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Head to head

Yamaha MT-125 vs Honda CB300R

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

The Yamaha MT-125 and Honda CB300R 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.

Yamaha MT-125
Our pick
7.9

Yamaha

Yamaha MT-125
Honda CB300R
7.8

Honda

Honda CB300R

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$5,299$5,149
KickTheStand score7.9 / 107.8 / 10
Performance
Engine125cc single286cc single
Power15 hp31 hp
Torque11.5 Nm27.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.11 hp/kg0.22 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm USD fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockMonoshock
Front brakesSingle 292mm discSingle 296mm disc, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 230mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight142 kg143 kg
Seat height810 mm803 mm
Fuel capacity10 L10 L
Suitability
ClassNakedNaked
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forlearning, commutingcommuting, 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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Yamaha MT-125 vs Honda CB300R: your questions answered

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

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 Yamaha MT-125 or the Honda CB300R?

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

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

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 Yamaha MT-125 or the Honda CB300R?

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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