2023 Honda CRF300L and CRF300LS First Look Preview

The 2023 CRF300L lineup expands by one. Now the CRF300L (shown) and its ABS version are joined by the CRF300LS. (Honda/)

“Dual sporting for all” could potentially be a slogan for Honda because, alongside the new XR150L, the Japanese manufacturer has released a new CRF300L, the CRF300LS, that’s designed for those with shorter inseams. The CRF300L Rally is also new and improved for ‘23.

Honda’s new CRF300LS is the only CRF300L to come in Swift Gray; the other two models come in Honda’s primary color of choice, red. (Honda/)

“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,” said Brandon Wilson, American 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.”

The seat height of the CRF300LS is 2 inches shorter than the standard CRF300L. (Honda/)

Mechanically, the LS is much like the CRF300L/ABS which were also announced for the ‘23 model year, but the majority of its measurements, suspension travel, and color are different. The LS’ seat height is the main focus, which is 32.7 inches (claimed), 2 inches shorter than the CRF300L/ABS models. Ground clearance has also been lowered to 9.6 inches. Suspension travel for the LS’ 43mm telescopic fork and shock is 9.3 and 9.0 inches respectively (instead of the standard models’ 10.2-inch travel at both ends).

Related: Riding The Rocky Mountain Rocks On Honda’s CRF250L

Here’s a view of the CRF300LS’ cockpit. The black-on-white display includes a speedometer, tachometer, clock, gear position indicator, fuel mileage, and fuel indicator. (Honda/)

All three motorcycles accelerate over multisurface roads with a fuel-injected 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Power is focused toward the lower to middle portion of the rev range which is useful for pulling away from traffic or lugging over obstacles on technical trails. Low-speed, technical riding requires constant clutch modulation, and thanks to an assist/slipper clutch, the CRF300Ls have a light clutch lever pull that helps make clutch work less strenuous.

The thumper of the CRF300L model and its variants is a 286cc liquid-cooled single with a 76mm bore by 63mm stroke and 10.7:1 compression ratio. The engine is counterbalanced to help minimize engine vibrations. (Honda/)

The braking package is the same across the board with a front two-piston hydraulic caliper paired with a 256mm disc and a rear one-piston hydraulic caliper with a 220mm disc. The only difference is the inclusion of ABS, which comes as standard on both the CRF300L ABS and the CRF300LS. ABS can be disabled at the rear. These ABS-equipped models have the same MSRP of $5,699, whereas the base model has a sticker price of $5,399.

The CRF’s handlebar weights help reduce vibration. The sweep of the bar makes for a comfortable, upright riding position with plenty of bend at the elbows. (Honda/)

The CRF300L and ABS are slated to make appearances on the dealer floors come April. The CRF300LS comes a month later.

2023 Honda CRF300L/ABS/LS Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE:	$5,399 (base)/$5,699 (ABS/LS)
ENGINE:	286cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
BORE x STROKE:	76.0 x 63.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO:	10.7:1
FUEL DELIVERY:	Fuel injection w/ 38mm throttle body
CLUTCH:	Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE:	6-speed/chain
FRAME:	Double cradle
FRONT SUSPENSION:	43mm inverted telescopic fork; 10.2 in. travel (base/ABS) / 9.3 in. travel (LS)
REAR SUSPENSION:	Single shock, spring preload adjustable; 10.2 in. travel (base/ABS) / 9.0 in. travel (LS)
FRONT BRAKE:	2-piston caliper, 256mm disc (base) / w/ ABS (ABS/LS)
REAR BRAKE:	1-piston caliper, 220mm disc (base) / w/ ABS (ABS/LS)
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR:	Spoked aluminum; 21 in./18 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR:	80/100-21 / 120/80-18
RAKE/TRAIL:	27.5°/4.3 in.
WHEELBASE:	57.2 in. (base/ABS) / 56.7 in. (LS)
SEAT HEIGHT:	34.7 in. (base/ABS) / 32.7 in. (LS)
FUEL CAPACITY:	2.1 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT:	306 lb. (base) / 311 lb. (ABS/LS)
WARRANTY:	1 year
AVAILABLE:	April (base/ABS) / May (LS)
CONTACT:	powersports.honda.com

The CRF300L ($5,399) and ABS-equipped version ($5,699) will be available a month before the LS ($5,699). (Honda/)

Big Red styled the CRF300L to look similar to models in its CRF Performance line such as the CRF450X. (Honda/)