Testing our Luck on Dual Sport 300's | KLX300 vs CRF300L ADV Lite Motorcycle Shootout

[@flattopwill]

Seems like a big bike ride

[@rmatvmc]

With the wind we experienced, the KLR had almost the same top speed as the Honda 😂 -Nick

[@flattopwill]

@@rmatvmc haha it’s about the same power to weight ratio 😆

[@jaywhoisit4863]

Gotta be careful riding without a jacket in that heat. The dry wind will dehydrate you in minutes. Jacket keeps the sweat on you a bit longer and you can soak your jacket with spare water to cool off a bit! Cheers from Sub Saharan Africa! 🇰🇪

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks for the tip! The video really doesn't show how hot it was during this ride. Still, a good time 😎 - Wes

[@marcochavane3124]

Tell you what, my little Honda 300 is blowing me away now. I added CBR300 cams ($80), CBR300 velocity stack ($28), and a tune for $150. Feels like a totally different bike. I was neck and neck with a stock 2022 DRZ400SM this past weekend for reference. Also threw on Rally Raid Level 2 suspension. This thing is an absolute weapon now. Also does 85mph all day with stock gearing, tall rear tire, and my 260lb self on it.

[@davebennett5069]

what's the total investment

[@xzouix]

I am wondering, would the softer Honda suspension be enough for a 115 pounds light rider? (115pounds without the gear on)?

[@Tony-zp8xn]

@@xzouix From things I've seen others say about it, the suspension sprung for about a 160 pound rider. I weigh 195 and my Rally loses a fair bit of travel with me, plus riding gear, plus whatever else I put in my bags, whether it's camping gear or some groceries. 115 might be a little light on it, but you definitely won't struggle with it sagging too much. I'm hoping to get the suspension done in the next year.

[@steve00alt70]

your not gonna be on par with a 400 no matter what u do to a 300

[@machupikachu1085]

What if they put hot cams, short gasket and a rejet on the Dr.Z?

[@jaytownjunkyardfiles1999]

This is so cool to see long adventure rides on modern small cc dualsport bikes. To be able to travel several hundred miles for just a few bucks of gasoline is where it's at. I'm going to do something similar on my DR650 this summer to Elk County, Pennsylvania.

[@rmatvmc]

Sounds like a good trip. Have fun and be safe! Thanks for watching - Wes

[@ndlsjk]

Hey fellow Pa rider here on a CRF250L. I do weekend rides from the Erie area to the Allegheny National Forest in one day and ride fire roads til I find a camp site, then ride back the next day. It's good for about 400 miles in the 2 days and gas costs are like $15. Great cheap fun.

[@jaytownjunkyardfiles1999]

@ndlsjk Awesome! I like that, fun with a low cost. I have to install the petcock rebuild parts on my DR and I'll be back out on that. Those trips sound fun except I would be from the other side, NE. Keep on enjoying every minute, that's what it's all about.

[@walkerskii]

I own 2 Hondas (1 is an 87 quad) 2 Suzuki's (a 1978 RM125 & an SV650) & 2 Yamahas hahaha but if I ever bought one of these bikes you're showing, it would (finally!) be the Kawasaki!

[@rmatvmc]

What are the Yamahas? I've got a 1970 CT175 that still RIPS. -Nick

[@jeff.pitts.]

32:12 the flickering of the tach sorta syncs with the beat 😅

[@427walrus]

I must admit, my mind was conflicted watching this with all the snow we got this week. I have the CRF300L Rally and I love the fuel range on it. Keep up the good work and cheers from Utah County!

[@distilledfreedom1840]

Pretty great. You guys should do more of these adventure vids. Maybe in the Fall. I'm debating selling my Husqvarna 501, it's just not much the long traveler. Too much vibration, and the box of gravel noise, even w ear plugs it's mind numbing.

[@SmokinZen]

Two of the most fun and reliable bikes out there can’t wait to take my KLX300 farther into the wild

[@rmatvmc]

Agreed!

[@Hoser1mVm]

Dudes - At running out of gas point 18:45 - shake that thing up down, Side to side! The fuel pick up may not be seeing both sides, all areas of the tank.

