2021 Honda CRF300 Rally Guide

2021 Honda CRF300 Rally

2021 Honda CRF300 Rally 2021 Honda CRF300 Rally 2021 Honda CRF300 Rally 2021 Honda CRF300 Rally

2021 Honda CRF300 Rally: ADVENTURE EVERYWHERE.

Introducing the 2021 Honda CRF300 Rally…

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 in 2017. It not only looked ready to compete in a desert stage, but also delivered a real taste of adventure to riders who prefer a light, easy-to-manage machine.

For 2021, alongside the CRF300L, the CRF300 RALLY makes its debut. Lighter, more powerful and even better equipped to explore – around the world or around the block – the CRF300 RALLY is good to go.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION
Made for the adventurous dual-sport rider, the new CRF300 RALLY is a small capacity machine packing serious credentials. With styling drawn directly from the competition-specification HRC CRF450 RALLY, it adds long-range ability and comfort to its off-road performance thanks to a large fuel tank and wind-cheating nose fairing and screen. Now lighter in weight, with more power and torque from its engine, the CRF300 RALLY is the perfect travelling partner – around town, or around the world.

DRIVING FORCE
More power, less weight and improved comfort set for new horizons.
We’ve cut a full 4kg out of the CRF300 RALLY’s chassis, and built an extra 2.7L capacity into the fuel tank, for greater range between fill-ups. To add comfort for those long days in the saddle, the handlebar position is higher. Seat height is 10mm lower and there are now rubber inserts in the footpegs. And the liquid-cooled, 4V DOHC single-cylinder EURO5-spec engine is equipped with an Assist/Slipper Clutch and produces more peak power at 20.1kW, with improved torque of 26.6Nm, for strong all-round response. There’s also extra ground clearance – always welcome off-road – and a Gear Position indicator in the dash.

GOOD TO GO
The open road beckons. Where will it take you?

The CRF300 RALLY is about the freedom delivered by the lightweight chassis, long-travel suspension and responsive engine. But it’s also about independence; the long-range autonomy that a big fuel tank allows, added to the sense of go-anywhere potential stored away in this motorcycle’s comprehensive abilities.

Honda CRF300 Rally good to goHonda CRF300 Rally is about freedom
It is engineered to serve up a real taste of adventure to riders that want an easy to manage machine, whether for the daily commute, weekend tour or global journeys. All of the detail improvements – more power, less weight, larger tank range, improved riding position and extra ground clearance – combine to further perfect a quest-ready package, wherever you’re headed.

 

 

 

2021 Honda CRF300 Rally Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Increased cubic capacity for Honda’s mini-adventurer, plus revised air intake, inlet cam timing and exhaust system that inject more peak power and considerably stronger torque across the rev-range. Shorter gearbox ratios are topped with a taller 6th gear while an assist/slipper clutch maintains allows confident control of the rear wheel. Handling on any terrain is improved with a new swingarm and more laterally flexible frame, increased ground clearance, longer travel suspension and revised riding position. Increased capacity for the fuel tank extends range; the seat is now rubber-mounted and lower, and there are rubber inserts for the footpegs. The handlebars use internal weights, indicators are now flexibly mounted and the finishing touch is an easy-to-read, positive LCD instrument display. Kerb weight is reduced by 4kg to 153kg, making for a 13% improvement in power to weight ratio.

Now 286cc, the CRF300L’s new engine produces 10% more peak power of 20.1kW @ 8,500rpm, and 18% more peak torque at 26.6Nm @ 6,500rpm. Inlet cam timing has been revised, alongside both air intake and exhaust system for much stronger mid-range torque and power. Gear ratios 1-5 are shorter, for improved response, while 6th is taller for more relaxed high-speed cruising. An assist/slipper clutch now manages the rear wheel under hard down changes and offers 20% less load at the lever.

A redesigned steel frame, aluminium swingarm and bottom yoke are major contributors to a 4kg overall weight loss and feature revised rigidity balance for feedback and feel. Steering geometry has been adjusted in detail to match, and the forks have an extra 10mm travel.

Sharp-edged bodywork features a larger, 12.8L capacity fuel tank and comfortable, broad seat, distinctive asymmetric dual LED headlight and new, positive LCD instrument display. The riding position, too, has been altered to encourage the light steering manoeuvrability needed off-road and, just as usefully, around town.

