HONDA CRF300L | A Masterclass In Versatility
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- #chroniclesofsolid #crf300l #dualsport
In this video I cover why the Honda CRF300L is such a great dual sport in an unconventional way. Often we get caught up in the specs of our motorbikes and forget about other attributes that have just as much importance and sometimes more. The major accomplishment of the CRF300L is just how versatile the little adventure machine can be.
Chapter Times
00:00 Intro
00:19 Versatility
01:11 The Motor
02:01 Gear Box
03:25 Clutch
04:30 It Can Be Whatever Bike You Need
05:05 Cheap To Run
05:55 Weight
06:45 Simple Electronics
07:46 Affordable
Thanks for watching,
COS
ADV MEDIA - Auta a dopravní prostředky
There isn't another motorcycle I'd buy other than my Honda crf300l. It does everything I want it to. Rode to Africa at 60 mph for 100 mpg. Rides the dirt here well. Light weight. Easy to maintain. I did spend 2.5k on quality after market parts to get it this good. Heading east in the spring to Kazakhstan.
Love it 👊💥
Nice one Inti!
I bought a 300l as a commuter for work and some trail usage. I've had sportbikes and dirtbikes. Yes, the 300 is missing power but it wasn't designed to be a powerhouse. It's all about usable, manageable power and the 300 has it.
After a year plus of ownership both a Rally and standard, I will emphatically say that Honda missed it by not jumping from 250 to 350 displacement. An extra 5-6 hp and even more torque if the stroke was longer would truly make this bike what we all want it to be.
I was under the impression that they increased the stroke to get the extra ccs from 250 to 300... No?
I think honda upped the CCS as much as they could with same engine to keep reliability. Any more you would probably lose reliability and make the vibration go up.
@@thepeople4142 They did, but only to technically 286cc. He is saying they should have upped it more to 350cc.
Yep. This is why I sold mine instead of upgrading everything, no point if it’s still gutless when you need the guts. If it had the solid power stock then I wouldn’t mind to fix all the other issues like suspension.
@@KentwoodWarrior did you consider ECU/exhaust/high flowing air filter?
Great video man, love the detail - killed it.
That was brilliant Solid. Best overview yet... I own an Africa Twin and since buying the Rally 3 hundy I can't stop smiling, I'm having a ball with my dirt biker friends.
Totally agree. Thanx and happy new year 🤘✌️🙌
Happy new year👍
Hey Solid, thank you for this great review and telling us about the Secret Super Power of the CRF300L. Keep the sunny side up
Cheers Steve
Very convincing! Thank you. G.
Enjoying it sooo much since may 2022. Her mother AT DCT is jealous. It’s a fantastic bike for the pure pleasure of light off road.
Great review! Thank you.!
You are correct on all counts Solid!
First off nice seeing ya back! Happy new year!
It wouldn’t be a normal Saturday without a COS video.
And agreed on the 300L. It’s just amazing. I have the 450RL as well and even having not done the suspension yet on the 300L it’s still more fun to ride than the bike that cost twice as much.
Have a great weekend!
🏍💨
Thanks mate, nice combo of bikes 👍
Great video man! Got mine and I can’t wait to use it all year around 😮 I will packed it behind a VAN and riding around the world in 2024
A timely vid. Watched other vids showing the Honda 300 L/R, not a bad word about the bike in any of them.
Another great video!
Cheers Larry
Another solid review 👍
Thanks mate
Excellent and honest review. Still waiting for the Rally in the US.
HEY, I was just watching your suspension video when this dropped! Cheers have a great year! CRF250L in Sweden.
Thanks, you too! 👍
I got a 2018 CRF250L rally & I absolutely love that 🏍️💨 I would get to 300 if they were available (maybe) but this bike seems to do really REALLY good. After I did the ECU tuning the bike just came alive & smoothed out + I put a 15 🦷 front ⚙️ so I could drive on the highway at lower RPM's 65mph on gps no problem. Nice bike dude! I like yours. Mine is the black version 💪👍👍💯
Great review. All true. Been waiting a year or more to get a rally version. The mates at MADTV and Itchy Boots. Normally have done well with the Red Rooster
Great review 👏 👌 👍
I had a CB300R with the same motor. It's a great little motor, feisty and underrated. 6th gear of the CB is great. You rarely have to shift down.
