For those looking to buy their first motorcycle, we highly recommend looking at a dual-sport. While there will certainly be those that know exactly what they want, a dual-sport offers a ‘best of both worlds’ training tool for the rest. Gaining experience by riding on different kinds of terrain is invaluable, and if you are unsure of what kind of bike you really want, you will certainly have a better idea after spending some time riding a dual-sport.
Honda offers a wide range of dual-sport bikes that all cater to different levels. The XR150L is a great entry-level option for those that have no desire to do any highway riding, and the CRF300LS offers a slightly lower seat height. But, we feel that a new rider will benefit more from a safety feature like ABS than a lower seat height. That’s where the CRF300L ABS comes in.
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The Honda CRF300L ABS Is Perfect For A First-Time Buyer
MSRP: $5,749
Honda is by no stretch of the imagination alone in this space. Up until recently, Japanese brands have dominated the entry-level dual-sport market. But this year, KTM has also made a move – quite possibly temporarily, unless it sorts out the financial mess – with a 390-based Enduro R model. Existing competitors from Japan are also all competitively priced, but some of the stiffest competition comes from within its own fleet.
The CRF300LS was introduced explicitly targeting the beginner market with its lower seat height. For some reason, Honda was not able to include ABS, which we feel is a missed opportunity. The XR150L is without doubt the most approachable dual-sport, but much like the mini moto bikes, it is not something that can (or at least, should) be used on the highway. The 300 has no issues getting up to highway speed, although it just isn’t all that comfortable for sustained periods of time. The same could be said for any dual-purpose motorcycle, though.
If wind-blast is a big concern, there is the Rally version which offers some wind protection, but that is also just one more thing that can break when you fall or drop the bike. If you have your heart set on a sports bike or cruiser, the CBR300R and Rebel 300 are there, but once more, dropping those bikes will end up hurting the resale value. For a new rider, the durable dual-sport is the way to go. The low weight and slim overall design further helps make a case for the CRF.
Rivals
- KTM 390 Enduro R
- Kawasaki KLX300
- Yamaha XT250
- Suzuki DRZ-4S
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The CRF300L Offers Approachable Performance
Power: 27 Horsepower
|
Engine |
Max Power |
Transmission |
|---|---|---|
|
286cc single-Cylinder, liquid-cooled |
27 HP |
6-speed |
One thing that confuses many people new to motorcycling is the fact that the CRF300L looks a lot like the CRF450RL enduro bike. In reality, the two bikes couldn’t be further apart. While the 450 is a wild dirt bike with lights, the 300 is docile and approachable. Unfortunately, this has led to some pretty awful experiences for new riders, thinking spending more will net them a better product.
That product will actively try to hurt them. With a throttle akin to an on/off switch and more power than most experienced riders can really handle off-road, it really is a recipe for disaster. The 300, on the other hand, is designed with new riders in mind and the throttle response is both smooth and the power delivery quite manageable. It has what we would call ‘enough’ power for it to be tolerable on the street, and actually more than enough power for off-roading use.
It is an ideal bike for exploring and will help new riders build confidence wherever they ride. While it might seem like a simple training tool in stock form, it is also a bike with an extensive aftermarket. It will be very easy to tailor this bike to your needs with all sorts of options, ranging from simple luggage racks all the way up to big-bore kits that can elevate the performance once you are ready for the next step.
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The CRF300L Is One Of The Best Beginner-Friendly Motorcycles On The Market
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|
Wheelbase |
Seat Height |
Ground Clearance |
Fuel Capacity |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
57.2 inches |
34,7 inches |
11.2 inches |
2.1 gallons |
311 lbs |
Since Honda introduced this bike as a 250 some years ago, the biggest issue all new riders have had with it is its tall seat height. In many ways, that seat height is not a very good indicator, and if anything, a ‘laden’ seat height figure (which we don’t have) would be much more appropriate. The CRF300L is chronically undersprung, which is good for shorter riders as the suspension compresses a significant amount.
We assume it ends up closer to around 32 inches once compressed. So, as long as you are willing to ‘hop’ on, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Obviously, being undersprung is a double-edged sword. While this is great for accessibility, the bike will bottom out a lot easier off-road if you weigh anywhere north of 150 pounds. For beginners, this isn’t an issue, though.
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It might bottom out occasionally while you are getting to grips with off-road riding, yet the only time this will become an issue will be when your skill level has improved to such an extent that you might already be considering an upgrade. Keeping the CRF300L is also very much an option as there are aftermarket solutions, all of which will increase the ride height a little. Keep that in mind. So much can be said about the benefits of learning to ride on a dual-sport, but there is no denying the fact that getting a Honda offers the kind of peace of mind other manufacturers simply can’t. Not only are the bikes reliable, but the dealer network is so extensive that getting the bike maintained or repaired is ultimately very convenient. For those that want to learn how to work on bikes, there are most certainly simpler options, but for those less mechanically inclined, this offers unrivaled ease of ownership.