If you’re a new rider or a rider looking for a small but capable machine, you’ve probably been interested in 300cc motorcycles.
These bikes offer quite a lot. They have a little more power than the 250cc motorcycles that dominated the small motorcycle market for so long, and that makes them oftentimes just a little better and more versatile.
Below I’ve pulled together my top five picks for the best 300cc motorcycles out there. These bikes are the cream of the crop at or near this displacement. Let’s dive in.
BMW G 310 GS
First up, we have the BMW G 310 GS for 300cc motorcycles. With adventure bikes being so hot, I figured I’d start here. This machine offers quite a lot in a small package and it is a great Swiss Army Knife of the segment.
You’ll find a 313cc engine at the heart of this machine that puts out 20 lb-ft of torque. Add to that an adventure bike setup that’s ready to take on all sorts of terrain and you have yourself a winner. This isn’t the most impressive BMW motorcycle, but it’s a smart, affordable option. Also, if it doesn’t strike your fancy, you can check out the G 310 R, which offers the same setup in BMW’s Roadster lineup.
- Price: $5,695
- Learn More at BMW’s website
Yamaha R3
Yamaha has some of the most legendary sportbikes, and while I wouldn’t call the R3 legendary, I will say this: it’s a fantastic motorcycle. It’s the bike that many great riders get their start on, and it has enough power to be fun even for the most experienced rider. There are other great sportbikes that fit in the best 300cc category, but if I were to pick one, it would be the R3.
The bike is no joke. It features superbike styling, a 321cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, 50/50 weight distribution, Monocross rear shock and inverted front fork with plenty of damping settings, and a compact footprint overall. If you want a sporty motorcycle that won’t break the bank that you can love for years to come, this is it.
- Price: $5,499
- Learn more at Yamaha’s website
Honda CRB300R
If the Yamaha R3 doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you need to check out the Honda CBR300R. The CBR lineup is synonymous with sportbikes. It’s full of great offerings, and I would say the CBR300R is one of the company’s best motorcycles in the lineup. As such, I think it has to be included here in my list of best 300cc motorcycles.
Let’s take a look at what you get with this machine. First up, is the engine. It’s a 286cc single-cylinder mill that’s liquid-cooled. The thing I love about this bike is there’s nothing too complicated. You can get your sporty fun and then have a more or less fuss-free bike. The suspension features a 37mm fork setup and a Pro-Link single shock in the rear. Pair that with its comfortable but compact footprint and you have a bike that gives others in this segment a run for their money. Oh, speaking of money, this bike is very affordable.
- Price: $4,899
- Learn more at Honda’s website
Honda Rebel 300
Honda has a proven platform for 300cc motorcycles, and that’s why the Rebel 300 makes the list. Full disclosure here, I own this bike. I’ve owned several bikes and ridden several others, and the Rebel 300 is just a perfect machine for my needs. There’s enough power to do highway runs, it’s perfectly nimble for city streets, and it does a fantastic job everywhere else. If you like cruiser styling, this is a fantastic motorcycle.
The engine specs might look a little familiar to the CBR300R, but this bike has a completely different setup otherwise. You get a 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, a 48mm fork up front, a dual-shock setup in the rear, and a compact but comfy overall footprint. I’ve ridden this bike 500 miles in a day and would have had no problem going further. But a word of caution to taller riders, you might feel cramped. I’m 5′ 8” and I’m glad I’m not taller. One last thing, this bike’s price is oh so right.
- Price: $4,849
- Learn more at Honda’s website
Kawasaki KLX 300
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of my favorite types of motorcycles, a dual-sport. The Kawasaki KLX 300 fits the bill here. The bike is a versatile machine that can do commuting duties, off-road duties, and has enough power for short stints on the highway. If you want something that can do more extreme off-road riding than the BMW listed above, then the KLX 300 is the bike for you.
The KLX 300 has some great features, including a 292cc single-cylinder tuned for low and mid-range power, a liquid-cooled engine, long-travel suspension, disc brakes, 21-inch wheel up front and an 18-inch wheel in the rear, and a lightweight perimeter frame. This bike is a little more expensive than some of the other options here, but dual-sport machines tend to be slightly more expensive when new.
- Price: $6,199
- Learn more at Kawasaki’s website
