Honda’s dual-sport lineup of CRF and XR models represents some of the most utilitarian and affordable motorcycles ever sold. All but one of the bikes cost under $7,000. They can all scoot around urban centers, cruise highways, and provide recreational dirt riding. Honda’s reliability is also a key selling point.
The 2024 CRF300L is in the sweet spot of Honda’s dual-sport selections. The 286cc single-cylinder water-cooled engine gives it more power than the XR150L. But it has less oomph than the CRF450L or the Baja classic XR650L.
It also straddles the middle of the lineup regarding weight and size. And quite amazingly, it has an affordable base MSRP of $5,449 (plus a $600 destination charge).
I’ve been testing the 2024 Honda CRF300L since the beginning of the year. I commuted from my home in Wimberley, Texas, on rough dirt and gravel roads, to Austin via windy country blacktop and smooth, wide-open highways.
I rode it on singletrack trails, through sandy and rocky riverbeds, and across flat pastureland. And I cruised it from one small town to the next on poorly maintained chip seal farm-to-market roads.
In short: The 2024 Honda CFR300L is an amazingly capable motorcycle on all the terrain that many people would ever ride for both utilitarian duties and recreational jaunts. It isn’t a top performer in any category, but it is usefully adequate and plenty of fun. The motorcycle would be an ideal entryway into dual-sport riding, with its affordable price tag, extremely easy-to-ride nature, and Honda reliability.
- Engine: 286cc, liquid-cooled 4-stroke
- Valve train: DOHC, 4 valves
- Compression ratio: 10.7:1
- Induction: PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Fork: 43mm inverted fork; 10.2-inch travel
- Shock: Pro-Link single shock; 10.2-inch travel
- Front brake: Single 256mm disc with twin-piston caliper
- Rear brake: Single 220mm disc
Pros
- Easy to ride, almost impossible to stall
- Linear, predictable power delivery
- Can lug a taller gear at low rpm
- Low seat height
- Great bang for the buck
Cons
- Suspension limiting for intermediate and advanced off-road riders
Main Specifications and Features

The Honda CRF300L on the Streets

Commuting in Town

On the Freeway

2024 Honda CRF300L Dirt Manners

Suspension Action on the Trails


The Final Word on the 2024 Honda CRF300L
