2021 Honda CRF300L vs. 2021 Honda CRF300L Rally Review First Ride
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- čas přidán 18. 05. 2021
- We ride the new CRF300L and CRF300L Rally dual sport bikes on the road and trail to determine their performance and how different riders might use them.
Honda’s smallest street-legal CRF has been updated for the first time since 2017, and the same goes for the Rally version that was introduced that same year. By increasing the stroke on the engines of the CRF250L and CRF250L Rally by 8mm, Big Red has increased the displacement by 15 percent to 286cc and renamed both models to reflect that additional 36cc. Honda invited us to test the new CRF300L and CRF300L Rally on the trails, two-track, and roads outside Copper Horse Riding Ranch near Santa Clarita, California, where we spent the day riding the non-ABS models.
2021 Honda CRF300L and 2021 Honda CRF300L Rally Updates
In addition to the displacement increase, engine improvements also include revised camshaft lift and timing; a new assist/slipper clutch; updated gear ratios; a different header pipe and muffler (which Honda claims are lighter and reduce sound); and a revised air filter.
Although the larger powerplant is certainly the focal point of the new CRF300L and CRF300L Rally, the two bikes feature several additional significant updates. The frame gets a 25 percent decrease in lateral rigidity, 30mm-narrower downtube, smaller downtube gusset, 20mm-shorter main pipe, and 3.2mm reduction in the cradle tube diameter, all intended to improve maneuverability and rider feel. The revisions made to the frame and crankcase net 1.2 inches of added ground clearance. A change from steel to aluminum on the lower triple clamp results in a claimed weight savings of 1.6 ounces. The redesigned swingarm’s rigidity has been reduced by 23 percent laterally and 17 percent torsionally, while a revised cross section and 15mm decrease in pivot width contribute to the component’s weight reduction of 1.6 ounces.
Fork and shock travel are increased by 0.4 and 0.6 inch respectively. The shock uses a different link, connecting rod, and new settings to suit the changes. The rear brake master cylinder and meter are new, as is the 10 percent larger kickstand foot plate, thinner rear sprocket, and hollow rear axle. Handlebar sweep has been increased, handlebar weights have been added, the front seat area and swingarm pivot cover are narrower, and the footpegs have been moved rearward. Honda claims to have decreased the overall weight of the CRF300L by 11 pounds versus the CRF250L.
Changes specific to the 2021 Rally version include a new 3.4-gallon fuel tank, a 20mm-wider seat rubber mounting cushion, and the addition of rubber platforms in the footpegs. The front fender, side covers, toolbox, and license plate bracket are said to be lighter. According to Honda, the CRF300L Rally weighs 9 pounds less than the previous-generation CRF250L Rally.
2021 Honda CRF300L vs. 2021 Honda CRF300L Rally Engine
The powerplants of the CRF300L and CRF300L Rally are identical, a 286cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke that builds power in a smooth, linear manner. The engine’s character is fairly mellow, but it revs quickly enough to make it fun to ride in a spirited fashion. Engine-braking is detectable but not overwhelming; it can actually be beneficial, helping to slow the bike when entering turns on the road. Vibration is practically nonexistent thanks to the engine’s counterbalancer. The transmission shifts smoothly and definitively with minimal clutch input necessary.
At speed on pavement I found myself upshifting between 8,000 and 9,000 rpm to keep the engine in the meat of the power. Third gear worked excellently for the tighter twisty roads we encountered, while fourth had no problem pulling through the more gradual turns on the street. Sixth gear allowed a top speed of 75 mph in flatter areas, but the revs would drop away on any sort of upward incline, prompting a downshift to fifth; this proved to be the best all-around gear for most wide-open stretches of pavement.
I found myself using third gear for the majority of the dirt portion of the ride, as the bike could be lugged in wider turns and still got moving fast enough for most fire road straightaways. There were some optional, somewhat technical single-track trails, and on these I spent nearly all my time in second gear, as it’s low enough to get the bike moving from a stop without too much clutch use and get it moving at an acceptable trail speed. I didn’t use first gear all that much, but it’s certainly capable of crawling at very low speeds on tight trails.
