Main test: Dual-sport duel

Dual-sport machines are massively popular, and for good reason. They have the genuine ability not just to tackle green lanes and trails to a reasonable level, but also munch through road miles with ease, which is something that a full-blooded enduro lacks.

Yet, unlike a big adventure bike, they are still low in price, capacity, and weight – making them much more accessible to the average rider.

At the forefront of the dual-sport market is Honda’s CRF300 Rally, the firm’s highest-spec, adventureesque trailie which combines the qualities of a classic green lane maestro with modern adventure machine capabilities.

Not only does it look like a Dakar-spec beast, but the Honda comes equipped with a proper screen, slightly more
road-biased suspension and a reasonable sized tank, compared to the motocross-style arrangement in the more committed CRF300L…