So ultimately, you're the guy whose review sold me on the Trail 125, and now you went and got the 300LS! However, don't feel guilty in the least, because as someone in his early 70s, the Trail 125 remains perfect. I no longer feel confident and safe at speeds over 50MPH, I love putting down back country roads and forest roads, and most important, even with a few extra pounds of gear on it I can handle the weight myself if I should drop it. So as much as the youngster in me wants to drop everything and go out and get that sexy 300LS, the old man will be sticking with the 125. And using your guide to change the oil! Thanks.
With age comes wisdom . Lots of younger guys riding 200kg plus big cc bikes ,that when they drop them …wait for help to lift them back up. I am nearly sixty myself and just cruising a back road on a sunny day soaking up beautiful scenery is a blessed thing to do.
Sorry about that! I did really like the Trail 125...I just realized after owning a year that it wasn't ideal for what I wanted to do with it. I will say, it was a great bike to really explore off-road on crazy trails. I was never worried about dropping it.
I bought a Honda 125, and love it, (I watched Sterling Nolen and learned this is a nice adventure bike) however I am going to also get the Honda 300 LS for all of the reasons stated on this video. Still waiting for it since it takes so long to get it.
I’m 66 and just bought the Honda 150L. I used to ride the big bore 400’s and 450’s. After a 15 year hiatus I wanted to start riding again, but at a much lower speed and just putting around. Perhaps after I get more comfortable riding again I may upsize to the 300LS as your review was quite thorough and my old riding buddies are now getting new bikes themselves, albeit in the 450cc range. Anyways nice review and I do most of my riding in the Flagstaff area near Mormon Lake.
I think you could add the caveat that anyone’s review depends on what they want their bike to do. This bike seems to check your boxes well, and that’s a great testament to your realistic expectations and research prior to purchase. Keep those videos coming; I’ll never get enough of northern Arizona. 👍
I hadn't seen about her spill...but yeah, I imagine she's not much taller than me (if at all)...and I had a hard time reaching confidently on the Rally.
One of the small details that sold me on this bike is that Honda took the time to change the rake from the L model by just a fraction to make it ride right with the shorter suspension. Thought that was cool they took the time/cost to do so. I daily a 1890cc bike and miss my old Yami XT, so this will be my new ride to work and on the weekends bike if I can ever find one for sale nearby.
Yeah, I've been going back and forth on what bike I want to tackle the TAT on in '26... I keep settling on this one. Your review hasn't done much to change my mind on that. I agree with you on the aesthetic as well... Its a bike, its a toy, and how it looks should matter. The 300ls is the best looking dual sport money can buy right now. Thanks for sharing!
Great review. I did look at the Honda before choosing the Himalayan. I can see the enthusiasm that you have for both bikes, and I'm more than happy with my current bike (6'1" so don't want anything more compact etc).
I've had mine a year to, NO regrets at all. Awesome bike, I also have a 1000 AT. It's good as well, although I find myself getting on the 300 LS, more cause it's light and nimble. Yes wish I had a bigger gas tank. Only flaw I've found.
... Great review. ... In 2 days (5/31/24) I will have had my CRF 300 Rally 1 year. I may also do a review. Maybe not as thorough as yours was. I can see you gave it a lot of thought and presented it very well. Great job! Jeff .
Great Review and video. Thanks. I too have a Trail 125 which has been a perfect bike for me. I now have a Moto carrier on my RV and now can carry the 125 camping and exploring more and different National Forest roads. I agree 100% with everything you say about the 300 LS and definitely like to have one too very badly. Love the height and weight and more safer using on the highway. I feel somebody will run me over riding the 125 on the highway. I have subscribe and been binge watching your content on the 125 and 300 LS.
I've been looking hard at the 300L Rally version & never even heard of this one? Boy do I feel dumb, now I gotta do a deep dive into this so I know enough to like her or leave her? I see a Title of another video you did now which you make it clear ; Why I bought a Honda CRF300L(S)....not a Rally. So you know I'm lost as others you've come across or you wouldn't have titled a video like that..... lol, it's alright, just glad I saw it before I bought anything. peace
Good review. A bike like that doesn’t make as much sense where I live since the trails are further away and any dirt you find isn’t really that technical. My dream garage would have a Trail 125 but my mid sized adventure bike would probably have to be the new NX500 or CB500X. I’m currently on a Royal Enfield Interceptor and the Himalayan interests me, but the frequent services are starting to wear me down.
I have the Honda 125 and love it, but also waiting for the Honda 300LS in the near future for the same reason you have stated. If I can’t get it I will settle for the Yamaha 260 XT
Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 Do you know what makes this motorcycle lower than the regular crf300?(Shorter shock or smaller frame) Thank you so much for assisting me, and keep producing more videos about the CRF.
get a 87 octane stock exhaust ECU from 550 performance and there airflow cover.. you won't be disappointed.. better throttle response and no 5K rattle.
