2021 Honda CRF300L - First Ride Review

[@marcochavane3124]

Having only had 2 WR250Rs, 2 WR450Fs, and a DRZ400, I am really enjoying my 300 Rally ABS. It's got enough grunt to get me around. A balanced gear box for on and off road. Now that it's broken in the transmission shifts are velvety smooth compared to my old bikes. Almost effortless. Got hit by a car yesterday so I ordered a fake FMF system from Thailand for $250 and will use a 550 tuner so it doesn't run lean. It's pretty warm on my right leg when it's a hot day outside. Suspension is definitely next. I have commuted 1,100 miles since I got it new three weeks ago and really enjoy riding it rain or shine. It's my first Honda and I'm impressed with the value it presents.

[@peterlee7193]

Honda went to the used parts bin and give us the old headlight. Would love to see more LED replacement options.

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

just change the bulb to a LED one do it on all my bikes now and all ready got one for when my 300 L comes in. Changed bough front and rear on my DR 650 Also on my S40, KTM came with one. They should have them on every bike before it leaves the show room.

[@militarydocumentariesinc.7007]

Get the rally and you get all led's and a larger tank.

[@BRIDGECITYRIDER]

Being 5’5 seat height can be an issue but not on the 300l. Pull that front brake and after sitting on it the suspension really drops. You’re spot on with the review. I have put almost 4000km on mine and am very happy with it! Looking forward to what you guys have in store!

[@TSTindustries]

Thanks for the love and support!

[@bettychronics5906]

You think a petite girl that is 5’2 will be able to ride this and adjust the height ?

[@BRIDGECITYRIDER]

@@bettychronics5906 yes just lower it a couple inches and you’ll be fine.

[@kknn523]

you are right about Honda reusing parts in different bikes. In business it is called economy of scope. They make something for their top of line honda bikes. Then take some of that technology and simplify it to be used in their other bikes. So, they design the top of the line Honda and will use a similar design for their entire line of bikes. They will also utilize the same parts, or a simplified version of a part on their lower end bikes and things like that. That is how things are so cheap, yet quality for Japanese brands.

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

great Video loved it. The CRF 300 L Rally is more of an adventure bike, wind protection for road or highway and some protection for off road but it is heaver then the L The CRF 300 L is a duel sport to be set up the way each person wants to use it and in much more off road then the Rally. If you want more off road take the L model add a good skid plate AXP racing makes a great one for it, and some good hand guards to protect your hands and leavers. and go with some more off road tires like the Dunlop D 606 rear and a Pirelli MT.21front and the L will get you through almost any thing but at a duel sport pace not a dirt bike pace. The Rally has softer suspension and less ground clearance than the L model. It is set up for some one who wants to do more on road riding, and touring. The L is for some one who wants to make it more off road, add what you want. Some are complaining the L dose not have a skid plate or hand guards, but if it did most people who want to do more off road would be upgrading them to what they want, so It is better to leave them off so you can put on what you want. My KTM 390 came with skid plate and hand guards and I had them up graded to better ones before I picked it up and also went with a up grade in tire to Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires. a great 50/50 tire great on the road and very good off road. On my Honda CRF 300 L will be using it for 90% off road so am going with Dunlop D606 rear and Pirelli M.21 front to start off with, also with AXP racing skid plate, chain sprocket guard and there rear rack and will be putting better handle bars and hand guards on all before I pick it up . The only road the CRF 300 L will see is going to and from the trails. The Rally and the L are bough good off road but the L has stiffer suspension and more ground clearance. but the suspension is still on the light side, but for the riding I will be doing it should be just fine, as I will not be racing it, just enjoying some gnarly trails, at am old mans pace. ( 40 to 70 Km on the rough stuff and 20 to 40 on the gnarly stuff ) Thanks for the video I enjoyed watching it.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

You just explained what I will be doing to my 300l when I get it as mine will mainly be used for off-road, I have Gs1250 for long highway trips

[@S.G.37]

Grammar much?

