After a hiatus from the European markets due to emissions concerns, the MY2023 CB300R might finally land on both sides of the pond with this handful of drivetrain and suspension improvements over the 2022 model. This includes improvements to the emissions output, making it a possible candidate for the Euro market once more.

The U.S. line rocks two new colorways and drops the previous blue package for a fresh new look and a choice since last year it was Matte Pearl Blue or nothing. With the addition of the slip-and-assist clutch, Honda added a whole new level of safety, comfort, and control with a lighter lever pull and broad friction zone that delivers precise tractable power. This is especially important given the lack of higher ride-control electronics from a safety standpoint.

Back in 2017, the CB300R replaced its predecessor, the CB300F, and while this is pretty much the same engine as the original, improvements make this the best version to roll out of Honda's factory so far. That said, pressure is mounting to migrate the electronic controls further down in the displacement range, so maybe we'll at least see traction control in the foreseeable future.

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2023 Honda CB300R

8.00 / 10
Key Features
  • Balanced Front/Rear Weight
  • CB1000R-Derived Neo-Sports Café Styling
  • Comfortable Riding Position
  • Responsive Handling
  • Linear Throttle Response
Specifications
  • Model: CB300R
  • Engine:: 286 cc Single Cylinder
  • Power Output: 31 HP
  • Torque: 20.3 LB-FT
  • Transmission: 6-Speed
  • MSRP: $5,049
Pros
  • Entry-Level Friendly
  • Standard-Equipped ABS
  • Fast And Fun To Ride
Cons
  • Could Look More Café-Like
  • Doesn't Have Dual Front Brakes
  • Should Have Kept Matte Pearl Blue Colorway

2023 Honda CB300R Performance And Capability

Black 2022 Honda CB300R cruising down a road
Honda
Matte Black Metallic 2022 Honda CB300R cruising down a road

The 2023 Honda CB300R produces 31 horsepower and 20.3 pound-feet of torque. An emission issue took it off the European markets for a time, but fresh engine tweaks mean the mill now complies with Euro5 requirements for its return to those areas.

Honda plugs in its 286 cc, liquid-cooled thumper to deliver the goods with a 38 mm throttle body to manage induction and feed the little beast. Dual over-head cams time the four-valve head. Bore and stroke measure at 76 mm and 63 mm respectively to give the CB300R a mild, 10.7-to-1 compression that'll tolerate mid-grade pusholine just fine.

New for this year's model, a stock slipper-type clutch couples engine power to the six-speed transmixxer for some anti-hop protection at the rear wheel, plus it has a light pull weight at the lever to give that left hand a bit of a break. A tough O-ring chain serves as the final drive with an overall gear ratio that gives it a CB300R top speed of 97.85 MPH which makes it capable of keeping up with likely traffic anywhere in the U.S.

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine

Liquid-cooled, 20-degree single-cylinder four-stroke, DOHC, four valves per cylinder

Displacement

286 cc

Bore x Stroke

76 mm x 63 mm

Compression

10.7:1

Power

31 HP

Torque

20.3 LB-FT

Fuel System

Fuel Injection, 38 mm throttle body

Final Drive

O-ring, sealed chain; 14T/36T

Gearbox

6-speed

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Design

Black 2022 Honda CB300R profile against an evening sky
Honda
Matte Black Metallic 2022 Honda CB300R profile against an evening sky

Folks, what we have here is one of Honda's Neo-Sport Café models that, like its name suggests, channels the spirit of the old-school, home-grown café racers. The CR forebears sprang from the custom culture. In keeping with that origin, the CB300R rocks generous blackout treatment to go with the rest of the Easter Eggs on board.

I'd say the CB300R has a foot in two worlds as it also has clear design connections to the CB1000R literbike in addition to the old CRs. The round cyclops headlight makes another historical connection, but honestly, the factory could have gone further with a little bullet fairing. While they are at it, a tail fairing would be nice, even if it just snaps on over the pillion section to clean the rear end even more.

As it is, your passenger has a convenient set of J.C. handles to grab a hold of for security. A swingarm-mount hugger and mudguard contain the fling out back with the tag and blinkers mounted to the latter to complete the gear in the rear. The factory also updated the digital instrumentation to include a gear-position indicator this time around with high screen contrast for good visibility.

