Adventure bikes continue to capture the imagination of many. It is easy to see why, because a bike that can go anywhere has to be the ultimate expression of freedom. Unfortunately, while the marketing promises carefree travel as well as Dakar-ready off-road capability, it is almost never the case.
ADVs are inherently compromised vehicles. There is an imaginary sliding scale between touring comfort and off-road capability. Those looking to travel more off-road will be left disappointed. For newer riders, the learning curve is particularly steep, as these big heavy bikes can be a handful on a trail. If going off-road is a priority, a smaller, simpler dual-sport is the way forward.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Honda. Whereas, the opinions are our own.
The Dual-Sport Motorcycle That Thrives On Pavement And Dirt Alike
The latest KTM 690 Enduro R update has made it a much more usable motorcycle without dulling its spark
The Honda CRF300L Rally Blends Simplicity, Versatility, And Durability
MSRP: $6,499
The Rally adds just a dash of versatility to the little Honda CRF300L dual-sport. Its fairing is pretty small, but it certainly helps on longer rides. This lightweight dual-sport segment is growing steadily, and although Honda still dominates the sales charts, there are several viable alternatives on the market.
Kawasaki recently launched the KLX230 Sherpa S. It is pretty much just a lightly modified KLX230, but it certainly offers new riders a package that is more or less ready to go out and explore the wild. The KTM 390 Enduro R offers us a more feature-rich package. It is the only bike in this space that offers fully adjustable suspension as well as ride modes, and an off-road ABS system that actually works.
If the KTM is not different enough for you, Beta, the small Italian manufacturer, brought out the Alp 4.0. It is a great-looking little bike, but it is a bit of an unknown quantity. For one, its engine is actually outsourced. It is supplied by the same Chinese manufacturer that makes Zontes bikes, and while it has more than enough for its lightweight frame, it is anything but proven.
The CRF300L Rally Has A Proven Single-Cylinder Engine
Power: 27 Horsepower
One thing the CRF300L Rally most certainly is, is proven. Over the years, we have seen these little bikes travel from one end of the earth to the other. At its core, this is a very accessible motorcycle which has been designed with new riders in mind. Its throttle response is smooth, and the power delivery is perfectly manageable for any level rider.
When Enough Really Is Enough
There will be those who will balk at the very thought of 27 horsepower being enough for a motorcycle, but it certainly is enough for this little bike. It is enough for it to get up to speed on the highway, and as unpleasant as spending a day on the highway might be, it can do it.
Obviously, that is not what it is designed for. It is designed to handle the city commute, then hit back roads over the weekend. Off-road, it has more than enough power, even for experienced riders. You won’t be winning any hard enduro races, but you will get through the same tight single tracks that more capable dirt bikes take on. Unlike those bikes, you won’t need to rebuild the engine every 100 hours or so.
What Makes The Honda CRF300L The Perfect First Bike For New Riders
The Honda CRF300L offers oodles of fun and none of the fear for a beginner
The CRF300L Rally Is A Great Bike For Any Level Rider
This is, by no stretch of the imagination, a feature-rich motorcycle. If that is what you are after, then you are very much in the wrong aisle. The features that you do get are all functional. Its tall windshield offers decent wind protection that rivals lightweight ADVs. It comes with ABS, which is important for city riding, but can easily be switched off once you get off-road.
The dedicated ABS off button is a nice touch and simplifies the process. In fact, that is really what the CRF300L Rally is about – simplification. In a market dominated by advanced motorcycles with all sorts of electronic features that supposedly make travel better, this is the antidote to all that. It is a rugged, simple little bike that can go anywhere, but it is far from perfect.
Why This Honda CRF Is The Most Customizable Dual-Sport Bike On The Market
With an endless aftermarket this dual-sport can be just about anything you want it to be
The Important Revision That Made A Tangible Difference
Ever since the CRF250L came out some years back, the one consistent complaint from owners has been the soft rear suspension. Honda has finally listened to all that customer feedback and revised the suspension. While there are other little thighs that have changed over the years, this is a big deal because this was its only big weakness.
That said, this is not its only weakness. Just like any versatile motorcycle, it is inherently compromised. As previously mentioned, it is anything but fun to ride on the highway. Over short distances, the seat is pretty comfortable, but with it being relatively slim for off-road use, it is not particularly comfortable once you have been on the go for a couple of hours.
It is also a single-cylinder bike, and it will vibrate a lot. All these weaknesses pertain to road travel, but once you get off-road, it comes into its own. With a wet weight of just 335 pounds, any level rider will appreciate how effective it is in the rough stuff and how much easier it is to pick up after a minor spill.