Honda CRF300L Review On & Off Road. Good trail bike? Ideal first motorbike? City commuter Dual sport
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- čas přidán 12. 07. 2024
- We review the new 2021 Honda CRF300L Trail Bike! We are the first UK motorcycle channel to review this new bike (other than owner reviews).
This much awaited dual sport motorcycle has been rather delayed by Covid19 and Brexit, but we finally got our dirty hands on it, and put it through it's paces, on and off road. We treated it like 99% of it's potential buyers and as with all our reviews, put ourselves in the shoes of the likely buyers. It's not a full-on hard enduro race bike, but a mild mannered trail bike, ideal for weekend off roading and daily commuting. We look at it for what it is.
We look at the engine, power, torque, handling, suspension, ride, on and off road ability, good points and bad; we look at the brakes, gears, shifting, mirrors, wheels and tyres, horn, seating position, suitability for taller riders and what is the ideal height. We look at ground clearance, speed and acceleration, exhaust sound and more. We also discuss the Rally version and how it compares to the ever popular Royal Enfield Himalayan. Is it as good, same or better? We find out!
A lot of people say it is too softly sprung - we give you our verdict.
We tell you the service intervals and price.
Can it do wheelies? Is it suitable for new riders or if you've just passed your test and got yourself a motorcycle licence (A2 in UK and EU - full licence elsewhere)?
We have been using the SHAPEHEART Smartphone Mount for Motorcycle Handlebars in order to use our Apple iPhone as a satnav. It attaches really easily and the magnetic back is SUPER strong!
Use our discount code MDATOM to get it for a bargain price! www.shapeheart.com or www.shapeheart.com/collection... - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Probably the best review video I’ve seen on CZcams! You guys are impressive. Been looking at buying this bike for a while, I feel like this is the perfect bike for me now. Thanks guys, keep up the good work!
Thank you, much appreciated!
I just bought one. After researching the reviews and videos it was a no brainer. I've been riding for forty eight years and I know a good bike when I see one. For my application it's perfect, It's nimble, low maintenance, looks good, burns regular gas and it's a Honda. All those reasons really help when one lives on an Island eight hundred miles off the coast of Alaska in the Barring Sea. Be safe.
Awesome! What a place you live in! 👍🏼
You have a Honda dealer out there?!?!
Can I ask what you do for work there?
Good day! I run a water plant for the city. This is Gods country and my black lab catches two foot Salmon in the streams! Closest dealer is 800 miles to the north and the only way to get the bike there is by barge, in a crate. The low maintenance 300L is a great choice. I modified the hell out of it as soon as parts were available! This bike is so light it feels like I'm sitting on a mountain bike but I've got 30 hp right there. ------ I tightened up the free play on the throttle and that stopped the clunking going into second gear. Be Safe.
Great video guys. Buying the 300L here in America. 62 years old and can't wait. Money was no object and I chose this over the KTM 690. Gotta have a bike that will last me for the next 40 years. Hahaha
Great choice! Can’t go wrong with a Honda! 👍🏼
My situation also.
I live in Thailand on a farm and it is the ideal all round motorbike as light and competitively priced.
The Honda CRF300L is manufactured in Thailand and it is 138,000 baht (£3,285) on the road in Thailand from Honda dealers.
🤔Mmm...¿+-3800€? In the European Union, Honda dealers sell it + - 5,500 € 😡🤬.
Wow that's great!
Actually this is a great bike for anyone. Experienced riders can have a blast on motorcycles like this.
You can go places that most people never do. I love it.
Yes we’d certainly agree with that 💯👍🏼
Spot on lads best review by far and it’s not windy
Thanks buddy! Yes no wind! For a change 👍🏼👍🏼
I bought a 2021 CRF300L new and you find a better dual sport for the money. No Real complaints, but I would’ve liked to see Honda make it a true 350cc with 35hp. Any how it’ll take you anywhere just as is. Remember folks, it’s a Dual Sport and not a Motocross Bike. Years ago I had a DR 650. I liked the power, but it was top heavy and hard to manage in deep sand and mud. The CRF300L is well balanced and easy to control and KEEP UPRIGHT! I ‘m 65 and living in West Virginia . Ride safe my fellow European and Aussie bike enthusiasts!
That’s supposed to read you cannot find a better dual sport for the money
Thanks so much for all the work, details, and different scenarios described in reviewing all your bikes...especially this one!
Thanks for saying 👍🏼👍🏼
most reasonable and practical reviews of the bike that I have seen.