[@AdventureGlide]

What a great area to ride. I love riding in Northern Nevada and Utah. The High Desert is defiantly a great place to test out a Light ADV Bike. There is plenty of miles to ride, for sure. I usually cover about 300 to 400 miles of dirt road each time I go out on the GSA.

[@rmatvmc]

With more time I would've loved to find more dirt between the pavement. We'd just need to find a solution for packing extra fuel. That's a problem that you don't really have to deal with on the GSA lol. Thanks for watching - Wes

[@seisamigos397]

Great video you guys! Well put together, good music, nice editing, great graphics and humor. Well done!! 👍

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

Jacked the rear spring too much & forked the geometry, mine has been always stable up to 85 mph with saddlebags. It needs stiffer springs in the forks, too.

[@VincentRayWorking]

good to see kobee as a regular rider for this type of content. hope to watch more videos like this

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks for the feedback and views, much appreciated!

[@kosmoman54]

I always called it The Knolls. I remember riding my dads KLX 300 out their on the sand dunes back in the day.

[@advorlando9855]

Last video was good, and I agreed the KLX was best. The jumps and Wallowy suspension on the Honda was obvious. This video was more like a long-range ride which I did want to see. It gives a more rounded assessment of the bikes. I don't see your opinions as being swayed because I think the soft seat and soft suspension of the Honda makes it better for this kind of riding. A gas gauge vs gas light when the next gas station could be far off is important, so Kudos to the Honda. Two different bikes and two different rides = a more complete story. The KLX Camo is my fav. Great job on a tough video.

[@evopwrmods]

I've got an 2008 klx250, couldn't find a new klx300 to buy. But the klx250 does do well with much weight, I drove through Death Valley ntl park loaded w extra fuel tiny amount of gear, and the little 250 worked hard to the tune of 18mpg at one point. I noticed anywhere from 80mpg to 30mpg to the pitiful 18mpg lugging up crockscrew pass....

[@berttompkins9096]

I took my 2018 klx 250 and dropped an oem 300 R piston, cylinder , injector and header fmf w suppertrapp muffler. 300 R cams ($$$). EJK for minor idle and mid fueling. The bike is a n animal. Its beats a 2022 stock.klx 300 too. Both bikes are awesome But kawi bore went up 6mm (1/4 inch!!!) W.O. boring the case. Expensive build with oem parts but made this bike run like a KX. No ecu tune reqd.

[@SethJayson]

Interesting reversal for the more travel-oriented use even though you did some jumping and tire-spinning too. I put a deposit down on the Honda Rally version because I won't be shredding trails at all -- too old for that, too unskilled. Maybe I'll stop worrying about that suspension (though upgrades there seem pretty simple and not all that expensive). I can live for weeks out of a 20 liter backpack, so I think the little Honda should have everything covered. Only trouble is actually *getting* one delivered to a dealer.

[@rmatvmc]

Good luck on the bike hunt! They are great little bikes. I really like that new 300 engine. It really shines when being compared directly to the KLX. As far as suspension goes, there's no harm in riding it stock and testing the limits. If you find that it isn't disappointing you around every turn and obstacle, then run it! - Wes

[@brownneedles6968]

Question: do you think the ‘kawi wag’ was due to maxing out the preload & overpacking, or was it just inherent in the bike? Everything else I’ve heard talks about it’s superiority vs CRF in this category.

[@DerekRicciardi]

I seen in another video where someone cranked up the rear spring on the klx and it made it really twichey

[@panic-revv85]

There's dirt roads from 5 mile to eureka, and eagle mt over to soldier pass and Elberta.

[@rmatvmc]

If it wouldn't have been so hot on the day we traveled home, we would have hit more dirt! -Nick

[@techies_gaming8091]

This is what I've waiting for so long.... Adventure trip. With your bike builds 😍👍

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you like them!

[@techies_gaming8091]

@@rmatvmc make it again dude 😸👍

[@AceCarleton]

My Honda crf300l wagged like that when new, it was a badly our of round front wheel. New wheel no more wag

[@calcrappie8507]

Great trip! Both good bikes. Wendover is a nice oasis for the weary traveler. Nice to pay for your trip on the casino's dime.