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I have just put 260 miles on my new 300L Rally and I would not discourage anyone "on the fence" between the two to be convinced that the Rally is not capable in dirt. It is. I am 6 ft, 220 pounds and have no issue with the soft suspension whatsoever on dirt roads, whether I hit thick gravel, ruts or soft sand. Many, if not all, of the subjective criticisms of the Rally in this video can be attributed to the extra weight from the larger fuel capacity. And don't underestimate the role that technique and experience factor in when it comes to a rider's perception. As for me, and others, the added range and wind protection make the Rally perfectly suitable for light adventure/touring, which is the reason I bought it.
Listening to the review I started thinking he was comparing the Rally to a 450RL rather than 300L. These bikes are so similar in composition there can’t be that much difference in off road capability.
Looks like MX so it must be ?
I'm thinking of buying a rally mostly to ride to work and back, 12 miles trip, all year round. Almost no snow but a lot of rain where I live. Do you think that bike would suit my needs?
Thanks for your comment...I was thinking the same thing.
@@chrisw4215 Lighter bike means less traction. Also, dual tires have less traction than street tires. If you are not riding much over 60, it should be ok in rain. I street is all you do, I woukd check new nc750x and cb500x. Price for cb500x is not much more but, it is far better commuter bike in my opinion. And if needed, you can take it cross country. New nc750 cost a bit more but, it has traction control, more weight, lower center of gravity, all contributing to safer ride in rain. And, I think that engine will outlast 300cc way more than price difference. Even 500cc, I've seen guy posting pic of dash with 94k miles and going strong.
lol sounds to me like you're trying to justify your own purchase. They both sound like great bikes. Personally, I think I'd go with the CRF300L non-rally version
Thanks for a great review. (I found the music an annoying distraction, but maybe that’s just me.)
Man, seems like everyone has to play crappy music while talking !
Yeah, if I want music, I have a million options. Don't force me to listen to that stupid guitar loop.
@@russellborn515 YEAH FUCK MUSIC
Agreed. Not just unnecessary.... a detractor.
And it's always the same music. Motorbike? Dirt? Play this trash over it.
What's the point of adding background noise when talking?
Video editors trying to be "creative". ;)
Seems like an American thing (but not limited to just them). Drives me absolutely nuts when I can barely hear the presenter over the music and stuff. What's wrong with silence and clear audio??
Great review, concise, to the points, no fluff, just the details, and feelings toward them. Fantastic delivery.
Hey Andrew, thanks for the comprehensive seat of the pants review. I enjoyed your delivery, nice to hear the word "excellently" used for a change. I've been struggling to choose between these, you just made my decision easier.
can you please turn the music off when your talking
Finally a dual sport review!
And a great one at that! Thank you🙏🏼! Been waiting for a review on the CRF300. 🤙🏼
Thank you for the compliment, Patrick! Much appreciated. 🤙
Good review Andrew. Glad to see Honda continue to refine affordable, fun dual sports for the heart of the market.
Excellent to the point review 👍 My 250 Rally has taken me on many adventures.
Great video & excellent analysis. It helped to solidify my choice.
Very informative review and answered my questions well.
Great short comparison full of usefull infos, thanks
Great review! Thanks.
Great review. It would be nice to see crf300l vs klx300 review next.
Thanks for a great review. Either bike would be fun. I will be getting my 300L in 5 weeks. The waiting is hard.
Thanks for the video! You really solved most of the issues that I was concerned with. I think I have a NEW DIRT BIKE!
Awesome review! I've been waiting for my 300L since May and since then I've watched pretty much all reviews I found in CZcams. I can tell that this was the best one I found. Straight to the point, relevant and clear information. Really liked and just subscribed to the channel. Well done 🙌🙌🙌🙌
You'll love it. All around fantastic bike for the money
Great review mate.Thank you
Nice review thanks.
Good review/comparison 👍😊
I agree with Marco,great review,no music please
Nice review. I've been waiting for someone to compare these, thanks. Seems like Honda's done a good job of differntiating these for different riding styles.
And please, enough of the damn music.
Very helpful review well done.....after calling14 Honda dealers today I found 1..Picking it up tomorrow .
How have u liked it ?
Great vid…. Makes my decision between the two… more difficult lol. Nice 👍
I was able to open up the cockpit on my CRF300l with some offset bar risers and IMS lowered pegs. YSS suspension also on the way!
Great insight. I actually came into this erroneously thinking that the Rally was the more off-road oriented bike, and given that I'm comparing the CRF against the Versys-X 300 with it's more street oriented manners, I think that the Rally is probably the best choice for me as I'm not an aggressive off-roader but do like to ride fire roads and the occasional trail. Thanks.