Honda CB300R Specs

Length

79.5 in

Width

31.7 in

Height

41.3 in

Seat Height

31.6 in

Wheelbase

53.3 in

Ground Clearance

5.9 in

Fuel Capacity

2.6 gal

Curb Weight

319 lbs

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Chassis

Black 2022 Honda CB300R on the road in front of a cityscape
Honda
Matte Black Metallic 2022 Honda CB300R on the road in front of a cityscape

Tubular-steel members make up the Trellis-style frame with the engine standing in as a stressed member to complete the standing structure. A yoke-style swingarm rides under the control of the Pro-Link shock.

Up front, the upgraded forks are 41 mm tubes with Single-Function Big-Piston forks that separate the support and damping functions to the benefit of both. Suspension travel measures 4.6 inches up front, followed by 5.2 inches out back, which is pretty generous at this displacement bracket and in line with the larger-displacement machines.

Cast 17-inch wheels round out the rolling chassis and are shod with a 110/70 and 150/60 to make the connection to Terra Firma. A single 296 mm front disc and two-pot anchor slows the front wheel with a 220 mm disc and single-cylinder clamp out back and all-around ABS as a stock feature.

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension/ Travel

41 mm telescopic fork/ 4.6 in

Rear Suspension/ Travel

Pro-Link® single shock/ 5.2 in

Rake

24°

Trail

3.7 in

Front Tire

110/70-17

Rear Tire

150/60-17

Front Brake

296 mm disc, ABS

Rear Brake

220 mm disc, ABS

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2023 Honda CB300R Price And Availability

The 2023 Honda CB300R costs $5,049. This year you get a choice between a Matte Black Metallic colorway and the Pearl Dusk Yellow if all black ain't your thing.

Pricing & Features

Model ID

CB300RA

Warranty

One year transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty. (Optional extended coverage available with a HondaCare Protection Plan®)

Colors

└2022

Matte Pearl Blue

└2023

Matte Black Metallic, Pearl Dusk Yellow

Price

└2022

$4,949

└2023

$5,049

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Competitors

Retro-tastic designs are on fire right now, but a direct competitor was hard to find. This is clearly where this low-displacement Honda pretty much has the market to itself. Yamaha brackets the CB300R with the V-Star 250 and XRS700. Both models are from the retro-tastic “Faster Sons” line, and while the V-Star is from the right era, it's more of a match for the Honda Rebel in overall looks.

Black 2022 Yamaha V-Star 250 cruising on the road
Yamaha
Raven 2022 Yamaha V-Star 250 cruising on the road

As for the Yamaha XRS700, it has that café racer look, but displacement and price are right out of range. Kawasaki got about that close with its café-ish looks that fit the bill, but a larger engine and sticker, once again, segregate the two. Ducati has Scrambler models that fit the retro-café look, but once again, the smallest engine is around three times larger than the CB300R to put it in really lonely territory. Does it fill a niche? We will see. But if what you're looking for a low-displacement model, here are some fantastic beginner naked bikes that fit the bill.

He Said

“This little sled looks to me like a good candidate as a first bike for someone looking to progress into larger-displacement naked bikes, or just sportbikes in general. Its simplicity makes for a low pilot-load, which makes it a motorcycle that is good for beginners, and the price is right for same. Oh, and go ahead and pencil me in as a fan of the yellow colorway.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “This is an entry-levelbike for folks new to two wheels or a capable commuter for riders of all experience levels. It has the power for highway speeds and the lively handling to make for a fun ride. If you live in an area with tiered licensing, the CB300R would be a step-up bike. However, if you land in this small-displacement range and stay here, you'll have a capable ride.”

FAQ

Q: Is the Honda CB300R a good beginner bike?

Lightweight with manageable power, the CB300R makes a good bike for entry-level riders.

Q: Can you take a CB300R on the highway?

With a top speed of 97 MPH, the CB300R manages highway speeds with enough oomph left for roll-on. This makes it safe for highway travel.

Q: How much HP does a CB300R have?

The liquid-cooled 286 cc engine in the Honda CB300R produces 31 horsepower and 20.3 pound-feet of torque.

Q: What is the difference between Honda CB300R and CB300F?

Honda's CB300F preceded the CB300R by a couple of years, starting in 2015, then rolling into MY22 with its second-gen build. While both are naked streetfighters, the "F" maintains a contemporary build while the "R", as a member of the Neo-Sports Café family, rocks a modern interpretation of the classic café-racer design.