Yeah...it's possible I change my mind about the ECU....but for now I'm going to at least get through this year as is. Regarding the 5k rattle issue, I don't seem to have this problem (I know it's somewhat common though).
It’s a nice bike for a novist I like the colour ,hav you ever thought about going to the bike shop and taking the new 450 Himalayan out for a ride good for longer runs good on dirt roads just a thought you can get a low seat for it ,not so agile as your LS ,jimmy Australia
I came really close to getting the Rally, even had one come in with my name on it...but I'm glad that I ultimately turned it down and got the LS instead.
Same here. Rally, 5'8" 30" inseam. upgraded to Ktech rear shock, the short version, and the low pro seat concepts seat, and its hardly a noticeable difference in height.
@@airadaimagery692 A lowering link here in Australia sold for the 300 L and rally costs about $300 …installed about $500 in total including front fork adjustment . Have been told it reduces seat height by 40mm . That would be a game changer , I find wearing stiff Kevlars or padded pants , restricts the ability to stretch the legs,885 mm for rally stock height , 875mm on the 300 L …
Windshield extension might help. I didnt have any negative effects from an ECU upgrade on mine. The bike runs so much better too. although I will say that it did not improve initial throttle response as much as I wished it had, but like you say, you get use to it. All fuel injected bikes have it, some worse than others. Removing the slack in the cable helped me... You must live out west somewhere? because I only paid the same wxact amount for my Rally as you did for LS.
@@On2Feet they really do! Your like the 3rd creators I’ve spoken to who has said that. Chasing trail paid 7500 for his Rally. But people like Woodsman ADV, when he lived in Missouri he paid 5400 for his L. And I’m in LA/MS and I paid 6400 for my Rally. Woodsman lives in AZ now, and he took a road trip all the way back home to pick up a new trail 125. He showed the sticker prices on all the bikes in that video too.
I’m 170 lbs. 5’8” barefoot and live in Tempe commute to Mesa for work… would you recommend the CRF 300 LS or a Rebel 300 w/ABS for a first motorcycle? Thanks in advance!
If you’re inseam is 32 or greater you’ll likely be comfortable learning on the CRF. 30 or less you may want to consider the Rebel. Both are super ideal to learn on, great choice!
I spoke a little about it early on, but did remove a lot of what I had originally said. Basically I said that for a 286cc single, it hums along really nicely and doesn't vibrate too much. Performance was all sort of bundled into my other categories, but the short of it is other than the occasional twitchy throttle, the bike performs beautifully. No matter what terrain I've been on, it just goes. Shifting is smooth, and the engine is more responsive than you'd expect for the 27 HP and 19.6 ftlb of torque it delivers. It really pulls when it accelerates. One thing I did forget to mention in the review is that the bike is also liquid cooled (and a 6-speed)...both things that the XT250 is not.
Yeah, I've heard this from multiple people. I have the page bookmarked for it, but I decided to spend that money on soft bags instead (right now at least). I've gotten used to the throttle for the most part.
Check your throttle free play adjustment. It is supposed to be around 3mm. Mine was way off almost 12mm .Once I made the correction, it got much better Cheers
I think at 6'1" you'd probably bit perfectly on the standard 300L. What is your inseam measurement? If it's like over 33...the standard L is probably better.
![Why does EVERYONE buy this bike? Honda NX500 [QuickTest#37]](/img/n.gif)
So ultimately, you're the guy whose review sold me on the Trail 125, and now you went and got the 300LS! However, don't feel guilty in the least, because as someone in his early 70s, the Trail 125 remains perfect. I no longer feel confident and safe at speeds over 50MPH, I love putting down back country roads and forest roads, and most important, even with a few extra pounds of gear on it I can handle the weight myself if I should drop it. So as much as the youngster in me wants to drop everything and go out and get that sexy 300LS, the old man will be sticking with the 125. And using your guide to change the oil! Thanks.
With age comes wisdom .
Lots of younger guys riding 200kg plus big cc bikes ,that when they drop them …wait for help to lift them back up.
I am nearly sixty myself and just cruising a back road on a sunny day soaking up beautiful scenery is a blessed thing to do.
Sorry about that! I did really like the Trail 125...I just realized after owning a year that it wasn't ideal for what I wanted to do with it. I will say, it was a great bike to really explore off-road on crazy trails. I was never worried about dropping it.
I bought a Honda 125, and love it, (I watched Sterling Nolen and learned this is a nice adventure bike) however I am going to also get the Honda 300 LS for all of the reasons stated on this video. Still waiting for it since it takes so long to get it.
