All-new Honda CB300R review: KTM 390 Duke challenger on video

Honda launched the much awaited CB300R in India last month. The aggressively designed naked bike from Honda has been priced at Rs. 2.41 lakhs, (ex-showroom, Delhi), which makes it slightly affordable than its main competitor, the KTM 390 Duke (Rs. 2.44 lakhs). A lot of people are intrigued by this bike and apart from the Honda fanboys, who were waiting for a new 250-300 cc Honda bike since ages. If you too are interested in the bike, the video below by SHREE PRODUCTIONS contains a review of the bike. Take a look at it before we proceed any further.

The Honda CB300R is powered by a 286cc single cylinder, liquid cooled motor that churns out a good 31 Bhp of peak power at 8,000 rpm and 27.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. This is the same engine which was found on the CBR 250R but now has been bored out for increased displacement. The engine comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Another important feature of the bike is that it gets dual channel ABS as standard along with an Inertia Measuring Unit (IMU) which distributes braking of the ABS. This is something that is a first in class feature.

Further, the Honda CB300R comes with Showa front USD forks while the rear gets a 7 step preload adjust monoshock with direct linkage. It weighs only 147 kg which makes it a pretty nimble handling bike. Lookwise, the CB300R impresses with its aggressive stance, dual chamber LED headlights and muscular looks. However, the silencer pipe is slightly disproportionate, which affects the rear end look of the bike. Another gripe in this whole package is the lack of a slipper clutch, which is available on much cheaper bikes like the Yamaha R15. Also, the horn and indicator switchgear position is interchanged which takes some getting used to.

The high set handlebars make for a relaxed riding position while the footpegs continue to be rearset. This gives the rider a sporty riding position. The pillion seat is quite small and gets handrails along with a grabbing strap. According to the review, the seats are comfortable but a tad hard on cushioning. The motorcycle gets an LCD instrument cluster that’s packed with neatly arranged information and is easy to read, though it’s a bit hard to read in direct sunlight. The bike is easy to ride through the city traffic as the engine is quite refined and gets a strong low end.

As of now, the Honda CB300R is available in two paint shades – Matt Axis Gray Metallic and Candy Chromosphere Red. It rivals the likes of the KTM 390 Duke, the new Bajaj Dominar and the BMW G 310R, all of which are from different price segments. It now remains to be seen now that how the new Honda naked bike performs in terms of sales.