Which Motorbike? Yamaha R3, MT03, or Honda CBR300, 300F

Laaroncmw on 30/04/2018 - 11:49

I am about to get my Motorcycle license in a couple weeks, now deciding first bike.
I cant decided if I should go Yamaha R3 ($7K) or Yamaha MT03 ($6K) or should I go Honda CBR300R ($5k) or Honda CB300F($5k). They all have ABS, which our safe ride strongly recommend it.

I have to admit when I set out to buy a bike, R3 caught my eyes, but wonder if it is worth additional $$ over the others. I also read it somewhere advising to steer clear or sportbike due to “sport mood” activated during ride, which will lead to high speed…..then crashes…..then fatality(really?)…!

Done a bit of research, Yammy bike does look better, and sound better stock compared with honda bikes, but the extra $$ for looks and sound? Have “sit” on all 4 bikes, and they feel ok'ish (?, not sure what to look for, due to having a smaller physique, I find sport bike a tad more comfortable than the more upright position, just a tad more, and pretty sure I can do with either.

Disclaimer: I am approaching 40 y.o soon, I have never ridden before and know nothing about bikes.

Any comments welcome.

Poll Options

  • 1
    Yamaha YZF-R3
  • 15
    Yamaha MT03
  • 1
    Honda CBR300
  • 1
    Honda CB300F
Automotive Motorcycle

Comments

  • shakoo on 30/04/2018 - 12:17

    take each of them out for a test drive and pick the one that you felt most comfortable in. also, what about a cruiser?

    and do keep in mind, that as cliched as is sounds, the smaller bikes feel underpowered for most new riders within a year (some say months even). so don't limit yourself to the 300s.

    • aaroncmw on 30/04/2018 - 12:29

      Yes I love Cruiser, but they are quite pricey. Went on a honda CMX Rebel, love it, but couldnt justify the $10k Price tag for a beginner. if they were cheaper, yes would definitely get one.

      • netbies on 30/04/2018 - 14:25

        A 2nd hand CMX is much cheaper. Probably can get around at 7k, may be.

  • iforgotmysocks on 30/04/2018 - 12:18
    +6

    Can't comment on your "sport bike mood", it's the attitude of the rider. Most bikes go plenty fast enough to get yourself killed.

    Some comments on your choices though;
    1) CBR300R/300F are the same bike. Same for the R3/MT03. They are versions with fairings and without fairings. Same for the ninja 300/z300 (althought there is a ninja 400 out now) and the KTM duke 390/rc390.
    2) Key difference between the two you've listed is the Hondas are a 286cc single, and the Yamahas 321cc parallel twin… the Yamahas will have appreciably more go.
    3) Bikes with fairings are generally more expensive to insure.

    Personally I'd go the MT-03 out of those. But also, if you only have to hold your restricted licence for the year, think about a second hand bike you won't worry about dropping and save for your big boy's bike. Ninja 300s are everywhere and you should get one for $3k… they look good for a LAMS (except for the green), and go well.

    • aaroncmw on 30/04/2018 - 12:35

      Thank you so much for the infor. I thought the engine on both are the same, Ahh…thats probably why the extra $$ are. Ninja 300 are $6k brand new. think you are talking about second hand. Will do more research on ninjas. thanks. appreciate your valuable comments on, insurance, engine and "fairing". just learnt this from your comment.

      mind me asking, why MT-03? comfort? looks? have a feeling sports bike are no longer popular.

      • iforgotmysocks on 30/04/2018 - 12:44
        +1

        Yeah used Ninja 300, a few year old example can be had for $3k with some negotiation (e.g. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/walkerville/motorcycles/kawa…)

        MT-03 has more power than the Hondas, and is $1k cheaper than the R3. But again I'd advocate the second hand route.

        All are pretty upright anyway (slight lean on the R3 and CBR, nothing like a supersport) so comfort should be similar across the board… whatever fits your body best.

        I like sport bikes, I have a CBR600RR.

