HONDA
CB300REngine 286cc, single-cylinder,
liquid-cooled
Transmission 6-speed
Power 30bhp @ 8000rpm
To r q u e 27.4Nm @ 6500rpm
Weight 147k g
0-100kmph 6.7sec
Top speed NA
Fuel capacity 10 litres
Price `2.41 lakh
(ex-showroom)Clockwise from top:
Typical Honda motor –
refined and rev happy;
large exhaust looks out of
place; CB1000R-derived
cluster gets a refreshing
design6000RPM IS WHERE THE
MAGIC BEGINS, SO
YOU ARE ALWAYS READY
TO OVERTAKE
VERYONE LOVES THEIR CHAI.
But trust me, once you’ve sipped on
some Japanese teas, with their bold
flavours, high caffeine content and
truckloads of antioxidants, you won’t
want to go back to that cutting. Their
layered and flavourful character makes
them distinctively special. Same is the
case with the CB300R. It derives a lot of
elements from the CB1000R, inheriting
the old-school charm and yet, is super capable when
it comes to performance. Is it as multifaceted as
Matcha tea or as basic as Bancha is the question.
As aforementioned, the CB300 picks a lot of stuff
from the 1000’s inventory, including its mesmerising
looks. Believe it or not, the CB is a lot more compact
than it seems, just like the ’1000. The design is
definitely its USP and will appeal to everyone. The
LED headlamp has a lovely DRL strip that exudes
class combined with the impeccably-designed
indicators. Even the tank shroud adds a lot of
machismo to the overall stance of the motorcycle.
The Pune-based Honda dealer told me that a lot of
bikes were sold even before the test rides began! My
only grouse is the massive exhaust which looks out
of place on this ‘tiny’ motorcycle. Even the cluster
resembles the CB1000’s and is easy to read, however,
it lacks a gear position indicator. The switchgear too
feels premium but the indicator switch in place of the
horn takes time getting used to.
The 286cc single has been derived from the
CBR 250’s motor making 30bhp and 27.4Nm of
torque – figures may not sound earth-shattering
but the weight is just 147kg; lighter than its
closest competitor (the BMW G 310 R) by more
than 10kg. All this reflects in the way it rides, as it
feels a lot more sprightly too. But let’s focus on the
performance first. Despite lacking outright power,
we could clock 100kmph in just 6.7 seconds, making
it about a second quicker than the G 310 R. It’s slower
than the manic 390 Duke by a full second but the
tractability is superb and you can chug along in
the sixth gear at revs as low as 2000rpm without
any issues. The progress is subdued till 6000rpm
after which she really moves. The limiter kicks in at
about 10,600rpm and the progress is quite hurriedE
till then. The gear ratios have been appropriately
set, with the sixth cog allowing for 100kmph at just
6000rpm, which is where the magic begins so you’re
always ready to overtake. The weight might allow
for good efficiency figures too, adding to the range, a
necessity due to the measly 10-litre fuel tank.
The ride and handling too is very similar to the
CB1000R. The rear is soft while the 41mm Showa
USDs are set up on the firmer side. The front end
feels skittish over potholes, especially mid-corner
while the rear-end feels wallowy, especially in stock
setting. She is not as stable as the G 310 R in corners,
but is almost at par with the 390 Duke. Agility,
though, is on an altogether different level and you
simply need to shift your weight to get the CB to
turn in the desired direction, making slicing through
traffic a treat. Even weekend rides to the canyons will
be pleasurable. However, the CB may not really be
comfortable on the highways, but we can comment
on that only after a longer testing duration.
The CB300R is very similar to Matcha: high in
caffeine when it comes to performance and will
refresh your senses the moment you take it for a
spin. It’s super light, fleet-footed and super enjoyable
to ride every day. However, the only thing different
from Matcha is the price; whereas Matcha leaves are
really expensive, the CB300R undercuts its closest
rival, the G 310 R by almost `60,000. A Japanese tea
for the price of a cutting then! Take a bow Honda! L