Honda CRF300L Review, Is this the BEST Dual Sport Motorcycle Money Can Buy!? Good For Green Laning?

[@Trevor_Austin]

Apparently they are quite good to travel from South America to Alaska as well.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes it seems they are

[@ripmax333]

and for around world trip as Steph Jeavons did with her 250L.

[@es2312]

certainly not with this small tank on the other hand

[@girlinagale]

Noraley x

[@wolfpackpete6408]

South America to Akaska??? With this little fuel tank, someone would have to plan their route carefully. There will be some long stretches between fuel stations. I have heard of people strapping a jerry can on the back instead of a top box - I wouldn't want that for myself though, I'd simply choose another bike for that purpose.

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

Lovely bike - not to powerful - not too powerless - great for roadtrip adventures and trails. 😁👌

[@Stno3582]

One advantage this bike has is that it is very comfortable on the disastrous UK roads, which pretty much essentially ARE off roads = the numerous pot holes and imperfections on the roads, it takes them easy and you don't feel them as you would on any road bike

[@kevinnielsen1356]

Ahoy. Just bought a brand spankin new one. I love the power delivery of the short stroke engine. More like a 2 stroker than a thumper. The hot water heating system is wonderful riding in cold weather, let er idle till the fan comes on Bob's Your Uncle, nice way to warm up. An engine is only as effective as its transmission. This transmission is a truly great set up, the clutch is the best I've ever used. 1st an 2nd are low enough for technical trails, 3rd an 4th perfect for double track. On the road starting out in 2nd and riding it like a 5spd works great. Offroad suspension upgrade is around 600 for rear shock (a 1" lower shock is an option I chose) and $125- for fork spring and $15- for 10w fork oil. The beauty is wneb the trails are buggy and hot it takes less than an hour to reinstall thd original shock and remove the fork spring for riding back roads. I absolutely love the float thru the bumpy roads feel. A 3.6 gallon Acerbis tank is only $225- at Amazon.

[@michaelfinck6945]

Yes, and the CRF 300 L (as more offroad orientated reviews tell) is very capable and easy to ride offroad, in fact the balance of the bike is described like 70% offroad / 30% street. Last year I went to the dealership (I live in Hamburg, Germany) in May and they said "maybe in Oktober or early 2022". For differant reasons I went for the Grom instead and I ordered it right in the beginning of March this year.. They told me each dealership just gets 2 or 3 Groms from Honda in 2022. It's the same with the CRF 300 L I guess. I got my Grom in June. It is absurd how much fun it is to ride in the city.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

The grom is great for the city! And yes I’d agree this bike is much more off-road oriented

[@MrRourk]

KLX 300 SM if you need more street than dirt

[@MrRourk]

Have you looked at the Husky Svart 401?

[@georgeyboy8186]

@@MrRourk it isn’t available in Europe

[@wrh152]

I have the 300 Rally - it has a tank with bit more range and a windshield. It is a wonderful bike - a lightweight frugal multitool of a machine, perfect for so many things. Thank you Honda!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes I’d like to try it!

[@1990-t1j]

Just watched this agin, Darcy. 83.7 MPG is brilliant. Enjoyable review.

[@ScrapYardDog64]

Nice to see Mr Darcy back on reviewing :) I love this bike!!

[@ginotremblay739]

Crf300l 2022 here, swap the rear shock for the Hagon, now it s a perfect bike!

[@thecrffamilyexperience1989]

Finally got one! Ontario, Canada put a deposit on a 300l Rally April 1st 2022, wasn’t looking good come June so I started calling dealerships and got lucky. A dealership had one ready to go with a few mods installed for a customer but he cancelled right before I called so I put a down on the bike by e-transfer until I finished work and picked it up as soon as I finished. They ARE HARD TO GET!

[@davidmuir6849]

Fantastic review I bought one 3 weeks ago superb bike Cheers Dave from Scotland

[@girlinagale]

Honda dealer had some extras delivered in July so I jumped on one. 500 happy miles, a couple of drops, some pick-up practice, love it.

