2022 CRF300L | First Ride & Thoughts

Went for a burn on the new 2022 CRF300L. Come along for a ride as I give you my first thoughts, impressions and how the CRF300L feels compared to my 2016 CRF250L. Single & Twin track Off-Road test.
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Specifications:
2022 Honda CRF300L
SPECIFICATIONS
Model - CRF300L (NON-ABS)
ENGINE
Type
286 cc liquid-cooled, 25º single-cylinder four-stroke
Valve Train
DOHC; four valves
Bore x Stroke
76.0 mm x 63.0 mm
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Induction
PGM-FI fuel injection w/ 38 mm throttle body
Ignition
Full transistorized ignition
Starter
Electric
Transmission
6-speed manual
Clutch
Multiplate wet
Final Drive
14T/40T; #520 O-ring-sealed chain
SUSPENSION
Front
43 mm telescopic inverted fork; 10.2 in. travel
Rear
Pro-Link® system with single shock; 10.2 in. travel
BRAKES
Front
Single two-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 256 mm disc; ABS
Single two-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 256 mm disc
Rear
Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 220 mm disc; ABS
Single one-piston hydraulic caliper w/ 220 mm disc
TIRES
Front
80/100-21
Rear
120/80-18
MEASUREMENTS
Rake (Caster Angle)
27.5º
Trail
109 mm
Length
87.8 in.
Width
32.2 in.
Height
47.3 in.
Ground Clearance
11.2 in.
Seat Height
34.7 in.
Wheelbase
57.2 in.
Fuel Capacity
2.1 gal. (incl. .5 gal. Reserve)
Curb Weight*
311 lbs.
OTHER
Color
Red

[@BranGrizz]

Pretty funny seeing other KZbinrs trolling down a slightly washed out fire road and complaining this bike has terrible suspension and not enough power. Your riding makes them look pretty ridiculous lol

[@rickayres9049]

He he, spot on brother 👌😊

[@2WheelPursuit]

*Me watching this video for nearly the 50th time while I wait not-so-patiently for my own CRF300L* 😂😂😂

[@patoneill555]

😂😂

[@hal511bm]

Thank you for sharing the beautiful experience . You found your home in happy land and furnished it with Honda . They have truly put the planet on wheels .

[@wesleyblaha3537]

Amazingly smooth video for that rough terrain. 👍

[@jeffroW0331]

Picking a 2024 up this Tuesday!! Pumped!!! Great video!

[@MrValenttinno]

man you're the reason i bought one.. jesus christ you're the only one that rides them like this

[@restingbikeface]

Excited to see what challenges you can put this new bike up to!

[@patoneill555]

So stoked!

[@17madracki17]

Found your channel after going into a Honda dealership after 8ish years off bikes. I have a 300l and using some of your ideas. It's real hard to find like minded people with one of these. So thanks for sharing your videos. It's going to be perfect in the area where I live. Which looks close to you also funny enough

[@2shoestoo]

Very good video and I can see your experience as a rider. Appreciate the information and you have another sub now with a 👍🏻 up!

[@patoneill555]

Thanks, appreciate the support! 👊

[@neilcollinson6540]

Excellent review sir, great riding skills, liked and subscribed 👍

[@patoneill555]

Thanks Neil, glad you enjoyed the video. Appreciate the support!!

[@461lane]

I trusted this review way more after watching you ride woods and talk that much.

[@patoneill555]

Appreciate it!

[@HighDesertHills]

Man, those are some gorgeous trails. Great video!

[@patoneill555]

Thanks man!

[@biscuitsalive]

Useful. I own the 300L and had a 250L and you pointed out a couple of things even I hadn’t noticed. :)

[@patoneill555]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mikeoneal6261]

What's your impression of the differences between the 250 and the 300?

