crf300 review

A review of the CRF300 (crf300 rally) now we’ve done 40,000km on it! Just a few thoughts from Steff and I as we’ve had quite a few questions about the bikes

[@daletroy3348]

21,000km on mine and as an experienced off road rider and former Moto cross racer I ride this bike like my WR450F and it does it all with confidence and ease, ( sure it doesn’t have the power of the 450 )if you want to ride it like an enduro bike you have to upgrade the suspension and a pipe / ecu/ foam air filter give it a nice mid range lift , I realise most don’t ride they CRF’s like I do but they are very capable if you’re want to 👍

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Definitely agree Dale. We’ve just got back from riding the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and it handles everything with ease. The episode that is out on the channel this Friday shows how capable this incredible little bike is. It just slowly and serenely plods through everything 😀 Thanks for the comment

[@speedbird3955]

Thanks for a real world , no nonsense review, you guys are great👍👍

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thank you! We were very unsure about doing a bike review because we’re fully aware it’s so subjective and what might be perfect for one person might be a nightmare for someone else. We really appreciate the kind words. Cheers!😊

[@briandunleamusic]

My kind of review. I intend to buy one in the next year. You've helped greatly folks. Thank you.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks for the lovely comment Brian. Since the review we’ve probably put on another 15,000 miles and this year they’re off to Spain and Portugal then over the alps to the Balkans before heading north into Scandinavia. We still absolutely love them! Enjoy yours when you get it 😊

[@ukjeeper]

6 years, 10 countries and 89,000 miles on my CB500X, including an 11,000 miler across the US and French, Belgian, Spanish, Netherlands TAT's. Still smile when i walk in the garage. It's been, and continues to be, a great all rounder bike. Zero real problems or mechanical issues, apart from the cush drive bearing in the rear wheel failing at about 50 something thousand miles. No surprise, as it's a Honda. But... if (IF!) i ever move on from the CB, the Rally is my choice if i go smaller. The Tuareg is the choice if i go bigger.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

That’s certainly a lovely bike. It sounds as though you’ve put it to good use! There have been a lot of miles and quite a few countries added since our review last year but the bikes still continue to amaze us with their ability and reliability. We are currently travelling, which is why the channel is a little quiet for a month or two until we get back and start editing but funnily enough we were talking about our bikes last night. We both confirmed that now that we’ve moved to the smaller bikes we simply wouldn’t go back to anything else , especially while we’re riding so much off-road terrain. Thanks for your comment and it’s brilliant to know that other peoples hunters are proving just as reliable as ours!

[@jthelakes147]

Only 7,000 miles on mine but some wonderful trips to the Pyrenees and on the TET in the UK and I agree with all your comments. You might get away with a big adventure bike on the wide gravel roads in Spain but when you're half way up a steep boulder strewn trail you'll be thankful for the CRF300. It's a complete adventure bike and for the price wonderful value. I also added a new seat from seat concepts, which lowers you down a little but is a costly improvement .

[@wanderinghonda7963]

7,000 miles is a fair chunk mileage on a little trail bike! I agree with the comment about the price. I meant to mention that in the review and totally forgot It’s obviously built to a budget but it’s still really solid and as you say a fantastic true adventure bike! The seat sounds good 👌🏼

[@mlcmotorcycling9392]

I just stumbled across your channel and I am really enjoying it. I have always been a road rider until September 2022 when I added a CRF300L to the stable. I ride it about 50% road and 50% off road and I am loving it. It is really easy going and inspires confidence. I have not yet upgraded the suspension, at the moment as I am just learning my off road skills. I have changed the tyres for Michelin Trackers which have made a huge difference off road but have spoilt the road riding. Will try a more 50/50 tyre next time. Keep the videos coming!

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi and thanks for your lovely comments! It’s really nice to hear people enjoying the videos 😊 We were fairly late converts to off road riding and I have to say we enjoy it more and more. If you don’t mind a tyre suggestion when you next swap perhaps the Anakee Wild? We found it’s a great all rounder and really pretty good on the road as well. Although as we all know everyone has their own thoughts and strong opinions on tyres! We’ll try and keep the videos coming on a semi regular basis, next mini adventure is a week or so riding the “UK adventure country track”. Can’t wait! Thames again for the lovely comments and keep enjoying that amazing little Honda. We agree with you, they are so easy going

[@PlattLaneEnd]

Informative, concise, ego free, subscribed!

[@wanderinghonda7963]

What a wonderful comment 😆 Thank you!

