Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1530649
QUICKSPIN I 2024 Honda CRF300L Rally P188 delivers less than 30 horsepower. However, when compared to much larger ADV and rally-styled multi-cylin - der bikes, the Rally feels like you are riding a bicycle, and its disc brakes are more than capable. Honda offers the Rally without or with ABS (which has off-road mode), a $300 upgrade. However, the elephant in the room is the Rally's Showa suspension. More specifically, the rear shock. It's much too soft, and there's not much you can do about it; bumping up preload doesn't solve the problem, and there are no other adjustments. The 43mm fork is okay, but the shock misses the mark by a mile and a half. However, the Rally's suspension is tolerable for casual sit-down off-road sightseeing. As soon as I found myself getting up on the pegs for a rapidly approaching bump, that was my cue that I was about to override the rear shock and should slow down right away and get back in the seat. We're al - ready in the process of installing an aftermarket shock on the Rally, and we'll let you know how that goes with a follow-up report soon. We will also most likely re- place the tires with something with a bit more off-road grip, especially up front. I'd mainly like to have some- thing with more aggressive knobs and a slightly wider profile up front. Heck, while we're at it, perhaps we'll upgrade the Rally's wimpy handlebars. Even with some of the Rally's shortcom- ings (but the rear shock is a biggie), it's a very enjoyable motorcycle, especially for casual cruising when the rear shock's performance isn't being compromised by speed. You also have to admire its appear- ance, particularly if you're a fan of Skyler Howes or Ricky Brabec. Perhaps best of all, its $6199 MSRP is hard to beat for what you get. Kit Palmer (Right) The cockpit makes you think you're on a bike at nearly twice the price. (Below) The non-adjustable shock isn't made for aggressive riding. It's too soft and springy for that. A major selling point is the Rally's 3.4-gallon fuel tank, which will take you approximately 250 miles between fill-ups.