Is The CRF300L Actually Good? 3500 Mile Review

[@eljuano28]

It's "beat a dead horse." "Beat off a dead horse," is an entirely different, and more horrifying thing.

[@prittsybaby]

I caught that too. I had a good laugh

[@gregorymccoy6797]

Probably a reddit for that 🤔

[@stephenrice5938]

That’s an edit you might want to make (in case the cops are watching).

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

Damn right. When I beat-off a horse, it has to be alive!

[@demoncleaner80]

At first I noticed "Without further to-do" instead of "ado"; and then he immediately follows up with "Not to beat off a dead horse" lol! I hope it was just some dry humor than think he has been going through life saying "beat off a dead horse" and no one was a good enough friend to correct him.

[@dylanlough5234]

“I don’t want to continue to beat off a dead horse” , you got my sub right there brother

[@JoshM127]

HAHAHAHAHAHA I knew i couldnt be the only one that caught that!

[@rykehuss3435]

rickyism

[@markkennedy5712]

Yes, worth it. Love mine. 72 years old and perfect for me.

[@cornell833]

Is it highway ready

[@christopherdesbaux5950]

Still alive Mark?

[@salazam]

another old fart. sheesh, they're on every single video by the droves!

[@robertsulicz7565]

Most positive review I've seen yet on this particular bike. The suspension horror stories are concerning but I think I'm going to pull the trigger. Thank you for a very straightforward honest review.

[@salazam]

He admit's he's a novice in the dirt and you still take his word? What a sucker.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

I've been riding Red all my life to 55 years young. I, wife and kids have an Africa Twin, have had numerous Honda dirt bikes, Honda SUVs, mowers, quads, gens ect. All incredibly reliable! Are they all perfect? No, but a close as one could reasonably wish for. Keep on riding, enjoying new adventures and adding memories on this, and any new to you bikes in your future young man. Life is grand on two wheels and a smile :-)

[@drumcdoo9050]

Great unbiased review. Love your comment on riding a slow bike fast rather than a fast bike slow. Lightness and agility make for much more of a fun ride...

[@salazam]

The bike weighs over 300 lbs. That's not light for dirtbikes. It's slow AND heavy.

[@Enclave.General]

as someone who is wanting to get started, i was looking at the CRF300l. so i'm glad i found this channel.

[@distinctivedentures3610]

I have a 300l, I'm 170 lb and I love the suspension. I've had a 250 lb passenger and I was shocked at the speed and smoothness of the ride...forest service road.

[@razorsharpbt7666]

Yeah, I'm 200 pounds and I have no problems with the suspension. I really don't understand what all the complaining is about. I love the bike.

[@tylerhickernell3099]

The complaint is that the spring is too soft and the rebound dampening is almost non-existent. If you ride super easy and stuff it’s adequate I’d say, but otherwise it is lacking.

[@Pokitchange86]

@@razorsharpbt7666 awesome to hear. He almost steered me away from it with that comment. I've got the Africa twin and want something lighter to hit the single track with.

[@razorsharpbt124]

@@Pokitchange86 Yeah, I have an Africa Twin as well and I love it and will hang on to it for sure, but the 300L is so much lighter and more nimble. It is a blast to ride and has plenty of power. The suspension is just a non-issue for me. Go for it! You're gonna love it!

[@Deertracks123]

Found the springs on the 300 and 250 simply horrible 300$ racetec front and rear definitely helped

[@paultaylorduke]

“Beat off a dead horse”. lmao

[@dominicmoon7794]

I was checking the comments specifically too see if anyone had mentioned this yet.

[@billyarsenault1970]

It’s gonna be hard to ever watch your vids and not flashback to that low side on the ice in the middle of an intersection. Classic- you the man.

[@charlesmaynard470]

I have owned 2 DR 650s, the suspension on my 300l is way way better, especially up front. The engine is more refined,it starts and idles better,transmission is way less cluncky,and I don't constantly find my self looking for a sixth gear on the highway. That being said the little 300 definitely needs an ecu tune and exhaust to help down low. All in all I definitely prefer this bike. Oh and nobody ever talks about this but it looks like a new Era machine. Tons of compliments on this bike. Very happy with the purchase.

[@americandude3825]

Hand guards are understated. I went down on a dirt road at 65 mph on a Yamaha tw200. Of course all safety gear including gloves. But I would have crushed my right hand if I didn’t have guards when I went down. Then the bike flew over me and dragged me down the road about 40 feet. Got up. Rode home. Had my dad take me to ER. Chin bone was grounded down. Blood on face. Hands. Back. Knees. Ankles. Headlight. Seat. They had to reform my chin bone and gimme 20 stitches. I was riding four days later!

