere 700 and i tend to jump on the crf300l because it's light, reliable, and can take the abuse of high mileage and low maintenance. Of course more open roads i'll lean towards the tenere 700. Crf450rl has a huge fun factor but 600-1000mile oil changes and my current stock tank limit it's capabilities for now. I plan on doing the Rally Raid suspension once they have both front and rear suspension with the Hydraulic preload adjustment in stock!
Great revue. I agree with all the pros & cons that you mention about the Rally. I own one myself and have ridden around 12k miles last summer with it, dirt roads, highways, etc. around my province (Quebec) and even did the MABDR. Just a great fun and capable bike that can do anything you throw at it. 👍
I have had a 300 Rally for 2 years and 9,000 kms and agree with everything you say. I do have a bit of a hard time keeping up with bigger bikes on the road but once off, it is so easy to ride. I changed from a BMW F800 Adventure because it was just too heavy to pick up and compared to the Honda, unwieldy. The Rally Raid level 1 suspension and an ECU reflash are noticeable improvements for the 300. That said, and I think surprisingly, one of the piston rings broke and it needed a complete new top end. I think the symptoms of this (oil dripping out of the air box drain) happened before the end of the warranty period, but my Honda dealer picked up my bike from a rally I was attending (200 kms away) and did all the work at no cost. I have just got it back. I can't praise the bike or Honda highly enough.
Your assessment of this bike lines up pretty much with mine. I’m 140lbs soaking wet, so the CRF300 Rally is the perfect all around lightweight adventure bike for me. I bought a new one in ‘21, but haven’t actually ridden it much. In my dense urban setting it’s a long ride to anything like what you and Big Rock Moto are doing. I take mine with me on camping trips, loaded up in the truck. It’s easy to load & unload, and a joy to ride in Big Bend, NM, CO, etc.
I have the standard 300L. While it may not be able to ride 75mph all day on the freeway it did take me from the Bay area California to the Stagecoach rally in Julian and back just fine. That's a 1000 mile round trip on the bike.
Itchy Boots has run hers through the wringer, probably over 30,000 kms and most of her problems have been due to tough ground and minimal maintenance. For 6200$ what would you expect!
Love my 300L. Slapped the bigger Acerbis tank on it, and a K Tech rear shock and front spring. Fun little commuter for me in the warmer months, and have it all setup with the Kriega OS packs for motocamping.
Great review Dork. For me personally, I've never bought a true ADV bike and I can't see a time that I ever will. I'm sticking with my antique 1983 Honda XL250R and my 2018 Honda XR650L. The far lower costs give me more smiles per mile. The ride I'm planning dictates the bike I will choose. Both are awesome off road but the 250 is limited for sure on the highway. Maxes out at 55-60 on flat ground and loses speed on an incline. The 650 does much better on the highway but isn't designed for long highway rides as far as comfort goes but will do it all day. The 650 is 67 lbs heaver than the 250 but so far I really haven't noticed the increased weight much. I've taken both on all day trips and both perform excellent. All that money I saved will buy a lot of gas. Keep up the great work.
I just bought one. Planning on doing the TAT in 2025. Riding a 2016 Africa Twin right now on the great Ohio adventure trail. Dropped it at camp. Could not get it up without a ratchet winch. The rally I have no problem. The AT is a great bike on and off road but the difficulty for me to pick it up lead me to something much lighter. Rackless luggage to save weight is a game changer.
Long term owner here (250 rally) can vouch for this bikes greatness. Have had many bikes over the last 38 yrs and went the GSA route and came back thinking - I need a smaller, cheaper everyday bike that can handle some dirt (for real hardcore dirt I use a proper dirt bike) the CRF does everything I ever needed and more and it’s my go to bike for near everything except 2 up. Out of the box stock it’s well set up, but I did add a rack (needs to carry kit) and a rotopak style fuel cel (at a minimum I wanted 1:26 300k distances with out needing a gas station). Plastic is tough (a few drops and no noticeable damage) maint is a cinch and cheap. Stock tires are stock tires but happy I got 10k outta the rear. Some folks bitch about the suspension but I have no issue with it (195lbs) and the stock seat is a plank but again does the job. I barely use middle range throttle, either full on or off 😅 so you have to spin it up but this bike isn’t about gobs of power. There are others that do that so if that’s your thing be forewarned. Can’t fault it, Will ride it into the ground and buy another IF the time comes. Cheers
Done all the mods muffler shocks ecu 550 performance luggage rack foot pegs bark busters bash plate tyres all for $ 1500 US just such a low maintenance bike and it will go anywhere and you don’t have to carry a spare fuel pump. I weigh 100 kg and can pick it up no problem. Unlike my 2022 Africa twin which I ride on dirt roads an highway it’s horses for courses. Cheers for the content from New Zealand
I have 3600 miles on my Rally since last Aug. I’m not skilled enough off road to push the bike to its limits. It does everything and has gone everywhere I was brave enough to go. I would buy it again. If anything, I would keep this as a light adventure and buy a KLX 300 also for strictly off road playing. Great video as always!
With about 2k in level 1 performance mods, suspension upgrades, and tire replacement my Rally is a super capable dual sport. And, with a 15t front sprocket, I cruise comfortably at 70mph on freeways. I would be willing to trade my wife in for backup Rally.
OK, you made my mind up for me. We live down in Central America. Belize to be specific I had a dealership down here they had a 2013 XR 650 L which I bought which was completely customized by the previous owner, including a big ass tank suspension etc.. I bought my wife and daughter the CRF 300 L with its fuel injection and double the gas mileage as my big main jet full exhaust 650, I fell in love with it right away and I want the rally. I’m gonna order it from my home country Canada, and have a chipped down to Central America with full suspension done and everything else I need which I just ordered for the other bike
Hey Ben, I have a ‘22 rally … I really like this bike it does everything I expect it to… mostly gravel roads for me and flat hiway.. I find it refreshing to just drive this bike without worry.. no range problem, mud, gravel, pavement … this bike is like have a really good set of all season tires!!! You get piece of mind that no matter what one way or another I’ll get where I’m going!
In Europe there is the chinese VOGE 300 Rally, with the same specs and almost 3000 euros less. In it's 2 year run it turns out it's very reliable and a cheaper alternative to the CRF. Also there are two cheaper and with better specs bikes coming (CF MOTO 450 MT and RE Himalayan 450) this spring.
Rally owner, life long rider, 175 lbs. Spot on, this bike is very unique, I agree that it is a light weight, small displacement, very dirt and side roads friendly ADV bike (getting complicated with all these labels out there). With that, Honda delivers unfinished/wet noodle/no features at all bike. Suspension, it is bubble gum, the super soft springs violate the most basic sag values. Free sag uses 30% plus, if you are even 100 lbs, rider sag is 50% plus. Add to that poor dampening, wet noodle. Fine a pot hole or speed bump going straight and slow might feel wonderful, first nice curvy/tight road, the suspension wallows all over, it's junk (it's been like that since 2017). YSS shock, Race Tech spring/gold valve fixed that, $1100. The engine is choked up, all tuned for low RPM torque on 286 cc motor, because "beginner" bike. The motor comes alive with, CBR intake, CBR cams, ECU tune, exhaust, $1000. We get an axillary power plug in the harness (thank u Honda), but I guess USB charger is bit too much. Another one, no high beam passing light switch (I live in Indonesia, very useful as drivers here suck, my $2300 local CB150X has both). As much as I enjoy my now "fixed" Rally, I am getting tired of Honda not paying attention, or not carrying about this lighter side of their products. We get new colors or stickers, I guess they are busy with the Africa Twin and the rest.
I have a 2024 Honda Transalp and I love riding it . But when I getting ready to take off on one of my bikes I catch my self jumping on my 2023 Honda 300 Rally most of the time. For some reason it is just a joy to ride. It does have a Rally Raid suspension. Everything else is stock except the aluminum skid plate. It really is a great bike.
