Honda CRF300L Rally Owner's First Test and Review

[@killernanny4315]

Underrated channel, not sure how you're only sitting at 38k. Good work.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks. I’m fine with growing slowly. Slow and steady wins the race.

[@ronnie.b31]

I agree his explanation are unbiased and loved his content

[@m_dawg2432]

“Chronicles of Solid” has just purchased the CRF300L. So a perfect opportunity to follow both models with new owners. I currently own a CB500X 2020 version.

[@drewm2763]

Just got my crf300l rally this weekend. Great bike.

[@sboy1955]

Following this bike right now via Itchy Boots season 6, South America to Alaska. So far it’s been an absolute trooper.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Great perspective, well thought out descriptions, and cool editing to boot.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thank you. So glad you liked the vid.

[@philiprousselle2749]

Had an Ohlins on my 250L and now have it on my T7 it totally transforms the bike! Excellent quality as well

[@brianq103]

Congrats to Brooke on the a great bike! I think this definitely was the best choice for you guys. This way you both can do the dirt/fire roads and still travel in relative comfort.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, we just rode for five hours today and Brooke is in love with her new bike. It was the right choice.

[@joecamel6835]

She's kinda spoiled .

[@ricinphx]

Another great video. Whenever I like a channel like yours, I sit through the commercials. I encourage others to not skip the ads. Every little bit of support helps keep the channel alive. I too hope Brook has found a forever bike for your stable. Honda has never disappointed me.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks, I really appreciate that! Brooke and I just rode for 5 hours today on her lowered bike and she is in love with it.

[@peterbrophy9442]

No surprises. Still waiting in QC for my dealer to get the 2021 CRFL Rally. At 220 pounds I’m going get the suspension upgrade done before it leaves the dealer or that’s the plan thus far. Great Video. Looking forward to seeing the two of you out on the roads/trails.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Awesome! Congrats. Yes, over 200lbs you’ll need to get springs at least to keep from bottoming out.

[@jacobzcheng3802]

Beautiful! Looking forward to updates on this bike!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Lots coming up.

[@wuchiwugen2466]

Have the lowering kit on my 300L rally abs and love it. Before it was not safe in bumper to bumper traffic stop and go in the rain. According to the NC DMV standing flat footed is a requirement for motorcycle riders. Now waitting to get the seat concepts comfort xl for those day rides. Blow 10 mph the throttle response seams a bit jerky ???

[@ivanportnoy4941]

Great channel Broh. Best regards from Colombia!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! I’m glad you’re enjoying it.

[@nnannaokoroji8451]

Congratulations on the new bike! You were in my city to pick up the bike. Yes, they are good people at GP…. Cheers!

[@iainmckay3387]

One of the best bike reviews I have seen. Informative and detailed. Nice work.

[@Swrdfshtrmbns]

Just got told my Rally ETA got pushed back to September from July, and before that it was May. If I didn't already have a motorcycle I would be looking hard at a KLX300. I love everything I'm hearing about it though.

[@WyattWillis88]

Really enjoy you channel good sir! We share many interests! Motorcycles we both play guitar and even our wives are both named Brooke! Lol thanks for the classy bike reviews!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Awesome! Thanks! I’m glad you like the channel.

[@Jmaninaz1]

I always enjoy your presentation style and how you review bikes--no bike is perfect, and your honesty in both its positive aspects and not-as-positive aspects is greatly appreciated, especially by someone like me, as I would like to get back into motorcycling after decades away. This bike is at the top of my list but look forward to see how you and Brooke get on with it--I agree with you, though, you replace that stock suspension with Ohlin's suspension parts, and it should then be close to perfect. Ride safe, and I look forward to seeing what you share with us next!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! I appreciate that. Some better suspension would really make this into the perfect ADV bike for serious off roading.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Bikers Bitz, Bangkok, Thailand? Some of their OEM.parts like pistons, rods, etc are outeageously cheap. Vast range of parts, highly recommended.

[@philipcaseyacalloway204]

Thanks for the upload, and congrats on the purchase!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks!

[@nachohernandez9491]

Noraly has one and is awsome Shes been through south américa And now central América and no problems

[@jrr7887]

I've heard YSS makes a good replacement suspension option for this bike. Without the eye watering cost of Ohlins

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll look into all options.