[@darrendoe4231]

Loved this honest review, I am picking one up next week, cannot wait, I have sold my Africa Twin, got a Triumph Trident for my road riding, I am doing it for a lightweight ADV bike, sounds exactly what I am looking for, will follow your channel 👌👍🏻

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks Darren! Let me know how you get on with your new bike. Compared to the Africa twin (although that’s also a fantastic bike!) you’ll find it so much lighter and more fun offroad. I suspect once you settle into the slower pace of life you’ll love it 👍🏼

[@luthorkhan5551]

Stumbled across your channel whilst researching the ACT but what a super find. Thank you. I might need one of these again (had one when first out but suspension and comfort for inexperienced short fat man didn't work out). You've enthused me. Really. Super

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thank you! We still love our bikes, we know what you mean about the suspension. We’ve decided to just bite the bullet and upgrade the suspension immediately when we get new bikes (40,000 miles on our and climbing rapidly!) Thanks for following along on our travels, we’ve got great trips this year so hopefully you’ll enjoy those as well 😊

[@chriscooperCRF300]

Thanks very much guys, ordered mine last month, delivery date is 23rd of this month 🤞🏼 Chopping in my Yamaha T7 as my friend bought the 300 rally and I borrowed it over a weekend, sold! 😍 Anyway just stumbled across your channel and love it, new subscriber 👍🏼 Chris

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi Chris, huge congrats on your new purchase, obviously a man of discerning taste 😄 An especially big thanks for the kind words about the channel, we’ve got a couple of great trips coming up any day which you’ll hopefully enjoy. We absolutely love these little bikes! Amazing that you managed to get yours so quickly after ordering, very exciting!

[@chriscooperCRF300]

@@wanderinghonda7963 looking forward to it and thanks for your kind words! 😊

[@matthewhoopes4440]

Man, that's awesome. I toy with the idea of having a T7 along with my Rally but think I'll wait a bit longer. I live out west where unfortunately there are some long stretches of asphalt. But, I try to stay off them as they are no fun at all.

[@jackoliver337]

Nice to see you are still enjoying the bike after a few miles. Just makes me want to get out on my bike

[@wanderinghonda7963]

It’s such a great little bike. It’s more fun that just about any bike I’ve had (although that might be because I’ve grown more and more into enjoying the views and the ride rather than whizzing everywhere lol) We’ve got quite a few trips planned for the rest of the year, can’t wait :) Ride safe and thanks for the comment!

[@toddwmac]

Nice review...and well framed. I ride a KTM 990 and a WR250R mostly off tarmac and dread the day when I need to replace them. Looks like my WR250R has a decent replacement option in the Rally.. Thanks a ton!

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks 😊 I don’t think the CRF will be replacing your beast of a 990 😆 WR250 is a fantastic little bike as well! 👍🏼

[@michaelstallard8563]

I enjoyed that, subscribed and going to watch from episode 1👍

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks. What a lovely comment! Just be aware that that particular journey ends distinctly sooner than planned but hopefully you’ll enjoy the episodes anyway 😆 Plenty more planned this year 👍🏼

[@ch-lg2qh]

I think you’ve just tipped me over on deciding on a CRF300 with a well-balanced review. ❤

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Oh no 😂 We’ll feel so bad if you don’t like it! We’ve now got another 15,000 miles on them and love them just as much

[@laughingmole]

Stumbled across your channel and really enjoying it. I have had a 250 Rally since 2018 and agree with your review. It's a charming bike that just gets you places! I fitted the Kodama composites bash plate and side protection strips and use the Kriega OS-Base soft luggage system. A screen extender from e-bay helps for the log road miles. Annakee Wild tyres and barkbusters.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks for the comment. It’s great that you stumbled across the channel. We love our CRFs although if you watched the latest video (first episode of the Portuguese ACT trip) you’ll see for the first time ever we had problems with them 😆 We still love them though 😊

[@steveh100]

Great video, the first of yours I have seen, I was going to ask about tyres but someone beat me to it and you answered it already, I like MT21s also for most of the year, but use michelin Seracs in the winter when mostly on road. Might give the Annekes a go next. Your review is spot on, agree with most that you think about the bike, you were spot on, and you, both, having done so many miles on them well worth a listen... I have the barkbusters... hmm... they are good, but they still move about after a drop and the bolt into the end bar is a little cheesy 😂 thanks again.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi Steve, very kind words thank you! I’ll have a look out for the tyres you mention for winter use 👍🏼 interesting about the barkbusters! I feel slightly better about our acerbic now 😂 Our videos are mainly motorcycle travel so we are quite surprised (and gratifying) at how much people seem to have enjoyed this one. We often camp when we’re travelling and we are thinking about doing a review video of our moto camping kit/set up

[@solelmi]

great review thanks

[@wanderinghonda7963]

It’s our pleasure! Thanks for the lovely comment

[@starlordstarlordman8489]

I just came across your channel. I have a royal Enfield Himalayan, which other than the weight off road I really do love, thinking that at some point the rally would be a great substitute. I loved your presentation style. You have a new subscriber.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks very much for the lovely comments! We are currently riding off-road in the Pyrenees and we rode a day with a guy who was on a Himalayan. He loves it! What a great bike

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

One advantage to handguards the bend is that impacts are less likely to bend other parts that you don't want damaged.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

That’s very true, I’m just sick of them causing problems on our travels where barkbusters never did. However, it’s a very valid point, sacrificial parts work 😊

[@Ryan-fosho]

Great video!