[@woundedtiger7547]

Really enjoyed 😉 ☺ thanks for sharing. I'll be riding my 230klx. Here we go.

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks for the watch! Have fun!

[@renebeland4837]

Great job guys! Thank you for doing this for us. Very Very helpful in my decision making,

[@rmatvmc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paniccg]

Love these moto travel videos!

[@osimnod]

Wes, you said you over-packed for the over-nighter. What did you bring? What would you leave behind next time? That context would be invaluable. And, any reason why you both didn't use an evaporative cooling vest to help battle the heat?

[@rmatvmc]

To be completely honest, I packed for it to be cooler at night. With a bit more research I would've found out that the heat wave we were in was only going to let temps drop to 90 degrees at night. Knowing that would've allowed me to leave a bunch of the extra layers home to save space and weight. With bigger bags you are ALWAYS temped to fill them up! - Wes

[@berttompkins9096]

Oh awesome video of 2 great bikes . I love my KLR TOO.

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching.

[@toddsorel-pg4hr]

There were three bikes, seems like somewhat of a lost opportunity. Since many people know what a KLR is like and perhaps those people were originally in the market for a KLr (vs DR, vs XR…), it would have been bonus content to see how the 300s stack up on the road and how much more cumbersome the KLR is off the road.

[@TomorrowIsNow]

Great Video! Too bad there is no love for the XT250 at RMATVMC.

[@rmatvmc]

We need to up our game for the XT's. I'll pass the word along and see what we can do. Thanks for watching! - Wes

[@machupikachu1085]

@@rmatvmc xt250 vs. Klx 230s please!

[@Scantcity]

Great job guys, really enjoyed this video.

[@mhilde7744]

RM....NICELY DONE! I enjoyed that👍

[@rmatvmc]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! -Nick

[@MOBStreet83]

This weather was not three days ago.......But, I am gonna take this route when I take my TW200 to Bonneville! Wes, You guys wanna test those machines against my TW200?

[@rmatvmc]

Lol! I'd take my adventure ninja on that trip! It's always ready for some adventure. - Wes

[@MOBStreet83]

@@rmatvmc Sounds good! I let you know when I plan to head out there, but it won't be while it's 105° out.

[@ericredpath3908]

Great video, I enjoyed it a lot, thanks for sharing.

[@rmatvmc]

Thank you, Glad you enjoyed it! -Nick

[@mattsloop2736]

Why did the honda need a bump start?

[@vaerenbergh]

acerbis larger tank would not have been worse for the crf weight wise, its lighter because it is from plastic, the oem tank is metal and heavier

[@race8427]

Great adv video guys, what was the Honda push start about? Not sure if I missed something. 40 mpg, that’s in KTM/BETA 500 territory. I thought bikes in this class got 55+ mpg?

[@rmatvmc]

Kobee accidentally left his heated grips on overnight and drained the battery 😂 - Wes

[@TwinsRider_Vlog]

Big fan from Nepal 🇳🇵

[@rmatvmc]

Thank you for the support!

[@davejoe2592]

I would have to go with yhe Hinfa myself as I just think it's gorgeous. My fingers are crossed that Yamaha will come out with a WR300R or WR350R soon

[@rmatvmc]

We hope so as well! They are due for an update 😬- Wes

[@codyswope85]

I just ordered the pannier rack for my wr250r. Is there an advantage to soft vs the hard luggage on a small dual sport? I see alot of small bikes using the soft bags but i like the ability to lock my stuff up.

[@Nomadic_Pigeonn]

If you're mostly doing street or groomed dirt roads hard boxes are nice. If you're doing more technical/challenging terrain and have a few spills or be dabbing, soft is the way to go because it won't hurt your legs if you catch it between the ground and the bike in a dab.

[@OC_OUTDOORSMAN]

What kind of addition led light light is that?? I'd like to get one for my KLX

[@rmatvmc]

Baja Designs Squadron Pro, check out the KLX300 buiild video for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2UmISsmpqUndksi=IU0tbT204KPlHzv5&t=147

[@benlinberg2821]

What mount is being used for the single Baja Designs light each bike has on?