Very well said, 5 years on a 250 Rally here, i'm an expert amateur level enduro rider, for me these are great bikes if you don't feel like putting al the money and time consuming maintenance, but just wanna ride, its just a well balanced bike for everyone
You played a role in me purchasing a 23' 300L Rally that I picked up last in November. I 100% agree with your review and feel I am one of the guys who falls right in the middle with this machine. Little over 2300mi on it as of today. Looking forward to just going to the places less people go with having to deal with all the places everyone goes as well. This bike has been so far really what I was looking for out of a motorcycle. The ability just do basically what ever I'm capable of doing on a bike, and some stuff that I have no reason for being there. I moved over from my 17' CB300F, first bike which I put 25k miles on, and am having a hard time getting back on it. The CRF handles my commute almost as well as my CB really only lacking a little bit in MPG and MPH on the interstates but, better in the wind protection so the 30's are tolerable now. Also, the versatility on gravel roads, trails, and even under the power lines makes up for it in a big way. Because now I am constantly scanning for a "I think I can get through there" trail or path Instead of just watching the GPS for a safe side road on the CB. This makes the ride that more enjoyable even if it just to take the long way home.
I bought a 300 Rally last year and installed the exhaust + ecm and a rear shock. The bike is awesome now. It has plenty of power up to 60MPH. I also have the graves exhaust and it is great. If you get rid of a few items and change the battery etc you can get this bike down to 295-300LBS. Even the after market rear shocks are lighter then the OEM.
Thanks for your efforts Ben, I’m saving cash up to buy a smaller bike for exploring the logging roads. Kind of had my mind set on a DR 650……..but this gives me another option to look at.
Thanks Dork, I rode the Wyoming BDR last summer on my '21 Rally. I may be called an intermediate rider, but I made it. Lots 0f deep sand, steep hills with large rocks, and deep ruts on two track hills. One rut I slid into was so deep I was wedged on both sides on the fairings. Yes the fairings busted, but they still work fine. And if you look at it from a distance, you can't tell. Doubt I'll replace them. Odds are I slide into another deep trench.
I purchased on new when they came out in 2019 as a 250. I am a strong intermediate rider at 180 lbs. I put the race tech spring kit in the forks and installed Kenda Trakmasters front and rear. I went to Baja and did 600 miles with my buddies on their KTM 500's and did everything they did. it was a little more work but can easily do it. I imagine with the new suspension upgrades available for it these days and a little bigger motor it could be a fantastic bike. Almost tempted to build another!
I bought the 300 L to make it into a light adv bike. Added tusk handguards, a windshield, renthal bars and next on the list is suspension and the bigger tank. I won’t be selling it anytime soon. At my weight I can hit 70-75 on freeway with no issue as long as no headwind and sorta flat. Luv it.
Great review spot on. It has saved me explaining to people why I think this is a real adventure bike. I will just refer them to your video. Like you I was very surprised with the capability of the 300 while quite aware of its limitations and now is my primary adventure bike.
@@leeinwis I think so the rally and the L are ok dual sports with many other options out there. Where they excel is when used as an adventure bike. Nothing like them out there.
My dad’s had a lot of the recent CRF lineup, 250F, 300L, 300L Rally, and 450X. The only drawback either of us found with the 300s was the suspension purely, it is never overstated how soft that stuff is. He also had a 1976 TL250 that was a lot harder to bottom out. Now though? He now has the Transalp and 250F (considering selling the 250) and I run a CB500X. The middleweight ADV bikes actually do the job we like to accomplish here in Northerm Utah.
Great review. I have the non-rally ABS model and love it. After spending a little on upgrades, the bike does everything I ask of it. Sold a T7 to get this bike and have never regretted it.
I agree with all your points about the Rally , two of my friends and myself bought one each about two years ago , we did all the recommended up grades and this is a very capable bike now ... We have so far completed the ACT of the Pyrenees and came back on the TET and in May of this year we completed the ACT of Portugal from top to bottom turned around and did it in reverse .... No issues at all with any of the bikes just great fun and we never felt that the bikes wouldn't be able to cope we the terrain .... We all have GSA 1250 BMWs on the road ......Once again great bikes ...(ACT Adventure Country Tracks ) ( TET Trans European Trails )
Got to leave a comment here! I have a CRF250L rally after riding every ADV bike on the market, most long term (I owned a motorcycle shop for 7 years) I landed on the KTM 1090 adventure R as my favorite ADV bike, but I wanted something lighter, because I travel alone a lot. The CRF250l rally or 300 was the perfect option, in the end not any cheaper because of all my upgrades but, it is more capable and takes much less energy to ride, at the end of the day I'm ready to ride! My friends on heavier bikes are spent... I will quote myself by saying the only thing it doesn't do well is, over 80mph, I can live with that... Great bikes.
I've been riding XRV750 Africa Twin (produced in 2000) for about 8 years back in Russia, but now have to sell it since I live in Sweden. I came to a point of selling Africa and buying a Suzuki RD650 which seemed perfect for me (main reason - price and need to get a lighter bike than Africa, which by the way I truly love), but discovered RDs are not sold in Europe for many years, and even if I import, it would be hard if not impossible to register. How do you folks think, will CRF300 Rally be dull on the highway for me after XRV750? On Africa, my cruising speed on a highway was always 120-130 kph (74-80 mph), and I could overtake (not perfectly, but could), increasing the speed to up to 145 kph (90 mph). Would you say this will be impossible on CRF300 and I will have to forget about highway overtaking at such speeds?
Honda have a knack for making the right compromises. That means they look underwhelming in short-term reviews and spec-sheet reviews, but are great to own. You see the same thing right across Honda's range. No category-toppers, no paeons of praise from moto-journos, just millions of satisfied owners. In the case of the 300 Rally, for every shortcoming it has, I've thought long and hard about whether I wish Honda had done it differently, and the answer is: no I don't, because that would mean giving up something else and make the overall package worse.
Great video. I also own a 2021 CRF300L Rally since new up here in Ontario Canada. Love the thing. Not considering selling it ever. It’s a Honda. My 2004 CBR1000RR (bought new as well) has 66,000 miles on it and I haven’t done a valve adjustment yet. Purrs like a kitten. I don’t abuse it but I take it up in the revs to redline often enough. To get back to the CRF, yes the suspension is a little soft but for me, 195 lbs and my beginner style of riding, it works absolutely fine. I love the plushness on the road compared to the CBR. I don’t intend to start racing off road with it. I bought it as a “do it all” bike. A nice easy going trail bike. Wind protection on road is nice. Bigger fuel tank great. I added auxiliary lights myself. Sidestand enlarger. A top box I made myself. Installed USB charger for phone on RAM mount. I take it out moto camping ⛺️ (the CBR as well 😛) I learnt to ride off road when I was a kid on a 1974 CB125S street bike. After the first year the suspension was gone but I rode it for 7 more years with the suspension shot. My folk did not have the money to by me a real dirt bike. I followed the other guys on real dirt bikes pretty good. Went where they went. No big jumps but … I reckon this suspension will work just fine for me. 😃 My opinion, don’t overlook this bike. It is very capable. Enjoy guys.
I have the CRF300L & if you keep the revs low on dirt roads or fire trails it rides a bit more loosely but you can get really good mileage out of it. I can do 28km/litre or about 65mpg. Rev it harder and it digs in better and naturally tracks corners better at the cost of less range. That’s pretty cool!
I also recently rode my 300L Rally through Death Valley, and I’ve put over 10K miles on it. Agree with everything you’ve said, it’s a not a speed demon, but it will just go and go, love mine!
I own a KTM 1190 Adventure R, ridden it quite alot, across Europe, to Mongolia and back, whatever. I then got a 300 L. My main requirements before buying it were: a new-ish bike (wouldn't have minded a second hand), modern (ABS), long maintenance intervals, light, simple. The 300 was the silver bullet for me (minus the suspension that frankly sucks). I have ridden it in an around 5000 kms solo trip to Turkey last year, I absolutely loved it. Extremely confidence inspiring offroad (the 1190 is heavy and hard to manage offroad, especially alone), it is indeed an amazing choice. Alot of people ask me whether I recommend it. The first question I always ask back is "what do you need it for". Rally riding - not, it is not a fun bike, you don't feel the thrill revving it up, jumping all sorts of stuff. As an ADV bike it is not comfortable either, it does not eat miles, it is not comfy. Something in between? For sure! Awesome review, keep up the good work!
I’m the same way with my Yamaha XT250… I think it’s perfect for light ADV and like the air cooled engine as it’s one less thing to worry about (a stick through the radiator). I looked at the 300L rally but found the XT250 super cheap ($2600 w/760 miles). All I did was put a 16 tooth sprocket on the front and it is perfect for me. What’s not to love? 😅
I have 25,000 miles on mine and it is now in Europe waiting for me and some more countries to visit. I can agree with everything you said here but the limitations suit me fine for slower travel on more rural or remote roads. I avoid the expressways like the plague but it has worked okay when pushed. Larger tank, windscreen, and service intervals work well for travelers and Honda shops are not hard to find almost anywhere. I replaced the rear shock with a Rally Raid which works well for me and my gear. And I try not to overload it with the gear.