Great review! I like your take on this bike. Been looking at small bikes for a year but can't decide because inventory is bad and can't even look at all the bikes.
Thanks Jim, Hopefully something comes up for you soon. It's really tricky getting/buying a new bike at the moment.
I've ordered a 300 Rally and hopefully will take delivery in March or April '23. After 40 years of biking I'm sooo looking forward to getting out on it and enjoying life at 80 kmph. It's a pity that Honda couldn't be arsed to make a 450 but I'm not going to let that spoil my fun. TET here I come. Yay.
They already make a 450
I'm in the same situation, these bikes are only arriving in May.
Judging by the reviews I think 80kph could be pushing that little motor.
450cc would be the ultimate!
@@stoicwarrior34680 KMPH!
@@alrightdave6135450 has been discontinued....anyway it was way too expensive.
@@Jungleland33 Did you finally get your bike?
Hey Solid, some people think you need 2,3,4+ bikes to have fun. 'Love that you love your 300L for what is 👍
Great Video - Finally someone that appreciates what this bike is and not just want to change what the engineers were trying to achieve.
Thanks Kevin
There's already a 400 why would Honda make a 350. Makes no sense. Folks are missing the point.
Hi Mate, I bought complete exhaust Arrow (thunder) sistem and DNA air filter ( you have UNIFILTER AU) with remap oem ECU
WOW! the Bike are very fun now ! really ( and rear shock and front cartridge YSS all / Obviously )
very cheap money for transforming this awesome DUAL in a very unicorn : off road+dual sport + adv Bike
believe me.
Ciao
have mine and its so cool. i love 300l in here in the philippines. great bike its like fit for all asian no need to upgrade.
Nice 👍
Best review so far. Doing my Q-rider tomorrow and want to do both on and off-road. Been looking at this bill and it seems perfect. A lot of other reviews talk about it being good but complaining about suspension etc. Like you said it’s a jack of all trades master of none. I’m sold.
Good like on the test👍
I’ve been looking at the 300l for some time now. The thing is I’m 166cm and when I road my friends it’s super hard when at stop signs and lights. I leaving for boot camp tomorrow so hopefully after bootcamp the 300ls model will be out. Which would be a great fit for me. Great review!!
Have had several bikes, a KZ1000, a GSXR1000 a KLR, currently a 701 sm and just got a 300l. Its a great motorcycle, puts a smile on your face. I get annoyed when people compare it to other high performance bikes. Thats not what it was designed for.
Enjoy it for what it is. Its an awesome do it all bike. You are absolutely on point Solid.
Thanks mate 👍
My 300l is great fun and trustworthy(very important when you ride remote places)I upgraded the suspension/footrests/risers and a few other things.Its really a very good bike.I wish it had more power though.Still it will do for now with FREE peace of mind😀
I have an old £3500 2007 r1200gs and love it . Goes every where with luggage and better off road than what people think.
Nice👍
How relaible is it?
Got me a versys300x. Very capapable too.
I would love to see a side by side comparison between this and my old 1984 Honda XL350R. The HP and torque and weight are nearly the same.
These reasons are why I'm getting a klx300 for my next bike. The most fun I've ever had was on my dr350s, the klx is the closest thing to that.
Whatever bike people ride, it really is a form of therapy.
Another great option, if only they sold the KLX300 here in OZ😔
@@chroniclesofsolid nor the UK
AMEN!
as i was leaving the local dirtbike trail head carpark with my 300L in tow yesterday…bloke in his mid 50s (on an old Husky) walked past to check out my bike…..i pulled up to be friendly and have a “g’day mate yarn….
he says “just checking out your Ag bike (farm bike for the US/Euros) , people on the internet go on about how they can keep up with their mates on KTMs…should be able to climb anything on that…people spending alot of money on them to make them better”
i said yeah they aren’t too bad a bike, sorta a modern day XR….
Bit of snobbery on his part…but his attitude seemed to change when i said i have a couple XR650R and a XR250R in the shed….
Must of thought I was a beginner….
How does this bike compare to the xr250?
