Honda CRF300L Two year review. All year riding in all conditions.

[@rosswilliams531]

Great vid mate. Clear and concise too unlike many UK vloggers who can learn from our U.S cousins. I bought one too for exactly the same reasons and love it esp after 2k miles. Even like the tyres and suspension. So easy and enjoyable to ride and I dont worry about taking it out in the rain either lol. Be aware they are so nickable for thieves which I learnt only weeks after I purchased it but thankfully a good chain prevented it from being taken. I wont leave mine unattended even for a minute now when out. It def draws attention (good and bad) but its a keeper as a second bike.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Hi Ross Thank you for your comments, really appreciate them. I have just found a large split in my rear Tyre, so it looks like a change of rubber coming soon. I know what you mean about the bike thieves and the CRF's, like you I never leave it unattended when out, then triple locks in the garage. Ride safe mate .

[@Knobblytyressoggysocks]

Will be getting my crf300l soon and will be new to greenlaning. I got tired of the expensive maintenence of a sports bike and weight and bored of the roads. Im 5'4" and 10 stone and suits me well and looking forward to learning new skills.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

its a brilliant and easy bike to live with. the power is just enough to do most trails, but not too much to get you into trouble.. I ride all year round. Enjoy yours Thanks Mike

[@Jacko1980]

Great review, really considering getting one. How important is a suspension upgrade on it if most of my riding is off road ( I’m 5,10 and 12 stone )? Also what other mods would you say are important? I heard that the tyres aren’t the best as they’re 50/50 road / off road, they’re neither good on or off road, is that right ?

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Thank you for your comments. I thought the stock suspension was basic but acceptable and forgiving. I only changed it as my skills developed, but more than adequate for a beginner to off road.. as for the stock tyres, they work very well on road and not too bed off road too. Just like the suspension, upgrade them as your skills develop. Cheers Mick

[@michaelgibbons8339]

Have you noticed the rattle at 5k revs?

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

To be fair, not really. I know a lot of people mention this but it’s not a major rattle on my bike. Cheers Mick.

[@michaelgibbons8339]

@@RAD_RIDERS_UK no worries thanks for the response. It’s pretty bad I’m mine, makes me want to sell it. Might see if it can be repaired under warranty?

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

@@michaelgibbons8339 I've seen videos on you tube that remove the charcoal canister and the valve connected to this and is solved the problem. But defiantly take it into Honda under warranty, as it shouldn't be that bad. Good luck with it, Mick

[@leeinwis]

Got the 2018 black 250 rally , 10k miles on her now , just changed tires 1k ago and never the battery or spark plug , I do need to replace the air filter soon but other than that just oil/filter changes ( I do 2x as many as called for) , and it's been thru every kinda weather and landscape, never a problem .

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

That's minimal cost of service ownership for these bikes. just look after the oil and filter and she will last a lifetime. Thanks for your comments

[@lizbarber3473]

I love this bike , I’ve had heaps of bikes over the years , bigger adventure bikes , and enduro , I don’t think I’ll ever sell this one, ten years ago I would have said it’s underpowered , the suspension is shit , but I’m getting on now and it just suits me so well . Thanks for the video .👍🏻👍🏻

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

I'm exactly the same as you. I've had lots of heavy and powerful bikes in the past, but since owning this CRF, its been so much fun, and taken me on so many off road adventures. its now my go to bike, every time. Thanks for the comments and ride safe.

[@almog3875]

Hey man, do you think it could be a good beginner bike? I don’t really plan to go off road with it to be honest. I mainly want it for its reliability and its price.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

@@almog3875 yes mate. This is a very friendly and easy first bike. I would definitely recommend it for a beginner. Cheers Mick

[@almog3875]

@@RAD_RIDERS_UK Thank you for the quick reply. That’s good to know! Highly appreciated, thanks.

[@lachlancannard]

I'm in a very similar situation to you. 300 Rally replacing a 390 Adventure, with a Bonneville as the primary bike. The Honda is currently in pieces, getting new exhaust, ECU and airbox mods. Keen to get back out on it.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Very similar to me. Replaced the 390 for the CRF and the Bonnie as my main ride. Hope you get the 300 sorted and back on the road as the good weather is on its way. Ride safe.

[@lachlancannard]

@mikelyon01 Test rode the bike round the block. Rear shock seems good, firmer spring on the front is less easy to notice. Exhaust is a bit louder than I'd like, even with the baffle in, but it definitely is smoothing out the throttle.

[@motomc6962]

Looking at downsizing from a supersport to this bike, I had a 2015 250L and really liked it but it had a lot of issues hadn’t been looked after by previous owners. Really thinking of selling my cbr for a 2024 300L

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

There are a few around now. These things can gat neglected and abused, but there are plenty of good used ones available.