  • oscargem on 30/04/2018 - 12:20
    +3

    I think the advice I gave here is valuable: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/347064#comment-5389126

    I would get a second hand bike with ABS (something like a Ninja 300). You will likely want to upgrade as soon as your are off your LAMS

    • aaroncmw on 30/04/2018 - 12:42

      Thanks for your valuable comment. Foolish enough i have not done much research on Gears but I do like your $800 jacket!

  • fossilfuel on 30/04/2018 - 12:21
    +3

    Use the ergo simulator to see how well you sit on the bike. I suggest you look at youtube reviews. Chase on two wheels is pretty good, here's the R3 video.

    Don't cheap out on gear, buy the best you can afford.

    I also read it somewhere advising to steer clear or sportbike due to “sport mood” activated during ride, which will lead to high speed…..then crashes…..then fatality(really?)…!

    I don't know much about it but I know that feature is available on most of the larger engine sport bikes, not really the smaller ones. Even then, you can turn that feature off by hitting the mode button. If you're concerned about that, get a bike with a smaller engine or a scooter.

    • aaroncmw on 30/04/2018 - 12:46

      Thanks for the simulator. Have tested it, and wonder what implication it has on me. i suppose more lean, means tired for long journey.

    • macrocephalic on 30/04/2018 - 16:13
      +1

      The sort of bikes the OP has listed aren't sports bikes anyway. If the R3 even has a sports mode (I'd be surprised if it has adjustable mapping modes) what's it going to do? Unlock all 30hp (which you have to rev to 10k to hit)?

  • pegaxs on 30/04/2018 - 13:06
    +3

    As a motorcycle rider who has a bunch of older friends now getting into motorcycling (I've been into bikes since I could walk and had my riders license since I And was 18, some 25+ years ago), These friends will often ask me what bikes I think are good value and safe for new riders.

    If you are new to riding on the road and spent some of your time in your youth riding dirt bikes, I would go for something like the MT03. Any of these upright naked bikes are by far the easiest bikes on the market to build your confidence on. They are usually easy and cheaper to repair than a bike with a full fairing on it.

    Naked bikes and upright riding style is a lot safer for new pilots, as it gives you a better seating position and better visibility. The bike will feel more stable and easier to handle. The riding position feels natural and relaxed. Some of the mini-supersports bikes will feel a little cramped for some and the lower riding position can make some old guys wrists ache not to mention they can be a little more unforgiving handling wise. If you had some experience riding bikes in the past, even off road, I would say have at the "Race Inspired" sports bikes. But for clean slate, stick with something more upright and balanced.

    Bikes I would consider for someone who has never ridden and is brand new to motorcycling would be the Yamaha MT03, Honda CB300/CB300R, Kawasaki Z300 or Suzuki DR-Z400SM. I have ridden all of these bikes (in varying configurations over the last 5 years helping mates decide.) and all of them are very easy and predictable to ride.

    A big shout out to the second hand market though, being a new rider, the chances of you laying it over or dropping it is pretty high, so maybe consider a used bike. If so, I can totally recommend the Honda CB400 (ABS model). The CB1300 is one of the best bikes i have ever ridden. So much so that I have owned several of them in my motorcycling career. The CB400 (albeit discontinued now) is the scaled down version of the CB1300. It rides and feels exactly like its big brother and is possibly the best bike I have ever ridden for learners. I own one of these CB400 bikes now for nothing more than I cant afford the CB1300 rego costs each year, but the CB400 is cheaper, so i bought that instead. :D

    • netbies on 30/04/2018 - 14:30

      The CB400 is not discontinued yet. They just dont import that into Australia anymore. The new model for year 2018 has come out in Japan early in the year.

      I've one 2015 model 2nd hand for $8K but may be a bit expensive for new rider. (Well, I am new too…. :p)

      And but true, no matter how careful you are, you will drop your bike at some point in time.

    • aaroncmw on 01/05/2018 - 09:56

      Thank you for your valuable comment. I am exploring my option into the 2nd market world. Being a new rider, i wouldn't know what to look out for in 2nd hand market, is the brake failing? has this bike been in a accident? the bike failing is the last thing i want while waiting at the lights. your comments has me broaden my search, so thank you.

