Let me know if you have any question you want answered about the Honda CRF300L? I am pretty happy so far with its performance and looking forward to more mods! 😎

So nice to see you happy, I was so impressed by mine that I almost was afraid to say so it did not went away :)) Like a dream. I am an experienced rider, but this little red just ticked all the boxes a nature lover and moto enthusyast would want. After buying the Nitron R1 shock and front spring.... Jesus, it is just.... incredible. Here in Romania now is almost winter and I can't ride it untill next year but beleave me, next season, I will roam the country with it !!! Cheers

Glowing report on an obviously great product - but you missed one massive key word for any bike- ADV or duel sport going to remote places- and that's Honda's proven reliability. I never felt more at ease with turning the key and getting home then when I owned my CRF Rally. My current bike- DR650- also puts my mind at ease 👍 Hard to beat Japanese for quality and reliability. Great review once again Solid 😎👍

I enjoyed this. I bought one 2 years ago and slowly doing some upgrades. I’m 70 years young and 70kg the suspension is next.

I bought a new 300 rally a month ago and havent really had it off road yet but this video makes me glad I got what I got. What you describe about trying to do a little bit of everything is basically why i wanted it. I sold my street bike for this and so far I love it.

As soon as I pay off my sur ron. I really want the rally or cb650r. Ugh.. so many cool bikes out there. It's a good thing and we are lucky to be living during this epic time of motorcycling.

After riding a WR250R for 3 years I wanted a more powerful Dual Sport so just got a new KTM 690. It’s my unicorn. A lot more expensive but you get amazing 74 hp engine, top class suspension, light hydraulic clutch, 270 to 320 km range, superb brakes, quick shifter, traction control, 145 kg dry, etc. I almost got a T7 but didn’t want to deal with a 200 kg bike on the trails. It’s same price as T7, same hp, but 45 kg lighter. Very reliable so far 6000 km. Time will tell. Cheers

Great review and so honest, have had mine for a year now and just love it.

I waited 5 months for the Rally version and it was totally worth the wait! I had the suspension replaced with YSS and a few other bits to customize the bike for me and I have to agree, It's my unicorn too! Love your channel Mr. solid!!

I just got mine this week and I concur with all you say and then some. A+

Went into the dealership last week. Surprisingly they have a 300L being delivered in mid November and no one on a waiting list. Instantly threw down a deposit. Might even put some yellow handguards on it lol. Thanks Solid for getting me excited about the bike!

Nice review, I feel the same way about my 300 rally. It should not be this good. Did my first fairly long highway ride today and was surprised how well it did at 70-75 mph.

1 CON you missed is the Tank size I think a modern Dualsport should be 12lts . I own a Crf450l and carry a 5lt rotopax and it’s a pain in the Ass Yes I no you can buy a bigger tank but another $600+ for a bigger tank that you’ve already paid $14k for a modern dualsport is Crazy. Keep up the good work Chronicales ♥️the reviews 👍

Not sure why Honda doesn't make an "S" model with upgraded suspension and the bigger brake from the Rally.

Finally someone who understands the cause of the snatchy throttle. Theres non stop hate for the 450L/RL for that same reason and it gets tiring trying to explain it to riders coming from older carb bikes to the newer fuel injected ones. Nice review! Keep hearing great things about these bikes.

That's a lot of praise in one video but I do agree with you, I test rode it because the Rally wasn't available and it was "close enough" to get an idea. Owned the Rally for a little less than a month now and it's just... perfect, well apart from the suspension. I am a beginning offroader but I did already or proper suspension for both front and rear. Did it so I get used to the better suspension almost from the get go. The stuff I have already done with it... is beyond what I ever expected or planned to do in a year of riding offroad, let alone a few weeks. Followed a friend on his MX bike when he was carving trails through a pine forest, up, down, riding parallel to the edge of the slope, whatever I asked of it, it did. I did stall it a few times but that was rider error, even made it jump a fallen log... Love it! Btw, can I ask why you didn't go for the Rally instead of the L? Considering the list of things you want to use it for. Granted I am not as skilled as you but I find it handles single track quite well, I did a training course on a CRF250L and the Rally doesn't underperform compared to that, in my layman's opinion :) Personally I picked the Rally over the L because I knew I was going to want a bigger tank and might enjoy the fairing more because Belgium has a lot of rain/bad weather .

