The joy of riding a solid adventure bike across uncharted territory is immense if you are an avid off-road enthusiast. Choosing which investment to make might be complicated with so many possibilities available. Like Honda CRF300L Vs Kawasaki KLX300. Furthermore, there is a larger than ever variety of machines in the dual sport category.
Two well-known adventure bikes on the market are the Honda CRF300L and the Kawasaki KLX300. Honda and Kawasaki belong to a distinct subsection of the dual sport segment.
Honda CRF300L Vs Kawasaki KLX300 is a complicated choice. The Kawasaki KLX300 is more suitable for riders seeking more suspension adjustability and braking power. The Honda CRF300L may be better for fuel efficiency, lightweight, and affordability.
Let’s experience more of the thrill of the Honda CRF300L vs Kawasaki KLX300, the ultimate adventure bike for off-road enthusiasts. But remember that the rider’s specific requirements, tastes, and intended use will determine which motorcycle is best in Honda CRF300L vs Kawasaki KLX300.
The Honda CRF300L Overview
Honda Motor Company produces the dual-sport Honda CRF300L motorbike. It made its debut in 2021 as the Honda CRF250L’s replacement.
A substantial upgrade over the 249cc engine of the CRF250L, the CRF300L has a 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates 27 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque with a slipper clutch for more comfortable downshifts. A six-speed transmission couples with the engine for better performance.
Aluminum and steel combine to create the bike’s lightweight, durable chassis. It sports a rear suspension system with Pro-Link and a 43mm inverted fork. The bike travels on knobby tires appropriate for both on- and off-road riding.
Key Features of the Honda CRF300L
The Honda CRF300L is a top-notch adventure bike. Below are some of the standout features of the Honda CRF300L:
Lightweight and Agile Design
The Honda CRF300L boasts a sleek frame. It allows for effortless handling and navigating in narrow areas. The bike’s lightness also contributes to its superior performance and fuel economy.
Liquid-Cooled 286cc Engine
The Honda CRF300L features a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 286cc engine. It delivers 27 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque. This engine has a DOHC design, fuel injection, and a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. These make it perfect for off-road adventures while providing smooth power and torque.
Long-Travel Suspension
The suspension system equips the Honda CRF300L.The system offers remarkable stability and control on uneven terrain.
Rear Wheels
21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels equip the Honda CRF300L. These offer sufficient ground clearance to tackle challenging off-road terrain.
LED Lighting
The Honda CRF300L has a well-equipped lighting system. LED headlights, taillights, and turn signals. This feature ensures that riders have excellent visibility, especially in low-light conditions, which enhances their safety.
Chassis
A combination of steel and aluminum makes up the bike’s frame. The chassis makes it both lightweight and durable. Its long-travel suspension comprises a 43mm inverted fork at the front and a Pro-Link rear suspension system. 256mm disc brakes are mounted at the front of the CRF300L, and 220mm disc brakes are mounted at the rear.
Pros and Cons of the Honda CRF300L
Pros of the Honda CRF300L
- Versatility: A versatile bike for exploration and adventure. They built the CRF300L to tackle both on- and off-road riding.
- Lightweight: The bike’s lightweight steel and aluminum build makes it easier to control on various terrains.
- Braking: The strong stopping power of the front and rear disc brakes is crucial for safety when riding both on and off-road.
- Touchscreen sensor cluster: The rider can easily keep track of crucial information with the help of the latest LCD digital display. That offers clear and essential information.
Cons of the Honda CRF300L
- Fuel capacity: The bike’s 7.8-liter fuel tank capacity may limit its range on longer rides.
- Seat comfort: Even though the seat is intended to be comfy, some riders could find it to be too small for long trips.
- Price: The CRF300L costs more than some other bikes in its class. The Honda CRF300L has a starting price of around $5,249 USD.
- Wind protection: The bike’s simple design provides little wind protection. This could be more pleasant for users on extended highway trips.
- Power delivery: Compared to larger bikes, the CRF300L’s acceleration and top speed may seem less impressive to some riders. But it is smooth and controllable.
Kawasaki KLX300 Overview
Motorcycle manufacturer Kawasaki manufactures the KLX300 dual-sport motorcycle. It replaced the Kawasaki KLX250 in 2020.
