Why I bought a Honda CRF300L(S)...and NOT a Rally

[@twloughlin]

So I am left with one kind of nagging little question. I've never ridden a Himalayan, but I understand it's not exactly a highway bike. You now seem to have two bikes tailored for off-road. Will the Himi be swapped for a better highway bike, making the 300LS your only trail bike? I wasn't quite clear on this point in terms of your "two bike" solution.

[@On2Feet]

Yeah that’s the long term plan. I’ll likely get something a little more powerful with respect to my ADV bike...and something that does a little better on the highways. For now I’ll be keeping the Himalayan for at least another year though as I’ve got a few trips planned for it next year. I'm also not sure what a Himalayan replacement would even be just yet.

[@SlartibartfastEsq]

@@On2Feet Himalayan 450 ?

[@rosswilliams531]

Hi mate, in Wales U.K. here and I bought the crfl in grey after seeing your vids. Like you I debated for months over it as I wanted a lighter more trails looking bike as a compliment to my heavy Harley so after watching you I took a leap of faith and bought one in grey which I preferred but it was only offered in standard height. I was very apprehensive at first as no test ride was available and I wasn't sure about the ride height at 5'8 so I learnt to mount and dismount "cowboy" style lol plus the lighter ride and small engine took a while to become accustomed too. Its just had its 600 break in service and I feel the engine has definitely eased up and become more responsive with more torque than I previously felt. Did you find that also? I'm still tentivley getting used to it and enjoying the different style of riding compared to my Harley esp now that winters here. Would love to ride it in your part of the world tho as I think your terrain suits it perfectly so I need to think of how to ship it over there lol

[@On2Feet]

Quite possibly! I'm definitely interested in trying it out when it gets stateside next year. As for now, I haven't really be thinking much about it as I won't really be in a position to buy a new bike next year@@SlartibartfastEsq

[@richschuster1097]

I have concluded the same thing; bigger ADV and a smaller more off road dual purpose. I like your 300 LS and the upcoming NX 500 (CB 500X) may be the ADV. My KLR is too much of some things and not enough of others. Hopefully I’ll come home to AZ and catch you in person. Great videos; thanks!

[@DwaineRue]

My decision process was almost completely like yours. First I wanted the rally, then I would change my mind to the L. And I also watching when the LS was introduced. Immediately I knew that was the bike for me. Started calling dealerships. Finally a dealer I called said they had a shipping date and it was for sale. I purchased immediately over the phone. Without ever seeing any crf in person. Could not be happier!

[@jacintofjimenez5342]

We both hv the same virus! I bought mine over the phone too! 😊

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Just got a 2023 crf300l non ABS a few days ago. Sold my street bike. I was surprised by how much power this little bike has. I was expecting less but got more. Happy camper so far. Didn't know Florida got snow. 🥶

[@jeffferguson899]

I love the colour of the L/S as well

[@sausagesandwichSA]

Good choice...after nearly 7 years of owning a CRF250 Rally I think an 300L would be my next bike 👍

[@petewarby7158]

That's a nice video, you're uploads are very upbeat, even when things go a bit wrong you show it and then show how you recover from it, I love this channel. Bikes, if i could ... I'd have about ten 😂 you're doing well keying it too just two. The new Himi 450 looks good if you are happy sticking with the brand. I haven't owned one but followed a few little that have and the Royal Enfield is a good solid brand, with the Honda too you've covered some great bases...

[@katelynruppert5089]

Very good review. Many of the same reasons I went with the 300l. Once you feel how how much easier it is to ride...without so much extra weight...it's confidence inspiring.

[@tymobyrne4451]

I like that black frame, im picking up my cfr300L with abs this morning with my trailer, peace.

[@605pilot]

I have a Harley Nighster and a TW200. Love the TW200 for around town riding and gravel roads but it’s unusable for highway use. I’m planning on buying a CRF 300LS to fit my overall needs. I love its low seat height since I have a 30” inseam.

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Both great little bikes- cheers for the up-load 😎👍

[@SirMo]

My decision process is very similar. Initially I wanted the Rally version, but now I'm gravitating towards the 300L. I do like the LS color scheme as well, but I'm 6' so the standard L is probably the one for me. And the red is growing on me, (I may go with one of the graphics packs anyway to personalize mine further). Like you said, if I find I need a bigger tank, I can always either carry extra fuel or upgrade to a bigger tank down the line. And that's really the only reason to choose Rally over L for me. Having the fuel gauge on the bike alleviates the fuel range anxiety and pulling over to refuel and rest is beneficial anyway. I really want to keep the bike light to make it easier to load and unload from my truck.

