I think a 300cc is the kind of bike you would keep forever and not worry about upgrading, it honestly has all the power you need. Another advantage is that it keeps you relatively safer by not reaching crazy speeds while having as much fun or more.
I would like to correct, that prize goes to the 500. It's got just about too much power to fully utilize on the road. Sounds better, is more stable and smoother. Been riding my cb500f for 4 years going to 5 now and have a really hard time chosing what I want to "upgrade" to. The new 750 hornet has got the sound I want, but I want a sportsbike for a change. But stuff like the R7, cbr650r, etc have double the hp of the 500 and I don't need that... Really hope Honda gives the 500 a 270° crank, I'd swap mine over for a new one instantly and call it a day. A bike for life.
@@Daniel-dj7fh The R7 doesn't have twice the power of your bike, it's basically a MT07 in fancy clothes with the same 72hp engine. The new Hornet does have twice the power of your bike so I wouldn't consider it if you want low hp.
@@Daniel-dj7fh nah the 500f feels lazy to turn compared to the 250R/300R. You really feel the 100lb difference in weight. The nimbleness & flickablility of it is amazing in the twisties. The only upside to the 500 is the lack of engine vibration so if you're planning to do a lot of miles then its the more comfortable option.
@@nazhif1 yeah I know what you mean have the same feeling when I jump on our 125cc. But imo with the 3.5x power the weight doesn't do the bike bad. You can still lean the bike over without any issues.
@@ajb1149 The R7 maybe not, that's more like 1.5x, but the cbr 650 with it's 95 does, pipapo at least. I know that the R7 has the mt07 motor, but it's a good motor, why complain. Plus the sharper geometry and "better" (as what people say) brakes and suspension do make it a nicer bike.
I’m in my 4th year on one of these now. Came down from CB1000f and have enjoyed this more, and despite the drop in power it still has more than enough for everyday use. I’m keeping for the foreseeable future.
I rode one of these last week. Its a 2022 trade-in with 1400 Miles on it. I thought its Brakes were very good, and I felt NO hesitation when using them. I've had my License for 50 Years, and have ridden MANY brands and sizes of Motorcycles. Now, semi-retired at age 68, all I want is a little commuter Bike that I can still "Play" with on days off. I think this little 300 would be perfect for someone like me.
I've been riding mine for over a year now, and have put 8700 miles on it in that time. Done everything from commuting to work, light off-roading, a 1200 mile highway journey, wheelies, and of late I've been pushing further and further in the corners. I gotta say you're one of the first people I've seen realize just how much the low weight of this bike matters, and why despite the bike having unimpressive power figures when compared to the mt-03 z400, it doesnt hang behind those bikes. The damn thing is a hummingbird in traffic, able to dart and weave and respond to traffic unlike anything short of an actual bicycle. Absolutely adore my cb300r, and plan to keep it going for as long as I can.
@@the.communist Just had a look side by side at dyno charts of the cb300r and the mt-03, and I see what you mean. The cb is more or less hitting right near peak torque at 7k while the mt-03 doesnt get there until almost 9k, and has a much sharper drop off in torque before hand. In other words, single cylinder cb's got the low and mid range thump.
Thank you for your comment. I'm deciding between a CB300, MT-03 or even a Pulsar. My budget isn't big but I'd like to buy used, since it'd be my first bike 😁💪🏼...
I live in an Indian city and this is the best to flick around town with its overwhelming traffic ... Its expensive than the other 300 ish cc bikes but this is the best purchase I've ever made... I bought a red one and it's very pretty ❤️.. If you are a medium build like me it'll look good on you too...
An underrated bike by those who seek bigger bhp when it isn’t needed. I have my BMW R1200GS and this little bike. The Honda commutes perfectly fine on A and B roads and will easily handle dual carriageways and motorways if needed. I chose this over the CB500F as I wanted a little bike to squeeze into the garage. I also didn’t want a Duke 390 or Husky 401 as I have owned both and still prefer the smoother Honda. The Z400 and MT03 are too expensive for what they are. You can get 75-80mpg out of the little Honda so 150 miles from a tank is more than acceptable. It’s about the same range as my 20 litre tank on m6 GS. If you are a smaller/shorter rider you’ll love this bike. An ideal 2nd bike or something to just potter about on. As said in the video, it’s a Honda so it won’t go wrong. Having a great dealer network is as important as the bike itself for me. I have the all black version. Proper stealthy and fun. No regrets whatsoever.
Exactly, this is my first bike and it is exactly what I always wanted. I also chose the all black. Looks less obvious, more like a generic motorcycle which I really like. And it doesn´t matter when it is a bit dirty.
I am a UK expat and live in Thailand and bought this Honda CB300R (2022) in candy red three months ago. Honda CB300R is considered a Big Bike in Thailand and is well adequate commuting and for weekend trips away. It is great in the city traffic because narrow handlebars, short wheel base and tight turning circle so filtering through stationary traffic in Bangkok is easy.
@@PaulBengtsson You will not be disappointed by the Honda CB300R. The KTM might be more powerful etc. but for build quality, spare parts and Honda repair shops the Honda CB300R is the best choice in Thailand.
@@PaulBengtsson Hi man, i'm also based in Thailand and looking to buy a new bike at the moment. I'm also in the same boat as you right now, i'm going back and forth between the CB300r and the CB500F. Part of me is also thinking it would be nice to have soemthing more geared towards touring such as the CB500x or even going for something a little more sporty like the CB650R which I happen to LOVE the look of. I haven't yet looked at the Rebell 500, but maybe i should refrain from doing so, othersie it will confuse me even further ha ha :D I'm still riding my Honda Click at the moment which si all good for going to the lcoal shops and markets, but i really need soemthihng with more power and comfrot for longer rides. What's the current price of the Rebell 500? are you looking to buy new or will you go down the secondhand route?
This is my current begginer bike for a little over a year now and boy is it really enjoyable to ride, no mechanical issues what's so ever and it is simply a riot for intercity duty. This will be a bike I keep forever after I upgrade to my second bike 100%
I bought a BMW G310R for riding round London, where I live. These small 300cc bikes are a hoot round town. Runs out of steam out in the country roads, but still useable. I'll buy something bigger next year, but I'm tempted to keep this for town riding. Another bonus in cities is they're not as attractive to thieves as bigger bikes so less likely to go missing.
I have a 2016 Kawasaki Z250SL . A very similar bike , similar weight ,similar power and single cylinder. It’s huge fun and a joy to ride around the countryside . I go out with mates on bigger bikes and keep up fine . In fact i have to ride the bike hard to keep up and there’s a lot of fun to be had riding a small bike hard and all without losing your license or getting into trouble at stupid speeds. A minimum of 80mpg is also a bonus. Don’t miss my big bikes at all.
This is the second positive review I've seen lately of the CB300R. The other was by Mark Pulling. I owned a 2019 CB300R for 3 1/2 years and 15k miles. In the time I owned it, it was largely ignored in the media. Perhaps it was the belief that the Honda 286cc single is dull but in the CB300R I can tell you that it is a feisty little thing. I recently bought a Vitpilen 401. It is substantially more refined and better equipped for only $350 more.
I'd love for someone to do a direct comparison between the CB300R and the Svartpilen 401. Those 2 have very similar styling and seating position with the 401 having a bit more power. I'd think that would be a better comparison than the Vitpilen since those have clip-on handlebars.