[@MarioReinhardt2525]

The 13 y/o in me just can’t help it…. I don’t want you to continue to beat off a dead horse either, or ever start to for that matter 🤣. Otherwise, a pretty solid review.

[@Kingwoodish]

Beat up, not beat off.

[@wipperwils2111]

@@Kingwoodish closer but still not right: it’s Beat a dead horse. As in trying to whip it to get to work.

[@THERexKramer]

without further to do, sometimes you just gotta beat off a dead horse Julian!

[@leobender2910]

@Rodney 1984 it might actually put a smile on the dead horse's face

[@turtleneck2156]

That was soooo funny 🤣

[@mikeguitarification]

Good, fair, balanced review. I feel the same way about mine. Love the bike, perfect for the riding I do and my beginning/intermediate skill level.

[@bigfranchise]

Dude, you should partner with someone and do reviews on more motorcycles. This was way too professional and very well put together

[@saymyname3097]

I love this bike, I'm 65 and use it around various towns in my area. Round trips of 30 to 100 km. Sometimes on dirt roads. I'm enjoying it, the suspension is OK for my use 👍

[@jkmarshall3553]

Cool... I really doubt this bike was made for whoops and the track as he indicates the limitations with the suspension.

[@salazam]

old fogey bike, lol. Get a Hoveround, Gramps!

[@Fishinwill]

Also, being an older rider, do you recommend the 300L for ease of use? I have a large adventure bike (2022 H-D Pan America) but want to get a smaller dual sport to practice on. Thoughts?

[@jorgensen8]

I was thinking of getting one of these little bikes and enjoyed your review. Only one comment. I've been riding over 50 years and have kept up on most of the data concerning oil changes plus have several bikes with over 100k on them. By every engineering standard today changing every 1000 miles is wasteful and not good for either your bike, your pocket book, your time or the environment. If you have time (just skip one oil change) please look up this issue in a little bit of depth from the people who know: engineers and engine manufactures. But remember, the dealer has a vested interest in changing your oil, the manufacturer doesn't. The only issue I see with you is perhaps the way you which may qualify for 'rough' service (not reckless but just short dusty roads) but even that would make your oil last to 4000 miles minimum. I believe you have a water cooled engine which is very easy on oil and nothing like the 400 degrees an old air cooled bike can get up to, and from where the misnomer of short oil change intervals sprung from. Good luck.

[@junglie]

yeah but theres only a couple of litres of oil in there

[@tomg4592]

I agree with jorgensen8 completely. The only reason I could see for changing every 1000 miles would be if you only put 1000 miles on the bike per year. If you put very low miles on the bike then change it once per year. Changing oil every 1000 miles is a total waste.

[@wipperwils2111]

Pretty sure this is great logic. On a bike with 24,000 miles, the manufacturer would have put you through 6L to maybe 10L of oil if you do the filter each time. By your approach you’d have wasted between 48 and 56L (depending on oil filter changes). That’s an additional 40+L in the bin not to mention $400 spent, plus hours lost…. I vote trust your manufacturer’s recommendation.

[@custodianvrael6471]

I've a mate with one of these, and he does the change once every 10,000-12,000 km

[@demoncleaner80]

Reminds me of my first Tacoma truck. I believe the manual says 5000 miles -- I definitely went close to 10000 once, and I remember my Dad always gave me a hard time for not changing it every 3000. I just remember responding, "The manufacturer manual doesn't say 3000, and since they make the truck, I'm going to listen to them" Lol. Drove it for 17 years before I traded it in towards a new vehicle. Sometimes I miss it and wish I had kept it as a second vehicle.

[@kiwiadventurer]

Great report and quote of the day...."I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow".

[@TylerMcCool]

agreed

[@carfirehawk1]

I'm so opposite... I like the idea of knowing that I can punch it at will... would you rather be poor and spend it all, or rich and live a modest lifestyle???

[@erichardman9637]

the one that stuck with me was, "I don't want to beat off a dead horse...". 😂

[@GratefulOverlander]

@@carfirehawk1 that has to be the dumbest comparison ever!