 

THE NEW CRF300L AND CRF300 RALLY – HONDA’S LIGHTWEIGHT DUAL-PURPOSE BIKES RECEIVE MAJOR UPDATES

  • New longer-stroke 286cc engine produces 10% more power and 18% more torque
  • 4kg lighter kerb weight means 13% improvement in power-to-weight ratio
  • New frame, longer travel suspension, higher ground clearance, revised steering geometry and riding position improve all-terrain handling and agility
  • Sharp new LCD display for both models
  • Extra 2.7L fuel capacity for CRF300 RALLY plus elevated long-haul comfort and reduced seat height
  • The CRF250L, launched across Europe in 2012 has quietly and consistently proved the all-round value and appeal of the lightweight, dual-purpose formula. In 2017 it was joined by the CRF250 RALLY, featuring a straight-from-the-Dakar look and a focus on longer range adventures.
  • Model year 2021 sees major upgrades for both motorcycles, underpinned by a new, larger-capacity powerplant, now mounted in a considerably lighter chassis, delivering a significant 13% improvement in power-to-weight ratio.

Now 286cc, the EURO5-compliant, liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine produces peak power of 20.1kW @ 8,500rpm, and, thanks to a longer stroke, fully 18% more maximum torque of 26.6Nm @ 6,500rpm (up from 18.2kW @ 8.500rpm/22.6Nm @ 6,750rpm). Engine ‘breathing’ has been improved thanks to new inlet cam timing, and revised air intake and exhaust systems. Shorter ratios for the first five gears amplify the benefits of the increased torque and power, while 6th is taller for more relaxed high-speed cruising. An assist/slipper clutch now manages the rear wheel and offers 20% less load at the lever.

A redesigned steel semi-double cradle frame, aluminum swingarm and bottom yoke are major contributors to a 4kg overall weight loss and feature revised rigidity balance – with more lateral flex – for increased feedback and feel. Steering geometry has been adjusted in detail to match, alongside longer travel suspension (10mm front/20mm rear for the CRF300L and 10mm front for the CRF300 RALLY) and increased ground clearance.

The CRF300L’s fresh, sharp-edged bodywork features a slimmer 7.8L fuel tank and seat, and new, easy-to-read positive LCD instrument display. The riding position, too, has been improved to encourage light-steering maneuverability – the handlebars are pulled back slightly, the foot pegs lowered and moved rearwards. Seat height grows 5mm to 880mm.

At 885mm the CRF300 RALLY’s broader, rubber-mounted seat is now 10mm lower; the fuel tank grows 2.7L to 12.8L. Its handlebars feature internal weights to minimize vibration and the foot pegs are topped with rubber inserts, while LED indicators are now flexibly mounted for durability.

Altogether, the CRF300L and CRF300 RALLY remain supremely useful, do-it-all, dual-purpose motorcycles as per the original formula. And, with all of their 2021 improvements, they are more ready than ever to tackle any challenge – from around the block to around the world.

 

 

2021 Honda CRF300 Rally Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine

  • Larger capacity 286cc engine puts out an extra 1.9kW and 4Nm
  • Revised gearbox ratios for both acceleration and cruising
  • Assist/slipper clutch with 20% lighter lever load

An extra 14% cubic capacity for the single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine – from 250cc to 286cc – is acquired by a 63mm stroke, as opposed to 55mm. Bore remains unchanged at 76mm, as does compression ratio of 10.7:1. Peak power of 20.1kW arrives @ 8,500rpm, peak torque of 26.6Nm @ 6,500rpm (up from 18.2kW @ 8.500rpm/22.6Nm @ 6,750rpm). The full dyno graph curves tells the full story beyond the peak power and torque uplift: the new engine is considerably stronger, everywhere, from 2,000rpm up.

To match the engine’s heavier punch and again, to smarten pick-up and acceleration, gear ratios 1-5 are shorter while 6th gear is taller, for more relaxed highway cruising. Addition of an assist/slipper clutch reduces lever load by 20% and manages rear wheel ‘hop’ on rapid downshifts – great for control, on or off-road. On the highway, top speed goes from 129km/h to 135km/h.

Revised timing of the intake cam specifically boosts low- to mid-range response – the rpm range most used around town or off-road – and works with a redesigned air filter, exhaust downpipe, muffler and ignition timing. An iridium spark plug, along with precise metering of fuel from the PGM-FI injection system, further 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, protected with a polypropylene grill baffled to improve airflow. A thin guide-ring cooling fan is used to maintain even temperatures at low speeds, either in congested traffic or tricky off-road situations.

The CRF300 RALLY’s engine is fully EURO5 compliant.

 

Chassis

  • Handling and agility improved on any terrain from wide-ranging updates
  • Significant weight saving from a new frame and swingarm
  • Revised rigidity balance for both, for increased feedback and feel
  • Long travel front and rear suspension

A total of 4kg has been saved overall from the CRF300 RALLY’s chassis, with wet weight now of 153kg. The steel semi-double cradle frame is completely new and contributes 2.15kg to the weight loss. Just as importantly, to promote handling feel and connection to front/rear traction, its flexibility balance has been tuned with 25% less lateral rigidity.