Hey solid review brother! I got my very first bike 4 months ago (ktm 390 adv) and I’ve been eyeing this CRF300l as a possible trade-in. Don’t get me wrong the KTM has been a fantastic beginners bike; I just want something a bit more dirt oriented and the Honda’s reputation for reliability is another big selling point..
Nice thanks for the info. :)
I think you better check your facts the front and rear shocks have the exact same springs inside on the front and same exact rear shock . Honda did not set up the suspension in any way shape form or fashion differently between the 2 bikes . The Rally has some dampening in the handle bars where the 300l doesn't the Rally also has rubber in the foot pegs where the 300l doesn't . The Rally has a wider seat with more foam where the 300l has a thinner seat . The weight of the the extra gallon of gas is 6.5 lbs in the Rally , With these little extras your getting a softer less vibrating feel as you ride it has nothing to do with the suspension except with the 6.5 gallon of weight difference that might make the front shock have more travel . If you can ride at all there is no place the Rally can't go that the 300l can so . Its all in your head if you think the 300l is better off road over the Rally . At the end of the day you feel a lot better on the Rally off road vs the 300l that is a lot more rougher feeling . Your hands on the Rally are a lot less fatigued vs the 300l . If you like feeling the shock and vibration then get the 300l if you like a smoother feeling ride with less body and hand fatigue get the Rally and with the extra gallon of gas say out and ride another 70 miles or so .
i do appreciate spitting the facts but no reason to be rude man. watching videos with wrong facts is annoying, i get that but come on man.
@@n03m9 Your right I will delete that one part .
Returning rider, 5 years after my last DRZ400, gotta decide between this and the new Kawi. Thanks for the vid!
New kawi for more load..L for less..
KTM EXC-F 350 dirt/street is where I am going. KTM is *80+ pounds LIGHTER* and is WAY better quality. Got a DRZ400 as well and DR650 and 125/250 motocross bikes switching to KTM it has all of stock components already and setup.
@@mt1885 but the reliability is complete shit
@@shuttzi9878 They are good lot of disinformation
@@mt1885 double the price lol
I feel like this video helped me decide the 300L is the better option for me vs the Rally. Cheers
Great review. I am curious whether the Rally is really so much less capable in the dirt.
By the way, for some reason motorcycle reviews on CZcams often have heavy rock as background music. I often have classical music in my head when I am riding out in nature ;-)
Nice comparo.... too bad that they weren't closer in performance because that Rally version looks good...
Nice job.
Thanks
Thanks for a great review .. maybe it is my age but the music track was a tad annoying and I can imagine that for no-native speakers it makes it much harder to understand what you are saying.
What on earth made you think that loud rock music over the speach would enhance this video. Made It unwatchable.
So, do you have a back way into Rowher Flats, or do you just take Sierra Highway there?
Maybe I missed it but is it the same engine and transmission on both bikes or does one of them have different gear ratios ?
I'm interested in rally wondering what range it has between fill up?
I just got the LS. Old school dirt but new stuff welcome big time. Red would be better " gray just an't Honda to me hahaha. Love this bike in the woods.
Very similar reviews to all the others who attended the launch.
Would like to know more specifics as to the reason for two different bikes and where each might excel at. Otherwise same ol stuff as always.
I buy me the Honda crf300l before 4 Month, it's a beautiful bike, but what I not like the bike is a little bit to heavy with 150 kilogram in my opinion. Number two is, the bike could have more power for 300cm3...I miss this. I change the exhaust pipe too, because the original pipe is a disaster of sound and design and it's heavy too. Next bike will be a two stroke.
I think he overstates the differences between the two considering the Rally just has a couple extra attachments. The Rally certainly isn't a 'street bike' as he implies.
Is it better than my wr250r . Not had a chance to ride one yet
My height is just 5.6 feet, do u think it would be wise idea to be owner of CRF 300L. Due to my height at times I drop this kinda high ground clearance bikes.
My weight is about 175lbs. with gear, My question is, would the standard L model suspension handle my weight okay on road conditions of this video? Thanks!
Yes
Rowher Flats in SCV?
Is the power considerably better than the 250L? That bike is absolutely gutless.
How tall are you>?
Hi, did you experience any rattling noise around 45000 and 5500 rpm? Anyone please help.
