First look: 2023 Honda CRF300L

Slim updates to Honda’s popular dual sport “everyman” CRF300L for 2023 don’t hide the fact it looks damn good in the new grey and orange colours with matching handguards.

Model updates for the Honda CRF300L are minor, basically the popular dual-sport tool gains a new colour option and standard fit hand guards for 23 model year. It’s not a lot but there’s not a lot wrong with this bike already.

Rooted in Honda’s off-road DNA from the late 1970s when the XL250S was launched, the CRF300L continues the line of genuine usability and both on and off road skills for the masses.

The entire XL range that followed became legendary, and proved an economical and easy-to-use single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a competent chassis was what many people wanted from a motorcycle: something useful, versatile and, as riders the world over find when they chuck a leg over it, fun.

The 2023 CRF300L uses the reliably strong 286cc single-cylinder engine which produces 20.1kW and 26.6Nm. Gear ratios 1-5 are short, for throttle response and acceleration, while sixth gear is tall for more relaxed high-speed riding and fuel economy. There’s also a slipper clutch as standard to control back wheel hop and slip during downshifts.

The Honda steel frame, aluminium swingarm and steering geometry offer positive feedback and feel for riders of mixed experience – which is part of where the appeal lies for this bike. It’s a gentle and stable ride with enough agility and general off-road capability.

The 142kg kerb weight is well-balanced with a slim tank and seat unit making handling on any terrain novice-friendly. Honda says the riding position is “tailored to encourage the light steering manoeuvrability needed off-road and, just as usefully, around town.”

New for the ’23 model range is the orange and grey colour bodywork with black handguards as standard and which we like a lot. You can get it in red of course with matching “extreme red” hand guards.

2023 Honda CRF300L technical specifications:

More information (across Europe click link below to be redirected):

www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles

www.powersports.honda.com

www.motorcycles.honda.com.au