Itchy boots Was not wrong | Honda CRF 300 Rally

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Website for shirts! : motorcyclesoffroad.com/store-page/ ---- NEW FB community group: facebook.com/groups/610565163851862 --- Patreon link: www.patreon.com/MotorcyclesOffoad Amazon Store link: www.amazon.com/shop/EliteGamingHQ Part one Top 5 items: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f17CmGZsYq97iac 5 tips to make you a better off-road rider instantly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqPPo3qAncdprck Other videos you may enjoy: WR250r vs the Honda CRF300L review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWG5imOti96gl7s T7 full Tenere 700 review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2K1Y4pofNlsfc0 Honda 300L full review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGKwfmCVnq-bmKM Honda 300L VS KLX300: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5aWhaNmmZ1pipI Honda 300L VS DRZ400: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5apqnWDf9CAp7s Honda 300L VS Honda 250L: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ-Upq2FfbCBqc0 Honda 300L VS Yamaha Tenere 700: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvEgmp6nNWJotE Is the Honda CRF300L really the best Dual sport: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3PYentmqrCBpsU Honda CRF 300L full performance with ECU, Exhaust, and intake: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH6bZqJoic9pa9k BEST dual sport for adventure riding and motocamping: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHmsmoGah5h1kLM

[@Rene-up1dl]

300 R shirts cool. But I ride a TW200 & XR250R.

[@franktowles4413]

It’s not the bike,it’s all her. Her thrill for life for adventure her intelligence , her interaction with every ethnic groups her phenomenal bike handling skills and strength. Her ability to handle all those border crossings. It may be the perfect bike for her but I would watch every episode even if she was riding a CT 90.

[@axellness]

simp

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

I tried to make it clear in the video I dont think its just the bike, I feel for SEO some people searched for the bike and found her. Now that I posted this video I have had a bunch of people tell me on FB and here that it is literally that exact situation that lead to them finding her.

[@Niki_Parvanov]

So you would enjoy the c90adventures channel very much, he's awesome too

[@shoakimoto2517]

I agree. She could have chose a ktm 390 adventure, KLX 300, Dr650, etc and her channel would have still grown significantly. She's one of the only moto vloggers I can think of who've crossed the 1 million subscribers mark, I think that speaks to her channels appeal beyond our niche of offroad motorcycling.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

@@shoakimoto2517 IM not taking anything away from her, but she had 3 years of the same growth (started in 2018) then added 700,000 subs in the last 7 months. Check social blade and look at her sub spikes.

[@Bdub1952]

I turned my Alaska family on to Itchy Boots last June, and they've been avidly following the channel since. My daughter says that has first dibs on Alaska. j/k Point being, IB's travels are interesting to more than just bike enthusiasts. My family has riders and non-riders, and neither classification of family member would miss an episode of IB, Noraly's knowledge and curiosity, her kind spirit, her quest for adventure and her infectious laugh drew them in. The music and drone work are world class. This is real reality TV, not some over-produced, over-dramatized creation. I've been riding since the sixties, and after enduring network-driven content for decades, Itchy Boots is the psychological medicine that we all need. Decency and kindness.

[@Krommel]

I hate to say it, but I'm about to turn 50 years old in a few months and had NEVER had the desire to ride or even own a Motorcycle. I found Itchy Boot's channel and watched her entire latest season and now it has me wanting to buy not only a Motorcycle but the 300 Rally. Hard to explain, but her videos inspire me to be more adventurous, to be more... free.

[@dennishaldiman6087]

I feel your pain - Beginning in high school, I had a Honda 90 and rode it everywhere, including hill climbing. Since then, I have owned several more bikes, my last being a Harley Ultra Classic. Now, my wife has passed away, and I am soon to be 75 years old. Watching Noraly makes me want to again visit the Honda shop!

[@motarded4214]

@@dennishaldiman6087 Do it! A guy I ride motocross with is in his 80's and he still gets out there and shows the youngsters hows to ride. He just can't go quite as long as he used to.

[@Andy-LucyGSD]

I’m in the same position. Living in the UK, 48 years old and have the sudden desire to buy this bike. Have never ridden before and no interest before now at all. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@michaelbrown641]

I’m 70 in Ecuador. I’m getting one. Cost just over $10,000 here. Chinese bikes are $3000’s. I’ll take the Honda.

[@charlesludwig9173]

73 years old and I bought a 300L. Took me about 3 months of a hour of riding every day to get up to speed.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

Honda could NOT buy , for any money, the exposure and love Noraly has engendered for the 300. Any statement that a "small" bike is no good for touring has become completely dead... You didn't even mention her incredible drone work and editing talent. She has cine talents of a top professional level. Even her choices of music overs are incredibly matched. If you aspire to be a KZbinr , this is the person to learn from. It simply does not get better than Itchy Booots.

[@ritmolatino1627]

all beacuse she makes a living out of it, she has to

[@davidcolinfisher1034]

The DR400 has been going around the world for over 20 years now, same engine and design. Kawasaki also manufactured the blue print of this bike. Any, that statement was dead 22 years ago, it wasn't Honda that changed that. Its the opposite, big bikes are no good for touring, as you lay trapped underneath it alone on the trail....and succumb to elements.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@davidcolinfisher1034 I owned a DRZ400SM. It was aweful on the highway and guzzled fuel. Great bike in the dirt ( OK, beyond great) but not a touring bike. When I bought the bike and rode it 240km home , we had to refill the tank on the way , as it ran dry, and my hands went numb in the first half hour.

[@ubroberts5541]

All true!

[@touristguy87]

"If you aspire to be a KZbinr , this is the person to learn from. It simply does not get better than Itchy Booots" How you breathe with all that crap all over your face? We learn from other YTubers every time that we watch a video. Even if it's a shitty one like this one, or just a shitty comment like yours.

