Honda CB300R launched in India at ₹2.41 lac
If you shy away from the racerboi vibe of the competition, Honda has an option for you, uncle
I’m balding, grey and slow. The irony of the above strap line is not lost on me, but that’s how we roll on the unpaid internets. Honda kicked things off in this 250–300 segment years ago with the well-regarded CBR250, and then proceeded to do absolutely nothing while everyone else caught up and blew past. Now they have the naked CB300R, and it’s a “neo sports café” take on a small naked bike. They’ve let the motor and trellis frame show through, and stuck to a nostalgic round headlamp that should appeal to traditionalists. You get 41mm upside-down forks and wavy discs, but that’s about all for flair. The bike looks alright. Sober, sporty. It’s a brightly-coloured tie, but without the Snoopy/Woodstock cartoons on it.
The single-cylinder 286cc motor outputs 30.4PS/27.4Nm through a 6-speed ‘box, which is reasonable, especially if their claim of a 143kg kerb weight is to be believed. This should be an exceptional city bike to tool around on. The round headlamp and indicators are all-LED, which is very cool as well. Of particular note is the ABS system, which is supported by an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), as seen on high-end sportbikes. It allows for the ideal application of ABS — front and back — to ensure safety and stability. Good on you, Honda!
The company is claiming that the CKD (assembled, not made in India) motorcycle is sold out for three months, based on excellent demand and the current production schedule. After the lacklustre 300cc offerings in this space, we can’t wait to ride the CB300R and see what they’ve come up with! The bike is ₹2.41 lac ex-showroom, and available now.
