Motorcycle specifications HondaCRF 300 L 2023 The cool little trail

Replacing the CRF 250 L, the Honda CRF 300 L gains a few cubic centimetres - thirty-six to be precise. That's right, despite what its name might suggest, this very pleasant little trail bike, halfway between a road trail bike and a real enduro motorcycle, has seen its single-cylinder engine increase from 250 cm3 to 286 cm3 by increasing its stroke from 55 mm to 63 mm. The bore remains unchanged at 55 mm.

For the rest, technically, the liquid-cooled single-cylinder remains unchanged, with double overhead camshaft and four-valve timing. With its super-square ribs and 10.7:1 compression ratio, identical to the 250 version, it now delivers 27.3 bhp at 8,500 rpm, compared with 25 bhp previously at the same rpm. Torque also benefits from this slight increase in displacement, with the maximum value rising from 2.3 mkg at 6,750 rpm to 2.7 mkg at 6,500 rpm, i.e. 250 rpm earlier.

The CRF 300 L not only offers a little more on the engine side, it also offers a little less on the scales. It benefits from its new single-split steel cradle frame and tapered aluminum swingarm, and weighs 4 kg less than the CRF 250 L.

All in all, the 300 gains 2.3 hp and 0.3 mkg of torque, while losing 4 kg. Not enough to revolutionize the motorcycle world, you may say. Yet these values, commensurate with the bike's modest displacement, mark a step forward that should translate into real enjoyment, especially as the first five gear ratios have been shortened, which should give it more gniack. Sixth gear is now designed more as an overdrive, for more fuel-efficient road cruising. The CRF 300 L is also now equipped with a limited-slip clutch.

as for the chassis, it benefits from longer-travel suspension: 260 mm at both front and rear, compared with 250 mm at the front and 240 mm previously. This increases ground clearance from 255 to 285 mm. The wheelbase is now 1455 mm, 10 mm longer than before. Combined with its new forged aluminum lower tee, the CRF should gain in stability, without compromising agility, which benefits from the slimming down.

On the other hand, the seat height has been increased by 5 mm to 880 mm. In keeping with its off-road credentials, the 300 L's ergonomic riding position has been redesigned. The new, slimmer and lighter 7.8-liter fuel tank has been redesigned. Honda also announces that the handlebars have been moved back slightly, while the position of the footrests has been lowered and moved back at the same time, to make it easier to shift gears with heavy off-road boots.

as for suspension, this little Honda is equipped with Showa components, including a 43 mm inverted fork and a monotube monoshock attached to the brand's famous Pro-Link system. While the CRF 300 L has real off-road potential, it cannot do without ABS, which is compulsory for all road-approved motorcycles. However, it can only be disconnected at the rear. Braking is by single discs, front and rear, with diameters of 256 mm and 220 mm respectively.

The CRF 300 L is equipped with an LCD display providing all the necessary information, as well as a gear indicator.

A worthy heir to the legendary Honda 250 XLS of the 1970s, this CRF 300 L has been intelligently improved, even if it is regrettable that the Rally version of the CRF 250 L is not also included in the catalog.

But let's not deny ourselves the pleasure. Priced at around €6,000, this CRF 300 L has everything you need to enjoy off-roading with ease.
For 2023, this CRF will be fitted with handguards as standard.

Michael Levivier - Manufacturer's photos