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks Ryan 😊 We’re another 10,000 miles on side that video and the bikes are still doing great!

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

As far as the brakes go, a change of pads ( front and back) to bendix or EBC sintered or carbon sintered wil give you as much as you are ever gonna need short of all out racing. The difference is like the difference in swapping the suspension. Worth doing.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Cheers Greg 😊

[@tonyrdr7207]

Great review I agree pretty much on all points. What amazing little bikes. I actually love it just the way it is. One point not covered is the ridiculous fuel efficiency which is not that important probably in Europe but here in Australia there are trails that need 750 ks Autonomy plus and big loads including food and water for multiple days.This thing is an amazing desert raider and long range explorer simply for the fact I carry a lot less fuel then the more powerful offerings and any advantage they more horsepower gives them disappears on the tight trails and sand dunes. Also the gearing is amazing from very low to very tall. Mine has 24000 ks on it with most done on the harsh Australian trails including Simpson Desert and Cape York hope to have a trouble free run like you

[@wanderinghonda7963]

That’s a good point about the incredible fuel economy (and in fact the ownership experience in general being so much cheaper than the bigger bikes!) I keep remembering things that I meant to mention and forgot lol. I was just conscious of not making it too long and boring everyone to tears! Sounds like your machine has been on some amazing adventures. We’re very envious of the incredible trails you have “down under” 👍🏼

[@tonyrdr7207]

@@wanderinghonda7963actually I am envious of the TET so much so that I purchased another 300 rally in Greece. Just finished the Greek TET section and I am hooked. I might see you both on the trails. 😊

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Wave if you see us 😂

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Oh, also, if you plan riding more of Europe you might be interested in the “Adventure Country Tracks” This year we’re doing to new UK ACT and then the Pyrenees ACT. Video should be up in a month or two We love the ACT routes!

[@tonyrdr7207]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Yes I will have a look at them but I like the technical sections of the TET so I will be doing those first and that will take some time.

[@Itchybite]

Thank you. I plan to ride my 300L about 25,000ks through about 25 countries next year. Wish me luck!

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Awesome. Good luck and enjoy!

[@Itchybite]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Apart from Fork Seals and chain & chain and sprockets what other preventative maintenance would you recommend before I leave? Would you carry wheel bearings? Brake pads? Anything else?

[@wanderinghonda7963]

@@Itchybite bear in mind I’m no expert! However, I for long trips I carry spare brake pads front and rear (and obviously set off with new ones), I had my wheels bearings done before I left (possible overkill but it was for peace of mind), fork seals, air filters, fuses, oil filter, I also carried a clutch plate pack but that was probably overkill. I also had a little selection of bolts etc.

[@Itchybite]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Thanks!!

[@nigelhorrocks7592]

for NZ , this is absolutely awesome and I never miss the wr 450 or ttr 600 I had in the last couple of years . Of course a few mods are in order , but even standard it was a little ripper .If I need more power , I will get another bike to accompany it but no way I am I going to part with one of the greatest bikes I have owned out of 40 or so down the years . Small is beautiful and thanks for the review - saw it last year but just watched again and couldnt agree more .

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks for the comment, we couldn’t agree more! We’re both very jealous of the beautiful country you live in. It’s one of the places that Steph I haven’t travelled to but it’s on our list for sure.

[@nigelhorrocks7592]

If you come down here , get in touch and we can see you right for awesome trails and a great community of bikers .If you are music fans , even better - check out old videos of Crowded House , Together Alone and you might spot a glimpse of me in music studio days ,worked with many English bands and in England .music and bikes always seemed a good mix .cheers Nigel Horrocks

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Sounds brilliant! Fingers crossed we get there in the future

[@armchairsportsman4108]

what a spectacular channel. I am loving it. Wonder if you've thought at all about the smaller wheel kit rally raid offers......seems you do end up on tarmac a good bit and I was thinking this bike with a level 2 suspension kit and the small wheels might be a very confidence inspiring ride on road and still more than adequate off. or level 1 if you fancied a slightly easier legover process. or just the stock suspension even....again, its a joy to man the barca and watch your adventures.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi and thanks for the really lovely comment! Steff has the level one (she is fairly petite, and simon has the level 2) To be honest the bikes (only in our opinion!) are great onroad as we tend not to ride super aggressively. The 21” front wheel is brilliant offroad as it rides the terrain so much better so we decided to keep the standard wheel set up