I’m 66 and just bought the Honda 150L. I used to ride the big bore 400’s and 450’s. After a 15 year hiatus I wanted to start riding again, but at a much lower speed and just putting around. Perhaps after I get more comfortable riding again I may upsize to the 300LS as your review was quite thorough and my old riding buddies are now getting new bikes themselves, albeit in the 450cc range. Anyways nice review and I do most of my riding in the Flagstaff area near Mormon Lake.
@@Veer1958 It's been a really fun bike so far. I've very likely seen you out on the roads/trails as I ride in that same area a lot.
I think you could add the caveat that anyone’s review depends on what they want their bike to do. This bike seems to check your boxes well, and that’s a great testament to your realistic expectations and research prior to purchase. Keep those videos coming; I’ll never get enough of northern Arizona. 👍
Indeed! This bike has certainly checked all of my boxes, but likely not everyone would rate it so high.
Take the slack out of the throttle cable, its the easiest way to deal with the throttle jerkiness.
This is the bike Itchy Boots needs to ride. A little lower for her. She had awful spill on her 300L Rally. Good review sir
I hadn't seen about her spill...but yeah, I imagine she's not much taller than me (if at all)...and I had a hard time reaching confidently on the Rally.
That was a nasty job she did on her collar bone. I think a lower bike would definitely suit her better.
Yep and she’s alone. I’ve been a BIG FAN of hers since India. SMH, I wish she’d take some company!
One of the small details that sold me on this bike is that Honda took the time to change the rake from the L model by just a fraction to make it ride right with the shorter suspension. Thought that was cool they took the time/cost to do so. I daily a 1890cc bike and miss my old Yami XT, so this will be my new ride to work and on the weekends bike if I can ever find one for sale nearby.
Yeah, I've been going back and forth on what bike I want to tackle the TAT on in '26... I keep settling on this one. Your review hasn't done much to change my mind on that. I agree with you on the aesthetic as well... Its a bike, its a toy, and how it looks should matter. The 300ls is the best looking dual sport money can buy right now.
Thanks for sharing!
Great review. I did look at the Honda before choosing the Himalayan. I can see the enthusiasm that you have for both bikes, and I'm more than happy with my current bike (6'1" so don't want anything more compact etc).
I've had mine a year to, NO regrets at all. Awesome bike, I also have a 1000 AT. It's good as well, although I find myself getting on the 300 LS, more cause it's light and nimble. Yes wish I had a bigger gas tank. Only flaw I've found.
... Great review. ... In 2 days (5/31/24) I will have had my CRF 300 Rally 1 year. I may also do a review.
Maybe not as thorough as yours was. I can see you gave it a lot of thought and presented it very well.
Great job!
Jeff
.
Great Review and video. Thanks. I too have a Trail 125 which has been a perfect bike for me. I now have a Moto carrier on my RV and now can carry the 125 camping and exploring more and different National Forest roads. I agree 100% with everything you say about the 300 LS and definitely like to have one too very badly. Love the height and weight and more safer using on the highway. I feel somebody will run me over riding the 125 on the highway. I have subscribe and been binge watching your content on the 125 and 300 LS.
great review! looking to get my first bike ever and this was very helpful! thank you
The bike really smooths out when it gets some miles on, too
I was looking for this, looks like i found my starter bike.
I've really been enjoying it. Great bike to learn and build skills on
I've been looking hard at the 300L Rally version & never even heard of this one? Boy do I feel dumb, now I gotta do a deep
dive into this so I know enough to like her or leave her? I see a Title of another video you did now which you make it clear ;
Why I bought a Honda CRF300L(S)....not a Rally. So you know I'm lost as others you've come across or you wouldn't have
titled a video like that..... lol, it's alright, just glad I saw it before I bought anything. peace
May very well be my next bike. I completely agree with on the colour and looks of the LS vs the L,
I do miss my trail 125 from time to time, but I am ultimately glad I made the swap/upgrade.
Good review. A bike like that doesn’t make as much sense where I live since the trails are further away and any dirt you find isn’t really that technical. My dream garage would have a Trail 125 but my mid sized adventure bike would probably have to be the new NX500 or CB500X. I’m currently on a Royal Enfield Interceptor and the Himalayan interests me, but the frequent services are starting to wear me down.
This is the only bike I want.
I have the Honda 125 and love it, but also waiting for the Honda 300LS in the near future for the same reason you have stated. If I can’t get it I will settle for the Yamaha 260 XT
Yamaha 250
Great review, love the bike alot, and the channel too!
Greetings,
As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲
Do you know what makes this motorcycle lower than the regular crf300?(Shorter shock or smaller frame) Thank you so much for assisting me, and keep producing more videos about the CRF.
