The 2015 Honda CB300F is a lightweight and easily maneuverable small bike in a naked style that is fun, comfortable and that is capable of providing an ideal ride for beginners as well as more experienced riders. All that, and it’s extremely affordable, with a base price set at $3,999.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2015 Honda CB300F | $3,999. | $4,149. *Dealer prep and handling may vary. | Honda does not publish horsepower/torque ratings. |
| EPA Rating | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | Not tested | Not tested |
The Honda CB300F delivers the ideal solution for a variety of riding scenarios including tooling about town, dealing with a daily commute or taking off for a leisurely weekend sojourn.
The power source for the Honda CB300F is a 300-class engine that displaces 286cc and delivers smooth, responsive power over the complete rev range. It is a DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder engine with programmed fuel injection, a 38mm throttle body and single right side exhaust, which was inspired by Honda’s stylish CBR500R, featuring a larger internal volume that not only looks good, but increases performance while emitting a pleasant, throaty exhaust thrum. The engine is derived from Honda’s CBR250R, but with a new crankshaft and connecting rod that creates a longer engine stroke, and adds 37cc. The PGM-FI fuel injection provides a constant crisp throttle response, and motive force is transmitted to the rear wheel through a six-speed sequential transmission, via an O-ring-chain final drive.
The CB300F’s suspension componentry consists of inverted 37mm forks up front with 4.65 inches of travel and a Pro-Link® single shock with five-position spring preload adjustability and 4.07 inches of travel out back. The bike rolls on Road winner rubber – 110/70-17 M/C forward and 140/70-17 aft, mounted on 5-“swirl”-spoke black painted alloy wheels. Slowing and reining the CB300F to a halt is a twin-piston caliper with a single 296mm disc in front and a single-caliper and 220mm disc in the rear.
The bike’s wheelbase measures 54.3-inches and the overall length is 80.1-inches. Caster angle or rake is 25 degrees and 30 minutes, and the trail is 3.9-inches. It tips the scales at 348 pounds. Fuel capacity is 3.4 gallons and the estimated fuel economy is 71 mpg, but may vary dictated by riding style, terrain and load.
My test Honda CB300F was finished in a bright Red gloss coat with flat black trim accents and White graphics. The base sticker read $3,999 with an estimated final tally of $4,149 accounting for dealer prep and handling which can vary.
SUMMARY: The 2015 Honda CB300F is a fun machine to ride, that also happens to be quite comfortable, with Its light weight, 30.7-inch specially configured seat height and indented side covers.
The naked CB300F also displays an appealing sporty overall look and stance. Foot controls are mid- mounted and easily accessible, and the handlebars are ideally positioned, combining to provide a desirable and pleasing ergonomically proper riding position.
The power band, as already mentioned, is responsive across the entire rev range, and the transmission is one of the smoothest and most positive shifting units experienced of late, enhancing the overall riding experience.
Instrumentation is made up in the form of a full LCD multi-function meter with digital readout for speed, engine revs and time, with an odometer, trip meter and directional signal indicators. The signals are not self-canceling, and there is no gear indicator – hey, what do you want for $3,999.?
The Honda CB300F invites customization and personalization with Honda Genuine Accessories such as: a Honda Racing Seat Bag; a Carbon Fiber Tank Pad; Carbon Fiber Fuel Lid Cover, Carbon-Style Drive Chain Case, Under Engine Cowl, Front Fender, Under Cowl, Front Headlight Cover, and Tank Shroud; a color-matched seat cowl; Chrome Bar Ends and Honda Racing Red Reflective Wheel Stripe Stickers. A Honda Signature accessory seat is available, which is 1-inch lower than the standard seat, making for an easier reach to the ground for vertically challenged riders. A one-year warranty begins on the day Honda Genuine Accessories are purchased.
The CB300F comes with a transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty, and extended coverage is available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Bottom-line, the Honda CB300F is a great affordable choice for a beginning rider that is also capable of serving up an equally enjoyable ride for more experienced riders.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I give the 2015 Honda CB300F a Buy It! for an ideal entry naked sport bike
SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 Honda CB300F
Base Price: $3,999.
Price as Tested: $4,149. *Dealer prep and handling may vary.
Engine Type and Size: 286cc DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder engine with programmed fuel injection, 38mm throttle body and single right side exhaust
Horsepower: Honda does not publish horsepower ratings.
Torque: Honda does not publish torque ratings.
Transmission: Six-speed sequential manual.
Drive Train: Final drive – O-ring-sealed chain.
Suspension: Front – inverted 37mm forks with 4.65-inches of travel.
Rear – Pro-link® single shock with 5-position spring preload
adjustability and 4.07-inches of travel.
Brakes: Hydraulic, twin-piston caliper with single 296mm disc up front and a
single caliper 220mm disc out back.
Tires: Road Winner 110/70-17 radial M/C 54S front and 140/70-17 radial M/C 66S
rear mounted on 5 swirl-spoke black painted alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 54.3 inches
Length Overall: 80.1 inches
Curb Weight: 348 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons.
EPA Mileage Estimates:Estimated fuel economy=71 mpg.
Seat Height: 30.7 inches
0 – 60 mph: Not tested
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
