DIRT NEWS
HONDA CRF300 MODELS CONFIRMED FOR NZ
A fter what feels like an eternity waiting [ for News Editor Mat Day-Gillett anyway ... Ed ], Kiwi Honda motorcycle distributor Blue Wing Honda has confirmed the new CRF300 range will be heading to Kiwi shores . Pricing for the new CRF300 range starts at $ 8995 for the CRF300L , while the Rally is set at $ 9995 . The news that the new CRF300L and CRF300 Rally will be heading to New Zealand will be welcome news to fans of small dual-sport motorcycles , with the segment taking a big hit thanks in part to the final stage of the ABS legislation coming into effect this November . As well as the 286cc single-cylinder engine from the CBR300 , the bike gets new lighter frame and bodywork , giving the road-going CRFs a much-needed boost to keep up with the increasingly tech-heavy competition . The engine swap alone ( one which is achievable by current owners IF they can source a 286cc motor ) nets a gain of 10 % more power and 18 % more torque , while the gearbox ratios have also been revised with shorter ratios in gears 1-5 with 6th remaining an overdrive gear for highway riding . The clutch is now an assist / slipper type to prevent the rear wheel locking up while being 20 % lighter at the lever . The steel semi-double-cradle frame is of a new design , and along with an aluminium
swingarm and bottom yoke are major contributors to the CRF300 ’ s 4kg weight loss and feature revised rigidity balance – with more lateral flex – for increased feedback . Steering geometry has been adjusted to match , alongside longer travel suspension ( 10mm front / 20mm rear for the CRF300L and 10mm front for the CRF300 RALLY ) and increased ground clearance . As a result of the new chassis , the seat height of the CRF300L is 5mm taller at 880mm while the Rally seat comes in at 885mm and is also broader and rubber-mounted for added comfort . Its handlebars feature internal weights to minimise vibration and the footpegs are topped with rubber inserts , while LED indicators are now flexibly mounted for durability . The fuel tank also grows to 12.8-litres for an increased range . Both bikes also gain new LCD dashboards as well as new bodywork . With the incoming ABS regulations effectively killing the dual-sport segment at the sub- $ 10,000 end of the market this year – with Kawasaki not bringing in the new KLX300 and Yamaha and Suzuki both discontinuing their contenders – the CRF300L and CRF300 Rally will be hot contenders when they arrive . We ’ ll keep you updated as to when Blue Wing Honda announces pricing and NZ arrival dates .
90 KIWI RIDER