5 Best-Performing and Affordable 300 cc Motorcycles for Beginners

A 300 cc motorcycle may be considered a high-performance bike in different parts of the world. However, if you are living in the U.S., it is usually referred to as a motorcycle for complete beginners. Small-displacement motorcycles, like the 300 cc motorcycles, are not very popular in the U.S. for various reasons. This is why a very small variety of 300 cc motorcycles is available in the U.S.

However, if you want to buy your first bike as a beginner, a 300 cc motorcycle is a perfect option. It has adequate power not to make you feel bored and is suitable for learning as well.

Also, buying a low-powered motorcycle doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on quality and durability. Many top motorcycle manufacturers make 300 cc motorcycles. Both the performance and quality of these bikes are top-notch. On top of that, they are also affordable.

If you are interested in getting a 300 cc motorbike, we will help you find the perfect one. Continue reading this article to learn about the 5 best-performing and affordable 300 cc motorcycles for beginners.

Before getting into the list of 5 best-performing and affordable motorcycles for beginners, let’s discuss why small-displacement motorcycles are not very popular in the U.S. The top reason that comes to mind is the U.S. landscape. The country is full of highways and open roads. As riders mostly have to ride motorcycles on open roads and freeways, large-sized cruisers have become a viable option. This is the main reason why American-made motorcycles are usually big and powerful.

Small-displacement and lightweight motorcycles are unsuitable for highway riding. Due to their extremely lightweight, they cannot stay firm and planted on open roads when faced with heavy wind and air drag. These bikes become extremely unstable at highway speeds, especially when the wind hits them at right angles.

Starting with one of the most eligible 300 cc motorcycles by one of the most reliable brands is the Honda Rebel 300. If you are just starting to ride motorcycles, you may not be able to find a better option than this bike. It has class, style, and everything else that makes it one of the best 300 cc motorbikes.

The Honda Rebel 300 is a modern-day bike. Considering the 300 cc class, it performs exceptionally well. Made by one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, Honda, the Rebel 300 is also extremely durable.

The Rebel 300 has a 286 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine capable of delivering 27.6 hp horsepower and 28.74 Nm of torque. Above all, this bike features a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system, ensuring a class-leading fuel mileage of 78 mpg (claimed). The Honda Rebel 300 is not a slow motorcycle. It can attain a top speed of 88 mph.

Along with its powerful siblings, the Rebel 300 has one of the most modern and unique cruiser designs. It is a sporty cruiser with a slightly aggressive riding style. Though the bike looks simple and basic, it performs exceptionally well considering its class.

The Honda Rebel 300 is a perfect ride for city travel. It is light and easily maneuverable. It is also capable of light cruising on the highways. The bike handles potholes and bumps well, regardless of its basic suspension system.

You can become the owner of the 2024 Honda Rebel 300 by spending only $4,849. However, if you want the ABS model, you will have to pay $200 more.

It is unlikely to accept a small-displacement motorcycle from the German motorcycle marque BMW. BMW is well-known for its exceptional modern technology incorporated into motorcycles. The company also has a good reputation for producing motorbikes with tremendous power.

However, there is a huge part of the global market where most BMW motorcycles are overqualified to operate on the roads. To cover these markets, BMW partnered with an Indian company, TVS Apache, to produce its BMW G 310 R.

The BMW G 310 R is BMW's first small-displacement standard motorcycle, marketed as a roadster. It is manufactured and assembled in Tamil Nadu, India. Though the G 310 R debuted in 2015, global sales of this bike started in 2018.

The BMW G 310 R features an impressive 313 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It can deliver a rated output of 34 hp at 9,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 27.93 Nm at 7,500 rpm. This bike can attain a top speed of 88 mph.

The BMW G 310 R is the cheapest BMW motorcycle with substantial production quality. It is also one of the cheapest bikes available in the U.S., and it does not lack performance and superior style. Despite being a low-end beginner bike, the BMW G 310 R looks like a full-size mature motorcycle. It will not make you look like a beginner as you ride this bike.

