🦄 CRF300 RALLY vs DR650 | Does Weight Matter? | KLX300 vs DRZ400E vs WR250R vs CRF300L | Bike Banter

#dualsport #adv #Q&A
Time for another viewer questions video. Plenty of good dual sport and adventure bike content for us motorcycle lovers. I have put time stamps below for each question 👍
Chapter Times
00:00 Intro
00:16 My mistake
00:55 The Problem Motorcycle Shoot Outs
03:00 How Important is Bike Weight?
04:29 DRZ400E could add EFI easily
05:36 When Will I hit the Dirt??
07:05 DRZ400E vs WR250R vs CRF300L vs KLX300
10:34 CRF300 Rally vs DR650
14:07 Should you wait for the WR300R?
15:00 Solid is a Wizard!
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COS

[@lcdubs7847]

Lighter weight is always better, EXCEPT on the highway, when you're into cross winds or traffic, and then the heavier the better. It really is remarkable the difference riding a heavy bike, and how much more planted it is when passing trucks or in blustery winds.

[@zero2sixty420]

Wow, that wasnt me, but I'm 56, and I am just getting back into riding, and I got a DR650!

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice I'm 67 recently got a new 2020 Kawasaki versys X300, fun bike , but I got my eye on the new 2022 KLR 650, might be to heavy for me !

[@brettsteele2146]

Another 56 year old here on a DR650... for me it was the light weight, versatility & simplicity that sold me. $8200 + on road makes it fantastic value for money even if it is a dinosaur. Easy to fix in the middle of nowhere & the 3rd party parts catalogue is ridiculously huge.

[@holeephuk]

My friend dad is 66 and got dr650 last year, we are of to Cameron corner from 3/5-7/5😁

[@bearlyawake3904]

@@holeephuk hey so how did you go?

[@tassietoyuki]

That ending. Efn gold🤣

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😬😂

[@8.dayweek]

I’m 58. Have a DR650 & a DRZ400E. Simplicity, reliability & durability top the list.

[@travisconrad5035]

If only 1 of the 2 which would u want

[@user-et5ti3yw2t]

I want to buy a dual sport crf300 or dr 650?

[@randymcgiveron3268]

Let me know when you figure it out. I'm in the same predicament. At 67 and a bad back. The extra 60 lb for the DR makes me a little nervous

[@kidojo]

Another consideration about weight. Not only is it easier to pick it up when it drops, but low weight also avoids drops! When you dab a foot because you're off balance, low weight makes it much more likely your foot dab will hold you and the bike.

[@kignacio]

Redline any 300 in 1st gear and it will mountain goat up any technical climb better than any 650.

[@ronsexton3685]

@@kignacio There is only 30 pounds difference. Get real. 335(Rally ABS) vs 366(DR650).

[@woxiduswoxidus1167]

in the most cases all these bikes are not only loaded, but they are overloaded, and this extra weight saving are really matter. Overloaded bike drop means that it can easily break your leg even without riding it.

[@algee8228]

Great tips as always! You're spot on about the generic bike reviews online...much more worthwhile to tune in to a niche guy like yourself who has specific knowledge and experience with a particular type of riding.

[@Dan-56]

That ending almost had my morning coffee coming out my nose 😆! Laughed my ass off 😜👍!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😬

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I'm too old for dropping bikes and single track. Dr650 and it's power wins my vote.

[@mtbalot]

YAY new riding videos, I must have watched you old 250 riding videos 3 times each. I almost got my bike running, real difficult to afford these days.

[@Boerikoe]

Always such a pleasure to listen to you, thank you for this presentation. I was considering the Honda CRF300Rally and the Suzuki DR650 to get back into the saddle. I haven't been in the saddle for a long time ±40y so need to re-orientate myself, your videos are excellent. Also enjoy your "feet on the ground" approach, and giving your unbiased and honest opinion. Very much appreciated, we all know that the Marketing World and Reality are rarely the same. Thanks again.

[@MrXrssv1]

Good solid stuff Solid, specially the ending 😆😆😄😄👍👍

[@stressedoutsolutions7431]

Great info, great opinions, great guidance on getting out there and just taking care of the present. Love the ending

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Cheers 👍

[@Whos-That-Guy]

Ending was awesome... But I especially like the question you addressed to whosthatguy.... :)

[@bartoszpajak2285]

Great video! I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on a CRF300L somebody didn’t pick up from the dealer this week. Other wise delivery time in Europe is October, if you order it now. The bike seems to match my requirements pretty good. Trans Euro Trail, I’m coming!

