CRF 300l - My First Time Riding Dirt Roads - What Mods I Need To Get For It

I took my Honda CRF300l off road for the first time and discovered a few things about the bike and myself. Looks like I’m going to need to get a few mods for it and myself.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

A lot of guys swear by dunlop d606 rear and pirelli mt21 front as far as tires but just about anything is better than the stock tires.. congrats on you new bike..

[@steveh7823]

Before you buy new tires, experiment with different pressures. I have a cordless pump with a digital gauge. If the front wheel feels skittish maybe it's too hard based on temps and type of surface. Idk what pressure measurement method you use, but for me the front can range from 1.0 Bar to 1.5 Bar, a very wide range.

[@Chris-yy5pj]

I'm 22 and just started riding. I have a 2014 crf250l and I recommend acerbis skid plates. HRC really team uses them and despite them being "plastic" they're like a half inch thick, lighter than steel and just as durable. It's a really hard heavy duty plastic. Secondly I don't really worry about handguards unless you do single track. Also I'd recommend some frame guards by acerbis. They are cheap and simple and will without a doubt protect your frame if you fall. I'd also get a radiator guard that is metal and a headlight guard. Other than that there isn't really much needed for off-road riding. I live in Nevada and my roads are 20 times worse than the video you showed and honestly I think your bike would be fine in stock configuration for those roads in the video but it's always good to be prepared regardless!

[@user-gx8ke3tm2p]

Got my 300L a few months back and am loving it! Great seeing where you ride, I live in Texas now but grew up in central WA on Lake Chelan!

[@BigglesworthNWATT]

Been riding a 2017 250L. I'd recommend looking into crash protection stuff like you said. The stock radiator guard isnt bad although many people get upgraded ones to brace the radiator in crashes. The 300L might have better crash bars available to not need the rad guard. 2nd getting a skid plate. Some are flared up to provide engine protection in a fall over as well. The other crash protection item Id highly recommend is a set of hand guards that tie into the bar ends. These will better protect your levers in a spill.

[@WannabeAventuring]

I bought and installed the Acerbis 13.5L tank and love the extended range.

[@fredrikcarlzen7330]

Spike tires are nice during the winter when driving on dirtroads and on ice.

[@seanmccaul3034]

Thanks for another great video! Just learning to ride on dirt and gravel myself, and it is definitely a different feel than riding on pavement. Still learning to lean the bike under me and rely on the rear brake, and in particular, transitioning styles going back and forth between dirt and pavement. I have to say, my little Monkey is doing a great job on both! Hope you enjoy it, riding around in such beautiful places is just the best experience!

[@allenhuling598]

Great to see you getting off road on two wheels, and I like your idea of using this bike to explore the back roads and ghost town to photograph them! So far I think your thoughts on needed mods for this bike are spot on! Cheers, and ride safe!

[@krazyjey]

Beside a bash plate, a renthal bar, barkbuster hand guard and 5 holes in the air box filter, I didn t need to upgrade $$$ to make it a Husky ot KTM ( week end bike). I live in cape town with many dirt roads, that is enough to be on/off road and have a pleasant ride all day , average 5 liters a day.( Shell is a better fuel here) I used it for an Gentle enduro in a 92 kms loop and finished top 10 with it. Guys with better bike could not believe it , i had a number plated bike with mirror and indicator. Tyres choice is a great option that make it alive and tracking on the limits , ( and ohlins shocks treatment if you can afford, i didn t do that ) I avoided the ECU and the noisy exhaust, as i want a reliable and fun little horse. I found a good compromise to stay happy and entertained with it, it s not a H or a KTM

[@MisplacedMotoVlogger]

Same reason why I picked up a dual sport. It's light enough to easily pick up when you inevitably drop it. I dropped my KLX in some deep sand that was way above my skill level just couple weeks ago. Maybe grab a spare fuel bottle to bring with you. Small fuel tanks seem to be the big downfall with these small dual sports. My KLX only has a 2 gallon tank, and I've got almost a 30 mile ride to get to the trails. Good luck with it, and have fun. Oh, as an absolute noob to off road riding, I totally agree that these things start moving a lot more once you get off pavement. What looks like an easy trail on video can get really nuts to a new off road rider.