I had a 401 Svartpilen and it was really fun, never felt like I needed more power. It has 13hp more than the CB 300 though, I could imagine that you might want more after a few months. If Honda made a new 400cc single cylinder to compete more with the 390/401 I would buy it in a heartbeat
@@jvs8612 I'm deciding on Vit 401, just had a test ride and it was great. However, the more I read about it the more reliability issues it seems to have. I had a Honda 500X before and it didn't have a single issue in 2 years. Was 401 so bad in terms of reliability for you that it wasn't worth the buy? Cheers 🍻
Brilliant video review Dan At 53 I've bought the 500f after a career of motorcycles and have so fun on it The 300 looks like a fantastic motorcycle (Honda know how to build) The 650 (had one) is ample for the road , the 1000 needs respectful riding The 125 is perfect for learning I think Honda nailed it with this genre of bike Best regards Shaun I
The 300R feels like a 150 in terms of weight and flickability. It has quite a punchy engine and its absolutely fun to ride. Great engine, with powerful low end torque. My only complaint would be the size of the bike and the pillion's seating space. The bike looks kinda small even for me a 5'10, 83kg. Overall, it is an excellent bike for beginners and even experienced riders as well.
Is it possible to fit someone on the back of this bike. I want to do 90 min runs to the coast with my gf on the back but I don't want her complaining all the way 😃 She's only 5ft 4 but pegs do look close to the seat
Great comparisons with the CB500, Dan & I agree with your conclusion the 500 probably suits older riders better, especially if they're trading down. I had a Duke 390 & that didn't really have enough grunt for me. Twins just deliver more power cycles than singles!
Currently there's a £1000 between the two. I'm leaning towards the 300. The 300 is fast enough for me and I probably won't use the acceleration and top end of the 500. I had so much fun on my old ninja 250 and want to go back to a lighter bike with a lower seat height.Something to just jump on and enjoy.
The 300 seems like fun, especially outside NA where the 500 makes so much more sense -- same fuel economy, more relaxed on the highway, sounds better, and for me at least the insurance was actually less. With fuel costs (and everything else) lately these are a great way to have some fun without going broke.
I honestly don't think the 500 makes much sense, even here in NA. Too heavy for what it is, and the hp output is aimed squarely at the A2 license requirement, to the point where it's kind of underpowered for its displacement. I feel the 300 is powered and weighted appropriately for it's class.
These are just less than 3,600 GBP in Thailand, Dan. That's good value, even for here. Built in Thailand. The 125 you get is a 150 here, just for the record. The 300/400 size single cylinder category is fun: punchy performance. I have a 390 Duke. I nearly bought a 300R a couple of years ago, then a friend's pristine 390 came on the market. Glad I bought it, but I'm sure I would have been happy with the Honda. I'm looking forward to seeing what the CL500 is like. Enjoyable review.
As a new rider I purchased a 2019 new in 2020. I got a great deal at the time (much cheaper than any of its direct competitors). I was considering the cb500f but I paid about $3000 Canadian $ less before tax for the better looking 300. I agree with much of your positive comments Dan - light weight, flickable, good build quality. I do think it is best suited for your British country lanes though. Personally, I found it revs so high at anything above 80 km/h. I did upgrade to a much bigger Z900RS this year. I do miss the light weight of the CB300R though. If this bike had more power eg. Kawasaki Z400 motor in this chassis with slighter more weight from the bigger motor I would have been happy to keep it longer. Honda has made some nice upgrades over my 2019 but for larger North American roads I just found the power lacking.
Great review. I bought the 125R as my first bike back in 2018 and loved it, fantastic looks, great reliability and it was the perfect little commuter bike. Very tempted by this 300 with the current fuel prices!
this has one of the best gear boxes i have ever ridden and I'm 73 been riding since i was 13. now petrol tank on motorway run i can do 100 miles and still have some left in tank at fill up and im not hanging about 70mph or 65mph sometimes. if anything i would have liked another 15mm off seat hight but its ok. handles good and is quick. you look at the green light to go out to see your in first no jerking going in first. brakes are ok this is only single disc remember. you can flick it about all over the place. i would sooner ride this than my fireblade more fun. worst thing i don't like is the horn button position its not the same on my other bikes.
I agree about the gearbox, better than the CB500 Hornet I moved up to. The Hornet is a far better bike though, having said that, I really enjoyed the CB300R. It was my first bike after a 53 year lay off. Passed my test on it.
@@steveball2307 Can confirm, my CB300R hits about 60mph (maybe a little higher) in 3rd gear, so 4th and beyond is where you'd need to be for acquiring points for speeding on NSL roads.
@@fenrir7969roughy what’s the top speed please, does it take long to get there, don’t know if I should get a 500, as I wouldn’t mind being able to sit at 70/80mph on the longer motorway trips !
I did my first emergency braking when a tin top pulled in front of me while riding my CB300r, been there done that on my past machines and the Honda just stopped on a dime. Seriously the only thing I found wrong, cause I,m 6ft, were the mirrors, can only see my shoulders, and I,m not a big burly rugby player. I also installed an expensive but worth it Givi rear carry system to fit my helmet when I cane it to the ol cafe cause I get sick of carrying my helmet n gloves around everywhere. I get around 70-80 mpg and can sit at 120k-70mph but the bike kinda likes it better 110k-65mph better. No problems with head winds or up hills and have had 150k-90mph plus on a good day. Handles amazingly and I actually enjoy the machine a lot.
This is what I’ve been riding for the past year and it’s mostly been great. Apart from top end it’s got everything. The bottom and mid end is punch and great on corners as well! Some thoughts on other items - 1. Front brake is def wooden initially but bites okay after 2. The rear preload with 1 level dialler up really helps settle bike around faster corners 3. Wringing the bike is super easy and fast 4. The horn switch is annoying but you get used to it 5. The dash is okay not the best, buttons are a pain to press to scroll thru 6. Knees def start to hurt after 2 hours of riding and at the end of a long 8-9 hour day the butt does tend to go sore 7. The headlights are the worst thing I’ve ever seen
Great bike. Super fun. I actually ended up with the 500 after this. The 300 is so light, it was great on streets but any windy highway etc and you get blown away and anything over 80kms an hour and the 300 is straining
I have the 2019 cb300r and I ride 100 kph or more all the time, and once in a while up to 140 loads of fun. Does get blown around in heavy winds but you get used to it. I get 320 km per tank and maintenance costs are extremely low. I have 80,000 km on it and it just gets better. Comfy too. I am 5 foot 6 150 lbs.
80kmh and it get blown? Where do you live? The north pole? J/k. I too always take it to 100kmh or even more with no issue. It gets rough at above 140kmh.
I used to get more blown around on my R1, in fact on all my past sports bikes because the fairings act as a sail when you get hit with cross winds on the motorway. At least my bum was always warm cos I would constantly be crapping myself!
I have a duke 390 and few months ago I took a ride on CB300r. Honestly, I liked almost everything about it over the ktm but the lack of power, especially after riding d390 is very easily noticeable. I felt that CB300r is much more nimble than d390, engine is super refined and gearbox is smooth too (gear lever & footrests are ugly though) wish it had a couple of horses more. I would still go with D390 over the cb300. In india 390 is pretty cheap as compared to the rest of the world. 2022 model d390 is 3.54 Lacs inr and cb300r is 3.27L inr. just a difference of 275gbp aprox.
I personally owned D390 few months ago. I had sold it due to some reason and bought an Apache 160 4v. I once rode this CB300R during a ride. It has a super smooth engine. The low end torque is also fabulous. Just the lag comes in high end and it gets flat. But I like it very much. Also this Honda engine will last much longer than 390. KTM engine just get pathetic after 50,000 km
Thank you! I've narrowed my choice of next bike down to this after eliminating the Duke 390, Kawa Z400, BMW310 & MT03. But most reviews didn't come from my angle, but yours did & my mind is now set on a CB300R :) I started on a Grom & 500X, but while the Grom got me onto 2 wheels & is fun, it's limited. The 500X is a bit too vague; I want a mega Grom & this fits the bill.
