Honda CB300R 2019 Test Ride - With Audio Commentary
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- A short ride around the back lanes of Shropshire on a 2019 Honda CB300R. Hero 7 Black on a chest mount. Still running in, so revs kept down to around halfway to the 10500 red line and taking it easy with the acceleration. In 6th gear, the revs are roughly 1000 per 10mph, so 60 = approximately 6000 rpm. This is a lovely bike for riding around those twisty back roads, but with enough poke to keep up with the traffic on the A roads. Not really a bike for the motorway, but then motorways are boring anyway :)
Edit: I made a mistake with the kg to lb conversion right at the start of the video. 145 kg is around 320 lbs and not 397 lbs or whatever it was I said 😫
If you don't like the audio commentary - and some people don't - there is a version of this video on my channel with just the engine noise 😃 • Honda CB300R Rideout - Авто та транспорт
sound like pilot announcing a new bike on a plane lol
GONE BURGER that’s exactly what I was thinking. Maybe he is a pilot...
🤣🤣🤣
@@tonybennett3904 Well, in a former life, I was an Air Traffic Controller! Well spotted Sir :)
Facts 😂😂
Hi Gary, I'm based in Falkirk - Scotland.
I have the 2022 CB300R, I've really enjoyed your video and reading the various comments and you answers
Well done buddy !!!
Many thanks for viewing and commenting. It's still a bit cold at the moment for riding, but hopefully we will have another warm summer!
Had mine for 3 months now, traded my street triple 675 in for it , wanted a smaller lighter bike, found a 69 plate with only 1500 miles on it,. Really glad I changed ,keeps up with everything no drama's, great little bike.
I appreciate the way you give the us measurements for us over in the states.
Your review you on the cb300r is by far the most sensible review I've seen.
Thanks. 👍
Well done, this review is one of the best ones I've seen on UA-cam.
Thank you Ron, much appreciated.
Thanks for this I've just acquired one, a 19 plate, I'm 60 now and was a bike addict in my youth, I'm just getting back to enjoying the bike life and this bike is just right for me. This video is so informative thanks
Thank Michael, I still have the CB300R 4 years on and it's still loads of fun :)
That bike is fantastic. Makes a great dual sport.
Great video and your story (coming from the BMW 1200GS) really drives home one of the best selling points for this bike, the incredible light weight. It weighs 33 lbs less than my Vespa GTS 300! As long as you're not on the highway, lightweight = fun. Thanks!
Thank you for your review sir. Everyone else who rode this bike on a test ride did it like they didn’t mind spending a year in the hospital or a lifetime in a wheelchair
Excellent video, Gary. Ride safe.
Well done Gary' that was the best review on this bike i have seen.
Thanks Peggy, just my thoughts but hopefully helpful. I just love the CB300R and every time I think about replacing it with a bigger bike, I think why? I got a BMW R1200GS after watching 'Long way Round' on the TV and I was going to do loads of long distance riding, but almost all my rides were local and the R1200GS was just too much of a beast for that. I always found an excuse not to go out, but I can't wait to jump on the CB300R :)
The most beautiful bike I have ever seen in my life 😍❤️❤️
Great video thanks. Just got rid of my Honda dominator and love the current Honda range. Cb650r, cb500x, rebel and now this to test ride once we are allowed out. Light bikes are always better. Subscribed.
A good vlog for a normal person that is considering buying it for general use.
Thanks Gary. This is the video I needed. Couldn't quite make my mind up about this bike having watched umpteen youtubers reviewing it who are clearly clueless as how to ride a motorcycle. You ride fabulously ✌️ and ain't there just summing special about the "unbusy" sound of a single cylinder motorcycle? 😊
Thanks Phil, the CB300R is perfect for me and loads of fun.
Fantastic review, thank you!
Great video thanks for showing us I love that bike. 👍🇬🇧
Great video lovely bike, very good review. 👍🇬🇧
Great video, thanks for sharing , this hopefully will be my next bike, my CBF is too heavy for me at 73.
Had a fantastic ride today in beautiful weather. 100 miles exactly in two stretches of 50 miles. Lots of big sports bikes left me in their dust, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment. I know I can go and buy a 180mph bike today, but why would I? The speed limit on the back roads is 60mph and 70mph on dual carriages and motorways so what's the point. Just having loads of fun :)
Perfect amount of power tbh. Enough to have still some more oomph to get you out of sticky situations or when going on the highway
I reallyt appreciate you giving standard measures for us yanks, thanks.
