Awesome supporters click here for more free content: www.patreon.com/MotorcyclesOffoad Our Merch: motorcyclesoffroad.com/store-page/ Motorcycle benefits for OLDER RIDERS th-cam.com/video/1JGnXWK6lOs/w-d-xo.html ---- NEW FB community group: facebook.com/groups/610565163851862 --- Amazon Store link: www.amazon.com/shop/EliteGamingHQ 5 tips to make you a better off-road rider instantly: th-cam.com/video/xrlrGJhb6wg/w-d-xo.html REVIEWS: DRZ 400 Review: th-cam.com/video/SLd1rLcqzZE/w-d-xo.html TW200 Review: th-cam.com/video/IWY0H_m9jo8/w-d-xo.html CRF300L rally Review: th-cam.com/video/FEj-KXaRvSs/w-d-xo.html Tenere 700 review: th-cam.com/video/91R2W2Gt9Gk/w-d-xo.html CRF300L review: th-cam.com/video/21MM-_iJhbA/w-d-xo.html CRF300L vs KLX300: th-cam.com/video/Ie3Tp0d86T0/w-d-xo.html CRF300L vs DRZ400: th-cam.com/video/QeFyBMJkMqY/w-d-xo.html CRF300L vs WR250R: th-cam.com/video/s0VY0wVymaY/w-d-xo.html CRF300L vs CRF250L: th-cam.com/video/on1uzOHKNsk/w-d-xo.html Tenere 700 VS 300L side by side comparison: th-cam.com/video/XjaQ7DgpVlo/w-d-xo.html
The XT250 is much better but I only think so because that’s what I have and I only have one because it was the only dual sport that my local dealer had in stock😂. I do really love it though.
I spent a lot of time looking for a crf used and couldn’t find one that wasn’t thrashed for a reasonable price. Found a great deal on a 2018 xt and at first I was a little disappointed, but as soon as I got it out in the woods the bike was in its element. It’s my first dual sport and it’s a great little bike
I’m impressed with your daughter’s fast and confident riding over rocks, mud and water crossings. It looks like she has either been riding for a long time or she’s a fast learner!
I have an xt first bike….bought it used……great feature, PAID CASH lol. No dealer markups. $4 grand out he door from my buddy, garage kept, 850 mi, 2017. Can’t beat that
In my youth, I cultivated the land with two-stroke European and Japanese plowing machines. Now, before my old days, I ride an Italian unicorn (pegaso) and after the surgeons patched up my spine, I think it's time to settle down and see old age with a Yamaha like this. I could never drive a Honda normally. Greetings from Croatia.
I'm looking to get a CRF300L so this video helped a lot. All I really want it for is to ride around a little bit and do some trail riding, basically the bike is intended for a "bug out bike" but that's about it.
Had a XT for 5 years and as a short rider at 5’4” it fit me well. Loved it and did off road fairly well. I have since sold it though and gotten an ADV160. I dont go off road as often anymore and needed something more practical running errands and occasional light off road.
Your daughter is way more confident now, good job Dad! I would take either of these bikes for sure. Thumbs way up for dual sport bikes. Thanks Andrew 🙂
For serious off roading I have my CRF250RX. For the rest of the time, I have an XT250. The XT bridges the gap for something that is super user friendly, affordable uses, and I can take it on road trips when camping.
Great comparison. With all the new bikes coming out it's easy to forget the old standard, the XT250. I've long wanted the 300 Rally but it's pretty tall for me. I love my DR650 but I would like something lighter and more nimble for single track. The XT250 sure looks like a nice compromise and it's fuel injected. I feel like this review really gave me a balanced approach to these bikes. Thanks.
i'm 5'11" and threw on some 30mm bar risers for my XT250. that with upgraded footpegs REALLY improved comfort on the bike. which type of high bend pro tapers did you go with? CR? did it require any cable work, or was it just quick a quick and easy bar swap? i have seen a few guys mention their low/rear front fender catching a rock between it and the tire, locking the front and washing out. nasty stuff at speed. one guy on the ADVRider forums mentioned a "Simpson mod" for the XT250 and provided all the steps for it (it involves some home depot/lowes parts). quick, easy, and cheap way to raise the weird fender. great vid!
For me, I think the xt250 is basically the perfect dual sport, it’s cheap, simple, and not a lot of technology and features so there not a lot of things that can break. And if they do, it hasn’t changed in 11 years so parts are cheap and easy to find. If you take care of it, it will basically last forever, I’ve even seen some with over 70k miles!
That xt250 is one of the bikes they provided at the msf course that I used. First thing I noticed was the quality was not as good as the Honda CRF 300L. Considering they are around the same price MSRP, the 300L is a far superior value . On a positive note on the xt250 is very durable considering all the people that have dropped it at the msf or twisted the guts out of it. Both have great Japanese transmissions just the extra sixth gear on the 300L is valuable.
I have an XT250 17, i have other quicker modded bikes too but this is first bike in 20yrs ive not wanted to modify. I love its simplicity and reliability its very refreshing. Which leads me to ask is it worth trying to squeeze more power out of the XT? Will that ruin it? If anything i'm just gonna do the suspension upgrades and leave it at that. I am lighter at 150 so does help on a lower power bike. Is the exhaust worth it for weight loss?