[@phils2180]

Every dirt bike I've ever owned had a porous finish on the exhaust which rusted from day 1. Sperex VHT paint is the best finish I've found over the years. "Proper" dual sport bikes like this are very popular for obvious reasons. Great for short town work and maybe commuting and VERY capable off-road with the right tyre choice. Nothing like a bit of off roading or serious green laning fun, no traffic no speed cameras😀👍. As for the CR, it's a Honda, 'nuff said.👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Great points there, sure that paint will come in handy!

[@d33b33]

Use Hammerite high heat matt black paint right on the existing rust on the exhaust, no sanding. Works a treat on my old naked '79 GL1000.

[@evan3076]

This would make a great second bike. Looks capable enough on road to get to the dirt tracks where it looks really at home

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Totally agree!

[@davidallen7540]

Great channel. Being an old git, I recall the XT 250 . A very nice bike

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Awesome, very nice indeed

[@captricharddee3634]

I would buy this bike, however the cable over the speedo area would drive me mad.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Nice review Mr Darcy 👍. I had the CB300R with the same engine. I often wondered why they didn't fit it to the CRF250L 🤔 and here we are. People who liked the 250 must love the 300. There seems to be an issue with yours though - the speedo keeps misting over as you're riding along 🤔🤫🤣

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy. Yes I think the speedo must be faulty 😏

[@girlinagale]

It's well documented on KZbin at 59mph it blurs out.

[@coilstreeservice9398]

Now that looks like great fun!!!👍

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

Best buy them quick with Honda not going to sell anymore this year after current stock sells out due to brexit and parts supply shortages, around 10 models all facing the same delays including Groms, Monkeys, cubs etc. Bit more too it than that but can be found if you search it out and a few KZbin videos on it.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Didn’t know about that!

[@girlinagale]

I've really scratched up the plastics by levering it up after a stupid drop at the garage door, kick stand down but it just fell. I've practiced lifting it to confidence now. The scraped panels don't bother me much, it looks like I do hard enduro 😎

[@girlinagale]

I'm just 70kg and suspension is perfect as stock. I love the saggy feel of the bike.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Oh no! I dropped my Harley once on the stand! More than once but that tome it fell. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@girlinagale]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Riding 30 miles to 1st service tomorrow, can't wait.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Great video 👍

[@aceofspades5786]

Great on board filming and fantastic scenery

[@MOTIVATION4MOFFICIAL]

Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art

[@jochenschrey2909]

Supply situation seems still horrible, here in Germany. Last month a dealer told me, I could pre-order for someday next year. If any of the suspension kits comes with paperwork to install it legally in the EU seems also unknown.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

This issue is going to bite us soon in the UK too - with the planned "anti-tampering" laws which are on their way. I really object to heavy-handed politics telling me what I can and can't do to something that I own 😔. It also spells disaster for the huge aftermarket industry and will cause the loss of so many businesses.

[@rickhunt3183]

Everyone needs a dual sport.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

For sure

[@elijah1885]

Once I get my hands on a Harley(This time next year hopefully), I'd definitely consider a bike like this to have a bit of fun on the weekends since there's a lot of places to go Green Laning here in north wales.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

There’s certainly a lot of places to go green laning there!

[@Trevor_Austin]

What speed limit with the Drakeford Dragon impose on green lanes? 4mph and a man in the front with a flag?

[@MrValenttinno]

man I've got a 2019 road king.. and since i bought the 300l i never even started the road king I only use it for off road and this thing is a beauty

[@donherber9839]

Got my grey 300L CRF 23 plate had to wait 4 months well worth it

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Watching in Georgia USA ✌️😎 Thanks! The Honda is a well built machine! 🪶

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Awesome! Certainly is!

[@krasky]

Honda being Honda!

