Honda CRF300L, CRF300LA Owner’s Manual
2021
2021
Owner’s Manual
CRF300L/LA
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehicle
and should remain with the vehicle when it is resold.
This publication includes the latest production information available
before printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make
changes at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written
permission.
The vehicle pictured in this owner’s manual may not match your
actual vehicle.
© 2020 Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of a new
Honda vehicle. Your selection of a Honda
makes you part of a worldwide family of
satisfied customers who appreciate Honda's
reputation for building quality into every
product.
To ensure your safety and riding pleasure:
● Read this owner's manual carefully.
● Follow all recommendations and
procedures contained in this manual.
● Pay close attention to safety messages
contained in this manual and on the
vehicle.
To protect your investment, we urge you to
take responsibility for keeping your vehicle
well serviced and maintained. Also, observe
the break-in guidelines, and always perform
the pre-ride inspection and other periodic
checks in this manual.
When service is required, remember that
your Honda dealer knows your vehicle best.
If you have the required mechanical “knowhow” and tools, you can purchase an official
Honda Service Manual to help you perform
many maintenance and repair tasks. 2 P. 124
Read the warranty information thoroughly so
that you understand the warranty coverage
and that you are aware of your rights and
responsibilities. 2 P. 125
You may also want to visit our website at
www.powersports.honda.com.
Canada
www.honda.ca.
Happy riding!
A Few Words About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very
important. Operating this vehicle safely is an
important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about
safety, we have provided operating
procedures and other information on safety
labels and in this manual. This information
alerts you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to
warn you about all hazards associated with
operating or maintaining a vehicle. You must
use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a
variety of forms, including:
● Safety labels on the vehicle
●
Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert
symbol and one of three signal words:
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
3DANGER
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
3WARNING
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
3CAUTION
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
Other important information is
provided under the following titles:
NOTICE
Information to help you avoid
damage to your vehicle, other
property, or the environment.
Contents
Vehicle Safety P. 2
Operation Guide P. 18
Maintenance P. 52
Troubleshooting P. 94
Information P. 108
Specifications P. 132
Vehicle Safety
This section contains important information for safe riding of your vehicle.
Please read this section carefully.
Safety Guidelines................................................. P. 3
Safety Labels.........................................................P. 7
Safety Precautions............................................... P. 9
Riding Precautions ............................................ P. 11
Accessories & Modifications........................... P. 15
Off-Road Safety ................................................. P. 16
Loading ................................................................ P. 17
Safety Guidelines
Safety Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to enhance your safety:
● Perform all routine and regular inspections
specified in this manual.
● Stop the engine and keep sparks and flame
away before filling the fuel tank.
● Do not run the engine in enclosed or partly
enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide in
exhaust gases is toxic and can kill you.
Always Wear a Helmet
It's a proven fact: helmets and protective
apparel significantly reduce the number and
severity of head and other injuries. So always
wear an approved helmet and protective
apparel. 2 P. 9
Before Riding
Make sure that you are physically fit, mentally
focused and free of alcohol and drugs. Check
that you and your passenger are both wearing
an approved helmet and protective apparel.
Instruct your passenger on holding onto the
seat strap or your waist, leaning with you in
turns, and keeping their feet on the footpegs,
even when the vehicle is stopped.
Take Time to Learn & Practice
Even if you have ridden other vehicles, practice
riding in a safe area to become familiar with
how this vehicle works and handles, and to
become accustomed to the vehicle's size and
weight.
We recommend that all riders take a certified
course approved by the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation (MSF) or a state approved training
course. New riders should start with the basic
course, and even experienced riders will find the
advanced course beneficial.
Continued
Vehicle Safety
3
Safety Guidelines
For information about the MSF training course
Vehicle Safety
nearest you, call the national toll-free number:
(800) 446-9227.
USA
Other riding tips can be found in the You
and Your Motorcycle Riding Tips booklet that
came with your vehicle.
Developing off-road riding skill is a gradual
step-by step process. Start by practicing at low
speeds in a safe area and slowly build your
skills.
Ask your dealer if there are off-road riding
groups in your area where you can learn from
experienced riders. Also be sure to read Tips &
Practice Guide for the Off-Highway Motorcyclist
that came with your new vehicle.
Ride Defensively
Always pay attention to other vehicles around
you, and do not assume that other drivers see
you. Be prepared to stop quickly or perform an
evasive maneuver.
4
Make Yourself Easy to See
Make yourself more visible, especially at night,
by wearing bright reflective clothing, positioning
yourself so other drivers can see you, signaling
before turning or changing lanes, and using
your horn when necessary.