These were what I came down to as picks for my first bike. Ultimately, I went with the CRF300L Rally. The deal breakers for the XT250 were my height (6'1), the lack of a 6th gear, the lack of ABS, and the Rally is essentially already set up how I want it. The dash on the CRF300 is also fantastic. I rode the TW200 in 2013 during the BRC and felt cramped on it. I rode a Suzuki TU250X a couple months ago when I did the BRC again, and it reminded me of how cramped I am on smaller bikes, so seat height was really a significant factor for me. The Rally has been a perfect fit.
I’m shocked you even compared these two bikes, much less how close the XT ‘hung in there’. I would’ve thought the Crf300l would of blown it away? Now enter the KLX 230. By the sounds of this video I’m thinking the KLX 230 would be just as good, if not better then the CRF 300l, let alone the KLX 300? I should’ve mentioned first that I lean towards mostly off road. On a side note, does anyone have any info, ride reports, thoughts on the KLX ‘s’ suspension vs the regular KLX? Great video, and my apologies for wandering off, but I am very close to purchasing one of these bikes, and looking for input. Thank you.
Watched the whole video and appreciate it. I’ll eventually get a smaller dual sport than my KLR, which I love and plan to keep. I have a lot to think about when the time comes.
Excellent review! Although you mentioned that the MSRP of the XT and the CRF are almost the same, you are correct. But good luck getting the OTD price similar between these two bikes, with all the add-ons and dealer markups, you're talking about $6800 for the XT and about $7900 for the CRF, at least here in California. I love my 2023 XT250, You hit all the improvement points with the XT250 which makes a big difference once you address those issues. I'm 6ft tall and weigh about 245 lbs, and the only reason I bought the xt250 over other bikes on the market besides just the looks (I love the round headlight and how slim the bike is), was the seat height. I don't like being in my tippy-toes whenever I come to a stop light. I wish there were many aftermarket parts available here in America since most of the market for these bikes is in the Philippines, Japan, or the UK. After owning my xt250 for almost a year, I know it's not perfect by any means, but it is certainly one of the best motorcycles in its category and is still the best value for your money. Regards,
Hey, Yamaha! What about a TW 400 or 450? Yes I did watch the whole thing. Good review and spot on with the analysis. Still loving my DR beyond and back but as you mentioned numerous times, FI sure is convenient. Hey Suzuki, what about !!!!! 😉
I live in Croatia. Istria. I would like to try driving something with a 4-stroke 200 to 400 cubic meters, but I can't seem to run into someone who has one.
I got a 2021 Xt250 500 miles for $4500. New otd was $8k. I like the fact that it's air cooled not liquid, just less to break. The Yamaha is make in Japan also and the build quality impeccable. I love mine! Just my 2 cents.
Would love it if those prices were anywhere near accurate in South Florida. All of the used CRF300Ls are listed at or over MSRP. You need to hit like 10k miles for them to drop into the 4k range. Comparable condition XTs are on average a grand cheaper. That's HUGE when you're talking the 4k range; 25% cheaper or more.
I have a Crf250l, and my friend has an Xt250. The Xt250 is lighter on top, which makes it more agile on trails. However, the Xt250 looks and feels cheaper. The engine is also noisy. The Xt250 and tw200 (which I've owned a tw200 for 7 years) are priced too high for what you get. The main problem with the Crf250l is its top heavy. It's not an issue until you do single-track trails. A tw200 or Xt250 are better for riding through the woods, but they are not as smooth or comfortable or handle as well as a crf250l for adventure style riding. If riding back roads or Back Country Discovery Routes, ride the Honda. If riding trails through woods, then either the Yamaha tw200 or Xt250.
Do you do any dune riding? Looking for something I can plate, but can toss on a paddle for a weekend. Maybe an old WR, or a DRZ, contemplating a KLX? opinions? There is a few nice XT's within 400 miles. Wanting something capable of getting back on the pegs and skimming sections like 2:03.
I have a klx250 and an xt 250. The components on the xt250 seem more durable than on the klx. Instruments are simple on the xt but they are tough. Not so on the klx. Klx had one small crash and handlebars were totally bent the xt has had many and bars are fine. Turning radius on klx is over 11 feet and I believe that the Honda is similar. It is barely 8 feet on the xt. The thing I truly hate about the klx is the small fuel tank. (Honda the same) The extra half a gallon on the xt pushes it into the acceptable range. I weigh 170 pounds and the xt suspension is good. Klx is plusher but I find skipping crossditches and jumps off of rocks and bumps easier on the Yamaha.
Cool vid, I went to the dealer to look at a TW last Sat.,...bought a 300L instead....I swear as I walked away I could hear her say what about me, and I kept walking...lol
Thanks for the video, looking at doing some light adventure biking in SE Asia and just trying to learn more about the bikes I see availably in the area, from less capable bikes like the Honda Wave 110i up to do anything machines like these duel sports. I've seen both of these for sale and for rent in a few countries and they both look like really awesome options.
I know the ongoing conversation about the drz400 not having Fuel Injection is nothing new. I'm wondering what would actually happen if Suzuki Actually put F.I. on the highly competent DRZ400? I think people would lose their minds! I'd get one
The problem is its not just that, you have to pass emissions and all the tests all over again. The DRZ is grandfathered in. It would most likely raise the price and absolutely raise the weight, look at the newest generation KLR for example.
I had the 300L. Excellent motorcycle but a bit on the small side. With that said I'm going back to a DRZ400. Excellent suspension and the most amazing motor. It's a full size motorcycle which fits me better. Never had any carb issues and five speeds works fine for me.