Thank you 👍🏼🙏
This is the most fun bike every bike enthusiast must have . Great review, the most in depth in CZcams on the 300L. Thanks.
Thanks buddy! Yes it’s great 💯👍🏼
Not sure what it was but this seemed your best video yet. Nice and relaxed and not too scripted. Great stuff lads.
Thanks buddy! We’re never scripted by the way. 👍🏼👍🏼
Nice review, you get good idea what the bike is all about. Keep these reviews coming, lots of fun watching you too!
Thanks buddy. Much appreciated 👍🏼👍🏼
Finally, a review of a bike just about everyone can afford !!! How do you keep the thieves from stealing the bike ? This would be to easy to throw in a van or truck!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks buddy. Yes that’s always a problem. 🤔
Get theft protection on your insurance and you should be good.
I just got mine about 350 miles ago. I couldn't be happier it's the perfect dualsport in my opinion.
My son gave me an XR-250 ...so I think I'll go ride it. Loved the vidio, good quality, but you guys are so cool we'd watch anyway 😎
Really really amazing video. The quality of the images were excellent and the language too. I mean quite understanding.
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Great review. Ive been worried about the soft suspension, im 85 kgs (no evil kneviel) so it should be ok for me.
A good down to earth review
Thanks boys.
Thanks bro 👍🏼
Another brilliant video. Well done and keep them coming.
Thanks buddy 💯👍🏼
Just stumbled across this channel and would like to say what a fantastic video/review, you guys covered everything perfectly. Definitely considering buying one now.
Thanks for the great content!
Thank you! Glad you found the channel and enjoyed it, it’s a great bike! Make sure you subscribe for more reviews and bike videos 👍🏻
Great review guys on a bike that really appeals to me. Oddly enough today, I was cycling through Burrough on the Hill & saw a 300 Rally in the car park, so I stopped and spoke to it's owner. He is loving his too.
That’s great! It really looks the business!
I love it and it might be just the bike for me, thanks for the great review lads
Awesome! Thanks buddy 💯
It reminds me of a cross between the old Yamaha DT & the Honda CL350, great bike & very glad Honda are still producing things that are different.
Nice one guys! Glad you got an exclusive keep it up! 🤘🏼👍🏻
Thanks buddy! 👍🏼👍🏼
Always informative and entertaining!!!
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
I was wondering what to buy as a road trail bike, thanks to this excellent review my decision has been made easy. Thanks a lot 😀
Really glad it helped 👍🏼👍🏼
Always fun watching you guys. I’m going to check one out.
Thanks buddy! Yes go for it!
I bought and use mine for the sole purpose of going on exploring trips 1 to 3 hours from home here in Portugal. Love the adventure.
Excellent review gents, thoroughly enjoyed. Great camera shots and I like the split between stationary camera work and riding throughout the video.
Thanks buddy! That’s how we do it! Have you seen any of our other reviews?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan i haven't but i will certainly be watching more!
Great review, guys! I'm loving mine! It's a great all-around bike!
Thanks buddy Great to hear! 💯
I watch a lot of bike reviews, particularly as a new adventure bike prospect. From that perspective, I think your reviews are absolutely fantastic & incredibly value-added. You seem to strike a near perfect balance between providing factual bike information with your opinions of the same, but also with those of other viewers, including existing CRF300 owners, BEFORE you released your review. Nice. Also, genius how you simultaneously & smoothly incorporated the needs and riding experiences of 2 very different riders into a single comprehensive review. As I am certain that you are also aware with her 1.5 M subscribers, the young Dutch lady, adventure traveller & fellow rider that you referred to, is known as Itchy Boots, not itchy knee, or any other itchy body part :>). Enjoy seeing the expanding range of bike types you review, especially with the rapid growth of the adventure bike market. Dozens of new models just released, so keep 'em coming!
Great video and wonderful motorbike, thanks and take care both of you.
Thanks buddy! Ditto 👍🏼
Enjoyed the video..plenty of details and good tips about the bike
Thanks buddy! Glad it helped 👍🏼
Watching your video really helped me understand why the front brake hose is the size it is as watching you ride its the flex point to the brakes and down the bottom go to a sorta stiff shaft instead of having a loop down low to snag on stuff offroad , great video keep up the great work cheers from downunder in Australia 🇦🇺 👍
Thanks buddy. Yes that’s exactly right 👍🏼👍🏼
Absolutely excellent review! I think I'm going to order one for next spring.
