Table of contents
- 48 HP motorcycles with 300 cc in comparison test (2018) Bikes for A2 driver’s license holders
- Kawasaki Versys-X 300
- BMW G 310 R.
- Honda CB 300 R.
- Yamaha MT-03
- Impressions of the drivers
- MOTORCYCLE test result
Rossen Gargolov
23 pictures
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1/23
Right in the middle of the golden October.
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2/23
The test field consists of entry-level bikes.
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3/23
BMW G 310 R..
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4/23
Marlene Volkmann (23): “I like the BMW, it runs really well!”
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5/23
Unfortunately inactive sitting position. The cockpit is drawn soberly.
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6/23
Tight chassis tuning and relatively snappy brakes and a lively engine also allow a forced gait.
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7/23
The BMW looks more delicate in the pictures than it is.
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8/23
Honda CB 300 R..
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9/23
The ABS regulates a little early, but it is most sensitive in the test field.
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10/23
Your small, fully digital cockpit is also of a simple nature.
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11/23
Angelina Readers (19): “I like the Honda, even though it’s too small for me!”
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12/23
The Honda not only looks small and petite, it is also and in principle identical to the 125cc.
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13/23
Kawasaki Versys-X 300.
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14/23
A porter is also on board.
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15/23
The Kawa is the most expensive in the test field.
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16/23
Ferdinand Heinrich (29): “Please more edges instead of compromises.”
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Actually, Ferdinand is completely enthusiastic about the Kawa, he just would rather have it a little less rev-hungry.
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Yamaha MT-03.
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19/23
The cockpit is half analog, half digital.
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20/23
The twin is a dream. The long swing arm is even made of cast aluminum.
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Mona Pekarek (23): “Honda’s chassis in a Yamaha dress please!”
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22/23
The Yamaha looks pretty grown up too.
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As in many larger companies, most of the editorial offices at Motor Presse Stuttgart give young people the opportunity to get a taste of professional life over a certain period of time through an internship.
motorcycles
48 hp motorcycles 300 cc entry level comparison test 2018
48 HP motorcycles with 300 cc in comparison test (2018)
Bikes for A2 driver’s license holders
Youthful: Honda’s contribution to the 48 hp entry-level class – the Honda CB 300 R – competes with the BMW G 310 R, Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and Yamaha MT-03 for the first time in a comparative test. And the verdict of the MOTORRAD youngsters.
Stefan luck
December 06, 2018
As in many larger companies, most of the editorial offices at Motor Presse Stuttgart give young people the opportunity to get a taste of professional life over a certain period of time through an internship. This September, a total of four short-term junior staff cavorted in the corridors of the editorial team. As a volunteer, Mona Pekarek (23) currently even enjoys the luxury of having her own office, large enough to provide shelter for intern Julian Drees (20). Marlene Volkmann (23), a journalism student who completed a four-week internship, joined us, as well as Angelina Readers (19), who supported us for three months with our Abitur fresh in her pocket. Up until a few days ago, Mona was “only” in possession of the A2 driver’s license and, accordingly, was limited in vehicle selection to a maximum of 48 hp. But like the other three, also hot for driving. With Julian, even the long trip to Scotland could only slow down the desire for biking for a short time, and the three girls were immediately there when they were asked to participate in this comparison test. Unfortunately, Julian was unable to do this during the test period.
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Kawasaki Versys-X 300
But Ferdinand Heinrich, who is studying technology journalism in Nuremberg and is currently completing his internship semester, immediately jumped in for him. At 29 years he has long outgrown the A2 and is practically the silverback among the young guard. As an enduro aficionado and with a height of 1.87 meters, he is on the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 set.
Rossen Gargolov
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 weighs 177 kilograms.
He certainly recognizes the qualities of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, but the spark does not really want to jump over. Sure, anyone who usually drives big, powerful boxers will find it difficult to deal with the speed-oriented character of the row win. You like it or you don’t. Period. The Kawa looks quite grown-up, offers driver and passenger the most space and, thanks to cladding, has the best weather protection. Although it does not differ much from the others in terms of spring travel, it rolls most unmoved over poor stretches of road. The highest weight (177 kg) and the smallest front brake disc (290 mm) give the bottom line the least good, but sufficient braking effect. Its premise is more on traveling than on the grass, and consequently it gets the furthest with just under 450 kilometers on one tank of fuel.
BMW G 310 R.
