Honda CB300R Review: Beginner Bike Test (Compared to MT-03 & Z400)
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- Опубліковано 22 кві 2021
- How does the Honda CB300R compare vs the Yamaha MT03 and Kawasaki Z400? I share my thoughts on the #CB300R from a first motorcycle perspective.
Looking for a beginner motorcycle as a first time rider? An advanced #motorcyclist looking for a fuel efficient and practical commuter bike? Visit and consider subscribing to Ride YEG for more bike content as I have more videos related to Japanese #motorcycles and cars, a lot of which are Honda's.
Thanks for watching and ride safe.
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![2020 Honda CB300R First Ride Review [BUY THIS MOTORCYCLE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/igU8noRymdE/mqdefault.jpg)
![2020 Honda CB300R First Ride Review [BUY THIS MOTORCYCLE]](/img/tr.png)
Would you choose the CB300R over the Z400 and MT-03?
I sure would and will probably be picking one up to replace the “big bike” (z900) I just sold. I don’t fit well on the mt03 and the z400 doesn’t look as cool as the cb300r. The z400 also has issues with the clutch where modifications are needed to prevent clutch slippage. Sure both have more power than the cb but I love the sound of the single and the looks of the bike!
@@alexp6409 That's exciting to hear! Coming from the 900 you'll love how flickable it is. Lightest bike in its class. Ride safe ✌️
I did
For me it came down to the fact that for an extra $200, you can get a 400 instead of the 300. Also, my kawi dealer was less greedy than the honda dealer (hidden fees and such). Overall I am satisfied with my purchase. In the USA it’s important having enough power because the average highway/ interstate speed is 70MPH. Even though the 300 can get you there, I feel like you would be at high RPMS at all times.
@@bobbyjoesugar Yeah in your case that totally makes sense to get the 400! Glad you’re happy with your purchase. After selling my 300 I’m still so curious to try the 400
I think the single cylinder aspect should be highlighted more as an advantage (cheaper maintenance, longer service intervals, less fuel consumption). If you assess motorcycles as “an only method of personal transportation” instead of just as an entertainment toy then this motorcycle is not just a beginners toy. I am 70 years old, I can not afford car ownership, and I have no trouble riding this motorcycle at highway speeds for 4 to 6 hours/day. For traveling distances further than 50 miles I believe this is among the most affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly options available.
Great points! Many of which are reasons why I ended up buying mine. Ride safe✌️
Z400 needs more maintenance service,than CB300?
@@ausffc6331it’s basically about the same amount
As a rider of 43 years, it was time to downsize due to arthritis. No more 600lbs+ bikes for me anymore! I purchased a new 2021 and this bike makes me feel young again. As you said, very light and maneuverable, and plenty fast enough for short high way jaunts. It will top 90 MPH (145 KPH), although you wouldn't want to ride it for long at that speed. It is an awesome bike, and not just for beginners! Thanks for a great video.
Definitely! I really try not label bikes as "beginner only" as this CB300R is also amazing for commuters returning riders. I went from an 800cc Ducati Scrambler but honestly find my low cc bikes more enjoyable. Ride safe✌️
Hi again. 😂
Massively under powered poor choice I had one sold it for a 500 cc world of difference
I'm not a beginner and I own a CB300R. Had bikes ranged from a Grom 125 to Yamaha FZ09.
The CB does feel like a Grom but does everything we all want the Grom to do. Feels light, nimble, and yes fast enough to do what it's supposed to do. I find my self pushing harder on the CB300R than on the FZ09. Loved the CB so much that I sold my FZ09 cause it stayed at home most of the time.
Also it looks good, the headlamp is one of the best I've seen. The FZ09 2017 has the worst headlamps in the market, it so bad, people have to add extra lamps if they ride at night. The lamp projects right in front of the bike on the ground, about 5m. You can't see anything even with the high beam on.
If you want a light weight bike, that will do 150-160kmh top speed, does about 6,7 sec 0-100kmh, sip on gas, will always start, low maintenance cost and don't look like a Transformers... This is your bike 👍
Amazing summary! Sounds like I had a really similar experience- I had an FZ07 at one point before the CB. Thanks for sharing and for watching. Ride safe✌️
I’d argue it looks like a transformer (Ironhide) and it’s one of the appeals for me to get this bike. What are some of the bikes you consider to look like a Transformer?
@@epiklizard well, my FZ09 looked like a Transformer, the new MT03 fallow the look with a smaller cc engine but more powerful than the CB300R.