Yup, but it takes the Rally version to get the longer fuel tank range. I got the 2022 Rally and I'm really liking it.
Solid! Love your content mate 🤙🏽 I was under the impression ABS is off only to the rear? Aus model.
Correct
Hey Solid, if you've got hand/grip issues and ride standing up get yourself some Steg Pegz for your 300.. They take a lot of load off the hands..
Hitting the Hutton St on-ramp 😊
Jack of all...Master of none.
But better than a master of one.
Well said mate it is sad to see people getting dissatisfaction by trying to use it like a 500 ktm different bike totally different riding. It is the cheapest and most versatile adv bike not a full on enduro.
Great info solid..please let me know where in the USA I can get one and I will buy it but in the meantime I will keep riding my wr250r... keep it shiny side up mate
Looking at the supply chain I'd say you will have the WR250R for a while😅 which is hardly a bad thing considering how great they are
I have great 5 bikes, but my CRF300L is my favourite. For me is the best bike in the world.
When Honda introducedvthe CRF250L, they also discontinued the CBR250R in favor of the CBR300R. It's Euro3/4 emission standard that already has 30.5hp and 27N-m. I'd definitely use the ECU or same basemap on aftermarket stand alone ECU of that CBR300R on the CRF300L. Honda is known to dumb down their engines onto the CRF-L
I love the fact that my KLX300 doesn't have abs. One less thing to go wrong and zero faffing about with it when I hit the trails.
On my larger ADV bikes the ABS is helpful in high speed traffic and adverse weather riding on pavement but the 300's are so lightweight and operated at a lower speed on the pavement where I don't think it's needed. If I'm riding my 300 at freeway speed, I'm already at the limits of being able to control the bike if something goes wrong. Freeway speed being in the 70-90 mph range here in the States.
I hate the fact your KLX doesn't have abs. It's the reason why we can't have them over here in the UK.😭😀
@@ed.barker7069 I hear you on that. These nanny laws are getting unreal.
Nice review! Compared to KLX230?
have you seen the new 2023 think they just increased the power that and new colour grey , but dont get excited you probably wont get it in Australia till 2026 hahaha ....., Great channel bro
Nice video thank bro were a change de ABS?
love your channel, needs more HP and TQ
Add a filter, ecu & full exhaust system.
@@jim.carras needs more, lower in the revs
@@jim.carras needs springs, a shock, 400cc-450cc displacement, same service intervals, same mild manners, charge $1500 more, bob's your uncle. Perfect value bike.
@@snupermoto723 They know the recipe, they just won't make it.
@@jeffloucks2120 i know. sux. wud b so ez too
Getting mine this month and keeping my cb 500 x for longer trips.....stopped looking for the unicorn.😂
Nice combo 👍 The unicorn is a fun mental exercise but its far more important to get out there and enjoy the dirt.
I'm a WR250R owner who likes to travel the Australian outback. The aftermarket is failing the 300L on the long-range tank front (probably due to plandemic ruining the world). Two years in for 300L, finally there is an acerbis 14L tank coming. It has a wait list a mile long, just like the bike itself had for new buyers. And 14L is still a bit too small. WR stills wins me over. U can build a yam (or Suz) desert sled for half the price of a red one and the 36cc aint gunna convince me to swap.
My '07 KLR 650 is a good all rounder, just a little too heavy for some offroading. I think the Honda would be perfect.
The mighty KLR💪
If the suspension was better I would agree (money pit). This bike needs work to be versatile. The KLX 300 and the Honda 450 would be a better buy IMHO. I just wish Yamaha would produce something or Kawasaki would do the Versus X in a 400. I am gonna sit on the fence for a while.
While your siiting on your fence, I'm sitting on my 300L and having fun. To each his own I guess. Lifes to short to wait around for the perfect bike.
Suitable springs and go.
@@patientprepper2030 I still got my Street Triple and my Honda Rancher. They do have the KLX 300 at 2 Dealers near me. Hmmm. No Hondas though. I haven’t seen a Honda 300 in 2 years at local dealers. Most have plenty of Dirt bikes and the occasional grom but not much else Honda.
I do wish they had put the ABS on/off button closer to the grips. Mainly because you have to turn it back off everytime you turn the motor off. Something that becomes a problem when riding a a few other riders.
i pulled all 3 ABS fuses out and leave them out.