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

You are the first person who liked the stock tires. Try some sand and mud, there are much better tires out there, I will be going with Dunlop 606 rear and Pirelli M16 front as well as upping the rear sprocket to a 45 tooth, adding a good bash plate and hand guards and a rear rack to carry extra gas. I will see about the rear suspension after I ride it bit, but I am not planning to race it, jus do some pretty gnarly trails. 90 % trail and dirt and gravel roads and 10 % paved road. Good video except your comment on the tires I think is way off.

[@marktuohy4427]

Good review...Great information about all aspects of the bike ...

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

The base MSRP: $5,349 (United States) Destination charge: $400 Freight surcharge: $400 $6,149 seems a bit high, but it is a Honda! (On top of all that: Tag/Title/Sales Tax) Taxes, Taxes, and More Taxes 😂 Readily Available at many dealerships across the country.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Sounds pretty good to me 👌🏻

[@michiganmoto7687]

Really? Readily available? Hasn’t been any available in my area. Waiting lists after placing 10% deposit with no projected delivery date.

[@JoJo-hc4dj]

Looks a great bike

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Sure is

[@Mjr1348]

I have a 300L (2021) and recently bought a (2024) KLX300.

[@mollygrubber]

Coincidentally I am picking up my 2022 300L in about 1 hour lol. I've been on a waiting list for several months, I had a 250L and regretted selling it. I am in Vancouver for what it's worth.

[@vstm3950]

"A bit rust on exhaust pipe" modestly said lad! This pipe is eaten away

[@andynunn6851]

Brought one in March 24 after previously owning a 250l for many years. Bars look slightly bent back on the throttle side? Speaking from experience, very easy to bend in a drop. Love mine and the different roads it encourages me onto.

[@wolf772]

Trying to decide between a 2017 crf250l and a 2021 Himalayan. I know I’ll need to get some luggage or a windshield for the Honda but I can’t help but want it for a reliable commuter. Still can’t quite decide though

[@simongilbert2704]

i think you need to upgrade the front pipe rather than the rear ; noise is enough ;

[@rulfryder17290]

i got mine last month after waiting one year 😅 i like it even if it is slow. But therefore i have my big Africa Twin to go on longer trips. it is great for commuting. I do not go offroad with this one... it ist just very cheap in fuel consumption, tax, etc.

[@stephenmckenzie2014]

Glad to hear they come in after a year wait. That means I only have 3 months to go before mine arrives. The dealers must be even more frustrated, thinking how many they could sell if they only had them.

[@piper87c]

I’m a new subscriber, I’ve got RoadKing that I love, an old 1972 Honda CL 350 to put around on, but I’d love to have something like this or the RE scram 411. I’m about 6’4” so I need something that fits

[@bartel-shop]

nice video !!!

[@needcd3628]

Wish it gets launched in india. Lot of trails to be explored with a machine like this

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

That would be awesome, hopefully

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

This one and the Rally are fabulous, when Honda actually has them in stock very popular. The question with the exhaust, most people will replace the entire system asap. So is this your choice ( hypothetical scenario ) as the mini Adventure. I say this because you now have the Triumph 400x, Kawasaki Versys 300, Enfield 450.

[@rotax636nut5]

That's a really pretty Honda you have there Darcy, I think I'd love to have one of those in my garage, I could never understand why the O'l Man sold his after such a short time..

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you! His was the crf250rx which was the hardcore enduro racing bike. He realised it was a bit too much and that he wasn’t particularly enjoying it. Plus from a content point of view no one was interested so we have to think of that too.

[@rotax636nut5]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan ok, comprende

[@madpete6438]

It would be reasonably easy to motard.... That would be nice.

