Honda TRX300EX ATV Bike
Important Safety Information
Your ATV can provide many years of service and pleasure if you take responsibility for your own safety and understand the challenges you can meet while riding.
There is much that you can do to protect yourself when you ride. You’ll find many helpful recommendations throughout this manual. The following are a few that we consider most important.
Follow the Age Recommendation
The minimum recommended age for this ATV model is 16. Children under age 16 should never operate this vehicle.
Always Wear a Helmet
It’s a proven fact: helmets significantly reduce the number and severity of head injuries. So always wear an approved motorcycle helmet. We also recommend that you wear eye protection, sturdy boots, gloves, and other protective gear.
Never Carry a Passenger
Your ATV is designed for one person only. There are no handholds, footrests, or a seat for a second person, so never carry a passenger. A passenger could interfere with your ability to move around to maintain your balance and control of the ATV.
Ride Off-Road Only
Your ATV is designed and manufactured for off-road use only. The tires are not made for pavement, and the ATV does not have turn signals and other features required for use on public roads. If you need to cross a paved or public road, get off and walk your ATV across
Take Time to Learn & Practice
Even if you have ridden other ATVs, take time to become familiar with how this ATV works and handles. Practice in a safe area until you build your skills and get accustomed to the ATV’s size and weight.
Because many accidents involve inexperienced or untrained riders, we urge all riders to take a training course approved by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI).
Contact an authorized ATV dealer or call 1-800-887-2887 (USA only) to find out about the training courses nearest you.
Be Alert for Off-Road Hazards
The terrain can present a variety of challenges when you ride off-road. Continually ‘‘read’’ the terrain for unexpected turns, drop-offs, rocks, ruts, and other hazards. Always keep your speed low enough to allow time to see and react to hazards.
Ride within Your Limits
Pushing limits is another major cause of ATV accidents. Never ride beyond your personal abilities or faster than conditions warrant. Remember that alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and inattention can significantly reduce your ability to make good judgments and ride safely.
Don’t Drink and Ride
Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don’t drink and ride, and don’t let your friends drink and ride either.
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It’s important to keep your ATV properly maintained and in safe riding condition. Having a breakdown can be difficult, especially if you are stranded off-road far from your base. To help avoid problems, inspect your ATV before every ride and perform all recommended maintenance.
Your ATV comes with a hang tag and several labels containing important safety information. Anyone who rides the vehicle should read and understand this information before riding.
The labels should be considered permanent parts of the vehicle. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for replacements.
Operation Component Locations
Indicators
Reverse and Neutral Indicators
The reverse indicator (1 ) and the neutral indicator ( 2) are located on the handle cover.
The reverse indicator will light when the transmission is in reverse and the ignition switch is ON.
The neutral indicator will light when the transmission is in neutral and the ignition switch is ON.
If one of these indicators does not come on when it should, have your Honda dealer check for burned-out bulbs or other problems.
CENTER OF HANDLEBAR
- reverse indicator
- neutral indicator
Controls & Features
Fuel Valve
LEFT SIDE
- fuel valve
The manual fuel valve is located 1 on the left side under the fuel tank.
The three-way fuel valve is used to control the flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor.
- ON normal position for riding.
- OFF for parking, storing, or transportation.
- RES for extra fuel to get to a gas supply for refueling.
Reserve Fuel
Remember to check that the fuel valve is in the ON position each time you refuel. If the fuel valve is left in the RES position, you may run out of fuel with no reserve.
Choke Lever
LEFT SIDE
- choke lever
- (A) fully OFF
- (B) halfway position
- (C) fully ON
The choke lever 1 may be used when starting the engine.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is used for starting and stopping the engine. Insert the key and turn it to the right for the ON position.
CENTER OF HANDLEBAR
- ignition switch
Start Button
LEFT HANDLEBAR
- start button
- engine stop switch
The start button is used for starting the engine. Pushing the button starts the engine.
When the start button is pushed, the starter motor will crank the engine. The starter motor will not operate if the engine stop switch is in the OFF position when the start button is pushed.
Engine Stop Switch
The engine stop switch is used to stop the engine in an emergency. To operate, slide the switch to either OFF position. The switch
must be in the RUN position to start the engine, and it should normally remain in the RUN position even when the engine is OFF.