@@MrKdr500 I like abs...on the road. Save my arse several times. In the dirt it is bloody aweful, especially on the 300. First fast dirt corner I thought I was not going to get through. Then I turned off the ABS. Magic, the fear is gone.
If you turn the engine off with the kill switch or side stand switch the ABS stays off. Obviously this is for gates/trail stops not park up and go to the shops stops! 🤣
@@davidhudson8960 Shows how long it has been since I used to ride dirt... Thanks for that simple reminder. Amazing what one forgets after 42years away dirt riding.
Solid does the Aussie made rally tower (sorry can’t remember the name) fit this bike? If so would it fit with upgrade acerbis fuel tank?
Riding a small CC dual sport can be problematic.
It's probably okay if you live in small cities like Adelaide or Perth, but traversing from city or suburbs to the bush from places like Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney is a whole different game. It's either a gruel in traffic for a hour or two (or more, depending on where you started and where you're heading), or forced to do freeway speeds for extended periods of time just to get out of the greater metropolitan areas.
Wringing the guts out of a small single gets old real quick!
But they will keep making videos on why the 300 is the best all rounder.
@@AJM-0205 Yes and that's absolutely expected in a world of short comings and compromise.
"Best on offer' is probably more poignant.
Buggered if i know why people put 300cbr cams in when it just gives you same power and torque as a well tuned standard engine but it pushes that power and torque higher in rev range
I absolutely love my 300L...it's heavily modified..and it's fantastic on the trails and the road.. then I can swap it to super moto.. front fork extensions and a 301 bore kit ...
Just ripping it here in Thailand 🇹🇭
I will keep my 2006 drz-250 reliable economical light weight at 134 kilos fully loaded 6 speed gearbox and its sweet spot is 90 kms per hour all day every day in back country roads i avoid freeways and main highways.😊
And because you're so you're happy with your 1879 Suzuki that sucks on the Highway, you're watching 300L videos? Got it. 🙄 Except: no. one. cares
Any chance of a review of the new 2023 Suzuki v Strom 250 sx? Ive been following your channel for a while with a keen interest in picking up a rally but just held up with savings… would the Suzuki be worthwhile as much more affordable to me? Looking to do commuting, weekend squirt and some off-road camping locally. Cheers
Need to do a 69er experiment !!!
was at the dealers today. ouwch 6899 euros. i paid 5300 for the crf250l 2017.
What gearing do you run?
6:58 dance part I'm laughing to death 💀 🤣
Hey solid, you ever consider the Husky 701, some positives-weight, great suspension outa box and power, it’s more expensive, but saves modding a new bike , reliability?
I did consider it but at time of purchase the 701 was twice the price and 16kg heavier. Plus the reliability is just not there e.g rocker arm and fuel pump etc.
Talk about ccm 450 Adventure
"Likes R Free" made me click like instead of being lazy and move on to next video.
Were you able to set the sag to correct 30-40% while bike was on stock suspension + how much you weighted then? I got 250L and 76kg+ riding gear, front is fine with room to spare for sag (25%), rear is at 40% used by me sitting on it. It looks like 300L/Rally would be worse..
Success! Sorry Break, never checked before the upgrade😔
Hey i have bought OEM headlight for my 300l, comes with halogen one in stock, can you tell me what other parts do we require or have to order to fit led headlight on 300l. As i went to my mechanic for the fit, they said they require extra frame to fit the led headlight.
Hey Solid, what bag are you running on your rear carry rack?
I want something compact like that on my Rally just for carrying spare tubes/ compressor/ some tools etc.
Kriega OS6
Cheers 🤙
Hi mate have you any news on the crf300ls Australian release and specs thanks for your clips
The news is from EPA applications not from Honda official, we will have to wait for specs and $$ from Honda when they confirm the models.
Hello~ is that a 50mm length long arm for your mirror? thanks.
so what do you really think? hahaha, love it solid.
Not my most subtle video was it😅
old faithful postie bikes and dr650 bush pigs will be around for a long time, I don't see them "dropping like flies" as much as the CRF300 in about 5 years.