Could you share your experience? Is there enough power after 500X? I had 500X too and now considering a smaller naked bike. I'm thinking about Vit 401 but concerned about reliability issues. I would appreciate your opinion 🍻
@@snitsaruk I did some more soul searching when it came time to hand over the money & realised I wanted a bit more than logic in a bike. So I bought a Royal Enfield Classic 350 Reborn. I don't ride massive miles, but wanted something that had a pride of ownership element & am loving it. But if I was to get a bike for rational reasons, the CB300R is still a great bike, but a Vitpillen 401 is going to be more fun & can be very reliable after the engineering changes made a few years ago.
@@stuartr8356 thanks, I really appreciate your response. That makes sense, emotional part is important for me as well and that makes me lean more towards the 401. From which model year the changes you mentioned were implemented? Cheers 🍻
@@snitsaruk The KTM Duke 390 & Husqvarna's were also on my radar, but I didn't find the KTM seating seating position comfortable & there weren't any 401's to sit on. But there was a Classic in the next showroom, a bike I'd dismissed in the previous generation as had too much crudity which is now fixed with the new platform. The improvements to gaskets & other bits on the KTM were made in about 2019 from memory, so any newer 401/KTM should be good. A stylish & quick bike & I don't think you can go wrong :)
Go for the 600ish bike instead. I had same 125r for two years and have been considering this 300r. Eventually I bought Trident 660 but have riden several different bikes prior to purchase. I've learnt that 600ish bikes (MT07, Hornet, Gladius) can be as easy to ride as 125 bike, but must be light. As for me 190kg (wet) is the limit for a naked bike. That's why I bought T660 (189kg). It feels like super punchy 125. :D On the contrary Gladius was too heavy and didn't feel well on it.
Here in our country, we also get the CB300F. Which doesn't share the same engine with the 300R. Its a brand new engine that is less powerful than the 300R but has an even more torqy engine. The 300F is all about low end grunt. And its oil cooled and a bit less refined than this. If you can, you should try the 300F. Its really fun too.
great review, thanks. This is my main contender *if* i decide to upgrade my cb125f, as i'm not into speed but would maybe like a little more power on the hills while enjoying the narrow lanes where i spend most of my time. i haven't got the space for a big bike anyway, so this seems like a logical upgrade. GL
I have the 300r myself, honestly wasn't bike I initially considered last year when looking for something else (really wanted xsr700 but insurance decided otherwise) that being said now insurance is acceptable on the xsr and a couple of other bikes I was looking at the time, the 650r is a strong contender if not top contender personally especially with decent exhaust. The 300r can do motorway miles n still have enough surge to pull itself out the way, so even for comuting 60 to a 100 miles a day majority of which is motorway (highway if your american) in my case I wouldn't instantly dissmiss the 300r. Keep it well maintained n looked after n it will serve you well just time for a different bike in my case
5'8" and a 29" inseam who is an average rider as well. We must be distant cousins..lol.. Great videos by the way. Love the way you casually convey your impression and bike performance. Excellent feedback. Wish you must success.
I love my 300r, such a fun bike for a ride with speeds below 80mph. The problem with the 500 is that it weighs as much as or more than 650s that make substantially more power.
I have had my 2023 CB300r for 9 months now. I have been having problems with the chain. The chain is very loose and makes a lot of noise. I already have had the chain fall off twice and am now on my 3rd chain. I also have had to replace my chain guide and both front and rear sprockets. Also the 1 other CB300r owner I have met in real life was having the same problem. And all the people in the forums and on the Facebook group complain of chain problems.
I own a F800gs for the adv roads and one of this for my daily use here in lima/peru... and can tell is a awsome machine, no complains... enought hp/torque for my city and event for a holiday run... not hot at all in jams traffic and good quick response on green lights (Y)
For people wondering about how bad the horn/signal positioning. You get used to ir really qucik., a month or so and you're good. And imo is also the surpiror position, the thumb is naturally lower for the signals and the big horn button works for "emergencies".
@@Englishbikerdan Well have had my Honda for 4 years. I don't really bother honking if I have to do an emergency stop. But that one time I did decide to honk, I didn't have an issue with it. It's just abit troublesome if you ride a different bike briefly
I miss mine ... It felt like a supermoto. The front end comes up so easy and it tips over so well. The tires blow but everything in this range has bad tires. It looks sexy too.
I can't comment on the 300, but I have the litre version. I started riding again in summer, before that I had GXSR 600, and the CB1000r is the easiest quick turning bike I've had, absolutely love it, just wish they hadn't downtuned the Fire blade engine as much
Saw loads of reviews mention about the Honda indicator/ horn Position, but when I bought CB500X I didn't even notice once I'd adjusted to it. Like it that way now.
I am 67 years old and have a Kawasaki Z250 with 31 horsepower and it is perfect in the city. Top speed 150 kilometers per hour. Very funny! And easy to handle
Another good review thanks. I was set on getting one of these for my next bike, I currently ride a Honda Grom but wanting something a bit faster. I mainly use the bike for commuting, partly on B road and partly through the city so a smaller capacity like this makes sense to me. Unfortunately I have lost faith in my local Honda dealer and the next closest Honda dealer is in Edinburgh which isn't really an option for me so I've been looking at other brands. The Husky 401 has really caught my eye or a BMW G310R.
@@whatiswhat924 could you share some more info on that? I'm choosing between Vit401 and CB300R. Vit401 was super fun but I'm concerned about reliability issues.
@@snitsarukDidn't have it long enough for that, but Is KTM, is not a chinese cheap brand... is you have a dealer close take the one that turn you on...
Irritatingly, it looks so much better than the cb500f (which I'm probably getting in the next months) and the new Hornet (which I hope to trade up to when/if it ever comes to the US), so the real question is; why did Honda put an UGLY (read: anonymous/bland/outdated) headlight on the 500F and the Hornet, but the same cool retro-style round LED light on the 300f and the CB650r?!
Yeah I’d be all over a xsr300. The mt-03 and r3 are great bikes but I prefer the xsr styling. The xsr700 just too much everything. Costs too much to insure and buy considering I won’t really be taking advantage of the additional power. I’m hoping Yamaha will eventually release a smaller xsr. Maybe they are waiting for when they update the motor shared with the r3 and mt03. Personally id prefer a 300-400cc single or a 270 degree twin for a better sound.
What i dont get is why manufacturers dont choose upside down forks for all bikes. They just look way better and it cant be much more costlier to just flip them, right? My honda NC looks sick, but the 40mm forks look weird on that space ship of a bike, if they had flipped them they would have been perfect.
I've had this bike for 2 years now. For me the thing that I like least is the sound; It seems a bit too aggressive. Also I got handlebar extensions for a more upright riding position.
Nice bike and I owned 2020 model for a year in NZ then realize its screaming a lot on motorways and anything over 100k , good around town though. Now I ride a 500x which is good in all conditions
Fun review. Nice styling. I wonder what the power to weight ratio is against the 500f The price difference between the two is maybe a bit close but tax and insurance would be cheaper.
including rider weight Power ratio is a little better on cb500f of course but power delivery on cb500 is more linear and boring to be honest, for towns and windy roads cb300r feels better, only for high speed cruising cb500 has the upper hand
What a great Chanel. I'm looking to buy a motor bike for riding around the country lanes, I'm a cyclist and have some lovely rides that I have done on my bike with my cycling club. They are usually between 70 and 100 miles long. Which bike do think would be best for this type of riding. Top speed is not an issue, most of my riding will be in the country lanes and having done about 50.000 over the last twenty on a bicycle, defensive riding has always been and always will be my top priority.. So, CB300R or CB500R? Oh! and what is an IMU?
