We left Phoenix a month ago. Yesterday we arrived in Fort Nelson, BC. To get here we have covered 7.500 kilometers/4.660 miles. Because of the weather we have decided to take a day off the bikes. It gives us an opportunity to catch up on some of the things we have been neglecting.  One of the things on my list is to write an initial review of my Honda CRF 300 Rally.

Mind you that this is a review of my modified bike, not the stock CRF 300 Rally!

Handling: The bike feels very nimble – even loaded with luggage. Changing directions require only the slightest input to either bars or footpegs. At the same time it feels planted and stable at all speeds and on all surfaces. A large part of that comes down to the upgraded suspension, but it also seems to me like Honda has hit the sweet spot when it comes to weight for this type of all road/travel bike.
The brakes are very weak. The performance is ok on dirt, but I would have liked more bite on tarmac.

Comfort: The riding position is very comfortable for my 183 cm/6 feet. It  doesn’t feel cramped in the slightest. Even with the luggage on I can move around the comfortable seat freely.  The hip and knee angles are relaxed and the handlebars are just in the right position both sitting and standing. The windshield provides a good amount of protection and creates room to build a nice “cockpit”.
I experience no issues with vibrations anywhere, at any speed.

Engine: All my concerns regarding the 300 Rally’s (lack of) power have been put to shame. So far on this journeý I’ve always been able to travel at the speed I wanted. The bike is snappy up to around 100 km/h/60 mph if you let it rev. Above that you’ll have to plan your overtakes – and remember that 6th gear is an overdrive. Traveling at 110 km/h (70 mph) all day is not an issue, but I find the bike more at home (and much more frugal) between 80 to 100 km/h (50 – 62 mph). On very steep and long uphill sections I sometimes (but very rarely) need to downshift to 5th to maintain my speed.
The clutch is feather light and the gearbox smooth and precise.
Fuel consumption is impressive but very dependent on speed and wind direction. I’ve seen everything from 30-40 km/l (70-94 mpg) with an average of 34 km/l (80 mpg). The 12.8 liters/3.4 gal fuel tank gives me a range of around 400 km/250 miles between fill ups – and by keeping the speed down, I can stretch that to + 500 km/300 miles.

Pros:

  • Handling
  • Suspension
  • Plenty ground clearance
  • Ergos/Comfort
  • Engine
  • Fuel range
  • Long service interval
  • Running costs

 Cons:

  • Weak brakes

As you have probably derived from the above, I’m very pleased with the bike. I believe we have the best tool available for what we are currently doing. Katrine is even more happy about our choice of bike than I am – and that says a lot. What she appreciates the most is the low weight and the bike’s off-road potential – it is a good tool for her to become a better rider outside the tarmac.

Recommended mods:

  • Upgrading the suspension front and rear to something with the correct spring rate and proper damping transforms the bike completely. I’m not a suspension geek and usually happy with whatever suspension my bikes come with, but the standard suspension on the CRF 300 was so soft that keeping it was never an option for me.
  • Unless you are very tall or need/want all the ground clearance you can get, I would recommend that you get the Level 1 suspension kit from RallyRaid with 210 mm travel instead of the standard 250 mm. The ride height with level 1 will be the same as with stock suspension – but with an option for proper sag adjustment.
  • Adjusting/replacing the handlebars and footpegs to suit your stature and allow for a good riding position is always a good idea.
  • Ad protection as you see fit. A proper bash plate, radiator protection and handguards would be first on my list for off road riding, while some kind of frame slides could be a good investment for street riders.
  • If you get a sore bum – invest in a more comfortable seat.
  • I do a lot of miles and enjoy having an auto oiler for the chain.
  • If money is not an issue: Replacing the rear rim with a slightly wider tubeless 17” rim. It would allow for a wider selection of 50/50 tires and make puncture repair so much easier.
  • Personally I would never spend money on an aftermarket exhaust. The weight savings and power gains are minimal. The only things you really get is more noise and a slimmer wallet.