Welcome bw Best thing is try all the bikes around the CC's you like and find one that suits you best. Most 250's + can break the speed limits so it is a matter of throttle control on whatever bike you decide on.

 

Hello bro! I am almost in the same situation as you. I have a wife that is disabled therefore she doesn't work. I am the only income for the house and I have a 2 month old son. The 300r was my very first street legal bike I have ever gotten and just passed my motorcycle license course last June. I am 6'1" almost 2" lol and weight varies from 195-205lbs. I also did a lot of research before buying. I was very interested in the Kawa Ninja 300 as well. It has a tad more HP and a bit faster but wasn't enough to sway my opinion. I fell in love with the Honda as soon as I saw it especially when I saw the RED! I was hesistant about my size as well but after sitting on it and taking it for a spin before buying I didn't find that to be an issue at all. I also felt like the bike was meant for me instantly after riding it the first time. Being my first bike I felt comfortable sitting on it. I did not ride the Ninja but when I sat on it I just didn't like the angle my body was at and the Ninja seemed awfully smaller to me. Also the Ninja's windscreen is almost non existent. After getting my CBR I did do 2 mods that totally changed the ergonomics for me. I put on clip on handlebars and some rearsets. So my long body was able to be stretched out a bit more and my head was able to come down more behind the windscreen by having the lower handlebars. I love love love my bike.
You have a few extra lbs on me so I don't know how/if that would effect the bikes power at all, but if you are like me I am not too worried about speed right now and basically..my wife wont allow me to ride fast anyway haha.
But all in all when you get right down to it I think the CBR is bigger than the Ninja and it's a HONDA! Hope I gave you some info you can use? Good luck on your search!

 

Hello bwhite...
I just got back to motorcycling after being away for 5 years. (I did have a stint of being bike-less for 15 years earlier). I too looked at the Ninja 300 (never rode one) and I must admit I love the 2014 SE in white. But for me the price was higher than what I wanted to spend and the dealer would not budge..at all. As much as I liked it..it was not doable.
Last Summer I took out a Yamaha R 3 and really liked it...and the dealer who is a very good friend of mine offered me a good price. The bike he had in stock was black (only 1 ) and for me there was just just to much of the same color so if the bike had been red/white I may have been more swayed.
The bike I did buy was the Tr-Color 300 R and given that it was a left over 2015...had ABS which the Yamaha did not..at all and was $1000 cheaper total out the door and I LOVE the color! Right now it is in storage (my Rec-Room) and I am praying for Spring.

I suggest as others have said...take out all the 300 series bikes from all the manufactures and see which one suites you best. Good luck in your adventure....and what ever you purchase....you are welcome to come back and partake in the Forum here.

 

... I'm 6' 250-275 depending on diet/training...

I'm going to have to paddle against the current, and say that I think you're too big for the any of the bikes in the 300cc class. Trust me when I say that in two years time you'll wish you had gone with a bigger bike.

Honestly, if I were a big guy like yourself I'd be looking at one of the 500 cc bikes as a starting point. And by the time you're ready to buy there will likely be some great closeout deals to be had on left over 2015 CB500F and X models.

And if you have a bit more money in the bike budget, the Honda CBR650F would also be an excellent choice, and one that you won't feel you've out grown in a few years.


I'm 6'1" & 185 lbs., plus 20 lbs. of riding gear. And at a "riding weight" of 205 lbs. I think I'm starting to push the size envelope for this 250/300 sportbike class... not so much in terms of what the engine puts out for power & torque, but rather what the suspension is meant to handle.

 

Welcome!
Ninja 300 sitting position is a lot more aggressive. It definitely puts a lot more stress on the neck, which started to bother me somewhat, after an hour on the bike. I am 6'5" @210 -215 lbs.