[@BobberRider]

Hmm, I'd be popping it back to the dealer and asking for the rusty exhaust to be changed under warranty at that mileage and age. Just to see them wriggle. ;-)

[@retozimmermann]

Was riding the smaller engine brother of this on holiday a few days ago. Lovely indeed. The one complaint I have though is about the comfort of the seat after a couple of hours. I assume that is no different on the 300.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I’ve not ridden the small one but yes it’s not the best for very long journeys

[@wombat1238marsupial]

I think the rusting down pipe is a bit of a let down on a new bike with such low miles. I had a 350LC back in the early 80's and the exhausts took about 3 years before the paint started to tarnish , so come on Honda, or change to stainless to keep the good looks. As always another great and honest review😊😊😊😊

[@vstm3950]

Had 250 brand new in 2018 and twas brilliant, gave so much fun and freedom. Loved riding it until i sold it at 10kkm (1 year ownership). Would love this 300 back in my garage. What do you think is it's competition today?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Excellent. Hard to say; we don’t get much choice in the uk in this style of bike.

[@tjubix1525]

Kawasaki KLX 300

[@Texasbroski512]

Pretty hood apocalypse vehicle paining some camo and can be a a good vehicle to go out and do some scouting and recon from home base

[@SuperAndyyyy]

it now comes in grey perfect for stealth camping!

[@BlazinBlades]

Didn’t you guys review this bike last year? Any significant updates?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes we did, and no not really. I hadn’t ridden it though so I wanted to give it a go

[@jochenschrey2909]

Excuse me, what MPG might Honda be displaying? UK or US?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

This is uk

[@michiganmoto7687]

Honda specs in US shows US MPG. Since our standard gallon is slightly smaller than the UK gallon our MPG is slightly lower.

[@davidhawkins120]

Father would disapprove of the gold forks😎

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes he would, although I think he’d agree they suit this bike

[@crumblymal8479]

Like i this one good to have fun on for sure 👍

[@domusdebellum3042]

im at 6 months waiting on my rally

[@rickreardon4163]

I like this bike...but I really want for a dual sport a Beta 500RR-S! I hope that someday you will get opportunities to review Betas!

[@got_to_roll]

Deposits placed 6 months ago, still waiting.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

That sucks!

[@drueatcer]

I bought a Yamaha XT 350 Enduro back in 1989. Do you think this Honda 300 has quite a bit more power than the 350?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Probably not tbh. Bikes nowadays are more stifled by emissions regs

[@shevgreen1960]

Sooo when is suzuki releasing a new DRZ!?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

No idea, they aren’t interested in lending us bikes :(

[@shevgreen1960]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan yehh suzuki seem to be of the mentality 'we make great products, we don't need to advertise'. But now the drz has competition, they can simply drop in a 6 speed and EFI and blow them away. They don't even need much R&D

[@drueatcer]

So they don’t put Kickstarter‘s on them anymore?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Nope I’m afraid not

[@krasky]

I have always been interested in this motorcycle and somehow still am. It is light, it is reliable (Honda!), it is versatile, it is cheap to maintain. Almost the perfect motorcycle. However, when I test rode the predecessor, the CRF250L, I was very disappointed. The performance felt even less than it is and came very late at all. The steering was relatively sluggish. The suspension was VERY soft, as mentioned here in the video - this feels very odd at first. I really had no fun riding that bike! It's a shame that there aren't really any other Dual Sports left otherwise. A lightweight 650 would be ideal. I hope that there may still be a revival. Unless you do a lot of off-road riding, a V-Strom 650 would therefore be the more sensible choice in the end. More comfort, significantly more power, not much more consumption and just as proven technology. But significantly larger, heavier and more expensive.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes this is more off-road focused than on road I think