A really strong review, Solid. Super well done and comprehensive.

Just rolled 1k miles on my 300L. Loving it.

For the wide range of use you're talking about...which is what I would define as true "dualsport" I would say Honda have got it pretty good here. For the folks that need more power and suspension for offroad duty, that's getting into the realm of the "street legal enduros" and there's a bunch of bikes out there for that. For those that need more luggage and highway miles capability, there's lots of ADV bikes out there. The 300L is smack in the middle and does a pretty dang good job of it (my personal reference being the 250L I had). Honda could have upgraded the suspension and taken another 15-20 lbs off, but that would have jacked up the price to WR250R range and put off the whole budget dualsport buyer market. The vast majority of owners will pretty much ride it as it is, and some like you will spend a bit to upgrade suspension and still be cheaper than most other bikes. Glad you've found your unicorn! Great review!

Before this one you have the expensive 450l. Imo the unicorn should be a 500 twin with 21/18 wheel. Or the cb509x engine on the CRF rally frame

Thank you solid for the great review. I am still waiting for my CRF 300 Rally here in the USA. I am not sure Honda can do much about getting the bikes to us there is a multitude of things holding up the supply chain. Here in the US there is labor shortages as well as a lack of trucks and rail cars. Not to mention there are hundreds for cargo ships off shore waiting to be unloaded.

Ordered my Rally today, thanks for the amazing 300 content, you and Tanner from Adventure Daily really helped in my choosing the 300 Downsizing from a 1250 GSA.

I agree with all you say about this great little bike! I bought the 2021 Honda CRF300 Rally, and it’s perfect for me. I ordered all the Honda H2C parts from BikerzBits, including the full titanium exhaust, and had my local (Dallas, TX) Honda dealership install them. I’m about to put this capable little bike through its paces! Happy Trails

Change your brake fluid to castrol reactive ( you will be amazed the difference it makes ) if your still not happy fit braided lines .

Thank you dear sir! Good solid info! Hopefully they will restock these so I can get one next spring (Sweden)

Solid review Mr Solid. Always enjoy watching your videos: honest, informed appraisal of my next bike 👍😁

I loved my CRF300 Rally. Almost my unicorn too. But for me, in the end, it was just lacking in faster gravel road & tarmac conditions(which I understand it’s not really meant for). For off road trail riding and gnarly single tracks it was bloody awesome, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough(for me) to make up for what I think it was lacking. I just got a Tenere 700 as a replacement and I find it to be more capable all round, when I factor in riding on tarmac and twisties too. Which I knew the 300 would be lacking. Still miss the 300 when I hit the really gnarly stuff though… but the T7 is shockingly capable there too.

Thanks for the video and info. I got my CRF300L about 3 months ago and I think your report was right on! I appreciate that you love riding so much like I do.

I could only imagine how fast and nimble it would be with a 350 kit and some upgraded suspension. I loved my Wr450f the power was awesome but the weight at low speeds is where it lacked.

Great video as always, I think that once we accept the perfect imperfections in a bike, it becomes perfect for what it is🏍️

Just ordered my one over here in new Zealand and we get the LED lights on the ones over here Cheers 🍻 looking forward to getting out on it 👍

A CB500R engine in this chassis with better suspension and brakes would be my perfect unicorn.

At least they need to be able to get upgraded options from the factory just like you can with everything else, like trucks and housing!

