Here's Why I Didn't Choose The Rally | CRF300L vs CRF300 RALLY

This is probably the most comprehensive and logical comparison between these two bikes that I've seen on YouTube; Especially since it's focused on the average rider.

As the owner of a 300 rally I was expecting this video to rip into how shit they are and I’m pleasantly surprised it’s an honest assessment. I needed a bike for the UKs green lanes (unpaved roads out in the sticks) but don’t want to suffer to much on the way there. The bigger fuel tank, the led lights and the screen fit my usage spot on 👍

“Slow and pathetic pace, with not much skill and falling off a bit”… well that sums it up for me. Great comparo review, Solid!

The mental part is paramount. I have had a BMW GS for 15+ years now, and still it looks like a monster to me. Climbing on it is a task - and I am 182 cm. This is why I am now considering one of these two Hondas!

I bought a 300 Rally today. I initially wanted a 300L, but these things are so hard to get your hands on, I snatched a Rally that came up for sale instead. But I think I made a better choice when picking the Rally instead of the 300L. The riders I usually go off-roading with have adventure bikes like Yamaha T7, KTM 890 Adventure R, Tiger 900 Rally. Some even have bigger bikes than those. I rode a 250L with this group, and while I had no problem keeping pace on the road, it didn't feel very stable at high speeds and I did end up running short on petrol way before everyone else. While not massive drawbacks, the Rally addresses these issues and makes it more into a bike I can live with. Range is something I'd rather not have to worry about too much. Off-road, the L is of course lighter and more nimble than the Rally. But only a bit. The Rally is a lot more nimble and lighter than a Yamaha T7, though. So all in all, I think the Rally suits me better actually.

My choice in early 2021 was Rally and I don't regret it. Those few kilos are nothing compared to advantages of bigger tank, lights, navigation mounting and a windshield, which actually doesn't get in your field of view when in difficult terrain, because 99% you don't ride it sitting. You can wheelie over the logs easily. It feels very light and manoeuvrable! If you're into racing, you won't buy any of these bikes, so that's why I bought Beta RR300 as my competition bike. The only con for Rally was a rear shock, so I got me a custom one from Hagon. Can't way to test it.

Thanks Solid, this review has confirmed my decision to buy a Rally. I've recently sold my 2017 Africa Twin and still want open road traveling capability to get to dirt roads, not single track. Off to the local dealer tomorrow, cheers from NZ.

I bought the rally as it was all they had and had only just arrived. Glad I didn’t have a choice as I’d still be deliberating and someone else would have bought it. Fantastic bike (and this is a fantastic video, thanks).

Choice was clear for me. Rally plus drop protection. Better seat, wind protection, about the same weight feel when on both, better suspension wth higher ground clearance, better headlights, & a much nicer looking bike.

Thanks Solid, you answered many of my questions in this clip. You are absolutely correct about the fact no-one talks about the amount of confidence a bike offers mentally. Particularly in the more tricky terrain. You must have in your head 'This bike can get me through this section.' Mental confidence is a joy and is the key to add even more enjoyment to our sport. Cheers.

Still have the Rally on order from June. In the meantime bought a 2016 MT-07 Tracer that I set up for touring on dirt (not single track). It's bigger and heavier than the Rally (650 vs 300), but has much less ground clearance and suspension travel, as well as 17"ers. Its been a great experience to play around with tyres, suspension and fitting bash plates etc and riding this platform to its limits. Riding the Rally after this will feel so light and nimble. Still excited for it.

Where I live the difference in price between L and Rally is 1300 euros, around 2000 AUD, which I do not see justifiable. For 3/4 of that price difference with CRF300L I can fit new better aftermarket rear shock, new better front fork spring, and make it a blast on trails. For me it would be mostly off-road use, and only max 1- 1.5h to get to the trails using paved roads.

For me it's the Rally. My style of longer range open country riding just suits the "adventure" flavor Honda put into this model. Same bike but more suited to longer exploration. Oh and the plastics, smashed mine off first beach ride, so an angle grinder soon had the motor exposed and enjoying a cool breeze...lol Will be tough to sell my DR650 to purchase another one though...

They’re both awesome, both fully capable. i got to ride both of them, and finally chose the Rally. Just personal preference.

Solid is absolutely right. I have a 300 Rally and my friend a 300L. We have ridden parts of the TET in the UK and been on a trip to Spain on the bikes. Both bikes coped wonderfully. My friend just preferred the fact that the L was easier to ride off road, less bulky and just for him more confidence building. I had a 250L a few years back and when the 300 Rally was announced, I just loved the look of it and the more adventure led style (coupled with a big engine improvement). So you could say one of us bought the L using their head and I was led by my heart. For this there is no logic!

Itchyboots choose the Rally to travel from Ecuador to Alaska, raiding dirt roads when possible, and I think she had an excellent choice for raiding adventure.

Rally front brake has a floating rotor as well. Thanks for the great videos as always!

Now the most important part for me to consider (that I hadn't even factored in as a beginner) was everything you said about the confidence the bike gives you. Cheers mate!! 👍

The Rally headlight is one of the best standard lights I have ever seen.

I appreciate the humility. This very well may influence my decision!