2021 CRF300L Rally One Year Review

It's Riley's 1st Birthday! To celebrate, Jeff shares his thoughts after owning a 2021 Honda CRF300L Rally for 1 year. Reliability, suspension, engine power, etc...everything is on the table, including mud and snow!
What do you think of the CRF300 Rally?
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#dualsport #advmotorcycle #crf300rally
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[@got_to_roll]

Wait a minute, you like the bike and have a sense of humility? Not whining about shortcomings you were aware of before you bought the bike? Fine, I'll subscribe. 😉 Great video, I await my little Honda Rally (6 months and counting).

[@WanderADV]

Wait a minute, are you sure you watched the right video? Fine, thanks for the follow 😁 Hopefully you get your Rally soon!

[@patriot1182]

The best review on the CRF300L i have seen to date! I love my CRF 300L! I am a very experienced rider! But i am 65 years old! Thank you! It is the perfect bike for me!

[@WanderADV]

Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words, truly. Glad you’re happy with the 300 like me.

[@erichagen8053]

Thanks Jeff. I'm a novice on a big bike and am looking at a companion for it. The 300L is at the top of the list.

[@WanderADV]

I know many riders who have two bikes in the quiver. Enjoy the 300! What’s your big bike?

[@erichagen8053]

@@WanderADV I have a 2022 R1250GSA.

[@jthelakes147]

I also own a 300 Rally. Its a brilliant all round bike and I've done 4000 miles on mine. Suspension upgrade is worthwhile. I used K-tech on the rear (in the UK) and it eliminated the suspension sag. I've also used Michelin Tracker tyres, which are excellent off road but need to be treated with respect on the asphalt.

[@WanderADV]

Thanks for your experience on suspension and tires. Just over 3k on my Rally. Ride safe!

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇸🍾🎉🇺🇸 Did you have a chance to install the frame protectors, and what did you choose. Thank you so much for assisting me and keep producing more videos about the CRF.

[@jsangel567]

Great review and I'd have to agree! Just got mine in May and loving it! Sad the snow is blowing right now in Utah, but I'll be back on it when weather permits! Just subscribed and going to check out your other vids! Stay safe!

[@WanderADV]

Nice! Where in Utah are you at? I'm (Jeff) based in SLC. Enjoying this epic ski season, but can't wait for warm, dry trails! Been meaning to organize a Rally Ride for some other Honda riders, let me know if you're interested. Ride safe!

[@davidpicard5376]

Got my Rally 300 about six weeks ago. Fantastic bike but the wrong time of the year in the southern hemisphere so a certain exercise in frustration. Like your video. Great stuff and keep it up

[@WanderADV]

Timing isn’t always on our side huh? Enjoy it when you can, and thanks for the encouragement!

[@Fertube0218]

Congrats on your bike and video, thank you,… greetings from Baja

[@WanderADV]

Appreciate it! Used to live in SoCal and always thought about riding down the Baja.

[@justinnapper1042]

I’m also new to off-road riding, I’m 6’1 230lbs and the wind pocket is only complaint I have other that the suspension could be alittle better. I was down to getting a Africa twin or bmw gs and seen a rally that literally just arrived and bought it right away. So glad I did so I can develop the off-road skills with the lighter weight. Great review and subscribed be safe

[@WanderADV]

I was looking at ATwins forever and the Rally came out at the perfect moment. Thanks for the subscribe and words of encouragement. Ride safe!

[@neil_the_wheel3493]

Nice Review. I also own a 300 Rally and really enjoy it. For suspension I recommend Rally Raid. Excellent upgrade, not inexpensive but worth the cost. RR also sells stick on frame protectors that are pretty good in clear and black. For tires I recommend Dunlop D605. Good all around tire, very low cost and low weight and they come in stock sizes and are TT (Tube Type). TT tires are generally lighter and easier to get on and off the rim if you flat off pavement and need to patch a tube. If you are happy with the stock IRCs, you will love the D605. Happy Trails and enjoy your bike.

[@WanderADV]

I’ve been leaning towards the Rally Raid even with the higher price point. And good to know about the stick in frame guards, I’ll check those out. I’ve heard good things about the D605 and MT21 combo. Appreciate the feedback! Happy trails to you too!

[@motobulhar]

Hi, please give here link for this upgrade rally raid? Thanks

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Very very good video thanks for taking the time to post it :) we rejected two ktm 390s last year an I ended up back on a gs1200 which did my head in with the weight and didn't wow me like my first one did, got a Himalayan coming tomorrow (ride nortons as a daily so the style of the Enfields ride suits me) but been hunting for something light an for my dad. Lighter or shall I say more manageable single cylinders are brilliant.

[@WanderADV]

Our friend rides the Himalayan and loves it. I've heard it's got some little quirks and the maintenance intervals aren't ideal, but talk about a brand/bike that can ride anywhere. Thanks for the kind words and support!

[@CoachSteve4u]

Great review! I'm literally trying to buy one right now.

[@WanderADV]

Appreciate it! Let us know when you do. I would look at the used market as well if that works for you. Heard it’s still a pretty long wait from dealers.

