PROJECT 300: STAGE 3 – PROTECTION AND TAIL TIDY
It’s been a few months now but we are back with some more updates to our Porject 300 machines. This time we look at the protection side of things and give that booty a real tidy up…if you know what i mean.
Project 300 has been with us for 6 months now and it’s been a blast fiddling with these very capable little bikes. If you haven’t joined up with the Honda CRF300 Owners Club of NZ on Facebook I suggest you go and give that a like as we often post little snippets there in between these write-ups.
After our airbox mod, and cockpit set up, we focused on installing some protection items that will help when we decide to get off the beaten path and make our own tracks - which is exactly what we are planning on doing…and have done already.
B&B gear ready to go on both bikes.
Protection - B&B Offroad
B&B Offroad Engineering is an Australian Company that make motorcycle parts and accessories. And for our purposes, ADV protection. Coming in a selection of either stainless or black, both myself and Greg went in opposite directions with this idea, but I think we can agree that black looks the best, right?
The engine guard was easy to install and a perfect fit which is how it should be. It also flares up around the side which is a bonus. I have not needed to use the bash plate in anger yet, but I am sure that will come soon.
OK the Silver isn’t too bad.
Bash plate is tough and fits perfectly.
The rear rack is less about protection and more about functionality. Again this comes in the black or stainless option and again I think we can all agree that the black is the go. This was also easy to install and fits quite snugly. It does replace the seat bolts though so that is something to be aware off if you are loading it up large and you need to get the seat off quickly. Not a huge problem though as we found out.
It comes with plenty of hook holes to help latch luggage straps and luggage bases. Greg managed to hook a Kriega pack on there with ease. Plus being very sturdy you could sit pretty much anything up there, including a small dirt bike. It also acts as a bit of a grab handle too.
B&B Rear Rack
From another angle
Tail Tidy
Out the back, the 300 is a little ugly, but that’s how pretty much all road registered bikes come - with a huge caboose. We decided to knock that on the head pretty quick with a couple of tail tidy’s - one from B&B and one from R&G, a brand brought in by Darbi Accessories.
The R&G Tail Tide was by far the easiest to install.
It was literally plug and play.
The R&G tail tide was simple plug and play with regards to the wiring. It came with the correct plug and no fuss. The B&B was a little more tricky and basic, having a wire connector via one of those click together/splice the wires type job. It didn’t quite work out exactly as planned and needed some re-wiring to make it a good connection. The B&B is definitely more rugged but that is also a little heavier. So pick your poison here. I prefer the R&G simply for it’s no re-wiring/splicing required
The B&B Tail Tidy. The more sturdy of the two.
Frame Guards
I don’t think there is much else that needs to be said about these Acerbis frame guards. They are cool as shit, fit on perfect, and protect the frame.
Frame guards look super trick.
Plus the function great - they protect the frame
Crash Bars
Pretty basic mods here today but important ones that will help with keeping the bike in one piece when we inevitably have a bit of a lie down. Speaking of a lie down, these are exactly when you need if you really like to lie down. These are from Outback Motortech and prevent damage getting to the fairings and other easily breakable parts of the motorcycle. The fitment is time consuming but as you can sell, well worth it in the long run. They add about 1.5-2kg worth of weight, but simply eating better would compensate for that.
Greg has already put these to the test and they have passed with flying colours - multiple times.
That’s it for now. We plan to get some decent riding in first before more mods hit the Rally, so when the weather clears up it’s time to ride. New tires will probably be the next thing we do, as well as some suspension upgrades via a plug and play Hagan rear shock.
Also if you haven’t read the intro to Project 300 and why we ended up with these bikes - CLICK HERE.