Excellent video, M8!
Steady camera 🎥; don’t feel motion sick like most these videos!
Thanks, the GoPro chest rig works well and keeps the motion down :)
Downsizing, bought a 2019 cbr300 great little bike,love it.
age 58 i am at the same point in my riding life... i have owned everything over the years...i currently have a honda nc700x.. great bike... but im finding the seat hight a bit tall.. and i only ride it about 3 times a year in the summer..its a great bike.. but. my 300forza is my commuter and im even doing the weekend lane rides on it with partner on back its got huge passenger seat..but the little wheels are not fun on potholes.... i very rarely go above 70mph nowdays on a bike the wind noise gets on my nerves.. so i am perusing these honda 300r... hondas do not loosen up until at least 2000miles... just change engine oil every 3 thou miles.. and keep lubed and wd40 etc they will last a lifetime
Good vid bud , I'll be buying one soon ,I Love my 650 V-Strom but too top heave to pick up at 75 years young
I'll second your comment. I too ride a 2017 vstrom 650. Looking to downsize to a smaller bike and everything I've seen on the cb300r sound like my new ride. At 73 years young, I'm the young guy. Enjoyed the video. I'd love to find a red 2019 abs. As of now I've only located the matte blue model, with none of my local dealers having the bike in stock...
@@rorysinger5546 hi , may i sugest you ceck out the kawasaki valcan 650 s
I have been reading about it for years and sat on them on two different ocasions.
1) about same weight,
But way lower center of gravity,..means a lot easier to pick up ,especially if you had crash bars installed
2)about the same h.power. 3)easy two flat foot woth real low seat height.
4)same wheel base.
5)GREAT REVIEWS.
USED ONES OUT THERE BUT HARDER TO FIND AS PEOPLE LOVE THEM I GUESS..CHEERS.
Great video and really informative thank you
I have seen only your bike on the whole ride.I think people don't love to ride bikes there.😉😉👍
Just thought I would mention; when running in a new engine revving it beyond about 1/2 max RPM is the thing to avoid. Giving it hard acceleration, particularly in higher gears where it will not rev too much too fast is actually good for them helping rings to bed in and helps to avoid bore glaze {which is bad}. But generally as you say do not treat them too bad too early.
These are a great bike to ride for the very reasons you say; but a little known fact is they share a water pump seal of the same part number with the CB500X and both that bike and various bikes fitted with the same engine design as the 300 {including the 250 it was derived from} are known to occasionally have or develop a leak at the water pump seal. {not from a gasket}. It is usually discovered only if the lower cover is removed and the evidence of the seepage is seen. It does not necessarily cause a great need to fill the coolant due to rapid loss.
The problem has not been fixed in production up until current time although I am informed a new seal part number is coming for my brand new bike which had this leak which I discovered after just a few weeks and about 1,000 klm on it. The new seal part number is hoped by the dealership to be a permanent fix to a known fault by them. This fault has been known to occur since at least 2017. It may mostly occur within the new warranty period but a forum or two I have seen might indicate it sometimes shows up later. They also hope the new seal part number will be trialed in production to solve the problem from occurring. They are a really nice bike to own and ride.Knowing to ask about this when you buy would just be helpful to having them actually look for it in pre-delivery. This problem being known to dealerships should have been rectified in production long ago; but so far has not.
Sounds dope!! Nice!!
Hi there
Great video ! New to this just got the 125 r honda and have recently had a flat battery due to chrismas period and leaving it. Shock to the system to work on a bike as only just got one lol ! But managed to take it apart ! wish Honda would have put it in a better position. Even a complete novice like myself managed it!! definatly gettinng the charger cable fitted saves so much time . But cannot argue 125r a great bike im sure i get the 300 soon.
Perfect every day bike.
Like you, I did years on a GS, the 1100, which I had between 1996 and 2010, covering 92,000 miles [failed gearbox etc]. And I am buying one of these little beauties in the next fortnight in Chiang Rai, Thailand's most northerly city.
My first bike was a Honda CD175 in 1971.
I have subscribed as this is an excellent review.
Many thanks, I hope you enjoy your CB300R, I'm sure you will :)
@@RuytonXI I'm just trying to check the VIN number to determine whether my prospective purchase should have been recalled for the potential engine problem.