[@eidernadir320]

Of all the youtubers that have recommended me, Itchy boots is the best thing I've seen on KZbin. I love each video because it teaches us life as it is, if interaction with people, their smile, their dialogues, the coexistence with those they meet on their journey, it teaches us that there are still human beings who have nobility and love in their hearts.

[@maxcactus7]

Great video, Andrew, and you're 100% correct. For those who don't follow ItchyBoots/Noraly's channel, she makes some of the most fantastic, visually spectacular adventure videos on the entire Interwebs. I've been following her for a couple years now, but this season, from South America to Alaska has been nothing short of incredible!! I've even got my kids hooked on her videos and they love her intrepid sense of adventure. You are both outstanding ambassadors for the dual sport community. Thank you for highlighting her channel today! P.S. You were also right about her personality - she's SMART, witty, sweet, fiercely independent (she's doing her entire adventure by herself) and massively talented. And then there are her eyes and smile! 😀

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Thank you! Best comment I read in a while!

[@natielou143]

I don’t know guys. I’ve not seen much of her stuff. I’ll have to give her channel another go.

[@mikejones8866]

@@natielou143 I stumbled into her season 6, and became instantly hooked. I've watched that entire season (it's still continuing). I started watching season 5, and it's just as visually stunning and entertaining. She also did a "best of" from her first 60,000 km that was quite enlightening in terms of other countries and their people - such as Iran.

[@touristguy87]

For those who don't follow ItchyBoots/Noraly's channel, she makes some of the most fantastic, visually spectacular adventure videos on the entire Interwebs" Let me improve your comment by at least an order of magnitude. For those who dont' follow ItchyBoots' channel, just go watch a few of her videos. there all that you needed to say

[@gammaraygem]

I am 71, lost my Honda srl650 in a fire in 2017, and finally was browsing yt for (a bit lighter) bike reviews, since my 10kw ebike is not street legal. Itchy Boots kept popping up in the recomms, but I tried to ignore that. I wanted specs and opinions, not yet another random adventure biker, of which I had seen a couple (CT90 was okay)who turned out to have support crews in jeeps etc. So I finally clicked a random video,( oh, its a HER) , and was immediately hooked. Wow. World class person and production. Did anyone notice that she never ever swears, no matter how deep the hole she rode herself into? Meanwhile she is on 2.2m subs. Totally deserved. Her recent second Himalayan trip is just the best thing ever.

[@RavBunneh]

I started watching when she had her Royal Enfield Himalayan and I loved that little bike. Still watching and still good.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

I was actually thinking of picking one of them up for review.

[@goduxunike]

Itchy boots made me realise that not everyone needs a big bike to go far and after seeing how far she is going with this 300cc, I decide to give a chance to my BMW G310R by adding equipment to become more comfortable and doing some 500mile road trips with it. As a small woman who never goes off road, I now don't see a need for an upgrade. It was meant to be a learner bike but I might keep it for longer due to how fun it is.

[@jahbay]

Great attitude..... ride smart.

[@TheHub_ofHorror]

I been living in Mexico for a couple years. I met an Argentinian a couple months back who rode all the way from Argentina to Mexico on Honda 125 cargo. so impressive. anything is possible if you put your mind to it

[@MRxMADHATTER]

I love Noraly's "Itchy Boots" channel. I look forward to each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She has had some instances of laying the bike down. While she is very fit and athletic, I am glad she picked a lighter bike. She struggled a bit to pick it back up, but she managed it. It was a little hard to find parts for in Central and South America. But overall it has served her well. An epic piece of machinery. We are all wondering if she will ship the bike back home after the trip or will she leave it behind. I hope she keeps it.

[@Rene-up1dl]

Probably cheaper to leave it behind.

[@davidevans3175]

Thank you for pointing out the advantages of her bike. I'm a major fan of Noraly. When she gets to the Arctic Ocean in a week or two, both Honda and KZbin should be there to congratulate her, and Honda should be her sponsor.

[@ronald8673]

She made it to the AO in August. Honda is no longer the premier motorcycle manufacturer they once were. They have a whole new management regime in place. A local dealer that has dealt with them for over 40 years says they are all about how much profit they can squeeze out of their bikes now. All they care about is their bottom line.

[@truckerwayne]

@@ronald8673 Are you for real Honda makes and build s

[@johnpagejr.7628]

Andrew I agree all the way. I got my CRF300L Rally in November just before Noraly showed what she had chosen to ride. I have been following her from when she started in India. For all those still waiting to get one of these bikes they are well worth the wait. I love mine! I have taken it on two different camping trips and it was great. I have put the crash protection on it and am going to do the suspension upgrade some time soon. If you have not watched one of Itchy Boots video's you are missing out on one of the best out there. I watch a lot of KZbin adventure motorcyclists and Itchy Boots is top of the heap in my book.

[@micktepolt6276]

Itchy boots is so far out ! one thing for sure she not afraid about much ,she just goes and goes , and she takes you along with her, she is so cool to share her life on the road with us, and that Honda has been a very good bike for her , good luck and Happy Trails .

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Yeah, one person just commented "what about the fork seals" man after all this travel it's a surprise all maintenance items have not failed.

[@petecartwright5211]

Well done, bro! Noraly is our hero, our inspiration. I've followed her since I found her and she was in South America. She's ridden that bike through some of the most incredible terrains you can imagine, including some of the most dangerous places on the planet. I honestly cringed a few times when she was in Central America and Mexico. She rode right over the same places in Colorado I used to hunt, above timberline for most of it. It's been a joy to watch her fortitude, attitude, and vigor. Many see/wish themselves those same freedoms. You did well to include her. She's going network nationwide here soon.

[@petecartwright5211]

She blew a front fork seal in the middle of Alaska recently and a few Brit bikers came by and help her by using a piece of ROPE to keep the seal up until she could get to town.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

I saw that, that was awesome!