An engine producing 33 horsepower and 21 lb-ft of torque powers the 292cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder KLX300. With a wet clutch, the engine is coupled to a six-speed transmission. An inverted 43mm front fork, an adjustable Uni-Trak rear suspension, and a steel chassis provide long-travel suspension. This bike features dual-sport tires that are suitable for off-road and on-road riding and front and rear disc brakes.
Key features of the Kawasaki KLX300
The Kawasaki KLX300 is an adventure bike with several features that make it stand out from the competition. Here are some key features of the Kawasaki KLX300:
Rugged Design
The Kawasaki KLX300 has a rigid design that suits it for difficult off-road conditions. The bike’s design also increases its longevity and robustness.
Liquid-Cooled Engine
The 292cc liquid-cooled Kawasaki KLX300 engine produces impressive power and torque, making it suitable for off-road excursions.
Long-Travel Suspension
The Kawasaki KLX300’s long-travel suspension system provides excellent comfort and control.
Rear Wheels
Front and rear wheels measure 21 inches and 18 inches on the Kawasaki KLX300. This bike performs and is safe on any terrain thanks to its excellent traction wheels.
Disc Brakes
The Kawasaki KLX300 is manufactured with disc brakes. It provides excellent stopping power, improving the rider’s safety.
Comfortable seat
The bike’s seat provides comfort on longer rides. Its narrow profile allows the rider to move freely and quickly reach the ground.
Pros and Cons of the Kawasaki KLX300
Pros of the Kawasaki KLX300
- Versatility: Because of its versatility and ability to manage both on- and off-road riding, the KLX300 is an excellent bike for exploration and adventure.
- Dual-sport tires: The bike’s dual-sport tires are appropriate for both on- and off-road riding and offer good traction and stability on various surfaces.
- Digital instrument cluster: The rider can easily keep track of critical information thanks to the rider-friendly clarity and functionality of the contemporary LCD digital display.
- LED illumination: Compared to conventional bulbs, LED lighting improves visibility and uses less electricity, which is advantageous for nighttime driving.
Cons of the Kawasaki KLX300
- Wind protection: Wind is not protected by the bike’s simple construction. Riders on long highway trips may find that challenging.
- Price: The KLX300 costs more than some other bikes in its class. Priced at roughly USD 5,599, the Kawasaki KLX300 is available now.
- Gasoline capacity: The bike’s 7.9-liter gasoline tank is only moderately large. This may reduce its range on long rides.
- Weight: The KLX300 weighs more than some of the other bikes in its class. That could make it less agile and maneuverable on particular types of terrain.
Honda CRF300L vs Kawasaki KLX300
The Kawasaki KLX300 and Honda CRF300L are both off-road bikes. Although the two motorcycles share certain similarities, they also differ significantly.
A liquid-cooled 286 cc engine delivers smooth power and torque on the Honda CRF300L. The slim design of the bike makes maneuvering it through tight spaces easy. The Honda CRF300L offers excellent stability and control on rough terrain. On the other hand, a liquid-cooled 292 cc engine powers the Kawasaki KLX300.
See the ultimate showdown.
Which Bike is the Best? Honda CRF300L Vs Kawasaki KLX300
To determine which adventure bike is best for off-road enthusiasts. The rider’s preferences and needs must be taken into consideration. It is a great adventure bike with unique features is both the Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300.
The Honda CRF300L is a great choice if you are looking for a lightweight, agile bike suitable for tight spaces. Off-road rides on this bike are comfortable and controlled thanks to its long-travel suspension system. A Kawasaki KLX300’s disc brakes improve rider safety by providing excellent stopping power.
As a result, the Honda CRF300L is more suitable for riders who value fuel efficiency, lightweight, and affordability. While the Kawasaki KLX300 may be better for riders who value suspension adjustability and braking power.
Comparison Of Honda CRF300L Vs Kawasaki KLX300
Price
Several choices can be made here. You can’t go wrong with either bike, as both are available for under $6000. The Honda has a lower MSRP ($5249) than the Kawasaki ($5599), the other bike we compared. It’s not a significant change, but that’s a lot of cash for gas.
