Table of Content
1. Honda CRF300L
The Honda CRF300L is a well-known bike for several reasons. It is one of the best dual-sports bikes in the market, catering to a wide range of riders with versatile riding abilities and skills. On the other hand, the Honda CRF300L is also the most suitable beginner bike for learning and practicing both on- and off-road skills. The top-notch reliability of Honda, low-cost advantage, good value for the money, and entry-level character make this bike a reputable two-wheeler. The Honda CRF300L is equally geared for trail riding, thanks to the knobby off-road tires, incredible ground clearance, long wheel-travel suspensions, and slim silhouette. Continue reading this article to learn about the detailed technical specifications and performance review of the Honda CRF300L.
2. Honda CRF300L Detailed Specs
Honda CRF300L | |
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Basic Info | |
Manufacturer | Honda – Top Japanese Automobile Manufacturer |
Motorcycle Type | Dual-Sports Bike |
Category | Lightweight Entry-Level |
Introduced In | 2020 |
Current Production Status | Still Being Produced |
Model ID | CRF300L |
Available Color Option | Honda Red |
Trims | Honda CRF300L (Non-ABS) Honda CRF300L ABS |
Warranty | One-Year Limited Factory Warranty with Unlimited Mileage |
Base MSRP | Non-ABS: $5,399 ABS: $5,699 |
Engine | |
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Displacement | 286 cc |
Type | Four-Stroke; Single-Cylinder Engine |
Cooling System | Liquid-Cooling |
Valve Train | Four-Valve; DOHC |
Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
Stroke | 63 mm |
Bore | 76 mm |
Fuel Delivery System | Programmed-Fuel Injection with 38 mm Throttle Body |
Performance | |
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Horsepower | 27 hp at 8,500 rpm |
Torque | 26.6 Nm at 6,500 rpm |
Top Speed | 80 mph |
Fuel Mileage | 70 mpg |
Emission Compliance | Euro 5 |
Transmission | |
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Final Drive | Chain Drive |
Gearbox | Six-Speed |
Clutch | Wet Multi-Plate; Assist & Slipper Clutch |
Chassis | |
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Frame | Semi-Double Steel Cradle Frame |
Brakes | |
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Front | 256 mm Single-Disc Brake with Dual-Piston Calip[er |
Rear | 220 mm Single-Disc Brake |
Suspensions | |
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Front | 43 mm Upside-Down Front Fork |
Wheel Travel | 10.2 in |
Rear | Pro-Link® Rear Monoshock with Spring |
Wheel Travel | 10.2 in |
Wheels | |
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Front | 21-inch Wire-Spoked Aluminum Wheel |
Rear | 18-inch Wire-Spoked Aluminum Wheel |
Tires | |
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Front | 80/100-21M/C 51P |
Rear | 120/80-18M/C 62P |
Dimensions & Measurements | |
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Wet Weight | 306 lbs |
Seat Height | 34.7 in |
Wheelbase | 57.2 in |
Ground Clearance | 11.2 in |
Trail | 4.3 in |
Rake | 27° 30' |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.1 gal |
Height | 47.2 in |
Width | 32.2 in |
Length | 87.7 in |
3. Honda CRF300L’s Honest Detailed Review
3.1 Best Entry-Level Bike
Forget about the dual-purpose characteristics and versatile nature of the Honda CRF300L, this bike in its simplest form is the best beginner bike in the market, as it provides countless benefits to new riders. Though the purpose of building this bike at the time of production was to create a road-legal version of a lightweight dirt bike, it did exceptionally well in covering a wide range of markets. Regardless of its off-road nature, the Honda CRF300L is a complete package and the most suitable entry-level bike for most beginners. Whether it is the power output, riding stance, comfort, reliability, or flexibility, everything about this bike is incredible, making it the best beginner-friendly bike. The Honda CRF300L’s narrow and lightweight design makes it exceptionally smooth to ride and maneuver on most terrains. You do not need to worry about dropping this bike and damaging a part; it is an impressively sturdy bike and can even take some beating. At such an affordable price range, you are not only getting a perfect entry-level bike for off-roading, but you are also taking home an ideal road bike for both city travel and highway cruising.
