After proudly owning and reviewing primarily giant bikes for many years, a number of years in the past I had an epiphany whereas driving a borrowed 250cc dual-sport on an area ridge route, a rutted, rocky path I’ve slogged over many instances on a lot larger, heavier dual-sports and journey bikes. As an alternative of wishing for it to finish, I used to be having enjoyable! Weighing about 300 lb as an alternative of 450, 500, or extra, the little 250 danced over rocks and ruts and caught within the corners as an alternative of scarily pushing the entrance or veering everywhere within the sand. It felt like a light-weight, playful dirtbike with lights as an alternative of an unruly two-wheeled tank simply ready for me to slide up and throw us to the bottom.
Whereas actually no freeway velocity demon, I used to be completely satisfied to seek out that the 250 made simply sufficient top-end energy to cruise busily however comfortably at 70 mph and that it was relentlessly torquey within the decrease gears round city, with out extreme vibration because of a gear-driven counterbalancer within the single-cylinder engine. The bike was comically tall for my 29-inch inseam, with greater than 11 inches of suspension journey at every finish contributing to a 36-inch seat peak. I purchased one anyway, reasoning that the seat altitude was merely the worth to pay for its nice off-road efficiency. I received used to Rockette-style high-kicking my proper foot up onto the seat, grabbing the bars, and sliding on, hoping we didn’t topple over earlier than I received my foot down on the opposite aspect. Dismounting wasn’t any prettier, and I dropped the bike greater than as soon as once I wanted to plant a foot and located nothing however air. At the very least I might decide it up simply!
That was in 2019, and 6 years later I nonetheless personal and love that 250. However in my creeping decrepitude and with legs getting something however longer, greater than as soon as recently I’ve skipped a dual-sport experience as a result of I simply didn’t really feel like heaving myself aboard. Not good.
Salvation arrived when a good friend identified that Honda presents a low-seat model of its succesful CRF300L, the CRF300LS. After Honda changed the venerable CRF250L for 2021 with the CRF300L (which obtained a displacement enhance to 286cc, an 11-lb weight discount, up to date steering geometry and upgraded suspension), the CRF300LS joined it for 2023 with an insightfully low 32.7-inch seat peak vs. the CRF300L’s 34.7-inch seat. It was an on the spot hit with much less speedy dual-sport riders of all stripes (typically shorter, older, or each).
For 2025, each the usual CRF300L and CRF300LS are additional improved. There’s a brand new LED headlight and turnsignals for higher visibility, stiffer shock damping for extra bottoming resistance, and a bearing instead of the rubber bushing within the higher shock mount for smoother preliminary journey. Entrance suspension has new damping settings which can be stiffer total, and Honda says a brand new radiator fan and grille enhance engine-heat administration.
Whereas the CRF300L’s seat peak of 34.7 inches is barely decrease than my 250, I might nonetheless be on my tiptoes, and placing even a small seatbag on the again would imply having to high-kick my method onboard as earlier than.
GEAR UP
The Honda CRF300LS solves this drawback with its low seat peak that’s 2 inches shorter than the CRF300L and 3-4 inches shorter than most dual-sports. Honda says it will get there with a seat shaved down by 0.4 inch (side-by-side with the L, it appears like extra) and about 1 inch much less suspension journey entrance and rear, or 9.3 and 9.0 inches respectively. Floor clearance is subsequently diminished from 11.2 to 9.6 inches, so a skid plate must be No. 1 in your Christmas listing. Except for totally different colours and graphics, the CRF300L and LS are in any other case an identical. (For comparability, these LS suspension and floor clearance numbers are just like or larger than bikes like Honda’s succesful Africa Twin and Transalp, and the LS solely weighs 311 lb filled with fluids.)
To boost the CRF300L’s displacement to 286cc, Honda elevated the CRF250 engine’s stroke by 8mm, for a bore and stroke of 76.0 x 63.0mm. Subsequently it makes the very best of its energy within the low and midrange, excellent for path driving and round city. PGM-FI gasoline injection and a 38mm throttle physique present easy throttle response and energy supply. On the freeway it hums alongside properly in sixth gear at 70 mph and seven,000 rpm with out criticism, and whereas some vibes creep into the grip/seat/footpeg contact factors at greater speeds, the interior counterbalancer tames them to a decrease frequency that I didn’t discover intrusive.
With my bulk aboard, additional energy for hills and brisk passing at freeway speeds is just about non-existent, however there’s sufficient to maintain up with freeway visitors or deal with a mountain cross with a downshift or two. Redline is at 10,500 rpm, so you possibly can rev out the Single when wanted, however you’ll spend most of your time within the power-plentiful zone under 7,000. Shut spacing of the decrease transmission gears and wider spacing of the upper ones assist the bike deal with harder terrain at low speeds and nonetheless conquer the freeway and Interstate. The help/slipper clutch has the lightest pull I’ve ever felt on any bike, making it simpler to handle with smaller arms.
There’s not a lot level in proudly owning a dual-sport in the event you can’t experience it comfortably over the lengthy distances between the stand-up grime stuff. With no baggage mounted, I can simply swing my leg over the CRF300LS and drop on and not using a grunt or groan, planting each toes on the bottom with my butt on the narrower, decrease ahead part of the seat. From the saddle, the bike feels pleasant and approachable with out seeming small, and with toes on pegs, the relaxed seating place is just like sitting on a eating chair.