[@hadrianhaine5204]

Great ending. Your videos always get a like from me.

[@angryviking4496]

Another excellent video. Hoping my 300L non ABS shows up this week here in America. ✌

[@timothyherweynen6210]

Great info, very helpful even though I’ve been around bikes all my life. 👍🏻

[@brettsteele2146]

Laughed my ass off at your magic trick. Well done as always :-)

[@howiethehowitzer7398]

That was a good laugh at the end 🤣 I'm considering KLX300 or the CRF300 as a second bike for the future.

[@jonathanfont853]

Thanks for your vídeos, I really like them! .

[@v4vfr800]

Can’t wait for some DRZ ride videos 😃

[@juanfelipearango2029]

Epic, legendary ending jajjajajaj great video, as always very comprehensive!!!!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks 👍

[@osmanidris8494]

The finale is the best :D

[@mauricelowery9711]

Loved the ending!

[@willyd-adv]

Ah ha ha that ending 😂🤣😂 Also love the fact the 300 comes up in every comparison now, can't wait to get mine at the launch in NZ in a few months time

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😬

[@ssrc30]

Having the simplicity of the carb is one of the things I love about the DR. Not sure the love affair would continue if they started bolting on all sorts of unnecessary tech.

[@royjmcc7]

Solid, that was awesome!

[@EwePeople]

That was a brilliant magic trick!! Seriously gave me a good laugh! Cheers

[@BillySBC]

About the DR650 question, the extra weight also makes the bike hold the road better on the highway, the lighter the bike the more you'll be affected by wind and wake gusts from larger vehicles at higher speeds.

[@94SexyStang]

That's a rider problem.......not knowing how to "move" your body as the wind hits.

[@pigmeal2224]

Good to hear that SOMEBODY finally feels the same way I do!! Have had new 300L for 6 months now, after moving up from 230L and 250L (still have). Great bike, but just doesn't feel ... right on the road. Bizarre, I can't describe it any other way, but I swear the weight/balance /buzzyness has something to do with it. 60 Y/O, 5'11", 33" inseam. Picking up a '17 DR650 in 2 days. The difference between the two on the pavement was mind numbing!! That DR feels EXACTLY like my unicorn bike XL600 from back in the 1990's. Keeping the 300 as well - it has its job to do ...

[@VermontMan]

You should do some videos about motorcycle gear too. As someone who just suffered a bad crash, my gear saved me from disfiguring/life threatening injuries. I’d go as far as saying your gear is more important than your bike. By far... I hit a massive oil patch mid corner and slid into a guard rail. Same route I ride every day to work. It happens when you least expect it.

[@gregweeks4980]

Up your bumicus, pretty hilarious. I'm not sure why people pick on you, you're quite entertaining. This Texas boy has been watching your channel for quite a while. What is not to admire, you are informative and you're not afraid to make fun of yourself. I enjoy your channel.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Cheers Greg (from the Texas of England) 👍

[@Warpig639]

I am 73 years old. I bought a DR 650 new a 2018, sold about a year and a half later and really really regretted it. I had ordered a Honda CRFL 300 over a year ago, I still don’t have it. I walked into the Honda dealer to check on my CRF L300 and there sat a 2022 DR 650 so I bought it. I could not be happier. I love that bike. As I’m getting older I can’t and don’t do much difficult single track anymore like I used to so Dropping it becomes less of an issue although I think I still can pick it up.

[@94SexyStang]

I landed on the 2022 drz400, I originally went in to Buy a dr650, None available, on a waiting list.......got tired of waiting...... went Back to look at a crf450, but a Bit too aggressive for my needs....and the EFI stalling issues scared me off.........Funny thing is, I sat on the Drz400 my first day at the dealer, and Liked it.....very Tall......but liked the 300lbs weight idea.....and it's kind of a "hooligan" power band bike. I also LOVE Carbs.....because they can be upgraded without paying $400 for a Chip....there's tons of options with Carbs.

[@Warpig639]

@@94SexyStang I like drz 400 as well. Unfortunately I have the curse of short legs.

[@keldonator]

I really like my drz400s, I was in the market for a crf300l rally but I saved 3k getting a used 2019 drz400s instead. No regrets.

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

Had a 2016 DR650 ,they are bulletproof and simple and add a carb kit ,airbox mod and a muffler and easily get 10% more power and wake it up and no computer to fight. Sold it for a KLX 300 thinking I needed something lighter which it is but having efi makes it so much tougher to tinker with the engine that I'm wishing for the DR back. And as far as highway riding the DR has it all over the KLX not to mention all the aftermarket stuff for it out there is no comparison.

