2026 Honda CRF300F – First Look

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

CRF250F replacement offers larger engine, sixth gear


We broke the news first in June, but American Honda has now made it official, announcing the CRF300F as its new flagship trail bike, replacing the CRF250F.

“Honda has an unmatched track record of producing fun, approachable, durable trail bikes that make the thrill of off-road adventure in beautiful spaces accessible to riders of all ages and backgrounds,” says Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “With the introduction of the new CRF300F — the most capable CRF-F model to date — those experiences are more attainable than ever, and we’re confident that this trail bike will be even more of a hit than its predecessor.”

The CRF300F is powered by a new 294cc air-cooled, four-valve single-overhead cam Single. It shares the same 63.0 mm stroke as the CRF250F’s engine, but its 77.0 mm bore is 6 mm larger. The CRF300F’s compression ratio is smaller, however, at 9.3:1 compared to the CRF250F’s 9.6:1 ratio The engine uses a Keihin fuel injection system and electric push-button start, both carried over from the CRF250F, but the CRF300F also gains an oil cooler, for better reliability in hot conditions.


Honda has not provided specific performance figures, only claiming the CRF300F offers more power than the 250, with smooth, and predictable delivery. The six-speed transmission is one more than the CRF250F, increasing the CRF300F’s versatility. Honda also upgraded the clutch discs with a more heat-resistant material for improved durability.


The exhaust system is also new, with a larger internal diameter compared to the CRF250F. THe CRF300F is 50-state legal, with a green sticker for California.


The frame remains a tubular steel design, with Honda only changing the engine hanger attached to the cylinder head, claiming improved handling and feel.



The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination is the same as the CRF250F. The fork remains a 41mm telescopic fork with 9.5 inches of travel, but Honda adjusted the settings to be more resistant to bottoming out. The triple clamp is now completely aluminum, compared to the CRF250F which used a forged steel bottom triple clamp. The Pro-Link rear suspension was similarly updated, with a new aluminum link replacing the previous steel piece. The 9.1 inches of rear wheel travel is unchanged from the CRF250F.



Honda also made a small tweak to the braking system, using a smaller diameter hydraulic front brake line. The braking system is otherwise unchanged from the CRF250F, with petal-shaped rotors for both wheels.


Other changes include updated bodywork, a new side stand, and a revised skid plate. At 35.0 inches, the CRF300F’s seat height is slightly taller than the 250’s 34.8 inches. A more noticeable difference is the claimed curb weight of 273 pounds, which is 8 pounds heavier than the CRF250F.


The 2026 Honda CRF300F will arrive in dealerships in October, with a retail price of $4,999, the same MSRP as the CRF250F.



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Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

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2 of 11 comments
  • Greg Greg on Aug 17, 2025

    This trail bike is too heavy!!!! Put a 200cc 2-stroke motor in it!

  • Eric Eric on Aug 18, 2025

    Kawasaki's 300's have been soldiering on strongly for a while.

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