CRF300L Rally, Tenere 700 & WR250R Offroad Riding in Washington (Walker Valley ORV)

[@tomsanda4543]

Thanx again Trek Ethos for your efforts to bring us along for the ride

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks Tom for your support👍

[@kiwiadventurer]

You make a good point that's echoing plaudits throughout the western world on how versatile the 300 is

[@scottcollins2692]

Breathtaking I love your videography, and Drone work.

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks man, I really appreciate that👍🍻

[@richmotion]

I seriously thought of buying the Tenere as my only bike. The seat hight, narrow seat and soft suspension on the road and high weight in the dirt led me to a different path: Honda NC750X on the road, CRF300 Rally for winter, dirt, fun. Man, that worked out perfect. ;) All for a cheaper price than an Africa Twin AS.

[@TrekEthos]

Yeah I can see that👍 The NC750X with the Rally would make for a good pairing of bikes. There are a tremendous amount of places you can travel to between those two bikes. Ride safe buddy

[@skylerlovell1780]

Don't know how I missed this video a month ago. Great succinct points made, the 300 Rally appears to be extremely versatile indeed. Perhaps the best affordable one-bike option currently on the market. Epic edits man!

[@dedosauro]

After a period with big big bikes i switched back to small ones, and i will never change again, definitely the most fun

[@arminwendt4568]

Scenery in your videos make me appreciate where we live and ride in the Pacific Northwest. Great stuff as always! Thanks for producing it.

[@kierananderson1327]

Another beautiful ride Trex Ethos

[@Sybridox]

Awesome video! I have a similar trio and traded in a road bike to start adventuring offroad. T7, 300 Rally, and WR250F. Love all 3 so far and you're right, the Rally is just surprisingly fun and very capable.

[@garethowen61]

I love the Rally and it’s versatility. I also love your content and the amazing scenery 👍

[@TrekEthos]

Glad you enjoy it👍

[@pudsboi5203]

Nice choice of bikes, and I appreciate the great camera and editing work 👍

[@UkiDLucas]

I am moving to Sammamish, WA, and have been researching dual sports for quite a while and very in-depth. Your no-review videos are most convincing that I should get something in 300cc class. I hope to meet you on the trail.

[@Sphockeysk8r]

Amazing video! I got into the off-road game last season with a TaoTao TBR7 and loved it. Considering upgrading to the CRF300L Rally as my next bike; thanks for the insight shared!

[@richardandamberozero7293]

another great video. can't wait for summer. On the T7 - what are you using for GPS? is that an android tablet with some kind of app? can't find a good close up, but, I do like the size

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks👍 All three bikes are using the Garmin Zumo XT - Each bike is wired for the GPS and I move the same GPS unit between the bikes as needed.

[@orical2832]

The Honda 300 Rally really is a special little machine (and probably soon in my garage...) although I really wish Yamaha would bring out a 300cc-350cc Tenere model to compete with the Honda Rally. I love both brands but always enjoyed yamaha slightly more as they are usually more performance orientated. A small Tenere would be my perfect bike.

[@Zw1d]

and mine, and my gf's

[@c0ck_l2oach75]

As always, great content. Like you, I have also came from larger adventure bikes and have come to realize the smaller, lighter, more nimble cycles are for me personally. I currently have WR250R and Versys300X that compliment my riding style/trips perfectly. I believe in today's market it's easy to be a couch critic and just look at specs and immediately eliminate great motorcycles. I think we should spend less time reading specs, mulling over professional opinions and getting lost in press launches and spend more time knocking down miles in the beautiful outdoors.

[@TrekEthos]

Very well said, I completely agree with your sentiments here🍻 It seems to be common convention that more is always better: more expensive, more power, more tech but this really isn't the case. I've had my most enjoyable adventure rides with my cheap, slow, and basic Honda. Great choice of bikes too, the Versys300X is a very underrated platform👍

[@kiwiadventurer]

You're spot on c0ck🙏

[@WRjockey]

@@TrekEthos Isn't that the truth! When I was young I rode all the time with friends offroad only on a Yamaha DT175 enduro bike. The bike was stock except for tires and slight exhaust mods, and probably made less than 20 hp. Yet we went everywhere and climbed some really gnarly hills! We'd go for rides every Sunday, all afternoon-long. Had the best times on that bike.