@@user-sw2lv3zp6o I didn't get the recall, I purchased my CB300R in April 2019 but I don't know when it was built. I'm fairly sure the problem bikes were due to one person on the production line, so maybe that's how they were able to work out which bikes were affected. I've seen no recalls for the CB300R on the Honda UK website either.
@@RuytonXI That's good.
Just bought this Honda CB300R (2022) in Thailand for my secretary's son to use at university and to visit his mum (170 kms = 105 miles) occasionally. This motorbike is light, narrow and has a tight turning circle so good for filtering through Bangkok City and economical and reliable with its single cylinder and being a Honda.
i keep seeing you in the comments for reviews of this bike lol
i am a new rider and was curious if you know how fast this goes in gear 1 before you need to go up a gear?
@@s1Lence_au If you were doing a 0-100 kph, first gear would take you to 42 kms ( 26 mph). I am usually in second gear as soon as it is moving as I don't thrash it.
Great video Gary that's my next bike at 72 my Bonneville is too heavy to move around and kick start.
Nice one Dave, you are a little bit older than me but I was getting to the point where I was thinking maybe I'd call it quits. However, the CB300R has worked wonders and I'm back to not needing an excuse to get out and ride it. It's just so much fun. I had a fantastic ride over the hills from Llangollen the other day, set TomTom on the phone to 'windy route' and let it lead me astray. If I'd been on the R1200Gs I probably would have chickened out early on :)
@@RuytonXI And on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, I'm 18 and I'm purchasing this bike as my "starter" bike. I've been riding a cheap 200cc enduro for about 8 months now and this is the perfect upgrade.
im considering one of these.
Nice review. Looking for something to down size to. This might be it.
Very nice review, almost echoes my biking career, had a Honda NC750X but too big and tall etc, looking for a smaller more easy to manage bike for more fun and pootle around country roads.
As I've probably mentioned here somewhere, I really loved the big BMW R1200GS but I did feel intimidated by its height (even with the low seat) and weight. I never dropped it, but I came close a few times. Arriving like a hero then doing a tap-dance to keep it upright as you come to a halt - not quite the image I was trying to foster :)
Hi Gary. An excellent and mature review. I'm a similar age but been off 2 wheels for a bit. Started off on sports mopeds and 125s then progressed onto a 250 Superdream then a Kawasaki Z650 (loved that bike) I've retired a little early and find myself looking at videos like yours. I've really got the fancy as you can guess. Emotionally I'd get a Z900RS but 10 k is a lot and all that power would be wasted in truth. How is the gearing on the CB? Some single cylinders can be a bit grabby on change down.
Thanks for the comments Geffo. The gearing on the CB300R is completely appropriate for the engine size and output, so with the small engine, the RPM at motorway speeds is high, roughly 1000 rpm per 10 mph so it does sound a bit 'buzzy' at 70-75mph, but it gets there without any problem. I have briefly seen higher than that during overtakes so it doesn't feel lacking at normal UK A-road speeds, but I wouldn't really consider much motorway riding bearing in mind that most people seem to cruise at 80-90 mph.
All the controls are really light, especially the clutch and I haven't noticed any grabbiness on down changes although listening to my audio, I'm not quite matching the rpm to the speed so I'm effectively using a bit of engine braking.
Fuel economy is ridiculous, and I'm getting 80 to 90 mpg riding around the back roads and A-roads. I'm not trashing it, so most people would get less than this.
What's nice is that it doesn't look like a 'small bike' so it fits in and looks good when parked with larger capacity bikes.
I really pondered over the capacity and was tempted by the CB500R, but then I thought what about the CB600R and the whole 'big bike' thing started again and I would have been back where I started.
I've got this bike on 3-year PCP so it's as cheap as chips and if I want to upgrade I can hand it back and start again :)
All the best with whatever you decide, ride safe and see you out there :)
@@RuytonXI. All good info. I'm going to amuse myself by making a list of prospective bikes and your CB300R makes a lot of sense. Have a bit of room in the garage so it would fit in.
Like you I've passed my mad days. Had a Bandit 1200 in 96 and kept it for 7 years. Oh my, the torque! Made me smile every time. But then so did my VT 500 back in the 80s. (V twin) Thanks again Gary.
Is it good for a 6 ft guy? Or will it look small?
I felt like i was in an airplane! What’s the weather captn? 😅
I think UA-cam took down my previous comment (probably due to a website link I included). So if you permit me, I'll repost without it?