[@philipthomas3938]

Any idea of both brand's prices?...

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Dirt n Trail has recently posted a video on replacing the standard shock on his CRF300 L with a Nitro R1 unit.

[@millinutz]

Sounds good, but I tend towards the KLX, if not only for the color choice. The Kawa makes the more allround sturdier impression on me, from your comparison of the two. Wonder how my impressions will fare up after I have test rode both later this summer? I have not yet understood why you mix metrics and imperial measurments.... You are 180 *lbs* weight but you drive xx amount of *kms*. Anyway, once again a very professional and informative production, thanks. Stay safe.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It’s the fact that Canadians are sort of stuck between the US and Europe. Technically we’re Metric but all the US media measures humans in imperial.

[@ianworley8169]

Britain went decimal in 1971 and has used metric calculations in construction and industry for decades. And yet there's still a weird hybrid of imperial and metric measurements in everyday usage. Shops still show weight in imperial and metric weights and measures; miles are still used for distance and speed and yet all measurements on construction sites are metric, because it's just so much more accurate, standardised and simplified. For years now, I've tried to fully adopt the metric system, but still had to convert, mentally because of the country's nonsensical refusal to commit to metrication. Now I live in mainland Europe and my life is so much simpler to the power of 10.

[@millinutz]

@@ianworley8169 I also now live in Europe and find your statement to be very well explained. Three cheers for the 10. When does UK go back to £.s.p. now that Brexit is a fact😂?

[@assessor1276]

Very nice - looks snazzy! As for the suspension, dual…anything means compromise, particularly if price is a concern (and it always is for small entry-level machines).

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, true. The good thing about Hondas is that there are always tons of after market options.

[@terjehalvorsen3070]

Great video. I've had the 300 rally for a couple of months, and the "buzz" you mention at 3800 rpm is very distinct on mine. It's quite annoying, and is the only thing i hate about the bike. It would be interesting to hear if anyone has experienced it going away after break in, service or modifications ...

[@NewFurCat]

Now, 10 months later, has the engine grown smoother with more break in time? I have one on order now.

[@iray3242]

Nice review! I hope you go over the bikes stall characteristics and what happens when dumping the clutch.

[@Bob-Maplethorpe]

GP Bikes is awesome! I need to head out there soon. Damn, you have made me think I need three bikes! I want one of these, or a KLX 300, now.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, either one is a winner.

[@Watuba]

Thanks for that video. It answers some questions I had about this motorcycle. I does not answer the main one: "Is it a bike for me?", but there is only one person able to answer that and it's not you :) What your video shows is that one can't really go wrong with this bike. I still don't know if it's a good you-can-pick-it-up-by-yourself alternative for my Tiger 800 solo adventure trips, but information you provided is highly appreciated. I thought the suspension is the same as in L model. More Rally vids coming?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Lots more coming on this bike. I haven’t had to pick it up yet but can guarantee you that it will be easier than picking up a Tiger.

[@mart7404]

Well done review, just sad all the newer dual sports are in short supply.

[@ttrguy9952]

Great video! I'm torn between this and the Kawasaki. The Kawasaki has adjustable suspension where the Honda does not. I'm leaning Kawasaki.....

[@johnpaulgarzaniti5065]

I am as well. But the Kawasaki has some big negatives compared to the Honda CRFL 300 , which include no ABS , no fuel guage, and no gear indicator

[@ttrguy9952]

@@johnpaulgarzaniti5065 Thanks Paul! Yes I knew that but I don't need any of that off-road or on road. I like the adjustable suspension that Honda does not have.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! The Kawi is better off road while the Honda has more power and is better on pavement. If you ride hard off road get the KLX or get the Honda and upgrade the suspension.

[@ttrguy9952]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Thank you. Great advise! 👍

[@PeterReid1993]

Late comer to the channel and this video, but I'm looking at buying a pair of these for me and my wife. Loved your info, we're sold on it now.

[@ryaandnice]

As others have said, a CRF300L vs T700 direct comparison would be great.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Definitely coming up. I’ll ride both bikes on the same loop, a mix of road and off road stuff and compare the performance.