At 45,000 rpm you will most definitely hear rattling and possibly see parts flying by your head.
@@robertclary1718 LMAOO
Background "music" is super annoying. Permanent ban!
i bought the 300l very dissapointed not a bad bike but 8k worth of vibration will sell asap
So, is it possible to lose 100# from the CRF300L to make it a decent bike after all?
@@Scott-dn1bk what if you already did? lol
2021 Honda CRF300L Dyno Test
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could order a bike built according to the riders height and weight.
Yup!
Beta has the the Built Your Own Beta program - betausa.com/2021-byob-start/
How strange Honda say they are identical other than the extras on the Rally
How cool would a crf300 supermoto be?
Not as cool as a 400
300 on the road would rattle my teeth out. Need a modern FI DRZ400 with a 6th gear.
@@nathanf1934 a smaller engine might have to spin up higher, but a larger single has more reciprocating, unbalanced mass. I don't think it would be much better.
@@quinnkirlew9892 My KTM 690 enduro is very smooth on the tarmac.
The italian tester did not say this
Annoying music on the background ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
Also for that price the suspension is NON adjustable -it nearly bottoms out sitting on it - and the *305 lbs* is a TANK
This was good. Would have been great without the annoying music while speaking. Just my perspective.
Cut the Muzak next time please
Honda shop in Orange I’m waiting for the phone call. Come on man
Same it’s killing me, I’m impatient.
I can’t find a shop to even take a deposit.
same dude. Put down the deposit, just patiently waiting now.
I sold my 250L because the suspension was garbage..Nice to know they didnt fix the biggest issue with the bike. Sponge suspension on the 300..cmon Honda
Kawasaki KLX300 has WAY better suspension quality
@@Scott-dn1bk It is fact the Honda has non-adjustable suspension it is stated. Basically 1970s suspension at a 2021 Price Tag. One is better off with a DRZ400 as WAY better suspension, removable subframe and better quality. The non-removable subframe is a PAIN point as well. So many corners (cut) for cost really should be a $3500 bike as it is very lacking.
@@mt1885 do you know what a 70’s suspension looks like? I think not.
No thanks that Kawasaki is hideous looking. The crf is fine for fireroads and light trail riding
KTM 350 EXC-F is like *80 pounds lighter* spend the money go that direction if you want to off-road as the Honda has like 1970s suspension and weights over 300lbs
Lol 80lbs lighter and over twice the cost?
80 pounds lighter and guaranteed to self destruct in typical KTM fashion.
You haven’t a clue what a 70’s suspension looks like.
@@robertclary1718 non-adjustable junk - just like what this one has
@@Motokarts DRZ400S or SM is a better deal or KTM ect...
I'd rather have the standard version. The headlights on the Rally are hideous, and who needs a screen on a 300?
me, i need a screen on a 300 😂
@@slakk5093 AS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY, WE SHALL SERVE THE SCREEN
Ah @@caballopalido , that made me laugh! right down at the bottom of the comments too - it pays to be investigative!
Agree, Not a fan of the headlights or the blue for that matter
@@bigred8752 WELL I'M NOT A FAN OF YOUR WIFE'S MAKEUP, CHAD. BUT I STILL GO OUT WITH HER
Turn the music off
... Where, when and who came up with the idea of music in the background while something is being discussed or explained, that it will enhance the video!!!???? THEY WERE WRONG!!!!
PLEASE, STOP HAVING MUSIC (if you want to call it that) distracting from the video PLEASE!!!!
Now, what was the video about?
.
Honda is the best👏👏👏
Probably the softest suspension in all of the motorcycling world, yet no real criticism… come on dude… is this a commercial or a serious test?
🤣😝😂
Please lose the really annoying, formulaic, 'rock' 'music'. Adds nothing, sounds crap.
For light fire roads only? What the fuck? Get better at riding dirt bikes. I ride my klr down single track, and that thing's more of a pig than that thing was.
The rally is pretty trash, if you wanted a rally style spend the money and buy a KLR640 or tenere 700.... crf300L rally did not fit the bill, Honda missed the mark. CRF300L standard is the way to go for this category.
So basically the Rally is for Posers. Nice one Honda.
Does it not occur to white people, falling off off motorcycles? I was curious how heavy each is relative to one another, and where the center of gravity is.
And that's why you shouldn't be doing reviews sitting on a chair...
Great review. Thanks!!!