[@k.kristianjonsson1537]

Of course the 300 is a perfect choice. I myself has gone even further in the downsizing way. A bike smaller the 300 c.c. What a relief! So light in the difficult terrain. No problem or anxiety because of a small and narrow trail.

[@drgruber57]

I have never done any adventure riding, though I would love to! But I have ridden off road a fair amount. And, I've ridden a dirt bike on asphalt just enough to know that I'd MUCH rather ride a dirt bike on the road even with the poorer traction/handling of knobbies in that situation, than find myself off road in some serious sand, or mud, or stream crossings, or whatever, with a heavy machine and less than proper tires for that. A bike like the CRF 300 Rally just seems WAY smarter than an Enfield or Africa Twin, or some 500 lb. beast. Good call Motorcycles Offroad and Noraly! I've been immensely enjoying her adventures for about a year now. Binged the older Africa episodes, then jumped in with her current Season when she started back up in Ecuador. Top notch videos and content! So real, and so human!

[@Rene-up1dl]

Charly Sinewan found out heavy sucks in the mud/ loose stuff. Got him a smaller Ducati.

[@mollygrubber]

I've been saying for YEARS that a small light bike is best for long rugged trips. It's taken a long time, but FINALLY people are getting over the Long Way Down syndrome. Noraly has helped many new riders not make that expensive mistake at all (yes, I made it too - briefly lol), and we should all thank her for that. Of course, there were others before her - Lois Price for example, on her Serow. But Noraly is almost a household word now, at least among the motorcycle family.

[@Jack-yl7cc]

A lot of people don't do any technical riding; their ideal of "off-road" riding is hitting the rather nice dirt/gravel roads that at worst have some wash boarding or potholes. So for that kind of riding I would totally recommend a large liter bike as long as you can pick it up a few times in a row. For single track riding in places that could be mistaken for mule track going up a mountain side? I'll go with an old saying; Ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain. Eventually you will drop the bike and if Murphy has any say in the matter then your foot will get trapped under the bike. I personally wouldn't want to go bigger than a KTM 890 and that's because of a personal strength limitation on my part of not being able to easily push around or lift over 500 lbs. multiple times(because if you had manhandle it once, then it's only going to get worse as fatigue sets in) just in case I get the bike hung up on some rocks or something.

[@dontropepe5929]

I know what you mean. I had bigger bikes. When I got the 200, life got way more fun. Rode that for 3 years and moved up to a 250.

[@AddyAdderson]

After finding itchyboots on YT, I realized what a big fuss the actors had made in the long way round movies. What Noraly did alone they needed a huge staff to accomplish. They made motorcycles look weak.

[@mollygrubber]

@The Old Husky You are right, there are more exotic bikes out there, but they don't have 2 key long-travel qualifications the Honda has - very low maintenance requirements, and cheap ubiquitous global parts availability. Try finding Husky fork seals in Botswana lol. And, let's be honest, they pretty much all lack the one thing you NEED a long distance travel bike to have - stone cold reliability.

[@frankspeakmore7104]

She is a one off. Likeable and disarming. Her first season was on a Royal Enfield Himalayan from India back to Holland. That Journey was as good as the latest one she is on. That bike also sold bucket loads because of her exploits on it. She also uses Revit Clothing (they do sponsor her) all the time, so it gives you an idea of how it performs long term under all sorts of conditions. Here in the UK there are so many Vloggers who will ride around the block on the latest machine then become some sort of expert it's quiet painful watching and listening them. Best of luck with your channel.

[@kene6838]

I normally would not watch a video riding on the coattails of another utuber but I like your breakdown of bike size comparison. My son and I rode from Florida to the west coast for a total of 12,000 miles , me on my DR650 and him on his WR250. We were on the road for almost two months and the amount of riders on much bigger bikes were amazed and some looked down on us for not riding a GS or whatever they were riding . There is something very rewarding and the feel of the road on smaller displacement bikes is not matched by larger bikes. It was one of the best times of my life and would not change a thing. I enjoyed your video.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Hey thanks, and I actually was thinking of doing a DR650 adventure build. I feel that bike or the KTM 690 would be really great for travel. (I used to have the early KTM690, it was the LC4 640)

[@johansmallberries9874]

She’s good about keeping to maintenance schedules and switching out parts when she can. And she’s a wise traveler, she’ll backtrack and take the long way around if a planned route is closed. That’s likely saved her from serious problems.

[@BSDShoes]

I used to be a Honda guy, loved their bikes in the 80-90s but when I started racing in Enduro I started out with a RM125 and made my way up to YZ450F, but this 300 Rally is a fascinating bike that I would love to spend a lot of hours on, reminds me of the older WR250. I liked her Royal Enfield which was a marvelous bike.

[@FoggyBrains420]

Long time fan of hers from Season 2. And she is a geologist and learn lots also plus the visuals from amazing places she visits.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Yes, she does a great job with explanations as well as get visuals.

After watching Itchy Boots I bought a CRF 300 L (No Rally sold at Honda Spain, no need as gas stations available everywhere) . Among the pros of this bike compared with elders (i.e Africa Twin) is its light weight.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Ohh yeah, I loved my L I did like 50 videos of it on the channel. But I sold the L and have a rally now.

[@banditoo7]

I've followed Itchy since she started riding the Himalayan. I still have my one and love it, but after following her latest adventures on the Rally, I'm looking at upgrading to it later this year. Regardless of which bike she's riding, her courage and determination is incredible and its worth watching her adventures from the beginning.

[@billness2635]

Her CRF300L Rally is now ready for another 40,000km worth of adventure! Watch for upcoming episodes for details.

[@dirtbikeheaven1129]

Not really. The mechanic that just recently serviced her 300L noticed that the new front sprocket he installed did not fit the shaft tightly. The countershaft itself is worn and will need to be replaced after this season. That replacement will require a complete tear down of the engine and transmission. That will be an expensive repair and Noraly will have to decide if that is economically feasible. That being said, the 300l is the perfect motorcycle for her. Maybe it’s time for a new one before next season.