"There's a bit of a quiet revolution going on here in the UK at the moment I reckon. So many people I've spoken to lately are finding a renewed passion in biking from "downsizing". Quite a few owners of "big" bikes have added a 300 or 400 to their garage. Some have even replaced their big bike altogether. I've bought a CB300R after many years of owning larger capacity bikes".
UA-cam censoring us! :)
Hi Garry, excellent video, where about in Shropshire did you film it? I live in Kidderminster and have family in Church Stretton. I agree with all your sentiments about the bike however, I think it has motorway capacity. Having ridden from Gloucester to Worcester on the M5 without problem and also M54 Gailey Island to Telford. Like you I have recently downsized (for weight reasons) from the CB500X to the 300R. The 500 was a lovely bike but certainly wasn't as engaging to ride as the 300R, nor in my opinion as nippy through the gears but overall the 300 is more FUN to ride and for me is thats what it's all about. I have my issues with this bike such as the well documented engine rattle around 6000rpm and the chain and sprocket noise that most owners here and abroad complain about. Anyway great video thanks, have subscribed. All best.
I'm between Shrewsbury and Oswestry. Thanks for your comments regarding motorway cruising, I've avoided motorways and dual carriageways so far, but it's good to hear that it can hold its own at motorway speeds without sounding too frantic. I've read that some of the guys in the USA have changed the gearbox sprocket to lower the rpm at higher speeds, but I wouldn't want to do that and lose out on acceleration. I agree that it's all about having fun and the CB300R certainly is fun!
Are there any mods coming soon?
@@RuytonXI Interestingly, the review on Motorcyclist.com by Ari Henning says 8,000 rpm at 70mph! Perhaps the North American version has shorter gearing?
He also slates the brakes which is a little strange as I think they are actually very good considering the price point of this bike. I have colleagues at work who spend more on a bicycle ;-)
Please make more videos:)
Hi Gary, Nice video... I am from Bangalore, India.
Could you please give some info on Pillion comfort on CB300.. I have booked mine last month...
Hi Sunil, did you get your bike? how is your experience? Planning to buy. Isn't the suspension bit hard and so is the seat.!
Cheers Gary, long time rider like you and 2021 models are coming into the US and this is on my short list. How are the handlebar vibrations for this light weight thumper?
Quite honestly, no noticeable vibration as there are weights in the bars so this must help damping out any vibration. I don't get any tingling in my fingers with rides of up to 2 hours. If I'm carrying a pillion and riding really gently sometimes I get stiff fingers, but that's because I'm changing gear less often and using an almost fixed throttle but it's not due to vibration.
Gary Wann Thank you Gary. I saw a post on ADV Rider and the bar weights were huge; I was concerned they were trying to correct “an issue”.
Thank you for a brilliant review of the 300r
I'm 63 years old and was thinking of getting one of these motorcycles but i think the seat height is a bit high as I've only a 28 inch inseam , what would be your view be ?
would this bike be suitable
unfortunately i cant sit on one as the nearest motorcycle dealer with one in stock is over 2 hours away
anyhow thanks for a fantastic level headed review
Sean, thanks for the comments. I'm 5ft 8ins or thereabouts and my inside leg is 29ins. The CB300R is really light at 145Kg if I remember correctly so I don't think you would have any problems. My R1200GS had a slightly higher (low) seat and I was on the balls of my feet - and it was REALLY heavy. I think the CB125R is the same frame size and seat height, so if you can find one on those to sit on, that might give you an idea, although obviously the 125 would be lighter too.
@Gary Wann
Thank you Gary for your reply , very helpful 👌
Looking to get this as my first bike!! What gloves are you wearing?
Hi there, I've had those gloves for ages, and I've just checked them, but I can't see any labels and I can't remember where I got them. I've got loads of gloves but those in the video are some of the most comfortable. Fairly warm, not too bulky but not waterproof unfortunately.
Hi Gary, really enjoyed your excellent review. I’ve just sold my Moto Guzzi Nevada and am thinking of buying one of these lightweight bikes. My only concern is the engine vibration. Could you please share your views on this now you’ve owned the bike for a while?