The G 310 R is very basic, narrow, and light compared to what BMW is known for. All the equipment, machinery, and dash are pretty basic. If you are a beginner, you will find it fun and exciting to ride. Overall, this bike feels nice to ride.

The good thing about these small-displacement bikes by major motorcycle manufacturers is their superior ride quality. Despite being smaller, they live up to their brand image. Being a small and lightweight roadster-style bike, the BMW G 310 R is a highly flickable bike.

On top of the standard ABS, the G 310 R also comes with a stock Slipper clutch, adjustable clutch and brake levers, and Ride by Wire technology.

The Yamaha MT-03 is a low-end beginner-friendly variant in the family of one of the most eligible naked bikes in the market. The MT-03 may not be the most brutal sibling in the family of MT like the Yamaha MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10. However, it is no less when it comes to agility and smooth performance.

The 2024 Yamaha MT-03 boasts a 321 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine and can produce a horsepower of 41.4 hp and a torque of 29.6 Nm. Though the MT-03 is the most affordable variant in the MT lineup, it does not compromise on its sharp and aggressive styling. It looks as mysterious and powerful as its bigger siblings.

You may not be able to find such a sharp-looking, elegant, and addictive motorcycle like the Yamaha MT-03 at such a price point. You can buy the 2024 model at a base price of $4,999. The MT-03 is perfect for zipping through the city streets easily. It is lightweight and nimble enough to smooth riding even on busy roads.

Despite being a low-powered bike, it is still a naked bike with the Yamaha MT moniker. You can comfortably take this bike for canyon carving as well. On top of everything, it is a naked bike built for aggressive riding.

Another top-of-the-line retro-style naked bike to add to the list of the most efficient 300 cc motorcycles is the Honda CB300R. In addition to being highly durable and beginner-friendly, it is also one of the most stylish bikes on this list.

The 2024 Honda CB300R features a 286 cc liquid-cooled, 20° Single-Cylinder Engine capable of producing a decent horsepower of 34.9 hp and a torque of 22.9 Nm. These power figures are quite impressive for a motorcycle like this. The Honda CB300R can also attain a top speed of 93.2 mph. An efficient fuel injection system with a 38 mm throttle body successfully ensures an incredible fuel mileage of 71 mpg.

The Hodna CB300R is also lightweight and nimble, making riding smooth and easy for new riders. ABS is also a standard feature.

The CB300R’s looks may be minimalistic, but the quiet still looks sleek and attractive. The engine is also quite responsive, ensuring an agile performance. This bike is ideal for city traveling, weekend rides, and daily commuting. 

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is one of the most eligible sports bikes currently available in the lightweight category. It is ideally designed for beginner riders who want to start with a sports bike. Considering its style and look, it doesn’t give the impression of a beginner bike. It seems equally sleepy, aggressive, and legendary as other top-rated Yamaha sports bikes.

The 2024 Yamaha YZF-R3 is equipped with a 321 cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine capable of delivering a horsepower of 42 hp at 10,750 rpm and a torque of 29.6 Nm at 9,000 rpm. These powerful figures make the YZF-R3 travel at a top speed of 112 mph, making it one of the fastest in the entry-level category.

Don’t get fooled by its low-end engine. The YZF-R3 demands adequate skills and sports bike handling capabilities. Regardless of being a sports bike, it is equally reliable and a top-quality motorbike as the rest of the Yamaha models.

The 2024 Yamaha YZF-R3 is available for an affordable price of $5,499. For this price, you get sleek R-series styling, superior suspension, compact chassis, practical performance, a downdraft induction fuel injection system, and a reliable braking system.

Only a few small-displacement motorcycles are available in the U.S. These low-end entry-level bikes are less practical in the region because they are unsuitable for highway riding. Meanwhile, highway cruising is the most prevalent form of riding style in the U.S. due to the extensive network of highways and open roads.

However, if you are a beginner and want to start on a smaller motorbike, we have compiled a list of 5 best-performing and affordable 300 cc motorcycles for beginners. The motorcycles mentioned in this article are the perfect way to start your motorcycling career. Though small, the above-mentioned 300 cc motorcycles don’t compromise on their performance, style, and quality. Above all, they are not heavy on the pocket.