With the BMW G 310 R, which is purposefully driven by Marlene, privately with a Honda CB 500 F, the tide is over 110 kilometers earlier in the tank. That already shows the completely contrary character to the Kawasaki. Much more compact than the green one, plus 15 kilograms lighter and the seat height of 79 centimeters a whopping five lower, it evidently conveys the reassuring message to the journalism student even before she sits up: You are in good hands with me, we’ll both rock the child.
Rossen Gargolov
The BMW engine consumes 3.3 liters.
The sitting position, in which you sit more in the than on the motorcycle, seems a bit inactive, but the leisurely rocking does nothing. Both the fairly tightly tuned chassis and the somewhat hard-running and from 7,000 rpm clearly vibrating but easy-turning dohc stew like to move quickly. The powerfully gripping brake with radially hinged four-piston fixed calliper, which can also be easily controlled with just two fingers, goes well with this. The ABS regulates at quite long intervals, but is closer to the blocking limit than the Honda. In addition, it runs neutrally and is even a tad more manageable than the 16 kilo lighter CB 300 R through the Winkelwerk. On the other hand, the gearbox is sometimes a bit stubborn when downshifting, and the clutch lacks an exact pressure point. Which is why you like to stall the little BMW when you start the traffic light. Awkward. What Marlene is not really interested in now and what is also not noticeable due to the large side paneling of the radiator is the idiosyncratic concept of the engine, which can also be economical with 3.3 liters of fuel consumption. The cylinder head is mounted the wrong way round. Inlet at the front, outlet at the back, and the cylinder is inclined backwards instead of forwards. This should ensure better driving behavior. Because the (heavy) cylinder head moves closer to the overall center of gravity and because the engine can be installed further forward, which enables a longer swing arm, which in turn increases driving stability. The performance delivered by the BMW G 310 R does not contradict this theory.
Honda CB 300 R.
The Honda CB 300 R, selected by Angelina, offers a stark contrast. Because the future cross-media student, who is 1.74 meters high, has no problem with seat heights. And with the Honda, above all, she chose quite a contrast to her private motorcycle, a throttled KTM 690 Duke. She’s not exactly known for her sophistication. Not only Angelina was very impressed by the polished manners of the CB 300 R. It is difficult to put into words, but Hondas like to have an aura of perfectionism. For example, there is ergonomics. Drivers of various stature can handle it. For example, there is simply no edge in the tank pressing on the kneecap or anywhere else. Nothing presses there. Nobody. Nowhere. At least on the tank side. Because the CB is not really perfect after all. During the blind tasting of the seat cushions, the Honda test team guessed it was oak. Sometimes also spruce. But never on foam. You don’t want to have to drive the 430 kilometers possible range in one go.
Rossen Gargolov
At 146 kilograms, the Honda CBR 300 R is the lightest bike in this test.
Everything that is clearly underneath, so much the better. This absolutely playful handling of the 300 is due to the fact that, apart from the drive, of course, it is identical to the Honda CB 300 R. The 300 is the weakest of the bunch with a nominal 31 hp, but thanks to its lightest weight at just 146 kilograms and a cleverly chosen overall gear ratio, the Honda can easily keep up regardless of the measured values in real operation. As lively, cultivated and easy to turn as it is, it is also economical. It takes 3.0 liters on the consumption round. If you really want to know, grab the two before the decimal point. The periphery also fits: Regardless of whether it is the operating forces of the brakes, gears or clutches, everything happens with a playful ease that refreshes the heart. But nobody is perfect. The rear suspension strut is constantly in motion on non-premium asphalt, it lacks cushioning, and the CB is rather critical of passengers. They simply lack space, the footrests are too high, and the flexibly mounted pillion handle recesses are only partially suitable for building trust.
Yamaha MT-03
Last but not least, Mona and her stay Yamaha MT-03. At 1.58 meters, our volunteer is also built quite close to the ground. But the lowest seat height of 780 millimeters is not the reason why she opted for the black one. She just likes it best, and it also offers a nice contrast to her yellow protector hoodie, which absolutely had to be in the picture. Mona would also have no problems with the 60 millimeter higher Kawa, after all, as an active trial rider, she always keeps her feet off the ground. It is important that they reach up to the pegs. And that’s easy. And even if she recently got her open driver’s license and uses it diligently, she, like the other three, is full of praise for the engine of the adult-looking blacks. As the test bench curves and driving performance impressively demonstrate, the Yamaha set the bar quite high. Okay, it also has the largest displacement with 320 cc, but that’s not forbidden. In addition, the counter-rotation (the pistons do not run synchronously, but offset by 180 degrees) retard with vibrations, willingly on the gas and happily turns up to just over 12,000 rpm. If you take it easy, you can get by with 3.5 liters. Neither the gearbox nor the clutch are annoying with any peculiarities, and so the Yamaha rightly wins the engine rating.
