10 Best 300cc Motorcycles of 2023

Honda introduced the CB300R in 2017 before going on sale in the U.S. in 2018. Honda designed the CB300R to be accessible to all riders, from novices to veterans.

Among its many features, the Honda CB300R has an all-LED lighting kit. The Honda CB300R’s LED taillight is the thinnest taillight to date. Itss powerful LED lights improve visibility when traveling at night.

The Honda CB300R features a 9.7-liter fuel tank and a 286 cc single-cylinder engine. It has an average fuel economy of 70 mpg, a weight of 317 lbs, and a top speed of 96 mph. The Honda CB300R can generate a horsepower of 31.13 hp at 9,000 rpm. Additionally, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

• Easy to ride
• Comfortable
• Low seat height
• Reasonable price
• Smooth gearbox and light clutch
• Lightweight

• Uncomfortable for pillion
• Unbranded front suspension
• No ride modes, hazard switches, adjustable levers, traction control, and wireless connectivity
• MRF tires

The Honda Rebel 300 has been around since the '80s. The Honda Rebel 300 replaced the 250 cc variant, being built with a cruiser design.

The Honda Rebel 300 is one of the most popular 300 cc bikes among beginners due to its low seat height, simple handling, and sleek appearance.

The 286 cc single-cylinder engine has 25 horsepower @ 7,640 rpm. This motorcycle can reach a top speed of 95 mph, has a fuel capacity of 11.2 liters, weighs roughly 264 lbs, and has an average fuel economy of 78 mpg.

• Smooth engine
• Low seat height
• Comfortable
• Great for beginners
• Low clutch pull and slipper clutch

• Solo seat not suited for two-up riding
• Less power
• Uncomfortable for taller riders

The Honda CRF300L Rally is fantastic on paved and off-road trails. It is a swift and agile vehicle that can help you navigate through heavy traffic.

The 286 cc engine has a horsepower of 27 hp at 8,500 rpm. The Honda CRF300L Rally can reach a top speed of 93 mph.

The Honda CRF300L Rally has a weight of 306 lbs, an average fuel mileage of 76 mpg, and a 12.8-liter fuel tank.

Like most Honda motorbikes, the Honda CRF300L Rally can travel long distances without needing to be constantly refueled.

• LED headlight
• Durable
• Great fuel capacity
• Stylish design
• Comfortable riding

• Non-adjustable seat height

The Kawasaki KLX300SM is a lightweight beginner-friendly vehicle with a seat height of 33.9 inches and a weight of 304 lbs.

The 292 cc single-cylinder engine has a horsepower of 33 hp at 8,080 rpm. The Kawasaki KLX300SM has a top speed of 89 mph.

Even though it has a fuel capacity of 7.7 liters, it has an average fuel economy of 64 mpg.

• Adjustable suspension with long wheel travel
• Comfortable seat height
• Electric starter
• Durable
• Lightweight
• Beginner-friendly

• Small fuel capacity
• No hazard lights
• Non-LED dash display

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has remained in production since 2017. Its upright seating position and overall height make it suited for commuting. It has lightweight and ample suspension travel despite its size, making it suited for off-roading.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a reliable adventure motorbike on longer rides due to its windshield and thick seat. Its wheels and suspension can handle rough terrain with little traction, while its short gear shifts help it navigate winding roads.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has a weight of 386 lbs, can reach a top speed of 104 mph, and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under 5.1 seconds.

The 296 cc twin-cylinder engine has a horsepower of 39.3 hp at 11,500 rpm. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has a large 17-liter fuel tank with an average fuel economy of 47.2 mpg.

• Lightweight and agile
• Sturdy
• Easy to ride
• Effective on slippery terrain

• Torquey engine
• No switchable ABS

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 was introduced in 2012. The  Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a speedy, lightweight motorcycle with a perfect balance of performance and power. 