[@billness2635]

More to follow.

[@ustabee6091]

@@dirtbikeheaven1129 Maybe you’re not aware that you commented to “that mechanic”. More to follow.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@ustabee6091 Therin lays the perfect example of Murphy's Law. One and a half million subscribers and the poor bloke makes a comment to the actual guy that did the wortk on her bike... Karma's a bitch man😅

[@bigcity2085]

So you fixed her front bearings. Cool ! And the shifter ?

[@stevegabbert9626]

Thanks for the comparison, and the explanation. The only "off-roading" I do is when the paved road turns to gravel. Well.....except for the time I miss-judged an Interstate ramp with my 78' Wing and went "off-roading" over the side. I did get up on the pegs on the way down and never dabbed while searching for a way back. I'm one of Itchie Boots' subs. I'm also 70y/o and she's inspiring me to try adventure riding. I'm fighting against it though. 😉😉

[@deeno_berlin]

I'm also one of the proud owners of a 300Rally and after 7500 km (mostly onroad) I could not be more glad with it. It does it's job great.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

It really is a solid machine, and how far she has taken it through all this different terrain real shows how reliable it is.

[@SashaHonda14]

What tires you use?

[@deeno_berlin]

@@SashaHonda14 Up to today (15.600 km) the original IRC tyres did a really good job. On the rear are only 2 mm left. Next week I will switch to Mitas E07+.....

[@SashaHonda14]

@@deeno_berlin Oh..wow.. so the stock tires do well on road? That's good to hear.

[@deeno_berlin]

@@SashaHonda14 I had no serious problem on- and offroad. The original IRCs worked well at wet and dry conditions. Other tyres may could work better in extrem situations, but for me they did always a perfect job.

[@ericashwell1392]

You know I’m a fan. The rally is my first bike in the dual sport / ADV venture game and I couldn’t be happier. So fortunate to have been able to wait for it and not fall for the trap of getting a bigger bike with hype (like the KLR, a used F850GS, or even a 310GS) that would not have helped me develop good dirt technique. Almost at 9000 problem free miles, as my primary commuting vehicle. I didn’t wait for 8k on the oil change though. Did at 5 and will again every 5…it’s just too easy not to 👍. In all my gear I am just over 200lbs so the stock suspension is perfectly fine for commuting, and even OK with another 60lbs of luggage and equipment for light trail / fire road motor camping trips. I will be improving exhaust, gearing, and ECU for all the commuting though.

[@351yt]

I bought the 300 Rally, did the TET in the Netherlands, great fun. Already planning TET Spain for next year. The bike is so well behaved. Incredible low speed torque, like a little tractor.

[@richarddoonrod6491]

in my book she is the best adventure rider there is. A blond blue eyed intelligent woman ,it is hard not to fall in love with her and her channel. I surely am...

[@geofiggy]

Andrew, thanks for this. Don't forget her skills and knowledge on also educating on Geology, local culture and history. 🖖🏼🤟🏼

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

For sure, thanks for the comment.

[@thestone3849]

You were also right about her personality - she's SMART, witty, sweet, fiercely independent (she's doing her entire adventure by herself) and massively talented. And then there are her eyes and smile! 😀 (this comment is copied from Throckmorton below, as I liked it very much and is True like a ray of Sun

[@hermandegroot1946]

When she reads all your complimenten she will start to wear her boots inside out. 😀

[@mrwest5552]

really nice that she has someone as supportive and knowledgeable as you.

[@jangrueter]

Noraly you have brought my husband and I so much joy. He is 90 and I am 80 and he is not well so we are pretty much trapped in our home. We look forward to all your episodes. We get to see places and do things we never could on our own! Thank you for your delightful journeys! We love you and wish we could meet you we live in the United States in the state of Idaho and tiny city of Winchester. You are so beautiful and delightful! Keep making videos and we will keep watching them. We have friends we have also convinced to watch you. Good bye and see you in the next season. Looking forward to season 8. Love you pretty lady!!! Jim and Jan

[@TheMotorman116]

I liked your story. One day we’ll all be too old to be outside, doing things we want to do. Every day I try to remind myself of this, and to enjoy the time left. You are blessed to have lived a long life together and most of all, you still have each other. God bless you both and have a good day!

[@mabloodhound]

She is in Alaska and has 24,000 miles on it, the equivalent of once around the world. And still going strong.

[@nielsdebakker3283]

Last week she had a blown fork seal and the mechanic told her the steering (ball) bearings have to be replaced. Quite shocking to learn that honda still uses ball bearing in steering stems.

[@bettybobzimmerman7450]

The xrs have caged tapered roller bearings

[@sl0w0rm]

I've bought a KLR650 in Ushuaia from a guy who came from alaska (had around 40k km), did more than 20k and no issues at all.

[@martyi398]

Yes I agree with this Video, to be honest I’m a fan of Itchy Boots channel along with my wife and she doesn’t even like motorcycle’s, I was influenced by watching her channel along with some others as well to purchase a 300L Rally, the first Honda dealer I contacted I was driving by after running some errands with the wife and we stopped in and they had a Rally allocated with no buyer, I put down the deposit on the spot and the rest is history, love the bike it’s a Swiss Army knife of a motorcycle which makes it so awesome and Noraly displays so well in her Alaskan adventure

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

It really is like a swiss army knife, it does everything pretty good a great tool overall.

[@fabiopunk1661]

I have a BMW GS - excellent for touring around Europe with my wife. However, it is TALL. I am 182 and fit but I get the shivers every time I need to handle it. Once it moves, then it's great. Next week I am going to pick up my new CRF300L. it will be for solo riding of course but I am really looking fwd to put my butt on it.