It's lower by 2 inches from the standard L. This comes from a combined 1 inch reduction in suspension, and a 1 inch reduction in seat thickness).
get a 87 octane stock exhaust ECU from 550 performance and there airflow cover.. you won't be disappointed.. better throttle response and no 5K rattle.
Yeah...it's possible I change my mind about the ECU....but for now I'm going to at least get through this year as is. Regarding the 5k rattle issue, I don't seem to have this problem (I know it's somewhat common though).
I didn't think the LS had ABS? It's not clear on the website to my knowledge. This seems like the perfect starter bike?
The LS actually only comes with ABS. You can’t get it without (at least in the states anyway)
@@On2FeetThanks.
It’s a nice bike for a novist I like the colour ,hav you ever thought about going to the bike shop and taking the new 450 Himalayan out for a ride good for longer runs good on dirt roads just a thought you can get a low seat for it ,not so agile as your LS ,jimmy Australia
I have a TW200... I can climb hills out in SW Colorado that I just couldn't with a big bike.
Question: How does the bike go for 6500 after Freight, sales tax, set-up, doc fees & and title and registration ?
Have the 300 rally its great but a bit tall in technical situations …5ft8 30 inch inseam.
Also running stock suspension
Informative video
I came really close to getting the Rally, even had one come in with my name on it...but I'm glad that I ultimately turned it down and got the LS instead.
Same here. Rally, 5'8" 30" inseam. upgraded to Ktech rear shock, the short version, and the low pro seat concepts seat, and its hardly a noticeable difference in height.
@@airadaimagery692 A lowering link here in Australia sold for the 300 L and rally costs about $300 …installed about $500 in total including front fork adjustment .
Have been told it reduces seat height by 40mm .
That would be a game changer , I find wearing stiff Kevlars or padded pants , restricts the ability to stretch the legs,885 mm for rally stock height , 875mm on the 300 L …
Windshield extension might help. I didnt have any negative effects from an ECU upgrade on mine. The bike runs so much better too. although I will say that it did not improve initial throttle response as much as I wished it had, but like you say, you get use to it. All fuel injected bikes have it, some worse than others. Removing the slack in the cable helped me... You must live out west somewhere? because I only paid the same wxact amount for my Rally as you did for LS.
Yep...Northern AZ (Flagstaff Area). AZ dealerships really take you to the cleaners out here.
@@On2Feet they really do! Your like the 3rd creators I’ve spoken to who has said that. Chasing trail paid 7500 for his Rally. But people like Woodsman ADV, when he lived in Missouri he paid 5400 for his L. And I’m in LA/MS and I paid 6400 for my Rally. Woodsman lives in AZ now, and he took a road trip all the way back home to pick up a new trail 125. He showed the sticker prices on all the bikes in that video too.
What are your thoughts on the kick stand? I just got one about 3 weeks ago and it scares me sometimes with that lean.
I put on a a kickstand extender that adds a smidge of height. I also carry a small wooden block with me for when the lean is really bad.
It holds up fine. But like most bikes just watch the slope of the ground.
I’m 170 lbs. 5’8” barefoot and live in Tempe commute to Mesa for work… would you recommend the CRF 300 LS or a Rebel 300 w/ABS for a first motorcycle? Thanks in advance!
If you’re inseam is 32 or greater you’ll likely be comfortable learning on the CRF. 30 or less you may want to consider the Rebel. Both are super ideal to learn on, great choice!
What about the engine and performance? Was surprised it wasn't a part of your review.
I spoke a little about it early on, but did remove a lot of what I had originally said. Basically I said that for a 286cc single, it hums along really nicely and doesn't vibrate too much. Performance was all sort of bundled into my other categories, but the short of it is other than the occasional twitchy throttle, the bike performs beautifully. No matter what terrain I've been on, it just goes. Shifting is smooth, and the engine is more responsive than you'd expect for the 27 HP and 19.6 ftlb of torque it delivers. It really pulls when it accelerates. One thing I did forget to mention in the review is that the bike is also liquid cooled (and a 6-speed)...both things that the XT250 is not.
Love this bike
It's been a real delight this past year. My Himalayan is definitely jealous! ;-)
I got the ECU and still have a twitchy throttle.
Yeah, I've heard this from multiple people. I have the page bookmarked for it, but I decided to spend that money on soft bags instead (right now at least). I've gotten used to the throttle for the most part.
Check your throttle free play adjustment. It is supposed to be around 3mm. Mine was way off almost 12mm .Once I made the correction, it got much better
Cheers
Only dropped once?!
I like the bike iv a similar mind set as your self ,I just like to plod along ,jimmy Australia
what rear stand did you get?
I just ordered a basic one from Amazon I believe. Nothing special.
6'1 220lb....too small??
I think at 6'1" you'd probably bit perfectly on the standard 300L. What is your inseam measurement? If it's like over 33...the standard L is probably better.