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Head to head

Honda CB300R vs Yamaha MT-125

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-125 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 Honda CB300R leads on power with 31 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
7.8

Honda

Honda CB300R
Yamaha MT-125
Our pick
7.9

Yamaha

Yamaha MT-125

The verdict

The Yamaha MT-125 edges it overall at 7.9/10, but the Honda CB300R wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Yamaha MT-125

A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Honda CB300R

31 hp and 0.22 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Honda CB300R

Our 7.8/10 at $5,149, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Yamaha MT-125

142 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Yamaha MT-125

Our top score in this matchup at 7.9/10.

Price & rating
Price$5,149$5,299
KickTheStand score7.8 / 107.9 / 10
Performance
Engine286cc single125cc single
Power31 hp15 hp
Torque27.5 Nm11.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.22 hp/kg0.11 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm USD fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockMonoshock
Front brakesSingle 296mm disc, radial 4-pistonSingle 292mm disc
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 230mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight143 kg142 kg
Seat height803 mm810 mm
Fuel capacity10 L10 L
Suitability
ClassNakedNaked
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forcommuting, learninglearning, commuting

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-125: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Honda CB300R or the Yamaha MT-125?

The Honda CB300R makes the most power at 31 hp and 27.5 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Honda CB300R or the Yamaha MT-125?

The Honda CB300R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,149.

Which is lighter, the Honda CB300R or the Yamaha MT-125?

The Yamaha MT-125 is the lightest at 142 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-125?

For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-125: A2-legal, 15 hp and 142 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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