I just renter a 300 rally in grand junction and did 600mi on it to my moab trip solo, I road many bikes, I am old 64 I was dolo on this trip, I am a very good off road rider, I a east coaster, I owned, yz125, it400, drz400e yz250fx, wr290r big bore, tenere 700, for this moab trip I really like this rally, it got 70mpg, holds 3.4gal gas, has windscreen for those super cold mornings that never got in my way, it's a good looking bike, it's was gear down 4 teeth so cruise was 60 all day felt happy, I didn't do any hyways but lots of twisty pavement so speed were not any issues, the rear shock needed it more spring and heated grip is all I would of changed, this was the best trip I had yet, I took the rally some gnarly jeep trails all loaded up with gear with no problems, I think because of the seat height gave me confidence and bike felt light and did better then it should of,
I got a 300L for commuting to work and because it's easy to put on a hitch carrier. Did a couple mods- bigger gas tank, windscreen and seat concepts seat. So far seems like a nice little bike and super cheap to operate. Huge aftermarket support too!
Once I sort out the suspension, and changed out the stock tires, the bike's real strong point really shone through. It handles great. It is incredibly easy to ride. Whether standing up or sitting on the seat, I find that if I stay in the middle of the bike and let the bike do what it needs to do, it will pull me through. Every time I ride it, I'm amazed as to how capable my 300 Rally is.
Best thing you can do is the 550 ecu and cbr intake. It turns it into a whole different bike for only $250-$300. I went from a 250l to a 450l back to a 300l and it’s the bike bike I’ve ever owned. Sitting at 13.5k miles and never had a doubt that the bike would leave me stranded. I’ve even had it at 80mph for 8 hours on the interstate.
I’ve had a 300L since they came out, I’ve had it since December of 2022, I love the bike, I knew what I was buying when I got it, so now that I’m “tired” of it, I’m still keeping it. It’s not a thorobred like a 450, so it’s much easier to handle in any given situation, in my opinion. It’s never left me anywhere. My only issues have been the good awful cheap drive chain is worn out already, and I had headlight issues, which I traced back and found that from the factory, the 14pin plug that connects to the starter side switches, had been jammed together and bent the pins for the headlight circuit, causing an intermittent short, which I found because I could feel the heat from the short circuit in the wire loom behind the headlight. Might be something to watch for.
Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq
Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z
Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Giant Loop: www.giantloopmoto.com/?ref=dork
So after almost 9 months of researching bikes, lots of bikes & their respective pros/cons..... this one has just popped up
on the radar? With all the dual sport talk I've only just now found this & I'm kinda impressed b/c it does have features
that you'd have to add to other bikes..... I'm at 170lbs so I'm not sure how that equates & I'll be a new rider once I've
selected a bike. So this bike does have a big aftermarket? Guess I'm going to check out your other videos on this
bike now. Glad you were here so I can at least say I LQQKed at everything before I finally buy? peace Mr Dork
I like to see you are on the more heavy side, like me! Therefore you proof the thing is good enough for the big boys. Enough said.
The self ejecting windscreen is a great feature, the bike gets lighter as you ride, who else has that?
😂🤣😅
@BigRockMoto have you seen the 300 Rally that Shonky Production has with the 550 Performance big bore kit? It’s faster than a a stock 450l… Hopefully he keeps it on his channel long to give us feedback on the reliability etc.
How much
+1 have been hit in the face by a honda well nut windshield
Until it comes to a self electing seat. lol.
A trend I've noticed with adv riders. Many people start on these types of bikes, get "good" and sell it. Get an expensive/higher maintenance bike and absolutely regret getting rid of the low strung/low maintenance/fun easy bike and sell.. again.. and buy again the smaller bikes like this one. I'm certainly in that group. You can go 80% as fast and have 100% the fun with 30% the work/wrenching.
Excellent review. Fun factor on these bikes is such a thing. I think the Internet encourages a competitive part of ourselves, not necessarily a bad thing, but I believe it has sold more bikes than we would like to admit.
I couldn't even estimate the number of times I've heard owners of DR650s who sold them talk about regretting selling it.
Totally agree. I see this often, as well.
@@randomOAS7Now imagine selling gems like Yamaha WR250 R when you can't buy new or even used one here in EU.
I’m in the same group, sort of. The difference is that have been smart and kept my DRZ that I’ve had since 2006. During the time I’ve owned it, I’ve had a new 2012 KTM 500 EXC. I sold it two years later. I bought a 2007 KLR in 2012, did two big mostly pavement adventure rides and a few other rides and finally sold it in 2020 because I didn’t ride it for at least two years, so it made no sense to keep it. 2019 I bought a 450 EXC-F, which I still have, but the DRZ is a better all day fire road bike. 2022 I bought a T7. 2023 I broke my wrist. 2024, T7 is for sale. I have just come to the realization that as I’m getting older, I’m going to stick to 300 ish lb and smaller bikes.
If someone is shopping for a T7, I’m in Washington.
About 20 years ago I built a Honda xr650r into an adv bike . I put a lot of miles on it . Engine had a cam and a pipe . I miss that bike . Life got in the way and I sold it . Probably will end up building another 1.
I'm 65, and I own an Ultra Classic. Got sick of being a "fair weather" rider. I just bought a new 300 Rally and I love it. Took it out for its first 100 mile ride, freaking cold out, seasonal roads that still had snow on them. Motored right through it. This thing rocks!
Woooooo hells yea!! This is the most fun bike I've owned :D
Well done cody
@@pamelafakkeldy1533 Who is Cody?
KLR BETTER OR DR
@@TraveladvRajanSRai No, they are not better.
Yes, I love my Honda CRF 300L! 67 years old here!
also 67 mate, own a GS1200, but love my 300 R
@@kengoold7157 as I , BMW GS 1250 last edition :) and CRF 300 L with some farkles like Hyper pro Suspension front and rear, windshield, luggage rack, and Acrapovic exhaust
I just finished riding my 250 Rally from Seattle to Patagonia over the past year, and I really couldn’t have asked for a better companion on the journey. I sold the bike a week ago in Chile and fought back tears as I watched the new owner ride away. The bike never failed me after nearly 30k miles of hard riding, including a crash in Baja Mexico that shredded the plastic faring on the right side of the bike into four separate pieces, and numerous drops since. I’d love a more powerful version one day, like a 450/500 rally, but you’ve got to respect what Honda has accomplished with these already. These bikes simply won’t quit and will take you where you want to go as faithfully as any other motorcycle ever made, as far as I’m concerned.
Believe it or not, when you upgrade the rear sprocket on this bike from a 40T to a 42T, you don’t lose any of your top end speed for the highway, and you gain an incredible amount of low end torque for the technical stuff, going up hills, and overtaking vehicles.
Not to mention that you can still use the stock chain. I didn’t believe that you wouldn’t lose any top end speed, so I was hesitant to do it for two years, but woodsman adventure talked me into it, and I’m so glad I listened to him. The combination of the stock improved ECU tune, and the 42T sprocket, completely changed this bike into something much more enjoyable and fun to ride. I can actually pop wheelies now, and still top out at 81mph. I weigh 205lbs.
Good to know! Thanks!
That’s an idea I might try as I do long distance highway kms on it. And commute to work during the week. So 42t but with the ecu tune?
@@travisbrown9267 I had my ECU flashed about 6 months before I added the new sprocket. It was a big improvement in itself. I gained 9% more power, and 4% more torque. But I wasn’t searching for more power, I was trying to achieve more linear acceleration through the rev range, and smoother throttle response, which is what you get with a stock improved tune. Additionally, the bike runs a little cooler. The fan doesn’t kick on and off quite as much. The bike runs a little lean from the factory. The ECU tune richens the mixture ever so slightly which causes the bike to run cooler, and ultimately should last even longer. I think everyone should do it. But that’s just my opinion. You might want to do your own research. I chose just the stock improved tune, with a simple air box mod. I could have chosen the stage 1 tune, which provides an increase 18% power and 12% in torque, but that would require an aftermarket exhaust, and I just wasn’t ready for the additional noise at the time. But it would had added even more power and torque, by providing more efficient airflow.