[@CoachSteve4u]

@@WanderADV I found a used 2021 with only 800 miles on it at a dealer. It has the upgraded Seat Concepts seat, a windshield, and an aftermarket skid plate. Perfect for me. But something is amiss. The sales rep didnt answer my last text.

[@sausagesandwichSA]

Great bike...riders are doing amazing things on this bike here in Oz.👍

[@WanderADV]

Definitely fun and capable under the right rider.

[@laughingmole]

Great review. I've had my 250 Rally for nearly 4 years and done nearly 8k miles. It's a charming bike and I've done trails and long trips on it. Fitted a screen extension, barkbusters, Kodama carbon sump and side protectors, rear rack and use a Kriega OS-base to carry soft luggage. I've been really impressed by Michelin Annakee Wild tyres - good on road and trails, though deep mud overwhelms them!

[@WanderADV]

Nice. Thanks for the tire recommend and wishing you many more miles on that fun little 250.

[@davidrichardson5402]

Crfs only, racetech front fork spring and rear shock spring, make suspension like real dirt bike and rear shock spring rate to your weight, you like it and more fun to ride, enjoy your riding

[@WanderADV]

Appreciate the recommendations. Racetech has been mentioned a lot and I’m familiar with CRFs only. Ride safe!

[@Alan-bj9nb]

Do you have a background in video? It looks very professional. Good job.

[@WanderADV]

Thanks! Yep, and I do some landscape photography. Helps to have nice toys! 😁

[@CHP26]

Great Video! good shots! good Story! 👍 from Austria! Lg CHP#26

[@WanderADV]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the support!

[@hankwojo]

I also have the 300 Rally. I upgraded the shock to a K-tech ($545 US). I'll probably go with Dunlop D606's. I installed a PUIG Clip on Windscreen Extender and it works great. Don't buy a cheap clip on. They just are not the same. I had an Africa Twin, beautiful bike but to heavy for my 70 years so I went with the Africa Single (300 Rally) and I do love it.

[@WanderADV]

Appreciate the advice. I went with the 606 in the rear and it’s doing wonders. I’m going to look into that extender. I’ve got a trip with lots of pavement planned this summer. Thanks!

[@rodneyjohnston2217]

Great videos I enjoyed watching you guys tackle those passes in Colorado and the pure fun of discovery etc. I own several bikes and have owned many more when Honda bumped up the little rally to a 300 it really put the bike in its own league. Cutting to the chase mine has an upgraded rear shock by YSS for my Weight. Dunlop 606 50/50 knobbies with rim locks bar risers with fat CR bend handlebars, barkbusters I use mosko luggage similar to your tusk rackless. I did put a small rack on back. Excellent little bike for almost anyone. I also have Africa twin a KTM 2 stroke so it is underpowered for me but I still love the thing. You wouldn’t have crashed near as much with a stiffer rear shock would’ve made front stick better and stock tires look the part but are truly awful. When you put a good Motoz or dunlop or anakee by Michelin heck almost anything you won’t believe the difference. If I enjoyed that 300 I would learn and mod it little by little. Make memories ( like you are doing ) and keep making videos you are very good at it. I’m 63 been riding for years. A 300 is plenty of bike for now. You can step up to a crf450RL in a bit but you will have to put a bigger tank on it and do more serious maintenance. Good luck

[@WanderADV]

Thanks for the experience and advice Rodney. I could definely feel the stock suspension coming up short sometimes. I've recently upgraded to the MT21 and Anakee Wild combo for tires and man are they so much better. Hit a lot of sand and mud last season. Lookng forward to making small adjustments as I ride more. Thanks for the kind words and glad you're enjoying the videos. Ride safe.

[@savillecreations8046]

Expecting my 300 l in about two weeks. Very excited. And soon hopefully also take a ride up Big Cottonwood Cayon with a dusting of snow :)

[@WanderADV]

I love having that canyon right up the road, I’m definitely spoiled. I bought some insulated gloves for later this season cuz up the canyons temps drop quickly. Ride safe!

[@savillecreations8046]

Got my 300l last week. Did a short video up Little Cottonwood Canyon if you want to see it on my channel.

[@savillecreations8046]

Hey again Wander ADV….I just realized you probably were referencing my ride up Little Cottonwood.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

I’ve had mine since October. Has plenty of power for me at 170 lbs. Only complaint is I get blown around pretty bad in high winds. I’m 6’1” and the windscreen wasn’t tall enough so I put an extension on and now it’s good. I upgraded the suspension with RaceTech

[@WanderADV]

Definitely get blown around by high winds. But that’s what we get for the lighter weight. I’m 5’9” and am barely in the stock windscreen pocket.

[@WanderADV]

How are you liking the Racetech upgrade?

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

@@WanderADV I love it. Transforms the bike. But not necessary if you aren’t going fast off road. Also very expensive.

[@TheGridMedia]

Really looking at the 300L Rally and the BMW 310gs as my first bikes, but really leaning toward the 300L Rally

[@WanderADV]

I've really enjoyed it so far. I don't think there's any bike that fits where it does. Just enough power, super dependable, simple, fuel range, and realtively lightweight.