[@biscuitsalive]

@@mikeoneal6261 I did about 4 vids on it if you want a look kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnPYXpxpa7R3b6c

[@MotoAventuras125]

You drive so good for first time with CRF300. I wish to get your flow with my CRF300

[@jftuvell]

Great first impressions ride! I got my 300L two weeks ago. Very interested to see your upgrades-and likely copy of few of them! :)

[@patoneill555]

Thanks John! I'll have some mod videos coming soon. 👊✊

[@emilianomoises]

Wow your trail riding looks insane

[@patoneill555]

Thanks! 👊✊

[@mototripperuk]

After watching this I am glad I made the decision to buy it, it's as you say not perfect but great bike, next week is my purchase point, they have one in stock as of Thursday 9th Feb 2023...today, lets hope it's still there on Tuesday...thanks for the review buddy, from Scotland.

[@stevensmith1902]

I’m a little late to the party but thank you very awesome video. So realistic.

[@MRKIZZY17]

Awesome review👍 You are so damn lucky to have so much space to go and play. I live over the pond in the UK and it's high impossible to go anywhere without some one Giving you greif 🙁 Subscribed and 👍 Ride safe sir

[@patoneill555]

Definitely feel very lucky to live where I do. Thanks for the support!

[@tincholimonada]

Incredible bike, really nice

[@jg3685]

Just found and subbed after watching this video, great channel thanks!! 👍👍👍

[@patoneill555]

Super stoked you're enjoying the content!! 🤟

[@charlesfoster141]

Very nice first impressions and a great trail ride! I love the Honda CRF 300L. I just got mine 2 weeks ago. I already have a Kawasaki x300 Versys that I enjoy to the max. In fact my Kawasaki is the best motorcycle I have ever owned which says a lot because I have owned some tremendous machines over my 68 years of living. I am confident that my new Honda CRF300L will give me equal joy compared to my Kawasaki x300. The bikes are different enough to be very versatile yet small enough to be easily handled. I already lowered my Kawasaki 1-1/2" and am in the process of doing the same on my Honda. Lowering makes all the difference in the world for confidence and safety. At least at my height of 5'-10" and inseam of 29". Incidentally, I weigh 269 pounds and both motorcycles carry me with ease, no strain or struggle whatever. I cannot sing enough praise for my pair of delightful motorcycles. Big bike riders have NO clue what they are missing. The fuel economy is another great reason to buy either of these motorcycles!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Just love owning them!!

[@patoneill555]

Awesome Charles! I agree 100%, little bikes are a blast and definitely with gas prices as they are I really appreciate their fuel economy.

[@Guido999]

Thanks for the Video 💔👊🤘🔥🔥🔥🐉from Germany

[@jager1782]

Just found you channel, getting caught up on videos, so far, love the content and also from the same part of Ontario, keep up the amazing CRF - L videos !

[@patoneill555]

Thanks man, appreciate the support!!

[@jager1782]

@@patoneill555 any more 250L videos or did you sell it when you got the 300L? Also when’s the next video coming out !

[@patoneill555]

@@jager1782 No, the 250L is gone. Now that the snow is clearing up, new video's are dropping soon!

[@davidscrf300lsupermotoconv9]

Nice man, I just got my 300L a few days ago. Doing a super moto conversion to mine as it will be used mostly on the road. Look forward to seeing what you going to do to your bike.

[@patoneill555]

Supermoto, that will be awesome!

[@xpersix9222]

This is what I want to do... Can you do a video plz love to see it

[@jovisdedam4648]

Great video i might just get one. I Got a Crf230f

[@gediminas.stankevicius]

Great video, thank you! Subscribed after first few seconds of you riding offroad, good skills. I am expecting to get my CRF300L next week and I'm starting to think about first upgrades. Are you planning to add a skid plate? If yes, which one?

[@patoneill555]

Thanks! Yeah, the Acerbis skid plate is really nice. I'm not a fan of the metal ones, I like the Polly glide plates.