[@ryaandnice]

@@DifferentSpokesTV You da man.

[@luvsallbikes279]

Hi , thumbs up and I am already a subscriber. I enjoy your channel , your are a lucky man that your loved one is into bikes ! I like hearing what your experiences are with these new bikes and all the bikes you ride . I have a RK and a 919 , trying to pick a smaller bike to add . I sold a wr250r, loved the bike just to tall for me 5’10 , not enough/ any trails for me to get to without and hour and half ride on major highways… doing the research the lowering link is not great for all applications.. I am not an expert just researching it made me more concerned. Anyway the bike looks great , I prefer the L but what are your thoughts on the Kawasaki super Moto version of this , it’s always been my taste to keep dual sport tires on dual sport bikes but that Kawasaki 300 supermoto may be that sweet spot ..for urban riding. Would love to get your take on that .

[@JericVergara]

The perfect his & her bikes. Ride safe 🎉

[@LARGO125]

That bike would look so hot with an aftermarket shock, some ohlins forks, 17 inch wheels and some street tires! Sumo life!

[@eemonroy97]

A regular on this channel, and I remember being so happy when you ordered the T700 and I used to wait patiently for the videos. Similarly, waited expectantly for this CRF. I'm very happy for you and Brooke, doing such nice things, living in a nice calm place; with yummy bikes to ride around. Except...the Harley....somehow it does not suit you guys...I know you like it....but just an Opinion. All ze best

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, we’re very fortunate to have an abundance of trails everywhere. Stay tuned. I’m taking both of these bikes on the tougher trails this year.

[@CoachSteve4u]

Just to help anyone clarify, the standard version and the rally version have the exact same suspension components. Check out Honda's spec sheet. I think it's the extra weight that makes the rally feel worse off-road than the standard version.

[@coolhandchunk]

Congrats, beautiful bike

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Sounds like a winner. Suspensions can be upgraded.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, and what an awesome bike it will be when we put some new springs and shock on it.

[@thedude102878]

Nice review! I'm actually trying to decide between the two bikes in this video, the crf300l rally and the tenere 700. I want a lighter bike to ride dirt bike trails but I need to ride 80+mph highways for a few hours to get to and from them. In other words does the crf sacrifice more on the highways with it's small engine than the tenere does off road with it's bigger size and weight?

[@smokesandalloy9487]

What'd you decide.. go with the 300 rally or something else?

[@bimmerbent]

Great review, thanks. At 220 lbs, I'm very interested in the suspension reviews.

[@ronny-drz]

Nice machine and congrats to your other half on her new bike. How did you find the torque & engine smoothness compared to the KLX300 you just reviewed?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! The torque is about the same down low but the Honda has more up top. Brooke finds the Rally a bit buzzy as well but so was the KLX. They both vibrate at various rpm.

[@ronny-drz]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Good to know & thank you. Ronny

[@roberthaldeman5312]

Great video Wish I had more money and Garage space.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! That’s all of our garage space gone. No more bikes :(

[@dcbaxter]

Great review Spokes 🙌. I went for the CB500X to get into biking at 55 after not riding after passing my test at 21! Crazy right! I think I would prefer the lighter CRF but like Brooke am shorter so the extra height is a worry although the squishy suspension would help and shaving the seat a great option. Ride safe.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Yeah, shaving the seat helped but the lowering link cinched the deal. The bike is perfect for Brooke now. She loves it.

[@robkcra]

Appreciate your commentaries much! I will be very interested to see how much you can shave off that seat🤔😉

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! The seat is shaved, the bike lowered and Brooke loves it. We rode five hours today and she was totally confident. I’ll show the process in the next vid.

[@simonf.2504]

@@DifferentSpokesTV How many inches did you take off? Has the comfort level noticeably changed? I'm thinking of getting my seat shaved too when I finally get the bike. SRC out of Oregon sells OEM Honda seats with 2.5 " taken off. That might also be an option for me.

[@SamiNami]

Thanks for the video. You mentioned the vibration, but. I wonder how bad it is after a long day of riding? My plan is to travel far, so I want to avoid something very vibey.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

We just rode for five hours today and Brooke was feeling it in the right peg. Might have been a particular rpm, but these singles are vibey.