[@JimLBon]

Agreed. I used to ride street bikes and it’s just not fun riding 60mph on a 450-550 pound 1000cc monster. Doing 45mph on a 250-650 single is an absolute blast by comparison. Contrary to most I’ve encountered, I actually think these sub 350lb dual sports are the best even for street riding in town, not to mention the obvious trail/fire road uses. I have 0 interest in riding anything else these days.

[@Pedros93]

Great video! my honest opinion of the CRF300L after 7/8 months as my main method of transportation is this: i agree with you in everything but one, the tires, on roads they're absolutely fine, off-road i feel the need to let some air out (the recommendation for the stock ones is 1.7bars). At those air pressures (the recommended) the bike "springs" a lot over small rocks, there's barely any traction in anything more than light gravel, and mud is a nightmare, BUT with the tires at around 1Bar, it handles SO MUCH BETTER, it's like a completely different set of tires altogether, they're still not in the same league as a proper off-road tyre (obviously) but i can actually ride with confidence. TD:LR: The stock tires at 1.7bars (the recommended) sucks for off-road, at 1bar it's like a dream

[@jonkim8151]

At 1.0 bar, Do you run with a rim lock ?

[@nnutanprabhat]

1000 mile oil change is little too much for a bike like this, but to each their own. Good review.

[@PrimoStracciatella]

It's like taking ten showers a day - won't hurt but won't help.

[@ih8momjokes1]

actually that will hurt, dries out your skin. as for the engine, an engine experiences the most wear the moment it is started after an oil change with filter change. good day

[@macalacalan1175]

What an excellent review! I came here by chance via Itchy Boots (I’m a CB500X owner). Your presentation is absolutely top notch - calm and steady - unlike so many macho reviewers who assault the viewers like unhinged machine guns (by way of example - RevZilla - absolutely ghastly). You are a welcome contrast. Whilst I love my 500X, in many situations I do miss my Yamaha XT250 which, like your machine, gave me that incredible versatility to ride in ‘rougher’ conditions. Seems to me that the extra 50cc in your machine allows you to travel long distances more comfortably than the XT250 allowed - and which was it’s only failing. Happy riding.

[@pezpengy9308]

i have my first bike.... a tw200. i love it to pieces but i have to admit that it doesnt haul my 275lb butt around with any authority so i totally get the extra 50cc thing. ill still never sell it. it gets well over a thousand smiles per gallon. ironically, if i ever go for longer trips ill also opt for a cb500x.

[@tonyrdr7207]

Top review spot on. Just a couple of points to help anyone contemplating buying one. The stock tyres are indeed ok I just did 3800 ks with them on the Greek TET and they survived and got me through all the constant sharp rock trails and all the abuse. On heavy sand though with a loaded bike they are a handful that will have you question if the bike is suitable. A good set of rubber will have it flying over the sand dunes. I used the bike on the TET completely stock except for a pair of hand guards and again I was surprised how well the stock 300 rally handled everything. Yes the one I have in Australia is mixed a bit and suspension and tyres really transform the bike but like you said in the video just take it a bit easier and there is no need to throw money at the bike immediately. As far as outgrowing it when you get more experience for me it was the opposite this bike has replaced a full rally raid prepared 701 and I don’t regret the decision one bit. The 701 was nothing but trouble. Sure I will miss the power but not all the stress and expense. This is the cheapest and strangely the best adv bike I have ever had. Don’t ignore the rally it looks fragile with. All the plastics but they are tough enough and it needs very little in the way of add ons to make it a full blown adv bike. Finally this bike is not for everyone. Have a ride on one before you commit. It deeply depends what you are looking for. Thought for me it is the best adv bike out there I know a couple of my mates that would shoot themselves after a couple of days on it.

[@thefulldrivehotrockband5963]

Hi Do you think it is not good for road touring?"

[@tonyrdr7207]

@@thefulldrivehotrockband5963 I think it is a great bike for road touring given how well it handles off road funny how enough I find it more comfortable on the road then my DR 650 and take the rally over the DR even on not so difficult trips that also involve allot of tar. At 95 100ks an hour and some periods of 110 the bike is very comfortable and planted and handles the road well and is not trying at all. At 120 and over it is not that happy. It can do it but the engine is not in the sweet spot it got a bit squirmy on the stock tyres and suspension. So conclusion if you need a go anywhere bike and will use it fully loaded in the tighter trails and don’t mind doing long distances at 100 on the highway it is great. If you are just going to be doing easy gravel roads and mainly road trips. There are a lot better bikes out there that are better suited to this application.

