Honda CRF300L : Review and final owners update (probably)

[@surfbum72]

Cracking video Phil. Really enjoyed this one - especially you inhaling Jammie Dodgers at the end 🤣👍🏼 Hope you're doing well, Matt.

[@80eightReviews]

Hey Matt, how are you doing? Good to hear from you again and glad you enjoyed the video. I'm doing well thanks! As for the Jammie Dodgers....Yeah...And of course once the packet was opened I had to do a few takes to get it right :-) Bouncing my way back home with a stomach full of biscuits was fun - I nearly had to adjust the suspension. Must dash, I'm starving. Hope all is well, cheers, Phil.

[@ianfutcher1518]

Can fully understand about not riding the lanes with a plated and screwed (so to speak) leg. Dirt riding is all about confidence and riding with commitment which is hard to do after a fall let alone injury. I prefer my XT225 Serow due to its very basic with no water cooling to worry about in a fall and very light to pick up. I would miss it too. Keep going with vids though.

[@80eightReviews]

Morning Ian, good to hear from you again and hope all is well. The Serow is a cracking little bike, almost the perfect TRF bike and as you say basic - which is exactly what you need out on the trails. Still, the world advances in many ways even if sometimes it doesn't feel like progress. I mean what's wrong with VHS? I'll be taking a break from bike videos as I've run out of footage and bikes + I'm determined not to fall into the trap of reading out manufacturer press releases or pontificating about rumours. Next one is likely to be a scooter review in May 2023...I'm planning ahead :-) Anyway, hope all is well with you Ian, cheers, Phil.

[@petermorrall8337]

Good to know you are recovering Phil.

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Peter! It’s a long haul and there’s a way to go yet, however, the outlook is looking good. Hope all is good with you, cheers, Phil.

[@1990-t1j]

Interesting video. Just watched this again. You've had a good number of bikes in the 250/400cc single- cylinder category. The DR350 was a great bike. As I said below two years ago, I had the 250 version in Tokyo which was higher tech. I want soft suspension for the bouncy Chiang Rai back roads. I'm keeping it totally stock. The 300L is so cheap here. I'm keeping my 390, as well. Nick

[@80eightReviews]

Hey Nick, given the passage of time, it's difficult to make direct comparisons but I do think the CRF300 is probably a better trail bike than the (standard) DR350 - weight is about the same but the CRF just seems to have a much better chassis compared to what I remember. And while the engine is road biased it just seems to plough through everything. If I went back 30 years and tried a CRF300 I'd be blown away! Let me know what happens, cheers, Phil.

[@findingneutral]

Great detailed review. Pretty cool how you got to experience the real deal models in the 80's in comparison to the current offerings. Off topic but I really hope Honda offers you guys the CT125 over there. I feel you'd still be able to go out and enjoy the country side with it... and its monstrous red cargo rack could carry a shipping container of Jammie Dodgers. Another viable option could be putting some knobbies on a Super Cub and a couple other mods. Just a thought.

[@80eightReviews]

Good afternoon Mr Neutral, it's very good to hear from you. I've been concerned that you had got caught up in the great Florida Beer disaster which I read about recently here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62990366 Normally, I'd be more worried about the beer, but it looks like Coor's :-) As for the video and the old air-cooled world...In my mind they were brilliant but I do wonder if I rode them now I'd be less than impressed - at least from an ease of use perspective. Whereas the CRF is just...Easy - which is some ways is a damning yet, very handy attribute! Still, it's all progress. I guess. CT125 : I'd absolutely love one - especially seeing your modded version and yeah, that colossal rack invites many uses - Jammie Dodgers, a toaster, a grill, perhaps a small fridge? However, I do really like the idea of knobbly (UK version of knobbies) tyred Cub....Next year I'm off to the Honda dealership to see what fits me / what I can get on, so I will definitely be trying the Cub for size. Anyway, hope the backyard has dried out and the bugs have dissipated, cheers, Phil.

[@findingneutral]

@@80eightReviews Hey, I had not heard of the beer fest... with a concrete truck too. I'll be excited to see what you end up with mini moto wise 😉. We literally 'were' just starting to dry up enough to wear something besides rubber boots in the yard...and now we have a potential hurricane coming late next week 😭

[@scottb8907]

Glad to see another video from you!