[@tor2753]

I kept my Himalayan for longer back road rides and camping, and use a tw200 for into the woods bike for fishing and metal detecting. Really enjoy your videos

[@On2Feet]

Pretty much in the same boat here. I plan to keep the Himmi for at least another year for longer adventures...and the crf for more backcountry and technical stuff. Part of the reason I've been favoring the CRF the past 6 months (other than it's just the new thing), is that there have been a lot of technical routes I've wanted to explore on the Himalayan, but have been too nervous to try.

[@tor2753]

@@On2Feet I had a Tenere 700, way too tall and heavy, the Himalayan works very well for me, 5’6” at best lol. I am planning a trip to South Carolina for a rally in the spring, very much looking forward to it.

[@EffequalsMA]

Adjusting the throttle cable to reduce the slack pretty much fixes the throttle issue for free.

[@yjohansaint-john1285]

Thanks for your interesting stories and videos. I ve enjoyed your vlog. You ve gladly got the CRF 300 LX called moremine, You're a legend.

[@hermannhesse7587]

I, too, had a deposit on a rally, for the bigger fuel tank, but sitting on it , 36.5 in seat height, was too tall for me. The L was was fine, but when honda announced the LS, with 32.5 in seat height, and not in a red color scheme, I was all in. As of today, I have been waiting for two years.

[@On2Feet]

Sorry you've had to wait so long. I had waited for over a year for the rally, but it was probably a good thing as had it come in earlier I probably would have bought it and then regretted it once the LS came out. I only waited about 3 months for the LS I think.

[@captnhuffy]

Man oh man, I was back and forth between the Rally & the L . Like you, for months. I don’t have much time on the bike, but so far a larger tank seems like the only positive.. but I haven't had a single problem or stress with the smaller tank on my L . No worries. No problem. Two thumbs up!

[@didgeridoothedeepmechanics]

Great choice! I never considered the Rally at all. Same reasons as yours but i ordered the L and not the LS. The L is everything i could ask for as i love motorcycle hiking. Also love the grey colour and will get mine in april. Cant wait!

[@jrodriguez8216]

Love the way this looks. Can you please list the accessories you put on it. I want to know where to get the crash bars and skid plates etc. Thank you

[@MotoOffroadAdventures]

Great video, good to hear from you. I am still loving my Himalayan, but I understand for sure. We are headed to AZ in February we should get a beer. My Wife and I are going back to the Appalachian Trail next year to do Harper's Ferry to Katahdin. We are super excited.

[@On2Feet]

You gonna be up in northern az at all, or just down in the valley?

[@MotoOffroadAdventures]

@@On2Feet It is a little up in the air. But I would think we will be in Northern AZ. Are you in the Flagstaff area or farther North?

[@On2Feet]

Yep In flagstaff.

[@Highway9mm]

The 2024 Honda Transalp might be a good candidate for your next bike.

[@petewarby7158]

And it makes sense, getting the lighter bike out of the two (yours and the Rally)... just for ease of movement, road, off road, slow speed etc. Just makes sense.

[@simonbeer5259]

I’ve had all road bikes up to 1 litre,roads here in GB are awful now due to rain etc so picked up a brand new Crf 300l I can’t honestly say I’ve had more fun on this bike than all the others,more than enough power for the back roads and I can do a little gentle off road exploring on it as well,can’t recommend enough 😊😊😊😊

[@lionelemata7433]

My bikes in the US are perfect for my performance riding. I bought the Rally in the Philippines because it was on the showroom floor and I knew either one would be hard to find. I always modify my bikes and this one will be no different. My 500 in the US is more than 100 lbs. lighter and double the power. I’ll be able to add 35% more power and drop the weight by 35 lbs. With the added reliability over my KTM’s, the CRF will be perfect overseas.

[@timothymoore7988]

Great video!

[@kornhead37]

Welp, made up my mind! Thanks for the video!

[@orthodoxguy2006]

My midlife Crisis is pointing me towards a motorcycle. Absolute beginner at 5'6. Thinking this one would be pretty great.

[@tomg4592]

Another good video. I am considering buying this bike. I am 5'8" with 30 inch inseam so the L is a little tall for me.

[@JamesPiccone]

Me too but there was no LS availability.

[@tomg4592]

I did buy the standard 300L and after riding it I am glad I did not get the LS.@@JamesPiccone

[@JamesPiccone]

@@tomg4592 I bought the standard L also, how much lower was the LS?

