Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has confirmed the launch of the all-new CB300R in the Indian market. The all-new bike is inspired by the Honda Neo Sports Cafe and will be launched in the Indian market as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) product and will be priced aggressively below the Rs. 2.5 lakh mark in the Indian market. Honda has started taking the bookings at Rs. 5,000 and the launch is expected to happen soon.
The KTM 390 Duke, which is a made-in-India product is priced at Rs. 2.44 lakhs, ex-showroom. Honda is expected to undercut the KTM 390 price when it launches.
The CB300R gets powered by a single-cylinder 286cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine. It produces a maximum power of 37 Bhp and 27.5 Nm, which should be quite enough for the crowded Indian roads. The all-new bike does not get a direct competitor in the market but will take on the KTM 390 Duke. The exhaust system is based on the NEO Sports Cafe, which ensures a good echoing sound.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. 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 bike is quite loaded with features. It is built around the tubular and pressed steel. Giving it a very futuristic look, the Honda CB300R gets the swingarm made up from steel plate, which has been irregularly shaped in cross-section. It gives the bike a minimalistic look. The CB300R gets upside down front shock absorbers and 7-step adjustable rear monoshock. The handlebars are tapered at an angle of 40 degrees. It ensures a minimal turning angle, which allows the rider to get adventurous in the thick traffic conditions.
The bike gets quite a few futuristic features including a fully digital console that provides a sea of information to the rider. The instrument cluster has been designed to be visible under the direct sunlight too. The Honda CB300R also gets full LED headlamp system, which is also present in the KTM 390 Duke. There other lighting parts like the indicators also get the LED lamps. The headlamp gets integrated horseshoe-shaped LED, which becomes the DRL.
The all-new CB300R will be available in two colours – Matte Axis Gray Metallic and Candy Chromosphere Red. The bike will be only available at the Honda Wing World dealerships but can be booked through any Honda dealerships in the country. The CB 300R comes after a premium bike drought of sorts from Honda, which has been overshadowed by the likes of the KTM, Bajaj Auto and even Royal Enfield in the premium motorcycle segment. Honda will be hoping to break new ground with the new naked sportsbike.
