Honda CRF300L OR Suzuki DR650 - Which One? I Own Both...

[@precipiceofgrind]

Like The Video(s)? Hit That SUBSCRIBE!! Really Helps The Channel! Thanks For Watching!!

[@billstadelman4420]

One huge advantage the DR650 has is that the suspension is designed with a lowering option that requires no parts to be purchased, you just move some existing parts around. Nothing is added, and nothing is removed - parts are just moved from one place to another, so going from stock to lowered and back is relatively easy to do. There are some very good videos online on how to do this, but be sure the one you choose has the official method. Lowering the front is NOT just sliding the forks up on the triple tree - the forks have to be disassembled and parts moved around - not terribly difficult, and really the proper way to do it.

[@Bugoutnow589]

First COMMENT! The Doctor is the greatest bike in the entire history of all the worlds!

[@jcdiver522]

I currently have my mt07 up for sale to replace with a dual sport. I was debating between these 2 bikes and decided to go with a DR650. There’s a few I’ve got my eye on soon as my current bike is out of the garage

[@doze73]

Sold my CRF300L and bought a new DR650. I do regular highway kms here in Oz so the DR made better sense for me. I like the DR better for street as well, it does the traffic light dash with much more ease than the CRF. I do miss the CRF300L for riding around my local forest/national parks. The CRF is perfect for that type of local backroads/back country type of riding. Horses for courses, keeping both would be perfect, but the minister for war and finance didnt approve that course of action😢

[@precipiceofgrind]

Awesome!

[@jonwoodworker]

The DR650 is the clear winner. However, people far too often ruin some of the advantages of the DR with that 6.6-gallon tank, the 5.4 is the better balance option. The torque and power are significant considering the DR doesn't weigh that much more. The DR has no problem keeping up with highway traffic, the CRF is dangerously slow for the DC/Baltimore/Northern VA area. I have no problem taking my DR on almost any single track, I jump logs and rocks easily. There are 100's of videos on YT showing the DR's ability in trail riding. The CRF's lack of torque makes it difficult in slow technical terrain. Put Cogent suspension on the DR and it becomes a beast.

[@rupertsuzuki3376]

Great video, you nailed it on all counts. Especially on the weight, the difference is substantial. To anybody who discounts that I always say “just pick it up - when you’re exhausted”… Add to that, neither bike is as advertised, all that gear and accessories add to the problem. My DR650 comes in at just under 450 loaded out… For the record I’m a DR650 guy but if I could wave a magic wand and make a hundred pounds disappear I would. Still it’s lighter than most.

[@tatemushroom1002]

Im between the two, they are the same price at my dealer i like the ergonomics and looks of the crf but i like the power and reliability of the DR. i plan on getting one this weekend

[@ParallelCamper]

120 with the stock tank on my DR sounds about right to me. I always carry a couple of liters in my saddle bags.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Yeah, that was about it for me as well and always have extra gas.

[@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867]

I have both bikes as well and pretty much agree. I love my DR but I do worry about taking it deep in the woods when solo. The CRF just gives me a little more sense of mind. My old TW200 gave me even more sense of mind because I knew I could walk that bike though anything.

[@precipiceofgrind]

We got a TDub in the stable, never getting rid of that bike...too awesome!

[@airadaimagery692]

I’m trying to find a used TW in good shape, I’ve wanted one for so long. I ride a 300 Rally, and I love it. But I still have to have a TW.

[@TheGamersRace]

​@@airadaimagery692I want to have a dr650 for longer adventures and a tw200 for shorter adventures or for carry on my truck adventures. Dr650 would be nice for interstate camping.

[@davida1679]

I bought a DR first for its simplicity. I can rebuild the carburetor, replace the piston and any other components. I also love the fact that’s it’s not loaded down with electronic rider aids! I wouldn’t even care if it didn’t even come with a speedometer, but I guess it’s nice to avoid tickets so it’s nice to have. Also, there are multitudes of aftermarket parts available! Pro Cycle sells their TM-40 carburetor and KnN air filter kit for around $650.00? That and Yoshimura exhaust turns this bike into a whole different machine! The DR could never be my only bike, but for what it was designed for, in my opinion, it’s a 10!