If you're thinking of one of these, test a Duke 390 too, know which I'd have.....am on my second Duke 390 right now as my first one was written off when a cage pulled out on me.
I bought the 2022 version last year in India. However, here Honda sells a downgraded version I.e., there is no Showa forks we get endurance forks here, switch gear looks different, also only red and black colour for India. Despite all these, Honda priced this very close to Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. As a result, only few people are buying this bike.
My 125 with some more power. It's exceptionally light, I treat it like a bicycle and it's so easy to manhandle. They do not lose a penny in value either, I've seen 2 year old 125s with thousands of miles going for 100% of RRP. 112mpg on mine, wonder what this 300 gets.
nice review and it does look like fun but suspect it would be cramped for me, at least it felt like it when I sat on it at the NEC last week - i'm 6ft and 34 in inside leg which is why my CB500F suits me much better - your comment about age? well, I'm 57 returned to biking after 37 years off bikes so you could be right 😄- also, it reminds me a bit of the CB250RS from the eighties, very similar power and weight
You can ride a 125 on a motorway, the rule is over 50cc and capable of over 45mph. Though to be fair if you aren’t on L plates you can get a used 200 ~ 250cc for cheaper than a decent condition 125
is the speedometer in km per hour? Not sure if it's the camera but it feels like you're going faster than what's show on the speedometer if you're going in km/h.
I really can't see why anyone would pick the CB500 over the little 300, my dealership lent me a CB500 while my Street triple was being serviced and it was the most insipid, heavy for its underpowered engine bike I've come across in years.
I tested the CB500 and the CB300R seemed so much more fun and makes more sense with its physical size and weight for filtering through stationary traffic in Bangkok City.
once i got 350 km before fueling again and i still had 5% of fuel left in the tank so range is on par with thirstier motorcycles with "regular" size fuel tank, only cb500 with 17L and nice fuel economy or maxi adv with optional maxi fuel tank can get really better range
What brand of tires are being put on the bike’s latest model .,,,earlier we had Michelin Pilot Street….. However, Michelin has now discontinued. this tyre brand…
I find it crazy how you called the CB300R a semi entry level bike. Here in the states it’s considered an entry level bike. You can’t ride fast enough on interstates if starting on anything with lower CCs. This is my first bike. I have the ‘21 model except the front fender is flat black not blue like yours. And mine only has the gear shift light and no indicator on the dash. Next I’ll be jumping to a 650 as the 500s don’t have much difference between them and the 300s.
That's because here you have to start on a 125cc bike. Once you've passed some training, only then can you ride bigger bikes. So the 300cc would be a bigger bike and not entry level here. 125's will do 65-75mph, so no issues on faster roads. Although some are slower than others.
I think the stiffer suspension is because they realize that big north American types will also ride it and need to accommodate for that fact when they make a non-adjustable front-fork...
since this was (and still is) my first motorcycle, absolutly YES, i start riding this motorcycle on the road since the first minute of ownership and i never had motorcycles before (except trying briefly some 50cc 2 stroke dirt bikes as early teen). i dont think there's a better beginner motorcycle on the market, only cons are sketchy throttle response (not in the Dangerous way of course, just jumpy) at slow speed and noisy oem rear sprocket
I think a 300cc is the kind of bike you would keep forever and not worry about upgrading, it honestly has all the power you need. Another advantage is that it keeps you relatively safer by not reaching crazy speeds while having as much fun or more.
I would like to correct, that prize goes to the 500.
It's got just about too much power to fully utilize on the road. Sounds better, is more stable and smoother.
Been riding my cb500f for 4 years going to 5 now and have a really hard time chosing what I want to "upgrade" to. The new 750 hornet has got the sound I want, but I want a sportsbike for a change. But stuff like the R7, cbr650r, etc have double the hp of the 500 and I don't need that...
Really hope Honda gives the 500 a 270° crank, I'd swap mine over for a new one instantly and call it a day. A bike for life.
@@Daniel-dj7fh The R7 doesn't have twice the power of your bike, it's basically a MT07 in fancy clothes with the same 72hp engine. The new Hornet does have twice the power of your bike so I wouldn't consider it if you want low hp.
@@Daniel-dj7fh nah the 500f feels lazy to turn compared to the 250R/300R. You really feel the 100lb difference in weight. The nimbleness & flickablility of it is amazing in the twisties. The only upside to the 500 is the lack of engine vibration so if you're planning to do a lot of miles then its the more comfortable option.
@@nazhif1 yeah I know what you mean have the same feeling when I jump on our 125cc.
But imo with the 3.5x power the weight doesn't do the bike bad. You can still lean the bike over without any issues.
@@ajb1149 The R7 maybe not, that's more like 1.5x, but the cbr 650 with it's 95 does, pipapo at least.
I know that the R7 has the mt07 motor, but it's a good motor, why complain. Plus the sharper geometry and "better" (as what people say) brakes and suspension do make it a nicer bike.
I’m in my 4th year on one of these now. Came down from CB1000f and have enjoyed this more, and despite the drop in power it still has more than enough for everyday use. I’m keeping for the foreseeable future.
Nice, enjoy!
I rode one of these last week. Its a 2022 trade-in with 1400 Miles on it. I thought its Brakes were very good, and I felt NO hesitation when using them. I've had my License for 50 Years, and have ridden MANY brands and sizes of Motorcycles. Now, semi-retired at age 68, all I want is a little commuter Bike that I can still "Play" with on days off. I think this little 300 would be perfect for someone like me.
I've been riding mine for over a year now, and have put 8700 miles on it in that time. Done everything from commuting to work, light off-roading, a 1200 mile highway journey, wheelies, and of late I've been pushing further and further in the corners.
I gotta say you're one of the first people I've seen realize just how much the low weight of this bike matters, and why despite the bike having unimpressive power figures when compared to the mt-03 z400, it doesnt hang behind those bikes. The damn thing is a hummingbird in traffic, able to dart and weave and respond to traffic unlike anything short of an actual bicycle.
Absolutely adore my cb300r, and plan to keep it going for as long as I can.
Mt03 has no torque below 7000 rpm.
@@the.communist Just had a look side by side at dyno charts of the cb300r and the mt-03, and I see what you mean. The cb is more or less hitting right near peak torque at 7k while the mt-03 doesnt get there until almost 9k, and has a much sharper drop off in torque before hand. In other words, single cylinder cb's got the low and mid range thump.
Thank you for your comment. I'm deciding between a CB300, MT-03 or even a Pulsar. My budget isn't big but I'd like to buy used, since it'd be my first bike 😁💪🏼...
how do you find it handles motorways? does it struggle sitting at 70+mph for hours at a time?
I live in an Indian city and this is the best to flick around town with its overwhelming traffic ... Its expensive than the other 300 ish cc bikes but this is the best purchase I've ever made... I bought a red one and it's very pretty ❤️.. If you are a medium build like me it'll look good on you too...
An underrated bike by those who seek bigger bhp when it isn’t needed.
I have my BMW R1200GS and this little bike.
The Honda commutes perfectly fine on A and B roads and will easily handle dual carriageways and motorways if needed.