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Thanks for your entertaining review. It's a bike made in Thailand for the Asian market first and foremost, so I'm not surprised that a European GS owner frowns upon the CRF. For for that steep price I would have expected an decent suspension and and slightly more powerful engine that runs 80 mph for hours. So I'm waiting for the Kove 450 Rally to appear with Euro 5. Happy days, Günter/Nürnberg (I loved ACT Pyrenees last year, on my old Transalp 600 PD06. ACT Romania is also a stunner)

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks for the kind words about the review. We definitely agree, we would also like better suspension and a slightly more powerful engine. 😊 As we always say everyone has different needs from a bike and for us it’s our perfect travelling bike with a few caveats. We loved the Pyrenees ACT as well. It was awesome! Not sure if you’ve seen the latest episode (Pyrenees ACT episode 7) but the diversion off route we took was one of the best days riding we’ve ever done 😊 We love the look of the Romanian ACT but it looks as though it may be a little difficult for our skill level

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Oh, then I have to watch your ACT episodes in the next few days. Miserable rain and cold outside, good that you've provided us with something tpo cheer up our Mediterranean-loving minds. We had a dry and hot fortnight this August on ACT Romania. I didn't even drop my Transalp 600 (on Heidenau Ranger tyres) once. But we were told to skip unpaved Romanian roads in rain, unless you want to fall down dozens of times. Günter/Nürnberg

[@chrisbawden7455]

good review I've watched most of your videos and really enjoyed them, I'm coming up to 9k on mine and agree with everything you've said, just one question which tyres have you found best suits the bike and where you ride

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks for the lovely comment, I’m glad you enjoyed them. We did take a while to decide to put up a quick bike review because it is such a subjective subject, but it’s really heartening to know that another experienced owner feels pretty much the same As for tyres that’s even more subjective lol. We definitely have a couple of favourites that we keep returning to though! MT21’s are our go to tyre if we want something fairly aggressive (although they do still last a good 3000/4000 miles which is quite impressive) However, if I had to pick one, that is our favourite all-rounder (and in fact, I’ve just fitted new ones because we have the UK ACT and some Rallymoto events coming up) it’s the Anakee Wild. With the exception of really deep mud, or deep sand, it is an exceptional all-rounder, and we get really good mileage from them.

[@GripEngineering]

Great to hear as I have a set of MT21s ready when I do the suspension. Thank you for taking the time to do this full review. Much appreciated.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

@@GripEngineering MT21’s - good choice! Enjoy 😊

[@juliecharlton5182]

Great review thanks. Can I ask which suspension upgrade you went for? Taking my rally to Pyrenees later this year and with luggage, I do find the bike sags too much, and front damping seems non existent!

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi Julie, we’re in the Pyrenees later this year as well, say hi if you see us! We fitted front and rear with RallyRaid suspension. I had the normal kit and Steff had the lowered version. It wasn’t the cheapest option if I’m honest and we really thought long and hard before going ahead but they fitted it and dialled it in for us personally with all of our camping kit etc and we’ve very impressed by it

[@cheddarporker]

Hi great channel I’ve watched all the episodes in the last few days . Just a quick question what engine bars and risers have you fitted please

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi, it’s really nice to hear you’ve enjoyed the episodes 😊 The engine bars are from Thailand a site called bikerzbits. Very cheap but they have done brilliantly The risers are from Honda I think. We had them fitted to the bike when we ordered then

[@matthewmoreman4145]

I've just bumped into you on my feed. Good review and solid common sense comments on the suspension! I'm on a 250 rally & for Midland green lanes i've found it ok, you have to realise you need to adjust your speed down to avoid wild bouncing between puddles, but ridden accepting its limits it's fine. It's an ambition to do some ACT, TET etc having seen it's rear down attitude when loaded with luggage it is time for me to look at the rear shock at least. What suspension setup did you go for? & what luggage do you use? I'm interested in the option of not needing frames as per Adventure Spec etc. Absolutely agree with you, where is the 400cc high service interval dual sport bike Honda, or anybody else! Looking forward to your ACT series 👍

[@matthewmoreman4145]

... edit...have just seen lower down you went for RallyRaid👍

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi and thanks for the lovely comments! The luggage we use is the MoskoMoto reckless 80. The downside is that it’s very expensive but chatting to Steff we both said that if for some reason we needed luggage again we’d buy exactly the same. They are bombproof and after years and years and probably 40 or 50 thousand miles they are still going strong. We’re currently relying to this from our tent in Spain on the Pyrenees ACT and have our trusty luggage fitted 😊

[@matthewmoreman4145]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Thanks for taking the trouble to respond from your trip! Will look up the moskomoto, saving on rack system might make it more palatable🤞 Enjoy the rest of your trip 🏍😎

[@reg26]

Great review. Are you runnung the stock 40 tooth rear sprocket or did you go to a 42 tooth ? Also what brand sprocket do you have on the rear / Thanks

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi Reg, I didn’t change any of the gearing. For my purposes Honda nailed it. I changed my front and rear sprocket at around 35,000km and just used the Honda OEM ones as they seem to have worn extremely well Thanks for the comment 😊

[@chriskneifl3290]

Great review. Did you get the long (XL) arms on the doubletake mirrors or the shorter ones (L)? Thanks!

