2023 Honda CRF300LS | First Impressions
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- I've had my Honda CRF300LS for about a month now and these are my very-early first impressions, and pros/cons. Please feel free to ask me questions about it or my experience.
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My Himalayan is a 2021 US Version Rock Red
My Honda is a 2023 CRF300LS in Swift Grey
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I bought a crf300 rally and had a major issue with the height too. It was easily fixed with an adjustable lowering link in the rear, really cheap and easy to install.
Cool bike. I like how Honda considered us not so tall folk for a change. Looking forward to your long term review. Graphics are a nice change as well.
My wife and I love ours. I haven't had an issue with the throttle, but she's mentioned it. I wish I could put more preload on the rear shock. It has less adjustment than I've ever seen. Oh, and I cut a plastic panel to fill in that hole behind the radiator. It REALLY cuts down on the right leg getting cooked. This is her upgrade bike from an XT250, and we're very happy with the decision.
Interesting idea with the ride panel. I've definitely noticed an uncomfortably warm right leg during longer rides. I've adapted with the throttle a lot, but I will still probably put in some kind of throttle tamer next year.
I’ve just ordered one of these for me, my upgrade from a 2023 XT-250, gave it to my husband 😁, we will see if he wants to upgrade it to a CRF 300LS too eventually. He has concerns about the fuel consumption but I don’t want to put a larger tank on it due to adding weight. Can’t wait until mine comes in!
I've genuinely enjoyed it. The fuel range is definitely a bit of downside, but it's easy to carry extra fuel if you need to. I feel bad for my Himalayan as I definitely ride it less now though
You can get rid of jerky throttle by te flashing it. Just takes a few seconds and jerkiness is gone.
How do you do that?
I bought a trail 125 and your videos were some of the first that I watched. Now I'm thinking about upgrading to rhe crf300ls. Thanks for the great video
I am 5'7 and looking at the CRF300LS for the very reason. hope to see more videos Brother. Well done.
One of my first observations of the Rally was the SUPER twitchy throttle response. I've never ridden any bike that was so annoyingly twitchy. That being said, after a year and nearly 10K miles, I'm used to it and it's marginally tolerable. I got the Rally for the tank range (3.3 verses 2 gal) and I'm glad I did. The little bit of wind protection is nice, and the Rally's instrument panel is higher, being totally out of the way from the brake line loop.
If you're not used to a taller bike, the height will be intimidating at first. It was for me (I'm 5' 10", 32" inseam), but you get so it's not an issue for the most part. I even upgraded the suspension, so the bike sits quite a bit higher now with me on it, compared to the stock suspension, and still the height is not a big deal. I just had to change some of the ways I get on and off the bike.
Throttle tamer might help with this. Will report back after I install it :D
Amazing, I guess the internet is a small world after all. I followed your PCT through hike video series way back in 2010, and it inspired me to give it a try myself in 2011 (I failed). Didn't expect to see you when browsing motorcycle reviews!
Thanks! Yeah it's weird going back to watch those videos now...back from the early days of youtube!
Thank you. Very nice review. "You meet the nicest people on a Honda".
been great to follow along, purchased a trail 125 and then this month switched to a 300 Rally. Keep em comin!
Excellent! The rally is fantastic...and I really loved it...just a bit too tall for me. I know I could have put on lowering links, or seat....but I also decided I wanted something a bit more set up for local adventures (more of a smaller dual-sport), and would keep my Himalayan for the longer stuff (at least for now). I'm hoping that Honda eventually puts out an LS-Rally (that is 2 inches lower)
Seat is also lowered 👌 Nothing to complain about or be worried about with the 550 Performance ECU. I have a video on it. Its been great. I have over 2000 miles on it
I figured the seat was also lowered as well. I am actually thinking I might go with a throttle tamer first before going with the ECU. But ... a ways down the line. I'm trying to just get used the bike as is for now.
