Enhancing Off-Road Adventures: Join me as I talk through the various modifications to my 2023 Honda CRF300L.
Introduction:
I dipped my toe into the world of green laning on a 2015 CRF250L, purchasing it for a few thousand pounds. However, I never could of expected to enjoy it so much, the return in terms of smiles was definitely value for money.
After such a great introduction to green laning, I decided to sell my CRF250L and purchased a nearly new Honda 300L, it had 800 miles on the clock and was just a few moths old.
The CRF300L is a versatile bike that offers opportunities for exploration both on and off the road. However, eager to personalise my riding experience, I embarked on a series of modifications to transform my CRF300L into an even more capable on and off-road machine. In this blog post, I’ll detail the various upgrades I’ve made, from suspension enhancements to performance upgrades and accessories that have significantly enhanced both the bike’s performance and my overall riding experience.
THE MODS
Rally Raid Suspension (Front and Rear):
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. The stock Honda CRF300L suspension is renowned for being super soft. This is likely due to Honda trying to appeal to a global market with the CRF300 range; however, to tackle challenging terrain with confidence, I opted for top-notch Rally Raid suspension upgrades both at the front and rear of my bike. These custom-tuned suspension offer improved damping characteristics, enhancing the bike’s stability and handling across rough and uneven surfaces, making off-road adventures a breeze. My first ride out with the new suspension showed just how important it is to have the right suspension setup, the bike was transformed.
I had the suspension set up and fitted by renowned Race & Rally mechanic Martin Wittering at Torque Racing. They specialise in undertaking specific race preparation on motorcycles to be used in Rally-Raid events, so they know a thing or two about fitting suspension.
Adventure-Men-Cave Rally Tower:
For improved visibility during night rides and enhanced mounting options for accessories, I added the Adventure-Men-Cave ENDUROL8NAV tower, which fits directly onto the triple clamps. It was the perfect addition to the CRF, it looks great but also acts as a robust and functional accessory allows me to install auxiliary lights, GPS systems, and more.
The tower was purchased from Wrenchride, more on these guys below.
SeatConcepts Seat:
Long rides call for enhanced comfort, but short rides off road require ergonomics and grip, so finding a comfortable, yet practical seat for dual sport use was difficult. I came across a few bikes on the trails where the owners had opted for a SeatConcepts seat and their feedback was positive. So after finding a UK supplier in Wrenchride my SeatConcepts seat was delivered from the United States in just a few weeks. With its ergonomic design and premium materials, this upgrade helps reduce fatigue during extended journeys.
My thoughts on Wrenchride – I had a great experience with Olly and the team from Wrenchride, they started out originally building rally and adventure motorcycles. Over time, they developed great relationships with lots of suppliers and rally kit producers, which in turn led to them becoming the UK dealer for for many of these brands and even the official builder for some of them. Based on the service I received, I’d highly recommend Wrenchride.
Rally Raid Rack:
Coming back to the guys at Rally Raid, they also offer some neat accessories. I’ve started to take extended off-road trips which requires carrying additional gear such as my MoskoMoto panniers (Note: I’ll be doing a separate blog on these panniers soon). The Rally Raid rack I purchased proved to be a practical addition with its sturdy build and innovative design making it easy for me to attach and secure essential equipment.
Rental Bars with Bark Busters:
To handle demanding trails and unexpected obstacles, I have the CRF equipped with Rental bars and Bark Busters. This combination not only provides extra protection for the handlebars and controls but also enhances the bike’s overall durability, even during the most challenging rides.
Double-Take Mirrors:
Off-road riding and the inevitable dropping of your bike can take its toll on things like mirrors. Double-Take mirrors proved to be the ideal solution for the CRF, firstly, you can fold them in when not required, but when mirrors are needed, their durability and adjustable design ensure they stay in place despite rough conditions, providing a clear view of the surroundings at all times.
ProTaper Grips:
To maintain a firm and comfortable grip on the handlebars during long rides, the preivous owner had upgraded to ProTaper grips (See above). These high-quality grips not only offer excellent traction but also reduce vibrations, minimising hand fatigue during extended off-road journeys.
Bash Plate:
Again fitted by the previous owner, the bash plate is an essential upgrade. This protective plate shields the engine and critical components from rocks and debris, safeguarding the bike during intense off-road escapades. This one also extended to the base of the rear shock offering a little extra protection.
Tail Tidy and Indicators (By Previous Owner):
The neat tail tidy and indicators were also installed by the bike’s previous owner lend a clean and organised look to the rear end. These additions not only improve aesthetics but also reduce the risk of damage in challenging off-road conditions.
Rear Brake Protector:
Adding an extra layer of protection to the rear brake mechanism is vital for off-road riding. The rear brake protector ensures that the braking system remains safe and functional even in harsh conditions.
Full Yoshimura RS4 Exhaust:
To unlock the CRF300L’s full potential, I upgraded to the Full Yoshimura RS4 exhaust system. This high-performance exhaust not only boosts power output but also enhances the bike’s sound, giving it a distinctive roar. If anything it’s probably a bit too loud.
DNA Air Filter:
Finally, for improved airflow and engine performance, I replaced the stock air filter with a DNA air filter. This performance-oriented filter increases the bike’s overall efficiency and responsiveness, especially during off-road pursuits.
Conclusion:
With the culmination of these carefully chosen modifications, my Honda CRF300L has been transformed into my ultimate off-road adventure companion. The Rally Raid suspension upgrades, SeatConcepts seat, Adventure-Men-Cave rally tower, and other enhancements have elevated the bike’s performance and comfort, allowing me to conquer trails with confidence. Each upgrade has played a crucial role in creating a personalised and capable machine that perfectly aligns with my passion for exploration and motorcycling. I’m now more than ready to embark on unforgettable off-road journeys and make memories that will last a lifetime. Happy riding!
KILN MOTO 
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