I will most likely upgrade to a stage 1 tune in the future. That’s what’s good about 550 Performance. Once you have them flash your ECU, they will flash it again in the future for free, I just pay the shipping. If I were you, I would go on 550 Performance’s website, and choose a tune, and try that out first. There are 8 different tunes to choose from. You might be happy with those results alone. But that’s just me.
I like making incremental upgrades, and see how the bike reacts to each modification, before moving on to the next upgrade. Most people do everything at once. But they couldn’t tell you how the bike would respond with one modifications without another. I only chose to do a sprocket upgrade because I was seeking even more lower end torque for the more technical trail riding stuff, because I ride off rode more than I do on road. It just so happened that I didn’t lose any top end speed, which is a win win in my book. And I still have the stage 1 tune to look forward to. Possibly even a stage 3, but that will require a Big Bore kit, so that is in the distant future. Maybe next year.
81??? Iv heard these a 60 mph bikes
@@Jefestephens th-cam.com/video/hXi_f47FvzY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7gCblSRX_nZn9U5j
I've owned several hundred bikes and this video is spot on. I just traded a modded 701 for the KLX 300 . I bought a new Rally in 2021, Rally raid suspension and SRC moto accessories. My Rally is better than the KLX in every way with the suspension upgrade. 63 and 175 lbs. I ride out of Quartzsite AZ. I can ride with KTM's and Huskys all day.
This is a home run for Honda. Not as exciting as a KTM with massive power but at the end of the day my smile pushes away any doubts. The only person I have to impress is me, and this bike impresses me with every ride.
I would say its MORE exciting than the KTM because you know you will get home and it wont be at the shop being FIXED so you will be able to go on your ride as you desire.
I have also been following Itchy Boots for years, and now that she has hit 50,000 kms on her 300L Rally, riding some of the most difficult and treacherous roads from South America to Africa and across deserts, mountains, and swamps. She has never been let down by that bike. I have owned many bikes, and I agree with you - this 300L rally is the only one that can last the distance. My KTM's have been far less than confidence inspiring to own. Itchy Boots, and people like yourself, have really proven the Honda completely. Anyone considering a different make in this category is nuts!
You are correct about KTM,s.The main models assume a certain level of skill before you buy one.
They are race bikes at the end of the day and the learning curve is a lot steeper. I have one and also a CRF300L.
I can say categorically that the CRF (with modified suspension) is a far easier and more relaxed ride than my KTM 500. However the KTM will tackle far more difficult terrain than the Honda I will excite you for more. It's like a thoroughbred horse v your favourite horse that you love taking out for days.I am out three times per week on both bikes and have covered thousands of km .
They are both great bikes to own and serve different purposes.
The only thing nuts is inexperienced riders falling for hype that a 286cc plastic bike is the best do it all. A DR650 is just getting broken in at 50k and only weighs a small amount more. Btw Norally has had major issues with her rally (she does ride it hard but weighs half what most riders do). Do not recommend at all. 0:03
Nope ! They aren’t nuts !
The 300 Rally is a bit .. “cardigan man”
My own Husqvarna 701 weighs less, has way more power.
It’s a totally different level of ability both on and off road.
Honda was always considered reliable manufacturer. It didn't just happen in past few years.
Sadly, she broke before the bike did :]
You nailed it Ben! This is John Page Jr from Chelan WA at 72 years old and weighing in at 153 lb and riding my 2021 CRF300L Rally also. For the lighter riders out there I have been able to maintain 65 mph loaded down with camping gear but do not expect much more out of this bike in stock form. I like Ben love this bike and agree with Ben about every thing he said about this bike and thank you Ben for putting this review out there. I will also back Ben up about the soft suspension on this bike. Even though I am a light guy I have already put on a better shock and a new spring for my weight. If you are not into going fast the suspension is fine but if you plan on using it as a light ADV bike just know that you are going to want to at least change the springs to match your weight when you are suited up in all your gear and for sure if you are carrying any amount of camping gear. All thumbs up from me on this motorcycle. I love it!
Every time I watch Noraly struggle with Alaska, I keep thinking there's gotta be a better motorcycle for that type of riding. The better than a CRF300L Rally Light Adventure Motorcycle. There really isn't when you factor everything in. It's either heavier, or much more expensive, or more questionable reliability and parts availability, or shorter distance. You can confidently get on a 300 Rally and just go anywhere on the planet and know you've got the best chance to make that trip without problems of any motorcycle produced.
To be fair, hers is heavily modified
@@iz723 She did modify the suspension, the mirrors, the seat, added a bunch of bags and handlebar mounts... But the frame and the drive train on Alaska is stock (and has been rebuilt several times at this point). That means everything important is stock except the suspension (which failed after it was installed and had to be rebuilt). I would say the bare minimum has been done to Alaska, hardly anything has been modified.
That being said, the statement misses the point. The CRF300L Rally is still the best "Light ADV" for that type of travel, modified or not. But, I think it would be fairly easy to improve on it, but no one really has.
I would argue the DRZ400S would be a good alternative to have similar weight with a little more power and a HUGE parts selection. Biggest downside to the DRZ is its still got a carb. But you can almost double the power and not loose reliability, mine's still getting about 55mpg as a cammed ported big bore stroker with a fcr41. The extra quart of oil compared to some other bikes helps extend the changes too. And they hold their value pretty well. If not beat they sell regularly for $4k.
@@randombuilds8336 Yeah, I added a windscreen and luggage to mine-and a seat- and it's not a bad tourer. Runs rough on a cold morning at altitude, until it warms up,, but that's really my only complaint. Nice to have a bit more power than that 300.
Yes when I watch noraly I realize the little Honda is pretty much the do it all bike she seems to manage to ride thousands of miles with very few problems.. people keep talking about unicorns they are a mythical creature created to entertain little children ..so maybe just buy a bike and learn to ride it
I am still running a 2018 CRF250 Rally with upgraded suspension and I love it. It is light enough for off-road trails but capable enough to ride from Southern Illinois to Northwest Arkansas with camping gear and then trail ride. One of the best bikes I ever purchased.
How was it on the highway? I was considering a regular crf300l but now on the fence, would be nice to have an off road capable bike with the option of doing the highway if I ever needed to
I bought a 250 Rally in 2017 when they first came out to get back into dirt bikes after many years of bicycling. I spend summers in Vermont and have ridden in much of the state (around 10,000 mi now), mostly dirt roads (there are 9000 miles of them in VT) but some Class 4 and trails. The Rally is a perfect bike, economical (80+mpg), handles well, inexpensive, and nice looking. I've installed heavier springs. The views, old cemeteries, and colonial buildings make every ride an adventure. Did I mention I'm 77?
💪
Good review, agree with you 99%. I have already 3k mi on my 2024. Im 6'3" 230lbs and have hit 91mph and easy hit 70-80. My new favorite bike!
Exhaust, ecu tune and airbox has completely changed my rally, highly recommended.
links ?
Yep. Spot on Ben. Took me about 4 bikes to figure this out and recently bought a 300L base model. Just sold my KTM 890 and had plenty of money left over to add some mods - suspension, bigger tank, header and pipe, and a few things to accommodate my short inseam. I'm still under $7k. I'm about 160 lbs and 85% offroad. It is now what I consider the perfect bike for me. One of the biggest pros? I can pick it up ALL BY MYSELF when I dump it, no problem.
Keep up the great content. Love your vids.
I got my rally in 2021. I absolutely loved it. I put 21,000 miles on it in just over 2 years. Zero problems...checked the valves at 18k and they were still in spec. At 240 lbs, I was very rough on it. Sold it and my old goldwing to get a transalp. Love the transalp, but another rally will be in my future.
At 52 years young and never ridden off road, I decided to roll the dice on a crf300 rally. So far, I'm having a blast riding fire roads around my neck of the woods.
@@EastboundDwn I’m 52 as well and looking for my first bike. These videos have been very informative and it’s nice to see the feedback of others in my situation.
@JP-hs9ji It's such an easy bike to ride confidently off road if you have any experience riding motorcycles in general.
I haven't ridden in a few decades, last bike was a Yamaha R1. I wanted to get back into riding and more off the beaten path. Bought the Rally, in part to your videos, and I am loving the Rally. The previous owner bought it for the same reason I did but only put 1500 miles on. I have almost doubled that in a two months. Got my wife the Kawasaki KLX230S ABS because she is short and has never driven a motorcycle, only ridden as a passenger. The bikes fit us perfectly. I like the idea of ABS for both of us as novice riders. These bikes are far more capable than our skills. Thanks for the vids!