[@NANA-qn8on]

Got my 2022 in July. Have 3500 miles on it now and have absolutely no regrets buying it. 10 outa 10 for the bike and your video. Thanks

[@allans7281]

Excellent review mate ! you covered many valid points. I like how you speak clearly and slowly. When you’re off road suspension and reliability is everything. Riding a slow bike fast absolutely is more fun! smaller motors require more technique

[@Buck1954]

Look up Itchy Boots. She is using one of these to travel up through South America to Alaska. She travels dirt roads and trails intentionally; hates pavement. She has it pretty loaded. I wouldn't say sh had the best off-road skills, but she has improved much since being invited to a Rally in South Africa. She is a true off-road traveler on this little 300.

[@marsoelflaco5722]

She raves about this bike.✌🏽

[@salazam]

@@marsoelflaco5722 That's because she's a girl.

[@salazam]

no

[@ronald8673]

Sadly, the US is a drop in the bucket of the overall Honda global sales. They sell over 40 times more bikes just in Asia than in the US. As it says on their website , this series of bikes was designed for their global market. So take into consideration the average male overseas is 5ft 6in and 125lbs and has beginner level skills. this was the parameter this was designed for. My local dealer sold 56 of the crf250l in 2019. Only six in 2020 and 4 crf300l in 2021 due to the pandemic shortages. They have deposits on over 2 dozen already for the 2022 model that was just released. Luckily there are parts/fixes available to make it more useable for the US market.

[@trevorjameson3213]

Man that's a good review, hit all the points. I almost bought one those back in January because I really missed having a dual sport. But I never could find one locally, or when I did, it was sold by the weekend, and they didn't know when they'd get another one. So, I ended up getting a Suzuki DR650. Yeah bigger bike for sure, but so far it's been a lot of fun so far.

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Can't go wrong with the DR650, am on my second one and loving it but did go with a 20 liter gas tank to give it some range, and bash plate and hand guards. I am waiting for a CRF 300 L to add to my stable but will never give up the DR650 I have Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires on it, as I use it for long rides on paved, gravel, and dirt roads and some trails, but the 300 L will be 90% trail and dirt roads witch there are a lot of them hear on the island. The DR650 is a true Duel Sport, great off and on road, even at highway speeds. The CRF300L is great off road and on back roads, but lacking highway speeds for any amount of time. Three in the stable for me. Depending on what type of riding I want to do that day I will be ready. I find the Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires great for every thing, but in deep mud with ruts. Always got me through but think a more knobby tire might be a bit better, for deep mud, and deep sand. The TrailMax Mission tires also last a long time over 10,000 km on the ones on my KTM and only down 2mm another 8mm to go.

[@benwessner5195]

Love my 300l but if dr or honda updated their 650s id definitely look into them. Old reliable they are rn. Would be sweet with fancy 2022 stuff on it.

[@hawaiianpunch20v]

I’ve had a Honda 70R for 20+ years and that thing will start every try no matter how long I let it sit. Big part of the reason I want a Honda lol

[@6Twisted]

Jakethegardensnake found the cause of the 5k rattle. It's the reed for the intake to exhaust bypass. The bypass draws intake air into the exhaust to reduce unburnt emissions and the reed is the one way valve. The whole system can be removed.

[@salazam]

sure he did. ECU tune also gets rid of it.

[@brianh8801]

Simple honest review. I'm looking/hoping to get either a CRF300L or KLX300 in the near future. There's quite a wait for the CRF, and the KLX seems more readily available at the moment. Leaning towards the KLX due to availability & better suspension off the showroom floor, but still may go with the Honda for their impeccable "reliability" which I find most important. The only thing more important than getting to your destination...is getting back. Take Care

[@timmychen6]

Don’t know about KLX. I’ve owned CRF for 4 months. Built quality is bad. Especially the choice of materials. Nearly everything is rusting including the frame. Rusting from inside of the frame tube is helpless. I clean the bike properly after every dirt ride. Engine might last for 20 years but the frame and other parts might only last for 5-10 years.

[@brianh8801]

@@timmychen6 Appreciate the feedback. I’m not one of those guys that can buy a new bike every year, or even every other year. If I want stone cold reliability I might have to go XR650L. I know it’s so outdated it’s ridiculous, but bulletproof track record speaks for itself. Basically unchanged for almost 30 years…if ain’t broke…don’t fix it!🤔

[@timmychen6]

@@brianh8801 yeah I don’t want to buy a new bike every few years or sell it leave the problems to the next owner. I understand this is a budget bike. But rusting on frame without damage in 4 months is unacceptable.

