300cc motorcycles are the sweet spot of motorcycles for beginners; they are not so underpowered that they are slow, nor are they too powerful that they are overwhelming; they are just in the sweet spot.
These bikes are usually lightweight and easy enough to handle. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s a great 300cc motorcycle out there for you.
Here’s our list for the best and fastest 300cc motorcycles:
- Honda CBR250RR
- Kawasaki Ninja 250
- Yamaha V Star 250
- Honda CB300R
- Honda Rebel 300
- Honda CRF300L Rally
- CFMOTO 300NK
- Kawasaki KLX300SM
- Kawasaki Versys-X 300
- Suzuki GSX-S300
Now let’s see what makes each of these bikes worthy of inclusion on this list.
The 10 Fastest 300cc Motorcycles
1. Honda CBR250RR
The Honda CBR250RR is the fastest on this list. It has a 249cc, 4-stroke engine and can produce about 41 hp.
With this powerful engine, the bike can go from 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds and up to 109 mph, fast enough for new motorcycle riders and perfect for experienced riders.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 3.8 gallons and a Programmed Fuel Injection fuel system, making it quite fuel efficient.
This bike weighs 370 lbs, which is lightweight, contributing to how fast it can go. It also has a seat height of 31 inches, making it easy for motorcyclists to get on or off.
Additionally, it has a ground clearance of 145 mm. This means it’s easy to get over bumps, but it does not sacrifice cornering ability.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Lightweight
- Fun and easy to ride
- Comfortable
- High-speed thanks to its power/weight ratio
Cons:
- Pretty high price for the engine capacity
Bottom line
The Honda CBR250RR is a great motorcycle for both beginners and experienced riders. It’s fun and easy to ride and is also extremely comfortable.
2. Kawasaki Ninja 250
The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is an iconic motorcycle with advanced technology and a smooth engine. It includes an assist and slipper clutch, an economical riding indicator, and is ergo fit.
It has a 249cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin engine that produces 39 HP at 12,500 rpm. This engine is powerful enough to take it from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds or less.
It weighs about 359 lbs, which might be heavy for some, but its power/weight ratio is still good enough, given its powerful engine.
It’s fuel-efficient enough to hit 75 mpg. This makes it suitable for long rides without having to refuel too often. Not to mention its sizable 3.6-gallon fuel capacity.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Sizable fuel capacity
- Smooth, powerful engine
- Comfortable seat height
Cons:
- Spare parts might be costly
Bottom Line
The iconic Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a great motorcycle for all riders because of how sturdy and comfortable it is to ride. It also has an iconic design that appeals to many riders.
3. Yamaha V Star 250
Yamaha’s nimble V Star 250 is a great motorcycle with a 249cc, air-cooled engine. It has reliable electric starting as well as beautiful dual chrome exhaust pipes that allow the engine to breathe.
It weighs 324 lbs, has a fuel capacity of 2.5 gallons, and can go up to 85 mph. This sacrifice in top speed is worth it for some when you consider Its impressive average mpg of 78, which means you will pay pennies for fuel.
The new design of this bike is irresistible, with a stylish entry-level V-twin engine and an iconic Raven color.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Reliable disc brakes
- Durable
- Great for beginners
- Comfortable seat height
Cons:
- Limited stock
Bottom Line
Choosing the Yamaha V Star 250 will not disappoint you. It’s not just comfortable and nimble; it’s easy to ride and will take you on lengthy, enjoyable rides. It’s also a reliable and dependable bike, so you can be sure it will last you for years to come.
4. Honda CB300R
Honda understands that not everyone who wants to buy a 300cc motorcycle is a beginner, so it was important for Honda to make the CB300R a version of the motorcycle which is more affordable for bikers.
This bike stands out to me because of its all-LED lighting package, among many other things.
The LED taillight is the thinnest taillight Honda has mounted on a motorcycle. In addition, the LED lights on this bike are strong, which comes in handy for nighttime adventures.