Hi Ken, thanks for your comments. Bearing in mind my last bike was the BMW R1200GS (2005 model) with loads of low-down torque and with a red-line of 8,000 rpm, the little CB300R is certainly a different type of bike. The GS would cruise effortlessly at 80mph sounding completely unstressed and I would think nothing of doing a 180 mile trip on the motorway. The CB300R revs to around 10,500 rpm and every 10mph roughly equates to 1000rpm so 80mph would be a fairly frantic 8000rpm (at least it sounds frantic until you get used to it!) but peek power is at 8500 rpm. So it's quite happy at an indicated 70-75 mph on motorways and there is still some grunt if you need it, but I wouldn't necessarily choose to take it on a long motorway run - although others have and say it's no problem. I do regularly try to change up to a non-existent 7th gear, but I wouldn't consider upping the gear ratio changing the front sprocket, although some have.
Back to your original question, I haven't had any issues with vibration at all, yes it's a single but it's well balanced and doesn't feel any 'rougher' than the two-cylinder GS. No tingling through the standard bars and foot pegs and although it's a naked bike, there is virtually no wind buffeting around your head. I never did find a sweet spot for the small GS screen and the buffeting was quite tiring.
It does depend what sort of riding you want to do, I never did 'go around the world' on the GS but for back roads and the occasional motorway dash, the CB300R suits me down to the ground.
Good luck with your decision making, if you can get a test ride that would help you. I recently considered that in a couple of years I might upgrade to the CB650R, but it's bigger, heavier, more expensive to insure and do I really need twice the power and an engine that revs to 14,000rpm - probably not :)
Gary Wann Thanks very much for the quick, very detailed reply. It answers all my concerns. I’ve owned a couple of Hornet 250’s previously so know how enjoyable lightweight bikes are to ride not to mention get in and out of the garage. Will now be looking out for a nice low mileage CB300R. Ride safe!
@@RuytonXI I'm 73 and have owned 24 motorcycles and 2 scooters and am currently on a Honda CB500X. it's a great bike and more than powerful enough for me, but at this point even my 500's 440 lb. is starting to feel a bit heavy sometimes. I'm considering going to something lighter, maybe even a scooter, except that every scooter I sit on seems to be designed for very short people. BTW, I have never owned a bike with a gear indicator or felt like I needed one, until this CB500X. 5th and 6th gears are so close together that I was constantly looking for a 7th gear. A $35 plug-in aftermarket gear indicator fixed that. i don't think it really needs a higher gear, you just have to get used to the idea that these engines are designed to turn fairly high rpm and will do it all day with no problem. And the speedo drive being driven from the countershaft means you need a fairly pricey electronic adapter to keep the speedo accurate when changing sprockets. Great review, thanks!
@@barryervin8536 Thanks for the comments Barry. I was very tempted to revisit my youth and get a 125 either the Suzuki or the Honda CB125R. Good luck with your decision making and I'm sure you will enjoy whatever to choose. There are some very nice small scooters and the step-through frame makes them easier to manage. Grow old disgracefully, it's the only way to go :)
Yes, probably the best youtube review of the CB 300 R. And you sound like a pilot telling passengers what the weather is like outside.
I ride a ‘78 Honda CT 70 (I believe they called it a Dax in Europe). Will the difference in power be noticeable?
Heck yes, you would notice the difference in power. The CT70 is 6 hp I think and the CB300R is 31 hp. The CT70 weighs around 65kg dry and the CB300R is 143 kg, so twice as heavy but with 5 times the power. Riding here in the UK I have no difficulty keeping up with the traffic on the 60 mph highways and crusing at 70 mph is easy. However, most car drivers seem to exceed the 70 mph limit on motorways so even when I'm in my car they come past me like I'm standing still.
I'm roughly the same height as you. Can you please say whether you think your legs have to be bent too much because the pegs are too far back, or whether you can keep your legs more like 90 degrees at the knee? I'm finding nearly all the available 300 cc bikes make you bend your legs excessively, as though you were on a sports bike. I don't understand why manufacturers keep making street bikes that are meant to be upright then ruin it by forcing you to bend your knees so much. It's bloody uncomfortable! Nice review by the way.
