🏍️ Honda CRF300L Dual Sport Motorcycle

★★★★★ 4.8/5 · 4,800+ Rider Ratings
Honda CRF300L Dual Sport Motorcycle
US MSRP & Estimated Out-The-Door Price
Base MSRP: $5,749 + $600 Freight
Est. Out-The-Door (OTD): $6,950 - $7,500

Honda CRF300L Dual Sport Motorcycle Overview

The Honda CRF300L Base MSRP starts at $5,749 with a standard $600 factory destination charge. The estimated Out-The-Door (OTD) price typically ranges between $6,950 and $7,500 depending on state sales tax, license/registration fees, and local dealer documentation charges.

Powered by a 286cc DOHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 27.3 HP and 19 lb-ft of torque, the Honda CRF300L delivers an impressive EPA-estimated 70 MPG fuel economy. Standout features include 10.2 inches of long-travel suspension (43mm inverted Showa forks and Pro-Link rear shock), 11.2 inches of ground clearance, standard LED lighting, and a nimble 311 lbs wet curb weight.

Explore complete US MSRP breakdowns, model trim options (CRF300L ABS, CRF300LS short seat, and CRF300L Rally), interactive loan payment estimates, technical specifications, and key rival comparisons below.


Honda CRF300L Key Highlights

Core mechanical specifications and performance metrics at a glance:

286cc
Single DOHC
27.3 HP
Horsepower
70 MPG
Est. Economy
311 lbs
Curb Weight
34.7 in
Seat Height
2.1 gal
Fuel Tank

Honda CRF300L Technical Specifications

Full technical factory specs sheet (US Standard Imperial Measurements):

⚙️ Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Type286cc Liquid-Cooled Single 4-Stroke
Valve TrainDOHC; 4-Valves per Cylinder
Bore x Stroke76.0mm x 63.0mm
Compression Ratio10.7:1
Peak Power27.3 HP @ 8,500 RPM
Peak Torque19.0 lb-ft @ 6,500 RPM
Fuel InductionProgrammed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 38mm throttle body
Transmission6-Speed Manual with Slip/Assist Clutch
Final Drive#520 O-ring Sealed Chain; 14T/40T
📐 Dimensions & Capacities
Seat Height34.7 inches (32.7 in on CRF300LS)
Ground Clearance11.2 inches
Wheelbase57.2 inches
Curb Weight309 lbs (Non-ABS) / 311 lbs (ABS)
Fuel Capacity2.1 gallons (incl. 0.5-gal reserve)
Rake / Trail27° 30' / 4.3 inches
🛞 Suspension, Brakes & Tires
Front Suspension43mm Inverted Showa® Fork; 10.2 in travel
Rear SuspensionPro-Link® Single Shock; 10.2 in travel
Front BrakeSingle 256mm disc w/ twin-piston caliper (ABS opt.)
Rear BrakeSingle 220mm disc (ABS opt.)
Front TireIRC GP21 80/100-21
Rear TireIRC GP22 120/80-18
Lighting & ElectronicsFull LED Headlight/Turn Signals · Digital LCD Dash

Honda CRF300L US Trims & Pricing Options

Compare factory trims available across US powersports dealerships:

1. CRF300L (Standard Non-ABS)
Extreme Red colorway · Non-ABS brakes · Pure off-road weight savings (309 lbs)
Base MSRP:$5,449
Est. OTD Price:~$6,650
2. CRF300L ABS
Extreme Red · Switchable Anti-Lock Braking System for dual-sport confidence
Base MSRP:$5,749
Est. OTD Price:~$6,950
3. CRF300LS (Low Seat Height Trim)
Swift Gray colorway · Factory lowered suspension with 32.7" seat height & ABS
Base MSRP:$5,749
Est. OTD Price:~$6,950
4. CRF300L Rally / Rally ABS
Dakar-inspired fairing, taller windscreen, skid plate & expanded 3.4 gal fuel tank
Base MSRP:$6,499
Est. OTD Price:~$7,750