The Honda CRF300L may be equipped with anti-lock brakes. However, the KLX300 cannot. If you want ABS on your Honda, expect to pay an extra $300—still $50 less than the Kawi. With the KLX, however, you can choose between the classic Kawasaki Lime green and the stealthy Fragment Camo gray. The price of the Camo model is $200 higher than that of the standard green model. There’s just one color option for the Honda: red, but you wouldn’t like it any other way. This brings us to the next group.
Style
The Honda easily outperforms the Kawasaki in this situation. While the Honda is sleek and sporty, the Kawasaki appears dated and uninteresting.
It’s not that the KLX is an ugly motorcycle; it’s merely that the CRF300L is so much more attractive. The CRF300L is next to Honda factory motocross bikes like those that Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton rode at the RedBud National.
The Honda’s paint job, decals, and black rims are all quite sharp. In contrast, the KLR300 comes off as staid and unimaginative. The Camo version of the Kawi, with its blacked-out frame and black rims, looks more contemporary, but our reviewers reacted differently to this feature. Some folks dig it. Others are meh about it.
Comfort ness
Determining a definite victory between these two bikes is challenging since they are both incredibly comfortable. The riding position on both bikes is laid-back, enabling riders to traverse smooth and uneven terrains easily. The Honda bike’s seat is marginally more padded and lower than the handlebars.
Nevertheless, we have observed that the Honda’s L seat foam tends to wear out quickly, potentially causing discomfort based on experiences. In contrast, the 300’s seat appears to be holding up well up to this point, but its durability can only be determined over time.
The Kawasaki motorcycle boasts a seat height that is slightly elevated in comparison to its pegs and handlebars, offering a more spacious feel for riders with a taller stature. However, the footpegs must be more robust in the bike’s ergonomic design. Their diminutive size demands some acclimation time. Riding both motorcycles in succession illuminates that the Honda’s more generously sized pegs provide a heightened level of stability.
The height of the bike’s seat is a crucial consideration for many riders, particularly those new to riding or shorter in stature. Being able to place both feet firmly on the ground when the bike is stationary can provide a boost in confidence. Unfortunately, there is only one easy solution if the seat height meets your needs.
For example, Honda and Kawasaki bikes have similar seat heights, around 35 inches, but the Honda’s seat is slightly lower at 34.6 inches compared to the Kawasaki’s 35.2 inches. To determine which bike is a better match for you, visit your local dealer and sit on both bikes without taking a test ride. This will help you make an informed decision about which bike suits your needs best.
Suspension
Alright, things are beginning to break apart. In terms of suspension, one option is superior to the other. Think back on that extra $350 you dropped on the Kawasaki. You may now look at what you get in exchange for those additional dollars: superior suspension.
Kawasaki KLX300
Kawasaki, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the KLX250, equipped the KLX300 with some very respectable suspension parts. A relatively advanced 43mm inverted (USD) cartridge fork is upfront. The “cartridge” element is essential since it allows for the adjustment of damping, in this instance, both rebound and compression, with 16 “clicks” each. The cartridge also stops oil and air from mixing for more stable damping. The Honda also features 43mm USD forks, but unlike the Yamaha, these are not cartridge-adjustable.
Both bikes have a single shock mounted on a linkage at the rear. Kawasaki calls theirs Uni-Trak, whereas Honda calls theirs Pro-Link. They share a standard structure despite dissimilar names. Kawasaki’s fork and shock are adjustable in 16 ways for compression and rebound. But the surprise is more high-tech, with a piggyback reservoir with a springy preload. All fantastic features rarely found on motorcycles cost less than $6000—my compliments to Kawasaki.
Honda CRF300L
To save money, Honda took a different approach. K’s Honda only provides these with the L’s suspension after adjusting the preload on the shocks soon. Honda aimed for a low suggested retail price because it believes the bike’s intended audience of novice riders won’t appreciate the additional value offered by a more expensive shock. Honda could very well be correct. After all, the L has been very successful for Big Red in terms of sales.
The CRF’s basic suspension may be unrefined, but it serves the beginner well. Again, a novice rider will give little of a second thought to the factory, setting it up with very soft spring and damping. On the other hand, intermediate and advanced riders will fast outpace the under-sprung, thus under-damped shock. And it will have to spend much more than $350 to fix the problem.
Highly skilled riders will appreciate the adjustability of the Kawasaki’s shock. That is factory-set to be significantly stiffer than the Honda’s but still a touch on the softer side overall.