[@mattevans5812]

Good comparison. I appreciate the emphasis on 60 pounds extra weight being heavy. Highway and trail ability is a big ask for one bike with one set of tires. I have 60,000 miles riding DR650's and have ridden a CRF and and XT250. If I could have only one bike I'd probably choose a CRF. 2 bikes I'd take a DR650 and XT250 for a bigger range of capability. The DR is a better adventure bike than any adventure bike because it's lighter than all of them multi cylinder bikes but has longer suspension and still highway capable all day and the XT is a very good trail bike. The CRF is very good, it just doesn't have the highway ability of a DR or the technical trail reassurance an XT gives. As it is I have 2 DR650's but should trade my old one for an XT250. Don't offer, I'm in Canada. Also, the DR and XT are made in Japan and as a lazy mechanic I like the simplicity of screw adjustable valves, snail chain adjusters, and one cylinder engines with no water in them. Beautiful old school features only the DR and XT 250 still have.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Heard that!

[@SomewhereInside]

I am 100kg ..have done over 1500kms on the 300 rally …stock suspension …no mods on bike . Have done freeway 10 per cent , back road rough bitumen 60 per cent , dirt including 4WD tracks , forest trails , mild easy enduro trails . I stand up on the dirt and back roads . The only negative of bike is tall seat for a 5ft 8 29 inch seam rider….but wearing proper MX boots …helps …the gear shifter works well with stiff MX boots which is a bonus . The 300 is fun….and it likes revs.

[@airadaimagery692]

You definitely can’t take recommendations from anyone on seat comfort, because everyone is built slightly different at the rear. I could not sit on the stock seat of my 300 Rally for a full hour without becoming extremely uncomfortable. Thank goodness for seat concepts, because I seriously had thoughts of having to sell my brand new bike. I found the stock seat to be that bad! I had to ride it for at least 4-5 months because seat concepts was on back order, and during that time it never got any better for me. Also, in February of 2022, I rolled my 2021 Rally out of the door for $6400. If you can’t believe that, go watch Woodzman Adventures last video, where he purchased his trail 125, and he shows the sticker price for the L and Rally at the dealership he buys from. I don’t know how these dealers can sell these bikes at such extremely different prices, in different parts of the country, but they are.

[@ericweber1969]

Excellent video as always DRock! Keep up the great work.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Will do, thanks for watching!

[@freedomseeds2864]

2023 stock dr650 gets 45mpg where I am (cool flat weather). refill at about 120miles on the ODO, I don't play with running until I need reserve. It is a total joy offroad. it eats rocks and washouts in comfort. dropping on a slope is the worst, but a semi-fit male can drag it around with a bit of effort. Stock tires slip bad on rocks.

[@motokev2727]

For years I've owned a vstrom and xr650r. It's nice to have a street bike and a dirt bike. I don't see my self riding an enduro too far on roads to reach dirt trails. So, I'll continue to haul the XR.

[@wmbushUT]

Great Vid!! sure helped. Looking at the 300LS. get larger tank, seat, bars...

[@louiskirby4266]

Thanks cobba for your time and effort, beers up

[@insatiable_mind]

Both! But I can get a used DR in good shape for about $3k. The CRF250L is available used in good shape for $3k-$4k but it has less power and torque than the CRF300L and is far less plentiful than used DR’s. Since I’ll probably buy used and just got a DR250 the DR650 is probably my next purchase. I do tend to jump on a great deal though so my next bike could be anything from a Triumph or Royal Enfield to a TW200. 😁

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're going to wake up with a garage full of bikes one day...

[@randymcgiveron3268]

Thanks for the review. Currently I'm riding a cb500x but want a dual sport. Not too interested in having two bikes which makes the Dr 650 seem perfect. However, there's a part of me who wants an xt250 and a regular road bike. Even though I have a strong history of off-road riding, there's not much of it available anymore in South Florida.

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're welcome, thanks for watching! I almost bought a cb500x couple years back, still have an interest in one. Having an XT in the stable isn't a bad idea at all, wouldn't hesitate on buying a used one...bullet proof bikes. Having lived in South Florida myself, I would have to agree with you.

[@philcadorette1383]

The DR650 also has an oil cooler that helps with engine cooling. Changing oil viscosity to slightly heavier oil during extreme heat is also a good idea.

[@Thojouno]

Looking at upgrading my KLX300 to a DR650. So many more upgrade possibilities in the DR.

[@RickRose]

Interesting content as always. From a displacement perspective, I'd have expected a DR650 vs KLR650 comparison, but you may have done that already. In a similar vein, I'd compare the CRF300 against a DRZ400, but you don't have one of those in your stable (yet). Keep 'em coming!

