Table of contents

• Honda CBR 300 R and Honda CBR 500 R in comparison test Honda duel of entry-level bikes
• A lot of work on the throttle
• The CBR 300 R sees its chance.
• Both Hondas offer a lot for the money saved
• Technical data and measured values
• Performance measurement
• MOTORCYCLE test result
• Price comparison of the Honda CBR 300 R and the Honda CBR 500 R

Gargolov

33 pictures

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Two against one is not fair? We see how the single-cylinder Honda CBR 300 R fares against the two-cylinder Honda CBR 500 R..

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Red pencil? Only if you look very closely will you see the savings measures implemented by the Honda product planners on the small Honda CBR 300 R.. This includes the roughly welded steel parts of the strut deflection …

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for the Honda CBR 500 R.

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The cockpit of the Honda CBR 300 R in comparison …

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So at first glance, more of everything – and that is noticeable in the price. Honda CBR 500 R..

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48 hp power.
175 km / h top speed.
6090 euros.

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The Honda CBR 500 R with 471 cm³ displacement in two cylinders.

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Fewer cylinders, less displacement, less power … But also: less money. Honda CBR 300 R..

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31 HP power.
145 km / h top speed.
4790 euros.

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Hondas CBR 300 R with 286 cm³ displacement in one cylinder.

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Perfect manners – that’s what the Honda CBR 500 R comes up with, impresses with its vibration-free operation and smooth clutch function. Overall, the Honda CBR 300 R cannot keep up with that. In many respects, however, the gap to the larger sister is very close, in terms of responsiveness, it even surpasses the 500. That deserves respect.

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The Honda CBR 300 R turns around the corner with plenty of lean angle and formidable handling. In addition, it offers more reserves than the half-liter athlete, especially in pillion mode. It has to admit defeat in the chassis chapter despite convincing ride comfort, which is mainly due to the insufficient damping of its suspension elements.

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The Honda CBR 500 R with high handlebar stubs and deep footrests relies on touring ergonomics, the Honda CBR 300 R integrates its driver much more crisply. I like both. The big one also scores with a standard immobilizer and is good for top ranges.

Rossen Gargolov

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The final score was 3: 2: The Honda CBR 500 R clearly beats the Honda CBR 300 R on points. But what the table does not reveal: The big CBR lacks the emotional factor, the challenge of riding a motorcycle. The little one can do that better. Anyone who now changes tires and invests in harder fork springs will get that race feeling served free of charge. This means that the 300 series remains only second, but it really rocks the heart of sporty motorcycle fans among the A2 beginners.

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In terms of points, the Honda CBR 300 R is left behind …

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… nevertheless, it is quite convincing on the street.

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Duel: Honda CBR 300 R against Honda CBR 500 R.

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Duel: Honda CBR 300 R against Honda CBR 500 R.

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Duel: Honda CBR 300 R against Honda CBR 500 R.

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Duel: Honda CBR 300 R against Honda CBR 500 R.

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Duel: Honda CBR 300 R against Honda CBR 500 R.

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Duel: Honda CBR 300 R against Honda CBR 500 R.

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In comparison, the flawlessly manufactured shock absorber of the CBR 500 R, which is neatly processed down to the last detail.

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Another effect of the need to save: the not very high quality, black painted manifold.

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In the case of the Honda CBR 500 R, on the other hand, the stainless steel shines in competition with the sun.

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How does the duel between the Honda CBR 300 R and the Honda CBR 500 R look off the beaten track and on the road?

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The big Honda CBR 500 R lacks the emotional factor, the challenge of riding a motorcycle. The little one can do that better.

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Honda CBR 300 R..

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Honda CBR 300 R..

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Honda CBR 500 R..

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Honda CBR 500 R..