Honda CRF300L Pros and Cons

✓ Advantages
Bulletproof Reliability: Counterbalanced 286cc engine delivers smooth, ultra-reliable power on trails or highway.
Lightweight Agility: 311 lbs wet weight makes singletrack trail riding and low-speed maneuvers easy.
Exceptional MPG: 70 MPG fuel economy makes dual-sport commuting extremely economical.
✗ Trade-offs
Soft Factory Suspension: Stock Showa springs feel soft for heavy riders or aggressive off-road jumps.
Compact Fuel Tank: 2.1-gallon tank limits highway adventure range without aftermarket upgrades.
Tall Seat Height: 34.7-inch stock saddle can be intimidating for shorter riders (choose CRF300LS).

Honda CRF300L US Finance Calculator

Estimate your monthly motorcycle loan payment based on typical US Powersports financing rates:

$183 / mo
Estimated Monthly Payment
$5,950
Financed Amount
$638
Total Interest

Honda CRF300L vs US Dual Sport Rivals

Comparative specs table matching the CRF300L against top 250cc–300cc dual sport options:

Model Base MSRP Engine / Power Weight Seat Height
CRF300L $5,749 286cc · 27.3 HP 311 lbs 34.7 in
Kawasaki KLX300 $6,199 292cc · 26.0 HP 302 lbs 35.2 in
Yamaha WR250R (Used) ~$6,000 250cc · 28.0 HP 295 lbs 36.6 in
KTM 390 Adventure $7,599 373cc · 43.0 HP 379 lbs 33.6 in
Honda XR150L $3,399 149cc · 12.5 HP 282 lbs 32.8 in
Suzuki DR-Z400S $7,199 398cc · 39.0 HP 318 lbs 36.8 in
Honda XR650L $6,999 644cc · 40.0 HP 346 lbs 37.0 in
Kawasaki KLR650 $6,899 652cc · 40.0 HP 456 lbs 34.3 in

Swipe horizontally to compare all 8 models. Pricing reflects US Base MSRP.


US Market Editorial Verdict

💡 Final Recommendation

The Honda CRF300L is arguably the best all-around lightweight dual-sport motorcycle available in North America under $6,000 MSRP. Its bulletproof 286cc engine, low maintenance requirements, and 70 MPG economy make it equally capable as a city commuter, BHR fire road explorer, or BDR adventure machine. If you are under 5'8", we strongly recommend test-sitting the CRF300LS trim for its lower 32.7-inch seat height.


Honda CRF300L FAQs

What is the Out-The-Door (OTD) price of a Honda CRF300L in the US?

While Base MSRP is $5,749, adding the $600 factory destination charge, state sales tax (4%–10%), DMV licensing fees ($150–$300), and dealer doc fees brings the typical Out-The-Door price between $6,950 and $7,500.

Can the Honda CRF300L comfortably run at highway speeds?

Yes. The 286cc engine paired with its 6-speed gearbox allows the CRF300L to cruise comfortably at 65–70 MPH on state highways, with a top speed of approximately 80–85 MPH.

What is the real-world fuel economy (MPG) of the CRF300L?

The CRF300L achieves a company-rated 70 MPG. In real-world mixed dual-sport riding, riders consistently report between 65 MPG and 75 MPG, offering a highway riding range of ~130 to 150 miles per tank.

What is the difference between the CRF300L, CRF300LS, and CRF300L Rally?

The CRF300L is the standard dual-sport model (34.7" seat). The CRF300LS features factory-shortened suspension for a 32.7" seat height. The CRF300L Rally includes a windshield, rally fairing, larger 3.4-gallon fuel tank, and frame protection.

Which is better: Honda CRF300L or Kawasaki KLX300?

Both are excellent 300-class dual sports. The Kawasaki KLX300 ($6,199) has slightly firmer, adjustable off-road suspension out of the box, whereas the Honda CRF300L ($5,749) costs less, offers superior fuel injection smoothness, LED lighting, and lower maintenance costs.

Is the Honda CRF300L 100% street legal in all US states?

Yes, the Honda CRF300L comes factory 50-state street legal (including California CARB compliance) with mirrors, signals, tail light, horn, and EPA emissions equipment pre-installed.