I have a CRF250L. Here's some ideas I would like to have on my bike: - One thing that is not common to see is a bashplate that covers the rear suspension linkage. Or something that could be added to an already existing bashplate that protects the suspension linkage. If that's even possible. - An affordable and small sized navigation rally tower. Doesn't need to be anything super fancy, just something simple but useful in order to keep a soft price. - A gps accessory bar that will allow to mount a gps or smartphone over the instrument panel, in order to have the gps more close to line of vision. Doesn't need to be that higher, just a little above the instrument panel. - As you mentioned, a ready to mount/bolt on tool tube to be mounted in place of the stock existing tool storage (which is very small and takes a lot of space). - An aluminium handguard mount that doesn't hit the brake line (throttle side), ideally in a way that mounts over the brake line (I think cycra is the only one that has something like that). All the ones I've seen will be just too close and if the handguard rotates upward in a crash it will push the front brake line with the possibility to damage it.
I'm very glad to know you have this bike and I'm looking forward to any products you release. I expect your paint jobs will be more positively impressive than Honda's.
Very happy to hear you are formulating a Rally Raid kit for the new 300, especially since I just sold my CB500X Rally Raid and am waiting to take delivery of a new 300 myself! The Rally Raid kit on my 500x was transformitive. I couldn't have asked for better during my travels around north eastern Canada/USA in 2018/19. The one piece of RR kit on the CB500X that I found to be rather mediocre was the back rack. Far too lightweight for an adventure bike. If the new rack on the 300 in this video is of a similar design, I would recommend considering a far more robust design and construction. Other than that, I can't wait to see what RR comes up with for the 300!
Would love to see a back to back review between the new 2021 G310 GS RR and CRF300 both on and off road. Will you be developing suspension for the CRF models, L & Rally?
I saw where a guy made a plastic bash plate from a cutting board. Really nice setup and I like the idea of plastic as it may slip over rocks and logs easier. Handlebars will be one of my first changes when my bike arrives......soon I'm told.
Good video matey, well picked up on the seat release. It used to really annoy me on my 250. Particularly with a rack fitted as made the bolts hard to locate. Bars deffo need to hit the bin before it goes off road.
A useful quick walk around. I sold my 2019 CB500X in favour of the CRF300L and so far I’m pleased with the decision. The 500 was way too heavy for a decent dual sport and after riding the 300 for 1000 miles, it seems to do pretty much everything I want. I’m hoping that Rally Raid will quickly get some aftermarket parts in their catalogue (not just a bash plate). Like me, many owners are in the market now, but having to look to the Far East for parts that we would rather buy here in the UK if they were available. I hope that RR will also look at the CRF250L possibilities, large numbers of these in circulation and used daily. It’s All well and good for RR to provide parts for the bikes they ride such as the CRF450 and T7, but the T7 is too top heavy and the CRF450 is expensive and has limited appeal. My sense is that RR would get a larger audience in the market by appreciating the limitations of the newer and average riders. We cant all get to Morocco on a 450 for a couple of weeks in the sand dunes :) There is latent demand for RR products, I can see the quality of design in their catalogue, but unfortunately can’t find products that would fit my 250 or 300 yet ...
All things considered price wise there's nothing to quibble about then. I expect the KLX 300 r would have similar issues. I own a CRF 300 Rally and a 2006 KLX 300 r. The KLX from that year is quite exceptional. Only weighing in at 106 kg with lights etc, although no electric start or battery as far as I'm aware which contributes to some weight loss but is still by far a much lighter bike compared to the later model KLX bikes and especially the CRF 300l. Although I've probably only put 2000- maybe 2500 km on that bike it's endured very well. The paintwork on the steel frame is in relatively good condition and the bike isn't far off being showroom pristine after a clean considering it's vintage. The exhaust system header pipe is also stainless steel showing no sign of deterioration. It will be interesting to see how the CRF 300 Rally endures. I feel that the suspension is adequate for the Rally for it's purpose and funnily enough the suspension doesn't suffer from what you described of the CRF 300l? Will give some feedback in due course if you're still on CZcams.
Any way of clipping the brake cable back? Is it really as bad as it looks! Also i’m 5’9” and i’m yet to take my A2, is this the bike for me? Thanks bro love the videos btw
Really good review and after watching about 20 others I hadn't seen anyone point out any of the stuff you had so thanks for that such a shame about the brake cable routing. I'm a bit torn at the moment between a 300L Rally n Himmy I've been gradually working my way down the CC's n up in fun factor from my 1200gsa te, 1000xt, f800gs and now a 650xt. After riding my 1920s Norton it totally changed my perspective 252lbs and 4.9hp an it motors on! Wish more companies would make lighter bikes.
thanks ,, best info video yet.. all is not perfect for 5000 as you point out , you have picked out some minus points which others have not shown .. bash plate looks good as is = no need to over complicate or make out of alloy, keep it simple , thanks..