      • netbies on 01/05/2018 - 21:25

        Bike dont normally fail while waiting. I would suggest to look for 2nd hand in a dealer rather than private seller unless you are trying to look for cheap bike. The dealer at least will have a few months warranty if something goes wrong.

  • Beanvee on 30/04/2018 - 13:27
    +1

    I'd personally suggest you start on a cheaper bike like a naked 250, then once you've built a bit of experience get a LAMS 600-700 and de-restrict (cops can't tell and you won't need to take another test) or get open class.
    e.g. The MT-07 is only a couple grand more than the MT-03, yet has far more grunt, so why spend so much on the smaller bike. My 250 was $1200 used, and I traded it in for $1000.
    It also feels a lot less shit dropping a cheaper starter bike as you learn.

    • aaroncmw on 01/05/2018 - 09:58

      i started out and was so certain i was going to buy the GROM. really dont have the confident on a MT07, will take your comment on board and maybe try out both 03 and 07 when i get my L's.

  • Gronk on 30/04/2018 - 13:59
    +2

    At $7k the R3 is massively over-priced for what you're getting, I wouldn't be spending that much on anything smaller than 500cc.

    Any reason you're sticking with 300's? I'd be going for something in the 500 - 660cc range because you're more likely to want to hang on to that for a few years whereas with a 300 you'll want to get onto something quicker as soon as possible because they're gutless.

    • aaroncmw on 01/05/2018 - 10:04

      reason?
      1. having a small physique (163cm,70kg), and short legs. (have to tip toe on all posted bikes)
      2. Only having a single tight garage where i need to store both car and bike
      3. have never ridden before (well, not necessary, was riding a tinny 125 in malaysia 20 years ago, got off the bike, never ridden again till now)
      4. was so sure of having a honda grom when i set out to buy a bike, but "upgrading" it to a more "proper" bike
      5. More guts means more $$

  • dwillia on 30/04/2018 - 14:09
    +1

    MT07

    • aaroncmw on 01/05/2018 - 10:06

      love the bike, but unsure i can handle the more grunt. being inexperience made me scare of anything above 400cc. will take your comment on board and see if i can test drive one soon. (also the bike seems bigger and higher for a short person like me)

  • macrocephalic on 30/04/2018 - 16:08
    +1

    None of the above. The rule of learning to ride is that you WILL drop your bike at some point, even if it's just slipping over on a wet driveway after washing it. Do you want to worry about the plastics on a $7k learners bike? Have you looked at the price of insuring a faired bike as a learner?

    Secondly, all those bikes are essentially crappy commuter bikes from SE Asia which the manufacturers have tarted up with nicer plastic. None of them are sporty. If you're going to have a crappy bike, you may as well have a crappy bike.

    If you absolutely must have a road bike, get on gumtree and find a ninja250/300/GPX250. You can pick them up for $1000. Ride it until you know what you're doing, sell it to the next learner for $1000, then get something better.

    If you're more than 170cm tall, then get a dirt bike. A DRZ400 is faster than all the bikes you've listed, more fun, better seating position, more forgiving, you can take it off road, and if you drop it you can check that you're alright, pick it up, and keep riding it - because it will be fine. Other alternatives are the KLX400 (exactly the same bike as the DRZ, just with Kawasaki badges), KLX250S, WR250X (a bit pricey). Hell, if you really want the most bang for buck in a learner bike, the Aprilia RXV550 is LAMS approved. It's 72hp and only weighs 120kg; it's an actual supermoto race bike with lights (complete with race bike servicing schedule).

    Make sure to allow money for gear. The bare minimum for riding is a helmet, gloves, jacket (summer mesh is best most of the time in Australia), solid pants, and solid enclosed shoes. Preferably abrasion resistant pants (kevlar lined, or leather) and boots which come up past your ankles. I would also recommend ear plugs; you can still hear what's around you without completely ruining your hearing (wind noise on a motorcycle will cause permanent hearing damage).

    Edit: I forgot to mention the Hyosungs. You can get a GT250 or GT650 for under $2k EASILY. They're not very good, but that's why the resale is so low.

