Last December, we broke the news that Honda is upgrading its CRF 250L and Rally models to 300cc. After almost 3 months of waiting, Filipino fans of both models might finally be able to grab these models. They are expected to be in PH showrooms as early as March 8, 2021.
One of our friends tipped MotoPinas.com that reservations for both models have already started, and Honda’s manufacturing and assembly facility in Batangas could be delivering these units to Honda dealers this month.
The SRP for the CRF 300L could be Ph₱259,900, while the CRF 300 Rally will retail at Ph₱300,000.
The new CRF 300L and 300 Rally get a larger engine bore. Honda says they’ve increased the CRF’s engine to 286cc. The new engine produces 10% more peak power at 27 Ps at 8,500 rpm and has 18% more peak torque at 26.6 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
Inlet cam timing has also been revised, alongside both the air intake and exhaust system for much stronger mid-range torque and power. The ratios of gears 1-5 were shortened, for improved response. 6th gear is taller for more relaxed high-speed cruising.
The new 300 series is also equipped with an assist/slipper clutch that manages the rear wheel during hard downshifting and offers 20% less load at the lever.
Both the CRF 300L and 300 Rally’s frame, aluminum swingarm, and bottom yoke have also been improved. This makes the 300 series 4 kilograms lighter than the previous 250 series.
For the CRF 300 Rally, it now has a larger 12.8-liter fuel tank which Honda claims could be good for as far as 410 kilometers of travel in one top-up. The CRF 300L, on the other hand, gets a larger 7.8-liter fuel tank, which is 300 ml bigger than the outgoing 250L.