Great review ! You brought out some great concerns and that validates exactly why I’m waiting for Yamaha to answer to these new 300cc class dual sports . They’re patiently sitting back and watching these reviews just like myself and many others , observing every little detail, taking notes on what to refine and perfect before they finalize their version.
@RALLY RAID PRODUCTS - Since there are quite a few cross-compatible parts between the 250L and 300L, will you denote on your site whether or not any of your future products will work on both models? I think it would really help out the guys with the 250L's.
So I priced out your level 2 full suspension kit and calculated shipping to my state in the US but is there additional taxes or import fees I should be aware of? I’d hate to order the kit just to find out the import fee is just as much as the kit.
Your import duties are sate dependant and are usually on your local govt website, there is also an "import brokerage fee" from UPS for handling the import as a broker that's usually around 30 dollars
I do not think cheap suspension = soft spring, necessarily. The extra cost of having a slightly stiffer suspension is negligible, from Honda stand point. I think it was a deliberate choice to put a softer spring. One can always change it if one desires to do so. I think many misunderstand this bike for a hardcore endure bike, which is clearly not. I think it is a wonderful bike, for example for people like me that just want to go off road without wheeling or jumping. Also, for the money, one gets a lot. Only problem is ... getting one is not easy
At 6:20 how does a hard guard fit with the clutch lever so far away from the hand grip ? It looks like the ball of the lever is over 5.5 inches away from the center of the end of the handle bar . I have never seen a lever so far way before . Does anyone make a hard guard big enough to work with that kind of space ? I would like to see one attached .
Is the rear suspension of the CRF250l better ?I have the 2019 model,i and I am considering buying this 300.I'm going to keep my 250 I think .... that suspension looks even weaker than my 250l
@@1985GusT Yes true, but different components are arguably no better than on the 250. It is still a heavy underpowered bike with non adjustable suspension.
To be honest having looked at this video the quality of this bike is pretty poor for the money, I’ve got a Honda Monkey as a “ go down the shops” bike and great little thing but again let down by quality in some areas. Honda need to up their game.
It has been very hit and miss over the last few years. What I find interesting is the cb500x/f/r all have what I consider pretty strong paintand finishes. Also built in Thai plants
Compared to some other bikes, yes a cheaper bike will start to show its age when used and abused. But a coating of spray and a proper dry after cleaning goes a long way
@@rallyraidproducts1927 If you can bare one more question, i've heard that frame is not bolted, it's one piece. In the unfortunate case of breaking the frame what are the options? You weld it? I'm noob so pardon my ignorance. Such a beautiful bike, i'm saving for it. Thanks for the video.
@@Beeswax106 In a desperate situation you could weld it. Normally in remote areas finding a good welder (person) is harder than finding the equipment. I dont know for sure why honda changed the frame
4:00 Not sure how spring with nigher rate would be much more expensive. It's the curse of most motorcycles! Fucking springs are for 75 kilo people, when in reality it's at least 80 + 10 kilos gear. I own 250L full stock.
Legend has it Honda make these super soft so most people can sit on them comfortably in the show rooms. Looks tall and agrrssive on tbe side stand then squats like a sausage dog when you sit on it. It's a great marketing idea if you don't ride the bike!
Seems like a pretty big disappointment that Honda couldnt listen to the people who ride these bikes and make the changes that we wanted. I quickly found my crf250l to be an under sprung pig. This looks the exact same.
Yes I had a 2013 for 4 years and its a bike that does lots but nothing great.... you would think they could have upgraded the bars, suspension and made it lighter so you don't have to do all of that when you buy it.....
@@JoseVazquez-dy9tu I remember bottoming out over small pebbles and my bars bending like butter. I never went off roading again and made mine a supermoto. I'm curious to see if Yamaha will bring us something decent.
@@busboy3232 I really got into off roading... did the LAB2V three times on it.... got a MX bike and now have a 2006 CRF250X that has all the mods.... but unfortunately KTM and Husky have better bikes when it comes to dual sports.... but the reliability sucks.... I would highly recommend buying an older 250X and plating it.... depending on where you live.... as I live in California.....