[@evilzinabyssranger5695]

I change NMBLE for NOTHING. I have a RULE: I LIKE bikes that are under 200 kg (215 lbs) No matter the use. Off course theres a FEW cases i let this rule but im SURE it works for 95% of life needs, for pleasure and for the technical rider that wants to ride 'like a pro", to feel every word and response the bike gives you. The light bikes are the best. They change directions, brake, accel and lean better.

[@MatthewBrigham-1]

I recently picked up my first bike ever at 46. The WR250R. I’m excited to get to know it. A fairing/windscreen will be in order.

[@TrekEthos]

Congrats on the new WR, honestly a good pick for a first bike. They're surprisingly capable off-road. Ride safe buddy👍

[@ChadDoesStuff]

I rode street for 25 years. Picked up my first dual sport, wr250r, at 42yrs. old. It’s been awesome!

[@jpwheel8999]

amazing landscapes

[@TrekEthos]

WA state is definitely a place worth riding👍

[@macp988]

Stunning landscapes! You should have more subs:)

[@williamhudson3208]

I totally agree with you. I am fed up with biker cock measuring. Don’t listen to Bike Dealerships. The important bit is the journey.

[@ChadDoesStuff]

Nice vid, on all the bikes I think about, lol. Fun to see familiar rides. I ride a wr250r around western Washington.

[@steelfuel5651]

Washington sure looks like a beautiful place to ride, great vid!

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks!

[@mygreatamericannovel]

As someone who can only afford one...I put a deposit down on a Rally in December :P Can't wait!

[@TrekEthos]

Good choice👍 I'm sure you'll have a blast with it! Ride safe

[@bottomlinebassin2001]

Just when I think you couldn't top that 1000 mile ride you make this one!

[@sdecourcy]

.......I want Goldielocks :-) Great video as usual....it's refreshing the way you present the information.

[@TrekEthos]

Thank you sir🍻 The Honda really is the Goldilocks of the three & it's the cheapest to boot👍

[@WRjockey]

You make some very beautiful videos - both the videography as well as the content is really good! Wow, that's quite a trio of bikes you have there. Right now I have a two-bike garage for the first time since about 1983. (then I had a Suzuki DR370 dirt bike and a Honda XL500R dual-sport). Today, I have a 2020 WR250R, and a month ago picked up a Honda CB500X. Unlike when I was younger when I rode offroad more than on, now nearly all of my riding is onroad. I love the light weight, handling, and high-rev nature of the WR for around-town riding. The 500X is naturally much more comfortable for longer rides and is much more well-suited to highway use. So I am happy to have both bikes.

[@TrekEthos]

Thank you👍 Your collection of bikes is very similar to mine, even the brands - great minds think alike🍻 The new CB500X seems like a great option, I'm sure I'd also be very happy with it, I bet it has a lower center of gravity than the T7 and it's ~20lbs lighter. Ride safe buddy

[@WRjockey]

@@TrekEthos I know many ppl have modded the 500X to be a true adventure bike suitable for lots of offroad use, but I won't do that. No. 1 I won't ride offroad much because the offroad areas that were available to me in the '80s aren't available now, and no. 2 if I ride offroad at all it will be on the WR. The 500X makes a great streetbike too so I think the two bikes complement each other well. I like the T7 also but didn't want to spend quite that much on a 2nd bike. (not to mention, none are available around here anyway - and I got super lucky to find a 500X!) Thanks and keep making these great videos!

[@daviddrabek5834]

Awesome video! I lost my arm years ago and started riding a WR250R to get back into riding and on to a KLR650 for a couple years and last summer I bought the AT because of vibration on the KLR. I recently bought my son a Rally 300, and I really wish they had a DCT model as I believe it’s the perfect bike! Thank you again for your videos!

[@TrekEthos]

Man I can't imagine how hard it would be to ride a motorcycle with one arm - honestly that is super inspiring👍 Ride safe buddy

[@daviddrabek5834]

Just worked on my balance. Thanks, and keep the awesome videos coming!