The fork on the Honda is just as mushy as the shock. The Kawi’s division is also plush, but its stiffness may be adjusted, unlike the Honda’s.
The Kawasaki’s suspension is comfortable for new riders and provides a good ride for more experienced, aggressive riders. On a similarly technical trail, the Kawasaki can be pushed far further before the suspension gives up than the Honda.
You may not notice the disparity between the two suspensions if you are a novice rider. But the experts and larger riders will find the Kawi’s rest superior.
Handling
The Kawasaki’s better performance is due to its superior suspension, making riding at high speeds and navigating rough terrain easier. On the other hand, the Honda’s front end tends to feel unstable due to the soft rear shock that squats down while turning. However, both bikes are suitable for beginners and can be ridden safely with confidence.
The Honda and Kawasaki weigh just over 300 pounds with fuel, making them relatively light despite not being overly hefty. The Honda is only nine pounds heavier than the Kawasaki. However, some riders may perceive it as being lightweight or at least comparable to the Kawasaki due to the Honda’s low seat position and low center of gravity.
Both bikes behave similarly at low speeds, but the Honda will cause you to lose confidence sooner than the Kawasaki.
Brakes
Our analysis revealed that the Kawasaki outperformed the Honda regarding braking capabilities, as its front brakes exhibited a more significant initial bite. Conversely, the Honda’s front brakes felt comparatively soft and necessitated more lever pressure for sudden stops. Nevertheless, this aspect could prove advantageous for novice riders still acclimate to operating the front brakes, given that the Honda’s brakes are more forgiving than those of the Kawasaki.
Within this particular category, no single contender stands out as the clear victor or vanquished. Nevertheless, we wish to extend recognition to Honda for equipping their offering with ABS. You can deactivate this feature for off-road maneuvering. Even our seasoned testers appreciate the availability of front ABS on dual-sport motorcycles. It’s important to mention that the specific Honda model we evaluated did not come equipped with ABS.
Engine Performance
When it comes to how well their engines function, it’s a toss-up. They’re both great performers, but in their unique ways. The Honda gained the most performance from the year-over-year increase in engine capacity.
These bikes are fun for seasoned trail riders because they can chug over easy terrain, quickly accelerate out of corners, and climb reasonable hills. The Kawasaki had more power when shifting gears during drag races, but our test riders did not notice any significant difference. Since the CRF is 12cc more minor than the KLX (from 286cc to 298cc), this didn’t come as much of a surprise.
Again, novice riders should benefit from the Honda’s superior low- and mid-range performance and torque, as one of our testers reported. Both bikes were free from bothersome vibrations. Neither motorbike had any issues maintaining a steady 60–65 mph when traveling.
Did you know the Kawasaki and Honda bikes can hold around 2.0-2.1 gallons of fuel? That should be enough to get you going, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider.
Conclusion: Honda CRF300L Vs Kawasaki KLX300!
Rider preferences, needs, and intended use will ultimately determine the winner between Honda CRF300L vs Kawasaki KLX300. Which one will you choose? Test ride both bikes to decide which feels better and suits your’s style before making a decision. The Kawasaki KLX300 and Honda CRF300L are both excellent adventure bikes. Your preferences and needs will determine what bike is best for you.
FAQs
Which bike is more fuel-efficient, the Honda CRF300L vs Kawasaki KLX300?
The Honda CRF300L is more fuel-efficient than the Kawasaki KLX300 due to its smaller engine and lighter weight. The CRF300L has a fuel tank capacity of 7.8 liters, while the KLX300 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 7.7 liters.
Which bike has better off-road capabilities?
The Kawasaki KLX300 has an adjustable rear shock and larger front and rear disc brakes than the Honda CRF300L.
Which bike is more suitable for long highway rides?
Neither bike is designed for long highway rides. However, the Honda CRF300L might be cozier. The Kawasaki KLX300’s minimalist design offers little wind protection.
Which bike is more affordable, the Honda CRF300L or the Kawasaki KLX300?
The two motorcycles are only slightly different in price. The ultimate decision is based on the rider’s needs and preferences.
Which bike is better for beginners, the Honda CRF300L or the Kawasaki KLX300?
Beginners can ride any bike. The Honda CRF300L might be a better option because of its smaller engine, lighter weight, and more comfortable seat.