[@johngaither9263]

You failed to mention the first tour Noraly made from India to Southeast Asia was on a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Talk about daring! The bike was 4 times bigger than she is. She made it with a remarkably small number of issues with the bike and considering her lack of experience at motor cycle touring it was nearly miraculous. She's a smart cooky and that goes a long way.

[@Pesmog]

Her videos riding through Iran and the 'Stans, where the locals looked at her like she had just arrived from Mars, were for me the highlight of everything she has done. The Enfield never really let her down and the manufacturer must have been delighted at the publicity. She certainly proved that the RE Himalayan was fit for purpose as she was in some very isolated places and at very high altitudes.

[@JesusisLord-7A]

I just bought two CRF450RLs, one for my younger son and one for myself. My older son has the CRF300 Rally. The only difference that I can see is the seat, fuel tank, ride height, and power. The 450 service recommendation is for racing. I've done a lot of research and talked to a lot of people who work on them. They all advised that under normal riding conditions, it's fine to do the services more like the 300 Rally. There IS a larger feul tank that can be bought for the 450, I think it's a 3 gallon tank. The engine on the 450RL is the same engine on the 450X, which is the motocross bike. The engine has been down tuned for the street. I had my son doing slow maneuvers for about six hours the other day to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Other than him popping the clutch a few times, the 450RL did perfectly fine doing slow maneuvers. The point is, get what you like and feel comfortable with. Do a LOT of research. The 300 Rally is a road bike made to go off-road. The 450RL is a dirt bike made to go on the road. Enjoy the ride. Be safe.

[@sioboy]

I know it's close to an impossible long shot but I wish she would visit the Philippines and do a Philippine Motorcycle Loop. I'm pretty sure she has a lot of fans here.

[@SuperQuantum69]

I knew about her just 4-5 months ago because if Charly Sinewan channel, another world traveler in motorcycle. Big inspiration, definitely want to do the same!

[@dennishaldiman6087]

I learned about Charley when he helped Noraly get her bike across the border. Now, I follow Charley also! Another one to follow is Eva Zu Beck, a friend of Noraly. Eva travels the world in a Land Rover Defender, and climbs the worlds tallest mountains along the way. She is another young, beautiful, and talented adventurer. She is also an Oxford graduate...

[@jamesmackinlay4477]

I was lucky enough to discover her channel at the beginning of season 2 this women is something else. Very charming and down to earth and extremely intelligent I agree she picked the right bike the smaller one just wasn't enough for what she is doing.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

damn, you have been watching for a while

[@ericonabuell]

Noraly you are nothing short of Incredible .

[@PineyRider]

Noraly's channel is definitely my favorite KZbin channel. You'll know you've bumper into me in the PBs by an Itchy Boots sticker on the front fender of my TW200! Just started following your channel on FB.

[@bobby239miko4]

Shes is a legend.

[@walkerhjk]

It is well worth following her from Season 1, India to the Netherlands on a very cheap Indian domestic model Royal Enfield Himalayan, I have been with her all the way

[@joseaguirre7517]

I couln't find at least one thing to say " you are wrong!! Actually what I can say is.... I agree !! About Noraly and also about the bike!! Outstanding video!! Congrats!!

[@Phyde4ux]

Is this video answering a question anyone was seriously asking? Anyone who's followed her channel knows how happy she is with her choice and remembers the compromises she had to make with her previous bikes, Particularly Basanti and Dhanno.

[@lonniehawkins582]

Thanks for giving Noralay her props .she is awesome

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

👍 I like her channel, myself.

[@lonniehawkins582]

@@MotorcyclesOffroad yes her saffy sprocket and tomboy _a_bit . Have the heart of lions for what there doing I like watching the girls .because alot of what they do isn't for attention it's in there blood . I watch fortnine and keep up with Brian briasco some because he give back along with srk cycles and b&b .I'm keeping an eye in your channel as well .get some more good content im in . I just wanted to wish you best if luck ,men work or do good from KZbin or I just don't follow men out to make a buck, pay there way when there capable of doing more u .I'm trying to follow the ones that are trying to give back and ti support the girls that really have the Jones to ride. I've been lucky I've had motorcycles since I was a child I can't live happy without them . I just bought the new Indian bobber . And just put her up for the winter yesterday. Now comes cabin fever and the winter wait . Just part of it I wish you a great holiday season and god bless .

[@pezza3137]

Unfortunately for you, it's not the bike. She's so inspirational and a fantastic human being. Her presence is endearing and so professional.

[@kassiedreaneai7459]

Pezza: Not sure why you say "Unfortunately for you". While I have been following "Itchy Boots" since at least S2 & have gone back to see also her first videos I can agree it is all "her" that keeps me coming back to watch every minute of her videos; but for those who have never seen her something has to first get her into the " videos for you" or "to watch" list and for some people I am sure that in looking for info on the Honda 300's one way or another may have brought up a Itchy Boot video or two. But all that you and others say about her is correct. She is an amazing, brave and talented woman and appears to have the kindness in her own heart returned to her by everyone she meets.

[@mediocreman2]

Stop being such a buzzkill. This video is about the bike. Noralee is great and everyone knows that.

[@gordonwallin2368]

Noraly is my idol; she's so professional, friendly and getting more skilled all the time. I've a Kawasaki/Muzzy rocket and she scares me and my wife with her adventures. Maybe you're more mentally flexible when you've a MSc and speak six languages. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@Boediprasetya]

Remember.... Noraly have guardian angel backup everytime

[@caturlifelive]

Im glad when youtube recomended her channel a couple months ago

[@will1963]

Thank u for this video. Great job. And about Noraly; i have been following her from the beginning....she is a positive 'addiction' 🙂 and a great inspirator.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Awesome! you have watched her for years.

