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21 Feb 2021
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Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
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Not sure, to be honest, but I could check.
I bought it 5 years ago when I lived on the edge of the Peak District and went out most Sunday mornings riding the trails. I would hit the trails early (7am) to avoid the walkers, do a loop of the high and low peak and be home before lunch.
As I was 5 minutes from the first trail I don’t suppose I clocked up that much mileage over the 3 years that this was my routine.
I have moved since then and the trail riding is pretty sparse round here and it’s a long ride back to the Peaks for a days ride, although I do it occasionally.
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11 Apr 2021
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 65
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I doubt a welded rear subframe would increase the load capacity. I guess it's simply cheaper to produce. Instead of some assembly worker driving in four screws, now a welding robot does it all in one go.
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15 Apr 2021
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: E Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,273
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An Aussie guy who lives close to me in NE Thailand got the L. He has done a few mods on it, drilled a hole in the air box, increased the teeth on the front sprocket, and put a full Yosimura system on it to increase the pipe size and its great, I had a go on it when I was home in March and it was great.
I am at work at the moment but the next time I am home I will try and grab a photo
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28 May 2021
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Gateshead N/E
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Too busy building CRF500L's....!!!  
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
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20 Jan 2022
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
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Took one for a quick spin and I thought the subframe looked reassuringly chunky.
(Usual 5-6kg limit on the back. 162kg gross payload).
No one has asked but I will share my impressions anyway.
Long version here.
- Very light (147kg verified with a near empty tank)
- Looks great
- Very good (claimed) mpg
- Interesting gearing: low 1st; overdrive 6th
- Bigger fuel tank (12.8L = 500km range)
- Welded subframe looks chunkier (162kg claimed payload)
- For me, 24 to 27hp is not a worthwhile improvement
- Lots of plastic to scratch and crack
- Tall saddle (but sinks down loads – or was my Xmas better than I thought?)
- Suspension probably needs upgrading
- Nearly a £grand more than a 300L
- Less than a couple of hundred quid cheaper than a 500X
Update 2023:
Bought myself a near new 300L with loads of extras.
Fitted an Acerbis tank for a 400km range and getting some TL wheels made.
https://adventure-motorcycling.com/p...onda-crf-300l/
Last edited by Chris Scott; 5 Jul 2023 at 13:57.
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21 Jan 2022
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MEZ
Too busy building CRF500L's....!!!
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk |
That's cool.
I wish Honda would get on and build a proper CRF450/500L.
Their current 2 year old CRF450L is already being discontinued in certain markets as it's a total "WHY did you build this?" bike.
Even better, Suzuki need to build a DRZ450 with FI and a Rally cockpit.
I love my twenty year old DRZ400. If only it had that magic 6th gear. Although with the 434cc kit on mine it has the torque to pull longer gearing.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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24 Jan 2022
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,478
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Took one for a quick spin and I thought the subframe looked reassuringly chunky.
(Usual 5-6kg limit on the back. 162kg gross payload).
No one has asked but I will share my impressions anyway.
Long version here.
- Very light (147kg verified with a near empty tank)
- Looks great
- Very good (claimed) mpg
- Interesting gearing: low 1st; overdrive 6th
- Bigger fuel tank (12.8L = 500km range)
- Welded subframe looks chunkier (162kg claimed payload)
- For me, 24 to 27hp is not a worthwhile improvement
- Lots of plastic to scratch and crack
- Tall saddle (but sinks down loads – or was my Xmas better than I thought?)
- Suspension probably needs upgrading
- Nearly a £grand more than a 300L
- Less than a couple of hundred quid cheaper than a 500X
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You mentioned in your long version that Honda dont have bigger suitable engine - but they actually do - the 330 cc engine they for example have in their Forza scooter: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocia...forza-350-2021
Another thing about the Crf250/300s
I own a first year Crf250L in Thailand (2012/2013) and a 2018 Crf250 Rally in Norway. Both are engine and performance-wise stock. And the 2017-2020 engines supposed to be more peppy with 1,8 HP more. But in reality my thai Crf is very much more lively and peppy, especially at low and mid range - even though its supposed to be having less power. So theres something not quite right there with the performance numbers. Different ECU or mapping or whatever…? Maybe Ted or others that are skilled about bikes know?