[@honda116969]

Yeah I like both of the bikes myself I have the 2018 rally and I thought it was the shit but then my buddy got an 18 KLX250 both fuel injected both liquid cooled both 250 cc's it's literally a damn tie I thought I would kick his ass but apparently not & it's so much more nimble than my bike & I'm sure that's how the 250L feels we do mostly street riding with some playing around off-road I just want to get a set of risers for my 🏍️💨 I have the 550 performance ECU, slip-on exhaust & hand guards, 70-30 Kenda street tires & synthetic 10w30 🛢️... I have the replacement EBC clutch without the jutter springs but haven't had a reason to replace the factory clutch yet. Bike sounds much better with the exhaust not too loud but almost has that 450 thumper sound lol... Great 🏍️💨 it's not the perfect bike but for me it sure does a good job and the maintenance intervals are nice

[@johns4584]

I street ride mine exclusively just for something fun to ride, only have about 300 miles on it, but it has lived up to my expectations. At 60 years old I'm 6'2" ~ 175# and had to lower mine a touch to make it more comfortable, haven't noticed any odd behavior with the change in geometry.

[@westernsharpie]

6'2 and you lowered it? Thats the last thing i expected to hear, interesting

[@georgeyboy8186]

@@westernsharpie same. I’ll have to sit on one I think as I’m also 6ft2

[@dg8676]

@@westernsharpiehe’s 60 years old. When you get older you want to do it easily. Your body doesn’t moves like it used to at 70😂

[@westernsharpie]

@@dg8676 Thats true, just saying if age were not an issue, now that i have mine, i think anyone generally 5'8 or taller should be able to ride this bike comfortably. 👍

[@ybaberat]

I have the 2021crf 300L..I love this bike I spent the summer riding it to see how it was and what if any mods where need.And after careful thought the bike needs front and rear suspension mods ,exhaust,tires bars,skid plate,ECu, better headlight and a few smaller up grades.About 2000 bucks but after that is bike for me is set..Happy riding...

[@TSTindustries]

Right on!

[@john1911ccw]

Bought one in 2021, love it. I’m 65 now and having fun. Had a DR650 another fun bike but to top heavy. Ride Harleys on the street.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

I am waiting for a CRF300L to come in. Just about every review I have seen on this bike is saying the same things that it is a great bike and can be made better with a few upgrades. Mainly the suspension but even as is it is a great bike. For the majority of us that will buy this bike it is prefect just the way it is.

[@shmack-dab-in-da-middle3960]

Nice bro mine's coming in about a week or two for me to pick up or do you ordered the Yoshi full system and the katech rear and possibly front suspension those are the two most expensive upgrades you'll do the rest I'll just go as I go paycheck-to-paycheck LOL

[@TSTindustries]

We will be taking a journey through a total transformation with this bike. Easy cosmetics first just because a lot of our customers expect that right away. Then suspension, intake/exhaust, figuring out a flash, maybe some cams. I haven't maxed out the brakes yet but maybe that will happen and then we will address those issues as well.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

If you want to see what can be done on the CRF250L watch the last three videos by Itchy Boots. She has risen in the Kalahari Rally on a stock CRF250L. It is very impressive.

[@john1911ccw]

The only thing I added was a rear luggage rack😊

[@danielmccaf]

The is no adventure version, but if you were referring to the Rally version, I think you have it backwards, friend. Why would the lower performance version be better off-road? The Rally version is the commuter version. The bare bike that you're testing is the off-road version.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

I ordered mine in Melbourne Australia late April still waiting for it to come it

[@blackmoonkey]

Same situation… (Milan, Italy)

[@tatmanmyownbossdannydraco]

You get it yet?

[@tatmanmyownbossdannydraco]

@@blackmoonkey you grt it yet? Just put my money down today they told me 60 days

[@jackchristodoulou197]

@@tatmanmyownbossdannydraco got it last October love it

[@finalbyrnn1752]

Got lucky. Found one in stock and put my down payment on it. Pick it up Friday.

[@donvaughan8335]

Just bought my second CRF 300L out the door for $5578.19 /with ABS. Bought from Southern Honda in Chattanooga TN. No transportation or dealer prep charges ever. They seem to have inventory where my local dealers did not. I had to wait 2 days for the Rally and two weeks for the 300L, did not want ABS but it was all they had to offer. I do have to pay Florida taxes when I tag it.

[@TSTindustries]

We have heard about that Chattanooga place before. We know some folks from other states that go there to shop for bikes and always end up with great deals.

[@tobaccofarmer4life]

That’s only $ 29.19 on top of the msrp of $5549. Seems like a worthwhile operation to deal with . Thanks for sharing that info .

[@tobaccofarmer4life]

Just got off phone with this place and although you are right about no trans or prep fees , the guy tells me they charge 499 for some bullshit paint protection and it’s mandatory . So they want 5249msrp for non abs plus the 499. 5748 total . You wouldn’t have the name of individual you dealt with would you ?

