Maybe I will get used to the riding position more. I took that trip about 2 months after I got the bike, so my body wasn't really used to riding and all the various seldom-used muscles it requires, lol. I don't want to dissuade anyone from getting a 300F. It's a great bike, and I'm glad I didn't something else honestly. I almost got a CB500F, but it would have cost ~$2k more, and I don't think would do anything more or better than the 300F for what I use it for, which is commuting to work, running around town and the occasional short highway trip. I would like to eventually do some touring, which may require a different bike. I think I am going to try a few cheap mods to try and make the 300 a bit more comfortable for the long haul--a new windshield, seat pad, maybe handlebar risers--before I drop 7000+ on a CB500X. I really like the light weight, ease of handling at low speed and looks of the 300, as well as the spectacular gas mileage.My previous bike was a Honda 650 Deauville. Very comfortable tourer. When I got the CBR300R I was expecting to lose a lot of the comfort factor and have more frequent rests. No such thing. The CBR is more comfortable than the Deauville and I can ride for hours without a break. I do lean forward more too but don't have a problem with this. Last autumn (fall to you over there,) I did a 220 mile ride and the only time I got off was to go to a regular cafe for a coffee but as soon as I got off I saw they were closes so I got back on and completed the ride. That stop gave me a break of about 30 seconds. Still felt fresh when I arrived home and would happily done another 100 miles. Bear in mind that I'm not a youngster and suffer with arthritis so the CBR can't be that bad to ride.
Making Frequent 300 - 500 Mile Trips on the Interstate?
I am considering getting a cb300f. I have been reading on these forums and elsewhere all I can about this bike. I love the idea of a simple, reliable, efficient, lightweight "minimalist" motorcycle.
But the fact is, one of the main things I would be doing with the bike is making trips of 300 - 500 miles twice month, sometimes more. Many of these miles will be on the Interstate.
I don't care about going super fast on these trips (I don't want a speeding ticket). I would be happy to chug along at 70, passing at 75 mph when necessary. But I would often need to do these speeds 5 - 8 hrs straight.
I will also be using the bike on back roads, some of them dirt, on mountain "twisties," and sometimes in more urban situations.
The other option is to buy a bigger used bike--a Ninja 500 or maybe the cb500f or 500x. But these are heavier and wider. I would really prefer the CB300--unless these long trips will destroy it (or me).
I have read (and reread) the "Not a Highway Bike?" thread, and others here about taking these bikes on long distance trips. I have learned a lot from them--about vibrations, about changing sprockets, about fairings, windscreens and other things. But I would like to see if I can get some new information and comments from you all before I make a decision.
Thank you.
But the fact is, one of the main things I would be doing with the bike is making trips of 300 - 500 miles twice month, sometimes more. Many of these miles will be on the Interstate.
I don't care about going super fast on these trips (I don't want a speeding ticket). I would be happy to chug along at 70, passing at 75 mph when necessary. But I would often need to do these speeds 5 - 8 hrs straight.
I will also be using the bike on back roads, some of them dirt, on mountain "twisties," and sometimes in more urban situations.
The other option is to buy a bigger used bike--a Ninja 500 or maybe the cb500f or 500x. But these are heavier and wider. I would really prefer the CB300--unless these long trips will destroy it (or me).
I have read (and reread) the "Not a Highway Bike?" thread, and others here about taking these bikes on long distance trips. I have learned a lot from them--about vibrations, about changing sprockets, about fairings, windscreens and other things. But I would like to see if I can get some new information and comments from you all before I make a decision.
Thank you.
61 - 67 of 67 Posts
Someone else on the forum has made a tourer out of a CB300F and seems quite happy with it. I think the CB300F is more upright in the bars than a CBR so should be more suited to touring. A rear rack and throwover panniers would make it work well. A taller screen will help with the comfort too.
That's hereSomeone else on the forum has made a tourer out of a CB300F and seems quite happy with it. I think the CB300F is more upright in the bars than a CBR so should be more suited to touring. A rear rack and throwover panniers would make it work well. A taller screen will help with the comfort too.
I have done most of what they have, but I am going to try a new, larger windshield and some handlebar risers. I definitely need better luggage, the tiny tail bag isn't cutting it. I also have an Ogio mach 3 backpack and even with both it's not much space. 15T front sprocket might be in my future too.
I did a ~3 hour (one-way) trip this past weekend, and it was not fun. I can go maybe an hour before my butt is in agony and I have to stop. It didn't help it was in the high 40s/low 50s! I'm not sure risers will help but I will try them before dropping the money on a new bike. The CB was fine otherwise, cruised at ~75 just fine and I could pass if I had to. I can tell I am more used to the riding position as my back and throttle hand were fine, but 4 months of climbing at a gym 2-3 times a week probably contributed to that as well.
A little trick I picked up is, on longer rides, I wear bicycle shorts under my gear. The extra padding in them helps with butt pain.
I have a pair of these that I wore on that ride. Not quite bicycle short padding, but they do have a chamois in the seat:A little trick I picked up is, on longer rides, I wear bicycle shorts under my gear. The extra padding in them helps with butt pain.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-dominator-ce-armored-shorts
I will try true cycling shorts and see if that helps.
I made a tourer out of my CBR300R a few years ago, when I broke my back and could no longer enjoy the aggressive riding stance leaning forward over to reach the clamp-ons. I replaced the triple tree with that for a same year CB300F and installed a handlebar with a 3 inch raiser. It got me the more comfortable upright sitting position I needed without letting go of my beloved bike. I now commute 90 miles every day on back country twisty roads... even on my days off! 🤣Someone else on the forum has made a tourer out of a CB300F and seems quite happy with it. I think the CB300F is more upright in the bars than a CBR so should be more suited to touring. A rear rack and throwover panniers would make it work well. A taller screen will help with the comfort too.
61 - 67 of 67 Posts
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