Dual Sport Motorcycles

Honda CRF300L: Detailed Technical Specs and Performance Review

Honda CRF300L: Detailed Technical Specs and Performance Review

1. Honda CRF300L

Honda CRF300L
Photo Credit: Honda Powersports

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
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
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
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
Final Drive Chain Drive
Gearbox Six-Speed
Clutch Wet Multi-Plate; Assist & Slipper Clutch
Chassis
Frame Semi-Double Steel Cradle Frame
Brakes
Front 256 mm Single-Disc Brake with Dual-Piston Calip[er
Rear 220 mm Single-Disc Brake
Suspensions
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
Front 21-inch Wire-Spoked Aluminum Wheel
Rear 18-inch Wire-Spoked Aluminum Wheel
Tires
Front 80/100-21M/C 51P
Rear 120/80-18M/C 62P
Dimensions & Measurements
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.


Looking to invest in your adventure or dual sports bike? Viking Bags offers high-quality adventure touring luggage options, including tank bags, side cases, backpacks, duffel/tail bags, luggage bags, and accessories & organizers.

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