[@80eightReviews]

Hey Scott - and great to hear from you! Hope all is well, cheers, Phil.

[@jaywhoisit4863]

I recon this bike would be perfect for the urban jungle, potholes, muddy roadways, and commuter chaos of my city…Nairobi!

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning Mr Whoisit! Nairobi? Blimey...I've never been there, but if it's anything like the Middle East (where 2 lane roads, typically have 5 lanes of cars squeezed in) er, yeah, it will be just perfect - especially if you need to take some short cuts :-) Thank for stopping by and I've love to see some photo's of Nairobi at some point if you get a minute. Ride safe in the mean streets, cheers, Phil.

[@billcope7434]

I found you reviewing a V7 stone, (going tomorrow to pick one up) but I also have a CRF300l and a Kawasaki Versys 1000. When you get healed up you'll be missing the "green lanes".

[@80eightReviews]

Hey Bill, thanks for stopping by and hope all went well with the V7 Stone pick-up - let me know how you get on with the bike. As for the CRF - it's a great bike which allows the rider to have simple little adventures every day and yeah, I will miss it but I'm very glad I had the opportunity to ride it when I did. All the best for 2023, cheers, Phil.

[@stanleylawson9015]

well worth the wait Phil

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Stanley! It might be a long wait until the next one! Hope all is well, cheers, Phil.

[@mrsilbo6499]

Shame you can't enjoy the great outdoors as you used to, Phil. Nicely worked reference to Edward II's demise, that's what the standard shock must feel like off jumps. 😳

[@80eightReviews]

Evening Hugh…I’m working up a plan and will get back next year! Is it Edward II where on a dark windy night @ Berkeley Castle, the 😱 can still be heard? Yep - that’s the bottomed out shock alright 😬

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@80eightReviews Nothing a cattle horn & a red hot poker can't fix, anyhow. Gotta hurt a little. Keep us posted on the outdoor plans - my guess is it's either an ATV purchase or you're joining the Ramblers' Society - valdareee, valdaraaah.. Must dash, but a thought before I go, does Kevin do PopTarts?

[@soshsiB]

Nice video 👍🏼 all the best for you and your leg. Hope you still keep the Guzzi … so you promenade a bit on little backroads. Cheers 🍻

[@80eightReviews]

Hello and good evening - thanks for stopping by again and good to hear from you. Thanks for the best wishes, it’s a long haul but things are improving day by day. As for the Guzzi…Me too! Hope all is good with you, cheers, Phil.

[@nathanf1934]

Great review. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe if you wore some decent protective gear, you’d be more comfortable. Tech 3’s offer little to no protection. Same go’s with jeans.

[@80eightReviews]

Morning Nathan, thanks for stopping by and good to know you enjoyed the video. I’d disagree a little with your comments on the Tech 3’s…While they are bottom of the range for MX boots, they fix ankles rigidly and the calf protection is great for trail riding. Also my jeans are double lined and have knee and hip body armour - as you know when off road you need to be flexible as possible so it’s a trade off between that and ultimate protection. To be honest, short of a suit a armour, I don’t think I will ever feel (emotionally) comfortable off road again - falling off is part of the deal off road and with plated femur and knee I’d be very wary. Plus, physically, pain is always going to be a factor and it’s likely that my knee bend won’t go beyond 90 degrees so that makes the CRF virtually impossible to ride. Not to worry though, I have plans! Hope all is well where you are, cheers, Phil.

[@ulrichsoll895]

Vielen Dank, ich liebe deinen Akzent. Ich fahre auch eine CRF 300 l, 2022 im Juni gekauft. Bin begeistert. 😊

[@80eightReviews]

Good afternoon Ulrich! Great to hear from you and I'm very pleased you can actually understand my accent! I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your CRF300l. All the best, cheers, Phil. ------------------------------------------- Guten Tag Ulrich! Schön, von Ihnen zu hören und ich freue mich sehr, dass Sie meinen Akzent tatsächlich verstehen können! Ich freue mich zu hören, dass Ihnen Ihr CRF300l gefällt. Alles Gute, Prost, Phil.