[@jcf6597]

Thanks for answering my question, I'll let you know how I make out.

[@billcotton1551]

Brilliant as usual Mr. Solid.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

👍

[@RonaiHenrik]

I bought the CRF300L and I love the bike itself, haven't tested it offroad yet but 1000 km onroad. My only annoyance is the lack of accessories in EU at this point in time. I have the belly protector fitted by the dealer + handguard and USB but find it hard to get my hands on anything else. Shipping from Thailand is either impossible or 350 bucks, EU based manufacturers aren't up to speed yet. I've bought the maddog seat cover from amazon and the shipping is $28 while the cover itself is $20. SRC Europe should get off their lazy bums because I need that full side + top rack before july.

[@steveshot81]

Great video and lots of information

[@jefftaswelder9154]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍 yep worth coming over to see 😁🍺🍺 ive got a question for yah no wait dont bother forgot it now 😣😣 any who keep well mate and looking foward to you and DRZ in the bush😉🍟

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate 😂

[@jonathanfont853]

Hi Solid .I discovered your channel a few days ago. I'm riding a XT660Z heavily modificated for off road riding. Here we are lucky to have many dirt and mountains to ride . I'm considerin getting a lighter moto like a wr250r second hand, something lighter but also, versatil,.well see. Gretting from Barcelona

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Welcome aboard, Hard to beat the WR if you are wanting a versatile little off road machine 👍

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Solid... you were supposed to use the 10mm wand! Solid suggestions on the bikes as well. 👍

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Dam it back to Hogwarts for a 10mm then😋

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@chroniclesofsolid 😂

[@insatiable_mind]

The magic trick at the end had me laughing pretty good 😂🤣 I’m pretty settled on the CRF300L though I still look at the DRZ400 a bit. I was set on the rally but the only thing I want on there is the gas tank. The headlight, tower and windscreen can be done aftermarket and weigh less if I change my mind about them later. I’m also looking at lightweight luggage racks that look pretty good. I’m probably going to put down a deposit this week on the CRF300L. They are 20 orders deep here expecting to receive the bikes in 5-6 months. I’ll miss the summer season unless I find a good used DRZ400 soon, and then I’ll have both when Honda deliverers.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😆

[@94SexyStang]

drz400 is really nice because of torque, SO easy to pop over trees, and threw Ruts, etc....a bit goofy for tight single track terrain.......400cc is REALLY nice in those open spaces though.

[@bradjacobs1844]

Not a 300 but read on: I picked up the kLX250S a couple years ago and now have 14,000+ miles on it so I guess I’m qualified to comment on it. It does everything well EXCEPT being able to maintain legal road speeds into the wind or up long grades. It really has to work to maintain 55 into a strong headwind. It will reach a top speed of 73 mph (verified by GPS) but struggles to maintain it when conditions change. As an off-road bike it’s perfect. Power is not an issue off-road as the bike has plenty of torque and a decent suspension for what it is. I’m thinking about doing a big bore kit to 351cc’s to address the power problem on the highway as the bike is a keeper if it can maintain 65 mph regardless of road conditions. A DR650 is an option but I really don’t want the extra 40# to deal with. Guess I’ll call Bill Blue to see when I can get a 351 kit.

[@JoshSinnott97]

Did you end up installing the big bore kit and how does it perform? In Australia we only get the klx250 and that's got better suspension than the crf300. All of the crf owners are doing engine and suspension mods so if the klx van give me 1 less thing to upgrade that would be something I'd have to look at more seriously

[@robskully3539]

Hi .... I am a long time dirt biker (1970 to 2005) and getting back into it after riding street bikes only for the past 15 years. At first I was looking at the Indian FTR for just doing street and dirt roads but figured it was way overkill. Then I saw a Ducati Desert Sled and considered one of those until I realized kinda heavy. So ... when Yamaha decided to finally release the 700 Tenere here in New England ( USA ) I was really excited about it but have not seen one in person yet. But as I started watching videos and seeing I am 67 years old and only 170 pounds with a 34” inseam I think again it is going to be too heavy if I decide to do any single track here and it either falls or get stuck in the mud. Here in New England it is mostly wooded and have some dirt roads .. so we dont have any that fast open areas to ride in like I see in many KZbin videos. I am fortunate enough to have a dealer that handles all FOUR manufacturers ( Suzuki/Yamaha/Kawasaki/Honda). So I went and sat on the Honda 250’s (CRF and Rally), the new Kawasaki 300 and a Suzuki DR400. The new Honda 300’s will be here in a month or two and after talking to an ADV rider at a bike night meet I also went to a dealer and sat on a used DR650 ( he recommended me to ). Since there are no new Honda 300’s, Yamaha Tenere’s or DR650’s at dealers yet I haven’t made my final decision ... BUT ... I did put a deposit on a 2021 DR650 that supposed to be here in late May. I am looking for a bike to do 50% street, 35% dirt/gravel roads and 15% single track. It will not be a work commuter bike and will be only used for fun.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

DR650 should serve you very well👍 Enjoy the trails.

