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2021 Honda CRF 300L Overview
For 2021, Honda offers the CRF 300L as a cross / motocross motorcycle with 286 cc on tap. The 2021 Honda CRF 300L is built around a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.7:1. Out on the road, the CRF 300L delivers 27 hp @ 8500rpm of peak power and 26.6 Nm @ 6500rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2021 CRF 300L tips the scales at 142 kg, carries a 7.8-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 880 mm and spans a 1455 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 43.4 kg heavier than the average cross / motocross motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2021 Honda CRF 300L spec sheet below.
2021 CRF 300L - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the CRF 300L is 27 hp @ 8500rpm and 26.6 Nm @ 6500rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 880 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
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Modest fuel capacity: A 7.8-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.
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Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the CRF 300L comes from PGM-FI electronic fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the CRF 300L's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 43mm Telescopic USD forks up front and Pro-Link single shock with spring at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the CRF 300L means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Steel semi-double cradle chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
CRF 300L - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2021 Honda CRF 300L should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept CRF 300L settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a CRF 300L's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. The sump holds 1.80 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the CRF 300L's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a CRF 300L's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2021 Honda CRF 300L - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Honda CRF 300L have?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L uses a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine with 286 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
How much does the 2021 Honda CRF 300L weigh?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L weighs 142 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2021 Honda CRF 300L make?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L produces 27 hp @ 8500rpm of power and 26.6 Nm @ 6500rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 Honda CRF 300L?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L has a 7.8-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 130-156 km between stops.
Is the 2021 Honda CRF 300L suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L has a seat height of 880 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2021 Honda CRF 300L have?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L uses Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper at the front and Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2021 Honda CRF 300L use?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L runs 80/100-21M/C 51P front and 120/80-18M/C 62P rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2021 Honda CRF 300L have?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
How much oil does the 2021 Honda CRF 300L take?
The 2021 Honda CRF 300L takes 1.80 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
Honda CRF 300L Spec Evolution
The Honda CRF 300L was produced across 4 model years (2021-2025). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2025 |
| Wet Weight |
142 kg / 313 lbs |
142.0 kg / 313.1 lbs |
142 kg / 313 lbs |
142 kg / 313 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves |
33mm intake valve, titanium; 26mm exhaust, titanium |
Four stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves |
Four stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves |
| Seat Height |
880 mm / 34.6 in |
881 mm / 34.7 in. |
880 mm / 34.6 in |
880 mm / 34.6 in |
| Fuel Capacity |
7.8 Litres / 2 US gal |
7.80 litres / 2.06 US gallons |
7.8 Litres / 2 US gal |
7.8 Litres / 2 US gal |
| Comments |
Model ID: CRF300R |
Model ID: CRF300L. |
Model ID: CRF300L. |
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| Wheelbase |
1455 mm / 57.2 in |
1455 mm / 57.3 in. |
1455 mm / 57.2 in |
1455 mm / 57.2 in |
| Brakes - Front |
Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper |
Single disc. Two-piston calipers. ABS. |
Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper |
Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper |
Single disc. ABS. |
Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper |
Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper |
Key Specifications
Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
27 hp / 20.1 kW @ 8500rpm
Torque
26.6 Nm / 19.6 lb-ft @ 6500rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
7.8 Litres / 2 US gal
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Full 2021 Honda CRF 300L Specifications
Comments
Model ID: CRF300R
Year
2021
Colours
Red/blue/white
Make Model
Honda CRF 300L
Ground Clearance (mm)
285 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
11.2 inches
Seat Height
880 mm / 34.6 in
Wheelbase
1455 mm / 57.2 in
Ground Clearance
285 mm / 11.2 in
Height
1200 mm / 47.2 in
Length
2230 mm / 87.7 in
Width
820 mm / 32.2 in
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
1.9 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)
1.80 litres
Fuel Capacity
7.8 Litres / 2 US gal
Wet Weight
142 kg / 313 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
Single cylinder, four-stroke
CO2
71.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement
286 cc / 17.4 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel System
Injection. Programmed Fuel-Injection system (PGM-FI); 44mm throttle bore
Bore x Stroke
76 x 63 mm
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Emissions
EURO5
Fuel Consumption
3.10 litres/100 km (32.3 km/l or 75.88 mpg)
Fuel Induction
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Ignition
Full transistor digital
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Wet multiplate, assist/slipper clutch
Final Drive
#520 chain
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Steel semi-double cradle
Suspension - Front
43mm Telescopic USD forks
Suspension - Rear
Pro-Link single shock with spring
Rake
27.5°
Trail
109 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front
305 mm / 12.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
315 mm / 12.4 in.
Brakes - Front
Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
ABS
2 channel ABS
Rims
Aluminium spoked
Tyres - Front
80/100-21M/C 51P
Tyres - Rear
120/80-18M/C 62P
Wheels
Aluminium spoke
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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