[@yvonjasser]

Kawasaki is more reliable than Honda

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I sold mine early 6months & 7700km on it so I’m not sure if it was me or? The rust was bad around certain areas and I swear it looked like it came from the frame inside. Peg area I thought maybe it was me from washing but again? I rode it faster than many on KZbin but I wouldn’t say I thrashed it either

[@samuelabrams913]

This is the best review so far

[@e30ho75]

Great video. I just put tusk dsports on my Drz400 and am loving them so far. Have not tried them off-road yet but have plenty of grip on road. The knobs are very deep and spread out and think they will do well off-road as well

[@salazam]

Yeah, dude saying they handle mud fine is bologna. Maybe a flat puddle, but try to go uphill in mud these things are ice skates.

[@honda116969]

I understand doing oil changes before the intervals but my 250L rally I did one of my oil changes at 1,000 Miles when I had regular oil & it still looked very VERY clean & now I'm using synthetic & I decided going with full synthetic 🛢️ & how clean it looked prior I'm going to go at least 3,000 miles! Don't be afraid to put some miles on that 🛢️... And mine look clean after that 1,000 miles & I rev my shit to 8,000+ Rpm's

[@honda116969]

Nice review btw

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

I live in the U.K and was looking at the CRF300L but now decided on getting a Fantic XEF 250 Trail Enduro as in comes with superb suspension, looks great and is a hell of a lot cheaper than the Honda @ £5,299 otr

[@Pokitchange86]

I see a lot caught the horse bit but did anyone else hear the "without further to do"? This kid is hilarious lol.

[@gregorymccoy6797]

Great video. I'm not sure the 1000-mile oil changes are necessary. Have fun on the trails!

[@artmchugh5644]

A bit anal 😆😆😆😆😆🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺

[@147db]

Quite superfluous and even harmful.

[@garyraynes]

Thanks for the post, as it was very helpful. Can't beat the price, which makes the difference, I'm going with it.

[@yeahboyiiiii222]

Ive got a 2004 CRF100F, Ive ridden it for 80,000 miles off road, in that time I have changed the oil twice, spark plug onece, and adjusted the chain once. I bought it brand new. They are tough.

[@tieoneon1614]

Great review. Glad u mentioned the tires cuz they are actually really good for dual sport....exactly what it was intended for. Air down to 14psi. And if u buy one of these 250/300 dual sports and think u need to upgrade immediately to a race bike cuz Bro on Internet told you they are lighter and more powerful....trust me you will never have a much trouble free fun as just exploring and gooning on one of these especially if your friends have one.

[@KO-pk7df]

I think Honda may have done some things intentionally. The aftermarket I think were always in the plan for this bike. Honda gave us a reasonably priced bike that we can modify to our hearts content. It is impressive that Itchy Boots rode a pretty stock 300 Rally from South America all the way to Alaska.

[@stunnahs]

Not yet lol

[@skrzatRG]

she is riding it like a old man. LOL . Never ever rev it really

[@stunnahs]

@@skrzatRG She does what she has to do to get through the terrain. The bike is solid. You gotta keep in mind she's going through miles of undeveloped lands. To rev the bike at it's fullest is increasing the chance of a malfunction (not that the bike can't take it). As well as decreasing MPG, which is a huge factor to consider when gas stations are hard to find. The smart approach to her journey is to be conservative and that's exactly what's she's doing.

[@salazam]

@@stunnahs You gotta keep in mind she's a girl

[@salazam]

@@skrzatRG she's riding a girl bike like a girl? Whooda thunk?

[@maxsmith3335]

“Beat off a dead horse!?!?” To each his own but thanks for holding off on doing that in this review! 😂

[@thumpersquid]

Great review! I own the rally and love it. With some mods it's perfect for my needs.

[@rickydrawdy3630]

I bought one to ride in the mountains of north Carolina. Its a GREAT bike for an unbelievable price. It is an awesome bike and I have enjoyed it immensely. My bike is a 2022 300l .

[@SPI316]

Wait. Did you say "I don't wanna beat off a dead horse..."? Thumbs up for that mate!

[@johnharris7756]

I love my 300l so far. Fast enough to have fun but not too fast where you can get in trouble.

