Honda CB300R to be launched on February 8

Like what you see? That’s the CB300R, younger sibling of the CB1000R, which is headed to our shores this year and is the latest challenger in the ever growing 300cc segment. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India have started bookings for the bike at Rs 5000 at select dealerships in the country. The bike is expected to be priced below Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom).  This spells bad news for BMW Motorrrad India, as its entry level naked bike G 310 R is priced at Rs 2.99 lakh. The motorcycle is slated to launch on February 8.

Styling is very similar to its big brother, the CB1000R. It gets round LED headlamp unit with a horseshoe shaped LED DRL unit. Honda claims that it is the lightest motorcycle in its category. The bike is built around a steel diamond frame. To get a better feedback, the handlebars are tapered and it has a 40° turning angle for a smaller turning radius, says Honda. Powering the bike is a 286cc liquid cooled single cylinder mill. The model on sale internationally makes 31bhp and 27.5Nm and comes matched to a 6-speed gearbox. Honda has not revealed the power figures for the India spec bike, as engine has to be tweaked to match the fuel quality in India. The exhaust note of the bike will be powerful and aggressive due to a 2-room structure for the interior of the end can, according to the company.

Honda has equipped the bike with some serious tech like ABS with G-Sensor and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit).  The IMU gives a precise front to rear distribution of ABS operation depending on the vehicle posture controlling the roll, pitch and yaw of the motorcycle. Honda says that this keeps the rider in complete control, even during sudden brake application. Suspension duties are carried out by USD forks up front and a 7-step adjustable monoshock at the rear. A 296mm disc up front operated by a radially mounted 4-pot calipers and a 220mm disc operated by a single pot caliper at the rear are used for shedding speed.

On bringing the CB300R to India, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, senior vice president – sales and marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said: “Driven by the need to discover and challenge new frontiers, the CB300R is for true enthusiasts willing to try new ideas and experiences. Not only will it add more adrenaline to daily riding, Neo Sports Café styled CB300R is sure to turn around heads on the streets. The CB300R will be Made-in-India and priced below Rs. 2.5 lacs (ex-showroom) for customers to experience Honda’s superior technology and thrill of riding. We welcome all our customers for the bookings starting today.”

The CB300R will be available in two colors – Matte Axis Gray Metallic and Candy Chromosphere Red. The CB300R will be available for sale through the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route for the Indian market.

The Honda CB300R, as mentioned earlier, will only be available in select dealerships in select markets across India. Here’s the list of dealers where you can head and book your Honda CB300R ahead of its launch on February 8.