Be Alert for Off-road Hazards
The terrain can be present a variety of
challenges when you ride off-road.
Continually “read” the terrain for unexpected
turns, drop-offs, rocks, ruts and other hazards.
Always keep your speed low enough to allow
time to see and react to hazards.
Ride within Your Limits
Never ride beyond your personal abilities or
faster than conditions warrant. Fatigue and
inattention can impair your ability to use good
judgment and ride safely.
Safety Guidelines
Don't Drink or Use Drugs and Ride
Alcohol or drugs and riding don't mix. Even one
alcoholic drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and your
reaction time gets worse with every additional
drink. The same is true for drug use. Don't drink
or use and ride, and don't let your friends do it
either.
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It's important to keep your vehicle properly
maintained and in safe riding condition.
Having a breakdown can be difficult, especially
if you are stranded off-road far from your base.
Inspect your vehicle before every ride and
perform all recommended maintenance. Never
exceed load limits (2 P. 17), and do not modify
your vehicle or install accessories that would
make your vehicle unsafe (2 P. 15).
If You are Involved in a Crash
Personal safety is your first priority. If you or
anyone else has been injured, take time to
assess the severity of the injuries and whether it
is safe to continue riding. Call for emergency
assistance if needed. Also follow applicable laws
and regulations if another person or vehicle is
involved in the crash.
If you decide to continue riding, first turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, and evaluate
the condition of your vehicle. Inspect for fluid
leaks, check the tightness of critical nuts and
bolts, and check the handlebar, control levers,
brakes, and wheels. Ride slowly and cautiously.
Your vehicle may have suffered damage that is
not immediately apparent. Have your vehicle
thoroughly checked at a qualified service facility
as soon as possible.
Continued
Vehicle Safety
5
Safety Guidelines
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Vehicle Safety
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a
colorless, odorless gas. Breathing carbon
monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and
may lead to death.
If you run the engine in confined or even partly
enclosed area, the air you breathe could
contain a dangerous amount of carbon
monoxide.
Never run your vehicle inside a garage or other
enclosure.
6
3WARNING
Running the engine of your vehicle
while in an enclosed or even partially
enclosed area can cause a rapid buildup of toxic carbon monoxide gas.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas
can quickly cause unconsciousness and
lead to death.
Only run your vehicle's engine when it
is located in a well ventilated area
outdoors.
Safety Labels
Safety Labels
Safety and information labels on your vehicle
provide important safety information and may
warn you of potential hazards that could cause
serious injury. Read these labels carefully and
don't remove them.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read,
contact your dealer for a replacement.
Continued
Vehicle Safety
7
Safety Labels
Vehicle Safety
8
50 STATE (meets California)
Canada
Safety Precautions
● Ride cautiously and keep your hands on the
handlebar and feet on the footpegs.
● Keep passenger's hands onto the seat strap
or your waist, passenger's feet on the
footpegs while riding.
● Always consider the safety of your
passenger, as well as other drivers and
riders.
Protective Apparel
Make sure that you and any passenger are
wearing an approved helmet, eye protection,
and high-visibility protective clothing. Avoid
wearing loose clothes that could get caught on
any part of the vehicle. Ride defensively in
response to weather and road conditions.
Safety Precautions
Helmet
#
Should be safety-standard certified, highvisibility, and correct size for your head
● Must fit comfortably but securely, with the
chin strap fastened.
● Face shield with unobstructed field of vision
or other approved eye protection
USA
Look for a DOT (Department of
Transportation) certification label on any helmet
you buy.
3WARNING
Not wearing a helmet increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a
crash.
Make sure that you and any passenger
always wear an approved helmet and
protective apparel.
Vehicle Safety
Continued
9
Safety Precautions
Gloves
#
Vehicle Safety
Full-finger leather gloves with high abrasion
resistance
Boots or Riding Shoes
#
Sturdy boots with non-slip soles and ankle
protection
Jacket and Pants
#
Protective, highly visible, long-sleeved jacket
and durable long pants for riding (or a
protective suit)
10
Additional Off-road Gear
#
On-road apparel may also be suitable for casual
off-road riding. But if you plan on any serious
off-road riding you will need more serious offroad gear. In addition to your helmet and eye
protection, we recommend off-road motorcycle
boots and gloves, riding pants with knee and
hip pads, a jersey with elbow pads, and a chest/
shoulder protector.
Riding Precautions
Riding Precautions
Break-in Period
During the first 300 miles (500 km) of running,
follow these guidelines to ensure your vehicle's
future reliability and performance.
● Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
● Avoid hard braking and rapid down-shifts.
● Ride conservatively.
