By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Sport Tourer vs Supersport
Honda CBR500R (PC 44) vs CBR 300 R (CBR300R)
Honda CBR500R vs CBR 300 R: different classes, one choice. Here's how to make it.
You'll feel the Honda CBR500R's twin pull clean through the middle of its revs, then keep climbing as you wind it out. On the Honda CBR 300 R, the single's torque arrives low and doesn't spring surprises. Every twist of the grip gets the same steady shove.
So which one do you buy?
The CBR500R has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: CBR500R
For the ride to work, the CBR500R noses ahead. Don't let that alone make the call.
Keeping running costs low
Edges it: CBR500R
On running costs, the CBR500R edges it. Not by enough to bank on.
The CBR 300 R has the edge if…
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Narrow edge: CBR 300 R
Fresh off the training course, the CBR 300 R feels a bit more forgiving. Most of that is lighter steering. Only by a small margin, though.
What makes each one tick
CBR500R
There's little a crosswind can do to the CBR500R on an open highway, because its soft springs and extra heft keep it tracking straight. Broken pavement doesn't suit the soft fork, which thumps each sharp bump through to the bars with a wooden jolt. Hard sport riding isn't its game. Near redline, the engine's still hungry for more.
CBR 300 R
Carrying just 357 lb (162 kg), the CBR 300 R slips through city traffic on tiny bar inputs. On the Angeles Crest Highway, there's barely any effort in tipping it into each bend. The single feeds power in evenly. At freeway speed, it's still holding its line.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The CBR 300 R has the lower wet weight: 357 lb (162 kg) vs 428 lb (194 kg).
- The CBR500R makes more peak power: 48 hp (35 kW) vs 31 hp (23 kW).
- The CBR500R makes more peak torque: 32 lb-ft (43 Nm) vs 20 lb-ft (27 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both miss here
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
For twisty roads, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
CBR500R
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth and accessible parallel-twin engine
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Comfortable highway ride with surprising stability
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension components
CBR 300 R
What owners say
Strengths
- Nimble and lightweight chassis
- Forgiving and manageable power delivery
- Surprisingly stable at highway speeds
Known problems to check before you buy
CBR500R
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
CBR 300 R
- Crankshaft bearing retainer failure (recall) Recall 16V528000 A manufacturing defect in the crankshaft can cause the connecting rod bearing retainer plating to wear prematurely, leading to corrosion and potential engine stall. Honda recalled all 2015–2016 models (NHTSA 16V-528) to replace the crankshaft assembly. Symptoms include abnormal noise, sudden power loss, and inability to restart.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak power at
- 8,500 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| CBR500R | CBR 300 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 30.7 in (780 mm) |
| Wet weight | 428 lb (194 kg) | 357 lb (162 kg) |
| CBR500R | CBR 300 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 471 cc | 286 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | Single-cylinder |
| Power | 48 hp (35 kW) | 31 hp (23 kW) |
| Torque | 32 lb-ft (43 Nm) | 20 lb-ft (27 Nm) |
| CBR500R | CBR 300 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.7 L) | 3.4 US gal (13 L) |
| CBR500R | CBR 300 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 320 mm | 296 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 | 140/70-17 |
| Wheelbase | 55.5 in (1410 mm) | 54.3 in (1380 mm) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