Thanks buddy. Yes go for it 👍🏼👍🏼
Well done guys, very good review straight to the point, and very useful, cheers
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Fantastic review
I’ll be getting one this week
Cheers
Dave from Scotland
Excellent! Thanks buddy 👍🏼
Really really helpful video! Well done to you both, nice review on British roads and very in depth and answered questions I was looking for! Thanks!
Glad you found it useful. Please subscribe if you haven't already. We've got many video reviews on our channel.
You think our roads are any better ? pfft
@@joecamel6835 I didn’t say our roads were any better I said it’s nice to see a review on British roads meaning how it handles on our back lanes and main roads!
Great video guys, very nicely done. Cheers from the USA. :)
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Subscriber from Tanzania and you mention serengeti, I'm happy
Wow awesome! Thanks buddy. I have seen many nature programs about your country; so beautiful!
Excellent real world review.
Brill review lads love your videos keep it up
Thanks buddy 💯
Great review guy's, this is has advanced it to,"I need in my life list" 😁😁
Love your channel, my favourite.
Thank you! Much appreciated 🙏
Great review guys as usual. I'm really a big fan of the smaller capacity bikes and love the mechanical simplicity of bikes like this. I have a little Suzi Van Van 200 as well as a larger road bike and on the country roads round where I live it's an absolute blast. They are the sort of roads where you rarely get above 50mph so the extra power of a bigger bike is pointless and the weight penalty of the bigger bike is actually a hindrance and slows you down compared to a lighter nimbler bike. Something like this would be a very tempting alternative to the Van Van.
Thanks buddy ! Yes good points! 👍🏼👍🏼
Cracking review chaps!
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Really good reviews, keep it up!
Thanks buddy 👍🏼
Great review boys, as always. I consider to get me one as a light alternative, besides my heavy HONDA Varadero XL 1000, which I'm still in love with.
Thanks buddy. They are nice little bikes
I am really thinking about buying this bike after watching your review, i love your reviews btw and waiting for the honda rebel 1100
Thanks buddy! Great bike indeed. Hopefully we will get a Rebel 1100 soon
Awesome review chaps thanks 👌🏻
Thanks buddy 🙏
Itchy Boots has switched from her Royal Enfield to the Honda CRF 300 Rally! Her name is Noraly. I never miss her updates. Best video on CZcams for motorcycle adventure/duo sport riders!
Thanks buddy. Not something we watch, but I know she’s popular
I love my 2021 Honda CRF 300L!! I do most of my riding on paved roads. I am 68 years old, 5'-8" tall and weigh 269 pounds. I began riding at age 15 and was almost fearless in those days. My first motorcycle was a Honda 125 Euro with twin cylinders but only one carburetor. It had a speedometer that read in kilometers. I sold that bike for $175 and purchased a spanking new 1970 Honda CB450 DOHC with front disc brake. I later rode CB 750 Honda's, Goldwings, Sportsters, 1200cc BMW's but now I have downsized to a Honda CRF 300L and my Kawasaki x300 Versys and could not be happier with those choices. For the paved road travel the Kawasaki gets my vote and for off-road riding it's the Honda CRF 300L. Nice having one of each, especially these days with $5.00 p/gallon gasoline.
They are superb bikes! Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Not fan of the color, but that bike is exactly what I need, damn. Cool review guys, thanks!
Aftermarket plastics are cheap for the 250, wait a while and they will be available.
Lots of great info, good job 👍🏽
Thank you 👍🏼
Great review gents!
Thanks buddy 👍🏼
Get mine on Thursday can’t wait 👍
Excellent review 👍
Thanks buddy 💯👍🏼
Great reviews really good to no the rpm at 60 and 70 mph on all the bikes you test as some bikes seem to be reving high at cruising speeds
Thanks buddy. Yes we think it’s an important consideration 👍🏼
Excellent review. I am impatiently waiting for mine to be delivered here in BC Canada. A reflector not meeting DOT issue is adding to the delays. Just want to ride it:-)
I owned a CRF250L (2013) for 7 years. Loved it. This should be even better.
Thanks buddy! Yes it’s a fabulous trail bike and really nice on the road too
This is a brilliant video guys! I have been looking into this side of biking for a while but didn't know where to start. I am looking to expand my all round riding skills which I think this will do greatly. I am also a motovlogger who fortunately lives on a farm in Ireland so whilst the roads are unusable for bikers in the winter where I live, my fields will be perfect with one of these I think. I'll be calling my dealer @megabikes tomorrow. Super production and thanks for sharing your wisdom. Dave
Thanks Dave! We’ve also just bought the CRF250RX (most recent video) which is the full on racing version. Your videos are great by the way!