[@salazam]

it's slow

[@papashirt]

I ve startred with the cheap chinese moto 250 cc (avantis) with horrible suspention and build quality. Rode it through out all the year , with autumn wet leaves and icy lakes in the winter. After that had a thirdhand honda transalp 700 for a year. imho it is the right approach for every beginner. To keep it cheap while looking/forming your riding style and preferences. this crf300l looks a bit pricy to me now for its cc's with 27hp. At this price range I d be searching for dr650 at reasonable price, modified by the previous owner. great vid by the way. best of luck.

[@MuscleBandit]

Great review bud, you have an apt voice for narration too. Best of luck with the channel. Subscribed. 👍

[@devinstetler6874]

The rattle could be associated with a harmonic vibration related to the transmission oil. Had it in a brand new car once, GM recalled and replaced the transmission oil with a different brand and problem gone.

[@KingFriday274]

Best laugh in a long time! Beat off dead horse

[@davidmatthews3093]

Why wouldn’t anybody follow Honda’s oil change schedule? They do know what they’re talking about. I’ve always followed their recommendations with no problems whatsoever.

[@paulouttury1778]

I have heard that that rattle in Hondas in not only the CRF300 ! other Hondas with other size engines do the same , and that the people who are concerned about the annoying noise are wasting time because they have never left anyone stranded on the road for that noise ! .

[@mikemerrill175]

I would also add brake and shifters with folding tips

[@jcarieri5435]

Hondas are always tough. All the off road rentals that I see, are Hondas. They don't get much love, and keep going.

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Thanks great video, when you swap tires and they are 90 in stead of 80 that will make your tire about 10 mm taller there for reducing rear wheel torque by about 6% there for to get back the rear wheel torque you will have to got up 3 teeth on the rear from 40 to 43, but if doing so I would go to a 45, to give you about 5% more rear wheel torque than stock and will not drop you top speed much. I am going with the Dunlop D606 rear and the Pirelli M21 front. as I see many people really like that set up, and going to a 45 tooth rear sprocket I would not recommend changing the front sprocket as it is a 14 tooth and would not want to go any smaller. Again thanks for the video well worth watching.

[@PeterVred]

I went with that tire setup as well, it does not seem to have made a big difference over stock. I still struggle with sand, but sure like them in the corners.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I done same and left gearing stock. Sold bike 8000km after license loss and lockdown in Australia Victoria at the time

[@lizbarber3473]

Love my 300 l , I’ve had many bikes , road / dirt, don’t think I’ll ever sell this one till I can’t throw a leg anymore .

[@NewFurCat]

My new CRF 300 Rally has a 5 k rattle. I was going to change the oil at its first 600 mile service, but changed it at 370, and noticed a reduction in the rattle. If it makes you nuts, buy a louder muffler.

[@MikesGarageReviews]

I changed my muffler to the yosh and the rattle went away. I think it’s that shitty EPA soup can muffler with all the back pressure causing it.

[@nathanscottshoemaker2554]

It’s “further ado”, “beating a dead horse” “n(aw)vice” not “n(o)vice). Though i agree with your total take on this bike.

[@josephbania4564]

But it's way funnier for him to beat off a dead horse!🤣🤣🤣

[@justsomedude7874]

no, it's definitely n(o)vice.

[@salazam]

There's always that one guy...

[@JohnnyBoy919]

Has your buddy with the drz tried your bike and have you tried his? I would be curious to hear how you would compare them. If you do alot of off road riding you should look into the pirelli mt21 tires, they also come in oem sizing. I'm sure even just lowering your psi alittle would improve traction quite a bit off road.

[@runwithitmoto2009]

Yes we've switched bikes on many occasions. It's hard to make a true comparison because of all the mods he's done but you can immediately feel the power difference. Also his factory suspension is much stiffer so I definitely feel more in control off road on the drz. However I'd say the crf's engine is a lot smoother and definitely more reliable.

[@robsonenduro3316]

are you crazy? changing oil every thousand mile??? it's just stupid dude..

[@pcgizzleable]

Whats your optimal oil change per miles ???

[@robsonenduro3316]

@@pcgizzleable read your manual.

[@MilVetGaming]

Nice video, man! Under rated!

[@hectorohh]

Nice, I want to pick up the CRF300LS this year to go off road with my buddies. I’m sure I’ll have quiet a few crashes as well.

[@jeya3881]

Well done , god job to take time and explain about the great little bike from honda.

[@danielpearson6306]

There is outback mototek side plate and crash bars a radiator guard and luggage rack. Rally Raid has front and rear suspension kits. I already had a CB 500x and AT trick out for adventure riding but on the AT install more friendly road tires for highway riding and in late 2021 purchased a new CRF300L Rally with 1200 miles on it and at a Wal-Mart 3 POS Harley riders destroyed it. Had full coverage insurance that covered it. The police had warrants out for felonies and assaults on police. Have not another 300l yet I purchased a 37 ft sailboat.