[@imcheaperthanyou9805]

Two years later now. Are you happy with your choice?😊

[@robskully3539]

@@imcheaperthanyou9805 the DR-650 did come that May (2021) and I only rode a few times just getting use to riding a dirt bike again. In 2022 it was a different story because I joined a few Facebook groups in my area and was able to download a bunch of GPX files to follow. I even held a few rides and did KZbin videos of them. Sadly in September of 2022 I was doing a weekend Rally ride that was being held over by Keene, NH. Half way through the first day I was going through a simple mud hole when my front wheel slid out. The bike fell to the left and pinned my left ankle between the crankcase and a big rock. This ended up making my ankle swell and also a slight fracture. I was on crutches for 12 weeks. So in 2023 because of all the rain almost every weekend I never rode it once. We also have 2 sports cars (Vette and a Mustang) plus I have 2 Harleys and when the weather was nice we enjoyed them. I did put on 1000 miles during the Summer/Fall of 2022. The fall was my fault because I should have gotten rid of the crappy stock tires and put knobbies on it. If it had knobbies it would have never fell. Do I like the bike ? Well … I do like the power/torque it has and the ease of maintenance. What I don’t like is the weight. I thought I needed the extra power to ride on the street to get to the places to ride but it turns out a 300 would have been fine. After subscribing to Itchy Boots here on KZbin and seeing what she put a Honda 300 Rally through I wish I waited to buy one instead of the DR-650. I will be 70 in May of 2024 and really the 650 is overkill for the type of riding I will do here in New England. May be in other parts of the USA it would be a different story. I am planning on riding it again this Summer once it warms up and do more KZbin videos also. You can see my KZbin videos here at this link www.youtube.com/@robskully3539

[@imcheaperthanyou9805]

@@robskully3539 Thanks for a great response. I have been thinking the 300 rally for myself would be the right choice and your response has helped reinforce that logic. 🍻

[@robskully3539]

@@imcheaperthanyou9805 please let me know what ya got and put videos on your youtube channel. I subscribed to it. I have videos of my rides on this KZbin channel www.youtube.com/@robskully3539/videos

[@jasondunn8894]

Magic too Solid!... Well played sir😂

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thank ye kindly! 🧙‍♂️

[@tylerhickernell3099]

Yeah I am leaning towards the CRF 300 Rally as I will be doing some commuting also. The problem is no one has them for sale here yet, they are just taking deposits!

[@djjones618]

Solid, love the magic trick...lol!

[@daledassel5658]

Bought a new ‘23 DR650 here in Georgia USA before they stop building them. Love it(except that 2x4 Suzuki calls a seat!).

[@bradquiggin6764]

Solid ~ you are a legend mate!😂

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😬

[@walterconn5637]

Nice one, cheers!

[@larrybellucci4708]

Great job, bro.

[@Michael_Mears]

...but the 300L wasn't available when you got the DRZ(?), so there's that. You buy the bike you can get, and that's what you did, which is fair enough. Now, my wife and I have a CRF300 Rally each, having picked them up the Thursday before Easter. They suit us just fine for the "more dirt, less tar" rides, and because we generally ride together when we're on the dirt, picking up a bike stuck in the bog or out of a ditch means there's two of us to do that, so weight is not a big deal (and we have the V-Stroms, so they're not light, either). I agree with you about getting on the bike to work out what fits or suits you, but were lucky with the CRf300 Rally in that we ordered them sight unseen, though they fit both of us very well. We're not enduro, we're not trying to keep up with the skinny bikes on single tracks or technical stuff, we're riding from a to b and enjoying the trip. For JCF, we both are in our 50's, heights 5'10" and 5'9", and the CRF300 Rally remains our preferred choice from those bikes three bikes ( I say three, because the KLX300 is not available in Australia as yet, only the KLX300R).

