From the rocky passes of Ha Giang to the remote jungle trails of the Central Highlands, Vietnam challenges even the best adventure bikes. At Frontier Travel Vietnam, we’ve ridden both the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Honda CRF300L across the country to see which one truly fits the terrain. This head-to-head comparison covers real-world performance, comfort, handling, and reliability so you can pick the right bike for your Vietnam motorcycle tour.
Yamaha Tenere 700 vs Honda CRF300L: Key Specs Comparison for Vietnam Adventure Riders
Before diving into real-world performance, let’s take a look at the core specifications of the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Honda CRF300L. This side-by-side comparison highlights key features like engine size, weight, suspension travel, and fuel capacity - all of which play a big role in how these bikes handle Vietnam motorcycle tours.
Feature | Yamaha Tenere 700 | Honda CRF300L |
Engine | 689cc twin | 286cc single |
Weight (wet) | ~205 kg | ~142 kg |
Seat Height | 875 mm | 880 mm |
Fuel Capacity | 16 L | 7.8 L |
Suspension Travel | 210 mm/ 200 mm | 260 mm/ 260mm |
ABS | Switchable | Optional |
On paper, the Yamaha Tenere 700 excels with its larger engine and increased fuel capacity, making it the ideal choice for long-distance touring and tackling Vietnam’s mountain passes. In contrast, the Honda CRF300L stands out for its lighter weight and superior off-road suspension, perfect for navigating narrow jungle trails and tight terrain.
Riding Terrain on Vietnam Motorcycle Tours with Tenere 700 & Honda CRF 300L
Vietnam’s landscape is as diverse as it is challenging, offering everything from steep mountain passes to remote, muddy trails. Adventure riders need a bike that can handle the full spectrum of terrain, from the winding roads of Ha Giang to the water crossings in the Central Highlands. Let’s take a closer look at the key terrains that riders will face during a typical Vietnam motorcycle tour.
Mountain roads: Steep climbs and hairpin turns (like Ha Giang)
Vietnam’s northern regions, particularly Ha Giang, are known for their rugged and dramatic landscapes. These areas feature some of the most challenging roads in Southeast Asia, with steep climbs that stretch over high altitude passes and sharp, tight hairpin turns. The narrow roads often wind along mountain ridges, offering breathtaking views, but they can also pose serious risks if not navigated properly.
Ha Giang, with its Dong Van Karst Plateau and Ma Pi Leng Pass, is particularly famous for its rugged and challenging roads. These passes are narrow, often with a sheer drop on one side, and the road surface can be unpredictable, with gravel patches, loose stones, and uneven terrain.
The Tenere 700, with its larger engine and long suspension travel, is well-suited for these kinds of climbs. It provides the necessary torque to tackle steep inclines and can handle the occasional rocky or gravel sections with ease. The CRF300L, on the other hand, is lighter and more agile, but on longer climbs or faster sections, it might feel less stable, especially in the higher altitudes where power delivery can be affected.
Jungle trails: Mud, roots, and water crossings (like Ba Be, Tay Con Linh)
Vietnam's jungle regions, such as Ba Be National Park, present a completely different riding challenge. These areas are dense with vegetation, high humidity, and rough, unmaintained tracks that are often barely wider than a single motorcycle. Riders venturing into these terrains must be prepared for deep mud, tangled tree roots, tight turns, and regular water crossings.
Ba Be is a lush and mountainous region filled with limestone hills, dense forests, and hidden waterfalls. The trails here are often slick and muddy - especially after rainfall - with tree roots snaking across the path and steep slopes that test both rider skill and bike control. Sudden changes in elevation and narrow passes require a bike that’s agile and easy to maneuver.
This is where the Honda CRF300L shines. Its lightweight design, responsive throttle, and forgiving suspension make it ideal for navigating tight jungle trails and technical off-road terrain. Riders can pick their lines carefully and correct mistakes quickly - something harder to do with a heavier machine like the Tenere 700.
Remote areas: Rocky roads, riverbeds, minimal infrastructure.
Remote regions in Vietnam, such as parts of Dien Bien, Cao Bang, and the deep backroads of Ha Giang, offer some of the most isolated and untamed riding environments. These areas are far from major towns, often lacking paved roads, signage, or cell service and instead feature rocky paths, dry riverbeds, loose gravel, and makeshift log bridges. It's where true adventure riding happens, and where the choice of bike can significantly affect both safety and comfort.