[@caiojulio3100]

very good , thanks ;)

[@Thomohawk21]

Finally! I found a video that truly covers everything I needed to know about the bike... and you didn't even mean for it to be a review! 😄 The amount of trail riding with your views and info on everything... Spot on. Thank you so much! Now i'm definitely getting one of these!

[@shanehiggins4983]

You ride like a good Canadian kid this is what I like to see!! I just bought my CRF300l and I've been looking for THIS review. This is exactly what I needed to see, I feel really good about my purchase now. If you're ever in NS, hmu and we can cruise 🤘

[@patoneill555]

Thanks Shane, really appreciate it! I definitely want to get out east for some riding.

[@shanehiggins4983]

@@patoneill555 if you ever do hmu id love to hit some trails with ya. I have a quick question, what do you rock for a camera setup? I figure you're a good person to ask since you're in Canada!

[@patoneill555]

@@shanehiggins4983 I use a GoPro hero 10 with the Max Lense Mod, and the Media Mod with a mic.

[@patriot1182]

I pick my new 2022 CRF 300L up tomorrow! Great bike!

[@patoneill555]

Nice, you're gonna love it!

[@ginotremblay739]

Have fun guys !Dealer take back my black 250l, and me too‘ll get my 300l next week!

[@patoneill555]

@@ginotremblay739 Awesome 👍

[@PeterVred]

I have a D-606 tire on the rear, and a MT21 on the front. They are way louder than my exhaust! But I like a stealthy off-roader.

[@patoneill555]

Having that quiet exhaust is definitely nice for doing some stealthy rides!!

[@motochavannigans708]

Best tire combo out there! Got a set waiting for my stock 300 Rally tires to die.

[@BruceHoult]

@@motochavannigans708 Yeah, seems good. I read that the internet consensus is MT21 front, D606 rear, but being an independent thinker I decided to try D606 both ends. I didn't hate the D606 front at first, but it was never that great on gravel and as it wore it got very sketchy on tar, understeering a lot in the corners. It was completely shot when I replaced it with an MT21 after 5250 km. I've got 2000 km on the MT21 so far, and liking it. Don't know what longevity will end up like. The D606 rear is now up to 7250 km and still going strong. The centre tread blocks are now down to about what the OEM IRCs started at but it's nearly untouched around the edges for when I get into mud and sand. The tar seal lean angle is now rear-limited, but it's not sketchy until the tyre overheats. I reckon that D606 rear will make it to 9000 km before it's not doing the job. 250 Rally, btw. Here's a vid I made a couple of weeks ago (my first!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIjUZ2Zoj62KgrM

[@DroidLocks6971]

I just bought on 5.30.23 a honda xr150ls and it is just too much fun

[@uni-byte]

Sounds like it's a pretty decent upgrade to the 250. Looking forward to a full review and maybe a side by side comparison. Just like to mention the change in the front axles means it will snag less in ruts too. As you know, a hard snag on the front in a deep rut can put you in dirt sample mode.

[@patoneill555]

Full review coming soon!

[@BoogerEaterBare]

Comment to help your algorithm. Much cool. So wow.

[@pitchwife7573]

for my first bike i couldn't choose between a DRZ400S and a CRF300L, i watched every video available on both bikes and the more research i did the clearer it became that the bike i was actually looking for was something between the two, or a bike with some attributes of one and some of the other in the end i bought a 5th hand DRZ400S from 2005 and couldn't be happier. i don't know what a CRF300L would feel like to ride, and i'd love to try one, but in the end i went with the DRZ because of the extra power, deciding a bike to grow into rather than out of was a safer bet!

[@christophroither8206]

Hi Pat! I really enjoy your video content.. i am thinking about to buy a crf 300 l. But i am a bit afraid because it seems that the frame are not that good? What do you think about the frame?... all the best, Christoph

[@AdventureAthleteIndia]

Great review and other content. Love from Indian Himalayas. Subscribed 🙌. Just really didn't liked the cable in front, it ruins the looks.

