Honda has an all-new entry level dual-sport for 2023 called the XR150L. This bike (details in the press release below) will be available in April at a U.S. MSRP at $2,971.
THE CRF300L models return for 2023 with an added version with a lower, standard seat. This is known as the CRF300LS.
Here is the press release from Honda:
- All-new XR150L offers value-focused dual-sport versatility
- New CRF300L version with shorter seat height introduced
Honda’s already-broad range of small-displacement motorcycles expands for 2023, with a pair of approachable dual-sport bikes. As a pioneer in this category, Honda continues to lead the way in fun and efficient two-wheel transportation for a wide variety of customers.
Headlining today’s announcement is the XR150L, an all-new model for customers seeking an accessible, versatile and value-focused dual-sport motorcycle, ready for everything from urban transportation to weekend adventures on mixed terrain. In addition, Honda introduced a new, low-seat version of the CRF300L—the CRF300LS—making the industry’s most popular dual-sport platform an option for even more riders. Returning dual-sport models included in the announcement are the traditional-seat-height CRF300L and the rally-inspired CRF300L Rally (both available in standard and EBS versions).
Rounding out the announcement is arguably the most approachable street-legal motorcycle, the Navi. In just its second year on the U.S. market, this affordable miniMOTO has garnered a huge following, establishing itself as the industry’s top-selling on-road motorcycle.
“At Honda, we’re committed to producing motorcycles that suit riders of all experience levels and backgrounds, and the dual-sport category is a great example of that,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “The CRF300L is hugely among those looking for an affordable, reliable dual-sport machine, and the new ‘LS’ version makes the platform an option for those who prefer a shorter seat height. Expanding on that theme, the all-new XR150L is a great dual-sport machine for value-focused customers. We’re also happy to bring back the CRF300 Rally entry-level ADV bike, as well as the popular and amazingly affordable Navi miniMOTO. These models make motorcycling more accessible to new and cost-conscious riders while still offering an enjoyable ride experience for long-time enthusiasts.”
XR150L
Far more than any other brand, Honda has proven to be adept at delivering motorcycling experiences to more and more people. That trend extends to the dual-sport category, with the approachable, value-focused XR150L, boasting potential for both short-run transportation and relaxed weekend off-road outings. Whether serving as an affordable additional motorcycle for veteran riders, campground passage for outdoor-enthusiast families, or around-town transportation for those still relatively new to the world of powersports, the XR150L does it all—while touting both the reputation for reliability established by the XR650L, and the industry’s lowest price for a full-size dual-sport motorcycle.
- MSRP: $2,971
- Color: Black; White
- Available: April
- Info
CRF300L
The CRF300L platform has long been the motorcycle industry’s top-selling dual-sport model, and for 2023, it’s an option for even more riders, thanks to a new version with a shorter seat height—the CRF300LS. The LS version is equipped with ABS, while the returning normal-seat-height CRF300L is offered in standard and ABS versions; all deliver unparalleled value and reliability, providing low-cost transportation and making the adventure of dual-sport riding amazingly accessible.
- MSRP
- CRF300L: $5,399
- CRF300L ABS: $5,699
- CRF300LS: $5,699
- Colors
- CRF300L: Red
- CRF300L ABS: Red
- CRF300LS: Swift Gray
- Available: April (CRF300LS May)
- Info
CRF300L Rally
Proving once and for all that big adventure is possible in a small package, the CRF300L Rally is based on the standard CRF300L, but with comfort-focused upgrades including hand guards, increased fuel capacity and a frame-mounted wind screen. A capable commuter and an approachable, affordable entry to the ADV world, the CRF300L Rally evokes images of the Dakar while delivering practicality and value. Available in standard and ABS versions.
- MSRP
- CRF300L Rally: $6,149
- CRF300L Rally ABS: $6,449
- Color: Red
- Available: April
- Info
Navi
In one short year since it hit the U.S. market, the Navi—the latest in a long line of approachable, fun Honda miniMOTO machines—has been a huge hit with U.S. customers, taking over the number-one spot in on-road unit sales. Making the motorcycling experience attainable for even more people, the Navi is somewhat of a mix between Honda’s Ruckus and Grom (each of which is popular enough to have developed its own subculture), offering the styling of a motorcycle and some convenience features of a scooter, including Honda’s V-Matic automatic transmission (just twist the throttle to go). With a super-low MSRP, gas-sipping performance and long maintenance intervals, the Navi is within reach of almost any customer, and it’s more convenient than public transportation or carpooling. Thanks to the Navi, more and more people are able to discover just how enjoyable, convenient and practical motorcycling can be.
- MSRP: $1,807
- Colors: Red; Grasshopper Green; Nut Brown; Ranger Green
- Available: March
- Info
Could this 150 be bored and stroked to, say, 190 cm? Is that worth the effort?
I think Honda should focus on an affordable 400cc version to rival the ancient Suzuki DR-Z400S. You know, a bike with Fi, 6 speeds, 3.5 gal. tank and a reasonable seat height. I’m not suggesting a performance version like the CRF450RL that they already offer, but a true Dualsport that works great on the street as well as the dirt. I believe there is a big market for such a bike but have lost hope long ago that any manufacturer will produce such a bike for around $7k. Am I asking too much?
Why? The 300 will do anything you need and performance for this market doesn’t matter. The 450 will easily beat the DRZ, the 650 is for the guys that want something big.