I chose this over the CB500F as I wanted a little bike to squeeze into the garage. I also didn’t want a Duke 390 or Husky 401 as I have owned both and still prefer the smoother Honda. The Z400 and MT03 are too expensive for what they are.
You can get 75-80mpg out of the little Honda so 150 miles from a tank is more than acceptable. It’s about the same range as my 20 litre tank on m6 GS.
If you are a smaller/shorter rider you’ll love this bike.
An ideal 2nd bike or something to just potter about on.
As said in the video, it’s a Honda so it won’t go wrong. Having a great dealer network is as important as the bike itself for me.
I have the all black version. Proper stealthy and fun. No regrets whatsoever.
Exactly, this is my first bike and it is exactly what I always wanted. I also chose the all black. Looks less obvious, more like a generic motorcycle which I really like. And it doesn´t matter when it is a bit dirty.
Im close to decidinig onthe 401 husky for my firsdt bike.But I love a couple Hondas. You didnt love the 401? It looks so cool
it can handle open motorways but often make rider feel wanting for more.
I am a UK expat and live in Thailand and bought this Honda CB300R (2022) in candy red three months ago.
Honda CB300R is considered a Big Bike in Thailand and is well adequate commuting and for weekend trips away.
It is great in the city traffic because narrow handlebars, short wheel base and tight turning circle so filtering through stationary traffic in Bangkok is easy.
I'm in Pattaya and thinking about buying this one. I'm planning on going longer trips too.
@@PaulBengtsson You will not be disappointed by the Honda CB300R. The KTM might be more powerful etc. but for build quality, spare parts and Honda repair shops the Honda CB300R is the best choice in Thailand.
@@PaulBengtssondid you end up buying the cb300r in the end?
@@silentwalker-ns9cy Still no bike yet. Problem is I really like Rebell 500. Some thinking to do.
@@PaulBengtsson Hi man, i'm also based in Thailand and looking to buy a new bike at the moment. I'm also in the same boat as you right now, i'm going back and forth between the CB300r and the CB500F. Part of me is also thinking it would be nice to have soemthing more geared towards touring such as the CB500x or even going for something a little more sporty like the CB650R which I happen to LOVE the look of. I haven't yet looked at the Rebell 500, but maybe i should refrain from doing so, othersie it will confuse me even further ha ha :D
I'm still riding my Honda Click at the moment which si all good for going to the lcoal shops and markets, but i really need soemthihng with more power and comfrot for longer rides. What's the current price of the Rebell 500? are you looking to buy new or will you go down the secondhand route?
This is my current begginer bike for a little over a year now and boy is it really enjoyable to ride, no mechanical issues what's so ever and it is simply a riot for intercity duty. This will be a bike I keep forever after I upgrade to my second bike 100%
I bought a BMW G310R for riding round London, where I live. These small 300cc bikes are a hoot round town. Runs out of steam out in the country roads, but still useable. I'll buy something bigger next year, but I'm tempted to keep this for town riding. Another bonus in cities is they're not as attractive to thieves as bigger bikes so less likely to go missing.
I have a 2016 Kawasaki Z250SL . A very similar bike , similar weight ,similar power and single cylinder. It’s huge fun and a joy to ride around the countryside . I go out with mates on bigger bikes and keep up fine . In fact i have to ride the bike hard to keep up and there’s a lot of fun to be had riding a small bike hard and all without losing your license or getting into trouble at stupid speeds. A minimum of 80mpg is also a bonus. Don’t miss my big bikes at all.
This is the second positive review I've seen lately of the CB300R. The other was by Mark Pulling. I owned a 2019 CB300R for 3 1/2 years and 15k miles. In the time I owned it, it was largely ignored in the media. Perhaps it was the belief that the Honda 286cc single is dull but in the CB300R I can tell you that it is a feisty little thing. I recently bought a Vitpilen 401. It is substantially more refined and better equipped for only $350 more.
I'd love for someone to do a direct comparison between the CB300R and the Svartpilen 401. Those 2 have very similar styling and seating position with the 401 having a bit more power. I'd think that would be a better comparison than the Vitpilen since those have clip-on handlebars.
I had a 401 Svartpilen and it was really fun, never felt like I needed more power. It has 13hp more than the CB 300 though, I could imagine that you might want more after a few months. If Honda made a new 400cc single cylinder to compete more with the 390/401 I would buy it in a heartbeat
Had a Svartpilen 401 which is very fun to ride, but the reliability issues made it not worth the buy
@tf9888 Vitpilen
@@jvs8612 I'm deciding on Vit 401, just had a test ride and it was great. However, the more I read about it the more reliability issues it seems to have. I had a Honda 500X before and it didn't have a single issue in 2 years. Was 401 so bad in terms of reliability for you that it wasn't worth the buy? Cheers 🍻
Brilliant video review Dan
At 53 I've bought the 500f after a career of motorcycles and have so fun on it
The 300 looks like a fantastic motorcycle (Honda know how to build)
The 650 (had one) is ample for the road , the 1000 needs respectful riding
The 125 is perfect for learning
I think Honda nailed it with this genre of bike
Best regards Shaun
I
The 300R feels like a 150 in terms of weight and flickability. It has quite a punchy engine and its absolutely fun to ride. Great engine, with powerful low end torque. My only complaint would be the size of the bike and the pillion's seating space. The bike looks kinda small even for me a 5'10, 83kg.
Overall, it is an excellent bike for beginners and even experienced riders as well.
Yeah, it feels like a poweful 125 to me in terms of size.
The CB300R is basically the CB125R or CB150R but bigger engine so absolutely fun to ride.
@@johntheaccountant5594 Too bad the 300R doesn't inherit the imo way better-looking exhaust of the 125R & 150R.
@@nhancao4790 Yep; the CB300R looks big. Exhaust like CB650R would be nice.
Is it possible to fit someone on the back of this bike.
I want to do 90 min runs to the coast with my gf on the back but I don't want her complaining all the way 😃
She's only 5ft 4 but pegs do look close to the seat
Great comparisons with the CB500, Dan & I agree with your conclusion the 500 probably suits older riders better, especially if they're trading down. I had a Duke 390 & that didn't really have enough grunt for me. Twins just deliver more power cycles than singles!
As an older rider who really only likes riding on the lanes it would be close to perfect for me I reckon, I must get around to buying one one day.
you better be quick, its not gonna be in their lineup for long unless you wanna get a 2nd hand bike
@@X-cript You're spot on there, these small capacity bikes never seem to sell well here and it won't be long before Honda UK drop it as you say.
Currently there's a £1000 between the two.
I'm leaning towards the 300.
The 300 is fast enough for me and I probably won't use the acceleration and top end of the 500.
I had so much fun on my old ninja 250 and want to go back to a lighter bike with a lower seat height.Something to just jump on and enjoy.
Sounds like the 300 would make more sense for that.
The 300 seems like fun, especially outside NA where the 500 makes so much more sense -- same fuel economy, more relaxed on the highway, sounds better, and for me at least the insurance was actually less. With fuel costs (and everything else) lately these are a great way to have some fun without going broke.
I honestly don't think the 500 makes much sense, even here in NA. Too heavy for what it is, and the hp output is aimed squarely at the A2 license requirement, to the point where it's kind of underpowered for its displacement. I feel the 300 is powered and weighted appropriately for it's class.
What is "na"?
@@PeterOekvist North America, the land of freedom and no motorcycle license restrictions.
@@quinnkirlew9892 Except, no free healthcare. 😊
@@Englishbikerdan
Just curious, in which non-arabic country does "free healthcare" exist?