[@daviddrabek5834]

@@TrekEthos I meant to ask, what tires were you running on you 1,000+ mile trip home?

[@TrekEthos]

@@daviddrabek5834 Dunlop D605 - I wouldn't recommend them though. They are ok tires but very hard to mount. I think it would be extremely difficult to do a trailside tube replacement with these tires.

[@daviddrabek5834]

@@TrekEthos I appreciate your input. Thank you!

[@pedalstomper78]

So if you had to pick just one.....which one?

[@TrekEthos]

The Rally would be my choice if you forced me to take one; My adventure rides with the bike have been the best I've ever had, but I'd definitely miss the T7. The Rally isn't a fast or exciting motorcycle - I'd miss the thrilling, sporty, & wheelie happy nature of the T7. The WR would be the easiest to part ways with.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

Great video, as usual. I’ve owned the CRF300L Rally for about 4 months. It’s my only bike, and it’s great, but I find myself wondering if I’d be happier with the standard CRF300L instead. I’m actually considering buying the standard model and keeping both for a couple months and then deciding which one I want to keep long term 😂🤦🏼‍♂️

[@TrekEthos]

Thank you sir👍 That's a pretty interesting plan! Can't say I've ever heard of something like that before😂 They are targeting different types of riders, so it really does depend on you. What's your thought process for why you think standard model would be a better fit?

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

@@TrekEthos I guess it depends how much better and worse each bike is at each application. If the Rally is far better on road and only a little worse off road then I would go with the Rally. Conversely, if the standard is only a little worse on road but far better off road then I would go with the standard.

[@TrekEthos]

My view is the Rally is notably better on high speed roads (55+ mph) than the standard. This is actually the reason I moved from the WR250R to the Rally. The windscreen, fairing, and larger fuel tank meant I could actually travel on the highway comfortably allowing me to travel far distances with the bike. The WR was significantly less comfortable for extended rides at high speeds. For around town riding though I bet the Rally and standard would be pretty similar. Best of luck with your choice, hopefully you find the right bike for you👍

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

@@TrekEthos That is very helpful information. Thank you! How does the Rally compare to the WR250R off road?

[@TrekEthos]

The WR in general has better specs than both Hondas for off-road riding - it's lighter, has more premium adjustable suspension that's noticeably stiffer, more suspension travel, & more ground clearance. But when you go beyond the spec sheet I find that the capabilities of the bikes in the real world are closer than you may think. I've been able to run all the single track trails I ride the WR on but the key difference is I can't go nearly as fast. It'll get there but you just have to go slower. To me, the suspension is the key differentiator between the WR and Rally off-road. This isn't an issue for me though as I don't use the Honda as a trail bike. The other differences in the specs just aren't obvious to me when I'm riding the bikes - even the weight difference is hard to discern in real riding conditions. One benefit that the WR and standard CRF300L have over the Rally though is that they take falls pretty well. Everything is tucked up out of the way - I haven't put the Rally down yet but I suspect it will get much more damaged than the fairingless designs. Anyway that's just my 2 cents.

[@medjoolmaker]

well done video

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

I had the CRF250L, an Atwin, and now a WR250R I have kitted a bit and am using for cross country racing. I have considered the crf300l rally for road work eventually I still bet it is more comfortable than the wr with a windshield.

[@TrekEthos]

I find it interesting how many people go through a similar phase of getting a full size adventure bike and then scaling down to a smaller bike. Right, I do remember that you had a Africa twin, you had that amusing vid of you taking it to a motocross track👍

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

@@TrekEthos the next owner did not like that video as much lol. I mean the Atwin was great for mile munching but off road it was so much work. Other than bragging rights it was just a chore off road.

[@TrekEthos]

@@stoplogicmotorsports haha I bet he didn't yeah I know what you mean - it's really exhausting pushing around that much weight off-road.

[@avisontheroad1262]

Your videos are absolutely epic!!! What GPS mount are you using on the Rally? I want to get one for my Rally.

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks👍 It's actually the standard Garmin motorcycle mount for the Zumo XT GPS I use - I'm not sure if you could use it with other GPS units though.

[@avisontheroad1262]

@@TrekEthos Mmmh, I'm using the motorcycle mount that came with Zumo XT GPS but yours looks like it sits much closer to the 22mm mounting bar. Hopefully I'll catch a side shot during one of your awesome videos. Thank you for your reply.

