Engine: 286 cc DOHC Single, 27.3 hp, Clever Gear Ratios—Gears 1–5 Short, Sixth Gear Tall

286 cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine, four valves, 76 mm × 63 mm bore and stroke, 10.7:1 compression ratio, PGM-FI fuel injection, Euro 5+. Output is 20.1 kW / 27.3 hp at 8,500 rpm, with 26.6 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

The six-speed transmission has one particular feature: gears one through five are relatively short for optimum throttle response and acceleration off-road, while sixth gear is taller to reduce engine speed at higher road speeds.

It is a well-considered transmission philosophy that combines off-road enjoyment and everyday road usability in a single package.

An Assist and Slipper Clutch comes standard. It reduces clutch-lever effort and prevents the rear wheel from locking during aggressive downshifts under braking—a genuine safety advantage both on the road and off-road.

The engine heritage comes from Honda’s HRC racing program, including the CRF 450 R and CRF 450 RX.

Since the 2025 model year, the CRF 300 L has been Euro 5+ compliant and features improved heat management with a new radiator fan and revised airflow. Hot exhaust air is now directed away from the rider more effectively.

Suspension: 43 mm SHOWA USD, 260 mm Travel, 285 mm Ground Clearance, Switchable Two-Channel ABS

Up front is a 43 mm SHOWA upside-down fork with 260 mm of travel. At the rear is a Pro-Link monoshock, also with 260 mm of travel.

The suspension was revised for the 2025 model year. The upper rear suspension mount now uses a bearing instead of the previous solution, while the front suspension has increased damping force for improved overall stability. Rear-shock damping was also revised for optimized ground contact and traction.

This suspension revision is not a marketing gimmick. It measurably changes the handling, particularly on uneven surfaces.

Ground clearance is 285 mm—enough for logs and rough terrain.

The tapered aluminum swingarm is stiff where necessary and light where possible. The frame is a lightweight steel semi-double-cradle design.

Braking comes from a floating 256 mm front disc with a twin-piston caliper and a rear disc brake.

Two-channel ABS comes standard, with one decisive off-road feature: the rear ABS channel can be switched off at the touch of a button.

Controlled rear-wheel locking is sometimes desirable off-road. Without switchable rear ABS, the rider loses an important degree of control over the motorcycle’s behavior. Honda gets this right.

Wheel sizes are 21 inches front—the classic enduro size for off-road capability—and 18 inches rear.

IRC tires come standard, with a genuine enduro tread pattern rather than an all-purpose compromise.

Ergonomics: 880 mm Seat Height, Upright Enduro Riding Position, 7.8-Liter Tank, LED Since MY2025

Seat height is 880 mm. That is standard enduro territory.

For riders under 1.75 meters, getting a secure foot down becomes an exercise in balance, although the narrow seat and slim bodywork help.

The upright enduro riding position with its wide handlebar provides maximum control off-road.

Since 2025, an LED headlight and LED turn signals have come standard. Previously, the headlight was conventional. The change significantly improves both visibility and conspicuity.

The LCD displays speed, gear position, fuel level, and odometer.

There is no TFT and no RoadSync—and that is consistent with the concept. The CRF 300 L is an enduro, not an adventure-tourer.

The 7.8-liter fuel tank is the obvious weakness for road use. At 3.1 L/100 km, range is approximately 250 km—adequate for an enduro, limited for long-distance touring.

A USB-C charging port is available as an option.

Passenger footpegs and grab handles come standard.

2026 colors are Swift Gray and Extreme Red.

Handling: 142 kg Ready to Ride, Light and Agile—Genuine Off-Road Capability Combined With Everyday Road Usability

At 142 kg ready to ride, the CRF 300 L is impressively light for a fully equipped, street-legal enduro with ABS, lighting, and passenger capability.

The low weight is noticeable off-road. The CRF 300 L is easy to maneuver through tight sections and inspires more confidence on trails than heavier adventure bikes.

In the city, it is agile, maneuverable, and easy to live with. On backroads, 27.3 hp is enough to keep up with traffic smoothly. On the highway, sixth gear is tall enough for normal cruising speeds.

This is not a high-speed motorcycle—but that was never the point.

The revised MY2025 suspension calibration improves the balance between road handling and off-road stability. Increased front-end damping makes the CRF 300 L more stable when riding quickly over bumps, while the revised rear shock provides better ground contact on loose surfaces.

Riders moving from a pure street motorcycle to the CRF 300 L will probably be most surprised by the ground clearance and low weight.

Riders coming from genuine enduro motorcycles will appreciate the street legality, ABS, and service intervals.