As a 450L owner, and just to keep the conversation going as we all have a different perspective on this, I would say using your categories as a bench mark the 450l beats the 300l hands down except for cost and servicing. Cost I think is always dependant on the buyer, who knows they might have little money, like myself, and prefer to save for the right bike, or set a budget and that’s their limit. As for servicing, well great bikes tend to be more needy, does that make them less desirable?… hell no!… Honda undoubtedly played a blinder with the 250/300Ls, they have cornered a market no one else has any interest in. Personally I’m gutted that Honda don’t sell the 450L in the UK anymore, not sure what I’ll go to next, probably the Wr450
I’m still annoyed they killed it off here in OZ 🙁
450 singles are super fun, they pack the greatest amount of fun per $, but I wouldn't want to own one as my everyday bike. Unfortunately from a versatility and durability point of view they are not that great.
@@sspirito3130 well thats not been my experience - from doing rallies, enduro days, multi day rides, steady trail riding, it’s way lighter than the other Ls, bags more power and torque, some do supermoto on them, some convert to proper rally bikes - not only is the 450 versatile but it does it bloody well.
@@twowheeledadventuresuk2739 I seriously considered getting the 450 but I saw a number of videos where riders were having problems with it stalling at very slow speeds. Have you experienced this? As an old plodder ( me not the Bike) I was concerned about this happening whilst out gently trail riding. Is it a problem?
@@ed.barker7069 with the stock ECU yes, but once I fitted the vortex ECU problem solved. You have to change the ECU on the 450L, all the crap honda did to the bike to make it compliant with various regs has made it a pig, the UK bike is terrible, only 27hp and no guts - fit the ECU it runs like a dream and getting 48hp and torque that is so usable.
how did you solved the rattle issue?
I never got it
where did you get that headlight from? looks a million times better than stock
It's standard for the asian market and Australia
If the 300l had 30hp oh my that would have been perfect.
How about if street legal the Beta 390 RR-S was an option?
It is street legal here
Service intervals are why I ruled it out - every 4 or five rides = engine + filter and gear oil changes - no thanks. Got to admit they are great bike though - power and suspension is several levels above the Honda, but at double the price then the heavier maintenance……👍
lmao. guy is demonstrating how good the torque is with footage of him him going downhill. oh boy, i needed a good laugh today
I disagree on the WR250R. I have one since nee 2015. Just regesr it and it doesn't stall and pulls 6th gear even through mountains of Smokey Mountain 500. 14/49. Come on quit slamming the WR! lol
Find one for sale first. And when you do the Honda dealership add $1k in fees 😱
The KTM 690 and its siblings, 701 and GasGas 700, is the true king. It does all the CRF300L does, just better. And only for a few thousand bucks more.
In Australia they a more than double the price of the 300L.
It’s double in the US also. $12,999
Double the price
@@guestappearance3211 Double the fun in the long term.
@@Hibbicon nope, I have owned 690 before
do you ever ride?
any comments on ItchyBoots's upgrades to her bike?
Now, just let me figure this one out for a mo.... ummmmm.... ah yes, I think I've got it ... I figure that you actually 'LIKE' your bike. Nice place to be... lucky bugger. 🤣😄😉
Thanks solid, great video. The crf is a fantastic machine. However. I think I'll have to disagree. I submit that the 701 is more versatile. It will do everything a crf will do but a bit faster with more capacity and 300km range, same weight with twice the power. 701 is probably not for a green rider and crf has it beat on cost and maintenance, but I'd argue, that's not really versatility.
Keep it up brother
Agreed, the 300L fanboys keep making these videos. lots of harping on about a bike, lost count of how many video's "Why I went with the 300L" with a bunch of reasons over and over again. and the main one is price. all the time the main reason is price, with a bunch of excuses, not reasons, on why they bought it. I think this bloke has made the same videos 4 or 5 times.
@Average Jim Thanks mate. Could be a good video comparison in there. All fair points just a matter of preferences really. I could either chuck it in the regular Q&A or make it its own video.
@@chroniclesofsolid That's definitely not a comparison.
@@chroniclesofsolid nice mate, I rekon I'd like to see that.
Unreliable, uncomfortable, crap for luggage, too much maintenance and unreliable. Yes, the 701 is versatile
Hi Solid. Happy New Year. Are you a Dad yet?