These are just less than 3,600 GBP in Thailand, Dan. That's good value, even for here. Built in Thailand. The 125 you get is a 150 here, just for the record. The 300/400 size single cylinder category is fun: punchy performance. I have a 390 Duke. I nearly bought a 300R a couple of years ago, then a friend's pristine 390 came on the market. Glad I bought it, but I'm sure I would have been happy with the Honda. I'm looking forward to seeing what the CL500 is like.
Enjoyable review.
I agree about the 150cc limit. Philippines has the same luxury tax beyond that displacement. Insurance is dirt cheap. About $30/yr.
Nice intro! If I ever start riding, this looks cool for a first bike
As a new rider I purchased a 2019 new in 2020. I got a great deal at the time (much cheaper than any of its direct competitors). I was considering the cb500f but I paid about $3000 Canadian $ less before tax for the better looking 300. I agree with much of your positive comments Dan - light weight, flickable, good build quality. I do think it is best suited for your British country lanes though. Personally, I found it revs so high at anything above 80 km/h. I did upgrade to a much bigger Z900RS this year. I do miss the light weight of the CB300R though. If this bike had more power eg. Kawasaki Z400 motor in this chassis with slighter more weight from the bigger motor I would have been happy to keep it longer. Honda has made some nice upgrades over my 2019 but for larger North American roads I just found the power lacking.
How much did u purchased it for?
Great review. I bought the 125R as my first bike back in 2018 and loved it, fantastic looks, great reliability and it was the perfect little commuter bike. Very tempted by this 300 with the current fuel prices!
125 is crap
this has one of the best gear boxes i have ever ridden and I'm 73 been riding since i was 13. now petrol tank on motorway run i can do 100 miles and still have some left in tank at fill up and im not hanging about 70mph or 65mph sometimes. if anything i would have liked another 15mm off seat hight but its ok. handles good and is quick. you look at the green light to go out to see your in first no jerking going in first. brakes are ok this is only single disc remember. you can flick it about all over the place. i would sooner ride this than my fireblade more fun. worst thing i don't like is the horn button position its not the same on my other bikes.
I agree about the gearbox, better than the CB500 Hornet I moved up to.
The Hornet is a far better bike though, having said that, I really enjoyed the CB300R. It was my first bike after a 53 year lay off. Passed my test on it.
I have a 2019 300r and i absolutely love it. Dont see myself ever selling it even when i decide to buy a bigger bike
Always fun riding a small bike as fast as it'll go 😀
Even tho the 300 can't really be used fully in town and probably gets illegal on backroads around 4th gear.
@@Daniel-dj7fh I live on the edge of the Peak District where most roads are 50 mph limit - so probably 3rd! 😀
Better than riding a fast bike slow 👍
@@steveball2307 Can confirm, my CB300R hits about 60mph (maybe a little higher) in 3rd gear, so 4th and beyond is where you'd need to be for acquiring points for speeding on NSL roads.
@@fenrir7969roughy what’s the top speed please, does it take long to get there, don’t know if I should get a 500, as I wouldn’t mind being able to sit at 70/80mph on the longer motorway trips !
I did my first emergency braking when a tin top pulled in front of me while riding my CB300r, been there done that on my past machines and the Honda just stopped on a dime. Seriously the only thing I found wrong, cause I,m 6ft, were the mirrors, can only see my shoulders, and I,m not a big burly rugby player. I also installed an expensive but worth it Givi rear carry system to fit my helmet when I cane it to the ol cafe cause I get sick of carrying my helmet n gloves around everywhere. I get around 70-80 mpg and can sit at 120k-70mph but the bike kinda likes it better 110k-65mph better. No problems with head winds or up hills and have had 150k-90mph plus on a good day. Handles amazingly and I actually enjoy the machine a lot.
This is what I’ve been riding for the past year and it’s mostly been great. Apart from top end it’s got everything. The bottom and mid end is punch and great on corners as well! Some thoughts on other items -
1. Front brake is def wooden initially but bites okay after
2. The rear preload with 1 level dialler up really helps settle bike around faster corners
3. Wringing the bike is super easy and fast
4. The horn switch is annoying but you get used to it
5. The dash is okay not the best, buttons are a pain to press to scroll thru
6. Knees def start to hurt after 2 hours of riding and at the end of a long 8-9 hour day the butt does tend to go sore
7. The headlights are the worst thing I’ve ever seen
main thing for me is how jerky and short first gear is. i do pretty much all my slow maneouvres in second gear because of it
@@lytheus69 True it’s jerky but probably cause all of that limited power is down low? I’ve gotten used to it but I know what you mean.
@@adr2567 i dislike it, do you think the CB650R have this issue? or its smoother on the first gear
@@X-cript No idea but I doubt it considering there’s much more power in a 650, and from what I’ve heard, it’s more widely spread out.
@@X-cript CB650R has quite smooth initial throttle response. First gear can be used comfortably in heavy traffic and tight spaces no problem
Great bike. Super fun. I actually ended up with the 500 after this. The 300 is so light, it was great on streets but any windy highway etc and you get blown away and anything over 80kms an hour and the 300 is straining
I have the 2019 cb300r and I ride 100 kph or more all the time, and once in a while up to 140 loads of fun. Does get blown around in heavy winds but you get used to it. I get 320 km per tank and maintenance costs are extremely low. I have 80,000 km on it and it just gets better. Comfy too. I am 5 foot 6 150 lbs.
80kmh and it get blown? Where do you live? The north pole? J/k. I too always take it to 100kmh or even more with no issue. It gets rough at above 140kmh.
I work for the fossil fuel company PR think tank. Anything smaller than a Sherman tank is unstable and not safe. squawk phee phoo
I used to get more blown around on my R1, in fact on all my past sports bikes because the fairings act as a sail when you get hit with cross winds on the motorway.
At least my bum was always warm cos I would constantly be crapping myself!
I have a duke 390 and few months ago I took a ride on CB300r. Honestly, I liked almost everything about it over the ktm but the lack of power, especially after riding d390 is very easily noticeable. I felt that CB300r is much more nimble than d390, engine is super refined and gearbox is smooth too (gear lever & footrests are ugly though) wish it had a couple of horses more. I would still go with D390 over the cb300. In india 390 is pretty cheap as compared to the rest of the world. 2022 model d390 is 3.54 Lacs inr and cb300r is 3.27L inr.
just a difference of 275gbp aprox.
I personally owned D390 few months ago. I had sold it due to some reason and bought an Apache 160 4v. I once rode this CB300R during a ride. It has a super smooth engine. The low end torque is also fabulous. Just the lag comes in high end and it gets flat. But I like it very much. Also this Honda engine will last much longer than 390. KTM engine just get pathetic after 50,000 km
Thank you! I've narrowed my choice of next bike down to this after eliminating the Duke 390, Kawa Z400, BMW310 & MT03. But most reviews didn't come from my angle, but yours did & my mind is now set on a CB300R :) I started on a Grom & 500X, but while the Grom got me onto 2 wheels & is fun, it's limited. The 500X is a bit too vague; I want a mega Grom & this fits the bill.
Could you share your experience? Is there enough power after 500X? I had 500X too and now considering a smaller naked bike. I'm thinking about Vit 401 but concerned about reliability issues. I would appreciate your opinion 🍻
@@snitsaruk I did some more soul searching when it came time to hand over the money & realised I wanted a bit more than logic in a bike. So I bought a Royal Enfield Classic 350 Reborn. I don't ride massive miles, but wanted something that had a pride of ownership element & am loving it. But if I was to get a bike for rational reasons, the CB300R is still a great bike, but a Vitpillen 401 is going to be more fun & can be very reliable after the engineering changes made a few years ago.