[@walterhaumaier9137]

I love my rally I have over 5500miles on it and it’s been great

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Really glad your enjoying it. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Mike

[@jkmayhem]

For the Norwegian roads i ride on the west side of the country. The crf is awesome. Not as highway worthy as my xl750 on long 300+ km rides. But the crf 300 rally has been an absolute delight otherwise. Use it when the weather is shit to work. And some gravel trails localy. Best dualsport in my eyes for sure. Have friends with the bigger ktm's and husquarnas. They have had issues several times a year. Heat issues. Brake discs warping. Leaks. Rust etc. Both my hondas have had zero issues. xl750 is at 18500km. Crf is at 9000something km.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Totally agree with your comments. The CRF is a trustworthy, reliable and fun machine that’s very capable. However there are better choices for mile munching motorway distances. Cheers Mick

[@fcalin21]

I am waiting for the CFmoto version of this motorcycle. This honda needs another 2500 euro in parts and will still not be solved entirely the throttle .

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

I couldn't agree more.

[@jeremyadams5886]

Bro I went a thousand miles within 3 weeks of having my bike and can say every factory part on this bike sucks ass. But most parts are cheap which is a plus I tend to go off-roading and my first experience falling was my handlebar bending and my break handle chipping off. It is a great bike so far but expect to get new handlebars that are made better and other common hardware upgrades

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

I agree, Its a good job there are after market parts to make this a proper off road machine Cheers Mike

[@kgk7987]

Ah the Brum, lived there for 10 years, what a lovely and friendly city.. Still love it though.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Many thanks

[@leeinwis]

used to be

[@leonardwilkins618]

Hi… I’d like to know where you purchased your windshield?

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Hi. I bought it off eBay. Its brand is Kompozit GP. This is the regular size but the do a taller version. I think it was around £80.

[@jeffsadowski7759]

Lovely video sir! Getting mine in a few weeks. Can you tell me what windscreen that is? I'd like to get the one you've got...Cheers😊

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Hi, Yes it was from eBay and the model is the Kompozit GP. Hope that helps

[@jeffsadowski7759]

Wonderful...Thanks much!❤

[@Off-Road-4x4]

I think the 300 is more of a ladies bike as they made it easier to ride, the Daddy is the 250.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Never rode the 250, but heard that lots. when I get to ride one, ill do a comparison. Cheers Mike

[@Funco1979]

You're too big for it....... should be learning on a Husqvarna 360cc 2stroke enduro.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

I’ve just upgraded the subscription and will check it out this weekend. I take onboard what you say about the Husky 2 banger though. Great machine 👍

[@Funco1979]

​@@RAD_RIDERS_UKThe 360 2 stroke would go like a bat out of hell! Lol! Tear your arms out! The Honda CRF300L is a nice bike and it's alright for riders of any ability. I've heard that the suspension is it's biggest flaw.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

@@Funco1979 I agree, the suspension is its biggest flaw. They have to build it on a budget, but easy upgradable. I wouldn't mind the 360 as an addition to the CRF

[@Funco1979]

The new KLX 300 sold in The States looks nice with all new plastics and they have better suspension than the CRF and slightly quicker. Both good solid trail bikes though.

[@AntiDEDok]

Heh 2 years sounds solid until you're not mentioning 2000miles. That's barely touched bike :/ dudes are doing more puts season shredding their mtbs on the trails.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

2000 miles is not a lot in two years, and is 90% off road use. working 6 days a week, running 4 bikes, keeping the wife, a dog and playing football, reduces the CRF time, but I take your point.

[@christianweller4288]

A change of fork.springs and a heavier fork oil and that would probably solve most of the common CRF complaints. There's much to be said for this class of motorcycles for just getting about and using as just transport that doesn't risk your license.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

just purchased front and rear suspension from YSS. I will be installing these next weekend. Hopefully this will be a huge improvement over stock. I totally agree with your toon this class of motorcycle. Just easy bikes to live with.

[@PanagiotisXinos]

Lovely bike indeed!

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Many thanks 👍

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

A little bit soft/spongy? Worst suspension ever for off-road use. The old XR400R was a better bike in almost every way. The Rally Raid suspension is probably the best upgrade for this bike. Like all Honda dirt bikes this bike thrives on abuse. I bought mine in September and already have 6000 kms on it. Mostly off-road.

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

I've just ordered the YSS front and rear suspension, so will be upgrading that soon. 6000 miles since September, that's great. I wish I had more time to ride mine

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

@@RAD_RIDERS_UK I am very dissatisfied with my YSS shock and fork kit. The shock fades badly when it gets hot and the fork kit is very badly designed. The clickers have zero effect on compression or damping. If I keep the bike I am going to trash the YSS garbage and go with the Rally Raid up grade.

[@DBAUG]

Sorry. 2500 miles in two years...

[@RAD_RIDERS_UK]

Yes it’s a second bike and the miles have been mainly off road. We have very few legal lanes near Manchester, so mainly van the bike to wales or the Yorkshire dales.