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CFMOTO 300SR versus Yamaha YZF-R3 - Head to head

Two popular 300cc sportbikes slug it out in this spec-sheet brawl.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Dec 16, 2021
CFMOTO 300SR versus Yamaha YZF-R3 - Head to head

If you’re one of the rare riders who’s looking for an entry-level, track-focused motorcycle, then you’d definitely want to keep on reading. Meanwhile, if you’re a casual rider eyeing a sporty runabout without the need of hitting the expressways, then these two bikes could be right up your alley. Today, we’re gonna take a closer look at two popular 300cc-class machines that put a sporty twist on a commuter setup. 

Both the Yamaha YZF-R3 and the new CFMOTO 300SR are popular options in the 300cc sportbike segment. Although both equipped with 300-ish cc motors and shod in sportbike aesthetics, these two bikes offer vastly differing levels of performance, features, and sell at very different price points. Today, let’s compare and contrast these two bikes, and see just which of the two is better suited to your lifestyle. 

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Performance

CFMOTO 300SR versus Yamaha YZF-R3
CFMOTO 300SR versus Yamaha YZF-R3

Let’s kick things off with performance. For starters, the CFMOTO 300SR is considered by many as the new kid on the block in the 300cc segment. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as CFMOTO has proven its capabilities in the global motorcycle industry. That being said, it does come at a disadvantage in terms of performance, as it’s powered by a 292.4cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single cylinder engine. Cranking out 30 horsepower, it provides decent grunt for a single cylinder motor. However, those looking for a performance-oriented ride could be left wanting a bit more. 

This brings us to the Yamaha YZF-R3. This honest to goodness entry-level sportbike packs more performance thanks to its tried and tested motor. Taking the form of a 321cc, 180-degree parallel-twin engine, the YZF-R3’s engine isn’t just reliable and dependable, but cranks out a tad more power with 42 ponies on tap. The fact that it has twice as many cylinders makes it a smooth, linear power plant, too. 

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Features

CFMOTO 300SR versus Yamaha YZF-R3
CFMOTO 300SR versus Yamaha YZF-R3

When it comes to features, the CFMOTO 300SR undoubtedly takes the crown. It features all the fancy gadgets you’d expect to find on bigger, more premium machines. For instance, we find a full-color TFT instrument panel that makes the bike look at lot more serious than it really is. Apart from this, the 300SR gets radically styled LED lights on both ends, giving it a menacing fascia from upfront, and a sporty aesthetic when viewed from behind. It also comes standard with inverted front forks, preload-adjustable rear monoshock, and ABS-equipped front and rear disc brakes.

The Yamaha YZF-R3, meanwhile, dials things back a bit, and presents itself as a more barebones machine. It gets a conventional monochrome LCD instrument panel, unlike the more premium TFT console. It does, however, also sport full LED lights, inverted front forks mated to a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, and of course, ABS-equipped front and rear disc brakes. 

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Price

CFMOTO 300SR versus Yamaha YZF-R3
CFMOTO 300SR versus Yamaha YZF-R3

When it comes to overall value for money, it’s incredibly difficult to beat the CFMOTO 300SR. For just P165,000, the 300SR is just P1,000 more expensive than the smaller YZF-R15, yet sits in a league above it. With all the features mentioned above, as well as its rather impressive performance, there’s no going wrong with the CFMOTO 300SR.

The Yamaha YZF-R3, on the other hand, is almost P100,000 more expensive, but delivers just a tad more performance than the 300SR. Another thing worth noting would be the undeniable Japanese reliability the R3 brings to the table. Plus, it resembles its bigger siblings, the YZF-R6 and YZF-R1, too, further adding to its appeal, particularly to Yamaha Racing enthusiasts. 

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