The CB300R has a 286cc, single-cylinder engine that takes fuel from its 2.5-gallon tank. It gets 70 mpg on average, which will take riders to long distances without them having to refuel their bikes constantly. Its powerful engine produces 31.13 horsepower at 9,000 rpm.
This bike also weighs about 321.8 lbs and can go up to 96 mph at top speed. It can also go from 0-60 mph in just 6.20 seconds.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Low seat height
- Reasonable price
- Easy to ride
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Small fuel tank
Bottom Line
The Honda CB300R is a great bike for beginner and experienced riders. It’s comfortable, fast, sturdy, and reasonably priced.
5. Honda Rebel 300
The Honda Rebel 300 is another iconic motorcycle. This bike is one of Honda’s smallest bikes in their collection. Although this bike might be small and lightweight, it still packs a punch.
The Honda Rebel 300 has a 286cc single-cylinder engine that produces 25 horsepower at 7,640 rpm. This bike can go 95 mph at maximum speed easily and smoothly.
It also weighs about 364 and has a fuel capacity of 2.9 gallons. It has an average fuel efficiency of 78 mpg, which is perfect for longer rides.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Smooth engine
- Low clutch pull with assist and slipper clutch
- Comfortable, low seat height
Cons:
- Riders with longer legs can feel a little cramped
Bottom Line
The Honda Rebel 300 is a great motorcycle for beginners. It’s incredibly approachable as it is fun to ride, has a comfortable seat, and is great for prolonged journeys.
6. Honda CRF300L Rally
The Honda CRF300L Rally is one of the most popular motorcycles on the market. The great thing about this bike is that it’s extraordinary for both on and off-the-road adventures. It’s also nimble and quick and can easily get you through heavy traffic.
This upgraded version of the 2021 CRF300L has a powerful 286cc engine that produces 27 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. The bike can go up to about 93 mph at maximum speed.
It also weighs about 331 lbs, which is lightweight and factors into its speed. Luckily, this bike has a 3.4-gallon fuel capacity and an average of 76 mpg.
Honda’s motorcycles are usually praised for their bigger fuel capacity and the ability to provide riders with bikes that can go for long rides without needing constant refueling, and the CRF300L follows this trend and does not disappoint.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable riding on all types of roads
- LED Headlight
- Stylish design
- Durable
- Great fuel capacity
Cons:
- No adjustable seat height
Bottom Line
The Honda CRF300L Rally is a great bike for on and off-the-road adventures. It’s comfortable, durable, and nimble enough for narrow roads.
7. CFMOTO 300NK
The CFMOTO NK300 comes next on this list with its powerful 292cc single-cylinder engine. This bike has a friendly clutch pull along with a compliant transmission that helps the bike creep along in second gear in case you get in slow-moving traffic.
The 300NK’s engine produces 33.99 horsepower at 8,800 rpm and a torque of 20.5 Nm at 7,200 rpm. It can also go up to 83 mph at top speed and can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.18 seconds.
It’s a lightweight bike weighing 332.8 lbs and has a fuel capacity of 3.3 gallons. The 300NK has an outstanding 100 mpg average, beating most bikes in that regard. This will guarantee that riders will have safer long journeys. Your wallet will also thank you for choosing this bike with the current fuel prices.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Outstanding mile-per-gallon average
- Comfortable
- Friendly clutch pull
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Throttle response might be a little sluggish
Bottom Line
The CFMOTO 300NK is a lightweight, fun-to-ride, comfortable motorcycle. You can enjoy long rides with this stylish bike with zero trouble. The amazing fuel economy of this bike is almost unparalleled.
8. Kawasaki KLX300SM
The Kawasaki KLX300 is a reliable and versatile bike. It’s light and nimble and is a great all-rounder. It weighs only 304 lbs and has a comfortable 33.9-inch seat height. These are some of the factors that make this bike particularly great for beginners.
Its engine is a single cylinder 292cc that can produce 23.95 horsepower at 8,080 rpm. It can go up to 89 mph at top speed, making it quick enough for beginners, but experienced riders also enjoy riding it.
