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New CRF300 Rally or Used CRF250 Rally New CRF300 Rally or Used CRF250 Rally
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 9 Feb 2022
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New CRF300 Rally or Used CRF250 Rally
Been stalking the site for awhile refreshing my historic knowledge on bikes (last rode and owned a bike ~30 years ago). Just got re-licensed and looking for a small dual-sport bike for exploring the local trails and roads.

Goal is to find something that suits my riding style (fairly adventurous) without allowing me to do something stupid (physically almost 50, mentally still 15).

After months of reading, test riding, and considering, I have decided on a small displacement Honda; reliability, capability, limitations, etc.

My question is purely around selection. There are several nearly new stock 2020 CRF250 Rally available in my area (~$4800USD) with 1000 miles done. The local dealer has a new CRF 300 Rally available, but is not allowing test rides as he knows he can sell it because of limited stock.

So, what say the community? Save the $1650USD and buy a used stock CRF250 Rally or pay the full retail on a brand new CRF300 Rally?

Cheers!
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  #2  
Old 9 Feb 2022
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If I were buying knowing I was only going to keep it for a year or two it would be used but if it was going to be a long term keeper I prefer to pay the extra and buy new.
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  #3  
Old 9 Feb 2022
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Ditto, plus as a regular rider of a 250 Honda I gotta say the little bit more power would be nice to have when you're fully laden and going uphill, or into a headwind, or on a tight road with speeding trucks on your tail.

I love my 250 though and won't be changing it until the gearbox explodes or something
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Old 12 Feb 2022
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Personally, I wouldn't get the Rally version of either. It's more weight on top of an already heavy and low powered trail bike. If you want to explore trails and you're not very experienced (as you say), then you want as light and manageable bike as possible. The Rally is also taller !!

It's pretty pointless putting proper rally fairing on a bike which is painfully slow to ride the roads anyway.

I've owned 300+ bikes and the CRF250L was the one bike I couldn't sell on quick enough. Gutless engine and awful suspension. And still very heavy.

The 300 has made improvements on the suspension and the motor has a bit more power. So it's a viable option and is a popular sight on the trails for less experienced riders.

You will still need to spend money on the suspension though. Such as a YSS rear shock.

It's hard to argue that the little Honda is incredibly good value. It's a solid, reliable machine and very capable.

The CRF300L would be my choice for what you want to do.

But you'd had to drag me off my DRZ400 first
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Old 12 Feb 2022
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Unless you're on a really tight budget I'd say go for the 300. On a long trip a little more power and a little more tank capacity are good things.
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  #6  
Old 18 Feb 2022
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Thanks to all of you who took the time to provide input. The 300 disappeared before I had a chance. So…

Followed mark’s advice and bought a used 250. Opted for a $1000 less 250L.

All of you provided very good advice. My logic is that the 250L will get me back up to speed over the next couple of years. Then I can see what tickles my fancy and do an upgrade or just stick it out with my reliable (hopefully) little Honda.

Really appreciate all the well considered advice.

Cheers!
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