[@SamiNami]

@@DifferentSpokesTV ok thanks for the info. I will still try to book a test ride (will be hard to do) before I buy. Might go with a t7, or stay with the versys-x 300 for the low vibes.

[@t_c5266]

power of this versus the Kawasaki? Which could handle highway speeds better

[@fabiopunk1661]

Excellent review, thanks a lot!

[@seansteede]

Well done. Love your style.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy the vids.

[@luizdejesus6240]

Good base bike for some upgrades. The more off road, the lighter a bike should be. BTW, where in Canada do you live. It looks like Ontario by the landscape...

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, we’re east of Toronto.

[@C_R_O_M________]

The vibes could smooth out after breaking in the motor.

[@halinabiegalski9509]

Good video like always. Thanks… 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thank you!

[@jasonchaney5382]

Love the way that bike looks, but at 250lbs without gear... 284cc just aint enough. If they'd made a 450L Rally, I probably would have bought that instead of the 890 adventure.

[@SamiNami]

The service intervals are too brutal on the 450L

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, the power is soft which is fine for Brooke. I’d love a 450 Rally. The service intervals on the current 450L are a bit much for me though.

[@bruceforster3709]

Can you do a review on a 2018 CB500X? I have the same complaints about ITS suspension! Are there any "fixes" for that Bike?

[@michaelosteen9069]

Great video bud! If you had to pick one, which would you pick? Tenere 700 or 300l rally?

[@simonf.2504]

Great video. I just bought the same bike. Should get it in a week or so. Am also looking to get some mods from Bikerbitz. Do you know how long their products normally take to ship from Thailand?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! No idea about the time. I ordered the bash plate and rack a couple of days ago but they’re not here yet. If you see them in my next vid that means they came.

[@snupermoto723]

enjoy the ride.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thank you!

[@tobiaswittmann4907]

How does the windshild work (especially when going faster)? I had bad experiences in the past with those windscreens (Honda XRV750 and KTM 1190Adv). They made it even worse because they created turbulence exactly on the helmet. I´m looking for a trave bike so on paper the Rally would be my choice. But maybe cause of the windshield I should go for the normal model. Thx for your help.

[@pumrel]

Thanks for the great review. This is really relevant for me as I am thinking of buying the Rally for my girlfriend. How tall is Brooke and what seat height have you managed to get down to?

[@toddislandrider]

What is the break in procedure for the 300?

[@mpct400]

Curious, does your 300rl have a distinct engine rattle between around 4-5000 rpm. Mine does and I've read of some other owners with this noise (cam chain tensioner?). Other than that I love this machine. Oh, I already cracked the plastic on the radiator side. I'll need a rad guard to crash harden.

[@charlielegend7685]

Dream bike❤️❤️❤️

[@GinEric84]

How is it at high speed? Im in the market for a smaller bike but where I live freeway travel is necessary to get anywhere, how does it do at 70-80 mph?

[@simonf.2504]

Any issues fitting the Barkbusters? Some say you need to change the bars.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I hear that you may need to on the regular 300L, but the Rally had standard counter weights with sliders. Got those out and the Barkbusters slid right in. One of the counterweights was harder to pull out and took a while.

[@JJMLJ]

It would be great to get a little more expanded info on how it is on the highway, since most trails are connected by highway. Did it cruise at 100km with your 180lbs? Would downshifting for hills be a big issue? Thanks

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I’ll do a comprehensive review soon. Sixth is tall so a downshift is sometimes needed on steeper hills but I don’t find it too annoying.

[@michelvankan9948]

How is the clutch reach for Brooke?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The reach is good and the pull is very light.

[@Taitea_____]

anyone care to tell me whts the insurance cost of crf 300 l rally in canada?? ty

[@vancemarin8022]

Cool Johnathon was the salesman who sold me my KTM 390 .😁😁

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice! That’s another bike we looked at.

[@brittennz]

Thanks nothing like a weekend with your video

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! Sometimes it’s a struggle to get them done, but most of the time I manage.

[@daveinwla6360]

Is there a lower after-market front fender for this bike made for street riding?

[@dhaangbderes89]

Which one you choose for all around travel (on/off road), tenere 700 or crf 300 rally?and why?

