The 6 Best 300cc Motorcycles

300cc motorcycles are often overlooked by many new and more experienced riders, but they present an ideal middle ground for those looking to make the jump up from their first bike. But in order to make the right choice, you need to be aware of the best 300cc motorcycles out there.

The 6 best 300cc motorcycles are:

Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Yamaha YZF-R3
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Honda Rebel 300
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Honda CB300R

Some of these bikes have a number of features that are a delight to the motorcycle enthusiast and are light on your pocket as well, making them well worth a second look. A detailed review of each bike can be found further down on this page, but first let’s discuss who 300cc motorcycles are for.

Are 300cc Motorcycles Good For Beginners?

300cc motorcycles can be good for beginners, but they’re more suitable as a second bike. A 300cc bike is slightly above the ideal engine capacity for a beginner, but is good enough for most people to learn on. The engine capacity is just one of many factors to consider as a beginner.

The main problem that a beginner might encounter with a 300cc bike is the weight. However, you have more than enough power to carry yourself, a pillion rider, and luggage comfortably, so the weight shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

The initial mistakes that a beginner tends to make are opening the throttle excessively and being unable to deal with its heavy weight. These get resolved with time and riding experience. However, you should stay away from bikes that are well above the power you’re comfortable with.

A beginner’s first bike is important as it teaches the limits of balance, braking, and acceleration. With this in mind, the ideal bike is medium power without high speed or high weight. This rules out some 300cc motorcycles, with 125cc to 250cc being more desirable.

What To Look For In A 300cc Motorcycle

A lot depends on what you are planning to use the bike for. If you want to do a lot of weekend riding in the country then the suspension specs will be of interest, as the longer the travel the better for a smooth ride. Engine power is a factor if you are planning to take a pillion rider along, and speed will be important if you plan to do a lot of highway riding.

The average 300cc motorcycle buyer is either going to use the bike for commuting to work or for weekend rides in the country. 300cc bikes are ideally suited to both of these purposes as they have sufficient power to tackle the steepest slopes with a pillion rider sitting behind. The commuter will also find their low fuel consumption as a bonus.

How Fast Are 300cc Motorcycles?

Most 300cc motorcycles are able to cross 80 mph (129 kph) fairly easily, although a few bikes may be able to top 100 mph (160 kph). However, just how comfortable the bike will be at high speeds depends a lot on other factors, and these are not motorcycles known for their top speeds.

The two big factors that impact speed the most are weight and air resistance. A pillion passenger and luggage can slow the bike down drastically even though you will not feel any difference in the initial speed as the torque is more than enough to get you moving. A motorcycle windshield can make a big difference in speed as it can make the bike more aerodynamic.

If you are looking for high speed, then the best choice is to get a motorcycle with a higher-capacity engine that gives higher power output as well. 300cc bikes have their limitations due to engine capacity and design, as most of them are made to be used for commuting or as sports bikes.

KEY POINTS
• 300cc bikes can be decent for beginners, but they may be a bit too big

• The most important thing to consider when buying one is how you plan to use it

• If you want a fast motorcycle, you may want to look for a larger engine

1. Kawasaki Versys-X 300

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is the most powerful of all the bikes on our list. Launched in 2017, it is also one of the most popular models from Kawasaki along with the famous Ninja. The bike has exceptional looks that are rivaled by only one other bike in this review, the Honda CB300R.

The liquid-cooled 296cc, 2-cylinder engine has a double overhead crankshaft, and the bike has 6 gears and an assist slipper clutch that beginner riders will find most helpful. Weekend riders will be happy to know it has a 4.5 gallon (17 liter) fuel tank that is good enough for a weekend trip of 315 miles (510 km) at its fuel consumption of 70 mpg.

The front wheel has an 11.4 inch (290 mm) hydraulic disc brake and the rear wheel has an 8.66 inches (220 mm) hydraulic disc brake, and both are fitted with ABS. A luggage rack is fitted at the rear and a hard plastic box can be fitted behind the pillion rider’s seat if required. It has a high windshield that keeps the wind off your face and chest, which is ideal at higher speeds.

The Versys-X 300 has a unique dual-throttle valve to smooth out the throttle response as well, which is ideal for beginner riders. The high-power engine and wide tires make this ideally suited for commuting or on country dirt roads, but it may be just a bit too powerful for absolute beginners.

PROS:

Both wheels have hydraulic disc brakes with ABS
High power output
Long suspension offers comfortable ride

CONS:

Quite expensive
Might be too big for beginner riders

2. Yamaha YZF-R3

The Yamaha YZF-R3 has a liquid-cooled 321cc engine with a double overhead crankshaft to churn out a whopping 42 hp, which should be more than enough for most riders. It also features a slipper clutch connecting to its six gears. Fuel economy is high at 56 mpg, and a fuel tank capacity of 3.7 gallons (14 liters) gives it a range of about 207 miles (333 km).

Both front and rear wheels are cast aluminum with tubeless tires and hydraulic disc brakes with ABS. The front suspension has a USD telescopic fork with 5.1 inches (129.4 mm) of travel, and the rear suspension is an adjustable monoshock with 4.9 inches (124 mm) of travel that is going to ensure a very smooth ride even on the roughest terrain.

All the instruments are digital except the tachometer. The YZF-R3 has an Average Fuel Economy Indicator to show the performance of speed and fuel with Bluetooth connectivity so that the rider can check a lot of parameters that are not normally available, such as battery charge and riding history, on their smartphone. The bike features a halogen headlight with an LED tail lamp.