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Great info in there mate for JCF and congrats on the new steeds. I think the 300 Rally is fast becoming my ideal round the world bike 🐱‍🏍

[@ShoestringADV]

Great insight . I myself ride a klx250 . For me it came down to opportunity and which bike came along in my budget . I figure the Kawasaki and Honda were pretty much in a dead heat . I’m lucky to be on the smaller side so for me the uncorked 250 is quite ample for my riding style . Loaded down with ultra light camping gear I’ve successfully done long weekend exploring and the lighter weight means I can explore on my own and not worry about how I’m going to pick it up when I tip over .

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Very under rated bike the KLX, happy trails Rick 👍

[@kl9518]

I chose a second hand drz400sm, fitted s wheels on but kept the sm brakes. Works really well, cheaper and not afraid to drop it.

[@ronsexton3685]

How has this worked out for you? I was thinking about this or a DR650.

[@chrisdavisunofficial]

I rode most of these and settled on a Yamaha Tenere 700, but I'll get a proper dual sport this year.

[@pigmeal2224]

Came within squillimetres of putting $ down on T7 just a few days ago. It was more ideology that stopped me. I was seriously pissed off that Aust was excluded from the update the rest of the world got, yet Yamaha STILL saw fit to jack the price for current model anyways !! Collect my '17 DR650 in 2 days ... 😈😈

[@Speedytrip]

Great view on things! I often say there's few bad bikes nowadays, only poor choices for your needs.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Well said

[@sacandinavidave7183]

This was an informative video. Thank you for the content. I’m looking to get my first bike at 29 years old. The KLX300 and crf300l look like great first bikes for what I want but I’m a bigger guy at 6’2” (188 cm) and 240lbs and (108kg). Are these bikes too small for me? Im also considering a bigger bike like the xr650l since I’m a bigger guy. I live in the mountains and can easily get to logging roads and single track trails but I will also be doing extended highway drives as well. What bike is best for me?

[@SomeInfoSecDude]

You may have only 3 brain cells but they are amazingly capable. You provide some of the smartest content out there. I've survived winter in Canada by watching dirt bike vids, and I'm now tired of these ' yo yo yo check me out I'm so rad ' dudes that babble useless nonsense during 90% of the video. I'm always waiting for your next post. They are dense, relevant. Keep up the excellent work.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks for the kind words Kwizibo. Hopefully the sunny days will come quickly ☀️

[@iangostelow4023]

Got the 2021 crf300 fantastic bike.had it out doing single track and loved it.i recommend it to anyone thinking about one

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats 👍

[@stephenmoore4676]

Solid gave great advice. My CRF 250 Rally is great. I don't care if it weighs more, has less power, blah blah blah. I paid 7K ride away, it soaks up all the bumps and potholes and never misses a beat. I love riding it. All the power I need as I'm mostly on the dirt exploring back roads. I even fell off and bent it a bit so now it's perfect. I'd buy a 300 but I'd miss my 250. Don't look for what is technically the best, just find something that does the job, and that you like. After a few epic rides, you'll bond just fine.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Stephen and great insight 👍

[@BruceHoult]

I've had a 2019 CRF250L Rally for exactly a year now, paid NZ$7250 on the road brand new (AU$6700, US$5200). I love it more and more. I live in a hilly rural area in NZ with a lot of twisty tarseal, gravel, beaches, forest tracks and it's just ideal for exploring. I swapped the stock tyres for D606 which limit the cornering on the tar but enhance the offroad massively especially in sand or if it's wet & muddy. Everything else is stock. Stock gearing is perfect. Last week I rode it 320 km in an afternoon (5 1/2 hours of riding plus two cafe stops) exploring back roads and beaches I'd never been to. Averaged 3.1 l/100km (76 USmpg, 91 UKmpg). I'm 58 years old and 137 kg (300 lb). The Rally is low power but with this kind of riding I never feel it needs more -- and my other bike is a BMW R1100. Just wring its neck and it gets along fine. It keeps up with cars on the main road no problems. Yeah, for hard core off-road it could do with more. I used to have an XR600. That was massive offroad but even when I was 28 (HALF my current age) I couldn't ride 300 km on the XR in a session without dying. I still (as in just a few months ago) did 900 km on the BMW (which I've had for 25.5 years) with just one fuel/pee/pie stop. For anything under 50 km or so where the BMW barely gets warmed up, it stays in the garage and I take the Rally with a smile on my face. For completeness, my car is a 2008 Outback 2.5XT Eyesight (265 HP, 0-100km/h in about 5.5).

[@azlong4596]

Classic Solid, pure class ending.

