Honda Shows Off 2023 CRF300L Dual-Sport Lineup, Including New Low-Seat Version

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Honda is returning its dual-sport CRF300L model (shown above) for 2023 in standard and ABS versions, as well as in a low-seat CRF300LS variant and a CRF300L Rally adventure configuration. (Photo courtesy of Honda.)

Honda has unveiled its 2023 CRF300L dual-sport motorcycles, which the manufacturer says are the industry’s most popular dual-sport bikes, complete with a new LS (low-seat) version. Compared to the CRF300L’s 34.7-inch (881-millimeter) seat height, the CRF300LS’ is 2 in. (51 mm) shorter, which Honda believes will make the platform an option for more riders. The CRF300LS has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), while the CRF300L is available in standard and ABS versions. Also returning is the CRF300L Rally, an adventure-oriented motorcycle that’s available in standard and ABS versions and that comes decked out with hand guards, a frame-mounted windscreen, a 3.4-gallon (13-liter) fuel tank (vs. the standard version’s 2.1-gal/8-L tank), and Dakar Rally-inspired bodywork and graphics.

“At Honda, we’re committed to producing motorcycles that suit riders of all experience levels and backgrounds, and the dual-sport category is a great example of that,” says Brandon Wilson, Honda manager of sports and experiential. “The CRF300L is huge among those looking for an affordable, reliable dual-sport machine, and the new LS version makes the platform an option for those who prefer a shorter seat height.”

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In addition to its Swift Gray paint scheme, the Honda CRF300LS has a 2-inch lower seat height than the standard, red CRF300L. (Photo courtesy of Honda.)

Talking Dimensions

Unsurprisingly, the CRF300LS and CRF300L have a lot in common. Both are powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke 286-cc liquid-cooled engine. Honda says an engine counter-balancer assists in producing a bike with the narrow overall width of single-cylinder bike and the smooth running of a multi-cylinder model. Each configuration seats riders in a comfortable upright position, on a long, motocross-style seat that’s slim at the front, making it easy to move forward and back while taking on varying terrain. Both also include 21-in. front and 18-in. rear (533 and 457 mm) wheels with sporty-looking, polished, black aluminum rims.

There are also several differences. The CFR300LS has a slightly shorter wheelbase, length, width, and height, and its 311-pound (141-kilogram) curb weight outweighs the standard CRF300L’s 306 lbs (139 kg). In addition, the LS has a dashing, yet more subdued, Swift Gray paint scheme rather than the CRF300L’s red paint and white, black, and blue graphics. And although both bikes have a 43-mm inverted Showa fork and a Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension, the CRF300L provides 10.2 in (259 mm) of front and rear travel while the CRF300LS provides 9.3 and 9 in. (236 and 229 mm) of front and rear travel.

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Expect a comfortable ride from the CRF300L Rally thanks to a rubber mounting cushion for the seat, which is nearly 8 inches wide but narrow at the front to allow the rider’s feet to easily touch the ground when required. (Photo courtesy of Honda.)

Rally Up

Whether you’re looking to zip down dirt or paved roads, the CRF300L Rally is a great choice, Honda says. The bike is powered by the same fuel-injected engine as the CRF300L, but Honda adds a tall windscreen, extra-coverage fairing, side panels, and blended frame-mounted bodywork for distinctive rally style. The aforementioned fuel tank, meanwhile, leads the class and gives the bike a range of more than 250 miles (400 kilometers) in testing, Honda says. The rally bike also has several seemingly small, yet handy, touches, such as a large side-stand foot, vibration-damping rubber inserts for the foot pegs, special cargo hooks, and a small storage box for carrying personal items and tools.

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Source: Honda