[@machupikachu1085]

Dr.Z would crush the 300L in every conceivable metric.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

I definitely agree with you on all counts. I bought my CRF300L Rally in November of 2021 for 7 k out the door. I also bought it because it is light. At 72 with a bad knee and back it is way to painful trying to pick up a 400 lb or heavier bike. I have ridden it on the freeway but have to agree that is not what it is intended for. I have ridden across Oregon state loaded down with camping gear and it did just fine at 60 to 65 mph.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Man, I wanted a Rally so bad and scoured the Southwest for one at the end of 2021 and was pretty much laughed at...was told it was impossible.

[@andy3d1]

Amazing review I’m looking buying one of the three

[@Sparkjumper59]

DR also has an oil cooler😊

[@brianrahuba6919]

Really, I would rather have a DR350s above them both . I'm lighter in weight and have good torque and horsepower, more than enough for trail riding . Its a good mix . All you have to do is the suspension . Like most enduros . I get to play with my gearing due to I have a 6speed. Yeah .

[@tominmo8865]

Very good video, thanks!

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@Gordie1450]

I had the Dr650 and I now have the 300L, both good bikes but both of them keep falling over, it’s not me

[@danielgelinas7141]

Hi drock. Really enjoy your channel! Any chance of comparing the tw200 to the xt250? I’ve been going back and forth between the two and just can’t decide. This would be for my wife. I already have the dr650 but would love to have her come along with me in the back country. Thanks!

[@precipiceofgrind]

That would be a good comparison video, sounds good! Appreciate you watching!

[@crypticreality8484]

If you have a need for 60+ miles per hour, the XT will suit your wife better.... the seats about the same height and the tires are easier to find. That being said, the carbureted TW is a legend in its own right as a back road champion. I prefer the XT

[@golfncars5094]

Love my dr650 but ktm 500 keeps knocking on my KZbin searches being 100lbs lighter

[@underthedrone2735]

Just about everything you said could be said about the DRZ400S. I'm surprised the DR only cruises at 65 mph comfortably. My DRZ400 will do that. A simple lowering link and a DRZ400SM kickstand with a little tightening of the rear shock spring puts the seat height good enough for my 30" inseam. I can't quite flatfoot it with both feet but it's not too far from it. I'm sure you can do the same thing with the DR650. I'm not sure if another kickstand would needed for that though. Reliability is key with any of the solo rides.

[@Andriig75]

MY dr does 90 mph all day long, but I got skinnier front fender. The stock one is like a duck bill, grabs a lot of wind at speed

[@davidstewart1585]

I easily get 150 to 160 miles from my CRF 300l and have once done 165 miles but only had enough fuel left for maybe another 2 or 3 miles, ( 80 % of that riding was on easy roads travelling between 45 and 55 miles per hour and maybe 5% at 60 to 65 miles an hour and 15 % at say under 45 miles per hour) easy riding on mostly easy country roads

[@crypticreality8484]

Hey PRECIPICE, how does the air cooled XT250 fare in the Mojave summers?

[@precipiceofgrind]

No problems yet.

[@machupikachu1085]

@@precipiceofgrind This is a concern for my buddy. He really wants a Tdub, but he lives out in Yuma, and is afraid it won't survive low speed off roading in the summer. Your input is appreciated. Cheers!

[@jcf6597]

Well done video. I've been struggling between the CRF300 Rally, Dr 650, Xt 250 and KTM 390 Adventure, and would appreciate your input. I'm 60 years old, small in stature at 5'7" 140 lbs with a 32 inch inseam, with temperamental knees and back. I grew up riding dirt and street bikes but haven't ridden much in the last 40 years, however I just retired and would like to get back into it but have serious concerns similar to you about how hard the bike is going to be to lift up after dropping it in the back country when by myself. My riding will be 50% pavement, 40% gravel forest roads and maybe 10% dual or single track. After watching your video, I think I should rule out the DR because of the weight as much as I would appreciate the power. Do you have any experience with KTM 390 Adventure, or have any input on it? Thanks in advance for your time.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Thank you very much for watching! Sorry, I have no experience with the KTM 390. The 300 Rally would be a good fit if you don't mind a taller bike, you'd appreciate it more since half your riding will be on pavement.

[@crypticreality8484]

Being older and 5 ft 7, the XT is very agreeable. The channel owner knows more than me but, as a rider of the same height, I love the XT

[@JamesPiccone]

I like to ride off road and I feel anything over 300 lb is getting too heavy 360 is definitely too much .

