Honda CRF300L

The CRF300L replaced the CRF250L in 2021 with a bigger 286cc engine, more torque, a lighter frame and a slipper clutch. It is LAMS approved, it does 100 km an hour on the highway without complaint, and it will go anywhere a real dirt bike goes at a pace that suits a learner or a weekend explorer. The Rally version adds a fairing, a bigger tank and a screen.

It suits a new rider, a commuter who wants weekend trails, or an adventure rider who wants something light enough to pick up. It is not a competition enduro bike: it is heavier and softer than a WR250F or a 250 EXC F, but it costs a fraction to own and it starts every morning for a decade.

The CRF300L is serviced by kilometres, not hours, and Honda's schedule is long. Most owners who ride dirt change the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 km rather than waiting for the book figure, because dust and heat are hard on a small road oriented engine. It takes about 1.8 litres with a filter and a 10W 30 or 10W 40 motorcycle oil.

Clean the air filter after every dusty ride. Chain and sprockets wear faster on gravel than the manual expects. The valves are shim under bucket and rarely need adjustment, but check them at the first major service and every 20,000 km after that.

This is a bike people buy, learn on and sell within two years, so there are plenty of low kilometre examples around. Check for drop damage on the levers, the bar ends and the radiator shroud, and check the chain and sprockets. A CRF300L with a rusty chain and a dirty air filter has been ridden and neglected; one with a clean airbox has been looked after. Make sure the rego is current and it has a roadworthy.

Recent sold prices for each year are on the Marketplace page linked below.