If your ATV is stopped with the ignition switch ON and the engine stop switch OFF, the battery will discharge. Turn the ignition switch OFF to prevent battery discharge.
Headlight Switch
- headlight switch
- headlight dimmer switch
The headlight switch is used to turn the headlight ON or OFF. To operate, turn the switch to ON or OFF.
Headlight Dimmer Switch
The headlight dimmer switch is used to change between the high and low beams of the headlight. To operate, turn the switch to HI for high beam, LO for low beam.
Throttle Lever
RIGHT HANDLEBAR
- throttle lever
- (A) to open the throttle
The throttle controls engine rpm (speed). To increase engine rpm, press the throttle lever with your thumb. To reduce engine rpm, release pressure on the throttle lever. The throttle will automatically return to the closed position (engine idle) when you remove your thumb.
Clutch Lever/Parking Brake Lever
The clutch lever/parking brake lever is used to disengage the clutch whenever you shift gears. To operate, pull the clutch lever/parking brake lever all the way before shifting, then slowly release it after shifting.
Front Brake Lever
The front brake lever is used to slow or stop your ATV. To operate, pull the lever.
Rear Brake Pedal
The rear brake pedal is used to slow or stop your ATV. To operate, depress the pedal.
Are You Ready to Ride?
Before you ride your ATV for the first time, we urge you to:
- Read this owner’s manual and the labels on your ATV carefully.
- Make sure you understand all the safety messages.
- Know how to operate all the controls.
Before each ride, be sure:
- You feel well and are in good physical and mental condition.
- You are wearing an approved motorcycle helmet (with chin strap tightened securely), eye protection, and other protective clothing.
- You don’t have any alcohol or drugs in your system.
Protective Apparel
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you always wear an approved motorcycle helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket whenever you ride.
Although complete protection is not possible, wearing proper gear can reduce the chance of injury when you ride. Following are suggestions to help you choose the proper gear.
Helmets and Eye Protection
Your helmet is your most important piece of riding gear because it offers the best protection against head injuries. A helmet should fit your head comfortably and securely.
Additional Riding Gear
In addition to a helmet and eye protection, we also recommend:
- Sturdy off-road motorcycle boots to help protect your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
- Off-road motorcycle gloves help protect your hands.
- Riding pants with knee and hip pads, a riding jersey with padded elbows, and a chest/shoulder protector.
Rider Training
Developing your riding skills is an ongoing process. Even if you have ridden other ATVs, take time to become familiar with how this ATV works and handles. Practice riding the ATV in a safe area to build your skills. Do not ride in rough terrain until you get accustomed to the ATV’s controls and feel comfortable with its size and weight.
We urge all riders to take a certified course approved by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). For information about the ASI training course nearest you, call the national toll-free number: (800) 887-2887 (USA only).
Other riding tips can be found in the Tips & Practice Guide for the ATV Rider booklet that came with your ATV (USA only).
WARNING
Operating this ATV without proper instruction could increase your risk of an accident, which could lead to serious injury or death.
Beginning and inexperienced operators should complete the certified training course offered by Honda. They should then regularly practice the skills learned in the course and the operating techniques described in the owner’s manual.
Age Recommendation
The minimum recommended age for this ATV model is 16. For safety, never let children under 16 years old operate this vehicle.
WARNING
A child using an ATV that is not recommended for their age could lose vehicle control while riding, resulting in severe injury or death. A child under 16 should never operate an ATV with an engine size greater than 90cc.
No Passengers
This ATV is designed as an operator-only vehicle. The long seat is designed to allow the rider to change body position, not for carrying a passenger. Never let a passenger ride on the seat or on the front or rear cargo racks.
WARNING
Carrying a passenger on this ATV greatly reduces your ability to balance and control this ATV and could cause a crash, and you or your passenger could be injured or killed.
Never carry a passenger on this ATV.
No Alcohol or Drugs
Alcohol, drugs, and ATVs don’t mix. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your ability to operate an ATV safely. Likewise, drugs, even if prescribed by a physician－can be dangerous while operating an ATV. Consult your doctor to be sure it is safe to operate a vehicle after taking medication.
WARNING
Operating this ATV after consuming alcohol or drugs can seriously affect your judgment, cause you to react more slowly, affect your balance and perception, and result in serious injury or death.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this ATV.