[@metalsadman]

Stunning

[@TrekEthos]

Thank you sir🍻

[@markgardner2985]

Howdy Trek. Thanks for the great videos. Just found your channel and subscribed. I'm looking seriously at getting the Rally. Mind if I ask how tall you are? I'm 6'2" 195 lbs and wondering if the CRF300 will be big enough for me to be comfortable on. Don't think I'll try 1000 miles in a day on it though :). I can't find one anywhere to sit on....

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks👍 In full adventure riding gear plus my backpack, I'm 6'1" and around 200 lbs. I'm not sure if your weight is with gear or not, you may need to dial in some preload in the rear shock if your weight is higher with your riding gear. I honestly don't think you'd have an issue with your height or weight though. Ride safe!

[@Thatbeardedguy86]

I just moved to WA just south of Walker Valley with my CRF300L. Really cannot wait to check that spot out. The views look insane! Edit: so I went and checked out Walker. How the hell did you get up there with the 300L?! Haha those trails were tough as such a heavy bike and super slippery. Even the 606 couldn’t grab.

[@dirtdad8478]

like your videos. I too have been thinking hard about the rally. I currently own a Super Tenere, which is just fantastic on the hwy, but it is a handful in the dirt. I owned a WR250R, and I was pretty happy with it. I have owned just about every D/S bike made! LoL. But I liked the confidence the WR gave me off road. Just needed a little more comfort. I am looking hard at the 390 adventure, but the honda pulls my strings. I tend to like good old enduro's. The Rally has that basic feel with a little more comfort. I got dirt bikes for the technical stuff. I will probably have to sell the ST to get the Rally. Problem is finding one!

[@TrekEthos]

Yeah it really can be tough picking the right dual sport/ADV bike - Seems like no matter what you choose it will always be compromised in some way. I can understand cross shopping the Rally with the 390 as they're pretty similar. I actually never considered the 390 - Reliability and dealer network rank really high for me on these types of bikes as I tend to be in the middle of nowhere by myself with them. Ride safe buddy👍

[@AceCarleton]

The 390 foot peg placement is very sport touring. Feet behind you... instead of under you as on a dirtbike

[@sebastianpawlak7227]

Hi Trek Ethos I have a question out of the topic, Could you please tell me about oil consumption in rally ? I’m going for longer off road trip and wanted to know if I need to take some oil with me to top up in case . Thank you , outstanding videos you make!

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks! I have not have had any notable oil consumption on the Rally. Even while riding1000 miles in one day on 75+ mph highways I still had no noticeable oil consumption. As of right now, I have not had to add any oil before the standard oil change service.

[@biscuitsalive]

Nice vid. Jut sold my T7 to get a 300L. Loved the T7. But it limited where I could ride too much. On Steep slippy technical bits I just didn’t trust myself on the T7. And didn’t want to get stuck wedged in a trench wheels up, and not be able to self rescue due to bike weight, somewhere out of phone signal etc. I’ve picked up the T7 loads of times. But I’m aware some situations it could fall and get stuck in a way I would really struggle to pick it up.

[@TrekEthos]

Yeah I can see where you're coming from - The T7s weight and high CG make it much more unnerving in technical riding. I could see that if it fell down an decline it could very well be impossible to recover the bike on my own. The Rally is also less prone to falling over in the first place than the T7 due to the lower weight & center of gravity. Even if the bike is inches from hitting the ground I'm still strong enough to catch the bike, this is not true with the T7.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@TrekEthos literally have the buyer for T7 coming in 2 hours. Doubts I have. But I do think it’s the right choice for my riding locations.

[@TrekEthos]

@@biscuitsalive Hope the transaction went as planned - best of luck with CRF300L🍻

[@mhh8446]

Hi, If you’ve to choose one of these three, for the world tour, which one is your choice??..and mention the reason too!? Tnx

[@jaredgreenstone1964]

Hey Trek Ethos...what sort of tires are you running on your Rally? I have a 250 Rally and have been through the stock IRCs, then Heidenau K60s...trying to see what to try next and I would value your opinion or advice in this department. Much appreciate...love your videos and choice of terrain.