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As if drawn with a ruler, the performance curve of the Honda CBR 500 R is striving towards its maximum of 48 hp. Uniformity also characterizes the torque curve. The performance increase from 5000 rpm determines the character of the Honda CBR 300 R. At 8400 revolutions it reaches its top performance output, which it maintains up to almost 10,000 rpm. In reality this means: This is where the true 300 life takes place.

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Duel: Honda CBR 300 R against Honda CBR 500 R.

motorcycles

Honda CBR 300 R and Honda CBR 500 R in comparison test

Honda CBR 300 R and Honda CBR 500 R in comparison test
Honda duel of entry-level bikes

A cylinder? When the Honda CBR 500 R with its Twin hears this information, it just smiles tiredly. Was that it for the new Honda CBR 300 R in the Honda competition for the best sporty entry-level bike in the A2 driving license class? Probably not!

Jens Moller-Tollner

02/05/2015

Similar to the quartet, not only the highest values ​​count in this comparison test. Would you like an example? Just take a quick look at the price. Here the little challenger clearly undercuts the big sister. Honda calls 4790 euros for the Honda CBR 300 R on, the 500 with 6090 costs exactly 1300 euros more. Uff, the hit was a hit and will please all newcomers to the A2 driving license with tight wallets. But the Honda CBR 500 R knows how to react. It starts with the engine. The two-cylinder presses 48 hp on the roller, the 300 only manages 31 horsepower.

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What distinguishes the Twin much more, however, is its turbine-like power delivery. From idle it can be turned up smoothly, and even adds a few more briquettes on top. The only drawback: At high engine speeds, the throttle response is slightly delayed after phases in coasting mode. But overall, the engine makes dealing with the Honda CBR 500 R very easy. Because regardless of whether on low tours in city traffic or on a brisk line on the country road, the two-cylinder always has the right answer ready, delivers power below, above, everywhere. Beginners like this design because they are not overwhelmed, and it does not turn out to be a fun brake for experienced two-wheelers. The convincing smoothness and the very easy-to-use gearshift also contribute to this balanced character of the 500 series. Everything works at a top level. Is there nothing to criticize about the 471 cm³ large CBR 500 R unit? Objectively not, but its even power delivery without a kick in the rev range arouses few emotions. 

A lot of work on the throttle

If you want to get the full power out of it, you have to be prepared for a lot of work on the throttle. Must be ready to move the throttle valves to the stop. Honda has managed to train the single-cylinder engine to have a clean throttle response below 3000 revs, but there is no such thing as full propulsion on the rev counter in these regions. Therefore it is better to select the next lower pair of gears once too much rather than too little using the slightly bony gearshift. When the tachometer needle is close to the 5000 mark, the Honda CBR 300 R slowly tenses its muscles. From 7000 rpm it quickly strives forwards until the limiter puts an end to the hustle and bustle at a good 10,500 tours.

Compared to the CBR sister, this engine configuration demands significantly more from the driver. On the other hand, it is really good fun. Conveys a pure sports feeling, wakes the racer’s heart in the trainer. Which is not bad, after all, we are talking about Honda’s Sportbike line under the venerable CBR abbreviation. With this design, the small Honda CBR 300 R cannot compete against the Honda CBR 500 R from an objective quartet point of view. But it offers all A2 driving license holders a lot of sporty fun in the lustful turning of the little 286 cm³ engine in abundance.

All tests and articles about the Honda CBR 300 R

Rossen Gargolov

Both CBR models are equipped with non-adjustable forks and adjustable preload struts.

In order for the driving pleasure to be right, the chassis must fit. Both CBR models are equipped with non-adjustable forks and adjustable spring struts. Whereby they try again in completely different ways to achieve the perfect balance between comfort and crisp feedback. As with the engine tuning, the Honda CBR 500 R puts the feel-good factor in the foreground when it comes to the chassis. With a well-chosen spring stiffness, but very soft damping, the half-liter racer easily takes tar patches under its wheels. This allows relaxed curve dances – until the pace increases.

