Powered by the same engine found in the Rebel 300 , the CB300R offers a sportier small-displacement option for riders who want an affordable , trusty , and fun ride . Whether you ’ re looking for hassle-free urban commuting or no-stress backroads bliss , this little machine is up for it .
When it was time to swap the Honda Rebel 1100T DCT for something new to review , I watched as the baggerstyled cruiser was wheeled away and a little yellow CB300R was moved into its place . My ride home would surely be less comfortable , and I imagined I ’ d sorely miss the extra power of the 1100 . But after the first few miles , I was reminded why I ’ m hesitant to relegate approachable , smaller models solely to the “ beginner motorcycle ” category .
That ’ s not to say the Honda CB300R isn ’ t beginner- friendly , because it certainly is . Powered by the same liquid- cooled 286cc Single found in the Rebel 300 cruiser and CBR300R sportbike , weighing only 316 lb , and offering an approachable 31.6- inch seat height , it has Honda ’ s well- known reliability matched with an easy- to- ride profile .
The CB300R replaced the CB300F in 2019 , and it sported updated styling and changes that reduced weight by more than 30 lb compared to the F . In 2022 , the CB300R received a slip / assist clutch , standard ABS , and a Showa SFF- BP fork . For 2025 , it ’ s available in Matte Black Metallic or the eye- catching Pearl Dusk Yellow of our test bike with an MSRP of $ 5,149 .
But the beauty of the CB300R is its simplicity . I enjoy playing around with ride modes , traction control levels , smartphone connectivity , and other cool features as much as the next rider , but sometimes they can be just as distracting as they are useful . When you ’ re riding a CB300R , all you need to focus on is the ride .
And what a fun ride it is . You know what they say about riding a slow bike fast , and that ’ s certainly true of the CB300R . It moves through its 6- speed gearbox quickly , and Honda claims respectable horsepower and torque figures of 31 hp at 9,000 rpm and 20.2 lb- ft at 8,000 rpm . It ’ ll keep up with interstate speeds with minimal fuss , but that ’ s not the environment in which the CB300R feels at home . Dashing along backroads is when the bike is at its happiest .
What makes the bike truly enjoyable is how nimble it is . With its light weight and short wheelbase , it steers quickly and easily falls into turns with little input from the rider . The bike ’ s flickable nature and lack of wind protection makes it feel like you ’ re riding faster than you actually are . There were a few times when I was sure I was riding beyond the speed limit , only to look down at the LCD display and realize I wasn ’ t .
RIDERMAGAZINE . COM / APRIL 2025 / 29