[@ulrichsoll895]

@@80eightReviews Ich hoffe es geht dir wieder besser ? Du hattest doch einen Unfall. Aber, jeder hatte einen Unfall. Die Sonne geht wieder auf, danach 😉

[@80eightReviews]

@@ulrichsoll895 Good afternoon Ulrich - yes, I'm feeling much better thanks. While the leg will always give me mobility problems I can walk and ride and get around. So I'm very happy! Hope you are well, cheers, Philip. Guten Tag Ulrich - ja, mir geht es viel besser, danke. Obwohl mir das Bein immer Probleme mit der Beweglichkeit bereitet, kann ich laufen, reiten und mich fortbewegen. Ich bin also sehr zufrieden! Ich hoffe, es geht dir gut. Grüße, Philip.

[@ulrichsoll895]

@@80eightReviews Ich freue mich für Dich, ich und meine Freunde, hatten Unfälle, aber nicht mit dem Töff (Motobike) . I am 64 . Wir sind die alte Generation. Wir geniessen die Natur und zerstören sie nicht.

[@classicrider5274]

Started watching the Guzzi saga and ended up watching all of your offerings. Sorry to watch your latest with details of the accident results but good that you are making progress. Probably being of a similar age, I know, it takes longer to get over obstacles likes this, but get over them you will! Is the bike still for sale or did you find it a good home?

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning Classic Rider - how are you today? Well, I hope. Great to hear from you and many thanks for stopping by and the encouragement - it's much appreciated. I'm 55 years old (on cold mornings around 72). As for the bike, it's not actually 'on sale' but is still for sale and available. I just haven't got round to doing anything about it - mainly because my garage is a little tricky to navigate with a broken leg :-) The battery is out and on charge! £4K if you're interested ha ha. All the best, cheers, Phil.

[@darrenwalsh6965]

😀 Love it ! Nothing better than a Jammie Dodger out on the trail. Well done.😀

[@80eightReviews]

Morning Darren, thanks for stopping by. Yeah, biscuits are a vital part of trail riding. Now if there was only a way of taking Kevin the Toaster with me so I could have a nicely toasted crumpet on a chilly day, that would be brilliant! Mmm...Getting hungry now....Must dash, hope all is well with you, cheers, Phil.

[@SuperLaplander]

Good one, cheers mate!

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks very much! Cheers, Phil.

[@d.a.vincentcreations3660]

Really good video. Even though you can't do off-road riding anymore never stop riding motorcycles and continue to make content. :) Where I live I had to give up adventure touring because our roads and the people who drive them are too dangerous. People in South Africa just don't care about riders on the road. I have to do the exact opposite as you now and simply ride off-road. A new journey awaits :). God bless.

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning, great to hear from you and it’s interesting to get an understanding of riding over in South Africa. As for only riding off road I guess you have the space and availability over there to make it a really rewarding experience. I can only imagine the kind of riding, distance and scenery you can get to visit. I’m going to try my best to keep riding - I promise! As winter is about to kick in here and given where I am in my rehab, I’m focussing on April/May 2023 now - either way it will be very different to how it was before. Which is just fine, things change all the time 😀 Anyway, thanks for stopping by, all the best, cheers, Phil.

[@1990-t1j]

If it was a 350, it would be perfect. Better on the road then. I'll be sticking with my KTM 390 Duke in Thailand, and my... wait for this, Can-Am F3-S in Portugal. In Tokyo, 30 years ago, I had a Suzuki DR250SH. Much lighter than the CRF, 29 bhp, the same torque as the Honda, it was quick across Tokyo. Google it. It was a looker, too. I have always missed it. It's the one bike I'd like to still have. Good video, Phil.

[@80eightReviews]

Morning Nick, how are you doing? Yes, I always think 350/400 is about the optimum size for a 4-stroke bike that is going to be genuinely used off road or on green lanes. Unfortunately, there isn't anything really available at that size outside of an enduro bike and while the KTM 390 ADV is a good bike, I'd personally say it was more road oriented. So the CRF is it and as a balance between mud and tarmac it does a really good job. It cruises at 75mph on the road and it suits UK green lanes perfectly - but as always context and usage should always determine which bike is best. Like you, I'd probably prefer an air-cooled and lighter bike but they just don't exist anymore - plus I can't kick-start them anyway these days :-) As always, thanks for stopping by again, and yeah stick with the Duke! I'd love a go of one those! Cheers, Phil.

