Honda CRF300L & CRF300L Rally Review: Performance, Specs & Riding Experience

Honda has always been one of the most reliable motorcycle brands, and in 2026, im going to review and compare two of the best and top models, the Honda CRF300L and CRF300L Rally . As in 2021, they imported to Vietnamese market with more power, less weight, and several important chassis upgrades. As someone who rides in Vietnam often, I’ve been waiting to see how these bikes perform on real roads and trails.

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A Quick Look Back: From CRF250L to CRF300L

The CRF250L came out in 2012, and at first it didn’t seem like a big deal. It wasn’t a hyper-aggressive race bike, but that’s exactly why people loved it. Riders discovered its easy-going nature, simple handling, and solid reliability. Soon, it became known as a mini-adventure machine, great for round-the-world trips and long-distance touring. That set the stage for Honda’s 2021 improvements.

Engine Upgrades That Matter

To meet Vietnam’s Euro 5 emissions standards and to give riders more power, Honda upgraded the platform with a larger DOHC single-cylinder engine. They bumped displacement from 249cc to 286cc by increasing the stroke from 55mm to 63mm (bore stays at 76mm). What does that mean in real life? More punch when you twist the throttle.

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Now the CRF300L makes 27.3 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 19 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. On the road, the torque feels smoother and stronger across the whole rev range. From 2,000 rpm upward, the bike pulls better without struggling. You feel it when overtaking cars or climbing steep hills. Honda kept the compression ratio at 10.7:1, but they adjusted cam and injection timing for performance, fuel economy, and cleaner emissions. On top of that, the bike now comes with an assist-and-slipper clutch, making downshifts smoother and reducing rear wheel hop.

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Transmission & Gear Ratios

Honda made smart changes to the six-speed gearbox. Gears 1 through 5 feel shorter, so acceleration is sharper. Gear 6 is taller, working like an overdrive on the highway. I rode a stretch from Hanoi to the countryside and noticed how relaxed the engine felt cruising in sixth—less vibration, better fuel efficiency.

Fuel Tank & Range

The standard CRF300L carries 2.1 gallons, which works fine for short rides or city use. The Rally version steps up with a 3.4-gallon tank, and that makes a big difference if you’re planning longer trips. I can imagine riding the Ha Giang Loop without worrying about fuel stops every hour.

Lighter Weight, Better Chassis

Both bikes dropped about 4 kilograms compared to their predecessors. The CRF300L weighs 142 kg wet, while the Rally comes in at 153 kg. Honda reduced frame tube thickness, redesigned the cast aluminum swingarm, and optimized lateral flexibility. That 25% boost in frame flex translates into better feedback when you’re on rocky terrain. When I tested the Rally off-road, the bike felt more planted and responsive than the old CRF250L.

Comfort & Ergonomics

Honda clearly thought about long rides. The handlebar now has more sweep, and the footpegs sit slightly back and lower, creating a more relaxed riding position. The standard CRF300L’s seat is slimmer at 34.7 inches high, which makes it easier to move around. On the Rally, the seat rises to 35.2 inches with extra padding—perfect for riders who spend hours in the saddle. Both models now come with a simple but effective LCD instrument panel.

Geometry & Suspension

The wheelbase grows slightly to 57.2 inches, with rake and trail tightened to 27.5° and 4.3 inches. Ground clearance improves to 11.2 inches on the CRF300L and 10.9 inches on the Rally. That’s a big win for off-road riding in Vietnam, where you constantly face potholes, river crossings, and rough tracks.

The 43mm Showa fork (non-adjustable) and Pro-Link shock (preload adjustable) now deliver 10.2 inches of travel. That’s more suspension cushion compared to the CRF250L, and you really notice it when jumping over uneven surfaces. Wheels remain classic dual-sport: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear.

Braking Performance

The CRF300L uses a 256mm front rotor with a two-piston caliper and a 220mm rear rotor with a single-piston caliper. The Rally gets a larger 296mm front rotor for extra stopping power. Both models feature dual-channel ABS. On gravel roads outside Hanoi, ABS kicked in a couple of times when braking hard, but it felt smooth and controlled.

Styling & Final Thoughts

At first glance, the CRF300L and Rally look similar, but the details tell the story. The CRF300L borrows its aggressive style from the CRF450RL, giving it a motocross-inspired vibe. The Rally stands out with its larger tank, tall windscreen, and rally-style headlight setup. Meanwhile, the standard CRF300L sticks with a simple bulb headlight. Both look sharp, both feel solid, and both are ready for adventure.

For riders in Vietnam and beyond, the Honda CRF300L and CRF300L Rally 2021 strike a great balance between city commuting, long-distance touring, and serious off-road fun. If you loved the CRF250L, these upgrades will make you fall in love all over again. For me, the Rally is the bike that screams “let’s go explore,” but the lighter CRF300L feels perfect for everyday use and weekend trips. Either way, Honda nailed it.

Honda CRF300L & CRF300 Rally: A Rider’s Favorite in Vietnam

Vietnam’s terrain shapes the way people ride. Nearly three-quarters of the country is covered by hills and mountains, making adventure and dirt bikes the ultimate choice for exploring. In the north, the weather shifts through four distinct seasons—hot, humid, rainy, and at times unforgiving. Add in the countless off-road tracks, and you quickly realize why scooters struggle here, even with chains on the wheels during the wet months. On the other hand, the Honda CRF300L and CRF300 Rally handle these trails with ease, no extra modifications needed.

Built for Vietnam’s Roads and Beyond

If you’re planning to ride across Vietnam or even through other Indochina countries, the CRF300L stands out as a smart choice. This bike isn’t just capable—it’s durable, reliable, and easy to maintain. And let’s be real: when you ride in remote areas, that matters. I’ve broken down in the countryside before, and the first question I asked myself was, “Where’s the nearest mechanic?” With Honda, that’s rarely a problem. Dealers and repair shops exist in almost every small town across Vietnam, which means you’re never left stranded for long.

Enduro Spirit in a Versatile Package

For riders passionate about enduro motorcycles and off-road adventures, the CRF300L delivers. The Upside-Down fork and radiator-cooled middle fork give you stability and confidence, even when the trails get tough. Riding through Vietnam’s dense forests or rocky mountain passes feels less like a chore and more like pure fun. Honestly, the first time I took the CRF300L off-road, it felt like I was riding a much bigger super enduro bike—without the heavy weight holding me back.

Adventure with pillion Two? No Problem

Here’s a question I get a lot: “Can the CRF300L handle a passenger and luggage on rough roads?” The short answer: yes. I’ve ridden with my girlfriend on the back, bags strapped to the rear, and the bike didn’t flinch. It handled climbs, muddy tracks, and winding trails without hesitation. That’s the beauty of the CRF—it’s light enough to feel agile but strong enough to carry what (and who) you need on your journey.

Bottom line: Honda CRF300L & Rally

Vietnam’s landscapes demand a motorcycle that can handle everything from muddy jungle trails to long highway stretches. The Honda CRF300L and CRF300 Rally strike that perfect balance — reliable, powerful, and easy to fix anywhere in the country. Whether you’re a local rider chasing weekend adventures or a traveler ready to explore Vietnam off the beaten path, these bikes won’t let you down. If adventure is calling, the CRF300 series is your answer.

About the author

Hamid is an adventure rider who has spent years exploring Vietnam’s winding roads, mountain passes, and hidden trails. Passionate about motorbikes and storytelling, he shares real experiences to inspire others to ride deeper into the heart of Vietnam.