[@collinmc90]

The points you bring up seem to be shared across the board with bikes in that price range. I have a 21 TW200 and it is a very similar experience. decent beginner platform but needs some mods to get it to be a true trail bike. If I could go back I might have gone with the 300L or the KLX 350 mostly because they have disc brakes all around and fuel injection. Carbs always gunk up when you really need the bike and you won't need to tune for altitude. If you aren't looking to race around and jump these lower priced bikes are 100% where it's at if you just wanna get out and putt around. But if you want to go hard enduro right out the box, you might need to drop a little more $$ but you also need to be real with yourself on your skills and how good your health insurance is lol.

[@chillgaming3197]

Thanks for the advice. I just want to get out and prefer to ride slow.

[@elizabethmorgan1937]

I'm thinking of getting one of these. I have a 1978 Honda xl250s, but ever since i got it back.from the shop (cost me $2500), it won't stay running. 😢😢

[@salazam]

Real men work on their own bikes.

[@lohikarhu734]

Take a look at how well 'Itchy Boots' is doing with her 300L, in the wilds of South America...far tougher than a bit of bashing about in the bush.

[@Kingwoodish]

Only probs she has is the unaggressive tires she has on it. Can't get what she needs in Central America.

[@underworldringside]

I always had Honda's 1985 XR 200.WENT up.alpine mountains. Unbreakable engines

[@salazam]

I had an '82. Was great except for those drum brakes. Would always fire on first or second kick.

[@BlueSquatchproductions]

I have the 250 had it for years love it super durable

[@SmokinZen]

My KLX300 stock tires have been just fine for the slow speeds I do off-road and the suspension is great with only a few minor things that are cheap

[@mattadata2]

I recognize those trails at the 7:30 mark. TC right? Where else did you ride in the video. I am looking for more places to ride.

[@thefulldrivehotrockband5963]

Hi, I’ve heard rumors about the heat transmitted to the right leg from the radiator and the exhaust manifold near the cylinder. Have you noticed anything? Thanks for the video, it’s a great review! :)

[@mrbruh9537]

Ngl I’m coming off a shit box mid 2000s Honda rancher AT ATV I’m going to start off on the 300L or Rally is this a reasonable choice since I want a jack of all trades on off road and on road performance?

[@jonathanvaldez7850]

I see Trophy Club Park @ 7:46. I ride there a lot. Had no idea you were in the area

[@t_c5266]

The performance is rather lackluster. I have one and ride it offroad a LOT. I swapped out the muffler and upgraded the ECU. I cranked the rear suspension spring as much as it could go. But the front needs that additional spring in the damper tube. The bike livened up immediately with these upgrades. I'd wager something like a 10-15% increase in power. I dropped 1 tooth on the front sprocket and the bike actually sounds like its struggling less to go the same speed on the top end even though theoretically it should be due to the 1 tooth. So all in I'd be about $2000 more into the bike over MSRP which brings it to $7200. Which is about the base price of the suzuki DRZ400. Which would also need a pipe, kicking up the price. the 400 Has more power, but is 20lbs heavier. So then it comes to if you'd want the upgraded honda 300 or a base model suzuki (carbureted). I just took my bike for a weekend in the big dunes and it handled it perfectly fine. There was nothing I couldnt do except maybe the absolute largest dunes that requires you be pinned in 3rd as you approach VW sized whoops, again a suspension issue. The only downfall was of course the suspension if you got into trouble, the bike is going to bottom out. but once the suspension is upgraded the bike is going to be insanely good for the price. I couldn't imagine the 400 hanging with it in the dunes

[@peter15walsh]

Did you say "without further to do"?

[@nlr433]

Haha he also said "beat off a dead horse".... please, dont do that. But great video nonetheless!

[@jessecrawford2711]

@@nlr433 i laughed my ass off for real

[@benzinschnueffler187]

Beta recommends an oil change every 1000miles for their Xtrainer 300 Two Stroke. Your honda can easily take 4-5k miles you can safe your money

[@augustbrante8117]

where did you find those little mirrors? Love your vids!

[@donready119]

The excessive oil changing is expensive and bad for the environment. I drove one Civic to the junker at 420k km because of the rust. The engine and tranny were still perfect. Oil change every 10k KM. I have many tractors and vehicles and no engine problems from oil.