[@tomg4592]

I would have to look at Hondas site to check but I think about 2 inches.@@JamesPiccone

[@TK-cl1jm]

2" lower. 1" through the seat, and 1" suspension lowering.​@JamesPiccone

[@Gapihamiha6]

With Acerbis tank and tower from Portugal you can build Rally later

[@thao3456]

I am sold on the LS.

[@On2Feet]

It's one year with it now...and I still love it!

[@EffequalsMA]

The L is a lot cheaper where I am. The suspension is pretty similar, I want to commute and do short scoots off road so, the L is perfect. I'm old and a little disabled so, weight matters.

[@itisfinished4U]

Really like the way you you convey information in your videos. So looks like im about to be able to buy this bike gently used but im 5"8 216lbs before gear but i ride gently off road, do you think the suspension is adequate for me? my hope is that all i will have to do is adjust the the rear preload for my weight and that will be all i need to do, what do you think? i have to buy the bike sight unseen and never sat on one but ive had a klx 250 and a dr 650 so im guessing this bike will fall right in between thise two in regards to rider experience, but i could be wrong.

[@On2Feet]

My suspension is still set to stock...which I think is set for that 150-170 lbs range. I think if you step up the preload maybe just a step, it should be fine for your weight. Your height is close to mine, so you should be able to nearly flat foot as well.

[@lonememe]

So, I'm a shorter dude, 28" inseam. I got a CB500X as my first motorcycle last year, shaved the seat, and lowered it .5" and I love it. However, I'm in CO, and I know that the 500X is just entirely too heavy for proper dirt trails (for me). I'm wondering if the 300LS would fit that bill or if I should go even lighter or even dirt bike (and plate it, since you can do that in CO).

[@On2Feet]

28" inseam you'd still be just fine. My inseam is actually probably closer to 31" (not 32") and I can flat foot....so you'd be able to plant both feet on the balls of your feet for sure. I find the weight to really manageable, even with the extra crash protection and skid plate. Maybe that's just because my other bike is a 450 lb Himalayan, but I really weight and feel of my LS.

[@dadnelson1]

What are your thoughts on the throttle now that you've had the bike a while? Appreciate the content!!

[@Oldjeeper]

I love that bike’s color! On long trips, what is the top speed you are happy traveling at? Thanks?

[@On2Feet]

It's been a real blast. On my Himalayan I'm totally fine going 75. On the CRF without a windshield on it, and given its lighter weight, it starts to get a bit uncomfortable over 70. (I have had it up over 80 mph though). I may be mounting my windshield this week so I'll report back on that.

[@CenturionSilver]

The LS was my original choice but couldn't find anywhere. Ended up with the KLX300 . A tall bike but im getting more used to it . The all new Himalayan will likely be my next bike . Just under 50hp , liquid cooled, low seat, etc. But hasnt made it to the US yet. I dont ride trails like you, mostly dirt roads, 2 traks and pavement.

[@BrianDoherty-e8s]

Less is more. The Rally has a lot of glitz and a few extra feature the L[S] does not have. I always prefer the base model of anything. Less complexity, cheaper, easier to fix, fewer things to go wrong. I have the CRF250L and it is family!

[@adam346]

do you know how many times I have said "might be the last ridable weather this year...?" I put my bike away twice already and I could have brought it back out again a few days ago...

[@On2Feet]

It's so funny that you say this! I just put the Himalayan up yesterday for winter, and the long term forecast now shows 12 days of 50+ degree weather! Being an El Niño year, we're supposed to get loads of snow...but so far it's been really dry! I'm keeping the CRF ready to ride until we get our first real snow dump!

[@BobDiaz123]

The CRF-300LS seems to check all the right boxes, it's a pity the gas tank is so small and the throttle is so twitchy.

[@On2Feet]

I recently put new handlebars on the bike with a throttle tamer, and the twitchy throttle is much less pronounced. Many people will also put on an aftermarket ecu which apparently tames it as well. I probably won't go that route though.

[@jeffferguson899]

not to mention the rally has the hard street bike like plastics instead of the soft dirt bike plastic of the L model

[@mattjohnson1646]

So question I have is I bought a 22 trail and like it well enough I’m 5/10 and about 250 in weight the trail hauls me around ok thought about going to the 300ls cause of its lower height but I have sat on one at my local Honda dealer and the suspension seems kinds weak don’t seem to hold me well and have watched videos of people saying it’s not the best suspension idk if it’s a good move for me to upgrade to it and leave the trail seeing what your thoughts are on about this even the sale guy at the Honda place trail is a better also

[@On2Feet]

I really enjoyed my Trail 125, but I ultimately upgraded it to the 300LS and am happy. There are some days I miss the Trail, but the suspension on it was almost comical. I bottomed it out all the time, and I've never bottomed out the 300LS. I find the suspension entirely adequate and have not need to upgrade it. For the record, I'm 5'9" and about 155 lbs.