My CB300R died after my crash last october, I hit a deer at 90kmh. Fractured ribs and sternum, screwed up my right shoulder and hip, I'm glad I'm always riding with full gear cause it would have been a lot worse without it.
Now I'm looking at the CT125 as my next bike.
I have been looking into buying a bike and this really helps. thank you.😊
Great review and key points mentioned made great sense. Thanks for sharing.
Always appreciate the feedback! Thanks for watching and ride safe✌️
I've ridden since I was 18 lots of bikes 250cc, 600cc ,1100cc you name it . had a grom for a couple of years then found that I needed transport again, so grabbed a 2nd hand 2019 cb300r just to and from work. It's a really easy to ride good looking bike. looks bigger than it is and just handles grunts off the line, easy to live with, I will keep it stock as I have to leave home early 5am ish, won't annoy the neighbours.+ it will do wheelies easier than a grom. lol . thanks for the review ! peace and respect, be safe everyone!
It’s such a versatile yet fun bike to have! Ride safe✌️
I bought one and very happy with it.
I have the 2021 CB300R and absolutely love it. Love the way it looks and the way it handles. I’m a short rider at 5’4” and have no problem with the seat height. I also have a 2018 Honda grom and it’s just an all around fun bike.
It sounds like we have a lot of similarities when it comes to bikes! If you throw in a Honda Rebel 500 we'll be the exact same🤣 Ride safe✌️
I just started driving bike 5months ago i have dont test drive on this cb 300r it is really easy to drive gear shifting and break sare realy smooth i like it 👍🏽
When I saw the title I thought you were going to highlight the pros and cons of the CB300R va the other 2
You can move the flashpoint of the gear change indicator to any rev you want, Per the manual.
That’s really helpful! Thanks for the tip. Ride safe ✌️
That's a really clever feature
Very informative video and part of the video is shot in my neighborhood:)
Deciding on my first bike and I need to decide between honda cb300r and mt 03
I really like round headlight of honda but seat height is too much for me. Seat height for mt 03 is perfect for me but it doesn't have round headlight.
I’d go with the MT03 also because it has more versatile power. Seat height is important too
I would argue the Honda is more versatile as it has more low and mid range power @@RideYEG
Good video. Good review. What helmet is that?
The shift light is programable. It is set for the recommended brake-in shift point.
Yeah another subscriber pointed that out to me as well! Thanks for that🙏
How do you program it?
@@motorolafast4851 See page 33 in the Honda Owner's manual, "Setting of REV indicator.". (in the 2019 American version -- your page may differ, but it should close.)
I was deciding between those 3 bikes, absolutely loved the look of the cb300r so I placed a deposit on 1 at a dealer, they say its arriving in Aug for the new 2021. Im 5'5 and no dealers in my city have it in stock so haven't got a chance to sit on it so Im basically buying it blind. Hopefully its manageable tho!
You're right about the look of this bike being absolutely amazing! Do you have previous riding experience? You should be okay as it is a pretty light bike, if you have a longer inseam than me that'll be a bonus too.
What is the update?:)
Great video. I just passed my beginner's course. I noticed when you downshifted, are you rev matching when you downshift?
Just picked up a new 2023 today because I wanted something a little more powerful than the little Kawasaki Z125 Pro I bought a few weeks earlier. I LOVE the little Z, but for the kind of rural back road exploration I like to do, I just noticed that for the short stretches when the posted limit is 50-55 mph, the Z struggles a bit, because other motorists treat such roads as freeways. Picking the Honda up next week, so your video is helpful. Thanks!
Cool bike
i had 19000km with my cb300r, awesome handling, very low consumption, snappy mid range engine response.
cons? sketchy low rpm throttle response, short gears (but 15t front sprocket help).
a CB500R with neo sport cafe and the 471cc twin would have been nice
They have Rebel 500. Actually four 500 models already. But personally totally agree with you concerning New Sport Café 500 model
For beginners, and others, I don't understand why it's taller than the competition or the lack of a gear position indicator.
But the bigger thing holding me back is apparently that Honda has arbitrarily decided that the 300cc platform will not be allowed to shift to neutral from 1st while sitting still? It's a complaint recorded in multiple places, and Honda's official response was it isn't a bug, it's a feature.... supposedly it's safer so that you don't shift into neutral from 1st at a stop light, and yet that's exactly what you need to do sometimes if your hand is cramping, and you definitely have to do it in the MSF courses - which probably explains why my MSF provided had Ninja 300, BMW G310, Duke 200, etc. They had one Rebel 300 but the rider had problems with it and it was swapped for an ancient Suzuki Eliminator and they liked it better(!).
