More displacement for Honda's mini adventure bike. Thanks to the revised air intake, improved intake cam control and new exhaust system, the new model starts with more power and significantly more torque over the entire speed range. The overall shorter gear ratio is complemented by a longer 6th gear, while an anti-hopping clutch allows better control of the rear wheel. The handling is on a new level thanks to the new swing arm and the more flexible frame, more ground clearance and suspension travel as well as the revised riding position on every terrain. In addition, the 2021 CRF impresses with new cladding, new color options and a razor-sharp LC display. The curb weight was reduced by 4 kg to 142 kg.
Honda CRF300L mini adventure bike!
Knowing what makes a real all-rounder has always been in Honda's DNA. In the late 1970s, the XL250S came onto the market - a motorcycle that combined real roadworthiness with excellent off-road capabilities. The following XL series is legendary. An almost perfect combination of an economical single-cylinder four-stroke engine with first-class chassis components. The result was a motorcycle that was equally useful and versatile and that - as owners all over the world confirm - was a lot of fun. More than a decade ago, there were grueling discussions within Honda's research and development department about developing a new and particularly versatile machine. Honda's extensive experience in off-road sports and in the production of off-road motorcycles should still play an important role at the beginning of the development of the new model.
Focus on customer needs
The needs of the customers were the focus. While some customers were looking for off-road suitability on a competitive level, many others placed emphasis on usability, practicality and comfort. They were looking for a robust, practical motorcycle with the latest off-road styling, which was suitable for use in the city during the week and at the same time ensured fun off-road on the weekends. Honda's development team always looked at the new model with a holistic view of the needs of the customers. Not only did it require a powerful and economical engine, the chassis also had to cover a broad spectrum. In addition, the machine had to be affordable, of high quality and an excellent price-performance ratio. Low operating costs were a top priority.
The CRF250L, launched in Europe in 2012, was meant to be that bike.
Honda engineers did everything right. The CRF250L has proven to be the perfect basis for producing a RALLY version *. In addition, the CRF enjoys consistent sales success worldwide. Time is running out, and in 2021 a new CRF will take the stage - lighter, more powerful and with a number of improvements. The CRF300L combines all the advantages of the CRF250L and enhances them.
Model overview
The new 286 cc engine on the CRF300L has 10% more peak power and 18% more peak torque. In total, this means an output of 27,3 PS (20,1 kW) at 8.500 rpm and a maximum torque of 26,6 Nm at 6.500 rpm. The revised intake timing, air intake and exhaust system also contribute to the significant increase in power, especially in the medium engine speed range. Gears 1 to 5 have a shorter gear ratio to improve responsiveness. In contrast, 6th gear has a longer ratio for relaxed cruising at higher speeds. By using an anti-hopping clutch, the rider gains more control over the rear wheel. In addition, the effort required to operate the clutch lever has been reduced by 20%.
The weight reduction of noticeable 4 kg is achieved through a new steel frame including an aluminum swing arm and the new lower fork bridge. This gives the machine a much better balance of rigidity and provides excellent feedback to the driver. The steering geometry is matched to the new chassis with longer front and rear suspension travel and greater ground clearance. The angular cladding houses a slimmer tank and seat. There is also a new LC display. The seating position has been optimized to further refine the handling in the field and in the city.
Motor
- Motor with a larger displacement (286 ccm) for an additional 2,6 HP (1,9 kW) and 4 Nm more torque
- Better acceleration thanks to the revised gear ratio and more relaxed cruising at higher speeds
- Anti-hopping clutch with 20% less effort required to operate the clutch lever
The increase in displacement of the liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine from 250 to 286 ccm can be achieved through the larger stroke of 63 instead of 55 mm. The 76 mm bore remains, as does the compression ratio of 10,7: 1. The peak output of 27,3 PS (20,1 kW) is achieved at 8.500 rpm, the peak torque is 26,6 Nm at 6.500 rpm (previously 24,7 PS (18,2 kW) at 8.500 rpm and 22,6 , 6.750 Nm at 2.000 rpm). The evaluations of the test bench runs speak for themselves: from XNUMX rpm, the new engine is significantly more powerful than its predecessor in all respects.