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has simple controls and a modest seat height which make it suitable for beginners of all sizes. The 296 cc engine provides adequate power that intermediate riders can handle, while the six-speed gearbox ensures more responsive and comfortable riding. This Kawasaki model has a fuel mileage of 69 mpg which ensures fuel efficiency when traveling on streets and highways.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has an optional ABS, a neutral finder, and five-spoke wheels. It has a back-torque slipper clutch, higher gear shifts, and a smaller fuel tank. Despite being a sport bike, it has comfortable ergonomics and a reliable windshield that make it suited for commuting.

• Good handling
• Powerful engine
• Cool look
• Slipper clutch
• Comfortable riding posture

• Less comfortable for pillion
• No ABS
• Low mileage
• Expensive

Yamaha Motor Company has been manufacturing the Yamaha MT-03 since 2006. It was originally a single-cylinder model, with the models from 2014 to the present day being parallel twin models.

The Yamaha MT-03 is an entry-level bike with a lot of power in a compact, lightweight design. Its 321 cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin engine has a torque of 24 lb-ft and a horsepower of 50 hp.

Due to its comfortable aerodynamics and balanced specifications, the Yamaha MT-03 is suitable for long tours and city commutes.

• Attractive design
• Excellent fuel economy and handling
• Smooth and refined engine

• Slightly stiff ride quality
• Less comfortable for pillion

The Yamaha YZF R3 has remained in production since 2015.

The Yamaha YZF R3 is an entry-level motorcycle with an inverted fork, a design reminiscent of the R6 and R1, and a slightly modified rider triangle.

The 320 cc inline-twin engine has a horsepower of 36 hp suited for traveling on highways. Unlike other entry-level motorcycles, the Yamaha YZF R3 has several useful rider aids, including a dual-zone ABS, anti-slip, and traction control.

The Yamaha YZF R3 is a reliable beginner motorbike with a reasonable power output and an affordable price.

• Bold look and high-quality build
• Smooth and powerful engine
• Excellent handling
• Higher horsepower with speed
• Comfortable on long tours

• No slipper clutch
• Low-quality tires (MRF Zapper S tires)
• No ABS

The BMW G310R debuted in 2015 and made global sales in 2018. The BMW G310R is a stunning naked roadster with a visually appealing look. This motorcycle was the result of a collaboration between BMW and TVs.

The 313 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine is shared with the TVS Apache RR 310 to produce a horsepower of 33.6 bhp and a torque of 20 lb-ft.

The single-cylinder engine has a unique design as its cylinder head is rotated 180° that shifting the vehicle's center of gravity toward the front wheel.

The BMW G310R has innovative Ride-by-Wire technology that provides a consistent throttle response. It is also easy to change gears due to the reinforced slipper clutch.

• Excellent handling
• Comfortable riding
• Excellent brakes
• LED lights

• Unrefined engine
• Lack of features (No TFT and traction control system)

The BMW G310GS was introduced in 2016. The BMW G310GS is a fantastic urban adventure motorcycle with s 313 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine capable of horsepower of 34 hp at 9,250 rpm and a torque of 20 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. 

The BMW G310GS has adjustable brakes and clutch levers. It is possible to move at least six millimeters closer to the handlebars if you want a more comfortable riding position.

The BMW G310GS has an upright riding position and comfortable ergonomics that make it suited for daily commutes and long rides. It also features ABS, a luggage carrier, a stainless steel exhaust system, an LED headlight, and an electric ride-by-wire throttle.

• Upright and comfortable riding position
• Adjustable handbrake and clutch levers
• Decent engine performance
• LED headlight
• Easy maneuverability

• No cornering ABS and traction control
• Not suited for off-roading
• Requires heavy maintenance

The 300 cc motorcycles are suited for short and long rides, novice and experienced riders. They are built with powerful engines, have good mileage, and are capable of off-roading. Most popular manufacturers like Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and BMW have added 300 cc bikes to their lineups. Improve the appearance of your motorcycle by adding new saddlebags, fairings, handlebars, luggage racks, crash bars, and sissy bars.