I have zero interest in the mini bikes like Grom. I can get a real bike in a lightly used Ninja 300 for the same price, and actually ride it on the highway and have wind protection as well. I'd also consider a used XT225/250 dual sport instead of a Grom style bike.
The Duke/Husq options look great and have great electronics, but as Revzilla reviewers said - it's great right up until the engine explodes and it will..
But I'd take a Z400 over all these options (if I could find one! supply chain sucks and zero on the used market!) due to perfect mix of size, weight, capabilities. You could just ride a Z400 forever without feeling the need to upgrade. But I already have an old Bandit 400 in the wings so that's kind of duplication in my case.
Agree exactly with what you said. I actually have a Ninja 400 now after owning a couple bigger bikes. The 400 is a fantastic platform by Kawasaki. Just waiting for a Versys X400 from them.
I own a 2019 cb300r and my girlfriend owns a 2019 z400 and I can say if you trying to choose between the 2 definitely go with the 400. After 2 month i felt like I have outgrown the cb300r and to feel like you have any power you have to stay high in the rpms where because the 400 is a twin you have significantly more lower end power. I have also been told my multiple slammed men that the Kawasaki 400 engine makes more power then the Honda 500s. So if anyone is looking at getting a cbr500 or something you could get more power and save 1500 Ian dollars with Kawasaki’s 400s. Hope this helps someone.
Really appreciate the insights! Still haven’t been able to get my hands on the Z400 but really want to try that engine - truly sounds like it’s the perfect size. Not to mention the 400s from Kawasaki are lighter than any of Honda’s 500s
Ewwww, but the Kawi Z400 styling is pure trash - super outdated 2000s Michael Bay transformer aesthetic... GROSS.
I own a Honda 919 for when I want power and torque, so I bought the CB300R specifically for its low weight... and good looks!
CBR500R has 48 hp, Z400 just has 45 hp
And you say Z400 is more powerful than CBR500R?
@@lehuunghia12cs60 the cbr is also about 60 lbs heavier. but it's sort of a moot point because if you're buying a bike for power and speed you aren't really looking at a z400 or cbr500 anyway.
I have a 2020 got it last June and I love it though I wish it had more power
Nice, is it the blue color? Yeah a tiny bit more power would be good, or if it was even lighter like a supermoto that'd be awesome. Wouldn't mind smaller tires too
@@RideYEG it’s insanely light and when you want to it’s got power and it kinda does remind me of a dirt bike for the street
@@RideYEG and yeah it’s the blue with gold forks and wheels
@@swiger01ify Thanks for watching and ride safe ✌️
Hello! New to the channel and just subscribed. I’m a new rider (haven’t even taken my test yet!) and am shopping for a entry level motorcycle. There’s one I’m in love with but finding many reviews about it is challenging. The manufacturer is more known for their Scooters (which do have great reviews). In fact many scooter manufacturers seem to be jumping into the entry level motorcycle game. The one I’m interested in this the SYM Wolf CR300. I believe the company is out of Vietnam or Taiwan, can’t recall. I think it’s amazing looking but don’t know enough about bikes to know if the components are on par with say the Honda CB300. The price tags are about equal. Curious if you know much about SYM motorcycle and if they are good? They made a 150 cc a few years back that did get outstanding reviews and at the time was only around $3,000. Hard to find used since they are popular. But I love the cafe racing style of the Wolf 300.
Thanks for subscribing and welcome to the community. I don't believe the Sym Wolf is available in Canada but I just did some research and that CR300 cafe looks amazing. I'll stay on the lookout for them when I'm in southeast Asia either late 2021 or 2022 and I'll even try to ride one if I can! Where are you based out of?