[@1dancier]

Keep buying carburetted bikes and they'll keep making them. As Bret Tkacs said in a recent vid, the two main requirements for a bike these days is fuel injection for altitude and six gears. The CRF300 needs some work before it's dirt worthy, like most bikes and it's going to take a while before the aftermarket addons are available, "Dirt n Trail" have sussed out the mods so it'll be a few years before I contemplate buying one.

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

Awesome discussion. Thanks

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Cheers

[@stug77]

There are really only two review archetypes that I've seen comparing the crf300 and klx300, those who have access to the klx and those who don't. The only exception to a glowing recommendation of the klx over the crf from someone who rode both was that multimedia conglomerate avatar, corporate shill, honda fanboy "dork in the road", who said they were comparable.

[@peterdawson7775]

Best ending ever! 😎

[@DKrappenschitz]

The CRF300L Rally with a few mods can save considerable weight and with a big bore kit added (based on the specs for the 250L bike) you’d have roughly 341cc worth of power and lastly a suspension upgrade and honestly that’d be the 🦄

[@tolga1cool]

But by then it will be really really expensive

[@smartacus88]

I just picked up a 1998 KLX300R in excellent condition. Low hours and nearly all original. I'ma save my dimes and do a full dualsport build with her. A 300 is all i need for my uses. A 650 is much too big for these Appalachian hills.

[@222wheelsdown]

Another great video, thanks for sharing with us!! Funny how your mind can change…Last month I was dead set on trading in my ktm 390 adv for a Tenere 700 but now I’ve done so much more research for my riding it’s way too heavy/expensive. Now however I’m stuck between the crf300l and the dr650 🤦‍♂️

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Haha I know that feeling but its all part of the fun!

[@wrxgereboost]

Currently on my 2nd dr650, absolutely love the bike for adventure touring of back roads, dirt roads, and light fire roads and trail, but now I have my eyes on the crf300l for a real light trail bike that is road legal, I would never replace the dr650, just probably going to add the crf300l to the collection! If your looking for true enduro riding the dr650 tractor may prove to be way to heavy and geared way to tall, but still an outstanding bike!

[@travisconrad5035]

That's where I'm at luckily I have a buddy who has a 650 he's going to let me ride it in the summer so at least I can test-drive one bike I'm going to see if the dealership will let me test drive a 300L it may have enough power to be a hooligan and go trail riding currently own a VTX and a Grom

[@bazz6670]

The thing between the drz and wr is you can gear the drz for highway and still have plenty of power to climb hills off road where the wr will struggle.

[@ronboe6325]

Full marks on the magic trick. Have no idea where you hid that finger......... :^D

[@chroniclesofsolid]

😂

[@mt1885]

SUZUKI DRZ400 is the best all around bike. The Honda 300 would be fun for a play bike for sure. It is going to be hard to find any of these bikes now especially the Honda's CRF300L (even the DRZ400S is hard to buy in states).

[@phillippayne8170]

If we are talking weight of bikes it’s insignificant when the riders being in there midlife crisis age and carrying more weight than we should and it’s all shit and giggles until someone giggles and shits and the fffffffffk fffffffk moments that I experience with my skill levels ... great vid mate

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Good point Phil and cheers 👍

[@DerrickNedzelMtnBike]

Thanks for the great video! I have a concern about carbureted bikes, I don't know if a carburetor is going to be an issue for me given the range of altitudes I think I will be riding at. This would be my first motorcycle - I have ridden mountain bikes for years, but I find their horsepower seems to be dropping year after year as I get older! I live in Colorado, I do a lot of trail riding today in the mountains and in the Utah deserts and I foresee doing the same - mostly trail riding with some dirt roads and some pavement, so I am thinking a dual sport would be right for me. I live in Denver at 5280 ft, 1609 m. Mountain trails I ride on my mountain bike go up to 12,000 ft, 3657 m and desert trails around Moab Utah that I ride on are around 4000 ft, 1219 m. I am concerned about a carbureted bike running rough or not at all - you can't jet it for all those altitudes at the same time and I don't want to have to re-jet it before every trip. A fuel injected bike will adjust the mixture automatically so that seems like a better solution for me given the range of altitudes I plan to ride at. I have driven a car with a carburetor jetted for sea level up into the mountains and it overheated, lost power and was very hard to start. Would I have the same issues on a carbureted bike like a DR400 or DR650? I am curious to hear what you or other viewer's experience with carbureted bikes at altitude is - is this an issue? Or do the carbureted bikes run fine in the altitude ranges I am talking about without rejetting for different altitudes? Do people re-jet the stock carburetor for riding at 5280 ft, 1609 m, that's my home altitude? I'd really appreciate hearing people's opinions!