[@smelly551]

Would you say the T7 is worth the extra 5k? thats its near double price tag compared to the rally is warranted?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

If I could only own one of these I’d get the T7 for the massive power advantage on pavement. However, if I’m going on seriously rough terrain I’ll choose the Rally for its lightness. It all depends what kind of riding you do predominantly. The less pavement, the more the Rally makes sense.

[@genius-no5sl]

This bike is awesome

[@bj5563]

nice review - whereabouts is this trail?

[@sathishrao7926]

Congratulations! Having ridden both ‘Green’ and ‘Red’, do you agree with some verdicts which say ‘Choosing between these two is just a matter of which brand one is loyal to’ ?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! I’d say the Kawi is the better bike off road. The Rally is better on pavement. I’m not sure about the regular 300L but the engine goes to Honda and the suspension to the Kawasaki.

[@swampfoxmoto5959]

I love my 300 and have some content of my mods.

[@drury2d8]

Two up ???

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Did you consider the the KTM 390 Adv

[@unfluencertv]

I did and I decided to go for the Rally as it does hold the value much better than the KTM, more reliable and for country lane trips feels more suitable for me in East Devon, UK. KTM could be better for road tho, but why would You buy an offroader for road?

[@kevinwyatt9771]

$10k CDN equivalent in UK!

[@yoyohooyo]

I want it

[@mijitorawr9005]

How tall is Brooke?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

She's about 169cm tall.

[@29madmangaud29]

Great,,,,,, but: Where are you going to be PUTTING all of that Touring Stuff on? I see that "YOUR" bike has some things, for side bags, but how'bout hers? Good Luck! Semper Fi!

[@Jmaninaz1]

If you get a chance, check out Itchy Boots (Noraly from the Netherlands)--she is currently touring S. Africa on an older CRF 250L, and you'll see how she gets her stuff on the bike. It can do it!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Getting an aluminum rack for the Rally and maybe a top box. We still haven’t decided on that yet but I’ll carry most of our gear anyways.

[@bigsandytaco]

Should of got a xr650 l 50 pounds more for a lot better engine and more power

[@zavlov]

👍

[@Psycrow11]

Now Honda put a long service interval 450/500 in it and take my money...... :(

[@mrsilbo6499]

Watch out for bears when you're camping!

[@davegoldspink5354]

Great review on a great little bike. Unfortunately the price here in Australia is just over $9500 plus about $3000 on road costs and being your height and heavier wouldn’t be a good thing.

[@skymningforelsket1302]

You must have a lot of money. You keep referring to these kinds of bikes as "inexpensive." I tell you what's inexpensive. 2 toothbrushes you get for $1.25 at the dollar store that lasts you 6 months is inexpensive. Let's take this Honda. $5300. Then, most dealers charge $400 for "freight", $200 or so to take it out of the box, ahem "setup", and many dealers are even adding in a new "commodity surcharge" whatever that is So ring the bell at over $5900. Then, tax in most states will be $600 on this inexpensive bike. Then paperwork and plates and title and inspection for the bike costs about $300. So mmm yeah total will be pushing $7,000 by the time you roll it out the door. OK add in a few hundred for the stuff that's missing from the bike/ or no good from the factory. Basic handguards, a bash plate, and 2 good tires. Add another $500 before you even start using it. That's a lot of money for bikes that come with steel handlebars and no skid plates and non adjustable suspension. Hell, it's good money even if the bike comes with that. I can buy an awful lot of clothes and an awful lot of food with $7,000. Nevermind, I keep hearing reviewers say when these bikes shortchange the customer on something "gee whiz for this inexpensive bike, what do you expect for a bike at this price point??" LOL! For $7,000 I expect A LOT !! Also there's another review on this bike on youtube where "quality" was way below scratch! The decals were bubbling off and there was a clunking and constant rattling sound in the forks and the dealer told the guy, "they all do that!!" I've heard this thing is made in Thailand with cheap sub par labor. Even the Japanese are offshoring their jobs now! After America started the trend! So I guess we should all go out and buy $7,000 toys after our jobs got shipped to China and our wages got crushed from the millions of cheap labor immigrants they brought in to take whatever jobs are left.

[@PP-wz7mp]

Racist

[@joecamel6835]

Pin it !