Brakes
Observe the following guidelines:
●
Avoid excessively hard braking and
downshifting.
u Sudden braking can reduce the vehicle's
stability.
u Where possible, reduce speed before
turning; otherwise you risk sliding out.
● Exercise caution on low traction surfaces.
u The tires slip more easily on such
surfaces and braking distances are
longer.
● Avoid continuous braking.
u Repeated braking, such as when
descending long, steep slopes can
seriously overheat the brakes, reducing
their effectiveness. Use engine braking
with intermittent use of the brakes to
reduce speed.
● For full braking effectiveness, operate both
the front and rear brakes together.
Continued
Vehicle Safety
11
Riding Precautions
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
#
Vehicle Safety
CRF300LA
This model is equipped with an Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS) designed to help prevent the
brakes from locking up during hard braking.
● ABS does not reduce braking distance. In
certain circumstances, ABS may result in a
longer stopping distance.
● ABS does not function at speeds below 6
mph (10 km/h).
● The brake lever and pedal may recoil slightly
when applying the brakes. This is normal.
● Always use the recommended front/rear
tires and sprockets to ensure correct ABS
operation.
12
Engine Braking
#
Engine braking helps slow your vehicle down
when you release the throttle. For further
slowing action, downshift to a lower gear. Use
engine braking with intermittent use of the
brakes to reduce speed when descending long,
steep slopes.
Wet or Rainy Conditions
#
Road surfaces are slippery when wet, and wet
brakes further reduce braking efficiency.
Exercise extra caution when braking in wet
conditions.
If the brakes get wet, apply the brakes while
riding at low speed to help them dry.
Riding Precautions
Parking
● Park on a firm, level surface.
● If you must park on a slight incline or loose
surface, park so that the vehicle cannot
move or fall over.
● Make sure that high-temperature parts
cannot come into contact with flammable
materials.
● Do not touch the engine, muffler, brakes
and other high-temperature parts until they
cool down.
● To reduce the likelihood of theft, always lock
the handlebar and remove the key when
leaving the vehicle unattended.
Use of an anti-theft device is also
recommended.
Parking with the Side Stand
#
1.
Stop the engine.
2.
Push the side stand down.
3.
Slowly lean the vehicle to the left until its
weight rests on the side stand.
4.
Turn the handlebar fully to the left.
u Turning the handlebar to the right
reduces stability and may cause the
vehicle to fall.
5.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position and remove the key. 2 P. 44
Continued
Vehicle Safety
13
Riding Precautions
Refueling and Fuel Guidelines
Vehicle Safety
Follow these guidelines to protect the engine,
fuel system and catalytic converter:
● Use only unleaded gasoline.
● Use recommended octane number. Using
lower octane gasoline will result in
decreased engine performance.
● Do not use fuels containing a high
concentration of alcohol. 2 P. 123
● Do not use stale or contaminated gasoline
or an oil/gasoline mixture.
● Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
14
Accessories & Modifications
Accessories &
Modifications
We strongly advise that you do not add any
accessories that were not specifically designed
or approved for your vehicle by Honda or make
modifications to your vehicle from its original
design. Doing so can make it unsafe.
Modifying your vehicle may also void your
warranty and make your vehicle illegal to
operate on public roads. Before deciding to
install accessories on your vehicle, be certain
the modification is safe and legal.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.
Do not pull a trailer with, or attach a sidecar to,
your vehicle. Your vehicle was not designed for
these attachments, and their use can seriously
impair your vehicle's handling.
Vehicle Safety
15
Off-Road Safety
Off-Road Safety
Vehicle Safety
Learn to ride in an uncongested off-road area
free of obstacles before venturing onto
unfamiliar terrain.
● Always obey local off-road riding laws and
regulations.
● Obtain permission to ride on private
property. Avoid posted areas and obey “NO
Trespassing” signs.
● Ride with a friend on another vehicle so that
you can assist each other in case of trouble.
● Familiarity with your vehicle is critically
important should a problem occur far from
help.
● Never ride beyond your ability and
experience or faster than conditions warrant.
● If you are not familiar with the terrain, ride
cautiously. Hidden rocks, holes, or ravines
could spell disaster.
16
● A muffler is required in most off-road areas.
Don't modify your exhaust system.
Remember that excessive noise bothers
everyone and creates a bad image for
motorcycling.
Loading
Loading
● Carrying extra weight affects your vehicle's
handling, braking and stability.
Always ride at a safe speed for the load you
are carrying.
● Avoid carrying an excessive load and keep
within specified load limits.
Maximum weight capacity 2 P. 132
● Tie all luggage securely, evenly balanced
and close to the center of the vehicle.
● Do not place objects near the lights or the
muffler.