IDK why this guy bothered with comparison, all he did was trash the XT and built up the CRF.... I'm calling bs.... I had a crf that left me stranded a couple of times and stock suspension was garbage, sold it and bought Xt250,.. my best move.
Well this guy showed all the stats as he talked about them. Im the one calling BS your CRF "left you stranded a couple times" no way in hell. They are some of the most reliable motorcycles on the planet. So what you saying is because you dont know how to set your sag, so you got rid of the whole bike. Seems like your whole comment is BS or maybe you are just a fool.
For a "beginner" the XT offers a lower seat height and a lack of liquid cooling, so there's no radiator to smash and spew it's guts. The Honda wins everywhere else but...that radiator is a real iability for beginners that are going to crash into crap. imho. XT's also needs no parts for valve adjustments
Getting my moto endorsement next month and have been doing alot of research on these bikes.. i like the crf300l alot and there is a shop around here that sells them new but my question is.. if i were to try n buy one used whats alot of miles to have on the odometer?
Have had 300L since Feb in Australia. 95Kg suited up, and have always found it JUST a little underwhelming on tarmac. So much so, that I bought a '17 DR650 a week ago 😈😉 BUT how to eke just a little more out of the 300 ... is there an exhaust upgrade I can do that focusses SOLELY on performance over note enhancement?? Couldn't care how it sounds, only how it performs. The ECU will follow, but logically I should select exhaust first, then customise an ECU to that??
Does you bike have the Thia or American ECU set up? Look online to find out, if it is the American get an exhaust, DNA intake, and a 550 performance 91octane. It will completely turn the bike around. The bike is De-tuned very lean stock, the ECU also advances the timing as well. As far as exhaust I not completely sure I just went with black widow at this point, get the biggest slip-on they have for the most quiet sound but still increased airflow.
I test rode the xt at a dealer and was not for me. Felt sized for a 9 year old and the forks almost bottomed just driving around town. I'm only 5'7 170 lbs but it was way to small and seat slopes forward. I really wanted to like it but couldn't. Maybe it had some bad fork springs that could of been upgraded but it was so sloppy it was dangerous.
Kind of reminds me of the Pine Barrens in Jersey where I plan to ride. I hope there are less technical trails there than what you're on. I'm waaay told old and not skilled enough for what you were doing.
To my way of thinking, for an extra $100 the CRF is the way to go if you can handle the seat height, or the KLX, which is also not much more. I'm not sure how Yamaha can keep selling the XT at that price point given the CRF and KLX both offer more power, inverted forks, better suspension, more travel, liquid cooling, six gears, a tach, and ABS if you want it. The XT literally loses on every measure except seat height. I don't know how Yamaha manages to sell the XT at near the same price point. If it were $500 or $1000 less I could see it, maybe. Must be brand loyalty. But I don't think there are any known problems with either the CRF or the KLX.
@@vincentvonsteed3643 I will give that Yamaha is very reliable. I'm not sure that the routing of the front brake line is the measure, the brake line on the KLX is well routed and passes in front of the speedometer because that's where it moves up and down with the suspension, whereas the XT routing has the cable dangling behind the front shock in a big loop and flexing there, but I've never heard of either routing being a problem. I'm not sure there are any major reliability differences between XT, CRF, and KLX other than perhaps the water cooling; it is theoretically possible to puncture the radiator or otherwise lose coolant, but it is a risk I'm willing to take. It is a better cooling system.
I'm 6'3 (190cm) and looking at XT250, what do you think? I worry that it may be too small. I have not chance to sit at it before buying, and we do not have crf300l at our market.
To look at Gnd Clrnc / Susp Tvl, if someone were considering ways to Increase those specs on the XT, would you say that the “juice is Not worth the squeeze” ($s : Benefit) ?
The XT 225 wet weight is 267 lb. The CRF300L wet weight is 313lb. That is a significant difference for this category, 40 6 lb. Imagine loading your XT 225 down with an extra eight 5lb bags of sugar before you went for a ride!
The wet weight of the 2023 300L.is 306lbs, and they haven't made a 225 in nearly 20 years so I don't see your point of bringing this up. The 225 is a far dated model then the XT250 with lack of digital dash, rear disk brake, and FI.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad I guess you deleted my message twice!? Real nice couldn't take it that Yamaha XT225 and Suzuki DR350 were equal or better in one way or another even though they were made over twenty years ago! 😛
@papatorr3669 honestly I don't know what you are going on about. I deleted no posts/messages. And I loved my dr350 before I got my 300L. But air cooled engines are just not it. Riding the dr350 and crf300l back to back is a whole different world the technology they had for R&D in the early 90s is not where close to the physics programs they have now. But either way all this is off track on the video at hand.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad I posted a thorough well thought out response twice and it disappeared twice. It is what it is, but I did tell you that I enjoyed the video and that it was well done... Even if we prefer different bikes.
@papatorr3669 I like all bikes, and I am aways down to debate it. am tell you 100% I did not delete or remove anything. It would make 0 sense to delete your comments and still engage in conversations. At that point someone would just click "hide user from channel" button or block. But I never do that unless someone is instead of having a conversation or debate they resort to offensive /personal attacks.
Yeah that is close to new price although I would take that price on a blemish free under 1,000 miles bike any-day. This was no freight and assembly fees.