What kind of mpg do you get with that ECU
@jasonvenice3632 about the same as stock. I get 65mpg. I get on the gas alot because of the sound of the pipe. Lol. I average about 65. Lot of highway tho
@@CajunEscapades That's not much lower than stock. My average right now is 69.5 mpg
I have about 600 miles on my 2022 Himalayan and I love it. After seeing you get this new Honda, it would suit me well too as I’m about 5’8”. But I would only get a different dual sport/adventure bike if I was to get rid of the Himi, which I have no plans to do. I don’t do much off roading here in Ohio, so I definitely don’t need anything more suited for off road use. But I definitely think the Honda sounds awesome. Cheers!
Can't go wrong with the Himalayan as well. I love mine...but I'm also VERY curious to see the first reviews for the new Himalayan 450 when it comes out later this year! It's supposed to check most of the major boxes that the current 411 is missing. My only concern will again be weight.
Man, very helpful review. Thanks!
Thanks for the great review - really useful and I really appreciate you taking the time to share your detailed thoughts … I’m sure many others do as well - many thanks …
Sure thing. They are definitely just first impressions. I haven't ridden the bike enough just yet to really give it a full review, but so far, I'm still really liking it (I've got about 600 miles on it now)
Went into a dealer and saw one, my first thought was, is this a CRF 150 ? You've only ridden 144 miles, it takes longer to get used to the way things feel, give it time and things like the throttle response will become second nature, its just different to what you have been accustomed to.
Been looking for a video like this. Also in northern Arizona and definitely getting the 300ls soon.
Nice! Lots of great roads and trails around here to explore for sure! I haven't been out on the new bike as much as I've wanted yet--been really busy at work--but I will be going on weekend adventures for sure!
Looks like a keeper. Dig the MPG indicator. This Honda must be a wiz weight wise compared to the Himalayan.
Gas tank size is a definite factor. Maybe the Throttle is designed for wheelies which some of us dont participate in anymore for obvious reasons.
Ride Safe John!
I got one and never looked back and great bike. Not a power house but real world easy.
I'm sure it would do wonders for my 5'7 self-esteem if all you 5'9 riders would stop seeing yourselves as "vertically challenged" 😄lol. Great to hear the excitement as you present everything. As far as the throttle, it's just a bit of getting used to in conjunction with personalizing your riding style on the new bike. Congratulations, sounds like a good purchase for you.
Oh man...no offense meant...but It just seams that every dang youtube moto vlogger is like 6'3"....and every dual-sport is made for that crowd and their 35+ inch inseams! Seriously though, this bike would fit anyone fairly well with over a 28" inseam.
@@On2Feet lol no offence taken. I know the seat height is a condiderstion for me at this stage. I don't recall my bikes from the old days sitting so high, kz650, Honda xl350... and definitely my very old Enfield bullet. Seems nowadays every bike I sit on has me on my toes at least if not slipped over the side of the seat a bit
At 5'8 I'm stuck in the middle emotionally on this
I’m 5’4 so imagine how I feel lol. I wish I just loved cruisers and left it at that but my heart wants adventure and dual sport bikes which makes it hard.
This model is in tight competition for me between the 300Ls, the Kawi KLX 300, and the Himalayan. My wife is 100% for the Himalayan. I think the Hima would work but I think I would prefer the 300Ls performance off road. I have a dedicated dirt bike now but, for this, we are thinking "Adventure" riding and I believe the off road riding will be less intense than what I'm used too. I haven't tried any of the BDR trails like the PABDR, or Ohio S.O.A.L. or Ohio T.O.T so I'm not certain how challenging those are when you hit the off road sections. It makes "some" sense if we are equally yoked but may end up what different bikes in the end. I did show her the 300Ls and she's willing to consider it but still prefers the Hima at this point. Primarily because she likes the way it looks and the Hima would be great for hauling camping gear. We will buy next year so have some time to think about it. I know what you mean about the brake cable. Its kind of nuts and not exclusively a Honda issue. Its like that on a lot of Dual Sport bikes. I did test drive a friends crf300l and the suspension is very soft. Like you, I actually think this is an advantage on a dual sport and probably why Honda set it up that way. Funny, I described it as riding on pillows too!
I don't have any other dirt-focused bikes, so this now becomes my new "trail bike" (I sold the Trail 125). I also have a himalayan and do love it for adventuring...and the larger gas tank is nice. The downside is that it's damn heavy. Picking it up with full bags after a drop, can be really tough. With that said, I've taken my Himalayan on some pretty wild/crazy stuff and it's held its own fairly well.