[@rmatvmc]

These bikes used custom mounts for the Baja Designs Squadron Pro. The KLX has a mount from a KTM 701 and the CRF uses a custom bracket that uses the handguard mount. We also sell a clamp kit you can check out there: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-bar-accessory-clamp-w-baja-designs-p

[@davedonedis]

😂 watching the Honda bounce for days after each jump!

[@Hoser1mVm]

On the KLX wagging - what about adjusting your fork height? Did u compensate for what y did with the rear shock?

[@rmatvmc]

You could definitely drop the forks in the clamps to compensate for the added preload, but that wasn't the best way to do it. You'd be better off buying the correct spring rate for your weight and luggage, and then set the bike up right. I wouldn't recommend cranking the preload to try and compensate for the extra weight in luggage. Wes

[@VlastPojman]

Which one of the Fox jackets is the black, red and grey ones Looks really nice as an overcoat.

[@rmatvmc]

That was some older Fox Racing Legion Gear. I've really enjoyed it for lighter weight, but still protective, aggressive off-road Dual Sport gear - Wes

[@Thojouno]

The Honda has hazards, the Kawasaki, doesn’t. Make of that what you will! 😂

[@rmatvmc]

Lol that is a good point! - Wes

[@deltabravo1257]

25:51 The tent appears to have a Rocky Mountain logo on it - is that a tent you will be selling soon? I can't find it on your website.

[@rmatvmc]

Hey, this was actually a Christmas gift from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC to our employees a few years back. Sorry, we don't sell them, make Wes an offer though 😂

[@liviosinibaldi3632]

Cheap and heavy. Reasonably affordable and decent overall.

[@vmax-cv1ml]

I couldnt enjoy myself in that heat. Huge buzz kill.😮

[@MHix63]

I want to see a video of how the KLR did in comparison.

[@rmatvmc]

@MHix63 I said this to someone else but heres a few of my thoughts. Honestly, this was my first long trip on a big bike, so I don't have much to compare it to. It was a really nerve-racking experience getting used to the "wag". If I were to do another ride on it, I would definitely be looking for a remedy or another bike... The SAND was a humbling experience to say the least, I need quite a few more hours of seat time on that bike before I even feel close to comfortable in the sand. It's quite a bit heavier than my 2003 KX 250 but I love the KLR electric start. 😂I wish I would have adjusted the shift lever before the ride, but that's more user error. Ran the Tusk D sports and loved em. I think I would have had a little more fun on one of the smaller bikes, but overall, I still had a great time on this ride. Thanks for watching -Nick

[@TheZakkmylde]

You didn’t mention size of tusk on the Honda ?

[@rmatvmc]

The size of "Tusk"? - Wes

[@beetfarmer8933]

I wanna know how the KLR did on this trip. Also, when's the next big RMATV trip? Idaho was one of my favorite YT videos of all time.

[@rmatvmc]

Honestly, this was my first long trip on a big bike, so I don't have much to compare it to. It was a really nerve-racking experience getting used to the "wag". If I were to do another ride on it, I would definitely be looking for a remedy or another bike... The SAND was a humbling experience to say the least, I need quite a few more hours of seat time on that bike before I even feel close to comfortable in the sand. It's quite a bit heavier than my 2003 KX 250 but I love the KLR electric start. 😂I wish I would have adjusted the shift lever before the ride, but that's more user error. Ran the Tusk D sports and loved em. I think I would have had a little more fun on one of the smaller bikes, but overall, I still had a great time on this ride. Thanks for watching -Nick

[@IRON_D]

Would not have liked that heat or the asphalt highway miles on a 300… seems like Honda more road winner commuters, Kawi won the offroad riding

[@rmatvmc]

You are exactly right! With some suspension work the Honda could be the best 300 option out there IMO - Wes

[@Wesley..]

Cool shades, what are they called?

[@rmatvmc]

Wes was wearing the Oakley Sutro Sunglasses. You can check out all the different options we sell here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/search/go?w=oakley+sutro Thanks for checking out the video!