Anyone who sportily turns into the corner on the brakes and fires out of the curve with a lot of lard will feel the downside of this vote. As the first steering impulse sinks into dampening nirvana, the Honda CBR 500 R noticeably rebounds when the brake is released. It also behaves in a similar way when exiting a curve: the rear noticeably sags under load. This leads to understeer, the 500 wants to choose the broad line of its own accord. With a little more damping in rebound and compression, it would be much more crisp. If a passenger gets on the pillion seat, these effects are intensified. With all the easy rocking, the Honda always remains manageable – in terms of handiness, stability and steering behavior, however, it leaves a few points.

The CBR 300 R sees its chance.

No wonder, since handling and driving behavior – in addition to the chassis setup – also depend on the factors weight and tire width. And this is where the little CBR racer shines, only weighs 167 kilograms. And that with tire widths that are extremely narrow with a 110 at the front and a 140 at the rear. So the next trick in the quartet duel has to go to the little one? As far as handiness, steering behavior and stability are concerned, yes. Here the 300 series puts the 500 series twin in its pocket and turns quickly around the curves on the very tight line. And that with virtually no effort. However, the suspension set-up of the Honda CBR 300 R was not optimal either. The fork already compresses 60 to 70 mm deep when standing – with a total spring travel of 130 millimeters.

The result: When braking, the front wheel position quickly locks up. Only the tire bounces and dampens. It comes from IRC in Japan and is called RX-O1 Road Winner. But he’s not that much of a winner. If the dry grip still fits, it will tear off suddenly when wet. The Dunlop D222 on the 500 work better, give more feedback. But back to the chassis. The shock absorber of the small CBR has more reserves than the fork and can even handle a passenger more casually than the damper on the half-liter model. Although drivers of the Honda CBR 300 R will probably only be on the road alone. Tight knee angles and tight pillion seat cushions quickly make passengers want to take a break. Overall, the CBR 300 R is on par with the Honda CBR 500 R – even if both set different highlights.

Does this also apply to seating comfort? Normally, athletes do not place their pilots very comfortably on the motorcycle due to the handlebar stubs that are clamped on deeply and footrests mounted high up. This arrangement only applies to a limited extent to the Honda CBR 500 R. The high-hinged halves of the handlebar stretch far towards the driver. And the footrest position also pampers you with a relaxed knee angle. So it sits comfortably upright for touring sports. The next 1000 kilometers can easily come, nothing will tweak. The Honda CBR 300 R takes a sportier approach. It forces its driver into a much tighter sitting position because its stub is lower and its footrests are higher. It’s noticeably more uncomfortable than on the big CBR, but it gives you more race feeling. Makes every A2 beginner dream of starting the next MotoGP run. 

Both Hondas offer a lot for the money saved

With ABS support, the racers always come to a safe stop. With its larger brake discs in wave design (320/240 mm to 296/220 mm), the Honda CBR 500 R offers slightly better controllability with less manual force. Otherwise, the athletes built in Thailand know how to convince Honda. Clean gaps in the cladding, digital displays with all the important information – anyone looking for the red pencil of the product planner has to develop a detective instinct. The hand levers cannot be adjusted on either of these. And where the 500 series has a stainless steel manifold, black lacquered pipe material has to suffice for the Honda CBR 300 R. In addition, their strut deflection looks a little lovelessly welded together. The component of the CBR 500 R looks neater.

Overall, both vehicles offer a lot for the money saved and are also cheap to maintain with consumption of just over three liters per 100 kilometers. In addition to the price difference, the only question that remains unanswered is: Rather sporty with the Honda CBR 300 R or do you prefer to start your A2 adventure with the Honda CBR 500 R? The more universal choice is clearly the Honda 500, if it weren’t for the emotions …

Naked bike

Driving report Honda CBR 500 R / CB 500 F

No half things

read more

All articles about the Honda CBR 500 R

Technical data and measured values

Rossen Gargolov

Two against one is not fair? We see how the single-cylinder Honda CBR 300 R fares against the two-cylinder Honda CBR 500 R..