The only way to find out is to sit on the bike yourself. I don't think the pegs are too far back, in fack when you put your feet on the floor they tend to get in the way of your legs so you either have to spread your legs a bit more to clear the pegs or move your legs slightly forward so they are in front of the pegs. That suggests that they are directly below your bum if that's any help :)
Thanks Gary for a very informative video. I used to have a 1100GS and your description of man-handling the weight of your GS sounded very familiar! So as my 60th birthday approached I changed my GS for a VFR800 - about 40kg lighter plus lower and narrower but the next mile stone arrives today i.e. 65 so I'm thinking of going lighter again. You mentioned riding with a pillion but the 300R's pillion seat looks very short/potentially precarious! Was your pillion an adult? Btw I'm 5'10" and 11.5 stone and my pillion is 5'3"and 9 stone. Cheers Mike (from Worcester)
Mike, I'm 5ft 8ins and about 12.5 stone and my wife is around 5ft 2ins and obviously lighter than me (of course, I can't actually ask her!!!). She says the seat is more perched than the R1200GS and she finds the 'bum' handles a bit small and flexible so she prefers to use the seat strap. We ride for about an hour at a time and she's quite happy. I do ride very gently when she's on the back but I haven't lost her yet when I've been overtaking. She always wants to come out with me so it can't be too uncomfortable, even though the seat looks very thin. We're only a couple of years younger than you by the way. The CB3000R is very light at about 145kg, but that makes it very nimble - and the price is very reasonable too. If you can find a bike to test ride, or at least sit on, that would be a good idea.
Thanks for your response Gary and you're absolutely right ie a test ride is the best way forward of course. I've yet to see a pillion on a CB300R on UA-cam but I suppose that's the case with most bikes on here. You also got me thinking perhaps I shouldn't have disclosed my partner's weight - whoops! Actually I probably overstated it/allowed for her to have some clothes on! Cheers Mike
@@mikedowning4603 I'm not sure if you have seen this 'vanity' site of mine. I've added other CB300R video reviews to the gallery as well as some of my general ride videos. It's interesting to get a cross section of views. Some people worry about the high revs at highway cruising speeds and others obsess about the 'noise' the drive chain makes, but overall for what it is, it's favourable. I wouldn't choose this bike for consistent motorway cruising, but it's not really that sort of bike anyway. It was always a bit of a 'drama' going out on the R1200GS, but I just hop on the little 300 (or 298 to be precise I think) and go for it. shotatton.uk
Gary Wann Thanks for the photo gallery Gary a trip down memory lane! I have owned a few 1000cc motorcycles in the past mainly when I was going through my mid life crisis. Yamaha FJ1200, Thunderace and an R1. Also Ducati 998s and Multistrada. I am now 71 retired in SW France and thinking of returning to motorcycling but with a view to a smaller capacity bike of course! I quite like the Suzuki SV 650 but at 196kg 430lbs it's a little heavy so the Honda CB 300 or the Yamaha MT 03 might be the better option. Thanks again for your smashing videos and photos!
SW France (now in lockdown again!)
@@wakajawaka44 Thanks for the comments and stay safe over there in France. Once you get past the 'My bike is bigger and faster than yours' stage and can just smile and say 'Been there, done that, got the t-shirt and survived' there is a lot to be said for just having fun. I've got nothing to prove these days, take me as I am and you can laugh at my little bike of you like but I'm having FUN :) Generally though, this isn't the case and I that us bikers stick together no matter what we ride. I did seriously think about getting the Honda CB650R but I also thought about getting a 125 so the CB300R sits in the perfect range for me. I think you would have great fun on the Honda or the Yamaha :)
Hi, you mentioned the CB500F, what made you decide to on the 300? I'm torn between the two. Commuters, need to use A roads and live in London. Making the step up from a 125 which has been great for fuel economy but terrible on A roads.
The CB300R is so light that the extra power of the CB500F combined with its extra weight doesn't make very much difference when it comes to power to weight ratio. If you are going to spend a lot of time cruising on A roads with a 60mph or 70mph limit then you might want the extra top-end torque provided by the CB500F. If you want a light nippy bike to get through traffic then the CB300R might do for you. The purchase price, insurance costs and fuel economy might make a difference depending on your circumstances. The CB300R would definitely have more get up and go than your 125. As you've been riding for a while, neither bike would present you with a challenge I'm sure. My bike is for fun only, so if you are riding every day - don't know how far you commute, the bigger bike might be better. I'd see if you can get a test ride on either or both if possible. Good luck with your choice, not an easy one :)
True... Quite Tiring riding this bike to cruise 100kmh above for entire journey...
Cb 500 f great bike, but 100 lbs. Heavier
hi gary,m would you notice much of a power increase moving from a 125cc to this?
