25YM Honda CRF300 Rally

Introduction

A small capacity dual-purpose motorcycle covers many bases: it slips easily through congested city traffic thanks to lightweight and slim proportions matched with superb manoeuvrability, while its suspension, ground reach and seat height deliver a fun and comfortable ride on rough tarmac and trails. In essence it opens up a whole new range of two-wheeled opportunities, whatever the rider’s experience level.

With styling DNA drawn directly from the HRC CRF450 RALLY Dakar racer, the CRF250 RALLY, based on the trail-ready CRF250L, brought something new to the market on its launch for 17YM. It not only looked ready to compete in a desert stage, but also delivered a real taste of adventure to riders looking for a light, easy-to-manage machine. 

In 21YM, alongside the CRF300L*, the CRF300 RALLY made its debut. Lighter, more powerful and even better equipped to explore the CRF300 RALLY was good to go, right out of the box. For 25YM it receives some thoughtful updates that owners will appreciate – whether they’re riding around the world or around the block. 

Model Overview

The CRF300 RALLY’s 286cc single-cylinder engine produces 20.1kW and 26.6Nm. Gear ratios one through five are short, for improved response and acceleration, while sixth is tall for more relaxed high-speed cruising. An assist/slipper clutch manages the rear wheel under hard down changes and offers light load at the lever.

A 25YM update is to thermal management, with a redesigned side over mitigating hot air expelled by the fan. EURO5+ compliance has also been achieved.

Tuned rigidity balance between the steel frame, aluminium swingarm and bottom yoke offers excellent feedback and feel. Steering geometry delivers stability and agility, while long travel front and rear suspension – with revised, firmer 25YM damping rates – ensures supple bump absorption and plenty of ground clearance. The riding position encourages the light steering manoeuvrability needed off-road and, just as usefully, around town.

The race inspired sharp-edged bodywork flanks a large, 12.8L capacity fuel tank and comfortable, broad seat, distinctive asymmetric dual LED headlight (the indicators are also compact LED for 25YM) and positive LCD instrument display. An optional USB socket is now available. 

The 25YM CRF300 RALLY will be available exclusively in the following colour option: 

• Extreme Red with blue and white graphic set  

Key Features
Engine

• DOHC, 286cc single-cylinder engine producing 20.1kW and 26.6Nm

• Improved heat management from the radiator

• Gearbox ratios set for both acceleration and cruising

• Assist/slipper clutch for light lever load

• EURO5+ compliant 

The single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine produces peak power of 20.1kW @ 8,500rpm, with peak torque of 26.6Nm @ 6,500rpm. Bore and stroke is set at 76 x 63mm, with compression ratio of 10.7:1.

To match the engine’s punch and for smart pick-up and acceleration, gear ratios one through five are short, while sixth gear is tall for more relaxed highway cruising. An assist/ slipper clutch reduces lever load and manages rear wheel ‘hop’ on rapid downshifts – great for control, on or off-road.

An iridium spark plug, along with precise metering of fuel from the PGM-FI injection system, enhances combustion efficiency and improves environmental credentials. The engine uses an offset cylinder, reducing internal frictional losses, while the piston itself incorporates a special surface material, plus molybdenum coating. The oil pump features an internal relief structure that prevents aeration of relieved oil. The crank journal employs a half-split, press-fit metal bearing while the crank bearing uses a cast-iron bush. A primary balance shaft further reduces vibration.

The cooling system uses a 12.7kW heat-release radiator, sited on the left of the bike. A redesigned side cover mitigates hot air expelled by from the fan.

The engine is EURO5+ compliant with CO2 emissions (WMTC) of 73g/km.

Chassis

• Handling and agility ready for action on any terrain

• Lightweight frame and swingarm; tuned rigidity balance for both

• Long travel front and rear suspension with revised spring rates

• Ample ground clearance 

Kerb weight of the CRF300 RALLY is just 153kg. The steel semi-double cradle frame’s rigidity balance is tuned to promote handling feel and connection to front/rear traction. The one-piece cast aluminium swingarm is balanced to match.

Extruded aluminium is used for the chain adjustment collar. The bottom yoke is aluminium, saving weight in an area high relative to the centre of gravity for faster steering response. Rake and trail are set at 27.5° and 109mm respectively, with wheelbase at 1455mm, and a ground clearance of 275mm. Turning radius is 2.3m.

The 43mm Showa inverted forks employ a 260mm stroke, with spring weight and damping settings optimised for precise control over a wide range of terrain and speeds. Pro-Link rear suspension also features 260mm axle stroke; the Showa shock absorber is a single tube design. Damping rates at both ends have been revised for 25YM to create a more stable, comfortable platform for riders 

The front brake uses a single 256mm disc gripped by a dual-piston caliper, whilst the rear arrangement utilizes a 220mm disc and mono-piston caliper; in common with the CRF competition machines the rear master cylinder is now a lightweight, integrated design. The discs feature a wave design with exceptional self-cleaning abilities in adverse conditions. 2-channel ABS is standard.

The 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear increase stability on rough terrain and allow the fitment of more off-road specific tyres if required. Block pattern enduro-style tyres (front, 80/100-21 51P and rear 120/80-18 62P) provide traction in a wide range of riding situations and surfaces.

Styling & Equipment

• Light, slim bodywork incorporates large 12.8L fuel tank

• New compact LED indicators

• Broad rubber mounted seat for extended comfort 

• Positive LCD display easy to read; USB-C socket now mounted nearby

The CRF300 RALLY is designed to cover distance and its styling reflects this. Derived from the parts used by the CRF450 RALLY, the ‘floating’ screen, upper/lower fairing and side shrouds effectively shield the rider to offer excellent defence against the elements. Knuckle guards offer further protection, both for the hands and the brake and clutch levers. A skid plate protects the machine’s underside and the gear lever features a folding tip.

The fuel tank holds 12.8L; with 32.2 km/l achievable (WMTC) mode cruising range of 413km is possible. The seat is rubber mounted, for comfort and the footpegs also now feature rubber inserts. Seat height is 885mm, 5mm taller than the CRF300L. It features the same narrower profile up front as its sibling, but with 20mm more width across the seated area for long riding days.

The riding position places machine control and manoeuvrability front and centre with an ‘upright ‘rider triangle’ – wide handlebars are pulled back slightly, with footpegs set low and backward to make gear changes in heavy off-road boots easier. And, unlike the CRF300L, the RALLY features internal handlebar weights to minimise vibration. The side stand too has a broad, folding footplate.

Weighing just 70g the LCD screen features large black digits on a crisp white display, for instant readability with large, 23mm speedo numbers. Information includes gear position indicator, fuel mileage and consumption, average speed, stopwatch and rev-counter. The headlight is a compact, asymmetric dual LED unit and for 25YM, the indicators are now flexibly mounted LED units.

Accessories

Tailor-made Genuine Honda Accessories for the CRF300 RALLY amplify the motorcycles capabilities, add extra-comfort and peace of mind, and include:

• 38L Top Box, with optional backrest and inner bag.

• Rear Carrier Bracket and Mounts

• Wider Rally Steps

• USB-C Charger

• Heated Grips