“Best-selling machine in its class” Honda CRF250F becomes a CRF300F with a long list of updates including 44 more CCs and a six-speed gearbox.

Reliable, value, friendly performance, fun…these are key ingredients when it comes to a trail bike. The trail-oriented Honda CRF-F models spawned from the XR200R first with the CRF230F in 2003 and the CRF250F in 2019. Featuring a new four-valve motor and Keihin electronic fuel injection, the 250F continued the family success streak.

For the 2026, the model is updated once again with the new CRF300F, offering not only increased power and promising improved handling but in reality arrives with a long list of changes.

New for 2026

• New engine, with a 44cc displacement increase
• Six-speed transmission (compared to the CRF250F’s five)
• New oil cooler boosts reliability in hot conditions
• Clutch discs have a new material for better heat resistance
• New larger internal diameter exhaust header and muffler to match the engine’s increased power
• Aluminum rear-suspension link (was steel) for weight savings and improved performance
• New fork settings for improved handling and comfort, and better resistance to bottoming
• New, smaller-diameter and lighter hydraulic front-brake line
• bottom triple clamp (was forged steel) for improved strength and handling
• Revised engine-hanger shape, for improved handling and feel
• Skid plate has a revised shape to protect the oil line
• New radiator shrouds
• Side panel rear mounting points use screw-type fasteners
• New side stand position

Solid updates

It’s a decent list of updates from Honda and, given they have a long habit of not really changing the CRF-F models too much, a bit of a surprise.

The tweaks to things like the side-stand shape and side panels mounting are all gravy for the end user bike owner, as it the new look to the bike which apes the bigger CRF motocross models more.

But it is the strong motor and six-speed gearbox which will make all the difference to average ride. More power means more flexibility but with a sixth cog in the gearbox that is amplified. The new oil cooler design also come as a bonus for what is already an extremely reliable bike.

2026 Honda CRF300F specification

Below are the details direct from the Honda press release, un-edited by us, but if you want more this is what the big H had to say.

Engine & drivetrain

Honda’s largest trail bike is powered by a new air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-valve, overhead-cam, four-stroke engine with convenient push-button electric start. Compared to the engine on the outgoing CRF250F, the CRF300F’s is 44cc larger (294cc compared to 250cc), delivering impressive power and torque while retaining a sooth, linear delivery. The bore is 6mm larger than that of the CRF250F (77.0mm compared to 71.0mm), while stroke is identical at 63.0mm. The compression ratio is 9.3:1 (compared to 9.6:1).

As before, the model features a Keihin electronically controlled fuel-injection system that delivers smooth power and easy start-up, whether the bike has been sitting or is warm from riding. A new six‑speed transmission (compared to five on the CRF250F) provides a gear for every situation—from low‑speed technical riding to dirt‑road cruising—while upgraded clutch discs with a heat‑resistant material improve durability. An oil cooler has also been added for 2026, boosting reliability in hot conditions.

Matching the more powerful engine is a new exhaust header and muffler, with a larger internal diameter; as before, the routing helps to centralize mass, for optimized handling. The exhaust note is quiet, and a spark arrestor is standard. The CRF300F meets EPA and CARB off-road emissions standards and is green-sticker legal in California, meaning that it can be operated year-round in off-road parks across the country.

Chassis & suspension

The CRF300F’s vehicle-packaging approach follows the CRF Performance Line philosophy of mass centralization, and the model has a tough tubular-steel frame that delivers stability and nimble handling. Compared to the CRF250F, the engine hanger has a revised shape, for improved handling and feel.

The wheels are full-size (21-inch and 18-inch front and rear, respectively), and ground clearance is 11.4 inches—plenty for clearing nasty trail obstacles. The wheelbase is 55.8 inches, and the curb weight (including all fluids and a full tank of fuel) is 273 pounds. Rake and trail are 25.7º and 100mm, respectively. The fuel tank holds 1.6 gallons.

The 41mm conventional telescopic fork has 9.5 inches of front-wheel travel. Compared to the CRF250F, the fork has new settings based on customer feedback, resulting in improved handling and comfort, in addition to more resistance to bottoming. The bottom triple clamp is now aluminum instead of forged steel, for improved strength and handling (the top triple clamp was already aluminum).

The Pro-Link single-shock rear-suspension system delivers 9.1 inches of wheel travel, and the link is now aluminum instead of steel, for weight savings and improved performance.

Smooth, reliable stopping power is provided by hydraulic brakes front and rear, with rotor sizes of 240mm rotor and 220mm, respectively; the rotors feature a petal design, for excellent heat dissipation. The hydraulic front-brake line is now smaller in diameter, reducing weight.

Design & bodywork

For 2026, the radiator shrouds have revised shapes for an eye-catching look. In addition, the side panels fit more securely, thanks to an updated rear mounting system (switching from a rubber-grommet type to a screw fastener). Rubber boots protect the fork legs, the plastic skid plate is reshaped to protect the new engine’s oil line, and nylon guards protect the frame where the rider’s boots make contact.

The steel handlebar has a crossbar, the half-waffle grips are comfortable for hands of varying sizes, and the front brake lever is adjustable to accommodate a variety of hand sizes. A handlebar-mounted multifunction switch includes the starter button, ignition indicator, fuel-injection system status and a low-fuel light that illuminates when only .3 gallons remain. The CRF300F comes standard with a side stand for convenient parking between rides or during trailside breaks; for 2026, the angle of the stand has been updated for improved operation.

More information: www.powersports.honda.com www.hondamotorycles.co.uk