[@MfrOffroadRiderNorCal]

I run Tusk dsport front and back great tire for price 👍🤟my opinion but there is mixed feelings on the tusk

[@2fastnlight]

Ax41s are great tires for the bike. Best of many I tried.

[@WanderADV]

I’ve read they don’t have a lot of longevity or is that only on the heavier bikes? Have you experienced short life from the AX41s?

[@2fastnlight]

@@WanderADV loaded largely with camping gear, I got 2500 from the rear and front is looking to make it past 6k easy. The way the handle onroad and off is really well worth that shorter rear life.

[@airadaimagery692]

Have a tusk Dsport on the rear of my rally and a mt21 on the front. Have not decided on suspension yet, but will most likely go with a stage 1 kit since I’m short. My seat concepts seat is 10x more comfortable than the stock seat. Which GPS are you using and how is it mounted?

[@WanderADV]

Just got the comfort low seat from SeatConcepts! Liking it so far. The MT21 paired with a rear is definitely popular, thanks for your thoughts. The GPS is the Garmin ZumoXT mounted on the dashboard bar above the display. Worked great with the mounts that come in the box. I really love it. Great display, usually works great with Bluetooth between my phone and Talkpack Slim comms, and I’ve only had a few issues of dropping satellite signal in remote areas or weather.

[@curtishouser7173]

Great video. How would the comfort level be on this bike at say 45 - 60 mph for a 3.5 hour trip? This would be a fairly regular trip for me during riding season.

[@WanderADV]

I rode for a solid 6-7 hrs on the way out to CO for our first trip. The vibration at speed was a bit tiring, but the Rally's wind protection is definitely a plus. I personally would be comfortable riding 3-4 hrs regularly at speed on this bike, but there are definitely more comfy options. Ride safe!

[@curtishouser7173]

@@WanderADV great thank you. I’ve been doing research for months now and tomorrow I’m getting mine on order.

[@curtishouser7173]

Went to the dealer today as previously mentioned. Somebody backed out on a deal. I just put money down on a new 2023 Rally! I’ll be riding next week! Holy crap let the adventures begin!!

[@WanderADV]

@@curtishouser7173 Nice!

[@LowsJuan]

pirelli mt21 frt tire, dunlop d606 rear. Are the tires that Itchy boots and Motorcycles Offroad recommend or use. They both own crf300l rallys but you will have to watch their channels to see if you needs match there's. Exact replacement sizes are not available. You will have to decide if you want to change the sprocket on the rear to regain some torque for the high profile tire. There are formulas and specific videos on Motorcycles Offroad to help you make the decision.

[@WanderADV]

I upgraded to the MT21 and the Anakee Wild on the rear. Its been a great setup so far. Hit lots of sand and muds last season and the difference over the stocks was extrememly noticable.

[@AzPauly]

HI, nice video..thanks for posting. How is this bike at 70mph hiway? Comfortable or struggle? My little XT225 bought to hang on the RV is great in the forest, but dangerously slow on hiway jaunts to connect roads.. my XR650L is awesome, but too big to hang on the back of the RV.. thanks, Paul.

[@WanderADV]

It’s always a compromise, right? 😁 For me, I deal with the size when doing 70-75mph highway rides, but it’s not a struggle. Feels like you’re at the end of its capability but not in a bad way. One thing I didn’t mention is you do get blown around a bit in winds, semi trucks, etc. For me, it’s perfectly capable and not a struggle.

[@slakk5093]

FYI keep in mind the xr650l weighs the same same as the 300 rally

[@WanderADV]

@@slakk5093 For me I like the Rally’s 200+ mile range and wind protection for the riding I do. But for hanging on the back of an RV or trailering, XR650L are great bikes. I’ve debated getting a trailer mount on my Jeep.

[@AzPauly]

@@slakk5093 Hmm.. if that's the case, I'll stick with and be happy with the XRL..maybe beef up the RV mount...

[@slakk5093]

YSS have a replacement rear shock and front spring kit for a good price

[@WanderADV]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@angrytuareg4344]

OK BRO WHAT JACKET IS THAT I DIG IT

[@WanderADV]

Are you sure it’s not the man that makes the jacket? 😂 It’s a Rev’It Offtrack and I absolutely love it. My buddy Josh from our Colorado series actually upgraded to the same jacket this year. Great style and amazing airflow. I run hot, always. Plus it looks great riding Honda red!

[@angrytuareg4344]

@@WanderADV lol yeah I think it would look great with my Martian Red Tuareg color Scheme I’m working on thanks for getting back to me man I appreciate it safe travels

[@WanderADV]

@@angrytuareg4344 Safe Travels to you too! Enjoy that Tuareg!

[@JorgeGonzalez-ei6ft]

👍

[@WanderADV]

🤘🏻

[@vaerenbergh]

i would buy this bike in a hardbeat, but my only question is, the power for 2up riding, can it get up to highwayspeed with 2up

[@WanderADV]

I think you'd be pushing the Rally with 2up highway riding, but I think it "can" do it. Not sure how enjoyable of a ride it is on the back. Ride safe!