 

There is another option when looking at a 300cc bike for a bigger rider. A bike with a seat height of 37.5", a 54hp engine and 50kg lighter than the CBR300RA. Problem is it's more expensive and for that kinda of money you could have a nice bigger cc bike. Husky TE 300 motard

"I previously was against buying new and taking the depreciation hit but one of the guys @ the dealer said since 250-300cc bikes are typically first bikes, a lot of first owners drop bikes, don't take care of maintenance, etc so since I don't plan on selling/upgrading when I "outgrow" it this will be a long term purchase so I don't want to take a chance of getting a 1 year old beater."

These bikes are fine, plenty around for sale below the 10,000k / 6 thousand mile mark and should come with a service history. Hey, if it has been dropped it's normally just damage to the plastics, which can be a good thing as you won't cry when/if you scratch it. Half the time they have a new set of tyres and a few other mods as well.

 

Geez, you're a big unit mate, as they say here in Oz.

I reckon you'd be better off with 500cc or more, and something a bit bigger and heavier. What you need is torque, not power.

If funds are limited, buy a used bike. Despite warnings and horror stories from salesmen who want to sell you a new bike, all the Japanese bikes are very, very reliable and tough. I would buy private, not from a dealer, because that way you get to meet and assess the seller.

I have owned a number of used bikes over the years and haven't had a lemon yet. I always favour condition over mileage and age though, and so would prefer a well-cared for ten year-old bike over a scruffy two year-old, especially with the bigger bikes. I once bought a fifteen year-old, high mileage XJ900 that was immaculate and it never missed a beat in the three years I had it. Sold it for slightly more than I paid three years earlier, too.

 

As a tall rider, 6'4" and nearing 200LBS full gear, I had wanted to reply this thread, but guess my reply never got posted.

I don't think you need to worry about the performance of the CBR300R/CB300F bikes, as they can go at any speed limit, even with a 20MPH headwind it still can reach upto 80MPH.
I've gone as fast as 90MPH (GPS) on a stock bike; and more to go with mods.

If your reasoning is to commute, or joy ride (cruise), you'll not outgrow the 300s.
If your reasoning is to fun ride on the fast lane; yes, you can outgrow this bike fast (I already hit the limits of the bike on the interstate after 2 days), but will probably be able to squeeze out 5% more performance, and will be satisfied with that.

One issue I'm having as a taller rider (6'4"), just like mentioned above, is neck pains on the CBR300R.
Actually, I have it on most sports bikes.
I think it has to do with my larger torso, and in comparison to a shorter person, shorter arms.
Taller people lean forward more, and need to tilt their heads more upwards.

I'm not complaining about wrist pains, like other riders, since I'm not death-gripping the bike; but I do have a chronic neck pain from always looking up.
For me it can start from as soon as 15 minutes riding. Especially in the city.
Something what you'll experience less on the 300F.

Since you're not going to pin the bike wide open and hooligan ride it, I think the CB300F should be fast enough.

About the fuel, most people get into the 60's of MPG. Wide open I've noted as low as 37MPG. My first fuelup was 50MPG (breaking in the bike); but I think it should get better as I ride the bike more.

One thing to take into account after buying your bike, you need a helmet, and preferably boots, and protective gear (gloves, jacket, pants).
You also have to take into consideration that Honda charges for the first maintenance after buying the bike.
Unless you do it yourself, they charge just under $300 over here; and the time of the first maintenance depends on how much you have ridden it.
I did my first maintenance (oil change) on the second day of buying it.
If you plan on going for the 300R, know that the fairing is in the way of the oil filter, and is a bit harder to switch filter.
The 300F has direct access to the filter compartment.

Honda recommends 10W40 oil, but if you buy your bike in the winter, 10W30 will do as well.
Especially during the break in, if you're not over revving the bike.

I used simple car oil, and haven't had any clutch slippage yet, but don't count on that.

Anyway, much to say, so fire away those questions!

 

+1 on the used bike. Since you're trying to understand and learn which particular group of bikes would fit and suit you best, I'd try out a used one first - maybe a 500cc or larger, as advised in some of the above posts. And then you can put it back on the market for sale with very minimal if not any loss as at all. Trust me, going for new without any clue can be very risky - about 20-30% depreciation soon after purchase, it seems. Check out a used 500F or even a 650F... Great choices that should fit you better.

