2025 crf300 rally

[Johnny.H]

Hi

I'm new to all this so please be gentle!

I'm interseted in the Honda CRF300 Rally and see that there's a 2025 updated model about to arrive. It seems Honda have moved to address the soft suspension issues often reported so I'm sure there will be plenty of interest given how popular the bike seems to be.

Now, that has got me wondering, when the 2025 version starts to appear in the UK showrooms will the dealers be offering any 'old stock' ones at discounted prices, or doesnt it work like that with motorbikes?

Thanks

Johnny

Edited December 7, 2024 by Johnny.H
spelling

[bonio]

I don't know about the CRF300, but yes, dealers often do offers to shift outdated models. Usually the offers start soon after the new model is announced, before the new ones come available. Sometimes there's a discount, sometimes just free extras. I remember Honda offering some very good discounts on the Africa Twin a few years a back. The thing to do is to keep your eye on the Honda web site. You may also find the used models on the dealer websites also dropping in price.

 

A bit of a disclaimer: it's been a while - four years - since I was looking to buy a bike, and the market has changed a lot these last couple of years. Perhaps what I'm saying doesn't happen any more.

[Johnny.H]

Thanks Bonio 

[Capt Sisko]

Looking at the prices of 'upgraded' rear suspension units it looks like a good one is going to set you back four or five hundered quid, plus fitting it you can't do it yourself. Now that's probably a better shock that what's on the updated model, but that's quite a discount you're going to have to get from the dealer just to break even. Is the OEM shock that bad?

Edited December 7, 2024 by Capt Sisko

[Johnny.H]

2 hours ago, Capt Sisko said:

Looking at the prices of 'upgraded' rear suspension units it looks like a good one is going to set you back four or five hundered quid, plus fitting it you can't do it yourself. Now that's probably a better shock that what's on the updated model, but that's quite a discount you're going to have to get from the dealer just to break even. Is the OEM shock that bad?

Yeah, that's the thing isnt it, could you find one discounted enough to upgrade and is work out cheaper than the new version. And as you say, how bad is the original anyway? As a newcomer I'm not sure it would be that noticable to begin with and there are other add on's that might be more worthwhile/sensible, frame/engine/bodywork protection etc. All food for thought hey 

[bonio]

I'd normally say upgrading a shock is one of the best things you can do to a bike - even if it's new. Shocks are one place where manufacturers usually economise; there aren't many bikes come with great shocks straight from the factory. But if you're new to biking (is that what you mean by being a newcomer?) then you might not be riding the bike hard enough to notice the difference, and your money might be better spent on other things first.

Suspension is a very personal thing. It depends on your riding style, the kind of tracks or roads you ride on, your weight, even your body position. Is there any way you can get to test ride these bikes and see you they feel for you?

[Johnny.H]

9 minutes ago, bonio said:

I'd normally say upgrading a shock is one of the best things you can do to a bike - even if it's new. Shocks are one place where manufacturers usually economise; there aren't many bikes come with great shocks straight from the factory. But if you're new to biking (is that what you mean by being a newcomer?) then you might not be riding the bike hard enough to notice the difference, and your money might be better spent on other things first.

Suspension is a very personal thing. It depends on your riding style, the kind of tracks or roads you ride on, your weight, even your body position. Is there any way you can get to test ride these bikes and see you they feel for you?

Yeah, it will be my first motorbike for nearly 40 years (had a couple of trail and MX bikes as a teen but things have moved on!). I know a fair bit about suspension from my MTB'ing but it's not like I'm going to be racing so it's not going to be a deal breaker. Also, I'm not adverse to upgrading things but generally you dont get back what you put into these things so wont be wanting to sink too much into it.

Think I'll see what the 2025 Rally rolls out at and thake it from there, it's not like there arent other options .

[Capt Sisko]

On 07/12/2024 at 18:19, Johnny.H said:

Yeah, it will be my first motorbike for nearly 40 years

The last trail bike I had was a DT175MX, sold it in 83, 84(ish). That CRF300 is going to feel so vastly superior to that or whatever you had back then in every way that you're going think it's bloody brilliant. Yes, I'm sure the hardcore or exprienced off road riders would benefit from an upgraded shock, but really, are you that good. I'm certainly wouldn't be.