Gears 1-5 have a shorter gear ratio in order to use the improved torque of the engine and at the same time optimize response behavior and acceleration. The 6th gear, on the other hand, is designed longer for relaxed cruising at higher speeds. The anti-hopping clutch reduces the effort required on the clutch lever by 20% and ensures that the rear wheel does not lock up when shifting down quickly - for maximum control on and off-road. The top speed increases from 129 to 132 km / h. For the sprint over 400 m, the CRF takes 15,4 s and is therefore 0,9 s faster than its predecessor.
On the intake side, the timing has been revised. This measure promotes the response behavior especially in the lower to medium speed range, the speed range most frequently used in town and off-road. In addition, the air filter, exhaust system (660 g lighter than the previous version) and ignition timing have been optimized. An iridium spark plug and the precise supply of the fuel mixture through the PGM-FI injection system increase combustion efficiency and improve the environmental balance.
An offset cylinder reduces internal friction losses. The piston is provided with a special surface material and an additional molybdenum coating. The oil pump is designed so that it can take over pressure equalization and housing ventilation. A split, pressed-in metal bearing is used in the area of the crankshaft journal, while the crankshaft bearing has a socket made of cast iron. A primary balance shaft reduces further vibrations.
The cooling system works with a 10,7 kW radiator, which is located on the left side of the motorcycle and is protected by a polypropylene grille with baffles - to improve the air flow. In addition, a fan is used to keep the engine temperature stable at low speeds, both in traffic jams and when driving off-road.
The engine of the CRF300L complies with the EURO5 standard.
- Improved handling and more agility in any terrain
- Considerable weight savings thanks to the new frame and swing arm
- Improved stiffness balance for more feedback to the driver and more ground clearance
- Chassis components with longer front and rear suspension travel
Overall, the chassis of the CRF300 RALLY saves 4 kg, the wet weight is now 142 kg. The double-loop steel frame is completely new and contributes a whole 2,15 kg to the weight reduction. The frame is designed to have 25% less lateral stiffness. This improves the driving experience and the feedback from the front and rear wheels to the driver. The optimizations are achieved by reducing the width of the main pipe (-30 mm) and the beams (diameter now 25,4 instead of 28,6 mm). In addition, the width of the central stiffening tube is reduced by 20 mm.
The new one-piece swing arm made of cast aluminum is not only 550 g lighter, it also has 23% less lateral stiffness and 17% less torsional stiffness. In addition, it is made 15 mm narrower directly behind the pivot point. The smooth cross-section of the rocker enables even deflection under load. The chain tensioners are made of pressed aluminum. The lower triple clamp is made of aluminum instead of steel, which saves 730 g in weight. This weight reduction above the center of gravity of the machine leads to more agile steering behavior.
The 43 mm Showa upside-down fork impresses with 10 mm more travel (260 mm) compared to the previous model. In addition, the spring strength and damping have been revised to expand the adjustment range for all possible driving conditions. The Pro-Link rear suspension also has a spring travel of 260 mm (instead of 240 mm). The Showa shock absorber is a single tube construction with a 40 mm cylinder.
The ground clearance has been increased from 255 to 285 mm. The frame and engine are now 20 mm higher, due to the redesign of the lower frame section, the crankcase and the oil drain plug. The steering head angle and caster are now set to 27,5 ° and 109 mm (from 27,6 ° / 113 mm) with a 10 mm longer wheelbase of 1.455 mm. The turning radius is 2,2 m.
The front wheel brakes with a 256 mm single brake disc and two-piston fixed caliper, the rear wheel with a 220 mm brake disc with single-piston fixed caliper. As with the CRF competitor machines, the rear brake master cylinder is now integrated into the construction, which also saves weight. Also derived directly from the CRF250R / CRF450R are the brake discs with shaft design, which score with excellent self-cleaning properties under adverse conditions. The 2-channel ABS is standard.