Almost, estimate is the first week of Feb.
Because it has a street bike engine
I see you love your bike. But what make the crf300 more versatil than a 690/701 for example ?
The price.
if its not broken down - at that moment - it's also more versatile than a 690at the workshop ,)
@@________2705 I think versatility and reliability are two different things?
I'm an older guy who is a brand new rider. To me the 690 and 701 are great bikes but for a new rider I wouldn't want something that is easily going to run that rear wheel out from under me and send me down. Plus the cost of those bikes are twice the Honda.
@@jimh2061 older guy myself.. Was thinking if the ktm bikes would do the trails as well as Honda, the weight seems to be the same and fuel injection nowadays are so smooth.
The bigger engine of ktm should be better on the street and highway. Did the creator of this channel ever tested the ktm for comparison ? Would be interesting thing to do.
pantheon of the greats, nah i think it will be forgotten like a 1984 xl350r with the same cheap build quality.
a 490 adventure R would have been good at a lot of things 😭
I can do most of what you do on a Peugeot 103, 50 cc 2-stroke
Itchy Boots has not much trouble relatively, and she has been around the world, yeah i know, a lot of kms, and she knows pretty much the capability of the 300.
0-60 in never and suspension that blows through its travel from 160lb guy sitting down on it
I still don't agree with driving between vehicles. If you're doing those types of maneuvers, it's a matter of time before you get run over.
How many times are you going to make the same video? heard all this before. Beginner bike and can do it all blah blah blah. The 690 and 701 are really the kings at this, only 10 kg's heavier, far better suspension (because they have to be changed on a 300L anyways because the factory stuff is absolute rubbish). Much better ergo's and geometry, power to get you in to trouble and more importantly get you OUT of trouble as well. lack of horsepower can be down right dangerous when you really need to move. Cush drive, and on the 690 and the 701 the ABS and traction control are just a button as well.
Don't get me wrong, I have an XR250 and love it to bits, But I don't try to imagine it's even on the same level or even close to my husky. A 300 that's 142kg's before you load all the gear on it that is needed. Riding a bike that is not build correctly is dangerous, you wouldn't take a 4wd and load it up factory suspension and expect it to handle good and stop correctly. Sure by the book it's able to take that payload, but it's not going to drive nice. Buying a bike and riding it on it's max load constantly is dangerous and will be constantly bottoming out on your suspension and constantly underpowered.
why is it that the 690/701 doesn't sell a fraction of what the CRF300 sell's? i love & own 890R/1290 dukes and 350sxf KTM's but not everyone want's a race ready bike.
@@MrKdr500 Probably because people buy them top ride to work, farmers will be buying them to run around cattle stations because they are cheap as chips to replace, beginners wanting a first bike to learn on then upgrade. I am not saying the 690 and 701 are beginner bikes, but the constant video's of 300 owners, explaining why their beginner motorcycles are better or on par for them then far superior bikes. the only bikes that should be being compared are other bikes of the same caliber, Kawasaki 300 etc.
It's comparing a Holden Commodore SS to a Mercedes AMG C63.
@@AJM-0205 Maybe the missing piece of the puzzle is the idea that performance simply isn't on the checklist for a lot of people. Tbh I wouldn't take either an AMG or an SS at any price, other than to resell it, because neither is remotely fit for purpose for anything I'd do with it. Similarly, zero interest in anything that's "ready to race" or any engine displacement over 500cc. Sorry, but those "far superior" bikes are clearly and objectively worse choices for what I want to do. I for one am glad that Solid is cutting through all the race/performance/hero-worship marketing messages that flood the industry.
@@jaimemetcher388 Hi Jaime, And that's totally fine mate, if people don't want all the bits and pieces and performance I 100% support that. Ill probably buy one myself one day to ride to work, but I won't have the illusion that it's even going to come close to my 701. The issue I have is comparing things that are really not even in the same class and making it seem like the cheaper inferior bike is the better of the 2. A bike like the 300 should only be compared to other bikes in the same class. I was using the SS and the AMG as an example to point out that they are really in a different class to each other so should not be compared.
Good points but the stock suspension is awful