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi, I’m afraid our mirrors have been on around 4 bikes and we bought them years and years ago so memory is slightly hazy! We don’t recall getting long arms. We’re just bought the standard set. Sorry we can’t be more specific

[@davidven2744]

Hi, incredible bike! Is your luggage rack from AliExpress? Looks the same as I ordered, but didn’t fit on my 2023 CRF. Did you also had some trouble installing it?

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi. Yep we love these little bikes 😊 No we got the luggage rack from bikerzbits.com We’ve always had amazing fast international delivery from them and never had a problem with fitting etc

[@riggers7480]

Hi, (Simon & Steph?), Another great video - thanks! I'm now riding my new Rally & with a keen rookie (like me) pal. We've identified a few potential lanes here in Norfolk, (from their ends), and our first outing is next Friday, (29 Dec 23). I'm very keen on setting up the avionics (Nav kit) to get rout guidance en route.. You appear to use a Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 , mounted in a RAM® EZ-Roll'r Powered Cradle - is that correct? The combination lock could be a useful optional extra. It looks great on your bikes and I have JUST the position for it in my Rally. How well does it cope with rain & dust etc? Is there a special cover required/advised? What software do you run? My apologies for the thousand questions, but I'm starting from scratch, and I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box! For the future, a video on how you plan & prepare routes to ensure accuracy & stay 'onside' (legal) would be very much appreciated. Thanks & kind regards, Phil

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi Phil and very Merry Christmas! Congratulations on the new Rally! Steff and I have recently had quite a few requests about a video with the exact set up and kit we have on our bikes so I’ll try and get of my lazy ass and sort something out 😊 I’ll try and answer as many of the questions as I can. Samsung active tab 3 yes 👍🏼 RAM powered cradle yes 👍🏼 If we were doing it again we wouldn’t use the powered cradle. The charge rate is exceptionally slow and in some cases still slowly discharges. We just use a usb socket in the bike and normal charging cable Combination lock is really handy for securing the tablet when we’re travelling if we just quickly nip in somewhere No need for covers, the tablets are exceptionally robust. Ours have been hammered and are still going strong Software we use is Gurumaps It’s very accurate and loading GPX route files is extremely easy and intuitive. I’m not sure if you’ve seen any of the Pyrenees ACT videos or UK ACT video’s but the routes for those are easily downloaded from the ACT website 😊 Hopefully that’s semi useful. You’re going to have an awesome time on the new bike!! We might bump into you on a track somewhere or at the ABR festival or something. If so say hi!

[@zacheryskinner7186]

I always see people mentioning getting on a waitlist for the CRF300L and Rally, I’m thinking that’s an overseas issue only. Here in the states (Georgia to be exact), I have 3 Honda Motorsports Dealerships within 100 miles of me, with a combined 7 Rally’s and 8 300L’s waiting to be picked up for MSRP. I think here in America most people just see it as an underpowered, small displacement bike. Nobody really gives it the chance that it deserves. I’ve got about $1,000 left to save up to ride off the lot with one, and am definitely going to do so. Great review man!

[@wanderinghonda7963]

It’s really interesting isn’t it. I guess for long journeys on the freeway et cetera it’s definitely not the right bike. For Adventure riding though it’s incredible. Everybody to their own opinion, I guess, I’ve had all sorts of bikes from huge adventure bikes down to tiny bikes. and any bike is fun and better than no bike, but the marketing people have a lot to answer for Through incredibly clever marketing they’ve persuaded people that you need a massive overweight Adventure bike to Travel. When the reality is the smaller and lighter the bike the easier your trip is especially if you are riding trails and tracks (in my opinion anyway, I just don’t have the skill to ride a huge overweight bike along technical tracks 🤣) I really hope you enjoy the bike when you get it, it’s no high-speed high-power freeway monster, but it’s a hilariously fun and light adventure bike!

[@zacheryskinner7186]

@@wanderinghonda7963 I’ve ridden an Africa Twin through trails and I agree, the weight is a big issue 😂 I currently ride a 600 lb Vulcan 800 with all my gear, so nearly cutting it in half would be great. I owned a 250L a few years back and loved it, but circumstances required me to sell it. I grew up riding dirt bikes and have a lot of experience on trails/tracks. Can’t wait to get back on these dirt roads near me, it’s a blast. Thanks for the reply, you’ve earned a subscriber and a fan. Best of luck on your future journeys brother!

[@chriskneifl3290]

If only that were the case in Oregon. You can't find one of these anywhere on the west coast.