[@MASKINA]

Hello John, thanks for the upload. How tall are you?

[@On2Feet]

I’m 5’9” with a 32” inseam

[@MASKINA]

@@On2Feet So 175 in centimeters. Thanks for the reply. I am about 6'1", 186 in centimeters. I'm guessing the L version would be a better fit for me. I have only tried the L version once on a trial ride it was quite alright. John, have a good one!

[@On2Feet]

@@MASKINA Yes, sorry....175 cm. I should always remember to include metric. I do think you'd fit better on the standard L

[@nelsonreau3842]

Wish I could find one close

[@On2Feet]

I had to wait about 4 months for mine to come in. I think I had deposits at three different dealerships.

[@dadnelson1]

Does your quad lock have the vibration mount, or is it the solid one?

[@On2Feet]

Yeah it has vibration dampener

[@sstac8644]

How hard is it to get factory accessories? (Windshield, rack, luggage)

[@On2Feet]

All of my accessories are after-market (not direct Honda accessories)...and they were all pretty easy to get and in stock.

[@sstac8644]

Thanks for the quick response. I’m looking for a more “reliable” replacement for my 1979 xl250s. Love the bike but worry a lot due to its age. It has never let me down though.

[@berthazeleger4710]

What is the difference between the L and the LS ? Only the colors ?

[@On2Feet]

LS is shorter by 2 inches. (At least in North America). I am only 5’9” with 32” inseam, but can flatfoot the LS. I do prefer the colors too over the Honda red

[@berthazeleger4710]

@@On2Feet ah ok, they don’t sell them here in The Netherlands, only the regular L and Rally with abs

[@AOHgoog22]

A+

[@clarenceclark8592]

Jus add a track an a ski they got kits

[@AW_Designs]

Can I ask how tall you are? Is the rally much taller than the L or Ls?

[@On2Feet]

Of course. I’m 5’9” with about a 32” inseam. When I sat on the standard L, I could touch with both feet on the balls of my feet. On the LS I can flat foot both feet together and get off the bike easier.

[@AW_Designs]

Cheers!

[@Navillus2273]

How tall are you?

[@On2Feet]

5'9" (175 cm) with a ~32" inseam

[@wmbushUT]

So what is your dream "bigger adventure/touring" bike....???

[@On2Feet]

I’m honestly not sure yet. But I’ll definitely be thinking about it a lot over winter.

[@tomhopkins6758]

Looking at some videos for a bike for my wife...lol I get it. Our country is in a weird place right now...but i don't need to know what your preference is..sad.ver feminine 😢

[@javierc2726]

The crf has nowhere near the torque of the himalayan

[@On2Feet]

It's not that much different actually. The CRF300L is ~27 Nm and the Himalayan is ~32 Nm. The CRF300L actually has more horsepower than the Himalayan (27 Hp to 24 Hp respectively). With that said, and owning both, the Himalayan definitely carries itself better at highway speeds.

[@Barrylickin]

Can this bike be ridden comfortably at 60 mph for 20 miles or less? On a daily basis.

[@On2Feet]

Oh absolutely. It rides comfortably up to 70 mph (and can go over 80 if need be). If you are going to ride it a lot on highways, it might be worth adding an aftermarket windscreen...but it's not absolutely needed. I still don't have one on mine and have ridden it on very long days that included interstate highways.

[@Barrylickin]

@@On2Feet I have a Harley to hit the highways with. And I have a 1985 Sabre v65 muscle bike to rip around on. I’m looking for a bike to ride out to the lake cabin after work to mow or do yard work. A bike I can drive on gravel and back and forth to the farm.

[@jrodriguez8216]

Love the way this looks. Can you please list the accessories you put on it. I want to know where to get the crash bars and skid plates etc. Thank you

[@jrodriguez8216]

I really like this video and the long process, decision making you went through in getting this bike. I finally got mine after months of waiting. Would you please tell me about your windshield options or any other accessories and where to get them. The throttle tamer? Thank you.

[@mjohnson6703]

How tall are you?

[@On2Feet]

5'9" with 32" inseam