Honda CBR300R Review

Welcome to the Honda CBR300R showroom and specification review. Initially published in 11-Nov-2013 I’ve updated and reposted this as it now forms part of the best selling motorcycles in Australia series. In respect to that, the Honda CBR300R is the 3rd most popular or selling ‘Super Sports’ motorcycle sold in Australia in 2018 selling 349 units. Apart from that record the CBR300R is also a LAMS bike aka learner and commuter friendly so anyone can ride it.

The CBR300R was one of the newer models in the learner and commuter class motorcycle to hit the world wide market, originally as the CBR250R and updated to 300cc in 2013 to an increasingly competitive class. (There is also a 400cc version for the Japanese market.) The CBR300R retail pricing was announced at $5699 + on road costs so should be around $6500 in most Australian States and Territories. However since they are no longer sold new you have to buy the CB300R naked model priced from approx $4500 or the updated CBR500R price around the $7000 on the road pricing.

In terms of engine specifications the CBR300R compares well to it’s arch rival, the Ninja 300 which was released in the same year. Honda claims that they have tried to reduce fuel consumption to a claimed 3 litres per 100 kilometers which is a litre or so less than some other motorcycles in the same class.

However, let’s face it – its all about which is the fastest and biggest looking commuter or learner motorcycle – when buying a motorcycle in this class. The specs are also telling in that the CBR300R engine with one less cylinder produces the same torque but slightly less power and has shorter gearing and lighter to make it actually faster in real life than say, the Ninja 300R (To which I again ask Kawasaki to do it properly and stop overcharging for less.)

With engine power commentary out of the way, does the CBR300R look any good or bigger than it actually is?  It is the CBR300R’s redesigned fairing to match the equally new CBR500 which sets it distinctly apart. It looks good although conservative next to the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and no where near as nice as the 2014 RS series from KTM. (Check out my Instagram for pictures) Update: That said in real life the CBR300R does look better in real life than it does in pictures – so recommended to view see it on the road before deciding. I had to add this update because I saw a CBR300R side by side with the Ninja 300 and my first impression was how old the Ninja looked.

In the end the Honda CBR300R is a motorcycle that has the potential to be a great seller if the price is right and it will undercut the competition for sure. (And it does!) I wished that the fairing design could have been a little more adventurous especially with the latest from KTM in particular. That point is clearly the main problem since they have stopped selling the CBR300R in 2019.

The other issue I have is whether the CBR300R can be classified as a ‘Super Sports’ motorcycle and included in the best selling list. There are no interesting materials to commend it and hasn’t been tuned for track or racing purposes. Even the looks are more generic rather than cutting edge. The soft suspension is great on the road but no where else. Finally the CBR300R is no longer available as a new model in the 2019 Honda line up which explains the high numbers sold in 2018.