[@randycallow3736]

Pretty much the opposite, if off road is your thing the rally version w ground effects and the windshield is not the bike, the oem handguards are @80% to keep wind and cold off your hands and for medium to slender weeds, but not much else.. the gearbox is a definite improvement, so many,too many aftermarket options.. flash for ECU, slip on, airbox mods, and tons of luggage and rack systems that can get you places w gear and then remove the weight and ride off road.. the Kawasaki 300 is also excellent.. it's really a shame that all the big 4 don't make a small twin like the Versys 300 power plant w all the superior suspension, wheels, frame design and braking and the motor w give better service intervals and give you long range capacity.. already for the Honda there are great tank options that get you a bunch more fuel

[@Squidbert79]

Excellent review! I'm awaiting delivery of my 300L ABS that I put a deposit down on in June. Was supposed to ship late August but has since been delayed a few times. Already have a handful of AXP accessories waiting for it to arrive (skid plate, chain guard, rear rack). Looking forward to what TST brings to the table for this bike. Hoping an integrated tail light / turn signal and fender eliminator will be on the agenda as the ones TST already offers for other bikes look to be great products. Also I notice you offer a kickstand pad for the 250L. I've read complaints of steep lean angle on the 300L due to possibly a short length kickstand. Perhaps a pad could be manufactured with an increased thickness as well to help prop the bike up a little more upright when the stand is down. Just a thought!

[@tatmanmyownbossdannydraco]

You get it yet?

[@saymyname3097]

I have one and I'm enjoying it. I use it on the road sometimes dirt roads. I like the clearance height, I'm OK with the spring and managed to move the cable over the dashboard, but the fuel tank should be bigger.

[@frankfeng6199]

Thanks for this! I'm on the fence about the 300L rally. I have a deposit on one, they have it at the dealer now, I just have to pull the trigger, but that welded subframe and the power are my only two concerns

[@jediknight2350]

buy it if you dont like it you can get all your money back same day they sell like hot cakes.

[@frankfeng6199]

@@jediknight2350 I ended up buying one just a few days after that comment and I love it

[@mazim7386]

@@frankfeng6199 do you need a motorcycle license?

[@frankfeng6199]

@@mazim7386 to buy a motorcycle? No you dont

[@mazim7386]

@@frankfeng6199 not to buy one but to drive the 300L

[@felipe-nt-d]

What, that's a cool bike! It could come to my country to compete against the Yamaha XTZ 250 Lander, even though the new Honda is a much more refined product and seems to be more capable off-road as well.

[@awsdawood3382]

Can't wait to see all the parts that you guys will make for the 300L I'm buying just waiting for you guys. No pressure 😊

[@misticwolfgaming4731]

What was your top speed on the road/highway?

[@thedingo2842]

Def getting this for my first bike, thank you!

[@TSTindustries]

Great to hear!

[@tatmanmyownbossdannydraco]

Same just put my money down they said 60 days🤞

[@charlespalmerii4299]

love it consider getting this for my first bike, and also would put a Track on it for the winter and play in the snow with it, whatcha think?

[@TSTindustries]

I like the track idea. Go for it.

[@two-wheels7397]

I have a 20 mile commute at 65 mph. Also live a couple miles down gravel roads. Can this bike handle 65 without screaming? My crf250 just cannot handle the faster commute in away to allow me to get out of the way of others.

[@TSTindustries]

This can 100% handle that with ease.

[@mattdyer489]

The bike will run at around 7k rpms in 6th at 65mph. My 300l doesn't sound buzzy at all at that speed.

[@frankmcgarry3155]

Trying to decide between this or the Kawasaki 230. Pretty sure availability will be what makes up my mind.

[@dapperyapper4746]

I just bought a 2021 KLX 230 and I love mine

[@Broxty]

Don't do it.... that 230 is a plug.

[@hernanvidaurre4258]

Honda crf 300L + yoshimura full sistem best street performance thank nice video

[@stevenjamet1304]

Thanks for a great video, watched the whole thing, very much enjoyed the way you went about this review. These bikes are also playing hard to get here in Australia, but hoping to get my rally before Christmas. Ride safe. Cheers

[@TSTindustries]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

lots of the Rally hear in Canada but can't get the L till next year they went quick of the floor hear. But bough Honda shops hear have the Rally's sitting on the floor. The only thing I like about the Rally over the L is the larger gas tank, but for what I will be using it for 90% off road I want the L .