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks👍I've gone through several 50/50 tires on the WR & Rally and believe it or not I've actually gone back to the Honda's stock IRC tires. They are decent general 50/50 tires (which is how I ride) and they are easy to change which is an important thing for me due to where I travel. Some tires can be so hard to mount that you wonder if you would ever be able to do a trailside tube replacement. I feel like I'm forever searching for that perfect 50/50 tire. Maybe it doesn't exist.

[@jaredgreenstone1964]

@@TrekEthos much appreciated for the insight...I settled on some Shinko 244's....I will see how they fair... I found the stock IRCs a bit swirly in the gravel, but where I live the gravel is really not compacted that well...I can see your affinity for them...they are a great all round tire- Honda uses does their homework on striking the best balance.

[@jethrowingnut13]

Funny you have all these bikes. I own a T7, and can't make my mind up between the WR or the rally, for solo or more technical duties. I thought they were too similar to own both. I did have a WR a few bikes back (had 12L tank and power mods when I bought it) and with an adjustable screen that I made it was pretty good on the road as well. What makes the Rally better?

[@TrekEthos]

The bikes are similar - here's my take on how they're different: I find the Rally to be the most comfortable sub 350lb dual sport I've ever ridden on the highway. The fact that I was able to ride this bike 1000 miles in one day at 75+ mph is something I never thought would be possible with a light dual sport. The windscreen and fairing provide adventure bike level wind protection (It's comparable to the stock T7s wind protection). In my experience after market windscreens and fairings have never been as good as ones developed by the OEM. That's because fairings and windscreens require a wind tunnel and CFD to properly design. I can comfortably cruise on this bike at 75 mph for 8+ hours, day after day, covering thousands of miles. I find that after 2 hours on the Yamaha I'm ready to get off. I also find the Honda less vibey than the Yamaha - For extended riding sessions I'd get numb fingers on the WR. The soft suspension also makes the bike less tiring to ride when doing longer rides like the BDRs. I find that the Yamahas stiffer setup is more fatiguing for long distance rides. The WR also requires premium fuel which is problematic in remote areas as only regular fuel is typically available at gas stations (In the USA anyway). That said the WR is more engaging & entertaining to ride and much more capable at higher speeds off-road. You could really argue that the Rally is a boring motorcycle to ride the WR has a bit more soul to it. The WR is more confidant launching jumps as well due to the stiffer suspension setup. The soft suspension of the Honda that makes it comfortable for touring makes it really clumsy in more technical off road riding. One isn't better than the other, it really depends on how you intend to use them. IMO the Honda is a better lightweight ADV bike for slower paced riding and for longer distance riding. The Yamaha is a better trail machine with suspension that allows you to ride it faster and more aggressively off-road, higher ground clearance, and a more engaging riding experience. And both are VERY noticeably lighter and less top heavy than the T7 - Ride safe buddy👍

[@jethrowingnut13]

@@TrekEthos WOW. Thankyou for the very detailed clarification. You earn yourself another Sub. From the great content your channel provides as well. I'll probably go with the Rally because I've already owned the WRR before. Maybe next birthday, Cheers. Love the T7 but at 62, it does limit where I'm game to explore. 😁

[@427walrus]

Great video Sir. What is your preferred tire on the Rally after 9,000 miles?

[@TrekEthos]

Much appreciated👍 Once the IRC tires wore out I went to a Dunlop D605 and then I went back to the stock tires. I actually find the stock tires decent for a 50/50 tire. I've removed and put on a few of them now and they are easy to change which I like as it greatly aides in the event of a trailside tube replacement. Sometimes tires can be so hard to mount that you wonder if you'd be able to fix a tube trailside but not so with these.

[@AceCarleton]

What did you think of the 605? Any better off road then the stock tires?

[@jamiearmstrong7319]

I’m obviously late to the party but I’ve watched a few of your videos and they are very well done. Have you done any mods to your Rally thus far? Thanks!

[@TrekEthos]

Thanks man, I appreciate that👍The Rally is nearly completely stock - I wired the GPS power and added the rear rack, that's it. I honestly don't think you need to spend a lot of money on mods to enjoy the bike. Ride safe buddy🍻

[@mrsilbo6499]

The Rally needs some help from your other two bikes, so it gets some downtime!