This has been achieved with decreased width (-30mm) for the main down tube and smaller, 25.4mm diameter lower down tubes (from 28.6mm) plus a 20mm decrease in width across the central bracing tube.

To match, the one-piece cast aluminium swingarm is not only 550g lighter, it features a 23% reduction in lateral rigidity. It’s also 15mm narrower just behind the pivot point and smooth, cross-sectional shaping is used to create uniform deflection. Extruded aluminium is used for the chain adjustment collar. The steel bottom yoke of the previous design has been changed for aluminium; this shaves 730g from an area high relative to the centre of gravity for faster steering response.

The 43mm Showa inverted fork gains 10mm of stroke to 260mm, with spring weight and damping settings revised for precise control over a wide range of terrain and speeds. Pro-Link rear suspension features a 260mm axle stroke; the Showa shock absorber is a single tube design.

Ground clearance has been increased, from 270mm to 275mm, thanks to revisions to the lower frame, engine crankcases and oil drain plug. Rake and trail are now set at 27.5°/109mm (from 27.6°/113mm) with 10mm longer wheelbase of 1455mm.

The front brake uses a single 296mm disc gripped by a two-piston caliper, the rear a 220mm disc and single-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 – also taken directly from the CRF250R/CRF450R – with exceptional self-cleaning abilities in adverse conditions. 2-channel ABS is standard.

Lightweight aluminium rims further reduce unsprung mass; for 2021 the Alumite surface has been polished to a gloss finish. 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.

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. Application of a machined rear sprocket and M8 bolts (instead of M10) plus hollow rear axle saves 240g and 160g respectively.

 

Styling & equipment

  • Lighter, slimmer bodywork incorporates larger 12.8L fuel tank
  • Broader seat for comfort, now rubber mounted and 10mm lower in height
  • Positive LCD display even easier to read

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. Hand 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.

From the machine’s mid-section back, the refreshed style is MX-sharp; the rear number plate bracket is much smaller, for a 300g saving; further weight has been saved by the aggressive shape of the front mudguard. The fuel tank grows in volume by 2.7L, to 12.8L; with 32.3 km/l achievable (WMTC) mode cruising range of over 410km 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 and 10mm lower than before. It features the same narrower profile up front as its sibling, but with an 20mm width across the seated area for long riding days.

To foster easy, light control the riding position has been subtly altered: the handlebars have been pulled back slightly, while the foot rests have been lowered and also moved back, to make gear changes in heavy off-road boots easier. And the CRF300 RALLY features internal handlebar weights to minimise vibration. The sidestand, too has been redesigned with a 10% larger area for its (now) folding footplate.

A redesigned, 70g lighter LCD display features large black digits on a crisp white display, for instant readability. The speedo numbers are also 6mm larger, at 23mm. Information includes gear position indicator, fuel mileage and consumption, average speed, stopwatch and rev-counter. The headlight is a compact, asymmetric dual LED unit, matched to a bulb taillight. The indicators, too, are LED and now flexibly mounted.

 

Accessories

Tailor-made accessories for the CRF300 RALLY include 38L top box, rear carrier bracket and mounts.

 

 

 

 

2021 Honda CRF300 Rally – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD
Canada MSRP Price: $  CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £  GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

TBA

 

 

2021 Honda CRF300 Rally – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

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2021 Honda CRF300 Rally – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled, single cylinder DOHC
Engine Displacement (cm³) 286cc
No. of Valves per Cylinder 4
Bore ´ Stroke (mm) 76mm x 63mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Max. Power Output 20.1kW/8500rpm
Max. Torque 26.6Nm/6,500rpm
Oil Capacity 1.8L
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity 12.8L
Fuel Consumption 32.3km/L
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Capacity 12V-7AH
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type Wet multiplate, assist/slipper clutch
Transmission Type 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
FRAME
Type Steel semi-double cradle
CHASSIS
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2230 x 920 x 1415mm
Wheelbase 1455mm
Caster Angle 27.5°
Trail 109mm
Seat Height 885mm
Ground Clearance 275mm
Kerb Weight 153kg
Turning radius 2.3m
SUSPENSION
Type Front 43mm telescopic USD fork
Type Rear Prolink
WHEELS
Wheels Front Aluminium spoke
Wheels rear Aluminium spoke
Tyres Front 80/100-21M/C 51P
Tyres Rear 120/80-18M/C 62P
BRAKES
ABS System Type 2 channel ABS
Brakes Front 296 mm x  3.5mm disc with two piston caliper
Brakes Rear 220 mm x  4.5mm disc with single piston caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments LCD
Headlight LED
Taillight Bulb

 

 

 

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