[@ripmax333]

not to mention that it has a very weak frame, I had a 2013 Crf250L, Learned a lot riding it because it was my first tallish bike, with my 32-inch inseam it was ok but once you get the hang of it and start to increase speed on those green lanes the rear suspension is the equivalent of a pogo stick. the front dives a lot during breaking and for a person like me who many times couldn't fully flat foot it, it can put you easily off balance and drop the bike. The frame is very weak at the foot pegs attachment brackets, if you drop it on a rocky terrain there's a chance to bend in the frame on that AREA, mine did at it was a fall from a standstill. the subframe was also a weak point but it was expected on this type of motorcyclce. on the older models, there was a placard saying not to put any luggage that weights more than 5kg behind the pillion portion of the seat if I was mistaken. some managed to crack the subframe but on the early models, it really wasn't an issue because it can be easily replaced by removing a few bolts and it wasn't expensive at that time. but on the New models, the rear subframe is permanently welded to the frame and I really do like that on a dual-sport. It isn't a powerhouse but the motor is easy and fun to work on, the valve adjustment is really easy to do as you don't need to remove the camshaft and mess with any alignment.

[@madpete6438]

Husky 701 SM... Very Light... Very Fast.. Very Nimble... And if you are not 7 foot tall - you can get lowering kits....

[@krasky]

@@madpete6438 But damn expensive due to no real competition left.

[@madpete6438]

@@krasky Heck yes - but Honda is always a bit expensive....... Mind you I have 2x Honda GB 500's.... Nice bikes and a Husky Vitpilen. Honda is good at competent motorcycles but they do not make exciting motorcycles (Like the Vitpilen) - The sort you hop on and it eggs you on, makes charging at winding country roads seem so normal and easy...

[@Jim52154]

Can the fuel cap be opened with a key, or does it work without key?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I can’t actually remember tbh with you

[@monman8183]

That power output is very low for that size engine.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It is but it’s very light so it doesn’t feel as low as it sounds

[@jochenschrey2909]

Maybe, but I 'd happily accept that as a trade of for the service interval. Changing oil every monday isn't my dream of fun.

[@hakimlehaineux]

Hi sir 🖐️ what is your height, how much do you weigh, please?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Hi! I say my height in the video. Weight was about 80kg when this was filmed

[@hakimlehaineux]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan sory sir my inglish is 🤭. Thank you sir 🖐️

[@1990-t1j]

Definitely a good bike. Shame it isn't a 350.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes a 350 would be nice

[@krasky]

500 would be great! I doubt that a jump from 300 to 350 would really be noticeable. The jump from the CRF250L to the CRF300L should probably not be noticeable either.

[@1990-t1j]

@@krasky The 300 feels a bit quicker than the 250, riders say. I think a 350 would feel better. More torque. A 450. Now, that would be great. But not the one they offer which needs servicing every fve minutes.

[@JohnBackus101]

I'm 5'7 with a 33 inch inceam do you think I'll be able to ride this bike

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes but you’ll be on tiptoes when you stop. The supermoto version is a bit lower

[@alelectric2767]

33 inch inseam at 5,7? Wow! Im 5,8 with 30 inseam and I have the Rally 250. Im on the balls of my feet when sitting in the bike. Don’t think you’d have any issue.

[@JohnBackus101]

@@alelectric2767 Thanks brother now i feel a bit more confident.

[@markbright7845]

Every video review complains about the budget rear suspension, which is far to soft for the average rider, let alone a heavier rider. Why will Honda not do anything about this? Adjusting the pre-load really does not make much difference, and is awkward to do. Clearly you haven't taken the time to try this yourself. The thought of having to spend another £300 or so immediately on a better rear shock would make me look for a lightly used pre-owned one.

[@jessepoorman2621]

How tall are you?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

6ft 1

[@peacockchristopher99]

There’s just no excusing an exhaust that looks that bad in just a few hundred miles.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes not the best

[@jochenschrey2909]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Glad you were given a chance to notice.

[@kevinpollard1550]

A brill bike what sort of top speed can it do .brill review again

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It can do 80mph pretty easily. Probably will go a bit higher but feels a little unstable at that speed

[@kevinpollard1550]

I wonder if they will do a 500 that would brill

[@Beeds5]

Blurred speedo in a 30 zone tut tut.