[@yukonpeter]

Great channel, just found you! I just put some money down for a 2024 CRF300 Rally. I'm currently riding a Tenere 700, which is my baby and I'll never sell it, but as a 64 year old it is way too much bike (heavy) for technical off road riding. So I have spreadsheet going for modifying the Honda to make in off-road ready and it seems to be growing by the day! I'm wanting to set the bike up for moderate BDRs. Any suggestions for the suspension? It seems the minimum is to swap out the rear spring and the front spring or to go all-in for something like a Rally Raid kit. I just laugh at how much money we pour into bikes after we buy them! I live in the Yukon and there are some pretty wild trails in this part of the world.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks for dropping us a line, hopefully you’ll love your new bike as much as we love ours! I used to have a Tenerife as well and it’s a fantastic bike but life is significantly easier (if a little slower) on the awesome little Honda. You have some incredible trails in your part of the world, I suspect you are a significantly more advanced off-road rider than the two of us, we are very much slow and steady and enjoy the scenery 😂 As for suspension, we rode a few adventure trips through Europe on the standard suspension. It was exceptionally soft, but by no means unrideable. we got talking to John the owner of Rally Raid and he used our bikes as a test for the suspension he was developing. As soon as he fitted it we were off to Iceland and I have to say it has been exceptional. Totally transformed the bike. We are no suspension experts, so all I can give is our experience with Rally Raid. Our bikes have now covered somewhere in the region of 60,000 km And. We are still delighted with the suspension Now the bike is becoming more established. There are loads of options. You’ll have to let us know which one you picked and how it performs 👍🏼

[@deanhuff123]

Great review! I bet they get a CRF 350L eventually.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

We are really really really hoping!!! 😊

[@thesourboyrich]

Nice review. I enjoyed it. Curious to which luggage you guys are using. The Reckless 40 or 80? Thanks.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi, thanks for the lovely comment on the review. We use the Reckless 80. We’ve just got back from a few weeks riding the Pyrenees (I’m so far behind in editing it’ll be a few weeks before I get the vids out 😆) and as always the reckless 80’s did an amazing job

[@thesourboyrich]

The Pyrenees must have been lovely. I look forward to watching the vids on this. Reckless 80. I believe is the way to go. Thanks. :)@@wanderinghonda7963

[@wanderinghonda7963]

@@thesourboyrich we love the reckless 80 and you’ll see the amount of unnecessary glamping stuff we can cram in there when the Pyrenees videos come out 😂

[@thesourboyrich]

Haha. I look forward to it. 😀@@wanderinghonda7963

[@stephtraveler7378]

Great review and agree on all points.... well, except the crash bars. Here's why: Parts on the Honda are readily available and inexpensive. Thus, anything the bars would of protected likely cost less than the bars themselves.... The Honda, on low octane fuel, is actually faster than the KTM or Husky in same displacement. Weight, ready to run, between KTM and Husky and the Honda is about the same once you outfit the bikes comparatively.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Cheers! Thanks for the lovely comments. I guess the beauty of these awesome little bikes is people kit them out to their own taste, and more importantly, to the type of use they get. The bars cost us £50 from Thailand which is less than the even the panels behind them. When you add in the factor that we’re dreadful riders and regularly drop bikes they’re a bargain 😂 Also our bikes now have in excess of 50,000km and we’re rarely riding in our home country so sourcing parts is just a pain when on the road. We were considering updating the review at the end of the year as we’re probably putting another 20,000km on them this year but to be honest there’s nothing to update. They’re still brilliant 😂 Ride safe and thanks again for the comments 👍🏼

[@orionswitness]

Hi great insightful review …but as someone here in oz about to put a deposit down …does it do wheelstands? Never seen a clip of this bike with front wheel in the air . It’s essential ? That a front wheel can be easily lifted for serious trail riding … I used to own two stroke Yamaha IT s back in the day so a bit wary if this unit is too heavy to wheelie over rough terrain or just for fun😊.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi and thanks for the comments 😊 From what you’ve said you may be better off looking elsewhere if you are more enduro oriented. As we mentioned it isn’t a powerful bike. It is very mild mannered which for our use (lightweight long distance adventure bike) is a real bonus. The 21” front wheel will go over most moderate stuff, for more enduro/tough trails where you need to genuinely loft the front wheel it might not be what you are looking for. Hope that helps

[@orionswitness]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Thanks for the exact info I was wanting. It’s a tough decision . To wheelie or not to wheelie , that is the question. It took me 12 mths to learn the skill back in 1979 on a YZ 80 F. I am guessing it doesn’t jump too well , or power slide? So I am understanding now what this bike is about That’s why everyone wants a 450 version of this that cruises comfortably on the tar also. But it looks so cool .