For the non Honda fanboys like the author. Yamaha advantages: Lighter weight. Shorter seat height. More bulletproof. Let's not forget that Yamaha is the most reliable brand. And it's significantly cheaper. Not sure what he means by 'same price point'.
So I dont always respond to the people who are trying to come aggressive with accusations and attack me but this was the first comment I saw today so I might as well point out how ridiculous your post is. Firstly you look like the fanboy with your comment and no real anything to back it up. To call me a fanboy is ridiculous since I own multiple bikes from different manufacturers, you could see that in other videos on the channel. 1# lighter weight, well that may may be true to a small extent the XT is around 4-5% lighter, but once you throw the lithium battery on the scale (5.96lbs saved) and take off the stock bars with the weighted ends (3lbs saved) you are closer to 2% but either way this is insignificant. You cant feel 2-5% on the same bike let alone these 2. The Honda is a modern bike and feels more balanced either way. The weight on paper has never been indicative of the weight the 300L feels, ask anyone who has rode it back to back with other bikes in its class. #2 Shorter seat height is not an advantage. Only so to less then average riders. In most cases a shorter seat height means less ground clearance. For me and most people who ride a bike like this you feel like your knees are in your chest. For my daughter tho, at 5'4" its not that bad. #3 "more bulletproof" This one is clearly in your head and shows your level and fanboy'ism. So the 250L/300L engine platforms had been proved to be on of the most reliable thumper engines out there. There is multiple cases on the net of people getting these bikes up to 100,000 miles as well as many over 20,000. I dont think I have ever seen an XT250 on the marketplace at 20,000. Which would indicate they generally will not last as long. "Let's not forget that Yamaha is the most reliable brand." literally the same thing as above. yamaha has a few good engines, like the CP2 that is in the Tenere 700 I had. But every manufacturer has a few good engines. This remark was funny to me because Honda is the one motorcycle manufacturer that is actually known and meme'ed of having the most reliable engines. "it'll start its a honda" And finally what i mean by 'same price point' is the XT250 costs $5,399 and the CRF300L costs $5,399. They are the exact same price point... And when someone says the same price point they mean entry level bikes running in a span of a few thousand. Example 4600 and a 5999 would be around the same price point because its not 10k like a Tenere or KTM.
First off neither bike is made in China, so you don't really know what you're talking about. Secondly I can tell you from working in the field of QA that just because a bike isn't made in the home country it is designed has no weight on build quality is tolerances and reliability. When I to comes to reliability and replication of the original prototypes it is all to a standard and gone over by 3rd party inspectors employed by the original manufacturer. Just because one bike is made in Japan and another is not will not have to much to do on reliability.
"89.3% that don't subscribe" ... lol this is the TH-cam equivalent of the insecure date where she says "I said I love you. Why aren't you saying it back?"
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REVIEWS:
DRZ 400 Review: th-cam.com/video/SLd1rLcqzZE/w-d-xo.html
TW200 Review: th-cam.com/video/IWY0H_m9jo8/w-d-xo.html
CRF300L rally Review: th-cam.com/video/FEj-KXaRvSs/w-d-xo.html
Tenere 700 review: th-cam.com/video/91R2W2Gt9Gk/w-d-xo.html
CRF300L review: th-cam.com/video/21MM-_iJhbA/w-d-xo.html
CRF300L vs KLX300: th-cam.com/video/Ie3Tp0d86T0/w-d-xo.html
CRF300L vs DRZ400: th-cam.com/video/QeFyBMJkMqY/w-d-xo.html
CRF300L vs WR250R: th-cam.com/video/s0VY0wVymaY/w-d-xo.html
CRF300L vs CRF250L: th-cam.com/video/on1uzOHKNsk/w-d-xo.html
Tenere 700 VS 300L side by side comparison: th-cam.com/video/XjaQ7DgpVlo/w-d-xo.html
The XT250 is much better but I only think so because that’s what I have and I only have one because it was the only dual sport that my local dealer had in stock😂. I do really love it though.
Yeah i mean its a great bike, defiantly for a first bike. Nothing out there is perfect for everyone.
First bike or a bulletproof forest service road bike for a pro@@MotorcyclesOffroad
I spent a lot of time looking for a crf used and couldn’t find one that wasn’t thrashed for a reasonable price. Found a great deal on a 2018 xt and at first I was a little disappointed, but as soon as I got it out in the woods the bike was in its element. It’s my first dual sport and it’s a great little bike
That’s my story exactly sir
I’m impressed with your daughter’s fast and confident riding over rocks, mud and water crossings. It looks like she has either been riding for a long time or she’s a fast learner!
I have an xt first bike….bought it used……great feature, PAID CASH lol. No dealer markups. $4 grand out he door from my buddy, garage kept, 850 mi, 2017. Can’t beat that
I have a 2019 XT, bought it new have already 16500km on clock and I like my XT.
I have a 2019 as well with 4,000 km. Have you had any problems? Needed new chain or brakes yet?
XT ALL DAY FOR ME !!!! I LOVE MINE
Haha its a fun bike.
In my youth, I cultivated the land with two-stroke European and Japanese plowing machines. Now, before my old days, I ride an Italian unicorn (pegaso) and after the surgeons patched up my spine, I think it's time to settle down and see old age with a Yamaha like this. I could never drive a Honda normally. Greetings from Croatia.
XT is like a awesome mountain bike. Skinny, light, and low. Crf is wide bulky high seat height. Two different bikes.
Love my 300l. Exhaust, air box upgrade and ECU and it feels like a beast!