Hi gents, what a cracking review. I had the 250 version for a while and i did find it a little under powered but i must admit i really like this new version. Hope you’re both well and of course kind regards.
Thanks buddy. It’s really nice! Still not powerful but fine for buzzing around the countryside
Good review. I think Honda has a home run with this bike. They aren’t super easy to find where I’m at in the states either. May wait until spring to see if they change colors for next year or not. I will say the bike looks sharp though. It looks even better with color matching hand guards on it as well.
Yes it’s really very good 👍🏼👍🏼
Just ordered X3 a little project in Laos for new year to keep me busy On/Off Road yours around beautiful Laos I’ve got a few full competition Enduro bikes KTM/ Honda very high maintenance schedule oil/filters ever 15 hours quite costly the little 300L is very low maintenance offering reliability and simple fun so I’m sure they will be the perfect machine for my project
Cheers
Yes absolutely! I just sold my CRF250RX and know exactly what you mean!
Good reviews!
Thanks buddy!
Great review guys!!!
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Brilliant review! Nice bike too. ❤️
Thanks buddy! Lovely bike indeed 👍🏼👍🏼
Great review thank you
I didn't knew that it came stock with the little helmet lock and mini side case. That's awesome!
Yes definitely
I wish it had led lights like the CRF300L sold in Thailand and Asia.
...¡And more power!👍
And Australia I just brought one
Excellent review with fantastic and very best engine sounds! You must have a mic right next to the exhaust. I just got my 2021 Honda CRF 300L and look forward to many happy hours of riding it mostly on road. I am in the process of lowering it a bit like I did with my Kawasaki x300 Versys. The x300 is a completely improved motorcycle after lowering it 1-1/2". I expect the Honda will improve likewise.
Thanks buddy. That’s great 👍🏼
Great video and love this bike 👍
Thanks hun! ❤️ Super bike indeed 👍🏼
Good review guys. The CRF250’s are very popular for all the reasons you mention. The price is getting pretty close to the KTM 390 Adventure which is a similar weight so I would check that out as well.
Thanks buddy! Yes!
Great video! Awesome 👏🏽
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
GREAT and nice vid!👌
One of the best vids of the CRF 300L.
And review Voge 500 DS 21'?. Thanks and regards ✌.
Thanks very much! Unlikely we would get the Voge (too Big Bird!)
i love you guys. Thank you for the video.
Great video and a great motorcycle too, thanks a lot
Thanks buddy
yes , your right about the soft suspension , another reviewer has pointed this out , but he said it did not bottom out so all is fine ,, also you can buy aftermarket shocks, yss and hagon . good bike, just to note your mike sound is now crystal;;;
Thanks buddy. 👍🏼👍🏼 We’ve invested in another new mic and ironed out the teething troubles 👍🏼
Great video guys keep up the good work 👍 I've ordered my crf300l 3mts ago carnt wait to get it!! Come on honda get them delivered to Dudley west Midlands please 👍 👍 👍
Thanks buddy! We bet you can’t wait! 🤞🏼👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan hey thanks for the reply!! All the best Jason 👍
Good job......enjoyed
Terrific review guys. I just pre-ordered mine here in the USA. I've been debating whether or not to just go ahead and order the rear shock from Nitron or wait. I grew up racing mx so I'm definitely swapping over to some more knobby tires and probably changing the front sprocket for a little bit better acceleration. That pipe looks heavy as hell but it is certainly quiet!
It does look soft there is a lot of sag but as you said it's stock preload. I feel here for the gravels and hills I intend on taking it up. That back shock will probably bottom out even at max setting so I'll most likely. So Nitron rear shock and change the fork oil will probably be needed but I'll update this when I get it. I'm definitely getting a skid plate though that engine being exposed is concerning. I'm basically using this a road legal dirt bike with more relaxed service intervals than my 450 and something with a steel frame instead of aluminum.
Anyway fantastic video guys you covered everything. Good to know on the shifter that it could need adjustment you're the first to mention that which is great.
Thanks buddy! Yes the rear is ok for light stuff with a lighter rider but for anything more gnarly, probably best to stiffen it up. It still felt nice even with all that sag so anything to improve it would be even better
Excellent review. It is a tool. And yes, it is perfect for the 10 miles commute, back roads, look after some cow on the loose, this kind of thing. And I can only imagine the Ol’man lowering on this bike in order to gain one more mile per hour, awesome.