Also follow these guidelines when you ride offroad on rough terrain:
● Do not carry a passenger.
● Keep cargo small and light weight.
Make sure it cannot easily be caught on
brush or other objects, and that it does not
interfere with your ability to shift position to
maintain balance and stability.
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can
cause a crash and you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading
guidelines in this manual.
Vehicle Safety
17
Parts Location
Operation Guide
Spark arrester
)
(P.77
18
Seat (P.74)
Fuse box A (P.104)
Throttle grip (P.93)
Right side cover (P.76)
Engine oil fill cap (P.79)
Engine oil level inspection
window
(P.79
)
Rear brake fluid reservoir
)
(P.83
Clutch lever (P.90)
Coolant reserve tank (P.81)
Fuel fill cap (P.49)
Front brake fluid reservoir (P.83)
Battery (P.72)
Main fuse (P.105)
Operation Guide
Left shroud
)
(P.75
Helmet holder (P.50)
Fuse box B (P.106)
CRF300LA
Document bag (P.51)
Tool box/Tool kit (P.51)
Left side cover (P.76)
Drive chain (P.87)
Side stand (P.86)
Shift lever (P.48)
19
Instruments
Tachometer
Operation Guide
SEL
button
SET
button
Display Check
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, all the mode and digital
segments will show. If any part of these displays does not come on when it should,
have your dealer check for problems.
20
NOTICE
Do not operate the engine in the tachometer red zone.
Excessive engine speed can adversely affect engine life.
Tachometer red zone
(excessive engine rpm range)
Clock (12-hour display)
To set the clock: (P.30)
Odometer [TOTAL] & Tripmeter
[TRIP A/B] & Stopwatch
Gear position indicator
The gear position is shown in the gear
position indicator.
u “-” appears when the transmission is
not shifted properly.
Speedometer
Average fuel mileage [AVG] , Fuel consumption and
Average speed [AVG]
(P.26
)
Fuel gauge
Remaining fuel when only 1st (E) segment starts flashing:
approximately 0.50 US gal (1.9 L)
If the fuel gauge indicator flashes in a repeat pattern or turns off:
)
(P.98
(P.22
Operation Guide
)
Continued
21
Instruments (Continued)
Odometer [TOTAL] & Tripmeter [TRIP A/B] & Stopwatch
SEL
The
Operation Guide
22
button switches between the odometer, tripmeter A, tripmeter B, and stopwatch.
Odometer Tripmeter A Tripmeter B
Stopwatch
Odometer [TOTAL]
#
Total distance ridden. When “------” is
displayed, go to your dealer for service.
Tripmeter [TRIP A/B]
#
Distance ridden since tripmeter was reset.
When “----.-” is displayed, go to your dealer
for service.
To reset the tripmeter:
(P.24)
Stopwatch
#
Shows elapsed time since the
was pushed to start the measurement.
Display range:
0H00M00.0S - 9H59M59.9S
• Above 9H59M59.9S back to 0H00M00.0S
To use the stopwatch:
SET
(P.25)
button
Operation Guide
Continued
23
Instruments (Continued)
To reset the tripmeter [TRIP A/B],
#
average fuel mileage [AVG], fuel
Operation Guide
consumption and average speed [AVG]
To reset the tripmeter A, average fuel
mileage A, fuel consumption A and average
speed A (these are based on tripmeter A)
together, press and hold the
while tripmeter A is displayed.
Average fuel
mileage A
Tripmeter A
24
Fuel
consumption A
or or
SEL
oror
button
Average
speed A
To reset the tripmeter B, average fuel
mileage B, fuel consumption B and average
speed B (these are based on tripmeter B)
together, press and hold the
while tripmeter B is displayed.
Average fuel
mileage B
Tripmeter B
Fuel
consumption B
or or
SEL
oror
button
Average
speed B
Stopwatch
To Measure the Time
#
1.
Select the stopwatch. (P.22)
2.
To start measurement, press the
button.
u The measurement keeps going, if you
change an item while measuring.
To finish measurement, press the
3.
button.
u The measurement can also be finished
by turning the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
SEL
button
SET
SET
To Restart the Measurement
#
Press the
SET
button again. The stopwatch
restarts measurement.
To Reset the Measured value
#
Press and hold the
SEL
button when the
stopwatch is displayed and also the
measurement is finished.
Operation Guide
SET
button
Stopwatch
Continued
25
Instruments (Continued)
Average fuel mileage [AVG] , Fuel consumption and Average speed [AVG]
SET
The
speed.
Operation Guide
button switches between the average fuel mileage, fuel consumption, and average
26
Average fuel mileage
Fuel consumption
Average speed
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