I'm looking to get a CRF300L so this video helped a lot. All I really want it for is to ride around a little bit and do some trail riding, basically the bike is intended for a "bug out bike" but that's about it.
Had a XT for 5 years and as a short rider at 5’4” it fit me well. Loved it and did off road fairly well. I have since sold it though and gotten an ADV160. I dont go off road as often anymore and needed something more practical running errands and occasional light off road.
Your daughter is way more confident now, good job Dad! I would take either of these bikes for sure. Thumbs way up for dual sport bikes. Thanks Andrew 🙂
For serious off roading I have my CRF250RX. For the rest of the time, I have an XT250. The XT bridges the gap for something that is super user friendly, affordable uses, and I can take it on road trips when camping.
Great comparison. With all the new bikes coming out it's easy to forget the old standard, the XT250. I've long wanted the 300 Rally but it's pretty tall for me. I love my DR650 but I would like something lighter and more nimble for single track. The XT250 sure looks like a nice compromise and it's fuel injected. I feel like this review really gave me a balanced approach to these bikes. Thanks.
i'm 5'11" and threw on some 30mm bar risers for my XT250. that with upgraded footpegs REALLY improved comfort on the bike. which type of high bend pro tapers did you go with? CR? did it require any cable work, or was it just quick a quick and easy bar swap?
i have seen a few guys mention their low/rear front fender catching a rock between it and the tire, locking the front and washing out. nasty stuff at speed. one guy on the ADVRider forums mentioned a "Simpson mod" for the XT250 and provided all the steps for it (it involves some home depot/lowes parts). quick, easy, and cheap way to raise the weird fender.
great vid!
For me, I think the xt250 is basically the perfect dual sport, it’s cheap, simple, and not a lot of technology and features so there not a lot of things that can break. And if they do, it hasn’t changed in 11 years so parts are cheap and easy to find. If you take care of it, it will basically last forever, I’ve even seen some with over 70k miles!
I had the 300L. Honda hit it out of the park with the motor. Excellent low end torque and perfect gearing.
What happened to it?
@@crypticreality8484 I sold it along with my other motorcycles. I'm looking to power up to Dr650.
i really wish people would just line them up next to each other
That xt250 is one of the bikes they provided at the msf course that I used. First thing I noticed was the quality was not as good as the Honda CRF 300L. Considering they are around the same price MSRP, the 300L is a far superior value . On a positive note on the xt250 is very durable considering all the people that have dropped it at the msf or twisted the guts out of it. Both have great Japanese transmissions just the extra sixth gear on the 300L is valuable.
300L with better quality? 😂😂 you’re obviously new here
@@KentwoodWarrior You're obviously butt hurt cuz you're stuck with that turd xt250.
The honda is made in China.
@@JustMe-dv5ix Thailand.
@@KentwoodWarrior Says the guy that doesn't own either or and live vicariously through other people's videos.
I have an XT250 17, i have other quicker modded bikes too but this is first bike in 20yrs ive not wanted to modify. I love its simplicity and reliability its very refreshing. Which leads me to ask is it worth trying to squeeze more power out of the XT? Will that ruin it? If anything i'm just gonna do the suspension upgrades and leave it at that. I am lighter at 150 so does help on a lower power bike. Is the exhaust worth it for weight loss?
Weight loss is always a benefit. Always
These were what I came down to as picks for my first bike. Ultimately, I went with the CRF300L Rally. The deal breakers for the XT250 were my height (6'1), the lack of a 6th gear, the lack of ABS, and the Rally is essentially already set up how I want it. The dash on the CRF300 is also fantastic. I rode the TW200 in 2013 during the BRC and felt cramped on it. I rode a Suzuki TU250X a couple months ago when I did the BRC again, and it reminded me of how cramped I am on smaller bikes, so seat height was really a significant factor for me. The Rally has been a perfect fit.
How are you finding the honda still like it? I'm considering buying the 300l rally tomorrow
@@AdmissionGaming I love it. As much as I love my truck, if I can ride the Rally instead, I do.
Do you guys not get the XRE300 or the XR190L in USA? @@AdmissionGaming
You forgot to mention the Honda is made in China.
@@JustMe-dv5ixNot sure where you're getting your info, but the Honda is not made in China. It's manufactured in Thailand.
I’m shocked you even compared these two bikes, much less how close the XT ‘hung in there’.
I would’ve thought the Crf300l would of blown it away?
Now enter the KLX 230. By the sounds of this video I’m thinking the KLX 230 would be just as good, if not better then the CRF 300l, let alone the KLX 300?
I should’ve mentioned first that I lean towards mostly off road.
On a side note, does anyone have any info, ride reports, thoughts on the KLX ‘s’ suspension vs the regular KLX?
Great video, and my apologies for wandering off, but I am very close to purchasing one of these bikes, and looking for input.
Thank you.
Excellent details!
I just subscribed! 👍
Watched the whole video and appreciate it.
I’ll eventually get a smaller dual sport than my KLR, which I love and plan to keep. I have a lot to think about when the time comes.
Nice, I would say the KLR is a hard bike to manage offroad. I had a Tenere 700 which weights about the same, it was really hard on technical stuff.
Excellent review! Although you mentioned that the MSRP of the XT and the CRF are almost the same, you are correct. But good luck getting the OTD price similar between these two bikes, with all the add-ons and dealer markups, you're talking about $6800 for the XT and about $7900 for the CRF, at least here in California.