I think you would definitely notice a difference, especially at higher speeds. Depending on the power of the 125 (the CB125R is 13 bhp) with the CB300R putting out 31 bhp and not being too much heavier than the 125. When a 125 would be running out of puff, the 300 would be noticeably more powerful. Overtaking on the UK roads with a limit of 60 or 70 mph are not an issue. Cruising at 60 mph is effortless on the CB300R, but a 125 would be slowed by hills and headwinds. Acceleration on a 300 would be significantly better than a 125.
I've been thinking about getting this bike but the lack of a gear indicator but especially the battery under the gas tank has been putting me off. Do you have to disconnect fuel line etc..... to replace the battery?
Adam, not having a gear indicator really isn't an issue. I'm an older rider and rode for years before a gear indicator became possible so it's not essential, just a nice thing to have if you can have it. Changing up is never going to be a problem and even if you forget what gear you are in, it really doesn't matter if you try to change up into 7th when you only have 6 gears. You go through the motions and you are still in 6th. Changing down, 1st is always going to be at the 'bottom' of the gearbox, so if you approach a stop sign and can't remember what gear you are in, you just pull in the clutch, hold it in and keep changing down until you can't go any further and you are in 1st. I mostly tend to go up/down the gears one at a time so I'm never going to be in an unsuitable gear. However, if I'm in 6th and approaching a roundabout say, I'll stamp down 2 gears to 4th then one at a time down to 3rd and probably 2nd depending on if I'm going to have to stop and go down to 1st. Also, as a reminder of when I'm in 6th (top gear) I learn roughly how the rpm and speed correlate and if you are using mph this is easy as 1000 rpm equates to about 10 mph, so if I see 53 mph and about 5300 rpm I know I'm in 6th. 65 mph and 6500 rpm and again I'm in 6th gear. Of course, sometimes I don't get it right and try to change up to 7th, but it's not a drama, I'm just still in 6th when I drop the clutch. Of course, adding an aftermarket gear indicator is easy, it just plugs into the diagnostic socket under the seat. Don't worry about the lack of a gear indicator, after a short while riding, you won't miss it.
As for the battery under the tank, how often are you going to want to get to it? It's maintenance free so it doesn't need topping up. However, I would recommend installing a charging lead so you can put the battery on charge if you are not using the bike for a while. Get the dealer to do it if you are not happy doing it yourself. As far as getting to the battery, it's not difficult, just a bit fiddly. The manual describes exactly how to do it, but the process is:
- remove rear seat
- remove front seat
- remove plastic tank cover (5 Allen bolts if I remember correctly)
- remove 2 Allen bolts holding the front of the tank to the frame
- hinge the fuel tank up on its rear bolt (no need to disconnect any fuel lines, you can do this with a full tank too)
- pop open the plastic cover over the battery, this forms a rest for the fuel tank
- rest the front of the fuel tank on the open plastic battery cover
- You now have access to the battery terminals
Just reverse the process to put the bike back together
See this UA-cam video, it's a CB125R but the process is almost the same. If the link doesn't work, search for :
Getting to the battery on a Honda CB125R 2018( heated grips install ) part 1
ua-cam.com/video/-UmcgYRVcL0/v-deo.html
@@RuytonXI Thanks for the very comprehensive response!
@@dustytriumph I might do another video talking about gears and the need for a gear indicator - or not having a gear indicator :)
@@dustytriumph Here is a new video I've just uploaded, discussing 'Do you need a gear indicator'. Hope you find it interesting :)
Shropshire's speed cameras are relatively sensible, as are Derbyshire's. Staffordshire is a nightmare and Lancashire's getting that way with its grossly excessive use of money grabbing average speed cameras.
Only like bikes with gear indicator. makes it more easier to ride.
Honda bikes are always with no gear indicator.
Greetings Gary,
I came here thru ADVRider.
It may sound bizarre, but I've ordered today, at lunch, a CB 300R, and I have the same dilemma/resolution as you do.
There are no units to test ride, so you have to rely on UA-cam and reviews.
Do you think that it is a good motorcycle to commute?
Best regards from Portugal!