It has a fuel capacity of 2 gallons, which might be considered a bit small for many bikers, but it has an average of 64 mpg, which is good enough for traveling long distances.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable seat height
- Great for beginners
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Small fuel capacity
Bottom Line
The Kawasaki KLM300SM is an excellent, versatile motorcycle for beginners as well as experienced riders. You can rely on this bike to provide long, comfortable rides.
9. Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Third on this list is the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. One of my favorite things about this bike is that it’s approachable and allows control, especially in low-traction and tricky situations. Gearing is also pretty short, which makes this bike great for challenging roadways.
The Versys-X 300 has a powerful 296cc twin-cylinder engine and weighs about 386 lbs, which is lightweight enough for most motorcyclists. As a result of its weight, it can go up to about 104 mph at top speed and can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
The powerful engine also generates about 39.3 horsepower at 11,500 rpm. Another great thing about this bike is its sizable 4.5-gallon fuel capacity, allowing it to have an average of 47.2 mpg.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Easy to ride
- Lightweight
- Effective for low-traction situations
Cons:
- Not the newest bike on the list
Bottom Line
Kawasaki’s Versys-X 300 is the perfect bike for tougher and low-traction roads. It’s a comfortable, easy-to-ride motorcycle for all types of bikers.
10. Suzuki GSX-S300
Another great bike you should consider is the Suzuki GSX-S300. This bike has a powerful 298cc engine that can produce 29.23 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and can go up to 95 mph. It weighs a hefty 390 lbs and has a fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons.
This large fuel capacity contributes to the bike being slightly heavier than most other bikes on this list. However, that might not necessarily be a bad thing, as it makes the bike sturdy and firmer on the ground, and this will make you feel more confident while riding it.
Pros VS Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Dual channel ABS
- USD front forks
- Systematic braking system
- Comfortable
Cons:
- A bit heavier than the rest
Bottom Line
If you enjoy a sturdier, heavier bike that will keep you close to the ground, the Suzuki GSX-S300 is perfect for you. Not only is it comfortable, but it’s also fun and easy to ride.
How to Pick the Fastest 300cc Motorcycle?
When picking the fastest 300cc motorcycles, many factors can determine the speed. However, the two main factors are the engine and horsepower.
Let’s take a closer look:
Engine
Many bikers look for 300cc motorcycles for different reasons. They might want to upgrade to something a little faster, or they want a more affordable bike. When it comes to speed, though, the engine power really matters.
300cc motorcycles usually have a displacement of about 298cc, but that can range either a little higher or lower. When looking for a 300cc motorcycle, it’s important to consult a professional to see what type of engine suits your riding style most.
Horsepower
Another thing that determines the speed of your bike is the horsepower. 300cc motorcycles usually have a horsepower between 40-25. The higher the horsepower, the faster your bike will be.
300cc motorcycles often go anywhere between 110-85 mph. It’s vital to look for a bike that matches your level of experience so you can have a smoother, safer ride. Remember, your safety always comes first.
Still looking for something faster? Check out our:
- Guide to the fastest 250cc motorcycles
- Guide to the fastest 400cc motorcycles
- Guide to the fastest 500cc motorcycles
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Horsepower Does a 300cc Motorcycle Have?
300cc motorcycles usually have anywhere between 30 and 40 horsepower. Some motorcycles can go down to 25 horsepower, though.
Is a 300cc Motorcycle Good for a Beginner?
300cc motorcycles are great for beginners, especially ones that are looking to amp up their speeds. These bikes are usually lightweight enough for beginners to handle and are often easy to learn.
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative Government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:
About the Author:
Michael Parrotte started his career in the motorcycle industry by importing AGV Helmets into the North American market. He was then appointed the Vice President of AGV Helmets America. In total, he worked with AGV Helmets for 25 years. In addition, he functioned as a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, and Sparx Helmets.
In 1985, He is the Founder of AGV Sports Group, Inc. cooperation with AGV Helmets in Valenza Italy
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