[@JorgeGonzalez-ei6ft]

I rate mine highly also. Just need to get the time to use it for what I bought it for and not a daily as I am atm. Lol😂

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Isn’t it always the way! We’ve got three trips planned before the end of the year (which we’ll record) but time is running away with us as usual 😆 I’m glad you’re enjoying yours as well, they are awesome little things 👍🏼

[@harpo10]

Do you remember what brand the crash bars were? I have debated whether i should or shouldnt. I put 4500 km on my Rally last year with only weekend use. Iove my bike, Good vid. Old guy in canada.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

That’s pretty serious mileage, for weekend use in a year! 👌🏼 Thanks for the kind words about the video, it’s such a great little bike that Steph and I both love. As for the crash bars, I understand it’s personal preference, but we have found them utterly invaluable. Ours are extremely beaten up and they’ve saved the bikes on multiple occasions. They’ve gone up a little in price, as it seems everything else has this last year, that we got ours from a company called bikersbitz in Thailand. They ship worldwide and we’ve used them. Lots, they’ve never let us down. I’ve attached a link for you just do a Google search. Ride safe :) bikerzbits.com/honda-motoskill-crf300lr-crash-bar.html

[@brianeverest3876]

What skid (bash) plate did you use? Wondering if some plates would interfere with the lower crash bars.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

@@brianeverest3876 Hi Brian, I just popped outside to have a look as I couldn’t remember. It was from bikerbitz I’ve attached a link for you. I guess some plates may interfere with crash bars as there is such a huge selection. Mine don’t interfere at all. The crash bars were from the same site. bikerzbits.com/honda-crf300lr-rally-heavy-duty-skid-bash-plate-247689.html

[@TheLRC]

Just discovered your channel :) keep it up :) planning any trips to Norway? i live in Tromsø, just south of the North cape :)

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks for the lovely comment! Yes yes yes! We very much have plans for Norway. We’ve both been to Tromsø and loved it but not on the bikes. This year we have three series still to come. The first is a beginners rally event in the uk The second is the new UK Adventure country track which will take us around a week to cover The third is the Pyrenees Adventure country track through Spain and France Nest year we have various trips planned but I am extremely keen to get to Norway soon. Such a beautiful country (but expensive for us to visit!)

[@TheLRC]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Nice :) I recommend riding the northern TET in Norway. Just about 10 miles, and easy on any bike.. And if you are up for it, you ride the old TET as well.. Wich is much longer and not maintained. (Between Alta and Kautokeino close to Finland)

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Thanks for the information. I hope you don’t mind but I’ve saved this reply so I can drop you a message and get some local information when we plan a trip :)

[@mlcmotorcycling9392]

Do you still have the standard bars? If so can you please share what bar risers you used. Thank you.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi 😊 We changed the bars for renthal bars. It may have been overly cautious but we decided better safe than sorry because of the sometimes remote riding we do. We wanted bars that would stand up to drops and rough treatment and we’d heard rumours that the stock bars were a little soft. Sorry I can’t be more helpful, I don’t remember anything about the risers we fitted apart from the fact there isn’t a lot of play in the cables so you can only fit relatively small ones

[@janmolent9438]

Thank you . Mitas how long they last on 300cc ?

[@wanderinghonda7963]

I’m sorry we have never used Mitas tyres. Our favourites (anakee wild) last up to 5000 miles!

[@martypowell4395]

What kind of tires are you using, how many miles you getting out of them?

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi, it’s funny you ask that question, we’re going to put out a tyre review video at some point in the future The tyres we’re on currently are Michelin Anakee Wilds. They have 2500 miles and we are setting off in a few days time riding to the Pyrenees doing the ACT and back again which will be another 2500 miles which I’m confident they’ll easily do

[@scotteldredge5811]

Did you keep the stock seats on the bikes? SE La Honda, CA

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Yes we kept the stock seats. We’ve found them absolutely fine

[@ogasi1798]

i ride a 500 exc and i love it, i admire 300 rally owners so much though and i am seriously close to adding one as my vehicle of choice as i am sick to death of cars in general and also towing the 500 when i want to go a distance - my 500 goes everywhere but it aint comfy, have ridden it from midlands to wales - a rally would be 3x better for this journey, nowhere near as good at the other end but it negates the need for a car, i hate cars, i hate them

[@wanderinghonda7963]

As you ride a 500 exe it might be worth testing a 300 first. The lack of compatible power may be too much of a compromise for you, Steff and I ride pretty slowly 😆

[@tarjas]

For us fortunate enough to be able to get one a DR650 with a 6.6gallon tank and a few thoughtful mods is a much better option than the rally and only weight about 20lbs more (after a new exhaust and a few other low cost tricks). The 286cc Rally I rode was woefully (unsafe even) underpowered with me and luggage on it on the road.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Unsafe is interesting. Between Steff and I we’ve covered a lot of miles and I’m not sure I could agree with “unsafe”. As we say in the review though “each to their own 😊 Enjoy the DRZ 👍🏼

[@tarjas]