[@simonturner2867]

Brilliant 👌🏻

[@80eightReviews]

Thanks Simon, hope you’re doing well, cheers, Phil.

[@JLOSTAFF1]

Was rather hoping for a 9 minute review of Devils Water and a few seconds of you can go off road on a Honda whatever it is 300! 😂🤣 Seriously though, you’ll find ways I’m sure of getting out there in the wilderness. Knobblies on the V7 anyone? Keep em coming Phil. 👍

[@80eightReviews]

Morning Jon, Good to hear from you again. I'm quite partial to the Devil's water, but of the ones I've tried so far (still need to 'test' ESB and Whapweasel) it's the Blackhall Stout that really got me going. Lovely and smooth, great flavour and not daft-strong. Nine minute review coming up soon :-) I take you're not keen on mud, snot and ruts? My CRF is for sale - one careful owner? As always, thanks for stopping by...."Keep 'em coming" might be difficult now as I've run out of bikes and footage, so will be reporting to arty-farty reviews of cleaning products. Should be good for at least 1 or 2 views! Cheers, hic, Phil.

[@JLOSTAFF1]

Nice to hear from you Phil. Currently supping Black Sheep Brewery Milk Stout. Simply gorgeous! I’d prefer to walk in the country, so off roading not my thing. But not an “anti” or anything. My Devils Water arriving tomorrow. Still contemplating that bloomin V7 I wish I’d never taken out. Looking forward sort of, to any further info or pics of that horrendous bash of yours. Speak soon. Jon.

[@80eightReviews]

Evening Jon, good choice of stout I have to say. Personally, I’d pair it with a nice Moto Guzzi in your garage. You know it makes sense 😀 I’m surprised you’re letting me off the hook with Z650RS tbh… As for the impending arrival of Devils Water, let me know what you think - personally I’m getting very partial! Cheers, Phil.

[@JLOSTAFF1]

@@80eightReviews Haven’t mentioned Z650RS because I know you’ll get one soon. 😉

[@FabioPascuaThePilot]

Your front brake line is routed incorrectly, it should go between your left fork and the wheel. The way is routed right now is exposed to breaking should you fall to your left side.

[@80eightReviews]

Morning Pedro, thanks for letting me know - I’ll get it sorted before it next goes out, thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.

[@tylerhiggins8687]

Did you crash on the 300l or some other bike?

[@80eightReviews]

Morning Tyler, thanks for stopping by. I had my accident on the Z900RS - hit a car and my right leg took the brunt of the impact. Hyundai i20 - who'd have thought it! Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.

[@iangriffiths9930]

I have the 250 and I don’t usually worry about falling off when I’m off road but I do sometimes get a little worried on the road sections that you have to do here in the UK. Finding suitable protective clothing is a challenge. Warm and protective enough for road but also light enough and flexible enough for off road!

[@sbrooks5683]

😂❤

[@AlpineTreeCare]

Get yourself a nice E mountain bike. It will have better suspension than the Honda and take you wherever you want to go....quietly. It will also keep you very fit.

[@80eightReviews]

Good morning - thanks for stopping by and yes, that's definitely an option I'm considering, cheers, Phil.

[@savage22bolt32]

The good thing about green laning, you probably won't ever see a red car coming at you! My (old) take is, now that I don't have to kick it over to start it, I'll ride until my family genetics hit me (dementia) 🇺🇸🛵 Edit: CRF250L & V7 Stone, I ride slower ever day..

[@80eightReviews]

Mr Savage Bolt, great to hear from you again. Yeah, there's no little red cars on green lanes, so they are implicitly safer I guess. There's still lots of immovable objects though :-) Yeah the balance is all about living your life, managing acceptable risk, responsibilities and making changes (as we grow older) to balance that equation. And that's a personal thing based on whatever factors we, as individuals, face. All I do know is that wrapping yourself up in bubble wrap and never going out, is not an option. Reduced risk - great, living your life no! You've got it right I think. Cheers, Phil.

[@savage22bolt32]

@@80eightReviews ❤