Equipment: Switchable Two-Channel ABS, LED, Revised Suspension—Sensibly Reduced to the Essentials

Standard equipment includes the 43 mm SHOWA USD fork with 260 mm of travel, Pro-Link monoshock with 260 mm of travel, Assist and Slipper Clutch, switchable two-channel ABS with rear ABS switchable off for off-road riding, floating 256 mm front disc with twin-piston caliper, LED headlight and LED turn signals since MY2025, IRC tires, 21-inch front wheel, passenger footpegs and grab handles, and an LCD showing gear position, speed, fuel level, and mileage.

A USB-C charging port is optional.

There is no TFT, no smartphone connectivity, and no traction control.

That is the right equipment philosophy for an enduro in this class.

Costs: €6,849 Including Destination Charges—Voge, KTM, and Rieju Are The Competition

In terms of market positioning, the KTM 390 Adventure starts at approximately €7,299, with a greater road focus and less off-road capability. The Voge 300 Rally and Rieju Aventura Rally 307 offer larger fuel tanks.

The CRF 300 L has few direct competitors in the compact, street-legal enduro segment at this price level.

KTM EXC models in more open configurations are considerably more expensive or not designed primarily for regular road use.

The standard warranty is two years with unlimited mileage. A paid extension through Honda GarantiePlus is available.

Service intervals are every 12,000 km.

Verdict

The Honda CRF 300 L is the right motorcycle for riders who genuinely want both: real off-road capability and everyday usability on the road.

SHOWA USD suspension, 260 mm of travel, 285 mm of ground clearance, switchable rear ABS, 142 kg—for €6,849.

That is a complete package in this segment.

The small 7.8-liter fuel tank is the only genuine compromise.

Everything else works.

 

Quick Check

+ Switchable two-channel ABS: rear can be switched off for off-road riding—the correct off-road solution

+ 43 mm SHOWA USD fork, 260 mm suspension travel front and rear—genuine enduro suspension travel

+ 285 mm ground clearance: logs are no problem

+ Clever gearing: gears 1–5 short for off-road use, sixth gear tall for highway riding

+ IRC tires standard: genuine enduro tread, not a compromise tire

+ 21-inch front wheel: enduro standard

+ 142 kg ready to ride: light and agile for a fully equipped, street-legal enduro

+ Assist and Slipper Clutch standard

+ LED headlight and LED turn signals standard since MY2025

+ Improved heat management since MY2025: hot air is directed away from the rider more effectively

+ Revised suspension since MY2025: better ground contact, greater stability

 

– 7.8-liter fuel tank: maximum 200–250 km range—limited for long-distance road touring

– 880 mm seat height: a balancing act for riders under 1.75 meters

– 27.3 hp: sufficient for off-road and road use, not for sustained high-speed highway riding

– No TFT, no smartphone connectivity

– USB-C charging port available only as an option

– Warranty: two-year base warranty; extension through Honda GarantiePlus costs extra

 

Technical Specifications: Honda CRF 300 L (2026)

Country of Manufacture: Japan / Thailand

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder, DOHC, four valves, PGM-FI fuel injection, Euro 5+

Displacement: 286 cc, 76 mm × 63 mm

Compression Ratio: 10.7:1

Power: 20.1 kW / 27.3 hp at 8,500 rpm

Torque: 26.6 Nm at 6,500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed, gears 1–5 short for off-road use, sixth gear tall for road use; chain final drive; Assist and Slipper Clutch standard

Heat Management: New radiator fan and revised airflow since MY2025; hot air is directed away from the rider more effectively

Frame: Lightweight steel semi-double-cradle frame; tapered aluminum swingarm

Front Suspension: 43 mm SHOWA upside-down fork; 260 mm travel; revised damping calibration since MY2025

Rear Suspension: Pro-Link monoshock; 260 mm travel; revised damping since MY2025 with upper mount now using a bearing

Ground Clearance: 285 mm

Front Brake: Floating 256 mm disc; twin-piston caliper

Rear Brake: Disc brake

ABS: Two-channel ABS standard; rear channel switchable off for off-road riding via handlebar switch

Wheels: 21-inch front, 18-inch rear—enduro standard

Front Tire: 80/100 R21

Rear Tire: 120/80 R18

Display: LCD with speed, gear position, fuel level, and odometer. No TFT, no RoadSync

Lighting: LED headlight and LED turn signals standard since MY2025

Optional Equipment: USB-C charging port

Ready-to-Ride Weight: 142 kg

Seat Height: 880 mm

Fuel Capacity: 7.8 liters

Consumption / Range: 3.1 L/100 km; approx. 250 km range

License Class: A / A2

2026 Colors: Swift Gray, Extreme Red

Price in Germany: €6,849 including destination charges

Warranty: 2 years with unlimited mileage as standard; paid extension through Honda GarantiePlus available