@@wanderinghonda7963 with about 40-50 lbs of luggage/water in the hills the Rally I rode had zero roll on speed and was barely to keep up with traffic. Had to stay in 5th most of the time in the slow lane with everyone passing me. 286cc just isn’t enough for main roads in my opinion. If backroads/dirt is ones preference I suggest one would be better served by the non rally CRF- lighter and less plasticky. The Rally looks the ADV part but misses the mark. If one pays the weight penalty might as well have the power to go with it. All my opinion of course.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

As I said to your first comment. Each to their own and we all have different ideal bikes and the DRZ is great I just don’t want to people to get the wrong idea. Over the last year and a half we’ve ridden through over 20 countries and carried full camping kit for months on the road. We’ve ridden through the alps and never once suffered a dangerous lack of power. We speak from real experience on the bike. I’m not dismissing your experience and if that’s how you personally found it it’s a valid comment but I really don’t want people to think it’s a “dangerous” bike. Anyway, as I said. Each to their own and I’m glad you found your perfect bike. We have as well 😊

[@tarjas]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Appreciate the comments. My DR650 is by no means a perfect bike, just more suited to highway speeds loaded with luggage and me. I just want to make sure American buyers understand that the 250/300cc class bikes are fine for backroads but not higher speed areas. I can see how that works in Europe (lived there for years) but when average speeds are 120kph+ even short distances between backroads can be hair raising. The perfect bike would be a CRF450L combined with the Rally with decent service intervals and the suspension of the 450.

[@chriskneifl3290]

@@tarjas I think that most people who buy these bikes in the US won't be spending much time on the interstates. Hell, I try my best to stay off those even with my adventure bike. The CRF is for people who aren't in a hurry and enjoy taking the road less traveled.

[@leeharrison2940]

can you share links for all the accessories on this bike please. thanks for the videos, picking mine up on 1st March. cheers

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Congratulations on the new bike! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Almost 60,000km on ours now and we still love them We got them three years ago now so to provide actual links would take me a long time to research again and you’d be just as fast. The one thing I’d say is that we got a lot of stuff like the rear rack and bash plate etc from a Thai website bikerzbits.com Even with postage they were very good and totally reliable. Hope that helps (We’ve got another video out on Friday that shows what we carry when we travel as lots of people ask about that)

[@nikos-giorgos]

This needs a cb500 twin cylinder engine and 19/17 tubeless wheels. Adjustable suspension would be a bonus.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

It’s interesting to hear that and also probably an indication why manufacturers can’t make the perfect bike for everyone. We all want different things. We’d love the 500 engine but smaller wheels would be no use off-road so we wouldn’t have bought the bikes. 😊

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@wanderinghonda7963 Based on the assumption that people tend to go off-road far less than on. Would be much better as an all around touring bike. But if you're travelling more off-road 21/18 is the way to go.

[@jimmydickson8854]

See how far itch boots drove hers for reliability really great

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Definitely 😊At the end of the last video series in the channel (The Pyrenees ACT) the bikes have 65,000km on them now and still not a single issue 👍🏼

[@matthewhoopes4440]

After having near countless dualsports and riding many others I'm sold on my Rally. But a 400 would be perfect. A little bit more torque would do wonders. Lower 1st gear but a slightly higher 6th and have the power to sit at 70 even with a hill or slight head wind( but not both). Lol

[@wanderinghonda7963]

I think that probably sums up exactly how Steff and I feel about the bike 😊

[@BraapPacker]

What tires do you use?

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Hi Phil, the long answer to that question is in a comment a couple below yours but the short answer is MT21’s or Anakee Wilds 👍🏼

[@BraapPacker]

Thanks! Have you tried the Heidenau k60 scout?

[@wanderinghonda7963]

@@BraapPacker no we haven’t Phil, they look pretty good though and seem to have a decent reputation 👍🏼

[@mxgryan]

Need higher volume for the speaking sir. thanks

[@wanderinghonda7963]

You may need to turn your tv volume up. I’ve just checked and the output Is fine 😊 Sorry you struggled but hope you enjoyed

[@wanderinghonda7963]

You may need to turn your tv volume up. I’ve just checked and the output Is fine 😊 Sorry you struggled but hope you enjoyed 👍🏼

[@mxgryan]

ok unsubscribing@@wanderinghonda7963

[@pawelwolski1316]

When crossing deeper water, go slow. The cowling in deeper water scoops that water, there are not enough exit points for it on the sides..... That water is forced up over the engine and towards the airbox...... Next thing you know, your airbox starts to flood. Don't ask how I know, but Honda survived that lesson.

[@wanderinghonda7963]

Good advice. We’ve crossed some pretty deep water in Iceland and various other country’s we’ve traveled through and so far no issues 👍🏼

[@pawelwolski1316]

Warm Indonesian water here, flooded road up to battery box or so, was trying to be a hero............The big bottom cowl created it's own wave, actually i might be cutting that bottom plastic.....@@wanderinghonda7963