[@jetpylot7523]

Picking up a 2021 Rally soon ! Where were you riding ?

[@brianeverest3876]

I appreciate your thoughts and getting a technician’s perspective. I have watched many videos on the 300L and I own a 300 Rally and you brought up some changes I wasn’t aware of. Did you notice the infamous 5k rattle, and any thoughts on what the sound might be? Mine does it, but it sounds like the consensus is that it is normal for this engine and not something to be concerned about.

[@patoneill555]

Thanks Brian, glad you enjoyed the video! I have not noticed this rattle, however the bike is still new and does not have much time on it. I'm sure that it is not something to worry about, if it was something serious I have no doubt Honda would have issued a recall. Honda has built a reputation on reliability and with the 300L being some riders first experience on Honda it wouldn't be worth losing their trust so soon.

[@greg2605]

Hi Brian, I have a new (~1 month old) 2022 300L and the rattle around 4.5-5k is really apparent, at least to me. Seems to happen in all gears. Just assuming it's "normal"....

[@Matt-zn4zp]

Have a 21’ 300L, I don’t notice a 5k rattle but I also am running Trakmaster 2 rear and Shinko mx216 front. They hum and I don’t notice it. Loving the bike so far. Great bike for dual sport exploring. Thanks for ripping on this bike….it seems like most KZbinrs ride really slow. This bike can go if you want I too.

[@mcivern4torothermcbarry216]

Hello guys, the infamous 5 k noise/rattle is most likely the secondary air system. The reed/read valve is metal plate and it resonates at the particular engine rev. Some delete the system, other’s lives with it 👍🏽 (English is not my primary language sorry) And great video hope 2 see more. Cheers

[@motochavannigans708]

Am I tripping or does the 5k rally not really happen between 5.5-6k rpm? I am looking forward to doing an emissions delete to get rid of it.

[@1698jv1]

My uber eats pcx 2019 got those mirrors 😅💯 Awesome bike the crf 👍

[@fixbuildplay5249]

Wow…you gave those stock tires the business!

[@SuperPN1]

Voice like butter

[@uni-byte]

Easy to listen to. He could get a job in FM radio.

[@wilson5377]

This i a tutorial on how to ride proper!👍😎🤙✌🍻

[@Lavo68]

Nice and nimble off road riding with those stock tires. I dropped mine and busted a side mirror first week 😆

[@patoneill555]

Thanks Jeff! That's too bad, the first cut is the deepest right, lol.

[@Lavo68]

@@patoneill555 I replaced them with double take adventure mirrors. They take a beating!🙃

[@mozziezapper]

good youtuber

[@felixreed5381]

Nice review. I have the 300l rally. What microphone are you using?

[@patoneill555]

It's a gaming headphone mic that plugs right into the GoPro Media Mod.

[@felixreed5381]

@@patoneill555 Do you have the name of the mic by any chance?

[@patoneill555]

Its a TNE Replacement boom mic. They go for around $9 USD on Amazon.

[@dylangraham5509]

A new bike!? Get rid of the 250L, or keeping it for the side? Excited to see some single track action on the new 300 😎

[@patoneill555]

We will see, I like the idea of having two bikes!!

[@orionswitness]

Great channel …proper riding review…you sound tall ? The tall seat height could be an issue for 5ft 8 ( 173cm ) riders? Also the suspension is infamous for being too soft for heavier riders than 60Kg in weight …how did you see it ? Deciding between a 300 L rally or a KLR 650. You didn’t go to 100 km per hour on your tar review …will it cruise at 100km per hour? Have subscribed .

[@patoneill555]

Appreciate the support!! I'm average height about 5' 10" and I do not find this seat very tall. That being said I am used to MX/Off-Road race bikes that usually sit at about 37". The suspension is soft, however I find if you ride the terrain you can get by quite well with it. I have since upgraded to the K-Tech valve kit & rear shock swap and it is much improved. This bike will easily do 100km/h not to worry. Deciding between the KLR and the 300L Rally... What kind of riding are you going to be doing?