[@richardchang9740]

Did the camera bike / klr650 have to fill up?

[@rmatvmc]

I filled up every time the other guys did just as a precaution. I had quite a bit more range though. -Nick

[@mattsloop2736]

To make the honda what it needs to be you'll have as much in building it as you do buying it

[@Bugoutnow589]

GREAT VIDEO GUYS!

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you liked it!! Thanks for watching - Wes

[@6Twisted]

These seem like nice little bikes until you look at the weight. They're 30kg heavier than a 450.

[@collectiveleak]

It's almost like they are a bigger bike or something

[@6Twisted]

@@collectiveleak Typo. Meant to type 450.

[@JoeJ523]

It’s pretty irritating that the klx doesn’t have a gas gauge………

[@collectiveleak]

Dude just shake it and listen, it's not that hard

[@JoeJ523]

We are in 2024 this is not a dirt bike it’s a dual sport

[@collectiveleak]

@JoeJ523 your point being that we live in modern times and so we need conveniences that come on more expensive motorcycles on a bike that costs 7k? I like the price how it is, I don't want it any higher. Plus it's a 2 gallon tank? It's not hard to keep track of 2 gallons. You want a gear indicator too? A dualsport is meant to be a simple, rugged machine that be flexible for almost any task. If you want a gas gauge, get an adv bike that actually carries enough gas to warrant it

[@JoeJ523]

@@collectiveleak Honda 300l has a fuel gauge at similar price……these companies can afford it and still sell the bike at the same price.

[@machupikachu1085]

Use your trip meter. That's what it's for.

[@hal511bm]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@JoeJ523]

Too bad you can’t find any Honda 300l

[@Reviews-Tidbits]

You can’t find a bigger tank for the KLX anymore.

[@rmatvmc]

Check out the IMS Fuel Tank: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/ims-fuel-tank-p?v=18930

[@Reviews-Tidbits]

@@rmatvmc Our Price: $411.85 for .7 gallon Hard pass that’s CRAZY!

[@trapskilla]

KLX = more off-roady CRF = better at road

[@bjwilliams6115]

Was this last fall?

[@rmatvmc]

Yep, in the middle of that heat wave 🥵 - Wes

[@bjwilliams6115]

@@rmatvmc yikes! Yeah looked kinda miserable. Excited for your future work on this

[@lizdg3892]

Gotta have some fuel canisters. ❤

[@panic-revv85]

You should ride from Hobblecreek to strawberry.

[@b.hessing1182]

Does that actually go all the way through? I've been up shooting at the gravel pit a hundred times but never any farther than that.

[@panic-revv85]

@@b.hessing1182 I've never made it, but have heard of others who ride it regularly.

[@rmatvmc]

@@panic-revv85 @b.hessing1182 Chance loves this route. He plans a ride for everyone to do it annually.

[@georgemikodesigns]

outta gas...but made it to the furthest pump...LOL :P

[@stlskybob]

Too small of a fuel capacity/range for a dual sport bike.

[@schaerem]

Cool video but a trip through some of the shittiest terrain/scenery in Utah to a dump of a town in Nevada.

[@rmatvmc]

Aw man! The diversity and variety of roads and trails here in Utah is what makes it such a great place to live and recreate. I love it all!... but you do have a valid point with Wendover 😂 - Wes

[@Desert2snowoffwego]

Drama with fuel consumption? WTF you've got KLR along that has a 6 gallon fuel capacity! Siphon hose gentlemen! Who's zooming who??

[@rmatvmc]

Accidentally left the siphon at the shop... We'll remember next time! -Nick

[@stubabyfuora5280]

Amateurs, first mod is lithium battery

[@jimperry4420]

And never black gear in the sun.

[@rmatvmc]

Quickest way to shave weight! 😂- Wes

[@rodneyhull9764]

So jealous of your environment,here in the UK it seems you are never more than 2 minutes from a town or city.Just about zero trails of any length either🥲

[@rmatvmc]

We are trying our best not to take any of it for granted! Thanks for watching - Wes