    • aaroncmw on 01/05/2018 - 10:18

      WOW…i really wish i have your confidence! would really hope bringing you around when shopping for a second hand bike because i wouldnt know what to look out for.
      being a new rider, being inexperience and not to mention having a small physique, and having a tight garage, i didnt consider anything bigger than a 500cc. When i set out for a bike, i was so certain that HONDA GROM was the one, have since considered a "normal" bike.
      unfortunately, i am not over 170cm. i feel a tad bit confident when i can touch the ground - will be hard for me on a dirt bike - even with those bike posted, i couldnt flat foot it (should have listen to my mum and drink more milk when young! :D)

      • shakoo on 01/05/2018 - 10:32

        actually, don't discount the grom. it may suit the kind of riding that you'll be doing.
        don't get me wrong, i wouldn't take it on the motorway, or maybe even on anything 80km/hr or over. but if you're just commuting on it, i reckon it would do the job if you don't mind revving the hell out of it nearly all the time :-D

  • ShannonN on 30/04/2018 - 19:05
    +1

    Be aware of your position on the bike, that is at 163 cms I had a really nice XJ 900 (87) model in the day.

    I had to stretch my arms to reach the throttle and levers and pretty much sit with crotch on the edge of the tank due to the angle of the bars which really couldn't be adjusted don't know if modern bikes have this problem but keep it in mind if you can't sit upright with feet nearly flat on the ground its not safe for a learner something second hand like a Yammy Virago would be much better to get used to riding on.

    • aaroncmw on 01/05/2018 - 10:31

      very nice bike. i am at the same height, and couldnt flat foot any of the bike, tip toeing, yes but couldnt flat foot :|

  • batfastard on 01/05/2018 - 07:33
    +1

    Hayabusa

    You know it makes sense.

    • aaroncmw on 01/05/2018 - 10:32

      ridden one, nar….doesnt suit me. more of a Dodge Tomahawk guy. :D

  • Luke88 on 01/05/2018 - 07:48
    +1

    I was in the same situation as you last year and was tossing up between those bikes.

    I ended up getting the mt03, one of the main reason been that it have a gear indicator which is very helpful for new rider. You can get an aftermarket digital gear indicator if you decide to go with the other ones. It's not critical as you can feel what gear you're in over time. There were times when i thought i was in 1st gear at the traffic light but was actually 2nd gear.

    You can't really go wrong with any of those bikes, good luck.

    • aaroncmw on 01/05/2018 - 10:36

      did you get 2nd hand or brand new?
      problem for me is that i dont know what to look out for in the 2nd hand market. yes you are right, the gear indicator is something that i would need.i believe all of the bike posted has gear indicator? hmmm…needing more research. I gear shifted to neutral a couple times when i thought i was on 2nd in the course. needing more pratices.

      • Luke88 on 01/05/2018 - 19:31

        I don't think the ninja300/z300 or cbr300/cb300 have gear indicator (hope someone can confirm that).

        I initially looked at used, but ended up getting new as it was only $1k more than a slightly used one.

        The mt03 have more than enough power for my needs. It can reach 100km/hr quite easily. And if you're looking at used, just make sure it ideally have abs brakes.

        • aaroncmw on 02/05/2018 - 10:06

          mind me asking how much did you get for your Mt03 new?

        • Luke88 on 03/05/2018 - 07:14

          @aaroncmw:

          I got it $6k delivered as I didn't feel safe riding it home. I did sat on it to get the feel of it.

  • HeWhoKnows on 01/05/2018 - 12:03
    -1

    Im pretty sure they all have 2 wheels

  • ets27 on 05/05/2018 - 11:55
    +1

    Why not a 390 Duke? I had the same indecision and went for the KTM! So much more fun compared to the MT03 and I tried both.

    Cons: more expensive and a bit warmer to ride

    • aaroncmw on 07/05/2018 - 11:09

      yes did consider, love the look and the digital screen, but came with a hefty price tag of 7k.

  • xseta on 17/05/2018 - 11:34

    CBR500R or CB500X Can also be obtained used for around 4.5-5.5k They are a great option. A little more power and a bike that can eat the free-way kms.

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