[@TrekEthos]

haha yeah pretty much! All three bikes are mostly resting through the winter here in the PNW. I use my bikes year round but I don't do larger trips during the winter months. Really looking forward to summer to ride again👍

[@TheKokanut]

You must have added the sound… nice

[@perpetualmoto]

Your missing one bike... a vintage Honda CT110 Trail bike (lol) great video and great to see the familure sights as I live in the same area. BTW, I've met a few guys in Cental America who rode WR250s down from the US...once you get to MX its the perfect bike bc ur rarely over 50mph and the WR eats the sand up like a champ but that was before the Honda Rally.

[@TrekEthos]

Yeah Id take a Honda CR110 :) I'm always on the look out for another bike - Ride safe buddy👍

[@slakk5093]

I think the rally is my next bike.. as a second bike to compliment my road bike

[@TrekEthos]

If I only had two bikes I'd do a similar thing - Ride safe buddy👍

[@vwsyncro]

Hey Trek Ethos, let me throw this at you: which bike would you take round the world? The CRF obviously has many things going for it: easy handling (major plus for solo riding), reliable, cheap to buy and run, relatively inconspicuous. But…I can’t escape the thought that it might be boring. I mean, I don’t just want to get from A to B efficiently, I want to RIDE and have fun. What are your thoughts?

[@TrekEthos]

Yeah I know what you mean - this was my exact thoughts before I bought the Rally. To be fair the Rally is probably the least sporty bike I've ever owned. It's slow and softly sprung which make it uninspiring for more aggressive riding. But if I had to take one bike for riding around the world it would be the Rally. I travel solo which really effects the way I view this question - self preservation is more important than sport to me for large scale trips. The Rally's lighter weight makes it much less fatiguing to ride off-road and therefore makes it less likely for me to crash. Also the non sporty nature of the bike means it doesn't egg me on to ride fast which keeps me safe. The bike is just much more confidence inspiring in off-road conditions when riding into the unknown. I honestly think riding around the world would be unbelievably exciting without a fast bike. Hell I bet if you rode a scooter or even a bicycle around the world it would be an incredible adventure. That's my two cents - We all ride & enjoy our bikes differently so there is not one right answer to this question. If you want to ride a turbo busa around the world go for it :)

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Really interesting thanks for sharing I had a similar journey recently went from 1200gsa te to 1000xt to f800gs to a 650xt which I'm really happy with for my road touring but can see the 300 rally being the better around fit hoping I can hang onto the 650xt an add a rally but it might end up replacing it eventually:)

[@TrekEthos]

I used to own 650 V-strom, they're great bikes👍 I agree with your take - The V-strom and the Rally together, if possible, would be a great pairing of ADV bikes. You could ride almost anywhere between those two bikes. Ride safe buddy🍻

[@adaptableadventurerider]

@@TrekEthos Thanks for the reply really appreciate it :) you to ride safe ^_^

[@crazyRyoga]

I'm curious about how things work in the US, do you have to pay for 3 separate insurances for each bike or you can have just one that covers the one you're riding? I live in Italy and here you have to buy 1 insurance for each vehicle (if you want to ride it into the streets of course). Plus, we also need to pay a €80/100 tax every year (for every vehicle aswell). Not many people has 2 bikes, let alone 3.

[@TrekEthos]

Yeah that sounds similar to here, laws do vary state by state but in WA we do need separate registration and insurance for each bike. The insurance is relatively cheap though, much less so than a car.

[@crazyRyoga]

@@TrekEthos I see, thank you.

[@TallManMoto]

Love this video. Been kinda considering down the line replacing my Africa Twin with a T7 and a WR250R. I meet the nicest people on a Honda, but I want to make it through the meanest trails on a Yamaha. 🤣 You're in my neck of the woods as well, I'm in Northern Lynnwood.

[@DavesRvRepair]

Trek? Wellness check.

[@TrekEthos]

That's awfully kind of you to check in & see if I was alright Dave👍👍👍 I've been busy with work these last three months and haven't had the time to make videos. I am still on track to travel to WY to complete the WYBDR starting next weekend so I should have some videos up in the next few weeks. Hope you're doing well buddy🍻 Will have to go through your new vids when I get some free time!