Load Limits & Guidelines
Your Honda was designed as a rider-only ATV. It was not designed to carry a passenger or cargo. A passenger or cargo could interfere with your ability to move around to maintain your balance and control of the ATV.
In addition, exceeding the weight limits or carrying an unbalanced load can seriously affect your ATV’s handling, braking and stability. Adding accessories or making modifications that change this ATV’s design and performance can also make it unsafe. Also, the weight of any accessories will reduce the maximum load the ATV can carry.
More specific information on load limits, accessories, and modifications follows.
Loading
How much weight you put on your ATV and how you load it are important to your safety. If you decide to carry cargo, you should be aware of the following information.
WARNING
Overloading, improper loading, or carrying a passenger can cause a crash, and you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.
Load Limits
The following are the load limits for your ATV:
There are limits to how much weight can be carried on your ATV.
The following load limits apply to standard equipment only. Modifying your ATV, using non-standard equipment, or riding on terrain that is not flat and smooth could further reduce these limits.
Maximum weight capacity 270 lbs (120 kg) (includes the weight of the rider, all cargo, and accessories.)
The weight of added accessories will reduce the maximum cargo weight you can carry.
Loading Guidelines
We recommend that you do not carry any cargo on this ATV. However, if you decide to carry cargo, ride at reduced speeds, and follow these common-sense guidelines.
Carrying cargo or pulling a trailer will affect how your ATV handles and greatly reduce its ability to accelerate, brake, and make turns and other maneuvers.
Be sure to observe the weight limits and follow these guidelines:
- Check that the tires are properly inflated.
- Never ride with a passenger. The ATV is not designed to carry a passenger.
- Do not tow another vehicle.
- Never exceed the maximum weight limit.
- Make sure all cargo is secured before riding.
- Allow extra room for starting, stopping, and turning whenever you carry cargo or pull a trailer.
- Avoid riding on steep slopes when carrying cargo or pulling a trailer. Never cross a slope when towing a trailer.
Accessories & Modifications
Modifying your ATV or using non-Honda accessories can make your ATV unsafe.
Before you consider making any modifications or adding an accessory, be sure to read the following information.
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding accessories and modifications.
Accessories
We strongly recommend that you use only genuine Honda accessories that have been specifically designed and tested for your ATV. Because Honda cannot test all other accessories, you must be personally responsible for the proper selection, installation, and use of non-Honda accessories.
Check with your Honda dealer for assistance and always follow these guidelines:
- Make sure the accessory does not obscure any lights, reduce ground clearance, limit suspension travel or steering travel, or interfere with operating any controls.
- Make sure the accessory does not interfere with your ability to shift body position on the seat or operate the hand and foot controls.
- Do not add any electrical equipment that will exceed the vehicle’s electrical system capacity. A blown fuse can cause a loss of lights or engine power.
Modifications
We strongly advise you not to remove any original equipment or modify your ATV in any way that would change its design or operation. Such changes could seriously impair your ATV’s handling, stability, and braking, making it unsafe to ride.
We also advise you not to make any modifications or remove any equipment (such as the USDA qualified spark arrester or emission control system components) that would make your ATV illegal in your area.
Removing or modifying your lights, exhaust system, emission control system, or other equipment can also make your ATV illegal.
Warranty Service
Please remember that recommended maintenance interval servicing is not included in your warranty coverage. Additionally, your warranty does not apply to the normal wear of items (such as brakes, tires, etc.).
If you believe you have a problem with your ATV, call the service department of your Honda dealer. Make an appointment for an inspection and diagnosis. Remember, as the owner of the ATV, you will be asked to authorize that inspection. Your dealer will give you the results of the inspection. If the problem is covered under warranty, your dealer will perform the warranty repairs for you.
If you have questions about warranty coverage or the nature of the repair, it is best to talk to the service manager of your Honda dealer.
Sometimes, despite the best intentions of all concerned, a misunderstanding may occur. If you aren’t satisfied with your dealer’s handling of the situation, we suggest you discuss your problem with the appropriate member of the dealership’s management team. If the problem has already been reviewed with the Service Manager, Parts Manager, Sales Manager, etc., contact the Owner of the dealership or their designated representative.
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