That was the request to Honda South Africa at the recent AMID Show when we saw their display. The Honda CRF 300L Rally in standard trim is really good looking – but the Dakar decal kit that they offer with the bike now, just sets it apart…
But Read this: In no way is this bike a Rally bike. Nor is it a race bike. Its a trail machine that makes you grin from start to finish.
The bike is powered by a fuel injected 286cc single-cylinder engine and its sprung with long travel Showa suspension. Single discs front and rear are grabbed by a twin pot caliper up front with a single out back. ABS is standard.
It’s got a beautifully crafted little faring, staggered headlamps, a 13 litre tank and slim sexy bodywork and tips the scales at just over 150 kilos ready to roll.
What’s not to like?
It certainly looks the part but how does it go?
We gave the bike to our junior tester Tristan. 19 years old and a seasoned dirtbiker, we told him to really put the bike through its paces and then to come and tell us what it’s all about.
Just on six foot, he had no complaints about the ergonomics.
“It’s got a big bike feel to it, without being overly tall, so getting your feet to the ground is not a tippy toe affair. The pegs are wide and offer good grip, the seat is firm, like a dirtbike and the bars feel wide.”
The bike has electric start of course, so he hit the button, snicked it into first and quietly shot off down the road.
Quietly?
Well, yes!
That stock pipe is not going to bug any neighbours.
“I expected dirtbike power like on my 250, but the 300 feels a lot tamer, which is actually what you want with a bike like this – and I’ll explain. The 300L is actually roadworthy, so I’d use it on the streets every day – and then when I get the gap, I’d go and hit the trails. The 26HP power is solid, without being too revvy or rowdy. On the streets, the bike is fun and nimble, but I’d probably fit less aggressive tyres, those knobblies do limit you a bit – and do you really need such aggressive dirt tyres on a bike like this?”
To answer that question, we sent him tearing along the dirt, warning him frequently that this bike still needed to be used for Honda’s road show to all the dealers.
Did he listen? Well – not really.
“ In the dirt this bike is really a lot of fun. It feels light and well balanced and – just so easy to ride. I reckon that an entry level rider would easily hone their skill on a bike like this – and a more experienced rider can go – well anywhere really!
Picking my way through trickier terrain is easy, just soft and really unintimidating. It’s no rocket ship, but it’s fast enough to be a lot of fun – and if you do get out of shape, she’s easy enough to correct.”
“Personally, for more aggressive riding I’d upgrade the suspension a bit. A smaller rider will enjoy the plush ride, but when you really open up, she gets a bit squirly. I know that a few of our “Beeg” farmer buddies have bought them and guys like Hyperpro have stiffer springs for the front. The rear can be stiffened up quite a bit and it makes a big difference.”
“As a trail bike, this one is hard to fault. If I were a farmer who needs to belt around between camps and pop in and out of town, this bike would absolutely be something to consider.
For a rider starting out – well just look at it – it’s a pretty good looking, really all round capable bike to begin your adventures in the dirt and on the road to get there and back. For the more experienced, bar hard enduro, I reckon that this bike will do everything you can out in the bush. Just maybe not as quickly as you can on a conventional CRF- R or X”
This bike sells for R109 199.00
At your Honda dealer – and if you ask nicely, they will throw on the Dakar Decal Set.
