Honda’s popular dual-purpose CRF300L receives several detail updates for 25YM, including LED lighting and improved thermal management. Specification includes a strong, responsive single-cylinder engine (now OBD2-2/EURO5+ compliant) and six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch control. A steel frame with tuned rigidity balance, aluminium swingarm, long travel suspension – featuring revised damping rates – and 142kg kerb weight generate easy handling on any terrain, with generous ground clearance. The striking visual impact of the CRF 300L’s sharp bodywork is amplified for 25YM through new colourway options.
1. Introduction
The essence of what makes a true dual-purpose motorcycle has long been in Honda’s DNA. In the late 1970s the XL250S was launched – a bike providing genuine on-road usability with excellent off-road performance. The entire XL range that followed became legendary and proved that combining an economical and easy-to-use single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a competent chassis created a motorcycle that was useful, versatile and, as riders the world over found, a great deal of fun.
Over thirteen years ago, exhaustive discussions within Honda R&D took place about the creation of a brand-new dual-purpose machine. The company’s long history – in off-road competition and trail-ready machinery – was a useful touchstone when development of the bike first began.
Looking to the needs of customers came first. While some riders insist upon competition-level off-road performance, many others value ease of use, practicality and convenience. For weekday, urban environments they wanted a tough, practical bike with cutting-edge off-road style. But, come the weekend, it needed to provide a ticket to ride, wherever they wanted to go, on or off-road.
Honda’s new dual-purpose bike was always viewed by its development team with global perspective. It not only needed a powerful and frugal engine, its chassis also had to have a broad and capable range. And it needed to be affordable, offering high quality and outstanding value for money, with low overall running costs a priority.
The CRF250L, launched across Europe in 2012, was just that motorcycle.
And Honda’s engineers got the formula right. The CRF250L proved a fruitful base platform which, as well as spawning a RALLY version, enjoyed consistent sales success around the world. Gaining capacity in 20YM, the CRF300L’s new engine also received an assist/slipper clutch. Thanks to weight reduction in the chassis, it was 4kg lighter, with revised riding position, slimmer seat and tank and positive LCD dash. For 23YM, it got a new paint option and standard-fit knuckle guards.
It’s time, in 25YM, for the CRF300L to slide up its development curve once again with detail updates and upgrades owners will appreciate. And, just as it should, it remains every bit a true, do-it-all, dual-purpose motorcycle.
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2. Model Overview
Mechanically unchanged for 25YM, the CRF300L’s 286cc single-cylinder engine produces 20.1kW and 26.6Nm. Gear ratios first through fifth are short, for improved response and acceleration, while sixth is tall for more relaxed high-speed cruising. An assist/ slipper clutch manages the rear wheel under hard down changes and offers light load at the lever. EURO5+ compliance has been achieved and the radiator fan orientation has been adjusted for improved heat management. A redesigned protective shroud, and redesigned side cover direct warm air away from the rider, increasing comfort.
A tuned rigidity balance between the steel frame, aluminium swingarm and bottom yoke offer excellent feedback and feel. Steering geometry delivers stability and agility, while long travel front and rear suspension features revised damping rates at both ends for a more stable, comfortable platform for riders.
Sharp-edged bodywork features a slim tank and seat, and new LED headlight and indicators. The riding position is tailored to encourage the light steering manoeuvrability needed off-road and, just as usefully, around town.
The 25YM CRF300L will be available in the following colour options:
- Extreme Red with Blue and white graphic set
- Swift Grey with Red and white graphic set
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3. Key Features
3.1 Engine
- DOHC, 286cc single-cylinder engine producing 20.1kW and 26.6Nm
- Improved heat management from the radiator
- Gearbox ratios set for both acceleration and cruising
- Assist/ slipper clutch for light lever load
- EURO5+2 compliant
The single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine produces peak power of 20.1kW @ 8,500rpm, with peak torque of 26.6Nm @ 6,500rpm. Bore and stroke is set at 76 x 63mm, with compression ratio of 10.7:1.
To match the engine’s punch and for smart pick-up and acceleration, gear ratios first through fifth are short, while sixth gear is tall for more relaxed highway cruising. An assist/ slipper clutch reduces lever load and manages rear wheel ‘hop’ on rapid downshifts – great for control, on or off-road.
An iridium spark plug, along with precise metering of fuel from the PGM-FI injection system, enhances combustion efficiency and improves environmental credentials. The engine uses an offset cylinder, reducing internal frictional losses, while the piston itself incorporates a special surface material, plus molybdenum coating. The oil pump features an internal relief structure that prevents aeration of relieved oil. The crank journal employs a half-split, press-fit metal bearing while the crank bearing uses a cast-iron bush. A primary balance shaft further reduces vibration.
The cooling system uses a 12.7kW heat-release radiator, sited on the left of the bike. Revised for 25YM, to move hot air away from the rider, the system features a new radiator fan, as well as a new, larger polypropylene grill for improved airflow into the system. A redesigned side cover also mitigates hot air expelled by from the fan.