Honda CBR 300 R.

Honda CBR 500 R.

engine

design type

injection

coupling

Bore x stroke

Displacement

compression

perfomance

Torque

Single cylinder four-stroke engine

1x Ø 38 mm

Multi-disc oil bath clutch

76.0 x 63.0 mm

286 cc

10.7: 1

23.0 kW (31 hp) at 8500 rpm

27 NM at 7250 rpm

Two-cylinder four-stroke engine

1x Ø 34 mm

Multi-disc oil bath clutch

67.0 x 66.8 mm

471 cc

10.7: 1

35.0 kW (48 hp) at 8500 rpm

43 Nm at 7000 rpm

landing gear

frame

fork

Brakes front / rear

Assistance systems

bikes

tire

Tires

Bridge frame made of steel

Telescopic fork, Ø 37 mm

Ø 296/220 mm

SECTION

2.75 x 17; 4.00 x 17

110/70 17; 140/70 17

IRC Road Winner RX 01

Bridge frame made of steel

Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm

Ø320 / 240 mm

SECTION

3.50 x 17; 4.50 x 17

120/70 ZR 17; 160/60 ZR 17

Dunlop Sportmax D222

Dimensions + weights

wheelbase

Steering head angle

trailing

Front / rear suspension travel

Seat height

Weight with a full tank

Payload

Tank capacity / reserve

Service intervals

price

Price test motorcycle

extra costs

1380 mm

64.9 degrees

98 mm

130/107 mm

785 mm

167 kg

180 kg

13.0 liters

12,000 km

4790 euros

4953 euros

265 euros

1410 mm

64.5 degrees

102 mm

108/119 mm

790 mm

196 kg

177 kg

15.7 liters

12,000 km

6090 euros

6090 euros

265 euros

MOTORCYCLE readings

Top speed

acceleration

   0 – 100 km / h

   0 – 140 km / h

Draft

   60 – 100 km / h

  100 – 140 km / h

Consumption highway / 100km

Reach country road

145 km / h

7.2 s

22.9 s

8.4 s

12.3 s

3.1 liters

419 km

175 km / h

5.5 s

11.4 s

6.4 s

7.4 s

3.3 liters

476 km

Performance measurement

Rossen Gargolov

Performance measurement.

As if drawn with a ruler, the performance curve of the Honda CBR 500 R is striving towards its maximum of 48 hp. Uniformity also characterizes the torque curve. The half-liter athlete presses over 40 Nm on the roller from 3800 to 8400 tours and always outperforms the Honda CBR 300 R by at least 17 Nm. Their character is determined by the increase in performance from 5000 rpm. At 8400 revolutions it reaches its top performance output, which it maintains up to almost 10,000 rpm. In reality this means: This is where the true 300 life takes place.

MOTORCYCLE test result

Rossen Gargolov

In the end, the bigger Honda CBR 500 R prevailed against the Honda CBR 300 R..

1. Honda CBR 500 R

The Honda CBR 500 R clearly has the topic of versatility in focus and only has slight weaknesses in the chassis. As a driver’s license A2-compliant athlete, the attack on the racer’s heart is cautious.

2. Honda CBR 300 R

In the end it is not enough. Anything else would have been a surprise too. Two chapter wins prove that the Honda CBR 300 R has qualities. If you are a motorcycle beginner who likes high speeds, you should definitely test it.

Price comparison of the Honda CBR 300 R and the Honda CBR 500 R

Used Honda CBR 300 R and CBR 500 R in Germany

Single cylinder, high revs and flyweight, or rather two-cylinder, balanced performance and more power – everyone has to make the decision for themselves. But the used motorcycle exchange is a small decision-making aid. There you can find the Honda CBR 300 R and the Honda CBR 500 R in direct price comparison: Used Honda CBR 300 R and Honda CBR 500 R in Germany

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