Dude i dont even ride, but I’ve been watching your videos for over a year. You just have entertaining content!
Hey guys, just FYI I’m 165 pounds 5 11 and it’s top speed on flat ground is about 86 miles an hour maybe 90 with no wind. Going up steep hills it’ll cruise at 75. I start off at about 3200 feet above sea level and go all the way up to about 6000 feet.
Well said. I have a 2020 250L Rally. Picked up used about 6 mos. ago w/200 miles on her. Now i have about 1K miles on her. Love the bike, just have to know her limits. I also have a '09 KLX250 that I gave to my son so we can experience life together off road. Thanks for the review.
Awesome video Ben! I'm 64 year old T7 owner and am taking possession of a CRF300 Rally sometime in April / May. I've had my T7 for 3 years and it is awesome and I will not sell it, but off road, when it gets a wee bit technical, I get scared. It is just too heavy. Where I live (Yukon) we have some really nasty and rugged roads into very remote corners of the Territory and having a lighter bike is going to make things much more fun and SAFE. But now I will have to come up with next level excuses, to the lady, to explain the plethora of boxes that are gong to be arriving at my house as I build out the CRF300 Rally for adventure riding!
Every summer I see dudes coming up the Alaska Highway on huge GS' piled high with gear that just blows me away. I pray for them as they head for Tuk, that the Dempster Highway doesn't turn into a friction-less, snot-filled, mud bog when it inevitably rains. Just say no to heavy bikes!
Well said. I feel similarly about my Himalayan. Especially: "By the time you outgrow this bike, skills wise, you'll know whether you want a true ADV bike or a more capable dual-sport."
Wise approach. The Himalayan seems to have a lot to offer in this category also.
I find I just need both lol
Picked up my CRF300L today. I hope I have half as much fun as you do on these vids. Thanks for sharing, and for the inspiration!
I started on a CRF250l Rally, moved to the DR650, and then now I'm on a 701 enduro that I'm building into my unicorn. I don't think I'd say I miss my rally. Although I had some beautiful graphics on it that really made it stand out. I do respect the rally for what it is and I would feel more than comfortable recommending it to people. If there is one thing I've learned throughout my ownership, especially now that I'm on the 701. It cannot be overstated how big of a difference good suspension makes. New springs are the bare minimum for the Rally. A beginner probably wouldn't notice for a while but I'd be willing to make the argument that it's almost a safety issue. It's incredibly easy to out-ride the stock suspension on the Rally, even for a beginner.
I put the hyperpro progressive spring kit in my rally and I think it costed me like $350. A great option for anyone wondering about suspension for their Rally but doesn't have the cash to shell out for a brand new setup. I took off the rear shock myself and brought it to a dirtbike shop and they switched the spring out for like $15. I was able to do the forks myself with the help of a friend.
It is a safety issue
@@Walkeranzbs. Kawasaki sells a 300 almost rhenexact same.its got better suspension they just dont have a version with a bigger tank and windsheild
Just got a new 2023 rally a few weeks ago and absolutely love it.Watched a lot of your videos on the rally and it was helpful in helping me make my decision.Keep up the great videos!!!
I just bought mine last week. 100 miles in and so far I love it.
I'm a big guy as well (6'3 and 255 wet)... love your channel. I'm looking at this as my next bike to give me more fun on trails (my primary is a '19 BMW R1250GSA)...been researching the GPX FSE300R but... I'm leaning towards the Honda Rally simply because it's a known entity. Thank you so much for your time and effort to bring unbiased reviews for us larger riders!!!
Great review! I smashed most of the Con's you mentioned by upgrading front and rear suspension to Ktech, and gained some ponies by fitting a Yoshimura exhaust and a 550 Performance ECU flash. A bit of crash protection and better handguards and all is fine. Im 6'4" and 110kg so not small and my Rally will go 85 on the flat - but is happier at 65-70. One thing you didn't mention is that these great little bikes sip fuel and i get over 90mpg (imperial Gallon - not your short version!). With the tank size you can get a real long way on a tankful. I did however run out once on the way to work and a little old man let me steal the fuel from his lawnmower so i could get to the next town. Dropped him off a bottle of wine on the way home and we are now mates as he made me drink it with him!
I’m the same size and I’ve wondered how the 300cc would move my weight around.
I’m over in the UK and absolutely love my ‘23’ Rally. Mods are being done as and when needed, but for the price, the fun factor and the simplicity, it’s my favourite ever bike.
VERY forgiving and makes me smile every day.
"Not great at any one thing, but good/competent at everything" is a highly underrated quality in the online motorcycle community. Glad to see you stand up for that point.
It sounds like if you dumped $1000 into the suspension, and maybe added a few power upgrades (assuming those exist) this would be a really formidable contender.
Hi Ben. You've seen the light! My son wisely directed me to the Rally 3 years ago when I (a new DS rider wanted a T7... after I saw some internet advertising lies, lol.) My son's dirtbike intuitions was spot on, and after 2 years of building my skills, confidence, and making the bike my own with motocampjng and trail mods, a distracted driver totalled me out while I was at a stop sign. I got a good settlement and had enough experience to upgrade to the Transalp on the showroom floor. Guess what I bought... another Rally! 😊😊 Thanks for sharing all your trips!
Bought a 23 and currently at 3700 miles. I found this 1 year review to be spot-on. The first time I took it off road I was thrilled at how easy it was to handle in tight north eastern rough rut and root infested single tracks and didn't want to stop. I've never had a bike that made me want to ride in the cold but I've ridden it off and all all winter. Price of admission is so reasonable I had money left to buy proper high quality gear. At 62 I've had bigger bikes and the 300 Rally seems so much more common sense practical. If I rode with a competition focus it would be different but when I ride its not a race. I slow down a bit so there is time to take in the scenery. I've even ridden it two up on and off road and other than the rear sagging, was amazed at how well it did on hills. To top it off the bike is very easy on the eyes just oozes class, style and masculine beauty. Peace!
My '22 Rally/ABS and I both agree with your analysis...it has earned it's use of valuable garage real estate and will continue to do so for some time - love the content!
Well, there is the Voge 300 Rally. Not in NA but pretty successful in Europe and SA, Asia and so on. I drove both and decided to buy the Voge, fits me better with 6"2, stiffer suspension, I like the look and sounds better. Of course saved 3000€ too. Been happy since. Would the Honda cost only 1k more I would buy the Honda simply because of resale value.
I own the CRF and bought the Voge for my father in law and hell, I was surprised. There are some downsides ("mirrors" for example), but it sure is a nice bike and much cheaper.
Just a not for shorter riders, voge is 815mm seat. Shame as its on sale in spain€3887 with 5 year guarentee
Awesome review! People don’t understand, but I’m glad you do. Between you and Adventure Daily(running 300L) you guys confined to me to get the 300L Rally
The 300 Rally is truly a lightweight mini ADV bike, and nothing really compares to it. Until you ride one for a while it is hard to get this. It just does a whole range of riding with no drama and no issues. I have been up and down the displacement ladder and owned many motos but the 300 Rally is the best adventure bike I have owned IF you don't want to go really fast, carry a bunch of stuff, are willing to do a few simple upgrades and like to route plan on dirt and twisty 2 lane backcountry highways. I put the Rally Raid suspension on mine and that makes is so much more capable. Good review.
Everyone should note the asterisk in the owners manual by 8,000 mile oil changes. Change oil more frequently for extreme riding and dirt riding for longest engine life.
I owned a 2021 Rally for 1.5 years while traveling North America with a van. It was extremely reliable and I put almost 10,000 miles on it in that short amount of time. I ended up doing a full K-Tech build on the suspension and that made a huge difference. The power was really the only downside after the suspension was done. I've since then owned a 450L and now a Tenere. I missed how smooth the 300 was as a commuter when I had the 450, and I now miss how light the 300 felt compared to my Tenere. I'm a more experienced off-road rider and am glad I'm on a more powerful bike these days, especially when I'm traveling with my gf, but I would be just fine owning the 300 Rally still and it'd work well for my city commuting and weekly off-road adventures. Thanks for making this review. Glad you're enjoying the bike.
