2021 Honda CRF300L Rally ABS First Ride

Episode 53 - The new Honda CRF300L Rally is out and I figured what better platform for someone like me who is just getting started. This begins the 600 mile break in period.

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[RedCAMG]

Thanks for sharing Mike. Similar story for me, I am new to off road riding as well, bought a Tiger 900 last year and went trail riding with friends twice and realized it was way to heavy and bulky for the off road riding that I imagined doing. I bought a 300 Rally in May and I've been trail riding every week since. I recently bought a 300L because my son has been riding with me and I still don't like taking the Tiger in deep sand or bumps even though I have gotten much better at it. I've done all the normal mods on both bikes including 2 different tire sets. For me I prefer the D606 /MT21 combo over the Motoz RallZ's mostly because the Motoz front tends to bite into sand and snap sideways much worse than the Pirelli. Either choice is better than stock for sure but both whine on the highway. Now my son in law wants to join in so I may be trading the Tiger for another dual sport and designating the Rally as my adventure bike. Have a trip planned in November to the N Georgia area with some friends on Africa Twins and a T7. We are trailering up but it should be interesting to see how the Rally compares.

[hankwojo]

I thought you did well for a new guy to off road. I'm an old guy and probably a bit over cautious and fall over anyway. I think the 300 is a nice well rounded machine. I've been through a number of bikes, the latest an Africa Twin. Well, I got tired of the weight, sold it, and purchased the 300 Rally and don't miss the AT one bit. Maybe if I was younger I would. I had a CRF250L (not the rally) and really liked it and sold that a while back. I discovered that I rally missed it so I bought the 300 Rally. The new CRF 300's are a big improvement over the 250's. Honda did a good job. Enjoy your ride!

[autoboto]

Nice video about learning new cycle riding with new experience with the 300L. I have not driven motorcycles since I was teenager on the RD350. Nice to see it fits in the back with tailgate up. Your video is nice reality check on buying owning and riding this bike new experience into this sport. I just want to get out and explore the back country in the desert/mountains CA, NV, AZ and do camping and not have to put that wear on my F150 at 135K miles.

[bobwhite]

Hey Mike thanks for sharing all your new experience about being a new off-road rider and putting it on video on your get off most people edit those out so don’t give up because you will fall a lot more as you learn take it from an old 67-year-old Who has been riding of road for 55 years race motocross for 10 and experience lots of falls it will gets easier the more you ride, but please put some crash guards especially around the motor in the fairings because those are expensive to replace

[rayloper]

I enjoyed your content. Sharing your height and showing how that bike fits you is going to help many people make buying decisions. From what I saw, you are doing great on some pretty rough terrain. If you can get one foot on a peg and the other flat foot on the ground then you are fine.

[adventurebound]

Keep your head up brother, you did well! those tip overs were nothing compared to the crash I took first time out in my new 250! Gnarly I tell you! Stay safe!

[tommym]

You’re in Phoenix. You should hook up with Ryan Wells at AZ Dirtbike Training. He is up in Phoenix, too. A few lessons would go a long way to getting more comfortable on two wheels off-road. 👍🏻

[SUBTTAL]

That place looks awesome, I'm not sure what armour you've got on but get yourself some elbow protection man, that kind of terrain is very unforgiving for new riders, the right protection really helps with confidence when you're starting out, and find a local group of riders you can join, safety in numbers + with their knowledge you'll progress quickly. stay safe and have fun

[juanticimo]

I dont know if youve looked at the Yamaha TW 200, but that bike might be the perfect bike for you. You can change the rear sprocket to get you more speed on the highway, but check those out. I think the lower seat height, and lower weight (275) lbs, might be more up your alley. I am 6' 275 and the Rally is still tall for me. I had a Tw200 as my first bike, and it was amazing, just a little short for me. Also I live in Az as well, in the south east valley. Might be fun to start a group out here to get us all together to ride.

[FRder]

Hey. Nice video. Thanks for sharing those falls. May I ask you anything else was affected after them except for the mirror and stickers? Maybe a bent steering bar, or twisted tripple trees? Or did you only escape with a broken mirror and few scratches?
I cant wait for the spring when my Rally comes in!

[armored-clown]

Riding adv/dual sport bikes is all about compromise. I will tell you that the T7 is not remotely as good off road as the 300L for 90% of riders. You need to be a very very good rider to handle the T7 off road on slow and difficult terrain. The T7 obviously has much better on road feel due to it being a heavy 700. For me the 300L Rally is perfect since I ride 80% off road on a lot of more technical terrain and I just need to go on the main roads in between trails which is why a dirt bike is not feasible either

[mikeschlup]

They make a lowering link...slide the forks up too...

[brianharless]

Thanks, not very many rally vids out there yet. I just got bumped back a month on my rally. I like the rear view camera setup on your hauling rig. My 4 runner will be a chore to get the camera on while moving forward. I just finished the tag mount and turn, tail lights on the hitch hauler. I'll be ready if it ever makes it here. Gotta fix the short side stand issue though. How is yours, the 300l felt like a puff of wind or soft ground and over it would go? The 300L needed at least a inch or more I think .

[bonhomietv]

How about the machine temperature bro?