Grover is right. 150, 250, 300, none can get out of their own way above 55mph. I feel sorry for anyone riding one on a public road with the mom-driven 300 hp minivan riding their tail. 150 is cute for farm use or something. Maybe cheap city use before someone picks it up and walks away with it.
The XR150L has been out in other countries since 2015.
The design of the bike looks like it comes from around 1987 with more modern-looking bodywork, and the engine design reminds me of 1982.
I also read the bike is not manufactured in a Honda factory in the usual way, but is made in Mexico by a partnership of Honda and a Chinese company called Honda Sundiro.
That’s what I was able to find out after Googling it, anyway.
If it were from a Japanese factory it would list for $4,000 or there abouts.
Still, for 2023 it does have an attractive retail price.
Indeed, that motor looks like my high schools friend’s XL125 from 1982. But even then, he couldn’t beat the YZ80 or the RM80 at the dirt hill drag races even when he was running AV gas from his dad’s airplanes..lol
Sounds what I’d expect.
YZ80 and RM80 are tuned for (by comparison) maximum power over a narrow RPM range at the expense of ease of use and engine longevity, not to mention noise output.
XL125 is the opposite: Easy to ride with a broad powerband, long engine life between overhauls, quiet, but not very powerful.
You would have found that avgas provided no benefit to a relatively low compression XL125. The biggest benefit of avgas was its high-octane rating (no benefit to lower compression engines meant to run on Regular grade fuels), and the lead used (which also raised octane) to lubricate valve seats. In fact, its high octane slows the burn rate within the cylinder(s) which is beneficial in HC engines to prevent preignition but may have actually led to some power loss in an engine tuned for auto gas. Just as some think running a premium fuel in an engine that does not require it will increase power. In some cases it can be seen to drop power slightly in some engines. Many variables at play.
Isn’t it odd how far down market you have to go to get a whole tail section and a luggage rack? It’s kind of like getting a headphone jack on a phone. You can buy a Sony if you really want to spend money. Or you have to buy a fairly inexpensive phone to get this extra feature. You are actually trusted to operate your own throttle on this bike too. Given the real intended market for this bike I think the lack of a kicker is a bit of an oversight. But a pretty small woman or boy can probably bump start it fairly easily.
Man I wish I lived on a sane planet.
“The lack of a kicker is a bit of an oversight.” Really, Why? I’ve been ridding for 44 years, raced off-road in FTR (Florida Trail Riders) and with modern bikes today I see no reason for a kicker. It’s not the 70’s any more.
Certainly other reasons why this bike may not be super popular or how well it will do. Once we get one I can test ride it and have a better understanding.
People with an inexpensive small displacement bike might not ever want to buy a new battery for the thing because it’s so easy to just give it a kick. Think farm bike.
I have certainly held off buying a battery for some of my e-start dirt bikes simply because they didn’t have enough power to cold start in the a Minnesota winter to go ice racing. If it would restart the bike once warm why bother? Bump starting a bike on the ice can be done. But it is troublesome.
That and batteries have failed either one of my friends or me on our desert dirt bike trips. My toy hauler camper will support us for four to six days out in the middle of nowhere. Whoever has a bad battery just Kickstarts his bike until we go back to civilization to resupply. No problem.
My riding buddies and I have all been riding for 50 plus years. Most of us enjoy electric start and all. But none of us want to be married to it. Two of my bikes, including one that we call The Geezer Pleaser, don’t have electric start at all. And yet we the thing still earned its name didn’t it? It’s an Eric Gorr 295 kitted YZ250 with an older flyball Rekluse and perfect jetting. It is a super easy kitten to ride, yet it’s very fast. It’s just one of those rare bikes that has all the right parts that all seem to like each other. I’ll keep it forever. But this April when I go dirt biking in Utah I’ll be on the KTM 300XC that I keep with my toy hauler in Minnesota. It’s a 2017. It could easily be the bike that has the weak battery this year. I don’t know. I haven’t been within a thousand miles of it since last September. But it has a kicker. I’m not worried about it. Bump start a bike in the middle of some sand dunes somewhere? Not today pal, no kicker, no deal.
With all due respect, you’re wrong. A kick start is better than a security system against Gen Z thieves.
I would be choosing between the 150L and the Honda Trail(125), though I would probably just stick with an old Yamaha enduro from the 70s.
Just in case anyone else wants to know, another website mentioned the CRF300LS seat height as 32.7 inches.
I think the 150 makes a lot more sense than something like a Grom for even less money.
A carb but no kicker? No thanks.
Really? Amazing what people think of as deal killers.
You could lean this thing on the side-stand and spin the wheel with your hand to bump start it.
Is it just me or are some new Hondas looking more Chinese than the Chinese
If Honda’s are looking more Chinese it means the Chinese products are winning in the marketplace.
By “Chinese” you probably mean pan-Asian. There is a massive small-displacement moto market in Asia that is outside of China.
Yes, nail on the head. Sad but true (for a Honda Fan)
I just got the new issue of AMA. They toured Pakistan where it’s kind of the national bike and cranking one out every 24 minutes
I like small, inexpensive bikes. I’m 67 and I don’t need 100 hp or an 800 lb bike. Would love to see a CB150 for around $3,500.
While not a CB, the excellent PCX150 scooter comes in right about that price. ABS, auto transmission, highway legal, 100+mpg, a trunk. Great little runabout.
A little thumper is better than no thumper at all.