[@dirtrider9268]

Paying for the Honda label when every major label dirtbike has similar build quality or better, is no bargain. Given how this is built in Bangkok with lesser kit, not out of their Japan tier 1 factories, explains alot. Look at the suspension at this price. Is it reliable, who knows, its a new offshore build during a Pandemic. So is it great cause "its a Honda", no. Is this the Unicorn Light ADV bike?, sadly no. Go with the tested-vetted performers, the 450l or EXCs till they come out w the 490. Of course at a higher price, cause they're far better for that job. Is this bike cute, yes, but if you need it to perform on real adventure terrain at speed, that label doesn't help you.

[@michiganmoto7687]

Everyone has an opinion. Everyone’s needs and expectations are different. Everyone has different riding styles. There is no such thing as a unicorn, only what most closely matches up to your individual requirements.

[@dirtrider9268]

@@michiganmoto7687 opinions? ...i stated a couple facts. But tell us of your Honda purchase. Give us your facts uncovered. If no facts, tell us how you ride it and what is awesome about it, besides the old "its a Honda" line, which offers no insight on today's bikes.

[@Largetalons]

Lol it's really not that serious. There are people that just want to hit the trails without having to change their oil every 600 miles. For every loser flexing on KZbin there is someone riding something like a tw200 or trail 125 who is thinking the 300l would be a nice upgrade.

[@dirtrider9268]

@@Largetalons Lol, If you don't race a race-ready bike, you don't follow a race maintenance schedule...to the loser believing the "Best Dual Sports" bike, is equal to best cheap mini-bikes.

[@jonbe8304]

Rust and excessive wear on frame at this age and super soft shock with a 6k price tag, puts me off.

[@MrRourk]

Front forks suck, and rear shock needs to be replaced...just things to keep in mind The KLX 300 is very capable machine without needing all the upgrades the Honda does.

[@KentwoodWarrior]

WR is better than both new offerings.

[@alinn.4341]

KLX is not available in EU due to missing ABS and WR is discontinued. DRZ is not being sold as well, so Honda is the only choice in EU.

[@malcolmhead2852]

Yay me first!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

💯😎

[@Ganesh.krish0212]

Oh we Indians are hoping Honda brings this over. They just applied for the patent on the name. But they patent everything here bring nothing.. Hope …

[@markwilliamson2795]

Were you speeding ?...lol...

[@landros7248]

The Euro regulations emissions stupidity by Europe I really hate them anyway it's Good for second bike only

[@SiggyCloud]

Just over 1000 miles? Mate NO ONE has ridden that thing, NO ONE has been thrashing it. It's brand new. The rust is surface rust and it happens on virtually every exhaust sooner or later. It's just surface rust~

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

Ok, so there's a 450RL...

[@jackmcandle6955]

Great review, but you’re driving on the bloody wrong side of the road!

[@frankpinion4937]

It's a toy & a load of rubbish. They've only just bored the 250 out. Useless unless you have a trailer. It's a trail bike not adventure bike-big difference. Too gutless & for a lot of people ridiculously high seat height.

[@alinn.4341]

Nah man its too low for me, I had to buy a new shock. The engine is not bored... its the 286 cc from the cbr300. Take it easy.

[@MrValenttinno]

i got it as a second bike.. now my other bike sits still i love the 300

[@briantrend7401]

Ok so if I'm 5'5" tall that soft suspension is going to allow me on..right??? Yeah I will get one but in the UK I suppose that's a full year to wait? Why such poor supply doesn't anyone in the UK want to make a living? There are customers waiting out there. Something tells me the eu is involved here with their corrupt nonsense

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Depends on your weight but it is quite a tall bike 👍🏼

[@Pan1man4]

A bike well ridden on Itchy Boots adventures, check out her YT. MATOM great videos, 70 now and gave up my ST1100 and CBF600 a few years ago, really miss biking tempted every time I watch videos like this to buy another bike.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks very much. We’re not fans of Itch Boots tbh but I know she’s popular 👍🏼