[@DavesRvRepair]

I'm glad you are doing OK, thought something happened to you. Looking forward to your next video.

[@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867]

Is that a Garmin Zumo XT you are using? If so have you had any issues with the mount? I was worried the factory clip mount might no be strong enough to hold up to adventure riding. Have you changed anything on the mount? Or have you added a dummy cord in case the mount were to fail?

[@TrekEthos]

Yes, it's a Garmin Zumo XT. I use the same standard Garmin mount on all three motorcycles and have about 15 thousand miles between the three bikes with no issues. The only thing I do different for installation is I use a tough ~1/8" thick rubber between the metal bars on the bike and the Garmin U clamp. This really locks the GPS in place even under vibrations and it protects the bikes bars from scratching/marking when just using the U clamp.

[@leekazan556]

Oh, man!! Having 3 different bikes would be awesome, but for the majority of us, I think the 300 Rally would be perfect!

[@SmokinZen]

I have a T7 and have been looking at the CRF300L and the Rally but I am siding with the 300L because I already have a windscreen bike. The T7 is challenging to ride in deep sand and I have dropped it 7 times already the last two times I needed help getting it up good thing for kind people passing bye. If I only had one bike it would probably be the rally.

[@TrekEthos]

Yeah I know what you mean - I've never dropped the Rally but I've dropped the T7. There is so much weight up high, once it starts going over there's little you can do to stop it. I actually never considered the non Rally CRF300L - For my use case (Traveling long distances on and off road) I find the Rally is clearly superior. We all use our bikes differently though so it really does depend on how you ride - there is no one right bike for everyone.

[@jeffloucks2120]

In exactly the same boat as you. Picking that T7 up as a smaller statured person is a challenge. Looking at one of the 300's... likely 300L for a true DS and keep my 2 stroke enduro for the hardcore stuff.

[@XadJack]

Great video! I’m on the fence between picking up the 300 Rally or T7 as ‘only bike’ in spring, for a mixture of commuting, local trails and some distance travel. I love the T7 but am slightly concerned about weight! Lovely vids, keep them coming!

[@Zw1d]

and.. what did you choose, I'm exactly there... Basically on my way to yamahas dealer. Currently riding Beta RR 430, but it's way too expensive in maintenance to be adventured (despite the fact I did)

[@XadJack]

@@Zw1d​​⁠​⁠I’m still awaiting the funds but I think I’ll likely go for an Aprilia Tuareg 660. It seems they’ve ironed out the kinks in the early model year and it sounds like a brilliant, much more manageable and less imposing alternative to the T7, but with much better road manners than the small Honda, and there are a good amount of dealers nearish me being in Europe. Worth reading up on them if you haven’t considered, lots of vids singing their praises!

[@Zw1d]

@@XadJack I would never again go for an italian bike, so aprilia is out of the discussion for me. Despite hands-on reviews saying it feels better than t7 - which it probably does. But I have 0 trust that it will last as good as T7. And I hate working on my bikes (because I do that too thoroughly and too often)

[@Thatbeardedguy86]

@@Zw1ddid you ever change out of the Beta? I have the CRF300L now but I just can’t get over the fact that I’m definitely a touring type and after one 3 hour stint on the interstate with the Honda, I wanted to sell it right there.

[@Zw1d]

@@Thatbeardedguy86 this very moment I'm on vacation on Tenere 700. The riding part is great, but the weight with some luggage on is intimidating when it gets steep or slow... I've done 600-700km, so I can't tell yet if I like it or not. I still have the beta. Probably when this trip is over I'll know better which one to keep. Honestly CRF sounds like a really good deal. Light cheap and can go fast enough for me as I don't ride highways, but never had a chance to try one.

[@ggs0605]

But if you can only have one? And if you could only have two?

[@TrekEthos]

Hmm tough question, If I could have only one it would be the Rally. I would definitely miss having a faster more entertaining to ride bike though. Two is a lot easier for me, it would be the Rally and the T7. The WR is my least used bike.

[@caiojulio3100]

wow !!!