The lightweight aluminum rims also reduce the unsprung mass. The Alumite surface of the 2021 model has been polished to create an easy-to-clean, shiny surface. Enduro tires with a block profile (front, 80 / 100-21 51P and rear 120 / 80-18 62P) offer traction in almost every driving situation.
The 21-inch front wheel and the 18-inch rear wheel increase stability on uneven terrain and, if necessary, enable specific off-road tires to be fitted. The use of a milled sprocket and the use of M8 instead of M10 screws and a hollow rear axle save 240 g or 160 g.
3.3 Styling & equipment
- Lighter, slimmer fairing modeled on the CRF competition machines
- Revised driving position promotes control
- LC display now even easier to read
The CRF300L is now even more inspired by the CRFs from racing and carries a stylish set of new fairing parts including new designs. The 7,8 liter fuel tank is 190 g lighter and slimmer than before and is complemented by a narrower front seat section. Another 110 g are saved by the aggressive new front fender. The license plate holder is also significantly shorter, saving 300 g in weight.
To allow more control, the driving position has been slightly changed: the handlebars have been moved back a little and the footrests have been lowered and also moved backwards. This makes shifting a lot easier, even in heavy off-road boots. The seat height has been increased by 5 mm to 880 mm in order to maintain a naturally upright riding position. The side stand is also new. It now has a 10% larger and now foldable contact area.
A newly designed, 70 g lighter LC display with large black digits on a razor-sharp white display ensures excellent readability. The numbers on the speedometer are also a whole 23 mm larger than their predecessor at 6 mm. The display includes a gear indicator and shows the mileage, fuel consumption and average speed. It also has a stopwatch and a tachometer.
Accessories
The tailor-made accessories for the CRF300L include a 38 liter top case and rear rack mounts as well as an oil pan protection for the engine.
Photos: Honda
Technical data
MOTOR | |
Type | Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC engine |
Capacity | 286 cc |
Valves per cylinder | 4 |
Bore & stroke | 76 mm x 63 mm |
compression ratio | 10,7:1 |
Maximum power | 27,3 PS (20.1kW) / 8.500 rpm |
Max. Torque | 26,6 Nm / 6.750 rpm |
Engine oil quantity | 1,8 l |
FUEL SYSTEM | |
mixture preparation | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
Tankinhalt | 7,8 l |
Consumption | 3,1 l / 100 km |
CO2 Emissions (WMTC) | 73 g / km |
ELECTRICS | |
battery capacity | 12V-7AH |
DRIVE | |
Coupling type | Multi-disc in an oil bath, slipper clutch |
Gear type | 6-course |
Final drive | Chain |
FRAME | |
Type | Double loop steel frame |
FRAME | |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2.230 mm x 820 mm x 1.200 mm |
wheelbase | 1.455 mm |
Steering head angle | 27,5° |
trailing | 109 mm |
seat height | 880 mm |
ground clearance | 285 mm |
Weight (full tank) | 142 kg |
turning circle | 2,2m |
LANDING GEAR | |
your Front Wheel. | 43 mm USD fork |
behind | Pro Link |
BIKES | |
your Front Wheel. | Aluminum spoked wheel |
behind | Aluminum spoked wheel |
Front tire | 80 / 100-21M / C 51P |
Tire behind | 120 / 80-18M / C 62P |
BRAKES | |
ABS system type | 2-channel ABS |
Brakes in front | 256 mm x 3,5 mm disc with 2-piston fixed caliper |
Brakes behind | 220 mm x 4.5 mm disc with 1-piston fixed caliper |
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRONICS | |
Instruments | LCD |
headlights | light bulb |
Taillight | light bulb |
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Model year 2021: Honda CRF300L mini adventure bike!
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