[@salazam]

How is it bad for the environment? I dig a hole in the yard to dump my used oil and my grass is still green.

[@owlteachereducation]

Nice review. Sums up my experience after 3000km

[@brasspak]

Great review. Could you tell us the locations you rode in the video?

[@douglassfwilson]

After owning a KTM 300XCW I find the suspension lacking on the dirt but ok on the pavement.

[@sev3n386]

The v-sauce song in the background made this video into something beyond just a review, to my taste.

[@ripmax333]

Yes, It's actually a good motorcycle, just don't drop it on rocky terrain, the frame is weak and can bend in near the footpegs, plus the rear subframe now is welded to the frame which to me is a step backward from Honda.

[@c.e.g7448]

Have you looked at Itchy Boots? This is the channel of Noraly Schoenmaker. She is riding a CRF300L on a trip from Equador to Alaska. At the moment she is in Mexico. She puts this little motorbike through its paces on the road and on dirt roads. On flatland and in the mountains. She has more than 20000 miles on the clock and the motor has been very reliable and a very good companion for her. Have a look at her channel.

[@salazam]

no

[@davidroots773]

Great in depth video, Thanks for sharing

[@marcsolomon5394]

Can we reroute that cable near the speedo,pls,,,,great video,,great moto too,peace

[@sunnavailable]

I have been along with you on every episode and I would say it's not the bike it is the rider. Although the bike has made it through some pretty tough times.

[@JeremyDovin]

Hi man nice to meet you. I was debating whether I should get a crf300L or Xr650L. I want that extra power but the xr is air cooled which kind of sucks. The xr just looks old fashioned but cheap in the price range for 40hp. The 300L looks fabulous and unresistable but has 22.7hp according to the dyno test and google. It seems like I would outgrow the 300 faster than the 650 in speed and acceleration. Note Im 5”8 and the 650 may be a tad bit tall. Let me know what you think man!

[@HikerBikerMoter]

in that case go for the crf 450, more power for the ONROAD hway (beyond 70 mph), more power to climb very steep ascents OFFROAD ... itchy boots herself (in episode S6 Ep1) said so herself preferring the 450 over the 300.. but eventually went for the 12L gas tank of the 300 over the 7L gas tank of the 450.. also the longer maintenance vs the shorter maintenance period Ü ||the XR series is now replaced by the CRF series, from carburetor to fuel injection ü

[@JeremyDovin]

Ok

[@salazam]

"fabulous"

[@denniekorpi5264]

Nice comments! Good narrator!

[@rassavage1570]

I like the way you took time to explain your reviews.Is your Handlebar stock or after Market? What’s the name brand of your hand guards? please show us a little bit more of your motorcycle and all the mods that you made.thanks

[@tubercj85]

0:45 I think the saying is 'flog a dead horse'. Flogging off a dead horse would be totally discussing.

[@rogberube6422]

Excellent review. Thanks for sharing.

[@marcusleestudios7612]

I have the 300 rally. Great bike so far.

[@nickcsuki8123]

What do you think of riding long adventure rides on it? I'm considering it for that...

[@marcusleestudios7612]

@@nickcsuki8123 I only have 800 miles on it so far. Day rides on country roads. It's a 65-70mph bike so if you're comfortable traveling at those speeds I think you'll like it. If you plan on doing hundreds of miles of blacktop I'd look elsewhere like a tenere 700 or a klr.

[@nickcsuki8123]

Thanks for the honesty! I would love to have a lightweight bike but I've also got lot of tarmac to cover before the roads get adventarous so I am really on te fence. At this point I think I might get something bigger. Thanks again! Enjoy your bike!

[@rodneybrown6907]

Only thing i did was adjust sag. I have ridden the Smokey Mtn 500 twice with tons of camping gear with no issues. Its a superb duel sport not dirt bike.

[@cloycloy2589]

what is your gas consumption for this bike?

[@DA23GG]

Good video thanks for the review. Was this gopro filmed?

[@dankingjr.2088]

Cool review and looks like a fun little bike. The dead horse comment......might want to rethink your phrasing there!

[@roycemartin9068]

Please don’t beat off a dead horse. That’s disgusting

[@goldfish8196]

Awesome video. How tall are you? Thank you.

[@terratrodder]

It is definitely marketed stock for beginners, and thankfully the aftermarket is loaded with upgrades as skill increases. Right now, sadly, wait times to get one are in the months. :(