3.2 Is It Fast and Powerful?
The Honda CRF300L is reasonably fast, quick to accelerate, and agile as a 300 cc bike should be. Considering its class, market, and category, this bike produces a decent torque and horsepower delivery, providing riders with an enjoyable riding experience on multiple terrains. It does not make you feel bored, thanks to the adequately responsive throttle. The commendable power delivery to the rear wheel and the precise power control ensured by the clutch and transmission add to the charm of the bike. It is not just the most suitable beginner’s bike, it is a highly fun motorbike for riders of different skill levels. The Honda CRF300L’s low weight and slim stature also promote lively flickability, agility, and maneuverability.
3.3 Confident Off-Roading Performance
The Honda CRF300L may not be an ideal off-roader for the most aggressive and challenging terrains, but it provides you with the opportunity to learn the most off-roading thrills and skills. Not to forget, this bike is a strong entry-level contender in the dual-sports category, and yet it is extremely dirt-worthy. The Honda CRF300L has an unmatched ground clearance of 11.2 inches and an approachable seat height of 34.7 inches in this category. What makes this dual sports bike the most prominent in the lightweight class is its 21-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear wheel, and astonishingly long front and rear wheel travel of 10.2 inches. It is also a perfect bike for skilled riders looking to learn and hone their dirt riding techniques.
3.4 Competition
The Honda CRF300L has no match in the entry-level lightweight dual sports category. For instance, the Suzuki DRZ400, which has a 398-cc engine capable of producing more horsepower and torque, may be the competitor that is closest to the Honda CRF300L. Nonetheless, the Suzuki DRZ400 is on the higher side of the price and is also slightly heavier in the lightweight dual sports bike category.
The other notable disadvantage of the Suzuki DRZ400 which makes the Honda CRF300L a highly preferred lightweight dual sports bike option is the lack of the electronic fuel injection as it still features a carburetor. It also incorporates a five-speed gearbox which reduces its touring capacity.
One more exceptionally close and extreme contender of the Honda CRF300L is the Kawasaki KLX300, offering practically comparable power figures. Nonetheless, when it comes to perfection, smoothness, easy clutch operation, and immaculate gear shifting, the Honda CRF300L is ahead of the Kawasaki KLX300.
3.5 Rally Version Offering
With the increase in the interest and demand for adventure touring bikes, Honda also offers the CRF300L with a more ADV touring style, called the Honda CRF300L Rally. Except for the addition of a windscreen, a muscular front end, hand guards, a larger fuel tank, and engine protection, this bike has almost identical fundamental components. However, the Honda CRF300L Rally has a few unique highlights to make it a capable ADV touring bike, with a price tag of $6,149.
3.6 Comfort
Whether you are looking for a comfortable on-road riding experience or enjoyable dirt trail riding, the Honda CRF300L is one of the best in both worlds. It provides an upright back position, permitting riders to sit serenely on longer rides. The footpegs are impeccably positioned for both adequate legroom and support for standing on the footpegs in various rough terrain conditions.
4. Conclusion
Overall, the Honda CRF300L is an established lightweight entry-level dual sports bike with no prominent contender in its category. The motorcycling community sees this bike as a highly suitable beginner bike with multi-purpose abilities. As a novice rider, you can take this bike to most riding conditions with ease. The performance, comfort, and even style of this bike will not disappoint you, regardless of what riding skill level you have. While the bike is not loaded with tons of features, the Honda CRF300L is the best in its standard form with an optional ABS, programmed fuel injection system, knobby tires, and slipper clutch. Apart from the impeccable parts and machinery of this bike, the versatility and characteristics of the Honda CRF300L are on par with most top-class dual-sports bikes. If you are planning to start riding a motorcycle, the Honda CRF300L is a perfect option to start with. You will get an all-in-one bike at a very affordable price of $5,399.
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