140 plus miles on my LS, Just rod it on some hard, deep sand and over some boulders in Baja and the bike responded very well, the e fan kept coming on as I pushed thrue the deep sand, don't know if that is nomal, it did not boil over, other than that I love this bike, might replace my DR 650 pig.
I need one of these in my life!!
It’s wild that although 5 foot 9 is average height bikes are so tall now they make you feet short if you don’t have a 35 inch inseam.
Yeah...I agree. One of the big reasons I moved away from the Rally, was the seat height. Most dual-sports you really do need to be at least 6 feet tall with a 34" inseam to be fully planted on them.
What?? The Barkley Marathon guy is reviewing the motorcycle I want??? :)))
Edit: Fyi man, your comment in that documentary about "you gotta live" is partially why Im buying a van and a dirtbike 🙏
Great little adventure machines - cheers for the upload 👍
I've been looking at this bike but not because of the lower seat height it's more due to the color scheme lol. I'm a little over 5' 9" with a 33.3 inch inseam so I think I could just about get away with getting on a CRF300L but I just hate the bright red color of that bike. I'm not sure why Honda only offers red and white on the 300L.
I’m 5feet6so I need o lower bike thanks honda I will buy one my old 250 honda is tiered and only five gears but iv kept it going for 17 years time to upgrade I think
I wonder if it's possible to add the same fairing set up as the rally?
I have never ridden a bike and currently just researching what's out there. I'm very surprised for this bike's fuel consumption. Sounds like on longer journeys, one should refuel 2-3 times..
Cyclops headlight and maybe look into a Throttle Tamer for the 300l. That is crazy about the gas mileage, I always thought the 300l got great gas mileage. As for the side stand the Trex racing stand can fix that.
It's funny you mention the throttle tamer as I was just pricing out pro-taper bars with new grips and a throttle tamer. I think I'd probably go this route than to mess with the ECU.
I was wondering if you have demo’d the 300L to compare the throttle feel of that to the throttle feel of the LS. I like the throttle feel of the 300L but not the seat height, so if the throttle feel are the same I would go with the LS. If the LS is more twitchy I would rather go with straight L. Thanks great videos! I too have a Himalayan and find myself considering many of they same things as you so I really appreciate your videos!
I have only sat on a standard 300L. But from what I read online, it would seem that this is a ubiquitous across the 300L line. It makes sense as the only difference with the LS is that it's a little shorter and a different color (ostensibly)
I have the crf300L but have the LS on deposit for my wife. She’s 5 ft 4
I hear the seat numbers are the same for both bikes.
I have a CRF300LS that I'll be putting up for sale soon. It's nice but it's still too tall for me, the only lowering links drop the thing two inches which is too much, the fueling is terrible; the throttle is super twitchy despite resetting it and even trying an aftermarket ECU. Then there's the stupid control pods on the handlebars where they reversed the position of the horn and turn signal switches, so every time I want to use the signals, I end up honking the horn instead. I'm just done with it.
so sorry to hear that it didn't work out for you Rob. Crazy that the only lowering links are 2 inches! that is a huge jump. As far as the throttle, I'm getting used to it but will probably put in a throttle tamer at some point. The controls are weirdly backward as you note, but that's a honda thing. They were like that on my Trail 125 as well. Like you, I do wish the tank were a smidge bigger, but I'm not ready to put in an aftermarket Acerbis tank just yet considering most of my riding on this bike will be "local" for now. I'll save the longer stuff for my Himalayan. At any rate, I hope you find something that suits you better and I'd love to know what you end up on!
@@On2Feet I put the Acerbis tank on mine... it fits very well, and weighs slightly less than the stock tank. You can definitely feel the weight with it full of gas, so I just fill it up to 2.5 if I'm riding shorter distances. Or at least that's the theory, since I don't really ride it except around town as a quick way to run errands. It has just under 400 miles on it now. I also put the skid plate, rear rack, a rear box, new bars, bar risers, pegs and a shifter on it. And new mirrors. It's a like/hate relationship with this thing.