[@jorgeelmacizo]

Me imagino que este video sale porque Itchy dijo que Honda, en los establecimientos, hacían el trabajo sin mucho amor. No como Bill que sí lo hizo de manera muy eficiente. Sigo a Itchy desde hace mucho y lo que dice es muy cierto sobre el servicio de Honda. Se han convertido como en servicio de comida rápida.

[@ritmolatino1627]

Honda siempre lo fue, mas aun dsps de los exitos en motoGP

[@truckerwayne]

I have watched Itchy Boots season # 6 was mindblowing. I can't believe Noraly is living a dream she has had for over 5 Years.

[@omnivore2220]

Hmm, I've had my 300L Rally for several months now, several thousand miles on it, and I've never gotten over 75 MPG (average over a full tank of fuel) with it, no matter what I do with it. Combined highway, gravel and trail, I'm averaging around 65 to 70 MPG, with occasional spikes up to 75 or so on a single tank of gas if I take it super easy. And yes, once you've tried the more powerful, much heavier and far more expensive ADV bikes, and find that you're limited in where you can take it compared to a light dual sport, you slowly begin to realize that an ultra lightweight dual sport can go everywhere a big GS or Africa Twin can go, but the bigger bikes are not going to all the places the smaller, lighter, more maneuverable bike can go. Only the dual sport can truly serve as a go-everywhere bike.

[@Rene-up1dl]

IF you can find one.

[@aktrapper6126]

Itchy Boots is at 1.6M subscribers today. She is the greatest.

[@jeffreygumz7140]

I have just started taking short offroad rides with my 1997 XR200, just finished some 400 plus kms run on the backroads of Cordillera in 2 days. We'll see the next rip...yap, I have watched Itchy boots gone through South America and Alaska and I've dreamed of having a big bore rally bike after retirement...right now, short trips would be just fine...

[@michaelb2388]

I looked at the CRF300L Rally in a bike shop the other day. The seat height is pretty high for me as I'm only 5ft 6in tall.

[@leeinwis]

there is a lowering kit

[@stevejobs101]

It's all about knowing your limits and how much bike you actually need.

[@Erik-gg2vb]

She just mention a few episodes ago, the guy in alaska helping her with maintenance said the Counter shaft is worn out. That bike has a rigid rear hub. For a lot of street use you need a Cush hub. I posts in the reply area she needs a Haan Cush hub. I just got one for my XR650R, it to has a factory rigid hub. I've seen pictures of XR650R with countershaft sprockets welded to the counter shaft. Not good and the counter shafts are no longer made. I had no choice.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

Mine has upgraded suspension, a tail tidy, and barkbusters but that’s about it. The power is plenty for me but I’m only 170 lbs. Incredibly versatile, low maintenance bike. Trek Ethos rode his 1000 miles in 1 day on the interstate from southern Utah to Seattle. I’d like to replace the exhaust with the lightest street legal exhaust I can find but might have to settle for non-street legal. I’d also like to get a different headlight tower assembly; the stock one is just so goofy looking, like a lazy eyed gas mask.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

😂😂😂 Lazy eyed gas mask?!

[@Elillegal]

You just got a new subscriber brother. Looking forward to get this bike next year. See what 2025 brings. Im good with the T7 for now. Next year, I hope to be uploading videos from the great and neighbor state of Chihuahua.

[@georgeh.5480]

yeah the 450L is a full on dirt bike that is designed for hard and fast riding, not a highway ride at all.

[@michaelb2388]

I've been watching kinky boots for a few weeks now. Interesting stuff

[@JerryHAHA_4311]

Just like the camera, its all about the man.

[@kevinstonerock3158]

Aside from riding an extended family members 90 a couple times as well as a mini bike, I did all my learning and riding on a Kawasaki 650 csr since I wasn’t really interested in off road riding that much. I also took my maneuverability test on it. I’ve had a few drops due to various situations I’ve encountered but I’ve always been able to pick up and right the bike in spite of only weighing about 160 pounds. The 650 is actually more top heavy than the larger ones. Until I learned the techniques it was sometimes difficult depending upon terrain but once learned it was mostly a nonissue. Even allowing for her being a woman I was amazed at the difficulty she had when picking it up. Perhaps it was due to adjusting the ride height too high that caused the bike to tip but I don’t feel she should be traveling some of the roads she’s been on while alone. Since she’s spent so much time riding and so little learning techniques I think it places her at a disadvantage if she encounters any problems. I learned a technique that enables me to quickly return the way I came on hills as well as the flats. I got my inspiration from simply watching salesmen maneuver the bikes around on a showroom floor. I developed the techniques in the span of about a year of getting my bike. In the time she’s been riding I hadn’t seen any indication of her developing any of these techniques. There’s more that doesn’t apply to gravel or dirt but they’d save your bacon when used on pavement. Unlike other locations she’s ridden the delays of attempting to ride back roads has made it difficult to get service from lack of parts. Alaska is no place to fool with when weather sets in since when the temperature drops it’s like no other place on inhabited earth. Seeing the delays makes me shake my head unless she’s actually finished and we’re seeing post ride episodes. I have concerns for any person who is attempting a difficult task but it would be great to put this season to rest without unnecessary hazards.

[@kevinstonerock3158]

@@pnwrider8346 . I think I’ll pass on the pain aspect if you don’t mind, lol. I agree with you that for the most part her risk is is low but the one time she would have been better served in the skills department is when she was in the Vegas area. At first it wasn’t apparent how isolated from town she was so that would have been a great time for a larger skill set. Fortunately she was able to phone a friend until she recuperated. I had commented to her how there’s a lot of dead end trails and hazards from certain wildlife types and at first she kept a healthy distance from them but as time went on the safety margin slowly shrank. She may planned to take the Canadian route anyway but by taking the Alaska highway there’s less risk from unimproved trail mishaps involving obstructions and animal interaction. As long as she didn’t freeze on the dalton highway the worst should be over.