A video from my first few weeks with the 300 putting the stock suspension to work th-cam.com/video/dfdjg-kC_8s/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=NatePoeppel
Got my 2023 CRF300L about a month ago. Havent put many miles on ot but i love it so far. Great videos. Came across them recently. Makes me jealous. I love in new jersey not many places to ride.
I've been watching loads of videos about this bike...I'm convinced, I'll get one this year, see you on trails. The only sad part about it is that it barely gets to 70 miles if it gets there and I currently have a Chinese Sinnis apache 125 cc stock that goes up to 65 miles .
I had both the 450l and 300l rally and completely agree with all you say in this video. But just traded in the 300l for a tenere 700. I loved my 300l off road and it taught me a ton but I was just bored on the road with it. When I ride the 450l to my local trails it's an absolute hoot. Uncomfortable and not stable at highway speeds but it's just got that fun factor I fell in love with motorcycles for. The 300l was just slow and dull compared to pretty much any other bike I've ever ridden.
It is a dog for anyone who has ever rode a dirtbike. It is reliable and cheap though. I had a dr650 and loved how much torque it had . Unfortunately, she was killed on my way home from completing the nebdr. I ended up buying a 24 tenere 700. It is awesome! I am considering buying a 450l for the tighter more technical woods riding. In your experience, how awesome is the 450l?
@@MaxwellBenson80 The most fun bike I ever rode. Fun playful and light on the road and I have raced it against my buddies tenere and it beats it up to about 70 mph. Only downside is it's not super stable around highway speeds and the oil change intervals. It is tall but honestly I have a harder time reaching the ground on the tenere because of the wide seat. Definitely a good combo.
Thanks in large part to all your Rally content, I just purchased my own 300L Rally. Never ridden off road so will be learning with this bike. Really wanting to get into light adventure stuff.
You are like me..getting old. I find that I can do more on my smaller bikes and get less fatigued than the previous fire breathers I have owned. I too went from a 450 to a 300 and now on the street I'd like to get rid of my 1100 and get either a 700 or 750. Less is more. The 300 2t is a game changer in the woods and I have so much fun on it and see the backcountry in all its glory.
I own a 2023 Rally and love it! At 160 lbs, I have not had a lot of problems with the suspension.
I own a GS1200 and a 300 R, previously had a Honda 450X, 2011 version, lost 150 cc s but gained so much more. this bike is so easy to live with. I'm 67, feel this bike will last for the rest of my adventure life.
I could be wrong, but it feels like there's a HUGE market for the casual "light adventure" category (300-500cc), but the industry is somehow missing the clues. 🙃😊
True! I have a 2022 Honda CB500X that I enjoy, but it's not a great off pavement bike despite a Rally Raid rear shock upgrade and RR skidplate. It just needs a little more ground clearance and a better stock suspension. The 2025 Ibex 450 looks really intetesting though!
@@alozborne And it's heavy.
@@leeinwis That's relative - it's light compared to most ADV bikes yet heavy versus true dual sports. Until you ride one, the CB500X is easy to dismiss but it's such a good all round ADV for the money spent.
@@alozborneYou mean CFMoto 450MT? Seems like a nice bike but it is very heavy. It fits in middle weight category, not lightweight. Same weight as CB500X.
@@constantinosschinas4503 Yes, for whatever reason CF Moto are cslling the 450 MT the Ibex 450 in North America - same bike. The bike is definitely heavier than dual sports, but what other bike is designed to be as off-road oriented as the 450 MT is while also being comfortable enough to ride for 500 kms in a single day on the highway?
For an ADV, 200 kgs is about as light as they get. It's really only dual sports that break that 200 kg barrier, with the one exception being the KTM 390 Adventure. I'm excited to see what KTM do to update that bike as the rumor is that it will be much more off road oriented.
I bought a 2023 Rally last year and so far it has been great....hauls the wife and I on all kinds of adventures BUT....I would never even think of going a whole year before changing the oil. Mine has just over 4200 kms on it right now and I have changed the oil 3 times already. Once after break-in, then whenever it gets black...that's my reminder to change oil!
I built the "Ultimate" 300 Rally and it was great. At the end of the day, I have more experience and different desires for my setup, so I bought a KTM 500. I do sometimes wish I'd have kept the 300 for certain things. I'm fully convinced that if you would invest the (admittedly significant) money into a Rally Raid suspension setup for your weight it would make the 300 even more of a Unicorn than you already think it is. Glad you're having fun with it all and filing it for us!
Just got a new 300 rally today
Love it , last bike was a klr
The 300 is so sweet
Great review! As a fellow rally owner I agree. Great bike. Gday from Australia 🇦🇺
I had a smile every time I rode my 300. The lack of power on the hills exactly as you mention, was the reason I sold it. I thought long and hard about engine upgrades and decided it was purpose built. It just seemed to costly for everything it needed. Ultimately I chose the 690 and am very glad I did.
We have Honda CRF 300 out down in Belize. You just talked me into the rally as well.
I ride a KLX300. Bought it over the 300L because it was used and could get a good deal . Absolutely love this class of bike as an older experienced rider. I do the Knarly off road trails just fine. Easy to manoeuvre and pick up when you drop it. Pretty much a jack of all trades. Wish it had a larger tank like the 300 Rally but do prefer the better suspension of the KLX.
I agree with all your observations.. I have the crf300L, Crf450rl, and tenere 700 and i tend to jump on the crf300l because it's light, reliable, and can take the abuse of high mileage and low maintenance. Of course more open roads i'll lean towards the tenere 700. Crf450rl has a huge fun factor but 600-1000mile oil changes and my current stock tank limit it's capabilities for now. I plan on doing the Rally Raid suspension once they have both front and rear suspension with the Hydraulic preload adjustment in stock!
Great revue. I agree with all the pros & cons that you mention about the Rally. I own one myself and have ridden around 12k miles last summer with it, dirt roads, highways, etc. around my province (Quebec) and even did the MABDR. Just a great fun and capable bike that can do anything you throw at it. 👍
I have had a 300 Rally for 2 years and 9,000 kms and agree with everything you say. I do have a bit of a hard time keeping up with bigger bikes on the road but once off, it is so easy to ride. I changed from a BMW F800 Adventure because it was just too heavy to pick up and compared to the Honda, unwieldy. The Rally Raid level 1 suspension and an ECU reflash are noticeable improvements for the 300. That said, and I think surprisingly, one of the piston rings broke and it needed a complete new top end. I think the symptoms of this (oil dripping out of the air box drain) happened before the end of the warranty period, but my Honda dealer picked up my bike from a rally I was attending (200 kms away) and did all the work at no cost. I have just got it back. I can't praise the bike or Honda highly enough.
Your assessment of this bike lines up pretty much with mine.
I’m 140lbs soaking wet, so the CRF300 Rally is the perfect all around lightweight adventure bike for me.
I bought a new one in ‘21, but haven’t actually ridden it much. In my dense urban setting it’s a long ride to anything like what you and Big Rock Moto are doing.
I take mine with me on camping trips, loaded up in the truck. It’s easy to load & unload, and a joy to ride in Big Bend, NM, CO, etc.
I have the standard 300L. While it may not be able to ride 75mph all day on the freeway it did take me from the Bay area California to the Stagecoach rally in Julian and back just fine. That's a 1000 mile round trip on the bike.
Impressed.
Itchy Boots has run hers through the wringer, probably over 30,000 kms and most of her problems have been due to tough ground and minimal maintenance. For 6200$ what would you expect!
My thought exactly.
😅😂 ☕️
Nailed it. A true do it all bike; precisely why I purchased and still own mine.
Love my 300L. Slapped the bigger Acerbis tank on it, and a K Tech rear shock and front spring. Fun little commuter for me in the warmer months, and have it all setup with the Kriega OS packs for motocamping.
Great review Dork. For me personally, I've never bought a true ADV bike and I can't see a time that I ever will. I'm sticking with my antique 1983 Honda XL250R and my 2018 Honda XR650L. The far lower costs give me more smiles per mile. The ride I'm planning dictates the bike I will choose. Both are awesome off road but the 250 is limited for sure on the highway. Maxes out at 55-60 on flat ground and loses speed on an incline. The 650 does much better on the highway but isn't designed for long highway rides as far as comfort goes but will do it all day. The 650 is 67 lbs heaver than the 250 but so far I really haven't noticed the increased weight much. I've taken both on all day trips and both perform excellent. All that money I saved will buy a lot of gas. Keep up the great work.