I love my 2023 XT250, You hit all the improvement points with the XT250 which makes a big difference once you address those issues. I'm 6ft tall and weigh about 245 lbs, and the only reason I bought the xt250 over other bikes on the market besides just the looks (I love the round headlight and how slim the bike is), was the seat height. I don't like being in my tippy-toes whenever I come to a stop light. I wish there were many aftermarket parts available here in America since most of the market for these bikes is in the Philippines, Japan, or the UK.
After owning my xt250 for almost a year, I know it's not perfect by any means, but it is certainly one of the best motorcycles in its category and is still the best value for your money. Regards,
Yeah love Ca but hate it on so many levels
I would love if you could get a hold of the Honda 300 LS for a review by you.
Great video , thanks
Thank you, for watching!
I would by the crf 99% of the time just because my local honda dealer is great and the mechanics there are good to us and wouldn't screw us over
Hey, Yamaha! What about a TW 400 or 450? Yes I did watch the whole thing. Good review and spot on with the analysis. Still loving my DR beyond and back but as you mentioned numerous times, FI sure is convenient. Hey Suzuki, what about !!!!! 😉
I live in Croatia. Istria. I would like to try driving something with a 4-stroke 200 to 400 cubic meters, but I can't seem to run into someone who has one.
I got a 2021 Xt250 500 miles for $4500. New otd was $8k. I like the fact that it's air cooled not liquid, just less to break. The Yamaha is make in Japan also and the build quality impeccable. I love mine! Just my 2 cents.
Ya. Air cooled is simple
@@SulCoCrazyexactly. Yamaha is the business. The simplicity is what attracted me too. I'm 170lbs and don't need any more.
And the Honda is made in China, I have no issues with my 2024 XT250, and I have been riding for over 50 years, ya I am a old guy.
@@JustMe-dv5ix the Honda is made in Thailand like Kawasakis now. Yamaha and Suzuki are still made in Japan.
great video Andrew
Would love it if those prices were anywhere near accurate in South Florida. All of the used CRF300Ls are listed at or over MSRP. You need to hit like 10k miles for them to drop into the 4k range. Comparable condition XTs are on average a grand cheaper. That's HUGE when you're talking the 4k range; 25% cheaper or more.
I have a Crf250l, and my friend has an Xt250. The Xt250 is lighter on top, which makes it more agile on trails. However, the Xt250 looks and feels cheaper. The engine is also noisy. The Xt250 and tw200 (which I've owned a tw200 for 7 years) are priced too high for what you get. The main problem with the Crf250l is its top heavy. It's not an issue until you do single-track trails. A tw200 or Xt250 are better for riding through the woods, but they are not as smooth or comfortable or handle as well as a crf250l for adventure style riding. If riding back roads or Back Country Discovery Routes, ride the Honda. If riding trails through woods, then either the Yamaha tw200 or Xt250.
Do you do any dune riding? Looking for something I can plate, but can toss on a paddle for a weekend. Maybe an old WR, or a DRZ, contemplating a KLX? opinions?
There is a few nice XT's within 400 miles. Wanting something capable of getting back on the pegs and skimming sections like 2:03.
dude hands down this is the best channel, alot of info with no BS
Thank you, this definitely makes my day to hear such positive feedback.
Yamha is overdue for a rehaul.
I have a klx250 and an xt 250. The components on the xt250 seem more durable than on the klx. Instruments are simple on the xt but they are tough. Not so on the klx. Klx had one small crash and handlebars were totally bent the xt has had many and bars are fine. Turning radius on klx is over 11 feet and I believe that the Honda is similar. It is barely 8 feet on the xt. The thing I truly hate about the klx is the small fuel tank. (Honda the same) The extra half a gallon on the xt pushes it into the acceptable range. I weigh 170 pounds and the xt suspension is good. Klx is plusher but I find skipping crossditches and jumps off of rocks and bumps easier on the Yamaha.
Great info
Thanks
Great review and tutorial on both bikes.
Cool vid, I went to the dealer to look at a TW last Sat.,...bought a 300L instead....I swear as I walked away I could hear her say what about me, and I kept walking...lol
Thanks for the video, looking at doing some light adventure biking in SE Asia and just trying to learn more about the bikes I see availably in the area, from less capable bikes like the Honda Wave 110i up to do anything machines like these duel sports. I've seen both of these for sale and for rent in a few countries and they both look like really awesome options.
Great video and informative thank you
thank you for the super in-depth review!
great review Andrew
Excellent comparison b/w the two. 👌👍
I know the ongoing conversation about the drz400 not having Fuel Injection is nothing new. I'm wondering what would actually happen if Suzuki Actually put F.I. on the highly competent DRZ400? I think people would lose their minds! I'd get one
The problem is its not just that, you have to pass emissions and all the tests all over again. The DRZ is grandfathered in. It would most likely raise the price and absolutely raise the weight, look at the newest generation KLR for example.
I had the 300L. Excellent motorcycle but a bit on the small side. With that said I'm going back to a DRZ400. Excellent suspension and the most amazing motor. It's a full size motorcycle which fits me better. Never had any carb issues and five speeds works fine for me.
Very very very informative ... Great job !
Great video. 👍
That looks like Lost trails
Great video thanks for the info
IDK why this guy bothered with comparison, all he did was trash the XT and built up the CRF.... I'm calling bs.... I had a crf that left me stranded a couple of times and stock suspension was garbage, sold it and bought Xt250,.. my best move.