[@jwaller1327]

You're right, but I don't think you really need to convince anyone. Well, anyone who's tried the CRF450L (or RL). I just got one yesterday and it's an absolutely awesome bike for what it is. I tried a KTM 500 also, but found the Honda to feel way more refined and the ergonomics just work better for me. That being said, that thing is definitely NOT a long distance touring bike for anything remotely like what Noraly is doing. I rode it 68 miles from the dealership to give it a shakedown and to get a lunch with friends. It was like straddling a saw-horse for over an hour. Painful to the backside. The motocross sitting style is probably the worst thing for riding high speed into the wind. I felt like a drag chute. The bike makes the KLX300 I had feel like a Goldwing. For short street rides and single track it's going to be great. And if after the Alaska adventure Noraly decides to enter another Rally like she did in South Africa, for that kind of riding, a CRF450L with a 20L tank and a Seat Concepts seat would be 100 times better than the CRF300L Rally, no matter the name Honda gave it.

[@Dtrain-kq8kd]

She wasn't. Oh good.... ~ I thought she had made a mistake...that's the bike that i want also...

[@sagebrushsteppe]

Hi Andrew, I have watched a number of your videos and do enjoy them very much. I was very lucky last year to get one of the first CRF 300L's. I have been watching all of Itchy Boots current season and enjoy her content very much too. I'm 71 years old and live in the mountains in the north eastern tip of California. There are thousands of miles of dirt trails for me in all directions. You mentioned a facebook page for riders of the CRF 300's and 300 Ralley's. I don't really use facebook or social media in general but would be interested in checking out your page. I would love to find people to ride with now and then. About 95-98% of the riding I do on both my CRF300L and my Harley is alone. I think I would enjoy having one person to go with now and then. You made reference to some performance upgrades you made on your bike. Most of what I have done is looks and luggage. I have a bunch of Zeta accessories on my Honda and a number of Nelson Riggs luggage pieces. I was lucky to have a lot of compact light weight backpacking camping gear. My place makes a great base (a 3,200 sq ft house in the middle of a 20 acre yard in a rural mountain valley) I liked your new Tee shirts (I have two from Itchy Boots) but wish you had a CRF300L version. Thanks again for your content

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Hello Sir, Thanks for the comment I have read it over. This is awesome to hear you have such a great area to ride. I think facebook is a great way to bring people together ans meet new people. I have found many new people to ride with on there. As for the as for the Tshirts I do have some designs with the 300L alone, the problem is taking them to print is costly. Once I do make a print I would have like 50 or so copies that I could sell.

[@cleigh113]

She is a travel vlogger- not a motorbike channel. Her channel is ok, I get frustrated at times watching her and her riding- when you never ride with others you don't push yourself. ARiemann1 is the best motorcycle channel to watch.

[@darkiee69]

Fun thing, the 450L is a rally bike, the 300 rally is a bike for long travels... 🤔

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

You are exactly right. Its crazy, they call it a rally as a market buzz word.

[@mikekay6789]

I'm going RTW on a bike, and chose an F800gs. I LOVE this bike and would not enjoy being on a boring small motorcycle that can't pass an 18 wheeler when you need to. And yes, I'll be spending a lot of time off road. There is no right bike. There is only your bike, and riding. I'm going to be living on my motorcycle so I better love it. These comments below about being right are not right. Only the rider can make that call. Ride what you want. YAY to mid size ADV bikes - I like some BALLS when twisting the throttle - Watch Kinga - there's a lady who rides!!

[@kiplambel4052]

I WOULD have a 300 Rally, but I haven't been able to find one in a year of searching!

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Damn, well keep it up. It will be wort it in the end.

[@Rene-up1dl]

I gave up trying to find a new 300L, XT250 or KLX300. Settled for real nice barely used TW200. Dealers are crap. Liars and greedy.

[@sl0w0rm]

I'ts funny because here in Europe we had to wait 6-12 months for it and now when recession started you can get one straight from the street and even get a discount.

[@Rene-up1dl]

@@sl0w0rm Nice!

[@manuelhaug4053]

Actually Noraly startet riding on a Royal Enfield Himalayan. And her trip from Patagonia to Alaska startet also with a Himalayan. She went as far as Peru where she had to leave the bike behind do to Covid. Otherwise she would have gone all the way to Alaska on it. Just saying 😉

[@davidcolinfisher1034]

I am surprised that she was even looking at the CRF450. I guess that is telling. For the amount these adventure riders drop their bikes in simple off roading adventures, it requires the lightest, and most crashbar outfitted motorcycle you could purchase. The DR400 has been going around the world for over 20 years, and the world of motorcycle manufactures finally caught on to the lightweight dual purpose (ADV). The future will only produce more of these based on the reality that there is such a thing as too much engine, and too much weight, when you are alone in the middle of nowhere, crash all the time, and know very little about mechanics....etc.

[@theosaimon6933]

I watch her yesterday last episode 146 if I'm not mistaken she Is southern alaska but now she is proseding to North alaska

[@danielpearson6306]

I had purchased new a 2021 Rally and had 1200 miles it and ordered Rally Raid equipment for it. I had gone to a Wal-Mart and I was paged and several Harley riders totally destroyed my new Rally. It was paid for and insurance paid. The low life Harley riders just got their hands slapped. 7 years my BMW 1150 GS at a Rural gas stop Harley riders poured gas on it and burned it. Police came and arrested them on felony warrants and the female on shooting at police. Now if Harley rider needs help it will not happen, no sympathy. I purchased a CB500X used and for me is great as I am 182cm and 97kg. I do BDR routes and carry camping equipment and gone a month. I have watched Itchy Boots when started in India on the Royal Enfield. Talk about being overloaded. That sure was a nail biting adventure.