I just bought one. Planning on doing the TAT in 2025. Riding a 2016 Africa Twin right now on the great Ohio adventure trail. Dropped it at camp. Could not get it up without a ratchet winch. The rally I have no problem. The AT is a great bike on and off road but the difficulty for me to pick it up lead me to something much lighter. Rackless luggage to save weight is a game changer.
Long term owner here (250 rally) can vouch for this bikes greatness. Have had many bikes over the last 38 yrs and went the GSA route and came back thinking - I need a smaller, cheaper everyday bike that can handle some dirt (for real hardcore dirt I use a proper dirt bike) the CRF does everything I ever needed and more and it’s my go to bike for near everything except 2 up. Out of the box stock it’s well set up, but I did add a rack (needs to carry kit) and a rotopak style fuel cel (at a minimum I wanted 1:26 300k distances with out needing a gas station).
Plastic is tough (a few drops and no noticeable damage) maint is a cinch and cheap. Stock tires are stock tires but happy I got 10k outta the rear. Some folks bitch about the suspension but I have no issue with it (195lbs) and the stock seat is a plank but again does the job.
I barely use middle range throttle, either full on or off 😅 so you have to spin it up but this bike isn’t about gobs of power. There are others that do that so if that’s your thing be forewarned.
Can’t fault it, Will ride it into the ground and buy another IF the time comes. Cheers
Done all the mods muffler shocks ecu 550 performance luggage rack foot pegs bark busters bash plate tyres all for $ 1500 US just such a low maintenance bike and it will go anywhere and you don’t have to carry a spare fuel pump. I weigh 100 kg and can pick it up no problem. Unlike my 2022 Africa twin which I ride on dirt roads an highway it’s horses for courses. Cheers for the content from New Zealand
I have 3600 miles on my Rally since last Aug. I’m not skilled enough off road to push the bike to its limits. It does everything and has gone everywhere I was brave enough to go. I would buy it again. If anything, I would keep this as a light adventure and buy a KLX 300 also for strictly off road playing. Great video as always!
With about 2k in level 1 performance mods, suspension upgrades, and tire replacement my Rally is a super capable dual sport. And, with a 15t front sprocket, I cruise comfortably at 70mph on freeways. I would be willing to trade my wife in for backup Rally.
I nearly brought one new but the mods added up to a massive percentage of the new price so i didnt buy.
OK, you made my mind up for me.
We live down in Central America.
Belize to be specific
I had a dealership down here they had a 2013 XR 650 L which I bought which was completely customized by the previous owner, including a big ass tank suspension etc..
I bought my wife and daughter the CRF 300 L with its fuel injection and double the gas mileage as my big main jet full exhaust 650, I fell in love with it right away and I want the rally.
I’m gonna order it from my home country Canada, and have a chipped down to Central America with full suspension done and everything else I need which I just ordered for the other bike
Hey Ben, I have a ‘22 rally … I really like this bike it does everything I expect it to… mostly gravel roads for me and flat hiway.. I find it refreshing to just drive this bike without worry.. no range problem, mud, gravel, pavement … this bike is like have a really good set of all season tires!!! You get piece of mind that no matter what one way or another I’ll get where I’m going!
In Europe there is the chinese VOGE 300 Rally, with the same specs and almost 3000 euros less. In it's 2 year run it turns out it's very reliable and a cheaper alternative to the CRF. Also there are two cheaper and with better specs bikes coming (CF MOTO 450 MT and RE Himalayan 450) this spring.
Rally owner, life long rider, 175 lbs. Spot on, this bike is very unique, I agree that it is a light weight, small displacement, very dirt and side roads friendly ADV bike (getting complicated with all these labels out there). With that, Honda delivers unfinished/wet noodle/no features at all bike. Suspension, it is bubble gum, the super soft springs violate the most basic sag values. Free sag uses 30% plus, if you are even 100 lbs, rider sag is 50% plus. Add to that poor dampening, wet noodle. Fine a pot hole or speed bump going straight and slow might feel wonderful, first nice curvy/tight road, the suspension wallows all over, it's junk (it's been like that since 2017). YSS shock, Race Tech spring/gold valve fixed that, $1100. The engine is choked up, all tuned for low RPM torque on 286 cc motor, because "beginner" bike. The motor comes alive with, CBR intake, CBR cams, ECU tune, exhaust, $1000. We get an axillary power plug in the harness (thank u Honda), but I guess USB charger is bit too much. Another one, no high beam passing light switch (I live in Indonesia, very useful as drivers here suck, my $2300 local CB150X has both). As much as I enjoy my now "fixed" Rally, I am getting tired of Honda not paying attention, or not carrying about this lighter side of their products. We get new colors or stickers, I guess they are busy with the Africa Twin and the rest.
I have a 2024 Honda Transalp and I love riding it . But when I getting ready to take off on one of my bikes I catch my self jumping on my 2023 Honda 300 Rally most of the time. For some reason it is just a joy to ride. It does have a Rally Raid suspension. Everything else is stock except the aluminum skid plate. It really is a great bike.
Very well said, 5 years on a 250 Rally here, i'm an expert amateur level enduro rider, for me these are great bikes if you don't feel like putting al the money and time consuming maintenance, but just wanna ride, its just a well balanced bike for everyone
You played a role in me purchasing a 23' 300L Rally that I picked up last in November. I 100% agree with your review and feel I am one of the guys who falls right in the middle with this machine. Little over 2300mi on it as of today. Looking forward to just going to the places less people go with having to deal with all the places everyone goes as well. This bike has been so far really what I was looking for out of a motorcycle. The ability just do basically what ever I'm capable of doing on a bike, and some stuff that I have no reason for being there. I moved over from my 17' CB300F, first bike which I put 25k miles on, and am having a hard time getting back on it. The CRF handles my commute almost as well as my CB really only lacking a little bit in MPG and MPH on the interstates but, better in the wind protection so the 30's are tolerable now. Also, the versatility on gravel roads, trails, and even under the power lines makes up for it in a big way. Because now I am constantly scanning for a "I think I can get through there" trail or path Instead of just watching the GPS for a safe side road on the CB. This makes the ride that more enjoyable even if it just to take the long way home.
I bought a 300 Rally last year and installed the exhaust + ecm and a rear shock. The bike is awesome now. It has plenty of power up to 60MPH. I also have the graves exhaust and it is great. If you get rid of a few items and change the battery etc you can get this bike down to 295-300LBS. Even the after market rear shocks are lighter then the OEM.
Thanks for your efforts Ben, I’m saving cash up to buy a smaller bike for exploring the logging roads. Kind of had my mind set on a DR 650……..but this gives me another option to look at.
Thanks Dork, I rode the Wyoming BDR last summer on my '21 Rally. I may be called an intermediate rider, but I made it. Lots 0f deep sand, steep hills with large rocks, and deep ruts on two track hills. One rut I slid into was so deep I was wedged on both sides on the fairings. Yes the fairings busted, but they still work fine. And if you look at it from a distance, you can't tell. Doubt I'll replace them. Odds are I slide into another deep trench.
I purchased on new when they came out in 2019 as a 250. I am a strong intermediate rider at 180 lbs. I put the race tech spring kit in the forks and installed Kenda Trakmasters front and rear. I went to Baja and did 600 miles with my buddies on their KTM 500's and did everything they did. it was a little more work but can easily do it. I imagine with the new suspension upgrades available for it these days and a little bigger motor it could be a fantastic bike. Almost tempted to build another!
I bought the 300 L to make it into a light adv bike. Added tusk handguards, a windshield, renthal bars and next on the list is suspension and the bigger tank. I won’t be selling it anytime soon. At my weight I can hit 70-75 on freeway with no issue as long as no headwind and sorta flat. Luv it.
The Best All around bike for me, im from Cebu Philippines. Great Review!💯💯💯
Great review spot on. It has saved me explaining to people why I think this is a real adventure bike. I will just refer them to your video. Like you I was very surprised with the capability of the 300 while quite aware of its limitations and now is my primary adventure bike.
Didn't Honda themselves call it a adventure bike when it first came out ?
@@leeinwis I think so the rally and the L are ok dual sports with many other options out there. Where they excel is when used as an adventure bike. Nothing like them out there.
My dad’s had a lot of the recent CRF lineup, 250F, 300L, 300L Rally, and 450X. The only drawback either of us found with the 300s was the suspension purely, it is never overstated how soft that stuff is. He also had a 1976 TL250 that was a lot harder to bottom out.