[@wixee123]

Funny stuff..Top job..👍

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks 👍

[@adamniswonger8015]

Going through this same list of bikes yesterday

[@adamzadro8216]

Hey Solid, one difference that you didn’t mention in regards to the KLX 300 is the adjustable suspension. That would be an advantage over the CRF. Also I’ve owned the Dr650 and DRZ400 ended up with a 250 Rally. Off Rd the rally doesn’t feel a great deal lighter than the 650, but is way more comfortable on Rd, yet still very capable in the dirt. For me it’s just the right balance to be able to commute to work and hit the trails on the weekend. The 300 rally with a few extra ponies and a little less weight would be even better !

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Good points!

[@Andres162011]

The way this video ended priceless

[@xibilfc21]

Yesterday I went to have a look at the CRF300L and what surprised me was how light and nimble it felt. I had the 250Rally and that bike felt very different to the 300L. Both bikes have about the same seat height (I'm 169cm or 5"6, and have a 30" inseam) yet I could get 1 foot solidly planted on the ground on the 300L, while on the 250Rally, I was always tiptoeing slightly on one leg. In addition, the 300L feels WAY LIGHTER and more nimble. Part of that is because of the weight (140kg vs 156kg), yet also where the weight is carried. The 250Rally was top-heavy yet the 300L didn't feel top-heavy at all. If anything, it reminded me of the Kawasaki KLX250, a bike which I liked for how light and nimble it felt. Weighing at around 74kg, power was never an issue for me on the 250Rally, so it will be even less of an issue on the 300L. Yes, you aren't going to do enduro-style hill-climbs, but for most of my riding (greenlaing and backroads), it's more than enoguh. Also, that slipper-clutch which they have put on... Damn, that's a light clutch! Pardon my French (and to tie in with your epic ending), but I could finger that clutch all day.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Haha😁 Well said!

[@wubanizer]

You're pushing me towards getting a 300L. Bought a DR650 a few weeks ago, took it on one hour long ride around my local neighborhood area and it scared me. I can handle the power just fine but it's my first bike and the height/handling/weight just feel too much for me. I don't feel confident on it. I thought about getting it lowered but I'm leaning towards the 45lb lighter 300L. Hoping it handles more nimbly.

[@VermontMan]

I would probably agree 50%. I’d definitely take the klx300 over the crf300 due to suspension stiffness. But I don’t need KTM levels of damping

[@garrettlavigne4753]

I bought the Klx 300SM I love it

[@allans7281]

The klx 300 is an awesome all around bike right out of the box terrific suspension comfortable seat great riding triangle im 5-10 190 lbs The only drawback is he won’t be doing 70 on the freeway too often

[@Jimo368]

I think it would be pretty cool to have a reverse gear on my DRZ.

[@motocross6539]

Great video

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks!

[@fredthebarber]

Yer a lizard, Gary! Nice magic trick, Solid!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

🧙‍♂️

[@7x779]

I have an 84 Yamaha XT600. It weighs 2 lbs more than this, has a one inch lower seat height, does the 1,4 mile in the 13s, can go 100mph, travel on the highway with a passenger, and climb big hills off-road with a passenger. Would the CRF 300 L rally be an upgrade for me? Do you think I should get one? Will I be impressed?

[@jabug_1144]

I would love to see a wr300r with a similar high rpm temperament that the 250r has. Would this be likely to happen?

[@27Zangle]

The only reason to want the Honda over the Kawasaki is the quality of life features found on the Honda and not the Kawaski. Such as the gear indicator and fuel gauge on the CRF300L/Rally, in addition to MPG information. Not needed but sure is nice to have features. I am usually good at knowing what gear is selected and what is needed next based on speed or the speed at which I was traveling. Also, I enjoy the information provided, numbers for me are fun, so having the MPG readout is just fantastic. Finally, the fuel gauge is just amazing, no worrying about counting miles or opening the tank and sloshing around a bit to get an idea what level you are at because you forgot what miles you were at. The Kawasaki has something other than the color red, I love the digital camo with black frame, I also like the suspension is a bit nicer all around since I am a bit heavier these days. The Kawasaki is a bit faster in acceleration as well. I suppose the information above is not needed, just nice to have.

[@Motobobber7]

I've got the choice of a DR650SE or a CRF 300 Rally. Big choices!