Well this guy showed all the stats as he talked about them. Im the one calling BS your CRF "left you stranded a couple times" no way in hell. They are some of the most reliable motorcycles on the planet. So what you saying is because you dont know how to set your sag, so you got rid of the whole bike. Seems like your whole comment is BS or maybe you are just a fool.
Great review, thanks!
For a "beginner" the XT offers a lower seat height and a lack of liquid cooling, so there's no radiator to smash and spew it's guts.
The Honda wins everywhere else but...that radiator is a real iability for beginners that are going to crash into crap. imho.
XT's also needs no parts for valve adjustments
Getting my moto endorsement next month and have been doing alot of research on these bikes.. i like the crf300l alot and there is a shop around here that sells them new but my question is.. if i were to try n buy one used whats alot of miles to have on the odometer?
The clip art the end with your daughter was funny 😂
Haha thanks, Child labor!! Na she loves when I bother with stuff like that.
What do you think of WR155r?
Have had 300L since Feb in Australia. 95Kg suited up, and have always found it JUST a little underwhelming on tarmac. So much so, that I bought a '17 DR650 a week ago 😈😉 BUT how to eke just a little more out of the 300 ... is there an exhaust upgrade I can do that focusses SOLELY on performance over note enhancement?? Couldn't care how it sounds, only how it performs. The ECU will follow, but logically I should select exhaust first, then customise an ECU to that??
Does you bike have the Thia or American ECU set up? Look online to find out, if it is the American get an exhaust, DNA intake, and a 550 performance 91octane. It will completely turn the bike around. The bike is De-tuned very lean stock, the ECU also advances the timing as well. As far as exhaust I not completely sure I just went with black widow at this point, get the biggest slip-on they have for the most quiet sound but still increased airflow.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad we're in Australia - we got the Oceania version ... LED's n all!! 😉😉😏😏
Hell Yea man great Review!
Thank you!
so what does the XT250 look like ?
India is huge market but still india didnt got CRF 300L.
I test rode the xt at a dealer and was not for me. Felt sized for a 9 year old and the forks almost bottomed just driving around town. I'm only 5'7 170 lbs but it was way to small and seat slopes forward. I really wanted to like it but couldn't. Maybe it had some bad fork springs that could of been upgraded but it was so sloppy it was dangerous.
Kind of reminds me of the Pine Barrens in Jersey where I plan to ride. I hope there are less technical trails there than what you're on. I'm waaay told old and not skilled enough for what you were doing.
That is exactly where it is.
Thank you
To my way of thinking, for an extra $100 the CRF is the way to go if you can handle the seat height, or the KLX, which is also not much more. I'm not sure how Yamaha can keep selling the XT at that price point given the CRF and KLX both offer more power, inverted forks, better suspension, more travel, liquid cooling, six gears, a tach, and ABS if you want it. The XT literally loses on every measure except seat height. I don't know how Yamaha manages to sell the XT at near the same price point. If it were $500 or $1000 less I could see it, maybe. Must be brand loyalty. But I don't think there are any known problems with either the CRF or the KLX.
@@vincentvonsteed3643 I will give that Yamaha is very reliable. I'm not sure that the routing of the front brake line is the measure, the brake line on the KLX is well routed and passes in front of the speedometer because that's where it moves up and down with the suspension, whereas the XT routing has the cable dangling behind the front shock in a big loop and flexing there, but I've never heard of either routing being a problem. I'm not sure there are any major reliability differences between XT, CRF, and KLX other than perhaps the water cooling; it is theoretically possible to puncture the radiator or otherwise lose coolant, but it is a risk I'm willing to take. It is a better cooling system.
I agree on what you said about the Yamaha’s price point, it’s paid for ancient technology and is priced as high or higher then the KLX
Had a XT 600" back in the day, but for the money I'd get the Honda water-cooled " braaap
Aaaand" 6 speed gear box , better of road suspension more dirt oriented , not commuter oriented,
Aaaand HP "
I rode both and I rip the XT around much easier making it more fun in single track or technical stuff. Crf 250l feels like a slug compare to the XT.
I'm 6'3 (190cm) and looking at XT250, what do you think? I worry that it may be too small. I have not chance to sit at it before buying, and we do not have crf300l at our market.
I'm 5'6" and I love my XT, but I think the foot-peg position will feel cramped for you.
About to make my choice between these two. My only concern is the crf300l "jerky throttle" I've read about online. Anyone have any insight on this?
Both great bikes! Itchy boots has put over 60,000kms on her CRF 300 to date.
Can I have a question? how many miles does this bike take before you do the oil change?
Which bike?
@@MotorcyclesOffroad the yamaha XT 250
To look at Gnd Clrnc / Susp Tvl, if someone were considering ways to Increase those specs on the XT, would you say that the “juice is Not worth the squeeze” ($s : Benefit) ?
The XT 225 wet weight is 267 lb. The CRF300L wet weight is 313lb. That is a significant difference for this category, 40 6 lb. Imagine loading your XT 225 down with an extra eight 5lb bags of sugar before you went for a ride!
