Chino’s Finest: Honda CRF300L Rally Gets a Yoshimura Power Boost
When it comes to motorcycle performance, few names carry as much weight as Yoshimura. Known for their precision engineering and a racing heritage that spans over half a century, the Chino, California-based powerhouse remains the gold standard for riders looking to “wake up” their machines. Recently, we took a trip to the Yoshimura R&D of the Americas headquarters to give our Honda CRF300L Rally dual-sport the ultimate upgrade: the Yoshimura RS-12 full exhaust system.
A Walk Through Racing History
Walking into Yoshimura’s lobby is like entering a high-speed time capsule. From the legendary 1964 Suzuka endurance race bike—a Honda CB72 that looks as pristine today as it did 60 years ago—to the championship-winning machines of Jett Lawrence and Tim Gajser, the walls are lined with “patina” and performance.
One of the most remarkable relics on display is Pop Yoshimura’s original racing jacket, a piece of history that reportedly ended up on Gary Fisher’s shoulders at a cold Daytona race decades ago and only recently found its way back home. This deep connection to the past informs every weld and carbon fiber weave produced in the back of the shop today.
Waking Up the Honda CRF300L Rally
The Honda CRF300L Rally is a fantastic, versatile machine, but like many modern dual-sports, it’s a bit stifled by restrictive stock exhaust systems. To remedy this, we fitted the Yoshimura RS-12 Full System (Closed Course Only).
The transformation is immediate. Not only does the AT2 system shave significant weight off the bike, but it also provides a much-needed boost in throttle response and a deep, throaty growl that makes the 286cc single-cylinder engine feel—and sound—substantially more potent. Watching the expert technicians at Yoshimura R&D perform the install is a masterclass in craftsmanship; the fit and finish of the header pipes and the sleek RS-12 muffler are second to none.
The Yoshimura Philosophy
As we toured the facility, a note on a whiteboard caught our eye, perfectly summarizing the Yoshimura ethos: “If you want it cheap, you can’t have it good. If you want it fast, it can’t be cheap.”
It’s a blunt reminder that performance is earned through quality materials and rigorous testing. Whether you are chasing a podium in Supercross or just looking to improve your daily commute through the canyons of Southern California, that dedication to excellence is what you’re buying when you see the Yoshimura badge.
Honda CRF300L Rally Technical Specifications
Engine Type: 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 76.0mm x 63.0mm
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body
Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 14T/40T
Front Suspension: 43mm inverted Showa fork; 10.2-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link® single shock with spring-pre-load adjustability; 10.2-inch travel
Front Brake: Single 296mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake: Single 240mm disc
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Curb Weight: 331 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel)
U.S. MSRP: Starting at $6,199
Warranty: One-year, transferable, limited warranty (Optional HondaCare® Protection Plan available)