[@unknownps]

Hey solid great vid, very interesting on the ltz quad, had a drz a decade or so ago for a few years and am one of the ones waiting for the drz400 mark 2, also someone told me the reason it's still 400 is because of learner limit laws in Japan, fyi ( they have a cb400x) in Japan vs 500 elsewhere also due to the limit

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate 👍

[@DragosDreamer1989]

Thing with weight is that if you ride and drop a heavy bike (+200kg) it will take a big chunk of energy to put it back up-right. Problem is, you will then be shaking, exhausted and thus more likely to drop it again. Then the next time to drop it, it will be even more difficult, so that effort starts compounding.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Very true 👍

[@getdealtwithquick]

What further compounds the problem is that you're much more likely to drop a heavy bike in gnarly terrain.

[@wuttmodel3232]

Good job sir

[@7x779]

Ps.. There's a video somewhere on KZbin where a guy lays down various models of motorcycles onto scales and measures the weight required to pick them up. The results were very surprising for some models were a lot lighter than you'd imagine to pick up and others were heavier than you imagined Anyone else here seen that video and can find it for a supposed to link?It was very helpful but I wasn't writing then and now I cannot find it Also may I suggest you perform the same test on the bikes you currently own? Just lay them down on a flat surface with a scale under the touchdown points,

[@mattbarrois8675]

You got the like and the subscribe all in the last 30 seconds of the video lmao 🤣

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Welcome aboard Matt

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I probably would off agreed with you say 12 months ago on the 390 , BUT after seeing the punishment that Nat ( from NVDBR - and Josh ) where she takes that bike , yes she has now fitted wire rims , bash plate , crash bars ( but don’t we all on other bikes ) with the exception of the wheels. BUT she did use the stock rims for quite some time . NOT many people would take a 390 ( or even other more capable off road ADV or dual sport bikes ) and I’m not even a KTM fanboy 😂😂😂. I wouldn’t buy one ☝️ but they are definitely more capable then the credit given .

[@hinterlandrider5300]

I find it really frustrating that a lot of Aussie youtube channels talk about the DR650 when we can no longer buy them new, they're discontinued. I'd love a DR650 but most of the 2nd hand examples either have 20000kms+ or the owner wants too much for it because it's 'discontinued.' So I looked into a DRZ400 which currently suzuki wants $11790 new.. it's just too much money for an old carb bike.

[@captsam54]

Went from a Honda Rally to a 2020 Yamaha XT250... Couldn't be happier... Not as tall, lighter, and says it does 80 on the highway...

[@wayneh8767]

Hey 👋Solid good to see you. It's so true, every rider is different, as are their abilities and wants and needs. For me I'm going to be allot in the city, my question, will running the factory tires be ok or will I wear out the center tread in no time on all the pavement? And if I plan to do 90/10 on road to off road are there better tire options for me? Suggestions? One reason the 300L is for me is visibility, thats a color that will draw attention its like a high visibility vest on the road. Not sure if you have done a video on jackets gloves etc. maybe tell us what you use. Oh hey cudos on having that quickly deployable universal signal ready at the end of your video there🤣😆 Catch ya on the flip side! Still 😅laughing

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate 👍 I am not really up to date with a good 90/10 tire. The stock tires are fine on the road. Perhaps just use them up as they are free with the bike. I always here good things about the Shinko 705's and the Mitas EO7's.

[@stephenmoore4676]

If it helps I found the stock tires were just fine on the road, but I didn't feel safe on gravel with them. Just no grip. I use Dunlop D605s and they are great on-road and fine off-road. Just don't expect a lot from them in mud.

[@breakM]

Torally agree about reviewers. It was painful to watch first ktm 390 adv reviews. There is a 2m tall guy raving about how good it is offroad but he couldnt stand on it even with bar risers, knees way above the seat when standing, small bike. Good bike for the purpose (simmilar to cb500x just bit smaller) , but everybody expected a 390cc version of 790 and it wasnt, and almost if a lot of them had a review script formed as it is a smaller 790. Fortnine review then called it as it is. If we just praise manufacturers they will never improve.

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Fortnine is awesome & honest

[@ericwilliams626]

Lighter weight is for the beginner to develop confidence first and foremost. There is no valid reason for a new rider to be on a heavier bike in the dirt. Street yes, but dirt, if a new rider drops a heavy bike it can get inside their head a lot more and that's a big issue when riding. It's a confidence exercise, not just a biking exercise. Increase your odds and ride light.

[@thedonnybrookghost8394]

I'm wondering if anyone makes an aftermarket fuel injection setup for the DRZ 400/650