The wet weight of the 2023 300L.is 306lbs, and they haven't made a 225 in nearly 20 years so I don't see your point of bringing this up. The 225 is a far dated model then the XT250 with lack of digital dash, rear disk brake, and FI.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad I guess you deleted my message twice!? Real nice couldn't take it that Yamaha XT225 and Suzuki DR350 were equal or better in one way or another even though they were made over twenty years ago! 😛
@papatorr3669 honestly I don't know what you are going on about. I deleted no posts/messages. And I loved my dr350 before I got my 300L. But air cooled engines are just not it. Riding the dr350 and crf300l back to back is a whole different world the technology they had for R&D in the early 90s is not where close to the physics programs they have now. But either way all this is off track on the video at hand.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad I posted a thorough well thought out response twice and it disappeared twice. It is what it is, but I did tell you that I enjoyed the video and that it was well done... Even if we prefer different bikes.
@papatorr3669 I like all bikes, and I am aways down to debate it. am tell you 100% I did not delete or remove anything. It would make 0 sense to delete your comments and still engage in conversations. At that point someone would just click "hide user from channel" button or block. But I never do that unless someone is instead of having a conversation or debate they resort to offensive /personal attacks.
I'm ready to upgrade from my TW200. Don't worry, little buddy, I won't forget about you. 😅
I checked marketplace in my area and see a 2021 model XT250 with 6K miles for $4800. At that price point, I'd just as soon buy new.
Yeah that is close to new price although I would take that price on a blemish free under 1,000 miles bike any-day. This was no freight and assembly fees.
Out the door and brand new price are completely different. I got my klx for the “new” price of $5k. Out the door anywhere else is $7-8k
XT is made in Japan, but CRF is not (for those who care!).
Perhaps a more valid comparison would be the CRF250
I don't believe so, this is the offerings from each company as they are sold today. The 250L is no longer in production.
My dad wants to sell me his 2020 XT for $4,500 with helmet and bag rack. It would be my first 2 wheeler.
9:10 Top of the World, Lost Trails?
Yes!
Thanks
No problem, thanks for taking the time to comment.
For the non Honda fanboys like the author.
Yamaha advantages:
Lighter weight.
Shorter seat height.
More bulletproof.
Let's not forget that Yamaha is the most reliable brand.
And it's significantly cheaper. Not sure what he means by 'same price point'.
So I dont always respond to the people who are trying to come aggressive with accusations and attack me but this was the first comment I saw today so I might as well point out how ridiculous your post is. Firstly you look like the fanboy with your comment and no real anything to back it up. To call me a fanboy is ridiculous since I own multiple bikes from different manufacturers, you could see that in other videos on the channel.
1# lighter weight, well that may may be true to a small extent the XT is around 4-5% lighter, but once you throw the lithium battery on the scale (5.96lbs saved) and take off the stock bars with the weighted ends (3lbs saved) you are closer to 2% but either way this is insignificant. You cant feel 2-5% on the same bike let alone these 2. The Honda is a modern bike and feels more balanced either way. The weight on paper has never been indicative of the weight the 300L feels, ask anyone who has rode it back to back with other bikes in its class.
#2 Shorter seat height is not an advantage. Only so to less then average riders. In most cases a shorter seat height means less ground clearance. For me and most people who ride a bike like this you feel like your knees are in your chest. For my daughter tho, at 5'4" its not that bad.
#3 "more bulletproof" This one is clearly in your head and shows your level and fanboy'ism. So the 250L/300L engine platforms had been proved to be on of the most reliable thumper engines out there. There is multiple cases on the net of people getting these bikes up to 100,000 miles as well as many over 20,000. I dont think I have ever seen an XT250 on the marketplace at 20,000. Which would indicate they generally will not last as long.
"Let's not forget that Yamaha is the most reliable brand." literally the same thing as above. yamaha has a few good engines, like the CP2 that is in the Tenere 700 I had. But every manufacturer has a few good engines. This remark was funny to me because Honda is the one motorcycle manufacturer that is actually known and meme'ed of having the most reliable engines. "it'll start its a honda"
And finally what i mean by 'same price point' is the XT250 costs $5,399 and the CRF300L costs $5,399. They are the exact same price point... And when someone says the same price point they mean entry level bikes running in a span of a few thousand. Example 4600 and a 5999 would be around the same price point because its not 10k like a Tenere or KTM.
How did you get 22k subscribers?
I got like 29 and most of them are just me using my 20+ other fake friend channels. (Okay, all of them)
Did you mention that the Yamaha is still 100% made in Japan, with Japan quality, And the honda 300L is now made in China.
First off neither bike is made in China, so you don't really know what you're talking about. Secondly I can tell you from working in the field of QA that just because a bike isn't made in the home country it is designed has no weight on build quality is tolerances and reliability. When I to comes to reliability and replication of the original prototypes it is all to a standard and gone over by 3rd party inspectors employed by the original manufacturer. Just because one bike is made in Japan and another is not will not have to much to do on reliability.
❤ great
watch time from subscribers, often happens even to me. jijiji. lol
🤘😁🤘 Slipknot
carbs you can fix in the middle of nowhere.
Fuel injection you will not have to.
@@MotorcyclesOffroad I have had to
"89.3% that don't subscribe" ... lol this is the TH-cam equivalent of the insecure date where she says "I said I love you. Why aren't you saying it back?"
XT250 is made in Japan, CRF is not.
Ok so what is your point? That has no validity on whether you can compare them or not.
Durrr, those aren't real dual sports, durrrrrr!
Sorry, can't help but make fun of the gaitkeepers i know will be down here. 😂
@MotorcyclesOffroad I have a ejk as well what do you use from the mapping presets? i have only used the stock recommended.