The 2023 CFMOTO 300SS exceeds expectations with thoughtful features and a good fit and finish. (Photos by Yve Assad)

Last year, CFMOTO returned to the U.S. market with a seven-model lineup. The company?s list of models has since grown to 10, ranging from the 126cc Papio minibike to the Ibex 800 T adventure bike. CFMOTO?s best seller worldwide is the 300SS, a lightweight sportbike with full bodywork. 

Related: 2022 CFMOTO Motorcycle Lineup | First Ride Review 

One of CFMOTO?s value propositions is affordability. The 300SS has an MSRP of $4,499, which is $400 less than the Honda CBR300R and $1,000 less than the more powerful Yamaha YZF-R3. But CFMOTO is going to have to do more than offer a better price to compete with brands that have already earned the trust of many American riders. 
The semi-circle of color around the wheels adds personality to CFMOTO’s top-seller.

However, curious to see what makes the 300SS so popular, I spent a month riding it on a variety of city streets, highways, and winding country roads. 

Swing a Leg Over 

The 300SS is powered by a 292cc Single that makes a claimed 29 hp at 8,750 rpm and 18.7 ft-lb of torque at 7,250 rpm, numbers nearly on par with Honda?s CB300 range of bikes. It?s fairly lightweight at 364 lb, and it sports a narrow seat with a 30.7-inch height and has a 3.2-gallon fuel tank. Riding on a steel trellis frame, the 300SS has an inverted fork and a single rear shock with five-positio...