The Honda CRF300L could have been a smaller displacement version of the much-loved CRF450L, what is essentially a CRF450X with a rear subframe, turn signals, brake light, mirrors and a detuned motor better for dual-sport riding. Instead, Honda gave us a “dual-sport” powered by a 286cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, that produces 27 horsepower and tips the scales at over 300lbs.
The motor used in the CRF300L is the same one you’ll find in the Honda Rebel 300, an entry-level, feet-forward cruiser designed to introduce new riders to the world of two wheels. Stuffing a cruiser motor into a dual-sport chassis might seem silly, but Honda likes to utilize its powerplants in as many applications as possible, an example being the CRF1000L Africa Twin and Talon 1000R-4 sharing the same 999cc liquid-cooled, inline-twin four-stroke engine.
All of that to say, the CRF300L and its Big Tank brother, the CRF300L Rally, are overweight, underpowered, and both feature soft suspension and little to no off-road protection or accessories.
Earlier this month, at Motodays 2026 in Rome, Italy, Honda Italy unveiled a new special edition of the CRF300L, the ‘Red Edition.’ Developed in collaboration with off-road specialist RedMoto, this is the CRF300L we had all hoped for, only there’s a catch: it will only be available in Italy…
The Red Edition offers an expanded tire selection, as it can accommodate 90/90-21 tires at the front and up to a 140/80-18 tire at the rear, which allows for a wider range of dual-sport and off-road tires, including enduro and rally tires. A set of Pirelli MT21 RallyCross in 90/90-21 front and 120/80-18 rear are standard equipment for the Red Edition, though.
Although powered by the same 286cc single-cylinder from the CRF300L, RedMoto promises noticeable improvements in power and torque compared to the base model.
The suspension has been upgraded, too, featuring a fork with new cartridges, an improved hydraulic system, DLC-coated stanchions, 20mm pistons with larger oil channels, and adjustable compression, rebound, and spring preload. At the rear, you’ll find an Öhlins 46 HRC shock, with adjustable compression and rebound damping.
RedMoto added an AXP skid plate, reinforced chain guard, and an optional SC-Project titanium exhaust, along with an UpMap control unit with Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also a new, lightweight rear end with a license plate bracket, as well as racing graphics and frame protectors made of Vibram.
Is this the CRF300L that Honda should have made in the first place? Perhaps. But considering the current model was intended for newer riders to get their feet wet in the dual-sport category, a lot like its sister-cousin, the Rebel 300, it wasn’t designed with serious off-road riders in mind. The Red Edition, though, ups the proverbial ante and shows that with a handful of accessories and a diet of titanium, the CRF300L can make for a capable enduro machine, should you choose to buy one.
Unfortunately, this upgraded L model will only be available in Italy, with pricing starting at €7,990 ($9,140) for the CRF300L Red Edition and €8,590 ($9,828) for the CRF300L Red Edition Evo, which adds wider Ergal footpegs, silicone radiator hoses, a variety of red anodized aluminum parts, a Bimetallic sprocket and an aluminum handlebar with padding and racing grips, among other things.