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is the right bike for the rider who needs a lot of power from a 300cc capacity engine.

PROS:

Looks great
Plenty of power
Both wheels have hydraulic disc brakes with ABS

CONS:

Small pillion seat
Thin padding on seats

3. Royal Enfield Classic 350

Royal Enfield hasn’t changed much of the looks of this bike since its inception, although they have incorporated most of the technology you’d expect to find on a 300cc motorcycle. Retro bike lovers are going to be thrilled with its looks along with the analog instruments above the headlight.

If you’re looking for the latest digital instruments including a tachometer and Bluetooth, then this bike isn’t for you. An analog speedometer with fuel gauge are the two main instruments along with a digital odometer and tripmeter. Royal Enfield bikes have a reputation for sturdiness with reliability and are made to last for decades as long as they are properly cared for.

There are six variants in 15 colors, with the Chrome variant being the most expensive. The long chromed silencer pipe that runs along the right side of the bike emits a deep throbbing sound, which many riders will find to be incredibly satisfying. Both wheels are fitted with large hydraulic disc brakes, with ABS only on the more expensive variants.

PROS:

Brand has a reputation for reliability
Value for money
Very comfortable seats for the rider and pillion passenger

CONS:

Bike is heavy for a beginner
Cheapest variant has only 1 disc brake

4. Honda Rebel 300

Over the decades, Honda has produced a number of bestselling bikes that have stood the test of time to be the popular choice of motorcycle enthusiasts. The Honda Rebel 300 is one of them that was first launched in 1985. The bike has plenty of value for money features that its competitors just don’t have, along with being a simply brilliant 300cc bike.

The Honda Rebel 300 has a liquid-cooled 286cc engine that churns out a very respectable 25 hp, which is enough to carry two people comfortably with power to spare. The bike is sold without ABS, but it is optional, and the buyer can choose to have it fitted for an extra few hundred dollars. Having ABS is always advisable, especially for beginners, but it does raise the bike’s price.

The passenger seat is also optional, along with passenger footpegs and footpeg hangers. The 2.9-gallon fuel tank gives it a range of about 230 miles (370 km), as its fuel consumption is roughly 78 mpg. LED lights are fitted on the headlight and tail lamp, and overall the bike looks great.

Short riders will find the low 27 inches (69 cm) seat very comfortable, but it could be unsuitable for taller people. All in all, it’s excellent value for money for a timeless Honda motorcycle.

PROS:

Powerful 300cc bike
Both wheels have hydraulic disc brakes
Great value for money

CONS:

Bike is heavy for a beginner
Tall riders may find the low seat uncomfortable

5. Royal Enfield Meteor 350

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was introduced in early 2021. Along with the typical Royal Enfield reliability, you get a decent range of features, and a powerful bike that will be suitable for all kinds of riding.

The 1.61 inch (41 mm) telescopic front fork with 5.1 inches (130 mm) of travel, and rear emulsion shocks with 3.5 inches (89 mm) of travel ensure a smooth ride on the freeway or in the country on uneven roads. The front wheel has an 11.81 inch (300 mm) hydraulic disc brake, and the rear wheel has a 10.6 inch (270 mm) hydraulic disc brake on its alloy wheels.

Compared to most of the other bikes in this review, these discs are larger and both alloy wheels have ABS, which is a plus. Royal Enfield seats are always well-cushioned, making them some of the most comfortable available. The fuel tank holds 3.96 gallons (15 liters) of fuel, which gives it a range of 326 miles (525 km) on its 82 mpg fuel consumption, which is very efficient.

PROS:

Relatively low price
Both wheels have large hydraulic disc brakes with ABS
Extremely comfortable seats for the rider and pillion passenger

CONS:

Heavy for a beginner
Tripper navigation system not available on all variants

6. Honda CB300R

The CB series is one of Honda’s most popular range of bikes that has been in demand for many years. The CB300R is intended for commuting or cruising, as the initials CB stand for “City Bike.” It was first launched in 2017, then discontinued in early 2020 after BS6 pollution regulations came in. It was then modified and relaunched in 2021 to be BS6 compliant.

The CB300R has a liquid-cooled 286cc engine along with six gears and an assist slipper clutch. Both wheels have hydraulic disc brakes with Honda ABS. The front suspension is a USD telescopic fork with 5.2 inches (130 mm) of travel, and the rear monoshock offers 4.28 inches (107 mm) of travel for a smooth ride.

An LCD instrument panel with fuel gauge, rpm, and speed readouts is above the LED headlight, and the tail light uses LEDs as well. The fuel tank holds 2.64 gallons (10 liters) with a very average fuel economy of 71 mpg that gives it a range of about 187 miles (300 km) on a full tank.

The Honda CB300R is a great looker, and it is available in Pearl Spartan Red and Matte Steel Black. The only real downside is the small pillion rider’s seat with thin padding that is going to get uncomfortable on a long trip, but it makes a great bike for commuters.

PROS:

Both wheels have hydraulic disc brakes with ABS
High power output
Full range of LCD instruments

CONS:

Priced on the higher side
Small pillion seat

Final Thoughts

All the motorcycles in this list have their own distinct advantages, but ultimately which one is right for you will come down to what you want from a 300cc motorcycle. While speed and power are obviously important, how you plan to use the bike will dictate which 300cc bike is best for you.