Btw, I hear you on steering clear of debt when you've tried so hard to pull out of it for such a long time.

Keep us posted, and welcome aboard!

 

I weigh about 285 right now. Dropping fast but even now my CB300f gets me around town just fine. I don't hesitate to put it on the freeway when needed. It will do about 75 on flat ground sitting upright and if I tuck I can get it to 85. Due to good gearing I don't ever have issues getting out into traffic quickly when needed and if I have to get off the line quick to pass I can still get past most cars on the road. I feel that even for my size the 300 has been great and have no regrets.

 

Nice to know the little bike fits all sizes. I'm at the other end at 5'7" and 145 lbs and feel like the bike was designed for me. There is a lot to like with the CB300F but I like the R3 and Ninja 300 too. 300ccs bikes appeal to beginners and experienced riders although the CB300F is slightly better for me because of the lighter weight and slightly shorter seat ht. Mileage shouldn't be a consideration with any of the bikes, but you can usually buy the CB300F new for slightly less money than the other two 300s. If money were my biggest concern, I would probably buy whichever one of the 3 I could buy at the best price. They are all very good bikes and I've owned all three. Just turned 5500 mi. on the CB300F. Glad you went with the CB300F, Vaeloron.

 

I'm 6'1" and 240 and have had the 300F for over a year. I usually get 48mpg all city. When I weigh 230 I get 53mpg. I've seen the stats on Fuelly and have asked other guys their stats and weights and they tend to be pretty light, so with more weight you'll likely get even fewer mpg's. I like the bike. One of my friends said it looked a tad too small for my body, but it's comfortable enough for me. Like others have mentioned you may want to consider a step up in power given the riding profile you outlined.

 

I, too, am 6' and 245#. The CB300F has been the most fun I could imagine when I bought it. My original purpose was as a commuter (<4 miles), but riding has progressed to 25-30 mile fun rides most every day.
There is only 38 miles of road on the island, so running from one end to the other is the most mileage I can eke out. Max posted speed is 55 miles per, but (allegedly) the bike will cross 69/70 with my excess avoirdupois onboard.
Having found this forum and the wealth of information/tweaking/farkles that are available, I intend to do some mods in the immediate future, racks and bags being number one for the rainy commutes I face.
Your mileage may vary.


Hunter
Alaska

 

I, too, am 6' and 245#. The CB300F has been the most fun I could imagine when I bought it. My original purpose was as a commuter (<4 miles), but riding has progressed to 25-30 mile fun rides most every day.
There is only 38 miles of road on the island, so running from one end to the other is the most mileage I can eke out. Max posted speed is 55 miles per, but (allegedly) the bike will cross 69/70 with my excess avoirdupois onboard.
Having found this forum and the wealth of information/tweaking/farkles that are available, I intend to do some mods in the immediate future, racks and bags being number one for the rainy commutes I face.
Your mileage may vary.

Hunter
Alaska

Great that you have found this site useful Hunter. It's been suggested that we are a just bunch of old woman sitting around nattering over our knitting! :laugh:

We are getting real diversity in our membership now with folk from all parts of the globe like Kenya and yourself way up there in Alaska. It's interesting to hear about people living lifestyles outside of the norm, and their motorcycling of course.
Happy circulating of your island!

 

You know Hunter...you could hop across the Bering Sea and explore the vastness of Russia.

 

You know Hunter...you could hope across the Bering Sea and explore the vastness of Russia.

Need to be careful in the Urals though.

 

As far as power goes I think you would be fine. I'm about 160# and 6', but about 90% of my riding (600 miles so far) has been 2 up with my GF on back, combined with gear were probably around 300lbs.

The bike handles it great, I have no issue with the power or speed, on the interstate in that condition doing 75-85mph I've been getting about 55-60mpg. (only a couple tanks so far)

Took it on a 2-up 2 hour ride with her the other day, average of 70mph. It was great, she wasn't the most comfortable but I had no complaints and the bike was great.

that being said, 2-up at ~300lbs on the interstate it tops out at 80-85 depending on wind. I have pushed it up to 90mph 2 up a couple of times but thats the limit and requires us both to tuck in. (I have the CBR not the f, so not sure how that changes things at speed)

I am a pretty experienced rider with a variety of faster bikes in my stable, but I don't think I will get bored of it, mostly I use it for commuting, not playing around.

