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RIDE REVIEW I 2021 HONDA CRF300L & CRF300L RALLY
revs pick up, however, so do
the vibes, which start to kick in
noticeably about 7000 rpm. The
Rally's non-adjustable wind-
screen helps deter windblast off
the rider's midsection but redi-
rects a steady stream of turbulent
air onto the rider's forehead,
quite noticeable if you're pushing
six feet in height like I am.
The Rally is indeed better
suited for long days in the saddle
than the L mainly because of its
windscreen, slightly more relaxed
handlebar/seat/footpeg relation-
ship and wider seat. You also
feel slightly less vibration on the
Rally at equivalent rpm, and the
slightly lower seat height can be
a bonus at times.
Speaking of seat height, at
34-plus inches for both bikes, I
wouldn't consider either bike feel-
ing excessively tall or short, kind of
in the middle of the road, but they
are both about a half-inch lower
than the Kawasaki KLX300, the
CRF300L's closest rival.
Like the previous 250, sus-
pension is super cushy, perfect
for casual riding and beginners
but way under sprung for more
experienced and heavier riders
who like to keep the pace up
on the trail. I could deal with the
soft springs, but the shock is so
under damped, both rebound
and compression, the result is
a pretty "springy" ride, at least
it was for my 160-plus pounds.
And since there are no damping
adjustments, you have no choice
but to live with it. Again, this might
be fine and perhaps welcomed
for those just entering the sport,
but even they will out-grow the L's
suspension quickly. I didn't have
much issue with the soft springs
on the pavement, either, but the
lack of damping made for a some-
times "pogoey," almost queasy,
ride. This is the price we pay for
Honda keeping the overall price
down on both models. Higher-
end suspension components
would certainly drive MSRP way
up, perhaps putting both L's out
of reach of most first-time buyers
who are on the fence about get-
ting a bike.
I wasn't impressed with the
brakes, either. Even though the
all-important front brake has suf-
Very similar, but very
different. The 2021
Honda CRF300L (left)
and CRF300L Rally
(right) look right at
home on the dirt and
in the country.