Rossen Gargolov
How does the Yamaha MT-03?
Also in everyday life she does Yamaha MT-03 Pleasure. At the front you sit actively and relaxed, and a passenger also finds an acceptable place to sit. The light shines properly, the equipment leaves nothing essential. Only the payload is insufficient at 158 kilograms. Not inadequate, but with clear room for improvement, is the chassis. As long as the surface is level, the MT is as easy to handle as it is stable and with plenty of space under the notches for sloping positions. The picture changes, however, when the run gets worse and the pace gets faster. Then the conventional telescopic fork as well as the directly hinged shock absorber reach their limits the quickest. It’s all over for two. Where the other three more or less successfully maintain their composure, the Yamaha pumping wildly looks for its way. So take out the gas and enjoy the comparatively high level of driving comfort. It looks similar with the brake. Absolutely satisfactory in normal operation, the somewhat doughy pressure point and, as with many other Yamahas, the relatively rough control behavior of the ABS interfere with harder loads. Nevertheless, even if the Yamaha draws the shortest this time, it is by no means a loser. Mona sees it the same way. Off to the expressway. Left turn signal and ZACK, it’s gone. Practice trial. The next competition is not long away.
Impressions of the drivers
Marlene Volkmann (23): The BMW G 310 R is a grown-up motorcycle, well made and also agile in handling. However, the single cylinder has a problem: it needs a lot of speed to start. In addition, the BMW vibrates very strongly at higher speeds, which is even transferred to the mirrors. Positive: The display shows a lot of useful information, for example the gear currently engaged. I also think the G 310 R is suitable for long distances, because even after a long day in the saddle there is no pain in the wrists or back. The engine responds well once it revs up. But I like the powerful engine of the Yamaha MT-03 even better.
Angelina Reader (19): The Honda CB 300 R not only looks great, it also drives really well. Due to its size and compactness, it can also be moved easily by smaller people and thus also offers security. The headlight with its smile looks really good from the front and has style. What you have to get used to, however, is the bench. In contrast to the others, it looks like a board. But this becomes more convenient over time as you get used to it. Just like the lack of a gear indicator in the cockpit. Which, by the way, can be read very well, whether in light or shadow. The Honda and I, we could become friends.
Ferdinand Heinrich (29): The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is quite adult for a 300. It offers a hard but comfortable bench seat, adequate wind protection and a luggage rack. The little twin doesn’t quite fit into the picture, looks strained and in comparison needs by far the highest speeds, which then quickly result in unpleasant vibrations. It is still a good, comfortable touring motorcycle with plenty of space, but the Versys-X, with its enduristic touch, could not inspire me for the promised adventure trips. Although it is actually much too small for me, my favorite is the small Honda CB 300 R. Everything is right for me.
Mona Pekarek (23): What do a house palm, an air pump, a cracker and the novel hero Zorro have in common? Right, our 300 comparison! The Kawasaki Versys-X 300: big, green, uncomplicated. And boring. The smooth BMW G 310 R makes it easy, especially for beginners. Just like an air pump. Anyone can use it. The gaudy Honda camels are different: compact, surprisingly powerful and fun. Yummy! Zorro-03 looks evil and the most adult of all. There is a soft core behind it – that’s how we want it to be. Unless it’s about a motorcycle. The core can also be robust.
MOTORCYCLE test result
1st place – Kawasaki Versys-X 300:
Not surprisingly, the green wins the test. It is the most grown-up bike in the field and apart from the permanently demanding, because it always demands a little attention and also vibrates at high frequencies, it has no major weaknesses.
Rossen Gargolov
In the end, the test win was secured by the Kawasaki Versys-X 300.
2nd place – Honda CB 300 R:
Ultimately, it costs her reason to win the test. With “only” 31 hp, it awards valuable points in terms of driving performance. All in all, it is, typically Honda, a very coherent overall concept. Chic at that and priced very, very attractively.
place 3 – BMW G 310 R.:
The BMW G 310 R appeals to a more sporty nature with its firm suspension setup and snappy brakes. Your single is strong, but also jarring. The Honda is a tad more pleasing in many respects. And whoosh! there’s only bronze.
4th place – Yamaha MT-03:
The Yamaha MT-03 has only 16 points less than the test winner, that’s how close it is in this class. The main drawback is the too soft, inharmonious suspension setup. The engine, on the other hand, is awesome. Or as they say today: benchmark in this class.
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