Rental duration: | 1 day |
Location: | Chiang mai, Thailand |
Costs: | 1.000 baht |
Did I enjoy it? | Yes, a fun lightweight thumper |
Related webpages: | ㅤ |
Last update: | 29 sept 2025 |
I was able to rent one of these for my vacation in Thailand in September 2025. Instead of one of those typical 125cc scooters, I wanted a proper motorcycle. I had no plan, just a desire to drive outside of Chiang Mai, the place where I wanted to rent a bike.
So I start asking our helpful taxi driver mr. K (https://www.instagram.com/mr.ktaxi/) and he asks me if I want a “big bike”. I guess that’s what they’re called in Thailand.
So, I go to the 1 shop that rents them (https://www.popbigbike.com/), asked for a recommendation and they gave me this.
I had loads of fun with this thing. It’s a 1 cylinder packing quite a thump, in a very modern jacket. No popping wheelies with just throttle, but a nice minimalist display, a lightweight body and just very easy and fun to throw around and smash all out on.
It took all the mountains with ease, facilitated lazy driving in a high gear with its plenitude of torque and had quite a nice feel to it. Of course it vibrated a lot and there was a ring from something being loose, but that didn’t dampen the fun.
I got to drive it from Chiang Mai to Pai and back all in 1 day. It was about 6 to 7 hours of saddle time and a total of 260km. There was some saddle pain afterwards, but mostly good memories.
P.s.
I had some leftover time at work and wanted to experiment with Google Opal. It had a workflow for creating a blog post. This is the result:
I. Intro: Meet the New Kid on the Block (with a Classic Soul!)
Forget the mundane rhythm of daily commutes. Picture, instead, a machine that whispers tales of windswept trails and sun-drenched escapes. Honda, with a keen understanding of evolving desires, has introduced something rather special to the Thai landscape: the CL300. A stylish, contemporary scrambler, it's more than mere transportation; it's a statement.
This head-turning beauty arrived in Thailand mid-March 2023, gracefully joining its larger CL500 sibling. But the CL300 is more than just a scaled-down version. It embodies a spirit – a blend of vintage coolness, everyday practicality, and a healthy dose of adventure. This is a motorcycle designed to be “A Reflection of You”, catering to those who embrace active, expressive lifestyles.
Price history:
- 2023: THB 149,900
- 2024: THB 143,550
- 2025: THB 143,700
A small price to pay, perhaps, for a slice of retro rebellion.
II. Back to the Future: The Scrambler Story & Its Thai Journey
To truly appreciate the CL300, one must understand its lineage. Let us journey back to the mid-1960s, where the CL series first emerged. These were Honda's early attempts at dual-sport motorcycles, characterized by their high-mounted exhausts, rugged aesthetics, and upright riding posture.
Legendary names like the CL77, CL175, and CL350 echo through motorcycle history. These were machines that defined a genre, capturing the imagination of riders seeking adventure beyond paved roads. Yet, by the mid-1970s, this breed had largely faded from view.
Thailand, however, followed a slightly different trajectory. The market historically favored smaller, more utilitarian machines – the ubiquitous Super Cub being the prime example. The larger, classic CLs never quite found their footing here.
Fast forward to 2023: Honda resurrects the scrambler spirit with the CL500 and, crucially, the CL300. The latter specifically targets markets like Thailand, where motorcycles now symbolize lifestyle as much as utility. The CL300 is made in Thailand, underscoring the country's role as a global production and distribution hub for Honda.
III. Under the Hood: Modern Muscle Meets Retro Flair
Here’s a quick technical overview:
Spec | Details |
Engine | 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC |
Power | ~25.74 hp @ 8,500 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual with Assist & Slipper Clutch |
Exhaust | High-mounted upswept |
Tires | Dual-purpose (19" front, 17" rear) |
Fuel Tank | 12L with rubber knee pads |
Lighting | Full LED |
Instruments | Digital LCD cluster |
Brakes | Dual Channel ABS |
Seat Height | 790 mm |
Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
Curb Weight | 170 kg |
Customization: Raised fender, headlight mask, and other Honda official accessories available.
IV. The Rider's Verdict: What Thai Owners & Experts Think
👍 The High Fives (Pros)
- Comfort King: Comfortable seating, natural posture for commutes and trips.
- Nimble & Responsive: Great handling, city-friendly, capable on varied terrain.
- Looks That Kill: Retro-modern scrambler styling turns heads.
- Versatility Hero: Handles paved and light off-road equally well.
- Beginner Friendly: Easy to ride and control, great for novices.
- Good Value: Competitive in its segment with strong feature-to-price ratio.
👎 The "Could Be Better" (Cons)
- Where’s My Toolkit? Missing basic toolkit frustrates owners.
- Accessory Issues: Some racks and parts feel flimsy.
- Footpeg Scrape: Pegs touch down in aggressive corners.
- Two-Up Power? Adequate, but CL500 feels stronger with passengers.
- High-Speed Buzz: Minor handlebar vibrations at higher speeds.
Expert Consensus: The CL300 is distinctive, agile, and fun — a true scrambler spirit, standing apart from the Rebel cousin.
V. Any Bumps in the Road? (Minor Niggles)
No major controversies, but recurring issues include:
- The missing toolkit saga.
- Lack of English manuals for international riders in Thailand.
- Mixed feedback on official accessory quality.
- Ongoing debate: CL300 vs CL500 — is the upgrade worth it for extra power?
VI. The Road Ahead: What's Next for the CL300?
The CL300 is central to Honda’s Thai strategy, serving lifestyle riders, not just commuters.
Future outlook:
- 2025: Introduction of E-Clutch technology (automatic-like clutchless gear shifts with manual feel).
- Anticipated special editions or colors.
- Continued export from Thailand to global markets.
Firmly positioned in the 110cc–300cc segment, the CL300 ensures ongoing relevance.
VII. Conclusion: Embrace the Scrambler Spirit!
The Honda CL300 is more than a motorcycle — it’s an invitation to adventure. It blends retro aesthetics with modern tech and practicality, making it appealing to both newcomers and seasoned riders.
If you’re seeking retro flair + versatile fun, the CL300 is ready to deliver.
👉 Embrace the scrambler spirit!