The engine is EURO5+ compliant, with CO2 emissions (WMTC) of 73g/km.
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3.2 Chassis
- Handling and agility ready for action on any terrain
- Lightweight frame and swingarm; tuned rigidity balance for both
- Long travel front and rear suspension with detail changes to dampers
- Ample ground clearance
Wet weight of the CRF300L is just 142kg. The steel semi-double cradle frame’s rigidity balance is tuned to promote handling feel and connection to front/rear traction. The one-piece cast aluminium swingarm is balanced to match. Extruded aluminium is used for the chain adjustment collar. The bottom yoke is aluminium, saving weight in an area high relative to the centre of gravity for faster steering response.
Rake and trail are set at 27.5° and 109mm respectively, with wheelbase at 1455mm, ground clearance at 285mm, and turning radius at 2.3m.
The 43mm Showa inverted forks employ a 260mm stroke, with spring weight and damping settings optimised for precise control over a wide range of terrain and speeds. Pro-Link rear suspension also features 260mm axle stroke; the Showa shock absorber is a single tube design. Damping rates at both ends have been tuned for 25YM, improving overall contact patch with the road, and creating a more stable, comfortable platform for riders.
The front brake uses a single 256mm disc gripped by a dual-piston caliper, the rear set-up utilizes a 220mm disc and mono-piston caliper; in common with the CRF competition machines the rear master cylinder is now a lightweight, integrated design. The discs feature a wave design with exceptional self-cleaning abilities in adverse conditions. Two-channel ABS is standard.
The 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear increase stability on rough terrain and allow the fitment of more off-road specific tyres if required. Block pattern enduro-style tyres (front, 80/100-21 51P and rear 120/80-18 62P) provide traction in a wide range of riding situations.
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3.3 Styling & Equipment
- Light, slim bodywork inspired by competition CRF machines
- New LED headlight and indicators
- Knuckle guards standard equipment
- Positive LCD display easy to read and now has USB-C socket nearby
Drawing inspiration from the racing CRFs, the CRF300L wears a crisp set of bodywork and graphics, with standard-fit knuckle guards. The 7.8L fuel tank is slim to aid movement forward and matched by a narrow forward seat section. A minimal rear number plate bracket is matched by an aggressively shaped front mudguard. For 25YM, the CRF300L has a new LED headlight and compact LED indicators.
Seat height is set at 880mm. The riding position places machine control and manoeuvrability front and centre with an ‘upright ‘rider triangle’ – wide handlebars are pulled back slightly, with footpegs set low and backward to make gear changes in heavy off-road boots easier.
The side stand too has a broad, folding footplate.
The LCD display weighs just 70g and features large black digits on a crisp white display, for instant readability with large, 23mm speedo numbers. Information includes gear position indicator, fuel mileage and consumption, average speed, stopwatch and rev-counter.
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4. Accessories
Tailor-made Genuine Honda Accessories for the CRF300L amplify the motorcycles capabilities, add extra-comfort and peace of mind, and include:
- 38L Top Box, with optional backrest and inner bag.
- Rear Carrier Bracket and Mounts
- Bash Plate
- USB-C Charger
- Heated Grips
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5. Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, Single, DOHC |
| Displacement | 286 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 76 mm x 63 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Max. Power Output | 20.1 kW at 8,500 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 26.6 Nm at 6500 rpm |
| Noise Level (dB) | 86 dB |
| Max Speed | 132 km/h |
| Oil Capacity | 1.8 L |
| Starter | E-Starter |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Carburation | PGM-FI Fuel Injection |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.8 L |
| CO2 Emissions WMTC | 73 g/km |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.1 L/100km |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |
| Battery Type | AGM |
| Battery Capacity | 12 V 7 Ah |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| Clutch Type | Wet multiplate, Assisted slipper clutch |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed Manual Transmission |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| FRAME | |
| Frame Type | Steel semi-double cradle |
| CHASSIS | |
| Dimensions (L´W´H) | 2,230 mm x 820 mm x 1,200 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,455 mm |
| Caster Angle | 27.5° |
| Trail | 109 mm |
| Seat Height | 880 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 285 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 142 kg |
| Turning radius | 2.3 m |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 43 mm Telescopic USD forks 234 mm travel |
| (Suspension stroke 260mm) | |
| Rear | Pro-Link 260 mm travel |
| WHEELS | |
| Wheel Front | Aluminium Rim / spoke |
| Wheel Rear | Aluminium Rim / spoke |
| Tyre Front | 80/100-21M/C 51P |
| Tyre Rear | 120/80-18M/C 62P |
| BRAKES | |
| ABS Type | Two-channel ABS |
| Front | Dual-piston brake caliper, 256 mm floating double disc |
| Rear | Mono-piston caliper, 220 mm single disc |
| INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | |
| Instruments | LCD |
| Headlight | LED |
| DLR | Yes |
| Taillight | Bulb |