Sym are out of Taiwan and from what I have read and it's been quite extensive reading, they are very reliable machines. That is to say their whole range of scooters and bikes are reportedly reliable. I was once interested in the Sym Maxsym 600i scooter and I couldn't find a bad comment or review anywhere on the internet and nothing but glowing reports of their products in Sym forum. I don't think I'd hesitate to buy if the right bike came up that I was interested in, saying that a test ride or a 2nd opinion from someoone experienced who you could take with you would help.. Honda have legendary build quality that has been earned over time, but to think that all Chinese bikes and cars are generally of a lesser than good reliable quality THESE DAYS, I think would be a foolish assumption. There are plenty of Sym scooter reviews on the internet and on here as you know which I think would be a good gauge for their motorcycles too. Can't see them making excellent scooters and crappy bikes...it wouldn't be. I'm from UK so I'm being totally unbiased in my comments but was looking at a scooter for my holiday home in Thailand and it was considerably cheaper than a Suzuki Burgman 650 with similar performance. Most opinions were pointing me toward the Sym as a "no brainer" decision by owners and ex owners etc. Suzuki is another top Japanese manufacturer and on price and proven reliabilty Sym was getting the nod.
Seasoned rider here
(over 20 years or ridding)
1st bike ZX10R
2nd bike Z750s
3rd bike CBR500R
Current bike 2021 CB300R
Great commuter bike or beginner bike. When you get old enough you start to realize that this is all you need to get around. Too old to care what anyone thinks and I'm not trying to race anyone 🤣.
Totally resonate with that. I have the Rebel 500 and my 125 Grom now and very content haha. Ride safe✌️
@@RideYEG keep up the great work and stay safe as well!👍
@@RideYEG
I'm 41 and just came to the idea I NEED to sit on bike before I got too old and... "rusty".
So far picking between cb300r and rebel 500 as the very first bike.
Could you, please, recommend some of these in my case? Which one if so?
@@mykolashatkovskyi8817 both are great bikes but I ended up getting a Rebel 500 after owning the 300R. Just a fantastic versatile bike. I have lots of video about the Rebel 500 on my channel
Currently have the 125cc version of this and the rev light on the dash is so annoying. Starts blinking in the late 50mph and even in 6th at say 65 it's going wild blinking or stays on permanently. As you say - you cannot do anything, there are no more gears. It needs a three second time out otherwise it's a distraction, annoyance, anxiety cause.
How would this bike be on a long distance trip? Any information would help. Thank you
A totally awesome bike. Calling it a beginner bike somewhat devalues it. It’s superb and aesthetically beautiful, if a little high for shorter riders who may have a fair amount of trouble flat-footing it.
Agree with everything you wrote! I don't like calling these low cc bikes beginner bikes but UA-cam seems to. I just have way more fun with lighter bikes!
also the seat height is consistent through it's entire line... so if you can ride the 300, you can ride the 1000 (in terms seat height.. nothing else, lol)
the new one has a gear pos^n indicator ig.
Any rrasom you did not mention bmw 310r amongs competition?
Hey YEG! Do you have a place that lists all of your gear? I absolutely love your helmet, jacket, and gloves!
I don’t yet but that’s a great idea. Let me get that for you:
- Icon Variant helmet
- Icon wire form jacket
- Alpinestars gloves
- Forma boots
@@RideYEG Perfect thank you:)
just got a 2019 cb300r with a rear end delete and akrapovic exhaust for $3600 on facebook marketplace, couldn't ask for a better first bike for that price. I do wish it had a gear indicator tho.
They just released the 2024 CB300R and it has a gear indicator. They added it this year.
I love the looks of the new CB naked bikes. We considered one when my wife started riding last year. She ended up getting a ninja 300.
I don’t remember what it was like when I started riding (first bike was a Vulcan 500).
Can’t say what the CB300r is like on the freeway but the ninja 300 does fine. 75-80mph in 6th gear sits around 8,500rpm-9,000rpm. And the wind was very manageable. Don’t expect any passing power at those speeds tho.
If you have 0 experience I’d say a 250-300 is perfect. Any thing smaller is dangerous and a wast of money after a year. If you’ve got experience on a dirt bike or scooter tho and already know the controls, definitely step up to a ninja 400-650. 250-300 class bikes are great fun but the torque is just non existent.......
(that’s a good thing if you don’t know what you’re doing)
The torque difference Getting off my xb9 or sfv650 and on the ninja300 is the most notable difference tho. If riding is something your serious about your gonna outgrow a 250-300 within 6 months- a year , so budget for your next bike ASAP
This is a perfect comment! I've ridden the Ninja 300 and they reminded me a lot of this CB300R. Power comes in a little higher in the RPM range compared to the CB imo. Really want to get my hands on the Ninja 400 or Z400, I think those would be perfect longer term first bikes. Ride safe and thanks for watching✌️
@@RideYEG I’ve ridden a ninja 400 it has a much better bottom end than my wife’s 300. Riding position is a bit more aggressive but still very comfortable. Fit and finish on the 400 is far better also.