And on the 300 models the thai models comes with 31 HP and most other markets seem to come with 27 HP only. So that indicates that they now have the numbers right and that there is something to be done to get a bit more power out of the 300s
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24 Jan 2022
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I have also heard that the later, more powerful 250s actually seemed slower alongside the older ones. The power must be found somewhere, maybe way up the rev range?
27 vs 31hp; perhaps they don't have Euro regs in Thailand.
Wasn't there a thing fitting a Thai ECU into restricted bikes?
Worked for a bit then Honda changed the plug.
Can't recall if it was the CRFs or something similar.
I think a Forza and similar scooter engines are quite a different bit of kit.
Hard to know where it starts and ends.
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24 Jan 2022
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
I have also heard that the later, more powerful 250s actually seemed slower alongside the older ones. The power must be found somewhere, maybe way up the rev range?
27 vs 31hp; perhaps they don't have Euro regs in Thailand.
Wasn't there a thing fitting a Thai ECU into restricted bikes?
Worked for a bit then Honda changed the plug.
Can't recall if it was the CRFs or something similar.
I think a Forza and similar scooter engines are quite a different bit of kit.
Hard to know where it starts and ends.
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Yep - youre into something there as I also have heared that getting a ECU from Thailand or Japan made the bikes noticably peppier. Maybe it was a ECU from the CBR250 as that bike was said to have ~ 27 HP compared to the first edition Crfs with 22,8.
I also think Thailand dont have the EU regulations and thus dont need to restrict their bikes to run so very lean as they do in EU. The funny/interesting thing is that I also get slightly better fuel milage on my more powerful thai Crf compared to my EU Crf Rally. Would be interesting to get a good explanation about that….?
The 286 cc Honda engine thats used in the 300 Crfs nowadays was used for several Honda scooters, the SH300i (very classic and cool scooters - my mate had one for a couple of years) and the Forza 300 - that now had become a 350 (330 cc in reality) Obviously the drivetrain is different but the rest of the engine should be mostly the same.
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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
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25 Jun 2022
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
Posts: 224
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crf 300 rally 4,500 mile report
Here are my findings after 5 months and 4,500 miles
1 The bike is very very tight and at least 1.000 miles to loosen the engine
2 After 3.000 miles i would say its run in !
3 great bike , getting well over 100 mpg
4 I gave my bike another oil+ filter change at 3.000
5 its not an offroad bike ( like wr250r) but its a smashing adventure bike
6 just one draw back ............ its a bit "vibey" after 3 days in the saddle
7 well done mr,,,, HONDA
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30 Jun 2022
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
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crf 300 rally 4,500 mile report
Might have to eat my words about the Honda 300 rally . as i have now bought one and done 4500 on it in 5 months !!
1 great little adventure bike !
2 110 miles to a gallon
3 a lot more bottom end than a wr 250r
4 average suspension for a light rider
5 very very tight until 1000 miles ,ok after 3000 !
6 its not an trail bike ,
7 shame its not a 350
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30 Jun 2022
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Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
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What sort of terrain and riding are you doing to get 110mpg from it? That's about what my other half gets on the Tango, and that's a restricted 125!
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1 Jul 2022
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its all do do with the right hand !...................... its an adventure bike, so its ridden at " adventure " speeds
Oh and i get 75 mpg out of my T7 !!
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1 Jul 2022
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Would that be the four quart (3.785 liters) gallon, or the five quart (4.54609 liters) gallon? It always makes a difference when volleying figures back and forth.
I've had mileage in the mid seventies (US gallons) on my KLR when driving at moderate speeds on reasonably flat dirt roads. That would equate to ~90 miles per UK gallon, and that's a carburated 650.
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1 Jul 2022
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Mmm, for the Tango it's 2L/100KM with very gentle throttle use, but in the mountains, I suspect it's the changes in altitude that makes all the difference!
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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