 

Im 225 pounds and I use my cbr300r as my daily commute which includes some highway driving. I started wishing for a little more power after about 6-7 months. However a recent yoshimura slipon and sprocket change has re-invigorated me with this bike for a while longer. a few more mods coming up but I cant help but agree a little with motomike and think a cbr650f might have been a better choice if one had come up for the right price. Having said that the little 300 is just too practical a bike for me to warrant upgrading just yet and im gonna get a few more years out of her.

 

I love my lil 300r. Realistically it's not 'that' small and I get comments daily about the looks and even people asking if it's a 600. Would I like a 650f or 600rr? Of course, but then reality kicks in and in my town what would I do with the bike except show it off in parking lots? I have such stop and go traffic, I'd never get out of 1st. I'm definitely keeping this one for some years, I see no reason to upgrade for my uses.
That's why I do so many mods/accessories to it. I know I'm gonna have it for years and I want it just so for me. I'm not worried about resale value. By the time I do get ready to sell it, it would probably be best to just keep it :laugh:

 

moving mass is a factor in braking distances..
heavier bike/rider needs longer distances..
this is a matter of rider decisionmaking
usually, but other vehicle behaviors
can determine where you are placed
within road spaces and how much time
[distance] you have to stop/avoid..

rider mass is located high on the motorcycle,
whereas low is better for stability etc..
thus heavier weight doesnt help..

this motorcycle has very well designed gears
and increased torque/hp over previous models,
for an overall better rideability..
you need to consider specifics for your own
mass as it effects braking distances etc..

on the highway its generally not a problem
as the traffic flows along fairly smoothly..
going for mpg on the highway would
better suit the aerodynamics of 300r
than naked models, with your body
acting as a sail against the wind..

as many members have attested,
heavy weight or size wont prevent
your enjoyment or general use of
this motorcycle..
however,, the small increase in torque
and hp in this model of its 250r predecessor
is a real factor in general riding..

without wishing to dissuade you from this bike,
which is imo an excellent road honda
there are other larger bikes which would
also do the job, and in many ways
better.. extra weight can be a bonus
in some situations such as gusts of wind,
and when your main use is highway
it isnt a serious problem compared to
the benefits of higher power..

honda has many models, first to mind
being cbr500r, which does very well in
road testing at highway speeds..
but there are numerous, excellent,
road hondas.. not just brand new bikes..

including well cared for used bikes
which for various reasons come
onto the market at good prices..

good luck anyway,,
and welcome to motorcycling..

 

I am 6-1 and 270. I have owned my 300F for a year. I love mine but there are days i wished I had gone to the 500x or nc750. IT will cruise at 70 on the highway with no trouble. No problem on a 500 mile trip last year. I did add a windsheild and it helps a lot on the longer trips but so far it has no problem doing everything I need it to .

 

ps - aside from speeding for speedings sake,
or for avoiding riding time [he smiles]
its up to you how much time it takes,
as you decide when to take off..

without doubt one solution to those
having to rush and take on traffic etc,
would be to start out a bit earlier..

if youre riding within speed limits etc,
10 -15mins gives you a great head start
on any, other motorcycle...

 

Hmm... the cbr300 goes 95+ if you want it to, but is most comfortable around 75mph (depending on gearing)

 

I was 225 lb when I had my CBR 125R and felt more than comfortable riding on city freeways every single day. I wasn't about to take it on rural freeways with higher speeds but the bike handled everything else I threw at it.

If you want a 300 bike, absolutely go for it. I do have to warn that with the CB 300F without the windscreen, our large bodies will act like air brakes. I'm leaning towards the CBR 300R for this reason, although some folks here have put an aftermarket windscreen on their CB 300F.

Happy riding!