[@NewFurCat]

Stock tires suck balls. Ask my ribs and right knee. They are not fans of stock tires.!

[@mikeborrelli193]

I owned a 1998 XR400R for about a decade and was wondering how the CRF250L compares to it on single track trails.

[@TheWinger1008]

Trying to be as patient as I can waiting for the dealer to call saying my 300L is in. Been months now :-(

[@hegemonictrader45]

Called the dealer Monday this week to get on wait list. Was looking for a bigger bike for my oldest son who’ll be 13 soon. He is on the CRF125F now so with the 300L he won’t outgrow that. Maybe eventually power wise but not that soon. He’s a chicken sh*t yet on the 125F 😂

[@trashpandatrailadv]

Hrmm....Debating if I should subscribe or not... I find your lack of Kawasaki material disturbing, but your videos are very well done. 😉

[@patoneill555]

Haha, I do have a video on my old '78 KE you might enjoy! Thanks for the Sub. 👊✊

[@JohnnyBoy919]

Other than the crf250l do you have other dualsports to compare the crf300l to? Thought you said you may have ridden the crf450rl. I have a wr250r and I'm considering the 300. Does the crf300l have enough power to lift the front wheel in first gear without the clutch?

[@patoneill555]

Yes, I have owned the CRF450RL, KTM 350 EXC and at one time I had a street legal Husqvarna WR125. I didn't really feel comparing the 300 to those bikes was appropriate as I don't believe they are in the same category. Also, as this was a first impressions I thought talking more of how it was updated form the 250L was best. As for if it has the grunt to loft the front wheel without clutch; If you had it in the meat of the power with a good set of off-road tires (if you're in the dirt) Yes, she will get it up with a decent tug. *No pun intended.

[@marcochavane3124]

I had two WR250Rs and and yes, even with my 250lb self on the bike it can lift a front tire if you punch it in first, especially if you preload it. The torque on the Honda is nice compared to the high rev power band on the WRR. The suspension will need to be addressed if you weigh over 170lbs. I imagine it will be a blast in the woods once you put a 550 ecu tune, pipe of your flavor, and new springs/valving on the CRF.

[@JohnnyBoy919]

@@marcochavane3124 thanks for your input! I'm probably about 145 with gear ready to ride, so the suspension may be ok but I do like to ride aggressively. I like the lower seat height and torque of the crf over the wr, I'm only 5'7". I have heard good things with the 550 ecu, although I would probably do the stock improved map. It's nice that the crf can run regular gas where the wr requires 91 minimum. I like how quiet the oem exhaust is and where i live if i put on an aftermarket exhaust it won't pass inspection.

[@stefanhansen5882]

Awesome! Is there a way to "remove" the cable sitting over the instrument panel?

[@Thatbeardedguy86]

No. That’s your front brake line and it needs to have clear space above for suspension travel. You can get an aftermarket line that will let you move it up slightly and out of the way.

[@breakM]

I like how you think it might even be good enough for trails now compared to 45T 250L. A lot of people think its basically the same and still go a lot in gearing change, but physics say the torque from engine and gearbox increase pretty much matches about 44T on 250L and you noticed that. I have 250L from new, tires are ok except in the wet offroad, I noticed a lot of imprivement for that with MT21. Also suspension, 250L like you say slow rebound, I noticed on 300L demo vids its quicker, hope not too quick. Maybe you can touch on suspension sag in the review, I'd like to see how close to 30-35% can you get with max at back compared to 250L stock.

[@patoneill555]

Yeah, that new gear ratio is much improved. I'm interested to see how it feels once I get some better tires on.