[@Weltbummler23]

I have a DR now and have been considering switching to the klx or crf300l to save some weight. Have u considered doing some performance mods to make the honda more usable on the highway? If it could hit 95 on the freeway if needed would u consider using it more?

[@ThumbDSJeep]

Sat on a CRF today to see just how soft the suspension really is (since you can't go anywhere without hearing about it). I noticed the clutch had a good 1/2 - 3/4 inch of play at the end of it. Is that a normal thing or did the dealer set this particular bike up badly?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Can't say. My own 300L wasn't that way, had about 1/4 play. Dealer might tighten things up in prep after a bike has been sold.

[@ThumbDSJeep]

@@precipiceofgrind Appreciate it. Never seen that much in a bike so was curious if it was a "budget" bike thing. I enjoy watching your desert/mountain rides, cheers!

[@johnpagejr.7628]

As for the suspension on the CRF300L Rally I put a new shock on the back and new springs for my weight. The suspension is not horrifically bad if you are not riding it hard but you will bottom it out if you start flogging it all the time. I put the new shock on my CRF because of it was not enough carrying a full load of camping gear. It was bottoming out on the highway at 70 on the freeway on any little bump it hit.

[@timothym2241]

Those things are meant to be watched and adjusted by the owners. I wouldn’t assume the dealer got it right. 0.4-0.8 at the end of the lever is specified. So it would appear they have it within range. You can tighten it up if you want the clutch to release and grab earlier.

[@neilpederson5212]

Just set that way. There's adjustment on the cable, make the cable longer

[@HippieHoller]

Talking about desert riding reminds me of Evan Tanner. 😢

[@precipiceofgrind]

I didn't know who this was so I did a little research, rough way to go. I do most of my desert exploration (these days) in the winter. Just like the ocean, jungle or mountains..the desert doesn't care. One thing I've learned from experiences in the desert, springs usually dry up by late summer and shouldn't be counted on.

[@waynewilliams839]

I've done both bikes and prefer the lighter bikes for trails! Thanks for your work !! 😊

[@EffequalsMA]

I bought the CRF, because it's a modern bike, which I am used to. Fuel gauge, shift light, digidash, EFI, overdrive, etc. These things would piss me off if absent. I also didnt want to pay ZX6R insurance rates for it (it's by cc, where I am). I'm also a noob off road, despite riding for over 30 years and the CRF is super uninitimidating. I'm partially physically disabled so, I wanted a light bike for comfort, maneuvering and/or picking it up; weight DOES matter. Price point: I got the CRF, all in, for over 1000 CAD less than the DR. It was tough to spend that kind of money for a bike that dates from the 1990s, eff carburettors. BTW, my other bike is a ZX14R so, the CRF is the anti-ZX14R (slow, light, tall, comfy, narrow).

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

Drock....let me get this straight....you have the KLR...DR...XT...CRFL = 4 bikes.....Jen has the TW...HIMY = 2 Bikes. Haven't seen Jen riding for a while.....maybe she should have another bike or two. Jen, just so you know that when I buy a toy, my wife can spend the equivalent amount on whatever she wants. That is why my toys cost twice as much as everyone else. Time for more toys for you Jen.....LOL.......keep up the great videos and a nice present for Jen would be the new 450 Himalayan.....just a suggestion. Thanks for taking me along. Be safe

[@precipiceofgrind]

She's already made up her mind to get the new Himmy 450 when it rolls out in the states, no pressure there!

[@orlandovftw]

DR650 GANG

[@Andriig75]

Dr is air/oil cooled

[@jordanmurray9281]

I know someone (not me…..) that goes 100mph for 20 minutes straight on the highway

[@RedFox-i8i]

I'm in this same position and I'm selling the Honda rally!

[@shinzman87]

DRZ400?

[@Dirtxbc]

Just wanna add I'm 5 foot 10, maybe 5 foot 10 and a half, and I can comfortably be flat footed on the crf300l. Just a reminder everyone is different, doesn't have to be flat footed but yeah. Just sayin

[@rickylong7834]

DR 650

[@brummil]

No way for Honda. An Engine, that is done every 50k kilometers is far far away from reliability. An Plastictoy for 50kg dwarfs. Winner is......... DR650

[@dr.x4050]

Why would you think the Honda has a shorter engine life than the DR?

[@kennethreynolds8]

Good vid bro thanks.