All budget trial bikes have soft suspension - I suspect it's a conscious decision on the manufacturer's part so that the spec sheet looks reasonable, but that less experienced riders don't feel intimidated by the tall seat once they are sitting on it? If you're more experienced and want to ride one harder, you'll need to spend a bit of money to upgrade.
Thanks for the honest pointers in regards of this bike. You shared a lot of information that I did not hear from any other reviewer.
This! There's another English bloke that has done detailed early mods
I have a CRF250L. Here's some ideas I would like to have on my bike:
- One thing that is not common to see is a bashplate that covers the rear suspension linkage. Or something that could be added to an already existing bashplate that protects the suspension linkage. If that's even possible.
- An affordable and small sized navigation rally tower. Doesn't need to be anything super fancy, just something simple but useful in order to keep a soft price.
- A gps accessory bar that will allow to mount a gps or smartphone over the instrument panel, in order to have the gps more close to line of vision. Doesn't need to be that higher, just a little above the instrument panel.
- As you mentioned, a ready to mount/bolt on tool tube to be mounted in place of the stock existing tool storage (which is very small and takes a lot of space).
- An aluminium handguard mount that doesn't hit the brake line (throttle side), ideally in a way that mounts over the brake line (I think cycra is the only one that has something like that). All the ones I've seen will be just too close and if the handguard rotates upward in a crash it will push the front brake line with the possibility to damage it.
Great and insightful input 👌
Great ideas Hugo! Getting very interested on the 300L also. /Rui
Excellent detailed review from a proper moto engineering perspective Adam!
Keep us posted on any upgrades for this model...Jb.
more info on upcoming parts soon
I'm very glad to know you have this bike and I'm looking forward to any products you release. I expect your paint jobs will be more positively impressive than Honda's.
I like how you pick out issues in detail and look for solutions.Honda needs to pay attention! Waiting for something better, (or older).
About to trade in my street bike for a 300 rally. Thanks for the detailled video really helpfull and different than the other reviewers.
Very happy to hear you are formulating a Rally Raid kit for the new 300, especially since I just sold my CB500X Rally Raid and am waiting to take delivery of a new 300 myself! The Rally Raid kit on my 500x was transformitive. I couldn't have asked for better during my travels around north eastern Canada/USA in 2018/19. The one piece of RR kit on the CB500X that I found to be rather mediocre was the back rack. Far too lightweight for an adventure bike. If the new rack on the 300 in this video is of a similar design, I would recommend considering a far more robust design and construction. Other than that, I can't wait to see what RR comes up with for the 300!
Looking forward to see what RR does for this bike.
Great info mate, Thanks for showing. :)
Would love to see a back to back review between the new 2021 G310 GS RR and CRF300 both on and off road.
Will you be developing suspension for the CRF models, L & Rally?
I saw where a guy made a plastic bash plate from a cutting board. Really nice setup and I like the idea of plastic as it may slip over rocks and logs easier. Handlebars will be one of my first changes when my bike arrives......soon I'm told.
They don't make them like they used to but still love Honda great video thanks
Good video matey, well picked up on the seat release. It used to really annoy me on my 250. Particularly with a rack fitted as made the bolts hard to locate. Bars deffo need to hit the bin before it goes off road.
Great review, I have a crf300 Rally , I would be interested to know what Rally raid maybe looking at developing for Rally . Thanks
A useful quick walk around.
I sold my 2019 CB500X in favour of the CRF300L and so far I’m pleased with the decision.
The 500 was way too heavy for a decent dual sport and after riding the 300 for 1000 miles, it seems to do pretty much everything I want.
I’m hoping that Rally Raid will quickly get some aftermarket parts in their catalogue (not just a bash plate). Like me, many owners are in the market now, but having to look to the Far East for parts that we would rather buy here in the UK if they were available.
I hope that RR will also look at the CRF250L possibilities, large numbers of these in circulation and used daily.
It’s All well and good for RR to provide parts for the bikes they ride such as the CRF450 and T7, but the T7 is too top heavy and the CRF450 is expensive and has limited appeal. My sense is that RR would get a larger audience in the market by appreciating the limitations of the newer and average riders. We cant all get to Morocco on a 450 for a couple of weeks in the sand dunes :)
There is latent demand for RR products, I can see the quality of design in their catalogue, but unfortunately can’t find products that would fit my 250 or 300 yet ...
I own a honda crf 150L here in the Philippines. Wish i could upgrade to 300L soon. Nice review sir. Ride safe!