[@michaelrossi3275]

Im curous your opinion on which bike I should buy. Im an experienced rider but this will be my first real dual sport and have narrowed it down to either waiting for a 300l and paying new prices or I have found a nice 250l for around 4k. Kinda of leaning toward saving money with the 250l but curious if you think the improvements would be worth the wait and increase in price.

[@patoneill555]

Snag that 250L if she's still available!

[@michaelrossi3275]

@@patoneill555 Thanks for the advice, a 300l with 500 miles for 5k just popped up a little ways for me so I think I might snag that, might be too good to pass up..

[@patoneill555]

@@michaelrossi3275 Rad!! 🤟

[@timmychen6]

The stock tires are like 80% on road 20% off-road. To be precise

[@Icutmetal]

Thank goodness you were precise.

[@jeffferguson899]

my 2019 250l has a female end front axle

[@TheZakkmylde]

Why did you sell the 450 curious because I’m looking to buy a new bike I was looking at the 300L even though the 450 would be much more fun there’s more maintenance involved

[@patoneill555]

I found it was too much in the single track. Although they come detuned from the factory they still produce quite a bit of torque. If I rode out west on more open trails I would probably still have it.

[@Mark_conor]

What gearing can I use to make the first couple of gears longer? Especially first

[@patoneill555]

As long as you drop the tooth count on the rear you will gain some on top. Try going two teeth down and see how that works.

[@Mark_conor]

@@patoneill555 ok thanks

[@carlosloomis9308]

Just curious, were you “cruising” at about 80 MPH or Kilometers per hour? Seemed pretty slow for MPH. Trying to decide between this bike and the KLX.

[@patoneill555]

80km

[@carlosloomis9308]

@@patoneill555 cool man. Thanks for the reply.

[@oomsa]

Wonder how many of these you sold just sending it in the bush

[@CarlosRodriguez-kb9jc]

Not everyone is looking to spend time in the woods. I’m looking at one of this bikes for city commuting. I would love to take it in the woods, but that would require a long drive to find a suitable place to ride.

[@patoneill555]

Hey Carlos, I hear you. I will admit my channel is definitely biased to the off-road side of dual sporting as that is where my background lies. I did however take a moment in the beginning and end of the video to speak abut the 300l's great manners around town. In fact that's a huge reason I have a 300L and sold my 450RL is for its great handling and manners on the pavement. If you're looking for a great around town bike with the handling and comfort of a Dirt Bike this is an excellent option, better than its Kawasaki counterpart I would say.

[@DaBinChe]

dang you hauling ass even with stock tires and suspension

[@tg8150]

Is there a reason for the jump rope front brake cable? It looks ridiculous.

[@patoneill555]

I have no idea, lol

[@vernonharris1495]

I think it’s a brake hose. Honda could do better

[@Thatbeardedguy86]

To give it clearance for the suspension travel. Pretty normal but they generally go over the front fender. Can’t do that here because the headlight.

[@fcalin21]

Do you feel the hands numb after the ride because of the vibrations ?

[@patoneill555]

Definitely not, this bike is exceptionally smooth for a single.

[@fcalin21]

Thank you .

[@bunc11]

speed is in mph or kph?

[@patoneill555]

Kph

[@hickokaviation2249]

Did you sell your 250l?

[@patoneill555]

Yes I did.

[@AdrianPinosLuzuriaga]

Abs or non abs is there a significant difference?

[@patoneill555]

In what way... Weight, Price, Performance?

[@AdrianPinosLuzuriaga]

@@patoneill555 in performance, I’ve been riding years with no abs my last bike a klr . Want to get this beauty but trying to decide bt both options.

[@patoneill555]

@@AdrianPinosLuzuriaga I'm not much of an ABS guy. I see its purpose on the road where traction is usually in abundance, but if you ride like me, fairly conservative on the street, and looking for dirt, I probably wouldn't bother.

[@patw9175]

The new bike looks amazing. Seems like Honda made a way bigger update to the CRF than Kawi did to the KLX. Also, not even a vanity skid plate included?