Hey Solid, Thrilled to see you join the ranks of proud CRF300L/Rally owners. I would greatly look forward to your take on the much maligned rear suspension. With a little research and analysis I bet this would make for some great content. I'll help you get started: In sum, there are 3 tiers of of upgrade, with each level progressing in sophistication and cost. The simplest and least expensive is getting a spring kit for the front and rear, the next would be a standard emulsion shock and the most robust and expensive platform would be a fully adjustable piggyback reservoir shock. For sake of comparison, I'm using the offerings from Hyperrp and YSS (yes, I know there others) Level 1: The least expensive would be just to get a "spring kit". Hyperpro has a front & rear combo kit: SP-HO03-SSK015 for $295 (US) with Hyperpro’s purple colored rear spring. A black rear spring is also available for an additional $10. This includes 2 L of fork fluid, 1 fork spring (these bikes only have 1 fork spring), and the rear shock spring. The springs are true progressive, rising rate and are built around a weight range of 160-220 lbs. They are designed to be dropped into the original fork & shock without any additional tuning to increase comfort and control, as well as covering heavier riders when the sag is set appropriately. Level 2 would be the YSS [MZ456] $426 (US) or Hyperpro 460 ($659-664 (US). These are standard emulsion shocks with threaded preload and rebound adjustability. Level 3 would be a fully adjustable reservoir shock. YSS MG456 Rear Piggyback Reservoir shock - $899 (US). OR Hyperpro 467 Rear Piggyback Reservoir shock - $959 - $964 (US). Guidance is needed that compares each level of setup so riders can make an informed decision on getting the right fit based on their individual type of riding style/conditions/skill etc. Love your channel mate. There are a lot of talking heads out here on the Tube, but you are one of the better ones. Onward! T.C. Morton (upstate New York)

thanks for this thorough and transparent review

That bike is a looker for sure 👌, I was actually going to buy one and had an order in on one and then I discovered we weren't getting the LED headlight structure here in North America so I went for the cb500x, but I still love that bike that you have I'm weird enough I may even still get a 300L later on and see if I can Source the LED headlight structure with signals and put them on myself. As usual another great video Solid, love spending my Saturday mornings filling my face with breakfast and watching you 😆

Hi Solid, keep up the good work! I have been in contact with the guys at booster plug "Netherlands" and they tell me that you cannot fit an after market fueling device to the crf300l/rally as Honda has added some software to stop Tampering with the bikes fueling and it will throw up a fault code and could void your warranty and or not allow it to pass cert/ wof test. They did say you could possibly swap out the ecu for one from a different market , Thailand / Indonesia. Honda has done this for 2021 > for emissions euro5. I have a crf300l rally.

Hey man! welcome to the 300L club. I did a review on this bike, I thought it is fantastic.

Nice review, very well thought out. I have a Rally and I think the clutch and transmission are the best parts of the bike. I have improved the throttle snatchiness with a G2 Throttle Tamer and reducing the slack. Not perfect, but better. I would not blame it all on EFI, I have an R1250GS and the throttle is linear and butter smooth from idle to full throttle. The same with my old Monster 1200S. Perhaps it is the cable throttle that makes it difficult to temper.

The problem is one mans unicorn is another mans donkey. Another mans donkey is another mans unicorn. Riding experience and skill and riding conditions dictates what bike will be your unicorn.

I believe that you can't get the klx 300 in Australia but for folks in other parts of the world it is a powerful competitor. It comes with upgraded suspension, similar power and I believe lower weight.

Hi Solid, I have the 300 Rally and I agree with all your points. With regards to the throttle I find that using one finger on the clutch in technical situations makes it more controllable.

I rode my 300L for a while, breaking it in, the tires as well and changing the oil to racing oil, Motul, which made a HP difference and I can rev it higher. But...After riding it for a while then getting back on my T700, I laughed on my ride. It costs more but so fucking what. Each bike is different, but the T7 makes me smile more. I love the weight of the 300L and wanted a light bike for different scenarios.

Hopefully Honda wakes up and puts the LED headlight setup on the North American versions. I geared my WR down to improve low speed performance with the low torque, and that made the top “comfortable” speed around 100kph. Not passing any truck trains for sure! Switchable ABS with a proper dedicated button is the way to go. Good review, and good to see you finally happy on your steed of choice!

Good review. Thanks 🙏

If you can get one, get one! These hard to come by. Got one last week my very first bike.

