2025 Honda CRF 300L vs 2023 KTM 250 SX

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2025 Honda CRF 300L 2025 Honda CRF 300L

Cross / motocross

Engine
Four stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Power
27 hp / 20.1 kW @ 8500rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
142 kg / 313 lbs
2023 KTM 250 SX 2023 KTM 250 SX

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
99.4 kg / 219.1 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2025-
Colours-Orange/white/grey
Make ModelHonda CRF 300L-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-354 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-13.9 inches
Seat Height880 mm / 34.6 in958 mm / 37.7 in.
Wheelbase1455 mm / 57.2 in1495 mm / 58.9 in.
Ground Clearance285 mm / 11.2 in-
Height1200 mm / 47.2 in-
Length2230 mm / 87.7 in-
Width820 mm / 32.2 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-99.4 kg / 219.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity7.8 Litres / 2 US gal7.20 litres / 1.90 US gallons
Wet Weight142 kg / 313 lbs-
Performance
Max Power27 hp / 20.1 kW @ 8500rpm-
Max Torque26.6 Nm / 19.6 lb-ft @ 6500rpm-
Engine
Displacement (cc)-249.0 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-66.4 x 72.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.6 x 2.8 inches
Engine Type-Single cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement (ci)-15.19 cubic inches
Displacement286 cc / 17.4 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valvesReed intake
Bore x Stroke76 x 63 mm-
Compression Ratio10.7:1-
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsEURO 5+-
Fuel InductionPGM-FI electronic fuel injection-
IgnitionFull transistor digitalVitesco Technologies EMS
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multiplate, assisted slipper clutchWet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Final Drive#520 chainChain   (final drive)
Gearbox-5-speed
Primary Drive-5/8 x 1/4´ chain.
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel semi-double cradleCentral double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Suspension - Front43mm Telescopic USD forksWP XACT-USD, Ø 48 mm
Suspension - RearPro-Link single shock with springWP XACT Monoshock with linkage
Rake27.5°26.1°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in-
Wheel Travel - Front234 mm / 9.2 in310 mm / 12.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear260 mm / 10.2 in300 mm / 11.8 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 256mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc
ABS2 channel ABS-
Rims-CNC machined hubs. Excel rims. Wire spoked. Dunlop Geomax MX 3S tires.
Tyres - Front80/100-21M/C 51P80/100-21
Tyres - Rear120/80-18M/C 62P-
WheelsAluminium spoke-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2025 Honda CRF 300L

The 2025 Honda CRF 300L edges out the 2023 KTM 250 SX thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling, fuel injection and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2025 Honda CRF 300L - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 880 mm vs 958 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2023 KTM 250 SX - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 354 mm vs 285 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 300 mm vs 260 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 310 mm vs 234 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2025 Honda CRF 300L vs 2023 KTM 250 SX - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 Honda CRF 300L and 2023 KTM 250 SX?
The 2025 Honda CRF 300L uses Four stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves, while the 2023 KTM 250 SX is powered by Single cylinder, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2025 Honda CRF 300L is a four-stroke engine while the 2023 KTM 250 SX runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 Honda CRF 300L or the 2023 KTM 250 SX?
The 2025 Honda CRF 300L has the lower seat at 880 mm, making it more accessible. The 2023 KTM 250 SX sits higher at 958 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2025 Honda CRF 300L or 2023 KTM 250 SX have ABS?
The 2025 Honda CRF 300L is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 KTM 250 SX does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2025 Honda CRF 300L or the 2023 KTM 250 SX?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 Honda CRF 300L has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2023 KTM 250 SX stands out for greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.