[@TheMichaelparker]

Never underestimate the power of a grom😎

[@user-hx5vh9uh2n]

I weigh 215 and am 5’7” Honda said 250,300 suck and to buy a 450 for the crfl enduros I mean. I feel like 450 is just too much for me. I can barely reach ground. I heard I can ad lowering link and shaved seat. Not sure if lowering link makes for worse bottoming out issues in 250,300 crfl. Anyways not sure what to buy. I think 450 is cool for keeping up with freeway traffic if I commute . 250 sounds good for trail control. Any wisdom out here in what’s I should do

[@TSTindustries]

Your best bet would be to go to a Honda dealership, sit on all three and then take the 250 and 450 out for a test ride. The suspension sag on the 300 is enough to allow you to tip toe at stops and feel "in control" and it can absolutely keep up with highway traffic.

[@TheDogDad]

Aren't city & street the same thing?

[@TSTindustries]

City: Inner city, smaller roads, stop go traffic. Street: More open roads, less foot and car traffic, less stop lights. Maybe we should've put City and Highway now that we're thinking about it...

[@honda116969]

In my opinion the rally is definitely a little more upscale than the regular L model but when you ride the regular L it's kind of nice not having all that extra bullshit on there the bike just feels more like a toy & more fun to ride... Both great bikes. Or KLX 250 or 300 dual sport both of those bikes are sick as hell as well... I was thinking the CRF was better than the KLX cuz I'm such a Honda fan but after riding the Kawasaki I understand what people mean it's just a nice bike

[@TSTindustries]

Great feedback!

[@FT099]

Speaking of your social media team, when are you making APRILIA parts!! I need TST Aprilia in my life.

[@TSTindustries]

When the demand calls for it. Right now, the Aprilia market hasn't been calling us too much but it is something that's on our radar. We just need to make sure it makes sense before diving right in.

[@jackloganbill605]

Great video. My first FL sand experience was similar, the bike would not hold a line!!!! If I may ask, what are the cross roads to this riding area? Thanks again!!!

[@cyclerider5652]

Great video and bike. subscribed!

[@cristianbachman6810]

If you convert a 300l abs to supermoto, could you transfer the abs sensors to the 17 inch wheels?

[@benzinschnueffler187]

I really want to know how it performs on twisty roads. I think I'll do 90% or 80% street riding. But I love the looks of the bike and want to do some Offroad stuff which is a bit complicated to do here in Germany

[@johnpagejr.7628]

I have not ridden the 300 yet but I have owned a 175, 230, and a 700 Honda and all three where great bikes in the twisty's in my Opinion. But I suppose I am biased I love Honda's.

[@aldencompton5222]

My 250l does great in the twisties. The 300l would do just as well with its light weight and better with more power.

[@AdventureMotoADV]

Why is the brake cable routed so high or is it just the camera position?

[@TSTindustries]

The hose is actually is routed that way. Good eyes. This bike has a lot of suspension travel. To add to that, at wheel turned positions, with the suspension travel, the length of hose consumed for the suspension travel is a pretty significant amount. So the manufacturer has provided extra length of hose to make articulation of the hose easy so that the connections to the master and caliper do not experience strain.

[@JASHIKO_]

@@TSTindustries Quite common on bikes like this my TTR250 is the same. You need the space for suspension travel on really rough trips.

[@gobear83]

I’m 6’2” ..would it fit me

[@TSTindustries]

Definitely, the suspension is a little soft but the bike size would fit you.

[@jackloganbill605]

Yes!!!

[@bfighter8930]

I live in New Mexico and I cannot find one single 2022 CRF300L.....

[@TSTindustries]

Unfortunately the demand is larger than the supply for this bike at the moment.

[@bfighter8930]

@@TSTindustries ok thanks

[@robertcheney6753]

I thought you could turn off abs on the crf300l with abs?

[@TSTindustries]

Perhaps you can but why pay more for something you don't want on the bike? I did not want ABS at all so that is why I chose this version.

[@fcalin21]

@@TSTindustries You need ABS on the street.

[@TSTindustries]

@@fcalin21 need and want are two completely different psychological conditions.

[@fcalin21]

@@TSTindustries ABS saves lifes so you should want too.