Edited December 8, 2024 by Capt Sisko

[RideWithStyles]

Depends on the shock set up…is it just a spring spec or /and the damping’s inside that is too soft? And is it too soft for you? How much can you adjust for your requirement?

 

without testing it yourself its hard to judge…most oem shocks aint the best and mostly designed for nobody in mind so it’s just what it is.

If your questioning it I’d say factor in a replacement prior to buying it anyway.

most updated spec shocks from the manufacturer even the mighty Honda are generally not a lot different to the previous model ,it would be like 5-10% different at best but would for the western world need to to 25-75% more???they will have a very limited user life and setting so if your out of the scope of the shock you’ll have to change it anyway.

think you’ll just have to see what deals work out best by visiting the dealer and busting their balls for a sale if they want to….

Edited December 9, 2024 by RideWithStyles

[Tinkicker]

A quite old bloke these days who was quite a name when I was a kid, who I was on first name terms with and gave me and a few other "biker" kids some tips on motorcycle riding on shaw cross pit stacks.. ... One day he told us about about motorcycle handling.

 

 " You get a bike, you ride it.  It handles like it handles.  Get used to it.  If you get used to it, you learn to get the best from it, if you can't get the best from it, get another bike".  No amount of modifications will transform a bike you cannot get along with".

 

My take is if it is ok, but not quite there, spend the time to get it right.

 

If it is crap, get rid.

 

That mans name is Mick Grant.  He found a crap bike and got rid.  It was a full works Honda NR500, of oval piston fame.  It was in his words "crap".  Honda racing (HRC or whatever in those days) actually contracted with Suzuki to provide him with a full works spec Suzuki RG500 to complete the world gran prix championship season on to save face.

 

Why spend money on a bike that has been "upgraded" into something you do not like?  Buy basic first and spend the money later.  I once had a " swap over" ride in a mates yamaha FZR400RRSP.  Within a mile, I knew it was not the bike for me.  Horrible, but it was supposed to be the dogs bollocks.  He hated my bike just as much.....  Each to his own.  Try as he might, he could never pull away from me when i was on mine..

 

A bike handles.  The mark of a good rider is how he assess and rides accordingly.

 

Not to blow my own trumpet, I have absolutely and regularly blown into the weeds, the one piece leather, arai helmeted, knee slider equipped, latest model fireblade types with £2000 white power suspension mods; with me on a 15 year old Honda CB900F on stock suspension.  In those days the bike club i was in was known as the wacky racers and many " guests" would show up to try their luck.

 

Why and how?.  I had that bike for over 10years, completely restored to the last washer and split pin, and knew its every deepest secret.  I knew when to open the throttle and when to close it.  I knew when to tip in earlier or dive deeper...  I loved that bike and it loved me.

 

Bikes handle. Play to their strengths and avoid their weaknesses.   

Do not buy a bike because someone tells you it is great.  It may be great for them, although, privately they may hate it, but not say so, because they do not want to admit they spent £10k on a lemon.  Do not be swayed by the marketing men because marketing men invariably destroy everything they get their greedy mitts on.

 

Rely on others judgement means you do not learn from experience.  Buy for yourself.  I doubt that you will hardly be able to tell much difference between either model.  If you had enough experience to do so, you would not feel the need to ask here..........

 

Buy the cheaper one ....  BTW.  I love "soft suspension". Let me elucidate...

Suspension is like a woman.  Soft is reliable, comfortable, but maybe a little boring at times. Easy to take for granted..  Hard is fast,  exciting and keeps you on your toes, most tittilating while the going is smooth.  Hit a bumpy patch of road, the soft women give you plenty of warning to mend your ways and adjust accordingly before it is too late.

Hard women women enjoy a romantic evening with you, kiss you bye on your way to work next morning and you return home that evening to an empty house and bank account.... Very little warning if any..  You pushed it and got short shrift.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 10, 2024 by Tinkicker