Cool review.. I have the 300L and I think it's awesome. I put 62,000 kms on my 250L and I agree this one is head and shoulders a better bike, with a few downsides as you point out. I intend to sort the suspension. I have a K-Tech (UK made) shock and fork spring on order but they are out of stock, so I'm waiting. I thought of YSS but wanted something better yet not as expensive as RaceTech or Ohlins. I'll be installing the acerbis skid plate in a few days when it arrives. I also drilled and tapped the stock bars for Zeta Drop Bend Handguards. I'll hang tight on engine performance, but 550 Performance (they have Facebook presence) is able to flash the ECU depending on your region as various regions have different ECU's. Still monitoring a constant chattering in the engine but I suspect it's a no harm type thumper noise.

I really hope that a large tank upgrade is done well so the bike doesn't look second hand with the larger tank ... its such a shame to have the looks of a nice bike be reduced by a poor effort in third party products.

I own a 300L Rally ABS and my experience and impression of the bike matches that of the presenter. Here in the United States, they can't keep these bikes on the floor very long. The demand is so great they will not negotiate on the price. They will tell you, 'Nothing personal, but if you don't buy it, someone else will before the day is out.'. I had my eye on the 300L ABS model but I wanted to think about it. I came back the next day and it was gone, so I opted for the Rally instead.

Thought about a Drz as a second bike,man i think you sold me this one!

Thanks for a great review..... can you do a video on how to adjust your chain on your CRF 300 L ? Thanks

Do you sometime feel a creeping fear that the WR300R is just around the corner?

My local dealer had a restock with 8 L-s and 4 L Rallys. All 8 L`s sold already and 3 of 4 Rallys sold too and only one left. Thinking seriously of going to the shop on Monday and getting the last Rally...

Not sure about the lack of brakes on the WR250R, I find them really good & the tyre grip would be the major issue

I have 6500km on my 300l and it's been nothing but smiles. Majority of it was rocky offroad, mud and track. It's just a great bike, but I bottom it out everytime I take it out. Next year I will be upgrading the front and rear, because it does make me cringe a bit.

Great video, I look forward to seeing more. Your arm plate is bigger than mine, mine is in my left arm as well. I lost about 15% of the movement range in my wrist and sometimes it aches when it is cold but I don't complain much. I'm nearly 60 BTW. My KLR650 is my only transport but my wrist rarely bothers me - gauntlet style gloves or gloves with large wrist cuffs that go over the ends of my coat sleeves work for me.

Enjoy your CRF300L videos. This is the first platform I have subscribed to. A couple of questions for you so I and hopefully other viewers can make further informed decisions. 1) What is your height and weight? 2) Fuel consumption when off road? You claimed 29-31km/L was that combined with highway kms? 3) Have you tried different fuel octanes for peak km/L? 4) Your thoughts on an iridium spark plug V standard plug? 5) What rear shock upgrade are you thinking about?

EU here. I went "cash in hand" to a couple of dealers to get the Rally. All turned me down. Wouldn't take deposits at all. Said come back in December and we will see.

Wonderful Review! Thank You.

I am glad the new 300 rally is good for the highway because the Honda crf250 rally I own isn’t. It is slow, kills your right wrist with vibration and with a full tank feels top heavy and cumbersome. I have done a bit with the engine to get some more power ie: air filter, Delvec exhaust, and ejk which have helped but the gearing that allows it ride on the highway makes it easy to flame out in the rough stuff and being so top heavy can be a bit of an issue. Bottom line, it doesn’t do off road that well and doesn’t do on road that well. In the end I changed the front sprocket and dropped it one cog which has made it much better around town. In fact that is it’s forte in my opinion. If you want a commuter bike to go to work on any hour of the day or night it’s pretty good. The brakes are okay, the suspension is very soft and with the little shield, good headlight and lights make it quite a good city cruiser. It’s okay on dirt roads too but if the track gets really Sandy or steep, you might want something else. I keep threatening to sell it but it does have a sort of solid charm so I persevere and even use it some times on the farm for the sheep, especially now it’s a bit lower geared. The 300 may well be a Unicorn bike but the 250 wasn’t. I have owned so many bikes trying to own that one bike that does everything but now I’m convinced it doesn’t exist. The happiest time for me was back in the 80,s where I hade a Yamaha 250xt and a BMW R65LS. One for the road, one for off. Unfortunately convincing wives of this two bike efficiency isn’t easy so I still search….maybe when the house renovations are finished, eh love? 😳