Would you recommend this bike for a beginner bike I wanted something about 25-30 min drive from work and something for weekend trail riding
I think it depends on your riding history and your goals. It is a fairly light bike, and mostly easy to control...so in that respect it's a great starter bike. But it is limited on its top end speed a bit. It's not a great bike if you plan to do a lot of consistent highway riding....but is good on trails for sure!
Appericate that no it would be an In town rider
Great video thanks! Do you know any other dual sports or supermoto which are lower for short people? 👀
I believe the Yamaha XT-250 is also similarly short.
Hi, what crash bars do you have fitted; they look good.
I have the outback motortek bars. They were a bit pricy...but I really like them (they have already saved the bike in one drop)
This bike good for beginners? 5’5 170lb
weight-wise it's great. It feels really light even with my extra crash bars and skid plate. Height-wise, the biggest factor is inseam. I am 5'9" have a 31-32 inch inseam and I can flat foot. at 5'5, I suspect your inseam is a bit shorter, but I definitely think you'd still manage ok.
Front and rear suspension length shorter from factory…..seat is the same as regular crf300l …..seat on rally is bigger
Can't find the crf 300ls. Seems dealers just can't get them.
Yeah...I think people are realizing how good they are and the are starting to get really backed up. I was on a deposit/pre-order list for about 6 months for mine....but also got it right when they were coming out.
Can you make this bike taller without replacing the whole suspension system? Thanks.
From the comments it would seem that the factory seat is also a lower seat. So I think the quickest way to make this bike taller would be to put on a standard 300L or seat concepts seat. But at that point, why not just buy the standard CRF300L (non-S)?
@@On2Feet yeah na, i just like the color or this one compared to the red. That's all brother.
There’s no way 5,9 is short , if it’s true then I am dwarf
I suppose I probably fall somewhat close to the proverbial height bell curve for Americans (I think avg height for men is 5'10"), but for dual sport bikes...I'm definitely considered short! Some bikes I've looked at have 37" seat heights! crazy! I feel like you have to be at least 6 feet to even consider those bikes!
The tank gauge is horribly inaccurate. Use the trip. I get about 120 miles to a tank.
Two thirds of a tank for 30 miles? That would make 45 miles with a full tank. Something doesn't add up. Total range should be 150 miles.
It was about 34 miles one-way. I used about 2/3 of a tank for just under 70 miles. This tracks what others are getting on this bike for faster highway riding. Jake the Garden Snake got 107 miles on a full tank.
@@On2Feet 2/3 of a tank for just under 70 miles is of course a different situation.
107 miles on a full tank makes 4,5L/100 km. (Honda states 3,1L/100 km average.)
If you're tall and heavy, this high mileage is realistic if you go top speed, since you sit on top of the bike like a sail in the wind.
I recommend not to use an enduro if you want to go 107 miles on the highway. :)
Yah the blinking red light comes on at 1.5 gallons. I just use the trip and fill up at around 1.8 gallons. I get 100-120 miles to a tank and I’m 215 lbs.
Great bike, but you should say it's for short riders maybe of the bat.
Yeah...I suppose I just sort of figured that was implied if people had looked it up. But I guess it's also for medium-height riders that also just want to be a little lower to the ground. I'm not wildly short (5'9" with a 32" inseam), and do "fit" on the standard L, I just wanted to be more planted, so opted for the LS. I like being able to flat foot on a dual-sport. It definitely inspires more confidence for a more novice rider like myself.
Seat is also lower from the factory
yeah...that was my assumption too. I had guessed about an inch from suspension, and an inch from the seat.
@On2Feet yea seat concepts low would be about the same but more comfy i assume. Not exactly sure what they used to lower the bike kuba links go link 2" i thought. And im not sure what they did tonthe forks. If i cant find an ls im just gonna grab the l and do some mods myself i guess. Enjoy the bike man
Nice bike . Buy some boots ! 😬
ha ha...yes..I normally where my adventure boots, but this spot is like a mile from my house so was just being lazy....
Aha! You're near where nasa staged part of the apollo program.
crf 300l..2023......4300 USD
crf 300 rally..2023.....5000 USD
in Thailand
The headlighth are not the same.