Hugo, thanks for the comments. I would say that the CB300R will make a good commuter. Not sure if you have seen this video from the USA where the reviewer tests the bike on a commute. ua-cam.com/video/BBk8XN6x_U0/v-deo.html You will certainly be able to keep up with the traffic and the CB300R is light and nimble enough to get through the gaps. I haven't done much fast highway riding, but I have ridden at 70-80 mph in bursts and the acceleration is good enough to leave most cars at the traffic lights. I just have to get used to a higher revving bike rather than the lazy low rpm that I used to use with the R1200GS. I used to worry about slow U-turns and paddling the R1200GS when I had to do a 3-point turn but this just isn't an issue with the light CB300R. I installed an Optimate charging lead to the battery yesterday, a bit of a fiddle getting to the battery, but actually quite simple if you follow the owner's handbook. It's nice being able to work on a less complicated bike again :)
@@RuytonXI Dear Gary,
Thank you very much for the feedback.
I've already saw that video you pointed out. But thank you for the heads up, nevertheless.
I'm trying to get my hands on a Owner's Manual, but without success. There'r nothing online.
By the way, if you want to, you can purchase a Honda's Service Manual thru this link:
www.helminc.com/helm/product2.asp?Make=AHC&Model=CBAA&Year=2019&Category=1&class%5F2=AHC&mk=Honda+Motorcycle&yr=2019&md=CB300RA&dt=Shop%2FService+Information&module=&from=result&Style=helm&Sku=61K0A00&itemtype=N
Thank you.
Hi, Just want to make sure the info is correct. did I hear you right? 397 pounds?? Actually the bike weighs in around 317 pounds. I just bought one last week.
143 kg according to the Honda specs page which is about 315 lbs. My R1200Gs was around 225 kgs which is 496 lbs. I haven't listened back to see what I said, but you are right about the weight. A nice light bike :)
Tanks for the heads up Giancarlo, I did give the wrong weight in lbs. UA-cam seems to have taken away the option to add a caption to the video, so I've had to put a correction in the comments.
@@RuytonXI No worries, Gary... the bike is super nimble!!
Hello, can you do long trips with this motorbike?
It depends on what you call long didtance. I wouldn't want to spend all day on the motorway at 70mph when even the trucks are doing 80mph, but I'd happily spend all day on the twisty back roads at between 30mph and 60mph. My average ride is about 50 miles but I'd done 80miles in a day with a pillion passenger without any problems. I'm planning to ride to an airshow and back next year which is 100 miles each way, all back roads which will take me about two and a half hours each way. The fuel tank is good for about 180 miles as the fuel economy is excellent.
@@RuytonXI thanks a lot for the quick answer. Well, I would just go from cities to cities but stopping by to let the engine rest. Let's say Barcelona to Madrid and I d stop a few times.
Would that be ok?
@@marcopetriccione6906 That’s about 400 miles I think and Google suggests about six and a half hours. Yes, that's quite a distance on a small bike but it's a Honda, so it will go on for ever :) It just depends on how happy you are on faster roads with fast trucks. If you were doing that distance regularly I would definitely go for a bigger touring bike with a faring. Stick to the minor roads and enjoy the journey :)
Is this bike s made n Thailand r japan
Manoj Vass Assembled in Thailand to the exacting standards of Honda Japan. Much like other small bikes, for example BMW
@@RuytonXI Thank you
Curious anyone actually enjoying single cylinder more than twin cylinder and above?
Yes, really enjoying the little single cylinder CB300R. I've had singles, twins and fours of up to 1200cc and the number of cylinders is immaterial really, it's the power and torque that makes a difference.
Should I buy this as a first bike?
I think this would make a good first bike, not too powerful, not too heavy but with enough 'poke' to have some fun on. My first proper bike after a 50cc moped was a Yamaha RD125 two-stroke two-cylinder, but I'm sure I would have been OK on the CB300R.
@@RuytonXI thanks man, I like that it's a reliable honda, looks amazing, has some power .Also the position seems more comfortable than a crotch Rocket.
I've had a YZ 80 and have rode other dirt bikes, is it a Quick bike?
@@mtmatt8958 Quicker than a YZ80 that's for sure. Not going to pull your arms off, but around twice the power .
@@RuytonXI 🙏 cheers sir , I appreciate the reply. I'm looking in the new beautiful Yamaha mt03 🙃
You said 397 pounds weight.
It's 319 pounds.
Yes, read my description of the video, I made a mistake and corrected it in the description. Thanks for watching the video and picking that mistake up. It's a nice light bike :)
A quit bike
Too much waffle about other things, other bikes, cars, mics, speed cameras, stay on topic mate, its supposed to be about the Honda. Put seats in upright position, thanks for flying "waffle airways"...lol
I see you don't have any videos on your channel at all - nothing to say I guess?