Which Should You Buy?.. CRF300L vs CRF450RL

Well before I sell my 450L I figured I should line them up together and talk about the differences and why you should buy one vs the other. In reality even though they share the "L" name, they are completely different motorcycles in different categories and I feel like a lot of people misinterpret that. From the power differences, to suspension and ride characteristics, they really appeal to different types of riders so consider this a buyers guide if you are in the market for either one.

To make a long story short:
450RL = Dirt Bike
300L = Street Bike

Want to buy the $15k 450L for almost half?

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#CRF300L #CRF450L #Honda

[markpowersports]

This is my Favorite video you’ve made. Always wanted a full comparison and this is well done. This is the type of info a Honda dealer should have, you deserve some cash from Honda for this

[Mjr]

Here is my take….. I’ve had both at the same time. I’m 59 yo been riding all my life. I sold the 450 and kept the 300. Reason being that I like exploring trails and felt the 300 was a good fit for me. I did love the power of the 450 but 2 things were bound to happen. 1. I was gonna get hurt and 2. I was going to get traffic tickets. Lol. Really loving the 300 and I think it a great build platform.

[AdventureDaily]

I appreciate all the support! One thing I forgot to mention is the maintenance intervals. The 450L isn’t as bad as you think but requires more frequent oil changes and inspections. The CBR engine on the 300L needs an oil change every 5k miles (I never wait that long) and is way easier to maintain. Another thing to consider!

[sivespeed]

I'm happily waiting on my 300l tanner it's allegedly arriving in Scotland in January but I just know its going to be worth the wait, I'm glad you decided to keep yours

[freestate]

Very helpful. Buying a bike for the first time at age 49.
Ordering a CRF 300l.

[vozspoz]

Tanner, the #1 Honda CRF 300 salesman on Youtube! Thanks for the amazing videos, ordered my 300L Rally today. Selling my BMW 1250 GSA and getting this to be more trail capable. I was between a used 450L and a new 300 Rally. My main concern was engine power and usability in traffic on my 100 klm trip to the trails. My local Honda dealer let me ride a CBR300 to get the feel of the engine power and it was very good, much better than I imagined. Price in Australia is about UAD$9600 / USD $6900 out the door and delivery is expected in 2-3 months. Thanks again for your amazing in depth reviews, cheers!

[gromatron]

Not gonna lie... your past 4 vids editing has been fire. I rarely watch comparison videos but this one was good. Covered some great points.

[markpatterson]

Man this was a great video! You were fair to both bikes and transparent. There is a market for both just a matter of what you like. I think this video is the best out there for anyone trying to choose between the two! The fact that folks can watch and know you have real world ridden them both, owned them is a plus. You didn’t just got someone to loan you the two for a comparison in other words. I love my 450 but it isn’t for everyone nor is the 300. But a person deciding between them will know watching this video which is for them. Keep em coming!

[oldmanhobbies]

My biggest regret of all the bikes I've had was selling my 250L.... Maybe a 300 in my future. By far my favorite ride.

[marcochavanne]

Gas prices are killing us. Decided to buy a bike. Last 4 Bikes were plated 450 Yamahas. Was looking at both of these. Went with the CRF300L Rally. Better fuel economy. No weekly oil changes. Its still an absolute blast and I look forward to my commute every day. Also had lots of stalling and flameouts with the FI WR450Fs until I added the "offroad computer" and put money into exhaust. The 300L Rally was ready to rip out of the box.

[johnpagejr.]

Thanks Tanner for some good information on the two bikes. I am still waiting for my 300 rally, they said maybe this Friday it will come in.

[slashinrockin]

Appreciate content like this. Have pretty much watched every video you have pertaining the 250l.

Mine was unfortunately stolen last week, so I’m in the market for a 2022 dual sport. And just when I think I’m about to go 450rl, it just makes more sense to go 300l. Put almost 12k in two years on my 250l so hopefully the 300l is all about chewing up some miles.

[themotonoobusa]

You covered all the reasons that I'm happy that I got the 300L except mine has the ABS which is good for a new rider like myself. Nice video, thanks!

[lukefish]

😁 I have them both. Trying to decide which to keep and which to part with to get a Husky 300ti for the woods. Thanks for the video! You do a great job.

[tylermatos]

Got a 300L in August and I love it so much I'm now selling my GSXS750

[mikepetticrew]

Spot on! Having owned both 450l and 250l, I agree. Sold my 250l because the 450l fits my riding style better. The 250l ended up being my around the town bike but having a street bike as well, I couldn’t justify keeping two dual sports and kept the more off road oriented bike. Great job on the comparison!

[dantemeggetto]

Personally id go with the 450l used on marketplace with the mods. Buying from dealerships sucks, but when there's also a waitlist? 450l is more money but it's also more bike.

[onewheelup]

wow when did they come out with these models haha, i rode for years and years and the funnest i had was when i got my CRF450X and had a baja designs street legal kit put on it so, a motocross light weight dirt bike made to go anywhere, i could pull up at a red light and people would freak out looking at me.i could hit dirt roads and trails i could go anywhere, i was one step away from going full super moto with street tires and rims which is amazing at taking corners on asphalt and you can still go off roading.thats the funnest i had.racing my buddy on dirt rds in the country was a blast.ive never seen either of these, i cant ride anymore.personally i would rather buy a super old blue seat cr 500 and fix it up.yep just like the one in my avatar.1986 0r 87, 88 i think, cant even remember lol

[brianmartindale]

Thanks, man! Moving over to moto after forty years of MTB most would call extreme and your videos have been very informative, and fun. You are feeding the beast and helping me make good moves in a positive fashion.

I've been thinking 300L, but, you know, who wouldn't want more power? So I've looked. Some I've talked to insist I need a bigger bike with much more power than the 300L ("This 400lb Triumph 660 thing will be perrrrfect for you!") (Price and 5.7 inches of travel is way less than perfect, Mr. T, and no I will not be back to go up to that 990 in two years.) even after I tell them all I want to do is ride dirt roads, two-tracks, and trails up in the mountains. After hearing you and a few others I listen to, I now think the 450L is not my best move for the first moto in, gulp, 35 years, even though I'd probably do okay with it. I like to shoot for better than okay.

I know what mismatched suspension can feel like on an MTB and it's gonna be fun seeing those mods I'm anticipating needing because of my weight and the weight I carry up into the woods. My style is more through than around, so I probably should listen. I wished you were in my ear when I plopped that $200 down for that 350 Harley Sprint many moons ago. Damned thing near killed me, and that was just kicking it over every morning. :-) I'm so out of it that a button to start a 300L is novel, and exciting! Am I gonna have an orgasm going uphill on these things?

[millamazing]

My 22 RL is perfect. The one thing I don’t like is the stock gearing and throttle response once you get rid of those problems it’s mint.