I wish they had 150L in Canada want one so bad I have a cr 85
I have the 250 Rally. I put on the YSS rear shock without the reservoir and the race tech front fork upgrade. world of difference
Thank you for everything, Rally Raid
All things considered price wise there's nothing to quibble about then. I expect the KLX 300 r would have similar issues. I own a CRF 300 Rally and a 2006 KLX 300 r. The KLX from that year is quite exceptional. Only weighing in at 106 kg with lights etc, although no electric start or battery as far as I'm aware which contributes to some weight loss but is still by far a much lighter bike compared to the later model KLX bikes and especially the CRF 300l. Although I've probably only put 2000- maybe 2500 km on that bike it's endured very well. The paintwork on the steel frame is in relatively good condition and the bike isn't far off being showroom pristine after a clean considering it's vintage. The exhaust system header pipe is also stainless steel showing no sign of deterioration. It will be interesting to see how the CRF 300 Rally endures. I feel that the suspension is adequate for the Rally for it's purpose and funnily enough the suspension doesn't suffer from what you described of the CRF 300l? Will give some feedback in due course if you're still on CZcams.
Hello...Dan from TN. Great info.
Any way of clipping the brake cable back? Is it really as bad as it looks! Also i’m 5’9” and i’m yet to take my A2, is this the bike for me? Thanks bro love the videos btw
Nice luggage rack 👍 what make is it
Really good review and after watching about 20 others I hadn't seen anyone point out any of the stuff you had so thanks for that such a shame about the brake cable routing. I'm a bit torn at the moment between a 300L Rally n Himmy I've been gradually working my way down the CC's n up in fun factor from my 1200gsa te, 1000xt, f800gs and now a 650xt. After riding my 1920s Norton it totally changed my perspective 252lbs and 4.9hp an it motors on! Wish more companies would make lighter bikes.
Need to get me some of those 12 volt sockets! Bet they are premium though.
Suspension is obviously undersprung, but if your tires never leave the ground, do you find it okay for someone a bit lighter than you?
Good video 👍 shame about the frame paint being so fragile
thanks ,, best info video yet.. all is not perfect for 5000 as you point out , you have picked out some minus points which others have not shown .. bash plate looks good as is = no need to over complicate or make out of alloy, keep it simple , thanks..
Great review ! You brought out some great concerns and that validates exactly why I’m waiting for Yamaha to answer to these new 300cc class dual sports . They’re patiently sitting back and watching these reviews just like myself and many others , observing every little detail, taking notes on what to refine and perfect before they finalize their version.
@RALLY RAID PRODUCTS - Since there are quite a few cross-compatible parts between the 250L and 300L, will you denote on your site whether or not any of your future products will work on both models? I think it would really help out the guys with the 250L's.
We will be test fitting parts on the 250 and trying our best to cater for previous models
Sat on one yesterday and it seemed very soft on the suspension. I'm 18 1/2 stone how much would a suspension upgrade cost do you think?
is it possible to tuck in the brake line somewhere else ?? 😎
Would this bike be too small for a 6`6" rider??
- i like the side stand, used to this lean angle
- replaced the bar with Aluminium fatbar and adapter
- Suspension is weak!
So I priced out your level 2 full suspension kit and calculated shipping to my state in the US but is there additional taxes or import fees I should be aware of? I’d hate to order the kit just to find out the import fee is just as much as the kit.
Your import duties are sate dependant and are usually on your local govt website, there is also an "import brokerage fee" from UPS for handling the import as a broker that's usually around 30 dollars
@1:14 Cuting costs is fine but skimping on quality is not. No need for excuses, that shouldn't happen. :)
Anything nice to say about it?
I do not think cheap suspension = soft spring, necessarily. The extra cost of having a slightly stiffer suspension is negligible, from Honda stand point. I think it was a deliberate choice to put a softer spring. One can always change it if one desires to do so.
I think many misunderstand this bike for a hardcore endure bike, which is clearly not. I think it is a wonderful bike, for example for people like me that just want to go off road without wheeling or jumping. Also, for the money, one gets a lot. Only problem is ... getting one is not easy
At 6:20 how does a hard guard fit with the clutch lever so far away from the hand grip ? It looks like the ball of the lever is over 5.5 inches away from the center of the end of the handle bar . I have never seen a lever so far way before . Does anyone make a hard guard big enough to work with that kind of space ? I would like to see one attached .
Its pretty far, but i think its been made to look worse by the wide angle lens
Is the rear suspension of the CRF250l better ?I have the 2019 model,i and I am considering buying this 300.I'm going to keep my 250 I think .... that suspension looks even weaker than my 250l
The guy did say he weighed 100 kilos. Hardly a lightweight!
I'm 425 my old lady's 396 and we think the suspensions fine for double up
👍🏻
Looks great. It seems they only give it a few more CC’s and didn’t update anything else. A missed opportunity.
