2021 Honda CRF 300L vs 2023 KTM 300 SX

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2021 Honda CRF 300L

Cross / motocross

Engine

Single cylinder, four-stroke

Power

27 hp / 20.1 kW @ 8500rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

313.1 pounds

2023 KTM 300 SX

Cross / motocross

Engine

Single cylinder, two-stroke

Power

N/A

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

N/A

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Comments	Model ID: CRF300R	-
Year	2021	-
Colours	Red/blue/white	Orange/white/grey
Make Model	Honda CRF 300L	-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)	285 mm	354 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	11.2 inches	13.9 inches
Seat Height	880 mm / 34.6 in	958 mm / 37.7 in.
Wheelbase	1455 mm / 57.2 in	1482 mm / 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance	285 mm / 11.2 in	-
Height	1200 mm / 47.2 in	-
Length	2230 mm / 87.7 in	-
Width	820 mm / 32.2 in	-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)	1.9 US quarts	-
Oil Capacity (l)	1.80 litres	-
Dry Weight	-	99.4 kg / 219.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity	7.8 Litres / 2 US gal	7.20 litres / 1.90 US gallons
Wet Weight	142 kg / 313 lbs	-
Performance
Max Power	27 hp / 20.1 kW @ 8500rpm	-
Max Torque	26.6 Nm / 19.6 lb-ft @ 6500rpm	-
Engine
Engine Type	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke
Fuel Control	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	-
Bore x Stroke (in,)	-	2.8 x 2.8 inches
Stroke	-	2-stroke
Displacement (ci)	-	17.89 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)	-	293.2 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)	-	72.0 x 72.0 mm
CO2	71.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	64.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement	286 cc / 17.4 cu-in	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves	-
Fuel System	Injection. Programmed Fuel-Injection system (PGM-FI); 44mm throttle bore	Injection
Bore x Stroke	76 x 63 mm	-
Compression Ratio	10.7:1	-
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	-
Emissions	EURO5	-
Fuel Consumption	3.10 litres/100 km (32.3 km/l or 75.88 mpg)	2.79 litres/100 km (35.8 km/l or 84.31 mpg)
Fuel Induction	PGM-FI electronic fuel injection	-
Ignition	Full transistor digital	Vitesco Technologies EMS
Lubrication	Wet sump	-
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	4	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet multiplate, assist/slipper clutch	Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Final Drive	#520 chain	Chain   (final drive)
Gearbox	6-speed	5-speed
Primary Drive	-	X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4´ chain
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed	-
Chassis
Frame Type	Steel semi-double cradle	Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Suspension - Front	43mm Telescopic USD forks	WP XACT-USD, Ø 48 mm
Suspension - Rear	Pro-Link single shock with spring	WP XACT Monoshock with linkage
Rake	27.5°	26.5°
Trail	109 mm / 4.3 in	-
Wheel Travel - Front	305 mm / 12.0 in.	300 mm / 11.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear	315 mm / 12.4 in.	310 mm / 12.2 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation	LCD	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper	Single disc. Brembo 2-piston floating caliper
Brakes - Rear	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper	Single disc. Brembo single-piston floating calliper, brake disc
ABS	2 channel ABS	-
Rims	Aluminium spoked	-
Tyres - Front	80/100-21M/C 51P	1.60-21
Tyres - Rear	120/80-18M/C 62P	-
Wheels	Aluminium spoke	-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 Honda CRF 300L

The 2021 Honda CRF 300L edges out the 2023 KTM 300 SX thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 Honda CRF 300L - Advantages

Lower seat height: 880 mm vs 958 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2023 KTM 300 SX - Advantages

More ground clearance: 354 mm vs 285 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2021 Honda CRF 300L vs 2023 KTM 300 SX - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Honda CRF 300L and 2023 KTM 300 SX?

The 2021 Honda CRF 300L uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2023 KTM 300 SX is powered by Single cylinder, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2021 Honda CRF 300L is a four-stroke engine while the 2023 KTM 300 SX runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 Honda CRF 300L or the 2023 KTM 300 SX?

The 2021 Honda CRF 300L has the lower seat at 880 mm, making it more accessible. The 2023 KTM 300 SX sits higher at 958 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Does the 2021 Honda CRF 300L or 2023 KTM 300 SX have ABS?

The 2021 Honda CRF 300L is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 KTM 300 SX does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2021 Honda CRF 300L or the 2023 KTM 300 SX?

Both are strong choices. The 2021 Honda CRF 300L has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2023 KTM 300 SX stands out for greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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