@@stuartr8356 thanks, I really appreciate your response. That makes sense, emotional part is important for me as well and that makes me lean more towards the 401.
From which model year the changes you mentioned were implemented?
Cheers 🍻
@@snitsaruk The KTM Duke 390 & Husqvarna's were also on my radar, but I didn't find the KTM seating seating position comfortable & there weren't any 401's to sit on. But there was a Classic in the next showroom, a bike I'd dismissed in the previous generation as had too much crudity which is now fixed with the new platform. The improvements to gaskets & other bits on the KTM were made in about 2019 from memory, so any newer 401/KTM should be good. A stylish & quick bike & I don't think you can go wrong :)
I had a Cbr 300 r. It was my favorite city bike. Really fun!
I've got its little brother the 125r and I love how it looks, seriously considering this as my next step.
Go for the 600ish bike instead. I had same 125r for two years and have been considering this 300r. Eventually I bought Trident 660 but have riden several different bikes prior to purchase.
I've learnt that 600ish bikes (MT07, Hornet, Gladius) can be as easy to ride as 125 bike, but must be light. As for me 190kg (wet) is the limit for a naked bike. That's why I bought T660 (189kg). It feels like super punchy 125. :D On the contrary Gladius was too heavy and didn't feel well on it.
Here in our country, we also get the CB300F. Which doesn't share the same engine with the 300R. Its a brand new engine that is less powerful than the 300R but has an even more torqy engine. The 300F is all about low end grunt. And its oil cooled and a bit less refined than this. If you can, you should try the 300F. Its really fun too.
great review, thanks. This is my main contender *if* i decide to upgrade my cb125f, as i'm not into speed but would maybe like a little more power on the hills while enjoying the narrow lanes where i spend most of my time. i haven't got the space for a big bike anyway, so this seems like a logical upgrade. GL
I have the 300r myself, honestly wasn't bike I initially considered last year when looking for something else (really wanted xsr700 but insurance decided otherwise) that being said now insurance is acceptable on the xsr and a couple of other bikes I was looking at the time, the 650r is a strong contender if not top contender personally especially with decent exhaust. The 300r can do motorway miles n still have enough surge to pull itself out the way, so even for comuting 60 to a 100 miles a day majority of which is motorway (highway if your american) in my case I wouldn't instantly dissmiss the 300r. Keep it well maintained n looked after n it will serve you well just time for a different bike in my case
5'8" and a 29" inseam who is an average rider as well. We must be distant cousins..lol.. Great videos by the way. Love the way you casually convey your impression and bike performance. Excellent feedback. Wish you must success.
Thanks Doug! Or should I say.... brother! 😁👍
I love my 300r, such a fun bike for a ride with speeds below 80mph. The problem with the 500 is that it weighs as much as or more than 650s that make substantially more power.
Where is the problem?
The 500 is hella fun despite being a "chonker" (which also is relative, because it's stable af and you can still drop it easily)
True. I own a 500x and the 300 really does feel a lot smaller and lighter. The 500 feels ponderous in comparison.
@@person.X. but the 500 is stable
is it okay doing 85mph on a highway for say 5 or 10 minutes ?
@@ANDY1985UK2011 It will do it and I doubt it will hurt it, but 85 is getting pretty close to maxed out for the 300r.
I got the 2021 and Love it. I wish it came with gear indicator as standard but I am ok without it. Other than that great great bike.
Seems like a good all around bike.
This video is a trip. All in the UK, I kept thinking he was riding in on come traffic, but they drive on that side
I have had my 2023 CB300r for 9 months now. I have been having problems with the chain. The chain is very loose and makes a lot of noise. I already have had the chain fall off twice and am now on my 3rd chain. I also have had to replace my chain guide and both front and rear sprockets. Also the 1 other CB300r owner I have met in real life was having the same problem. And all the people in the forums and on the Facebook group complain of chain problems.
That bike seems amazing for twisty back roads.
I own a F800gs for the adv roads and one of this for my daily use here in lima/peru... and can tell is a awsome machine, no complains... enought hp/torque for my city and event for a holiday run... not hot at all in jams traffic and good quick response on green lights (Y)
That’s a lot of great features on a small displacement bike. 😃
For people wondering about how bad the horn/signal positioning.
You get used to ir really qucik., a month or so and you're good.
And imo is also the surpiror position, the thumb is naturally lower for the signals and the big horn button works for "emergencies".
Heresy! I've been riding bikes for 20 odd years, I still cancel the indicators in an emergency on Hondas. The rest have it right.
@@Englishbikerdan Well have had my Honda for 4 years. I don't really bother honking if I have to do an emergency stop.
But that one time I did decide to honk, I didn't have an issue with it.
It's just abit troublesome if you ride a different bike briefly
I miss mine ... It felt like a supermoto. The front end comes up so easy and it tips over so well. The tires blow but everything in this range has bad tires. It looks sexy too.
This is my number one review for this 🏍
What a delightful roads to drive!
I find the Honda CB300R more fun to ride than the Honda CB500F because it is lighter and physically much smaller.
I've a CBR 250 & 300 great economy and performance ideal for the UK roads and towns
I can't comment on the 300, but I have the litre version. I started riding again in summer, before that I had GXSR 600, and the CB1000r is the easiest quick turning bike I've had, absolutely love it, just wish they hadn't downtuned the Fire blade engine as much
I have an mt-07 and I keep looking at this bike and wanting it, is there something wrong with me?
Saw loads of reviews mention about the Honda indicator/ horn Position, but when I bought CB500X I didn't even notice once I'd adjusted to it. Like it that way now.
Great little commuter, save heaps on rego,insurance and maintenance.
I bough this bike last month and in pure love with it from India
I am 67 years old and have a Kawasaki Z250 with 31 horsepower and it is perfect in the city. Top speed 150 kilometers per hour. Very funny! And easy to handle
Another good review thanks. I was set on getting one of these for my next bike, I currently ride a Honda Grom but wanting something a bit faster. I mainly use the bike for commuting, partly on B road and partly through the city so a smaller capacity like this makes sense to me. Unfortunately I have lost faith in my local Honda dealer and the next closest Honda dealer is in Edinburgh which isn't really an option for me so I've been looking at other brands. The Husky 401 has really caught my eye or a BMW G310R.
The BMW has a lot of vibrations through the revs, so much so that your hands can tingle if youre sat at the same speed for a while.
The BMW is too heavy for it's power output. Get the Husky
I had both husky and honda, kept the honda, more refined and “happy” bike.
@@whatiswhat924 could you share some more info on that? I'm choosing between Vit401 and CB300R. Vit401 was super fun but I'm concerned about reliability issues.
@@snitsarukDidn't have it long enough for that, but Is KTM, is not a chinese cheap brand... is you have a dealer close take the one that turn you on...
We have 1 cyl and 4 cyl Neo Sport Cafes by Honda. Wish they convert their 2 cyls to Neo Sport Cafes as well.
That sound of engine is so good
Irritatingly, it looks so much better than the cb500f (which I'm probably getting in the next months) and the new Hornet (which I hope to trade up to when/if it ever comes to the US), so the real question is; why did Honda put an UGLY (read: anonymous/bland/outdated) headlight on the 500F and the Hornet, but the same cool retro-style round LED light on the 300f and the CB650r?!
This bike is so light. Seems like a rack on the back would be helpful for carrying a duffle bag or attaching a top box to.