Thanks buddy! Yes absolutely right! 😁👍🏼
great video 🔥
Thank you!
Thanks just ordered one down here in new Zealand 🇳🇿 😀 Cheers 🍻 also ride a suzuki v Strom 1050xt and a kawasaki vaquero 1700 all great bike so about time I got a honda 😀 👍
Awesome! Just need a Yamaha to complete the lineup haha
Decent review, cheers
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Great review and great video. Sound quality was excellent - with no annoying music! 🤣
I'd love to buy a T-shirt, but where's the link to your website??
Thanks Steve! The engine is the tune we like to hear!
You can find the teeshirts in a row under every video, and in our store tab on CZcams which takes you there. Any problems let us know 👍🏼👍🏼
“Simple is the best.” Thanks for the video.
Yes definitely! Thanks buddy 👍🏼
Excellent review. Very informative and realistic. MY only problem is that there are none available here in California.
Thanks buddy. That’s a shame 😢
Put a good bash plate on it, Dunlop D606 rear and Pirelli M 16 tires on it a good set of hand guards, a rad guard, and a rear rack, to carry spare gas, and you will have a great bike, don't forget a larger foot for the side stand. That is one thing I do not understand they put such small feet on the side stands, it is for off road is in not, that means you might stop on soft ground, and who wants to be looking around for something to put under the side stand all the time. Great video.
Great ideas 👍🏼👍🏼
For got add a 45 tooth rear sprocket to bet better rear wheel torque
Alas, leaving the LH indicator on is all too easy on the CRF 300L as that brake line does obscure the LH indicator warning light on the dash, like it does on later 250L models. Bikes aren't designed by riders, unfortunately. The mild steel exhaust header will also show rust within weeks and constant re-fuelling of the tiny tank will irritate commuters. But, those issues aside, it's an incredibly rewarding bike to ride. Pure fun. The engine will last forever. Incidently, Noralee (Itchy Boots) has ditched her Himalayan in favour of a ..... CRF250L. They have been used for some epic long distance trips.
Very good points Jane! Thank you 👍🏼👍🏼
I will be getting one and adding a rear rack to carry extra gas but will be using it 90% off road, I was wondering if the tank off the CRF 300 rally would fit, My DR650 had a small tank so a got a Acerbis 20 litter tank for it and now get around 500 km per tank of gas, a very easy fix,
Noraly rides a CRF 300 Rally
Noraly rides a Honda 300 Rally
Thank you !
👍🏼👍🏼
What a lovely bike really good fun
Yes absolutely 👍🏼
Great entry dual sport, can't beat Honda reliability, low maintenance cost, you get a lot for your money, I would just upgrade the suspension weighting 225 lbs. Other than that, she is a keeper.
Yes spot on 👍🏼
Great tip my mate did to his acerbis 14 liter tank on this brings it up to more then the rally and makes it lighter as its plastic also the 300l is already lighter in weight then the rally
Nice review
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
visually these guys are West Virginia but audibly Worcester
Haha that’s an interesting description 👍🏼
My 250 Rally has been fantastic....the 300 sounds even better 👍
Awesome! Great bikes - both of them!
Great review been looking at one of these for sometime now, went to Shrewsbury Honda to have a look at one today, I'm selling my Honda varadero xl 1000 as I hardly tour these days, want a commuter and fun weekend bike like my old xl175 back in the day with an old mill create as a top box bungeed to the back for college commute lol , looks the business.
Thanks very much. Great bike 💯
@@MrDarcy-OlMan not selling the varadero now but saving up for my little dirt plugger
"It's like riding a Butterfly"
Well, that caught me off-guard and my laugh woke up the kids.
Don't think that would sell on a t-shirt tough.
Lol yes it’s so light and nimble
If someone made a picture of the old man coming down a country side road riding a butterfly. I guess that would sell.
@@sebastiangeorge7714 Yeah, that should work. Make it happen!
Just what I need for the farm,and to save getting salt on the Harley in the winter.
Yes definitely 👍🏼
I like your reviews! Nice bike but I think the Kawasaki 300 KLX is better out of the factory.
The Honda has that massive brake cable in front of the dash. Kawasaki has it nice and tight against the bike below the instrument cluster.
Love to see your review on that
Cheers mate
USA