[@danielpearson6306]

PNW Rider. I am definitely not into any drug crap and the POS at Walmart were locals that were gang wanna bes. The others were gang from the Vagas are the deputy told me. So take your low life judgments else where. With Marxist government now I am relocating elsewhere. Retired and so free to go.

[@knuckles-3386]

Where in the hell do you live I’ve been around Harley riders most of my life and I’ve never seen anything like this they were either really drunk or you did something to really piss them off or maybe you just don’t like Harley’s and this is all bs

[@danielmcneil3004]

Very good video and profile of Noraly. Have been a sub since her early days in Asia. Amazing , intelligent and charismatic woman. One point you mentioned that I think might be inaccurate… I’m quite sure I’ve heard her reference her height as being 5’4” several times, saying she has short legs. But I may have misunderstood ? At any rate she is an inspiration. ✌️🇨🇦

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Hey thanks for the comment. In my research she is taller. Celebsexplore has her at 5'7, drukadvice has her at 5'8", geekytalk has her at 5'8", so most of what I found represents her as a taller women.

[@danielmcneil3004]

@@MotorcyclesOffroad Thanks for the clarification. 👍

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@MotorcyclesOffroad Women always lie about their age and apparently their height too.

[@aatee5840]

yea , Itchy Boots was for CRF300L what Evan McGregor was for the GS

[@leeinwis]

Not really, she made the himalayan famous , lots of us knew about the 250/300 rally already .

[@SirGolfalot-]

Itchy boots set ADV motorcycle riding on fire. Honda got lucky when she selected them.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Haha yeah she selected them 3 times now!

[@michaelbrown641]

I’m 5’ 9” tall. Itchyboots is 5’ 8” tall. When I straddle the new Honda 300l Rally my ties didn’t touch the ground. On another one I got a solid toe touch. How does she do it? No pun intended. I’m 70 years old. Toe touch won’t cut it for me. My Harley was much lower seat height.

[@leeinwis]

So first off the rear shocks are adjustable , and as you ride er more the shocks will "settle" some , and you don't need both feet on the ground at the same time anyway , i'm 5' 9 and own the 250 rally.

[@michaelbrown641]

@@leeinwis thank you. But after riding many miles on highway some off roading stopping in traffic on uneven surface with one foot down and a load on the back plus being tired just doesn’t sound too encouraging to me.

[@peaceforchildren4303]

THAT BIKE SOUNDS GR8! LOVE HONDAS 🙂

[@timgrace414]

Those small Honda single are great until they're not. Maybe 25k between engine rebuilds?

[@vasiliyt8600]

Small Honda engines can do way above 100K without problems. In my country, Honda bikes with 125ccm engines (Cub, Innova, Astrea, etc.) are very popular for food delivery services, because of their ruggedness.

[@timgrace414]

@@vasiliyt8600 with most Honda singles, that's true. But this particular generation of 250/300s seem less reliable. They fail regularly at 25-30k and need a rebuild.

[@VPB1970]

She’s amazing. I’ve been following her since the beginning and watched she get smarter in regards to bike choice. The CRF300 is ideal for her, no doubt! I had the 250 rally and I’m waiting for my 300l (I don’t what but in my country Honda doesn’t sell the rally).

[@INTERNA9]

She is Best of the Best !

[@perezm714]

Still riding a 1985 Honda XR350R until Honda releases another 350cc 6-speed transmission dual sport.

[@tonyrappa4611]

It's a great trail bike with a little on the street but if you're using it full-time on the street there's a lot better options

[@zenASDF]

This bike is taking an absolute beating on her latest African travels, and has proven to be an extremely reliable and tough motorbike.

[@JoshSinnott97]

I've been trying to choose between the crf300 rally and a klr650 for such a long time but I think I'd rather a smaller engine if it means I'll be able to pick it up when I inevitably drop it off road

[@tzazarizona2676]

Wish luck and safety, she is riding in the most dangerous parts of the world on the trans America.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Yes! She was in some sketchy places in South America.

[@parchedpixels5804]

Ha ah man. Today I canceled my deposit I had on a 300 Rally since January - more than 10 months ago! Their availability in the states just never materialized in 2022

[@94SexyStang]

Glad I purchased my DRZ last summer, now there's NOTHING in stock at my dealers! I was originally looking at the CRF450, but didn't wanna spend $10k..... then Looked at DR650, but got Tired of waiting for One to come in, so I just got the Drz400........went back 1 week later to get my Paperwork for the bike, and Every single Dirt bike was gone from the showroom......absolutely crazy!

[@richbrock9876]

Firstly itchyboots is of course awesome and her amazing work speaks for itself. Secondly the 300 rally I bought is an ok bike but man the Honda dealers near me are shocking. No one can get the headlight main/high/bright beam pointing in front of the bike so I can’t ride when it gets dark. Maybe it’s the new led technology that’s got them baffled or maybe Honda didn’t engineer any adjustment into it? I’ve never had bike where the headlight has no beam alignment before

[@chrisruthford4492]

For larger humans like myself, the rally is a little small, under powered and the suspension isn't adequate. But I do like the looks and reliability, just wouldn't work for me.

[@Rene-up1dl]

Upgrades. Upgrades $$$$

[@woundedtiger7547]

Thanks so much for sharing this 😊.

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

Thank you for watching!

[@JosephDawson]

As of late she has had some problems with the bike. I wonder if that is due to it being a new bike and bugs honda needs to work out or is it just the amount of riding she had done with it? Also how is HONDA not sponsoring her already?

[@Rene-up1dl]

Honda cheaped out on some things to keep the price down.

[@jadams3427]

Really interesting observations. Does anyone make a quieter exhaust for the 300 Rally. It does not sound like a Honda !

[@TommyNitro]

I have seen guys getting 60 mpg on the 450l. I have a hard time believing the 450 would get worse mileage than my 650.

[@sunandthesoil3736]

If you say Itchy Boots,I will watch period!