Mine has a top box, it hides how hideously ugly the rear light carrier is (the thing most people replace with a tail tidy).
Nice ride, Nice bike and a awesome video. Thank you for sharing it. By the way, I like your channel very much. I just subscribed to it.
Thanks for the sub!
Still waiting for yamaha xsr300 tho,,it has been a long time now😌
Yeah I’d be all over a xsr300. The mt-03 and r3 are great bikes but I prefer the xsr styling. The xsr700 just too much everything. Costs too much to insure and buy considering I won’t really be taking advantage of the additional power. I’m hoping Yamaha will eventually release a smaller xsr. Maybe they are waiting for when they update the motor shared with the r3 and mt03. Personally id prefer a 300-400cc single or a 270 degree twin for a better sound.
What i dont get is why manufacturers dont choose upside down forks for all bikes. They just look way better and it cant be much more costlier to just flip them, right? My honda NC looks sick, but the 40mm forks look weird on that space ship of a bike, if they had flipped them they would have been perfect.
Do a review of the 300l
I've had this bike for 2 years now. For me the thing that I like least is the sound; It seems a bit too aggressive. Also I got handlebar extensions for a more upright riding position.
I’m 60+ and love this bike, btw. I hav the 2024 ver
❤
Hello! Can you recommend this as my very first bike? (like i never riden before).
Yes! 👍
@@Englishbikerdan Thank you!
Nice bike and I owned 2020 model for a year in NZ then realize its screaming a lot on motorways and anything over 100k , good around town though. Now I ride a 500x which is good in all conditions
Dan, I own a 2019 version. Chromosphere Red colour.
Always exciting to ride this bike to office everyday.
Nice review wonder when the USA will get the upgrade maybe the 2025 model. Would it be worth waiting for to get the upgrades?
I soooooo wanted blue but only black left so got black
Fun review. Nice styling. I wonder what the power to weight ratio is against the 500f The price difference between the two is maybe a bit close but tax and insurance would be cheaper.
including rider weight Power ratio is a little better on cb500f of course
but power delivery on cb500 is more linear and boring to be honest, for towns and windy roads cb300r feels better, only for high speed cruising cb500 has the upper hand
What a great Chanel. I'm looking to buy a motor bike for riding around the country lanes, I'm a cyclist and have some lovely rides that I have done on my bike with my cycling club. They are usually between 70 and 100 miles long. Which bike do think would be best for this type of riding. Top speed is not an issue, most of my riding will be in the country lanes and having done about 50.000 over the last twenty on a bicycle, defensive riding has always been and always will be my top priority..
So, CB300R or CB500R? Oh! and what is an IMU?
wonderful!
I like it but I just don’t know if it’s powerful enough or should I say quick enough from a stop and would I always feel like I need more
If you're thinking of one of these, test a Duke 390 too, know which I'd have.....am on my second Duke 390 right now as my first one was written off when a cage pulled out on me.
I bought the 2022 version last year in India. However, here Honda sells a downgraded version I.e., there is no Showa forks we get endurance forks here, switch gear looks different, also only red and black colour for India. Despite all these, Honda priced this very close to Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. As a result, only few people are buying this bike.
My 125 with some more power. It's exceptionally light, I treat it like a bicycle and it's so easy to manhandle. They do not lose a penny in value either, I've seen 2 year old 125s with thousands of miles going for 100% of RRP. 112mpg on mine, wonder what this 300 gets.
my 23k km average real mileage is 2.75L/100km and i was able to get up to 43km/l with hypermilling
just do the math to mpg and you get it
How is it for a 6 foot tall guy ? Big enough ?
may i know what camera mount you are using for the 360 cam?
Just out of interest, do you know if it’s possible to mount the cb300r or 650r light onto the cb500f?
Just add auxiliary lights.
I’m super torn between this or the Yamaha mt-03 as my first bike!
nice review and it does look like fun but suspect it would be cramped for me, at least it felt like it when I sat on it at the NEC last week - i'm 6ft and 34 in inside leg which is why my CB500F suits me much better - your comment about age? well, I'm 57 returned to biking after 37 years off bikes so you could be right 😄- also, it reminds me a bit of the CB250RS from the eighties, very similar power and weight
You can ride a 125 on a motorway, the rule is over 50cc and capable of over 45mph. Though to be fair if you aren’t on L plates you can get a used 200 ~ 250cc for cheaper than a decent condition 125
The girl in the thumbnail sure knows how to ride a bike
It goes downhill, but how does it go uphill??
is the speedometer in km per hour? Not sure if it's the camera but it feels like you're going faster than what's show on the speedometer if you're going in km/h.
Mph.
All small naked sports bikes should be compared with the 390 Duke. That is the benchmark of an excellent small naked sports bike.
A little adventure vs would be great
I really can't see why anyone would pick the CB500 over the little 300, my dealership lent me a CB500 while my Street triple was being serviced and it was the most insipid, heavy for its underpowered engine bike I've come across in years.
I tested the CB500 and the CB300R seemed so much more fun and makes more sense with its physical size and weight for filtering through stationary traffic in Bangkok City.
The fuel tank size points to this bike not being a long distance commuter. And the info display . My God, what were they thinking.
I mean, it's clearly no long distance but I've ridden bikes across Europe that get less than 100 miles per tank.
After two and a half hours of riding, your bum wants a rest so stopping at a filling station seem a relief so the tank size is adequate.
once i got 350 km before fueling again and i still had 5% of fuel left in the tank so range is on par with thirstier motorcycles with "regular" size fuel tank, only cb500 with 17L and nice fuel economy or maxi adv with optional maxi fuel tank can get really better range
300 is good for local commute but 500 is better all over everywhere
What brand of tires are being put on the bike’s latest model .,,,earlier we had Michelin Pilot Street….. However, Michelin has now discontinued. this tyre brand…
I find it crazy how you called the CB300R a semi entry level bike. Here in the states it’s considered an entry level bike. You can’t ride fast enough on interstates if starting on anything with lower CCs. This is my first bike. I have the ‘21 model except the front fender is flat black not blue like yours. And mine only has the gear shift light and no indicator on the dash. Next I’ll be jumping to a 650 as the 500s don’t have much difference between them and the 300s.
That's because here you have to start on a 125cc bike. Once you've passed some training, only then can you ride bigger bikes. So the 300cc would be a bigger bike and not entry level here. 125's will do 65-75mph, so no issues on faster roads. Although some are slower than others.
Does everyone go faster than 90 on the interstates?
Even old people?
I think the stiffer suspension is because they realize that big north American types will also ride it and need to accommodate for that fact when they make a non-adjustable front-fork...
Funny how this bike gets an imu just for the abs while the new hornet doesn't have one at all.
It's an interesting decision for sure!
Even two bigger Neo Sports don't have one which is even more interesting
We are waiting to install a new exhaust!!!
5:50 - 'it get's up to speed fairly quickly' - that's bc it only weighs a bit more than two bags of sugar...
Are you sure it wasn't bags of coke ?
Would this be OK for me as a beginner rider? Mid thirties getting into riding! Just passed my cbt and gping for my full licence.
since this was (and still is) my first motorcycle, absolutly YES, i start riding this motorcycle on the road since the first minute of ownership and i never had motorcycles before (except trying briefly some 50cc 2 stroke dirt bikes as early teen).
i dont think there's a better beginner motorcycle on the market, only cons are sketchy throttle response (not in the Dangerous way of course, just jumpy) at slow speed and noisy oem rear sprocket
@@Tonyx.yt. appreciate the help. Excited to start the journey..!!
how would it perform on highway?