-
Have you had to do anything to the suspension? I think this is the sensible option for me, just need to test ride one as I've got short legs but hopefully with the narrow seat I'd be fine. I also need to figure out what the difference between this and the rally is.
Haggis-
On paper the seat height is 880mm. I had discounted them as an option based on this measurement as I wanted a bike I could comfortably flat foot for confidence reasons. Due to their scarcity I hadn't been able to even sit on one - my local Honda dealer had one in the showroom but it was sold so no sitting allowed.
So I set about test riding some bikes with seat heights in and around 800mm instead. Nothing "clicked" but a motorbike trader I went to for a test of an SV650 had this 2nd hand CRF300L available. I asked if I could take it for a short spin round the block (mainly as I expected it to be too tall but I was curious to know how it rode) and I found that due to the famously soft suspension I could flat foot it and it didn't feel intimidating at all. In fact the opposite, it felt so confidence inspiring due to it's low weight and manoeuvrability.
Knew immediately that I'd found what I was looking for. I'm about 12 stone and for me I'm happy with the suspension for now. Yes it's fairly active, but I'm enjoying the way it rides. Perhaps when I take it off road properly I might want more damping and control from the suspension. But for now I'm very happy with the whole thing. If I upgrade it further down the line, then I'd probably get a Rally Raid level 1 set up as this decreases the travel slightly so I believe offers a seat height similar to that offered by the sag in the OEM suspension.
The Rally has a bigger fuel tank, more fairings for a bit more wind protection, better headlights, a wind shield and a slightly bigger front brake disc. Probably better if you want to do longer rides with some adventure/touring in mind.
-
Rally will be less tiring at road riding consistently above 50mph.
Soft suspension will mean riding around the way it wallows in corners. You just ride it for what it is, you don’t push it hard on the twisties.
There are lowering link sets available. Don’t bother.
yetidamo
pdlouche
I'm not hugely experienced but test rode quite a few bikes before I tried the CRF300L. And immediately got that "click" you're talking about. Just knew immediately I'd enjoy riding it.
If you're a more experienced rider it might not give you the thrill of a more powerful bike, but for me it's great fun round the local twisty, potholed, gravelly lanes. And would be capable on the BOATs.
Plus the servicing schedule is measured in thousands of miles, not hours. Can recommend.