Versatile, reliable, approachable and fun, the Honda CRF300L is one of the most popular dual-sport motorcycles on the market. Featuring a 286cc single-cylinder engine with a focus on balancing performance with ease of use and fuel efficiency, this machine is very budget-friendly. Built to deliver a comfortable ride on the road and an adventure on the trails, the CRF300L will have riders of all skills levels smiling from ear-to-ear. The CRF300L is available in two configurations—standard and the LS (“low seat”) version—both of which come with ABS.
HISTORY
Following a long, proud tradition of popular mid-displacement Honda dual-sport machines with competent handling, remarkable durability and exceptional value, the CRF250L was originally introduced in model-year 2013, and it immediately established itself as an extremely popular option in the U.S. and abroad.
The 2021 model year brought a 15-percent displacement increase and a new name. The CRF300L offered customers not only improved power, but also better on- and off-road handling—thanks to an 11-pound weight reduction, updated geometry and upgraded suspension.
For 2025, the CRF300L benefits from several revisions aimed at improving handling, convenience and styling.
NEW FOR 2025
- New graphics, matching those of the 2025 CRF Performance family.
- 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.
- Updated suspension damping in the fork.
- New radiator fan and grille, for improved engine-heat management.
DESIGN / STYLING
For 2025, the CRF300L gets stylish new graphics, similar to those used on the championship-winning CRF Performance models, including the CRF450R motocrosser and Baja-ruling CRF450X off-roader. The CRF300LS version has an appealing Swift Gray color.
Riding Position
With both versions, the riding position enables good rider input and vehicle maneuverability. Handlebar sweep allows a natural elbow position and light steering, and handlebar weights reduce vibration. The rear and middle of the seat are relatively wide for comfort, while the front area is slim, making it easy for the rider to touch the ground when stopped. Making that even easier is the CRF300LS, which has a 32.7-inch seat height (2 inches lower than the standard CRF300L). Passenger pegs are provided.
Meter
The 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 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 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. The diameter of the cradle tubes is 25.4mm. In addition, ground clearance is a considerable 11.2 inches on the CRF300L (9.6 inches on the LS version), 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. The standard CRF300L features 10.2 inches of front and rear suspension travel for excellent performance (particularly during off-road riding), while the CRF300LS has 9.3 and 9.0 inches of front and rear travel, respectively.
New for 2025, the CRF300L receives stiffer shock damping for improved bottoming resistance. In addition, the rubber bushing in the upper shock mount has been replaced by a bearing, resulting in smoother initial rear-suspension movement. Suspension damping in the fork is also updated.
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 256 and 220mm rotors, respectively. Standard and LS models are equipped with ABS for smooth, controlled stops in varying conditions. (Conveniently, ABS can be turned off at the rear, providing a different riding feel in off-road conditions.) The rear-brake master cylinder incorporates the reservoir, similar to the design used on the CRF Performance line, for a simple, clean design.
Honda ACCESSORIES
A number of Honda Accessories are offered, including hand guards, a skid plate, an electrical socket, wider foot pegs, a top box, a rack and more.