Maybe sooner or later i will split to this bike. My T7 is really an impressive beast, that requires respect and attention. The situation has changed for he better after replacing the stock tires. I really would like to now if the Rally version is a better Unicorn. You should make a comparative test. Have fun !

Hey Solid. Yet another great vid as always. Some points to note from a CRF250L owner... 1. My sub frame on the 250L did crack! I have the new sub frame in the "shed" ready to install... the heaviest Item I had on the rear rack was a rotopax (6Litre)... so. it can happen. 2. In regards to the heat issue that I hear mentioned on the new 300L, I wonder if it's the combination of having both the radiator (and fan) and the exhaust pipe on the same side?? Not sure why Honda did that?? They are on opposite sides on the 250L... which evens out the heat issue from my experience. Those couple of "traits" aside, they are awesome bikes! Go anywhere, do anything and never ever miss a beat! You can't go wrong!! Anyway, just wanted to add my 2 cents worth into the mix... Thanks again for your channel 😃

Got mine two weeks ago in Brisbane. Im running motard wheels 👌

Id be getting that bike next no question if we got that version in the us. Those lights just look so much better. I would have paid an extra $800 just for those sleek leds. Also I’ve seen people struggling to hold highway speed on the thing idk I feel like the drz is the best choice for me. Id rather have have high revs than not be able to keep up with these crazy drivers in california.

ty for the video, greetings from Bolivia!

Yes great bikes ! I’m happy that you’re happy. Until Honda release the 350l anyway 🤣

Thanks for your KZfaq videos on this bike. I'm not sure if I should get a CRF300L or a KTM 350 EXC-F. Live in Brisbane plan to ride weekends around here Glasshouse etc. What do you think?

just an ecu tune will fix the hot exhaust. runs lean cuz them environments bro.

Nice choice mate. Looks great. I’m got the 450lx I can’t fault it. Other then it doesn’t like going slow. Lol

was gone buy one not now thanks for the heads up

I would recommend test riding or at least looking at comparisons with the KLX300 from Kawasaki. I ended up buying the KLX300SM because I no longer do single track, but I could buy a set of off road wheels tires if I want to trail ride in the future.

Know what would be REALLY Magical? If there was a big bore kit for it! Another 30-40cc and it Would Be perfect! Wondering what it would take to switch the front brake to the larger one from the Rally version?

This Is the Led Asian version. Will be updated in Europe?

Nice balanced review. If only media could do the same.

i really want the 300l but i honestly hate the colors i still want it but ill have to change the colors

You mentioned you are planning on upgrading the suspension, which route are you going for shock and forks?

Please explain the meaning of the term unicorn! Other that you just like it !

The best dual sport bike is a DRZ400E.. few mods and it can outride and put Tavel any bike.. even the bigger bikes

Rose tinted glasses

6 month wait here in the UK as well, great review im really interested in getting one..

Goodday im glad that you have the bike that fits your expectations this search for the Unicorn bike is not so simple every bike is the Unicorn bike to sumone. With the suspension Honda has in ther wisdom maid the F tubes one for comparison and one for rebound same asthe 250 the only way to get a brilliant suspension is to replace them thats a bumer i have hade Hondas for over 40 years thay are like sleeping giants and oly change things if thay must .the one part frame to me is a no go stay safe

Still torn, looking at Rally, given the bike is guaranteed to need upgraded why wouldn’t you just buy a better bike? Saw someone spent AU$2.6k on YSS suspension including labour so that 9k bike becomes nearly 12, plus protection plus engine mods. Considering KTM 690 as all it seems to need is wind protection, same weight, bigger motor, fully adjustable quality suspension plus rider aids. I only hesitate due to the outlay. 🤔

Damn I wish you could review the KLX300

Have you had a ride on a Honda Montesa 4RT Trials bike? There is no throttle lag at all. Honda has solved the problem but just not on this bike.