[@TSTindustries]

@@fcalin21 if you are going to troll please go elsewhere

[@joecalabro4633]

It’s a trail bike don’t need to be going out and bottom out the suspension

[@masonmaceachern1858]

Hi there , I’m looking for a good commuter bike until I get my full license, my camp is 160 kms away and I’m wondering if this bike will do ok going 80 km a hour for like 2 or 3 hours straight, thanks

[@PrimoStracciatella]

It should do 80 km/h all day long. The comfortable top speed for distance riding on my CRF250M was around 110 km/h. It could go faster but was getting uncomfortable and the fuel consumption went way up.

[@pgray1939]

Thanks for the video. One question: At 27:10 you mention that "the non-ABS model is the way to go" for off-roading. Am I correct that the ABS model allows you to switch off the ABS function? Thanks.

[@TSTindustries]

We do not have an abs model here but i was told at the dealership that there is an option to turn off rear wheel abs on these bikes.

[@christiantudor-williams1184]

Fantastic review, absolutely top class

[@fcalin21]

What is the rpm at 100 and at 120 kph ?

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

Too heavy for a 300. My DR650 weighs just a bit more.

[@TSTindustries]

Interesting!

[@Pat_Smith778]

300l = 309lbs VS dr650 = 366lbs That said, these are the 2 bikes I am considering next.

[@JohnnyBoy919]

I agree it's pretty heavy for a 300 at about 309 pounds, but a dr650 weighs about 365...that's a pretty big difference.

[@RedC63AMG]

Wet weight on the 300L is 309 and 330 is the Rally. You can cut 11 pounds easy with an exhaust, tail tidy and LI battery

[@angryviking4496]

I don't think it's too heavy on windy days on the highway. Just right

[@brianadams429]

Are you offroad off of Howland blvd? We called it bikers paradise. Do you know if people are riding at duck lake by the Deltona hospital.

[@brianadams429]

Thats exactly where your riding. Its nice to know its still open

[@TSTindustries]

@@brianadams429 Yes! Bikers paradise is one of the places we were at. Duck lake is pretty much shut down at this point.

[@Durant______6_ft_________4]

Waiting fo your upgrades to supermoto

[@spacebear49]

What is the grey button on the right side of the handlebar?

[@TSTindustries]

Hazards.

[@Tapport]

good video

[@TSTindustries]

Thanks for the love and feedback!

[@jediknight2350]

this is my next bike i really love it well done honda only gripe is that friggin brake line why honda why couldnt they measure that day lol.

[@Johnny-lr5jt]

Who needs a water-cooled dirt bike with all the extra weight that adds? Why such a high seat height? And what's with the cable arching over the speedometer in front?

[@TSTindustries]

It's lighter than the 250L with slightly bigger displacement and it's an adventure/supermoto with extremely soft suspension, seat height on any bike like this will be tall. The cable over the front is actually the brake line, not sure what Honda was thinking for that.

[@richardmoreno5160]

Just the video I needed!

[@brianthegodmigs5643]

I’m about the same height so this is a good thing

[@boyonbus6790]

yo this is crazy i ride in that same place in del fl

[@jackloganbill605]

Where is it? Cross roads? Thanks!

[@ohbogey]

Hold up, could u take us around Casadega?

[@TSTindustries]

not much to see there except fairies ;)

[@bettychronics5906]

I am 5’2 can this work for a petite lady like me ?

[@TSTindustries]

The chassis sits pretty high for someone 5'2". It can be lowered some but that would take some drastic lowering and potentially adversely affecting dynamics. Have you considered a bike with a smaller chassis?

[@stevestumbaugh8982]

Send it

[@KentwoodWarrior]

Mod time

[@TSTindustries]

Agreed!

[@jamesbarratt593]

I like the bike

[@whoscook4481]

Wr250r is still a better bike overall!

[@TSTindustries]

You are going to have to be more specific to make your case.

[@keegantrunick4123]

@@jakeviolet2195 I really want that KTM 690 but you're right it's so hard to justify that price. I'm considering this 300 seriously now as long as there is enough power to keep me happy.

[@lilforzaxo]

Deland gang #386 ahaha

[@ВячеславСулимов-б7ъ]

Хонда конечно хороший производитель мотоциклов БЫЛ.

[@libertyliberty4371]

This bike low power and to soft suspension .... 😢😢😢

[@libertyliberty4371]

@@jakeviolet2195 Thank you !!! 🙂👍👍👍👍