In these areas, the Tenere 700 performs well thanks to its torque-heavy engine and long-travel suspension, but its weight can be a drawback in tight or technical spots. The CRF300L, on the other hand, is lighter, more agile, and easier to manage when navigating rough terrain or recovering from a fall - a major plus when riding solo. Its simpler mechanics also make it easier to repair in isolated areas, whereas the Tenere may require tools or expertise not readily found in remote villages.
Urban riding & Highway transfers between regions
Vietnam motorcycle tours often include long highway stretches between regions and occasional urban riding in cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City. Riders must be prepared for a mix of chaotic traffic, tight city streets, and fast-paced highway sections shared with buses, trucks, and local scooters.
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is excellent for highway transfers, offering smooth power, strong stability, and comfort at higher speeds, but its size can make city traffic and tight urban maneuvering challenging. In contrast, the Honda CRF300L is much easier to handle in dense city streets thanks to its lightweight and slim build, though its smaller engine can struggle on long highway stretches, especially when fully loaded or facing strong wind.
Comfort & Long-Distance Rideability on Vietnam Motorcycle Tours
When it comes to comfort over long distances, the Yamaha Tenere 700 clearly leans toward touring performance. It features a more comfortable seat, upright ergonomics, and a windscreen that reduces fatigue on extended rides - making it well-suited for Vietnam’s multi-day motorcycle tours with long highway stints and mountain passes.
The Honda CRF300L, while agile and lightweight, is more minimalist in design. Its seat is narrower and firmer, and it lacks wind protection, which can lead to rider fatigue during extended travel. While manageable for shorter adventures, riders may need to make aftermarket upgrades - like a cushioned seat or small windscreen - for improved long-range comfort.
Fuel Range & Efficiency in Vietnam’s Remote Regions
Fuel range is a crucial factor on Vietnam motorcycle tours, especially in remote northern areas where gas stations are few and far between. The Yamaha Tenere 700 comes equipped with a 16L fuel tank, delivering an impressive range of around 350 - 400 km, making it ideal for long hauls between distant villages or across mountain passes without worrying about frequent stops.
The Honda CRF300L, while smaller with a ~7.8L tank, is incredibly fuel-efficient, often achieving over 30 km/L, giving it a respectable 250 - 300 km range. While that’s sufficient for most routes, riders will need to plan fuel stops more carefully in less-developed regions or consider carrying extra fuel.
Cost & Bike Availability on Vietnam Motorcycle Tours
At Frontier Travel Vietnam, we offer two exceptional bikes for our adventure tours: the Honda CRF300L and the Yamaha Tenere 700. The CRF300L is an affordable and popular choice, known for its agility, simplicity, and suitability for a wide range of terrains. It’s perfect for those looking for a reliable, lightweight bike that performs well on both roads and off-road trails.
On the other hand, the Yamaha Tenere 700 is a premium option, offering more power, comfort, and range, ideal for longer distances and tougher terrains. Currently, Frontier Travel Vietnam is the only company in the country offering the Tenere 700, providing an exclusive experience for riders seeking a higher-performance adventure bike on Vietnam’s most challenging routes.
Which Bike is Right for You on a Vietnam Motorcycle Trip?
When choosing between the Honda CRF300L and the Yamaha Tenere 700, the decision largely depends on your riding style and the type of terrain you plan to tackle.
The CRF300L is perfect for riders looking for a lightweight, nimble bike ideal for urban traffic, narrow jungle trails, and less demanding off-road sections. It’s a great option for those new to off-road riding or anyone on a budget seeking versatility across Vietnam's varied terrain.
The Yamaha Tenere 700, available exclusively through Frontier Travel Vietnam, is designed for experienced adventure riders who need more power, comfort, and range for long-distance touring and tough mountain passes. Its enhanced suspension and robust engine make it the ideal choice for tackling Vietnam’s remote, rugged landscapes and steep mountain roads.
=>> At Frontier Travel Vietnam, we recommend the CRF300L for shorter tours or riders focused on agility and ease of handling, while the Tenere 700 is the perfect fit for those looking to push their limits and explore more challenging routes. Whichever bike you choose, both will provide an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam’s stunning landscapes.