For the reason that metal double-cradle body and footpeg positions are an identical between the L and LS and the latter’s seat is thinner, there’s much less legroom on the LS, so the tops of my thighs are nearly horizontal when driving and a bit of extra effort is required to face up. That a lot knee bend can begin feeling cramped after some time, however sliding again on the seat alleviates it. Earlier than my first experience, I eliminated the passenger seize strap from the seat (two bolts) to make it simpler to maneuver round and rotated the handlebar ahead within the clamps to carry the grips up for standing. The seat itself is agency and hard-edged and takes some getting used to – in the event you can’t, there are quite a few aftermarket choices (or you can discover somebody who needs to swap you for the thicker CRF300L seat). Total, I didn’t hesitate to place in 100- to 200-mile day rides on the LS, although I might in all probability throw it within the truck to get to the beginning of a experience in one other state.
The chief criticism about earlier CRF300L and LS fashions was with their overly comfortable suspension, which was wonderful for lighter pilots however in any other case required quick aftermarket upgrades. I had the chance to experience the 2025 CRF300LS back-to-back with a good friend’s 2023 mannequin, and whereas American Honda wasn’t in a position to present a lot element in regards to the suspension adjustments, it was instantly apparent how a lot it’s improved. It’s nonetheless fairly comfortable for larger riders and lacks changes apart from ring-and-locknut rear spring preload (which is essential to regulate in your weight), however the elevated damping at each ends may be very obvious, and it feels just like the fork and shock springs are a bit extra sturdy as nicely. Total, the 2025 LS is extra managed, didn’t backside out or bump steer as simply because the 2023, and suffers much less fork dive beneath braking as nicely. As quickly as my buddy Arden and I swapped bikes on an off-road part, he disappeared forward of me on the 2025 mannequin, and I struggled to maintain him in sight driving his 2023. I’m fairly positive he would have traded me on the spot (no, I didn’t provide).
Dealing with is mild and nimble as you would possibly count on, with good cornering stability and loads of steering sweep side-to-side for tight maneuvers. IRC Trails tube-type knobby tires stick nicely sufficient on the road, with a bit of noise on the freeway and a few squirm over pavement cracks, however they shine within the grime – I might in all probability put on them out earlier than changing them. Braking is good for a dual-sport, with loads of power for fast stops however no grabbiness that may get you into bother off-road. Each the L and LS include ABS, which could be turned off on the rear for off-road driving with a swap beside the instrument panel when the bike is stopped.
Along with its extra manageable measurement and peak, I actually just like the completeness of the CRF300LS in comparison with some dual-sports, particularly at simply $5,749. The intense LCD instrument panel features a gear indicator, gasoline gauge, tachometer, twin tripmeters, clock, and readouts for common velocity, gasoline economic system, and consumption – essential information when your gasoline tank solely holds 2.06 gallons of standard unleaded. I averaged 65.7 mpg, and the max was 71.4, for a variety of about 130 miles (bigger aftermarket tanks can be found).
The brand new LED headlight and turnsignals are tremendous shiny, there’s a locking storage field for instruments and whatnot, the battery and air cleaner are readily accessible, and a valve inspection within the DOHC, rocker-arm type cylinder head isn’t required till 16,000 miles. If the loop of brake and ABS traces block your view of the instrument panel, there are quite a few methods to reroute them. 4 bungee posts in again ease mounting a small seatbag and/or saddlebags, and quite a lot of Honda Equipment are provided, together with handguards, a skid plate, {an electrical} socket, wider footpegs, a prime field, a baggage rack, and extra.
The CRF300LS is available in a definite, engaging, and instantly recognizable grey and purple graphics bundle for 2025. Excluding the 2001 Gold Wing GL1800 in yellow, I’ve by no means been buttonholed as a lot a few bike at fuel stops (even intersections!) from each kind of rider. The bike’s rep as a flexible, approachable, succesful, and reasonably priced machine has clearly unfold, and our native vendor mentioned he can’t hold them in inventory. If you happen to’re tall sufficient, by all means avail your self of the longer suspension and higher seat on the CRF300L – it’s in any other case the identical bike. However for the remainder of us, the decrease CRF300LS just isn’t too tall, not too small, and a complete lot of enjoyable.
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2025 Honda CRF300LS Specs
ENGINE
- Kind: Liquid-cooled Single, DOHC w/ 4 valves
- Displacement: 286cc
- Bore x Stroke: 76.0 x 63.0mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
- Valve Insp. Interval: 16,000 miles
- Gas Supply: PGM-FI w/ 38mm throttle physique
- Lubrication System: Moist sump, 1.6 qt. cap.
- Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/help moist clutch
- Remaining Drive: O-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Body: Metal double cradle w/ engine as harassed member, metal subframe, double-sided aluminum swingarm
- Wheelbase: 56.7 in.
- Rake/Path: 27.5 levels/4.3 in.
- Seat Peak: 32.7 in.
- Suspension, Entrance: 43mm telescopic USD fork, 9.3 in. journey
- Rear: Professional-Hyperlink system w/ single shock, adj. for spring preload, 9.0 in. journey
- Brakes, Entrance: Single 256mm disc w/ floating 2-piston caliper & ABS
- Rear: Single 220mm disc w/ floating 1-piston caliper & ABS
- Wheels, Entrance: Solid, 1.60 x 21 in.
- Rear: Solid, 2.15 x 18 in.
- Tires, Entrance: Tube-type, 80/100-21
- Rear: Tube-type, 120/80-18
- Moist Weight: 311 lb (manufacturing facility declare)
- Load Capability: 326 lb
- GVWR: 637 lb
PERFORMANCE
- Horsepower: 27 @ 8,500 rpm (manufacturing facility declare)
- Torque: 19.6 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (manufacturing facility declare)
- Gas Capability: 2.06 gal.
- Gas Consumption: 65.7 mpg
- Estimated Vary: 135 miles