[@franciskimberly6178]

Sounds good. I'm not much of a dirt rider. So I'll listen as you learn. Safe riding!

[@steveh7823]

Great scenery, makes a big difference from paved roadside. Tires; take a look at Pirelli Scorpion Pro Trail, they can be used on paved and dirt roads. They are really durable on my Suzuki DR, stable on highway and grippy in dirt. Tread pattern is much finer than MX tires.

[@matthewhoopes4440]

Watched a few of your videos. Right now I'm working in Morton, Wa for a few months. I brought my Honda Rally up with me. If you wanna do a day ride out trails/logging roads, let me know. Matt

[@matthewhoopes4440]

Also will add. Worked in Spokane at the beginning of summer. Took the 300 down to McCall idaho and rode it to Loon Lake where a B25 crashed. The plane is still there. Google it. Pretty awesome. Legit single track going out to it.

[@patrickfoley1577]

You may want to check out the You Tube channel Woodzman Adventures. He has a CRF300L and does a lot of moto camping and exploring. Also uses a lot of Nelson Rigg equipment. He is located in Missouri .

[@erichalitsky1285]

My first time was in 1972 when I was 12. Everyone starts off new

[@thegreatmoa]

I also have a 300L, and so far, i can say that the stock tires only look like off-road tires. While learning off-road at first, it'll probably be fine, but I'll probably swap mine out during winter for something more appropriate. I also need a skid plate - HDPE is best, if you can, as it'll help you slide over stuff if you get hung up on a downed branch (where aluminum will just dig in). Looking forward to seeing more rides on this bike!

[@thegreatmoa]

For the record, people with this bike seem to love the combo of the Pirelli MT21 in the front and the Dunlop D606 in the back. Might be a bit vibey on the highway, but should a good deal better in the dirt and gravel. That's what I'm planning on upgrading to, at least - if you hear anything else, let us know!

[@gorrdd]

Thanks. Shinko 700's is what most people buy for their Yamaha XT250. Great for off road and highway. They have a random knobby pattern that stabilizes at higher speeds. Your bike should top out at around 85mph on the highway. Gord

[@scottkaercher1733]

I have a 85 cr 250 and its scary fast. I use to race it in the open 250 class.

[@vincek6613]

Check out Jake the garden snake. He heavily modified that bike. You probably won't have the need for everything but there are some protective things he added

[@erichalitsky1285]

I've got a Dunlop 606 on the rear , I'm still on the stock front , but have a Dunlop MX 34 to put on. The front isn't dot approved , oh well.

[@darrenmillard3964]

👍🇬🇧 cheers

[@adventurepastor8195]

What dirt road was that? Beth ridge? Cowitche mills? Lets go off road riding sometime!

[@redghostgirl157]

So,,,,, when ya getting me a helmet so I can join you in the ghost towns? Lmao

[@dakarpsi]

Baby steps, you don't want to go above your skill level.

[@petecarvo9284]

12:30 I've been there.

[@englishsteve1465]

You are finding out that there really isn't any bike that's perfect for on and off road, everything is a compromise in one direction or the other and you'll have to decide which direction is more important for you, or else have 2 bikes which is the only real answer to your dilemma, lol : ) Oh and it's exactly the same balancing act with tyres although the ones you have on look like a good compromise to me. 2 bikes ? go on, you know you wanna !

[@jimmilligan5802]

Watched a couple of your videos sounds like you are very opinionated lol I don’t mean that in a bad way because I am the very same way I also have a small you tube channel on bike riding and relaxing enjoyed your videos always be yourself ride safe ride free

[@GasWorksISO]

lol. My opinions don’t resonate with everyone, but we’re all different. 👍🏻Thanks for watching!