Test: Honda Honda CRF 300 L (2021) // Enduro for fun
This bike has a good character, it is very fun and unpretentious, and, above all, I was attracted by every opportunity to ride it. When I needed to jump into town for something small, or I had half an hour to go for a little seduction. Of course, the Honda CRF 300 L is not a superfluous motorcycle, except for the red color, graphics and name, it has little to do with the characteristics of motocross. or, even better, a winning racing car that fantastic Tim Geyser took from the MXGP Olympus.
But it normal. It takes time to drive a motocross track or complete an enduro lap, I always dress in all the gear, which again takes my time. On this Honda, however, I just sat in my sneakers, strapped my helmet to my head, put gloves on my hands, and waved them through the bends or onto the nearest trolley road. I could easily mistake him for, say, a maxi scooter. Since it weighs 142 kilograms (with all fluids) and does not exceed twenty meters in height, I would also put it in a motorhome. and took with him on a trip, so that later, alone or in a pair, discover the local beauty on the roads and off-road.
I must emphasize another very important feature. I know I've written many times that off-road riding is a great experience for beginners and that every rider should have at least some experience, regardless of skill level or age. And I will write it again! Because this honda is great for learning. It is light in the hand, the seat is not too high and therefore instills the driver with confidence and self-confidence.
Off-road tires provide good traction on both asphalt and gravel surfaces. Since I also had to climb a steeper slope and test how it turns out on more difficult terrain, I can also write that climbing, although not a hard enduro machine, on this shoe is surprisingly high, which, after all, is just a compromise. between the road and the terrain. I have a feeling that with the stiffer off-road tires, due to their light weight and flexible engine, I will be able to climb very far, even if the terrain is for more extreme enduro bikes.
Proven single-cylinder engine now volume of 285 cubic centimeters (previously 250), has 10 percent more power and 18 percent more torque than its predecessorand this despite the Euro 5 norm. 27,3 "horsepower" might not sound like a lot, but I tell you it's enough to smile under your helmet because the whole bike is so light. Before the test, I was most interested in what the actual cruising speed would be. He did not disappoint me. There, at a speed of 80 to 110 kilometers per hour, the engine was flexible enough for me to loop beautifully along the panoramic road.
The gearbox, which is otherwise a bit slow, is well timed. First, second and third gears are short enough to climb steep inclines, fourth and fifth are great for twisty roads and cities, and sixth gear, which is now longer, provides good cruising speed. From 120 kilometers per hour onwards, the engine struggled a bit, but I did not force it faster than 140 kilometers per hour.... At that time, I also felt annoying air resistance. It only gets really annoying at the speed mentioned, for which I have to congratulate the designers who hid the headlight (which shines surprisingly well at night) in a mask that cuts through the air beautifully at speeds up to 130 kilometers per hour.
A few more words about the suspension. Let me be clear right away that these are not competitive components and therefore anything other than a small jump can be a problem. The suspension is soft and focused primarily on comfort. Unfortunately it is not regulated and requires a special update to improve it. But, again, I note that this is not a hard enduro racing bike, but rather intended for city driving and exploring cart tracks, mulattoes and similar tracks. Of course, such a Honda would drive on a motocross track, but very slowly.
The details further show that the bike has been designed to justify a very interesting price tag. It's well made, but not for competitive motocross models, so things can go bad quickly in race mode. There is also a difference in the pedals, the gear lever, the steering wheel, which is iron (it's a shame, I would immediately replace it with a wider enduro or an aluminum MX steering wheel). Instead of a plastic tank, they got a cheaper, tin one.
However, they packaged everything very well into a coherent whole, which at first glance seems very authentic. After seeing everything up close and riding a wide variety of routes, I can also say that they unveiled the essence of this bike very well and sent to the market a fun, versatile, undemanding enduro that will awaken in many people the exploratory spirit of adventure. ...
Basic data
Sales: Motocentr As Domžale
Base model price: 5.890 €
Test model cost: 5.890 €
Technical information
engine: single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 286 cm3, fuel injection, electric starter
Power: 20,1 kW (27,3 km) at 8.500 rpm
Torque: 26,6 Nm at 6.500 rpm
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain
Frame: steel
brakes: front disc Ø 256 mm, double-piston caliper, rear disc Ø 220 mm, single-piston caliper
Suspension: Ø 43 mm inverted telescopic front fork, rear swingarm and single shock, 260 mm travel
Tires: 80/100-21, 120/80-18
Growth: 880 mm
Fuel tank: Capacity 7,8 L; consumption on the test: 4,2 l / 100 km
Wheelbase: 1.445 mm
Weight: 142 kg
We praise and reproach
appearance, workmanship
undemanding to driving
ease of use on the road and in the field
Greater ground clearance and larger suspension chassis for off-road maneuverability
price
original parts (passenger pedals, tool box, ABS switchable at the back)
I want the tank to be at least two liters larger, he likes to top up when refilling
in the field limited to a non-adjustable suspension for sporty driving
conditionally applicable for two
final grade
A little more power, a little more torque and a lot of off-road and off-road riding fun is the shortest description of this bike. For a very interesting price, you get great looks and enough capacity to enjoy every minute of driving. It's also great for learning.
