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Head to head

Honda CB300R vs Yamaha MT-03

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Honda CB300R and Yamaha MT-03 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. They land within touching distance on price, so this comes down to character and fit. On paper the Yamaha MT-03 leads on power with 42 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Honda CB300R
Our pick
7.8

Honda

Honda CB300R
Yamaha MT-03
7.6

Yamaha

Yamaha MT-03

The verdict

The Honda CB300R edges it overall at 7.8/10, but the Yamaha MT-03 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Honda CB300R

A2-legal, 31 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Yamaha MT-03

42 hp and 0.25 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Yamaha MT-03

Our 7.6/10 at $4,999, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Honda CB300R

143 kg with an 803 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Honda CB300R

Our top score in this matchup at 7.8/10.

Price & rating
Price$5,149$4,999
KickTheStand score7.8 / 107.6 / 10
Performance
Engine286cc single321cc twin
Power31 hp42 hp
Torque27.5 Nm29.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.22 hp/kg0.25 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm USD fork37mm USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockMonoshock
Front brakesSingle 296mm disc, radial 4-pistonSingle 298mm disc
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight143 kg167 kg
Seat height803 mm780 mm
Fuel capacity10 L14 L
Suitability
ClassNakedNaked
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forcommuting, learningcommuting, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Honda CB300R vs Yamaha MT-03: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Honda CB300R or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Yamaha MT-03 makes the most power at 42 hp and 29.5 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Honda CB300R or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Yamaha MT-03 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $4,999.

Which is lighter, the Honda CB300R or the Yamaha MT-03?

The Honda CB300R is the lightest at 143 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Honda CB300R or the Yamaha MT-03?

For a new rider we'd point to the Honda CB300R: A2-legal, 31 hp and 143 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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