Honda CBR300R Acceleration and Top Speed

Honda CBR300R 0-60 mph in 6.36 Seconds

Honda’s CBR300R is an entry-level sports motorcycle and the direct replacement for the CBR250R, which was produced from 2011 to 2013.

The CBR250R was a strong competitor to the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, and both models enjoyed good sales and popularity in many markets.

A clear trend in recent years has seen entry-level, lower-capacity motorcycles increase in engine size and power.

This began with Kawasaki releasing the Ninja 300 in 2012 to replace the Ninja 250R.

For Honda, the CBR250R’s single-cylinder engine grew from 249 cc to 286 cc by adopting a longer stroke.

This change was almost certainly a response to Kawasaki’s Ninja 300 and in anticipation that other competitors would also move to larger engines in the class.

Like the CBR250R before it, the CBR300R once again played second fiddle to Kawasaki’s Ninja 300.

Although both bikes had broadly similar engine capacities, the Ninja 300’s parallel-twin had an extra cylinder.

This allowed it to rev higher and produce more power, a claimed 35 hp versus the CBR300R’s 30 hp.

The Honda CBR300R tended to appeal more to riders who wanted a comfortable commuter with a less frantic character, thanks to the typical torquey nature of its single-cylinder engine.

It was widely regarded as the more sensible, practical choice in the class, with the renowned Honda build quality.

However, it was also seen as less exciting than some of its rivals.

CBR300R Dyno – Power and Torque

The Honda CBR300R produces 27 hp at 8,500 rpm at the rear wheel, which is around 3 hp less than Honda’s claimed crank figure.

That is about right, given the typical 10-12% power loss through the transmission.

The power and torque curves are almost identical to those of the CBR250R, with just a little more peak output and slightly more power and torque throughout the entire rev range – exactly what you would expect from the extra 36 cc.

The CBR300R’s power delivery is typical of a single-cylinder engine: it builds torque and power quite quickly, followed by a noticeable drop-off after peak power, which arrives around 8,500 rpm.

While the CBR300R will rev to 10,500 rpm (not particularly high for a small-capacity motorcycle), it is quite high for a single-cylinder engine.

The engine is not a screamer and does not respond particularly well to being revved hard all the way to the limiter – a character trait it shares with its smaller CBR250R sibling.

For the best progress, the engine feels most comfortable in its mid to upper-mid range, between 6,000 and 8,500 rpm, although it is tractable enough from 3,000 rpm for around-town riding.

When compared with KTM’s single-cylinder alternative (even though the KTM has a larger capacity), the CBR300R looks rather disappointing.

Honda CBR300R Quarter mile in 15.14 seconds @ 85 mph

The CBR300R is one of the slower motorcycles in the 300 cc class because it lacks the high-rpm peak horsepower of rivals such as the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Yamaha YZF-R3.

Its performance is more in line with the Ninja 250R, although it does have a slight edge when pushed and offers better low- and mid-range power.

Still, the CBR300R delivers respectable performance. It recorded a nippy 0-60 mph time of 6.36 seconds and 0-100 km/h in 6.77 seconds.

For the best results, briefly slip the clutch at around 6,500 rpm before releasing it, then take first gear right to the redline before shifting into second.

For optimal acceleration thereafter, shift between 9,000 and 9,500 rpm.

Revving the remaining gears too far will hurt your elapsed times.

The CBR300R accelerates from 0-70 mph in 8.82 seconds and covers the quarter mile in 15.14 seconds at 85 mph, which is decent for the class.

The CBR300R’s top speed is very dependent on rider size and wind conditions, as is typical for all small-capacity motorcycles under 50 hp.

In neutral conditions, you can expect around 97.85 mph,  a little short of the magic “ton”.

On a good day with a tailwind or slight decline, you might just reach a genuine 100 mph.

On highways where cars regularly sit above the posted speed limit (and you do too), there is not much acceleration left for overtaking.

From 70 mph to around 80 mph, there is enough drive to pass slower traffic, but you will usually need to drop to fifth gear for the best effect.

On many European highways where traffic flows at 80+ mph, the CBR300R feels a little wanting and lethargic, as you are often left in top gear with a rapidly falling power curve.

If you rarely go much above 80 mph, there is still enough performance to keep up with traffic and provide modest thrills.

If I owned a CBR300R and planned to keep it for a while, I would look at fitting an exhaust, a performance air filter, and having it set up on a dyno.

Its smaller sibling, the CBR250R, responds very well to bolt-on modifications.

Alternatively, if you want an entry-level Honda but need a bit more performance, the CBR500R could be a better choice.

It uses a very similar platform to the CBR300R but adds an extra cylinder, more power, and noticeably stronger acceleration.Honda CBR300R Acceleration through the Gears