I have a 2018 Rally and I did the crank kit. I'm hoping I can get a ride on a 2021 and feel the differences.

I have a CRF 250L. Would love to trade it for a 190L. (Not available in US)

Hi there solid, I have been looking at this bike and i think these videos help make up my mind. Quick question is there an after market bigger fuel tank for it yet?

I could have bought one off the show room floor BUT! The suspension was soooooo spongy I couldn't even imagine getting it on top of the low engine power. 28 hp really! Honda has more engines and suspensions. Very disappointed. Honda you're still scrapping the bottom, up your game. Add 2000 and improve it and we'll be glad to pay the difference!

If you haven't yet; check out Trek Ethos on youtube. His video on doing 1000+ miles; in one day! on the CRF300L is epic. Great video, very well shot - and I still don't know how he found time to do drone shots while doing the 1000 miles. He must have an iron ass. :^) I have not checked out his other videos for the previous bits of his trip but it appears he uses his 300L like GS riders use their bikes - when they're not parked at Starbucks.

A jack of all trades is a master of none but is better than a master of one, good bike amazing price & review

That's my perfect bike right there. Basically my old xtz250 lander, but better.

These bikes, especially the Rally version, are as rare as a hair on your or my head, here in the States.

How is the unicorn clutch working out for you? Friend of mine bought 250L with 4300mi and it needed new clothes and it felt it would need another one before finishing TAT. And when we were in OK honda dealer told us he replaced clutch on 4 CRFs it's really weak people were burning them riding in sand. Doesn't look like 300L clutch is any bigger, YMMV

What did you torque the front fork clamps to after taking off the side reflectors?

Seems quite hindered as it sits with the small fuel tank. I like the abs for the street and wish my WRR had it. I'd like to ride one. I wonder which bike takes a beating better and holds up through little mishaps?Wondeer what Yamaha has on th edrawing board as their reply? They'd be smart to make a 325.

Snatchieness? What do you mean? How else would you describe it?

Hi there mate. Was a good review. Can I ask how this would stack up against the CR450L??

I noticed the GL Fender Bag on your rear rack and the GL Tank Bag; both look brand new. Is GL sponsoring you now? Great looking rear rack on the bike - I couldn’t tell the manufacturer. Any reason why you went with the Acerbis handguards and not the Australian brand, Barkbusters? Genuine Barkbusters seem much more durable. I appreciate your review, but am somewhat skeptical (new bike bias?). I know you have owned a WR250R, DRZ400, and now this. I own a WR250R and have ridden with several DRZ owners. Both of these bikes are very rugged and able to handle rough treatment. I have ridden with a CRF250L owner and that bike was very fragile. While the engine is very reliable, it seems something breaks or comes loose every time it is dropped. Did Honda do anything to improve the durability? For context, I rarely ride difficult single track, and mostly ride, gravel, dirt, and forest service roads. Thank you for the review and look forward to more of your video adventures.

I understand that you use this bike for commuting, but I don't really see a lot of people putting the emphasis on the highway performance of a lightweight motorbike like this. My highway speed on a lighter enduro is about 100km/h. The engine would happily pull much, much more, but the first thing that would stop me would be the tyres. If you run real knobbies, they get very sketchy and high speeds. And if you don't, you're losing the most potential in the fun sections you're driving on the highway to get to in the first place! Slowing down means that even light motorcycles behave just fine, and the vibrations aren't that big of a deal. And if you accept that, then suddenly you can start looking at much more interesting machines, like the 450L or 500 EXC, which are much, much lighter and more powerful, and completely incomparable in any sort of offroad scenarios.

So compared to stock 250L, suspension is the same or softer? I got my preload on max on 250L and get about 40% rear sag and I'm riding it like that for over 5 years already, on 300 it would be worse?