@@Bethany_mo I'm really liking the looks too. I've really found a nice balance with naked bikes so I'd be curious to compare Z400 with CB300R
I like the look of the CB. Z looks ugly, especially that exhaust. MT03 looks like an alien, not a fun. CB is the mix of classic and modern.
Haha can’t say I disagree with that. The CB is definitely superior in looks 🙏
If you think Mt 03 looks alien, what do you think about Ktm Duke?!
Side stand light: Not something you typically need to see. Wait! The bike won't start?! Oh, kickstand.... -- the light is there when you need it.
Shift Light: Read your owner's manual -- it's adjustable. It is set for break-in.
Is it normal to have vibration in handle bars? Dealer said 300's all have vibration.My 150 scooter has none.
I don’t have experience with the 300 to compare but the 500 doesn’t have much vibration until you ride highway speeds
I'm a beginner and choosing my first bike, I've always wanted a BMW, how does this bike compare to the 310R? PS I am a Honda fan, I'll only own Honda cars :)
The white blinking light can be turned off or changed to blink at another rpm
Good to know! Thank u
This bike with a single cylinder sounds just like the CRF250L that I had
Agreed! I owned the CRF250L as well.
The KTM Duke 390 is a single cylinder also
Yup! Same with the Svartpilen 401. Definitely notable bikes to consider but I normally just compare with other big 4 from Japan.
Does it vibrate your hands a lot?
Cb300R doesn't really make sense until you put it up against the Grom with the CB300R and then the CB500F/X... then it makes sense... while the other brands are pumping out 40~ hp in this segment and then stepping up to the 60-90hp, Honda's step up is much smaller and more sensible... or you can go straight for the Hornet/650R and skip the 500's.
Was that full throttle at the beginning of the video?
No I don’t believe so lol. I rarely go full throttle unless I’m on the Grom😂
@@RideYEG Thanks for the response. I’m in the market for my first bike and looking at smaller Hondas like these but was unsure. I don’t want a bike that is under powered to where you basically full throttle everywhere haha.
@@aflipzkidn I just bought a ninja 400 if you have any questions about that bike let me know
Cb300r vs nova fazer 250?
We don't have the fazer 250 here in Canada but it looks like a cool bike! I'd go with the CB300R because it's Honda and the extra power.
I sat on a cb300r at the dealership and the seat is a brick! Very uncomfortable. Why wasn’t that mentioned?
I didn’t have any issues with the seat. Found that it was comfier than the MT07
A knock off air hawk seat cushion is cheap.
The BMW and the KTM are single cylinders.
when this is a beginner bike...what is the ähäh ending bike??...this is a fucking normal MOTORRAD von Honda...treat it like this,name it like this
There's no gear indicator in Honda
My Rebel 500 has one
CB500F has one
Starting with the 2022 models it does have a gear indicator 🙏
2024 just released has it.
A G310R anyone? Bueller? Anybody?
I can see a bit of similarity!
@@RideYEG LOL, no. That's not what I meant. I was saying that the G310R is also a 300cc bike and should be considered against this Honda when looking for a bike.
@@OntarioAndrews415 Oh good point, it is definitely one to consider as well but not as easy to find on the market where I am.
@@OntarioAndrews415 I would go for the Husky Svartpilen or Vitpilen before a BMW 310. Looks alone the CB300R and the 2 Huskies rocks 👍
@@RideYEG Okay, got it.
kinda looks like a baby Indian FTR
I from india and i really want to buy this bike but they stopped this bike in 2020
Oh no, why did they stop it? Were sales low?
@@RideYEG no , sake were actually good but don't know the reason why they stopped...
@@nidhishkashyap7554 Ah I'm sorry to hear that. Is the MT03 and Z400 available in India? I have been wanting to try those!
Not mt 03 but z400 available but it is way pricier which i couldn't afford, it's like if you spend a little more you can get ninja 600
@@nidhishkashyap7554 it was stopped in march 2020 because from april 2020 onwards only vehicles fullfilling BS6 emission norms were allowed to sell in India (just like Euro 4,5).. I was waiting for its relaunch ever since it was stopped, and now it is going to relaunch with BS6 engine next month. ( A news came yesterday that 8 units of cb300r bs6 despatched to india)
Not just for beginers, cant an experienced rider ride a small cc bike?
Z400 is 1000x better.
Weak bike no power better off with a twin for sure all day long