Honda CB300R
He ain’t heavy, he’s the Honda CB300R – an A2-class roadster that weighs less than some 125s…
THERE ARE LIGHT bikes, and then there’s the Honda CB300R. Even with its tank filled to the brim, it weighs just 145.4kg on RIDE’S scales. That’s remarkable — around 15kg less than any of its (already featherweight) rivals, and even lighter than KTM’S 125 Duke. If modern bikes are too big for you, it could be just what you’re looking for.
To look at, the CB’S spec doesn’t appear lightweight. It has chunky 37mm inverted forks, a four-piston front brake caliper, and tyres almost as wide as a 650. Styling is a shrunk-in-the-wash CB1000R clone, down to its round LED headlight, silver radiator shrouds, side panels and even that whacking great silencer’s silhouette. From a distance it’s a dead ringer; up close the detailing is neat too. The ugly stuff has been hidden, the switchgear looks substantial, and the dash is a clear LCD letterbox.
Beneath the surface is a new steel frame and an engine from the short-lived CBR300R. The 286cc single makes a claimed 31bhp, which doesn’t sound much — and, to be blunt, it isn’t, when the A2 ceiling is 47bhp. Thankfully it’s delivered with decent low-rev pep. The CB scampers off the line briskly, gobbles through the first few gears eagerly, and only starts to flag at about 60mph. It’s not revvy – peak power is at 8500rpm, followed by 2000rpm of declining enthusiasm before the redline.
It’s smooth for a single — at speed the lack of vibration means you could mistake it for a twin. And if you’re a thoroughly law-abiding citizen, the CB’S pace is fine: it’ll sit at an indicated 70mph without feeling like a struggle, and without any harsh buzzing or jackhammer stabbing. There’s not much left up its sleeve though: flat out is 96mph indicated (a true 87mph).
Suspension is remarkably composed for a four-grand bike. The Showa forks are unadjustable but have reassuringly firm, well-damped springs. The shock isn’t quite as composed, feeling a bit soft and bouncy
when you’re getting a move on, but most of the time it outperforms expectations. The Nissin brakes are good too, with a gentle, novice-friendly initial bite but plenty of power when you squeeze harder. They’re also backed up by a decent ABS system which uses an IMU to monitor pitching.
Where the CB lets itself down though, is a handful of practical touches. The LCD display is easy to read, but lacks a gear indicator. The mirrors are a good size and blur-free at speed, but need to be wider. There’s no brake or clutch lever span adjustment. The thin seat is uncomfortable after an hour or two. The engine returns 67mpg rather than Honda’s claimed 85mpg, and when you come to fill the titchy 10-litre tank, there’s a plate inside the filler that stops you getting the petrol pump nozzle in fully. With all that said, the CB300R is still supremely welcoming and easy to ride. The motor’s broad spread of modest torque means you never need to wring its neck, the clutch lever is so light you’d think they’ve forgotten to attach the cable and the low-speed balance is immaculate.
The CB300R is a pleasing, reassuring stepping stone up from a 125, and a smart, sleek streetbike for those downsizing to something lighter and less taxing. It’s good value too, and just £59 a month on PCP. Other A2 rivals offer far more speed and excitement – KTM’S 390 Duke has 40% more power, for example – but if the CB’S relaxed pace is what you’re after, why would you spend any more money or lug around any extra weight?
“The CB300R is a sleek streetbike for those downsizing”