New frame, swing arm, slipper clutch, Instruments and updated suspension as well.
@@1985GusT Yes true, but different components are arguably no better than on the 250. It is still a heavy underpowered bike with non adjustable suspension.
@@jeffcoulter7181 true and simple things like the cheap paint makes me question the rest of its quality.
Is the bike good or not overall, after watching this video, it's getting me a bit confused whether to get it or not.
It's a good bike, thus is just a discussion. Enjoying it alot!
the 450L has the best frame and boots also rub off paint there. dont waste money on frame guards, use skateboard grip tape like Grizzly.
Nice to see a helmet lock on it
Yea, 5 grand is cheap but it's a honda, it should be a little more quality oriented.
Literally just decided yesterday to get this. Rally or not?
You save a grand, which you could spend on a king range tank and suspension mods anyway. There plus sides to both
@@rallyraidproducts1927 in the US it is a 750$ difference. That’s if they don’t raise the current prices
I'd rather them ship it with no bash plate since it will be replaced anyway. A cheap plastic or foil thin aluminium one is just a waste.
Is that a CRF250L luggage Rack?
No, it's a prototype. More info on these in the coming weeks
Sure wish Suzuki would build a 300
To be honest having looked at this video the quality of this bike is pretty poor for the money, I’ve got a Honda Monkey as a “ go down the shops” bike and great little thing but again let down by quality in some areas. Honda need to up their game.
It has been very hit and miss over the last few years. What I find interesting is the cb500x/f/r all have what I consider pretty strong paintand finishes. Also built in Thai plants
It's just the opinion of one guy.
Is corrosion an issue on this bike?
Compared to some other bikes, yes a cheaper bike will start to show its age when used and abused. But a coating of spray and a proper dry after cleaning goes a long way
@@rallyraidproducts1927 If you can bare one more question, i've heard that frame is not bolted, it's one piece. In the unfortunate case of breaking the frame what are the options? You weld it? I'm noob so pardon my ignorance.
Such a beautiful bike, i'm saving for it. Thanks for the video.
@@Beeswax106 In a desperate situation you could weld it. Normally in remote areas finding a good welder (person) is harder than finding the equipment. I dont know for sure why honda changed the frame
4:00 Not sure how spring with nigher rate would be much more expensive.
It's the curse of most motorcycles! Fucking springs are for 75 kilo people, when in reality it's at least 80 + 10 kilos gear.
I own 250L full stock.
Legend has it Honda make these super soft so most people can sit on them comfortably in the show rooms. Looks tall and agrrssive on tbe side stand then squats like a sausage dog when you sit on it. It's a great marketing idea if you don't ride the bike!
The thin paint etc. is probably due to being made in Thailand....
The cbx is also made in thailand and has great finish, werid huh
Seems like a pretty big disappointment that Honda couldnt listen to the people who ride these bikes and make the changes that we wanted. I quickly found my crf250l to be an under sprung pig. This looks the exact same.
Yes I had a 2013 for 4 years and its a bike that does lots but nothing great.... you would think they could have upgraded the bars, suspension and made it lighter so you don't have to do all of that when you buy it.....
@@JoseVazquez-dy9tu I remember bottoming out over small pebbles and my bars bending like butter. I never went off roading again and made mine a supermoto. I'm curious to see if Yamaha will bring us something decent.
@@busboy3232 I really got into off roading... did the LAB2V three times on it.... got a MX bike and now have a 2006 CRF250X that has all the mods.... but unfortunately KTM and Husky have better bikes when it comes to dual sports.... but the reliability sucks.... I would highly recommend buying an older 250X and plating it.... depending on where you live.... as I live in California.....
All budget trial bikes have soft suspension - I suspect it's a conscious decision on the manufacturer's part so that the spec sheet looks reasonable, but that less experienced riders don't feel intimidated by the tall seat once they are sitting on it? If you're more experienced and want to ride one harder, you'll need to spend a bit of money to upgrade.
You're six foot? That's a bit big for a smurf!
Acerbis is pronounced Ahh-chair-bees!
100Kg is pretty heavy, to be fair.
Tell me about it 😅😭
@@rallyraidproducts1927 I am 80kg, same problem, I feel I am too heavy for the bike
Good upgrade but don't put Stickers on it like a 12y old teenager pleaaase !
stickers are fun :) Some are still young
What do you expect...it’s made in Thailand.
£4999 for a 300cc is not a budget bike 🤣
BMW fan boy... its a Honda. Its not a 30000 dollar bike.