Another major plus is the new six-
speed transmission, which makes the
CRF even more versatile.
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Honda also did a good job match-
ing up the transmission's six-speed
gear ratios
to the motor. There aren't
any big gaps between shifts, and there
seems to be a gear for every situation,
though gear changes are a bit notchy.
The clutch, however, has great feel and
showed no signs of exhaustion when
put to the test, at least on our first day
on the bike. Engagement is seamless,
which beginners will appreciate.
The CRF300F is not particularly
light, not for a small-sized trail bike.
At a claimed 273 pounds, full fuel, it's
eight pounds heavier than the 250.
That might sound like a lot, but, in my
opinion, it's not a game-changer by any
means. You'd be hard-pressed to feel
the difference on the trail. I couldn't,
even riding them back-to-back. You
can thank the improved suspension
and more power for that.
Seat height isn't especially low at
35 inches, which is a tick higher than
the 250. Since there is less shock sag
when you sit on it, the bike feels a
tad tall, especially for a not-quite-full-
size dirt bike. Fortunately, the bike is
