Adventure riding meets dual-sport in Honda's budget-friendly, efficient CRF300L Rally. Based on the popular, reliable CRF300L, the Rally is an approachable, affordable means of experiencing adventure. To maximize enjoyment on extended outings, there's a large-capacity fuel tank, a tall windscreen and an extra-coverage fairing, but the CRF300L Rally is also a great option for around-town transportation. The model benefits from 2025 model-year updates to its suspension, lighting and more.
HISTORY
Introduced in 2017 alongside the already-popular CRF300L dual-sport machine, the CRF250L Rally represented an affordable, reliable, approachable means of entry to adventure riding. The 2021 model year brought a 15-percent displacement increase and a new name. The CRF300L Rally offered customers not only improved power, but also a larger fuel tank and better on- and off-road handling—thanks to a 9-pound weight reduction, updated geometry and upgraded suspension.
For 2025, the CRF300L Rally benefits from several revisions aimed at improving handling, convenience and styling.
NEW FOR 2025
- Striking new graphics for this model year
- LED headlight and turn signals, for better visibility.
- Stiffer shock damping for improved bottoming resistance.
- For smoother initial rear-suspension movement, the rubber bushing in the upper shock mount has been replaced with a bearing.
- New radiator fan and grille, for improved engine-heat management.
- Updated suspension damping in the fork.
DESIGN / STYLING
The CRF300L Rally is adventure-ready, with a large 3.4-gallon fuel tank. Considering the model's excellent fuel economy, range is considerable—over 250 miles in testing.
As with the Monster Energy Honda factory rally machines, the rear section is kept slim, which enables easy rider movement and concentrates the mass near the front of the bike. The striking red, white, black and blue graphics mimic the look of the CRF Performance line and are complemented by a black frame.
Components are light to keep overall vehicle weight relatively low.
Riding Position
The riding position is designed for good rider input and vehicle maneuverability. Handlebar sweep allows for a natural elbow position and light steering, and vibration is minimized via handlebar weights (5.8 ounces each) and rubber foot-peg platforms. The seat has a rubber mounting cushion and is 190mm wide for comfort, though the front is narrow to facilitate the rider's feet touching the ground when needed. Passenger pegs come standard.
Meter
The digital meter features black characters on a white background, and characters are large for good visibility. In addition to speed, clock and rpm readings, functions include gear position, fuel mileage and fuel consumption.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke power plant, has bore-and-stroke figures of 76.0mm and 63.0mm, respectively, for a 286cc displacement. Power output is particularly strong in the rev range's lower and middle areas, which are used often in both city riding and off-road going.
A 38mm throttle body helps to achieve good power and rider-friendly throttle control, especially at low rpm, and the exhaust system delivers low sound output while keeping vibrations to a minimum. The engine features a valve train with a rocker-arm design, enabling a compact cylinder head, while the counterbalancer provides smooth running.
For 2025, the CRF300L Rally receives updates to the radiator fan and grille, for improved engine-heat management.
Transmission
The six-speed gearbox features close spacing in the lower gears and wide spacing in the higher gears, enabling optimum gear selection while still allowing comfortable high-speed cruising—a great balance between suitability for city, long-distance and off-road applications.
Clutch
The CRF300L Rally has a very light clutch-lever pull, thanks in part to an assist/slipper clutch that also provides good performance during aggressive downshifting.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
Overall vehicle weight is low, thanks to careful selection of components. For example, the lower triple clamp is constructed from aluminum instead of steel, minimizing steering effort and keeping the center of gravity low.
Frame / Swingarm
Through optimization of its main components, the frame's weight is minimized, while optimized lateral rigidity allows maneuverability and good rider feel. Diameter of the cradle tubes is 25.4mm. In addition, ground clearance is a considerable 10.9 inches, reducing the chance of interference during riding in rough off-road conditions. Similarly, the swingarm's lateral and torsional rigidity are optimized, and its overall cross section is designed to deliver a uniform distribution of twist, resulting in good feel and predictable handling. The swingarm's weight is low, minimizing sprung weight for excellent suspension action.
Suspension
A 43mm inverted Showa fork is paired with a Pro-Link® single-shock rear system. Front and rear suspension travel is 10.2 inches, for excellent on- and off-road performance.
New for 2025, the CRF300L Rally receives stiffer shock damping, for improved bottoming resistance. In addition, a rubber bushing in the upper shock mount has been replaced with a bearing, for smoother initial rear-suspension movement. The suspension damping in the fork is updated as well.
Wheels / Brakes
As with high-performance off-road machines, the wheel sizes are 21 inches at the front and 18 inches rear, enabling smooth rolling over rough terrain. The black aluminum rims have been polished, resulting in a glossy appearance and easy cleaning. The rear axle is hollow to minimize unsprung weight.
Hydraulic brakes are used front and rear, with 296 and 220mm rotors, respectively, and ABS is standard, for smooth, controlled stops in varying conditions. The rear-brake master cylinder incorporates the reservoir, similar to the design used on the CRF Performance line, for a simple, clean design. Conveniently, ABS can be turned off at the rear, providing a different riding feel in off-road conditions.
Honda ACCESSORIES
A number of Honda Accessories are offered, including an electrical socket, wider foot pegs, heated grips, a top box, a rack and more.