Now though? He now has the Transalp and 250F (considering selling the 250) and I run a CB500X. The middleweight ADV bikes actually do the job we like to accomplish here in Northerm Utah.
Great review. I have the non-rally ABS model and love it. After spending a little on upgrades, the bike does everything I ask of it. Sold a T7 to get this bike and have never regretted it.
I agree with all your points about the Rally , two of my friends and myself bought one each about two years ago , we did all the recommended up grades and this is a very capable bike now ...
We have so far completed the ACT of the Pyrenees and came back on the TET and in May of this year we completed the ACT of Portugal from top to bottom turned around and did it in reverse ....
No issues at all with any of the bikes just great fun and we never felt that the bikes wouldn't be able to cope we the terrain ....
We all have GSA 1250 BMWs on the road ......Once again great bikes ...(ACT Adventure Country Tracks ) ( TET Trans European Trails )
Got to leave a comment here!
I have a CRF250L rally after riding every ADV bike on the market, most long term (I owned a motorcycle shop for 7 years) I landed on the KTM 1090 adventure R as my favorite ADV bike, but I wanted something lighter, because I travel alone a lot. The CRF250l rally or 300 was the perfect option, in the end not any cheaper because of all my upgrades but, it is more capable and takes much less energy to ride, at the end of the day I'm ready to ride! My friends on heavier bikes are spent...
I will quote myself by saying the only thing it doesn't do well is, over 80mph, I can live with that...
Great bikes.
I've been riding XRV750 Africa Twin (produced in 2000) for about 8 years back in Russia, but now have to sell it since I live in Sweden. I came to a point of selling Africa and buying a Suzuki RD650 which seemed perfect for me (main reason - price and need to get a lighter bike than Africa, which by the way I truly love), but discovered RDs are not sold in Europe for many years, and even if I import, it would be hard if not impossible to register.
How do you folks think, will CRF300 Rally be dull on the highway for me after XRV750? On Africa, my cruising speed on a highway was always 120-130 kph (74-80 mph), and I could overtake (not perfectly, but could), increasing the speed to up to 145 kph (90 mph). Would you say this will be impossible on CRF300 and I will have to forget about highway overtaking at such speeds?
Honda have a knack for making the right compromises. That means they look underwhelming in short-term reviews and spec-sheet reviews, but are great to own. You see the same thing right across Honda's range. No category-toppers, no paeons of praise from moto-journos, just millions of satisfied owners.
In the case of the 300 Rally, for every shortcoming it has, I've thought long and hard about whether I wish Honda had done it differently, and the answer is: no I don't, because that would mean giving up something else and make the overall package worse.
Great video.
I also own a 2021 CRF300L Rally since new up here in Ontario Canada.
Love the thing. Not considering selling it ever. It’s a Honda. My 2004 CBR1000RR (bought new as well) has 66,000 miles on it and I haven’t done a valve adjustment yet. Purrs like a kitten. I don’t abuse it but I take it up in the revs to redline often enough.
To get back to the CRF, yes the suspension is a little soft but for me, 195 lbs and my beginner style of riding, it works absolutely fine. I love the plushness on the road compared to the CBR.
I don’t intend to start racing off road with it.
I bought it as a “do it all” bike. A nice easy going trail bike. Wind protection on road is nice. Bigger fuel tank great.
I added auxiliary lights myself. Sidestand enlarger. A top box I made myself. Installed USB charger for phone on RAM mount. I take it out moto camping ⛺️ (the CBR as well 😛)
I learnt to ride off road when I was a kid on a 1974 CB125S street bike. After the first year the suspension was gone but I rode it for 7 more years with the suspension shot. My folk did not have the money to by me a real dirt bike.
I followed the other guys on real dirt bikes pretty good. Went where they went. No big jumps but …
I reckon this suspension will work just fine for me. 😃
My opinion, don’t overlook this bike. It is very capable.
Enjoy guys.
I have the CRF300L & if you keep the revs low on dirt roads or fire trails it rides a bit more loosely but you can get really good mileage out of it. I can do 28km/litre or about 65mpg. Rev it harder and it digs in better and naturally tracks corners better at the cost of
less range. That’s pretty cool!
If I were to get a Dual Sport this one is/was definitely already on my radar. Useful video!
I also recently rode my 300L Rally through Death Valley, and I’ve put over 10K miles on it. Agree with everything you’ve said, it’s a not a speed demon, but it will just go and go, love mine!
I own a KTM 1190 Adventure R, ridden it quite alot, across Europe, to Mongolia and back, whatever. I then got a 300 L. My main requirements before buying it were: a new-ish bike (wouldn't have minded a second hand), modern (ABS), long maintenance intervals, light, simple. The 300 was the silver bullet for me (minus the suspension that frankly sucks). I have ridden it in an around 5000 kms solo trip to Turkey last year, I absolutely loved it. Extremely confidence inspiring offroad (the 1190 is heavy and hard to manage offroad, especially alone), it is indeed an amazing choice. Alot of people ask me whether I recommend it. The first question I always ask back is "what do you need it for". Rally riding - not, it is not a fun bike, you don't feel the thrill revving it up, jumping all sorts of stuff. As an ADV bike it is not comfortable either, it does not eat miles, it is not comfy. Something in between? For sure! Awesome review, keep up the good work!
I’m the same way with my Yamaha XT250… I think it’s perfect for light ADV and like the air cooled engine as it’s one less thing to worry about (a stick through the radiator). I looked at the 300L rally but found the XT250 super cheap ($2600 w/760 miles). All I did was put a 16 tooth sprocket on the front and it is perfect for me. What’s not to love? 😅
I have 25,000 miles on mine and it is now in Europe waiting for me and some more countries to visit. I can agree with everything you said here but the limitations suit me fine for slower travel on more rural or remote roads. I avoid the expressways like the plague but it has worked okay when pushed. Larger tank, windscreen, and service intervals work well for travelers and Honda shops are not hard to find almost anywhere. I replaced the rear shock with a Rally Raid which works well for me and my gear. And I try not to overload it with the gear.
I just renter a 300 rally in grand junction and did 600mi on it to my moab trip solo, I road many bikes, I am old 64 I was dolo on this trip, I am a very good off road rider, I a east coaster, I owned, yz125, it400, drz400e yz250fx, wr290r big bore, tenere 700, for this moab trip I really like this rally, it got 70mpg, holds 3.4gal gas, has windscreen for those super cold mornings that never got in my way, it's a good looking bike, it's was gear down 4 teeth so cruise was 60 all day felt happy, I didn't do any hyways but lots of twisty pavement so speed were not any issues, the rear shock needed it more spring and heated grip is all I would of changed, this was the best trip I had yet, I took the rally some gnarly jeep trails all loaded up with gear with no problems, I think because of the seat height gave me confidence and bike felt light and did better then it should of,
I got a 300L for commuting to work and because it's easy to put on a hitch carrier. Did a couple mods- bigger gas tank, windscreen and seat concepts seat. So far seems like a nice little bike and super cheap to operate. Huge aftermarket support too!
Once I sort out the suspension, and changed out the stock tires, the bike's real strong point really shone through. It handles great. It is incredibly easy to ride. Whether standing up or sitting on the seat, I find that if I stay in the middle of the bike and let the bike do what it needs to do, it will pull me through. Every time I ride it, I'm amazed as to how capable my 300 Rally is.
Best thing you can do is the 550 ecu and cbr intake. It turns it into a whole different bike for only $250-$300. I went from a 250l to a 450l back to a 300l and it’s the bike bike I’ve ever owned. Sitting at 13.5k miles and never had a doubt that the bike would leave me stranded. I’ve even had it at 80mph for 8 hours on the interstate.
I’ve had a 300L since they came out, I’ve had it since December of 2022, I love the bike, I knew what I was buying when I got it, so now that I’m “tired” of it, I’m still keeping it. It’s not a thorobred like a 450, so it’s much easier to handle in any given situation, in my opinion. It’s never left me anywhere. My only issues have been the good awful cheap drive chain is worn out already, and I had headlight issues, which I traced back and found that from the factory, the 14pin plug that connects to the starter side switches, had been jammed together and bent the pins for the headlight circuit, causing an intermittent short, which I found because I could feel the heat from the short circuit in the wire loom behind the headlight. Might be something to watch for.