The Honda CB300R is making waves in India’s premium two-wheeler segment, offering riders a perfect blend of neo-retro styling, efficiency, and agility. This lightweight cafe racer has been designed for enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and performance. With its competitive pricing, agile handling, and practical fuel economy, the Honda CB300R is increasingly becoming the go-to choice for riders seeking a stylish yet reliable motorcycle under 350cc.
Engine and Performance
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Engine: 286.01 cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve setup.
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Power: 31.13 PS @ 9,000 rpm.
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Torque: 27.5 Nm @ 7,500 rpm.
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Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch.
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Fuel System: PGM-FI (fuel injection).
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Mileage: Around 30–31 km/l in mixed riding conditions.
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Top Speed: Approximately 155–160 km/h.
The engine shares its base architecture with the Honda CBR300R, offering smooth power delivery with strong mid-range performance suitable for both city rides and short touring.
Chassis and Hardware
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Frame Type: Diamond Type steel frame.
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Front Suspension: 41 mm Showa USD golden forks — provide excellent stability and handling.
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Rear Suspension: Adjustable mono-shock with Pro-Link system.
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Brakes:
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Front: 296 mm hub-less floating disc with radially mounted 4-piston caliper
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Rear: 220 mm disc
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Braking System: Dual Channel ABS with IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for balanced braking.
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Design and Features
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Styling: Neo-retro “Sports Café” theme — round LED headlamp, sculpted tank, minimal bodywork.
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Display: Full digital LCD instrument cluster with gear position, mileage, and trip data.
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Lighting: All-LED setup (headlamp, tail-lamp, indicators).
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Safety Features:
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Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) — auto hazard flashing under hard braking
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Hazard light switch
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Dual-channel ABS powered by an IMU sensor.
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Build: Lightweight chassis (146 kg kerb) for agility.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1352 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 157 mm |
| Seat Height | 801 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 9.7 L |
| Kerb Weight | 146 kg |
The upright seating position and neutral ergonomics make it suitable for both city commuting and occasional highway runs.
Color Options (India, 2025)
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Matte Massive Grey Metallic
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Pearl Spartan Red.
Riders can choose between two standout colors: Pearl Spartan Red and Matte Massive Grey. Both finishes complement the neo-retro styling, ensuring the bike looks modern while retaining its classic appeal. These options allow buyers to express personal style without compromising on sophistication.
Price and Availability of Honda CB 300R
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Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi): ₹2.40 lakh.
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On-Road Price (approx.): ₹2.65–₹2.80 lakh depending on the city.
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Availability: Sold exclusively through Honda Big Wing dealerships in India.
Competitors
The Honda CB300R competes with:
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KTM Duke 250 (more aggressive performance)
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BMW G 310 R (premium features, higher price)
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TVS Apache RTR 310 (tech-loaded streetfighter)
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Yamaha MT-03 (parallel-twin but in a higher price band).
Brake System
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EBC HH Sintered Brake Pads: A popular upgrade replacing the stock Nissin pads. They deliver stronger bite, better heat resistance, and fade-free performance, ideal for spirited rides or track days. Users report improved initial bite with more controlled lever feel post-installation.
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Brembo P34 Caliper Adapter Kit (Chimera): With an adapter plate, the Brembo P34 rear caliper can be fitted for enhanced modulation and shorter stopping distances.
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Performance Brake Fluids: Replace the OEM DOT4 fluid with Motul RBF600 or Liqui Moly DOT4 Race for higher boiling points and consistent lever feel during prolonged braking.
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Steel Braided Brake Lines: Brands like HEL or Venhill improve lever feedback and reduce pressure expansion, giving crisper braking control.
Suspension and Handling Enhancements
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Rear Mono-Shock Replacement: The factory monoshock is firm. Riders have successfully swapped to YSS, Nitron, or Ohlins adjustable shocks for enhanced comfort and cornering stability. These allow preload and rebound tuning for individual riding styles.
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Fork Cartridge Upgrade: The Andreani Misano cartridge kit (Showa USD fork-compatible) smooths out front-end dive under braking while sharpening turn-in during cornering.
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Adjustable Lowering Links: These reduce seat height slightly and lower the center of gravity, giving better stability for city commuting and short riders — Xitomer and MZS brands are common choices.
Tyre and Grip
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Tyre Brands Recommended:
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Michelin Road 5 – Balanced performance and excellent wet grip.
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Pirelli Diablo Rosso III / Angel GT – Outstanding cornering feedback and lean grip.
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TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme – Affordable Indian alternative with stable handling on mixed roads.
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Wider or stickier tyres improve straight-line stability and braking efficiency while complimenting stiffer aftermarket suspension setups.
ECU and Lightweight Enhancements
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CJR Performance ECU Remap: Optional flash tune that improves throttle response, torque delivery, and smoother power curve. It’s safe for India-spec ECUs and pairs well with slip-on exhausts.
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Lightweight Alloy or Forged Wheels: While costly, brands like Kineo or OZ Racing contribute to quicker steering response and reduced unsprung weight.
Recommended Setup (Balanced Street Performance)
| Component | Recommended Brand/Model | Approx. Cost (India) |
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| Front Pads | EBC HH Sintered | ₹4,000–₹5,000 |
| Rear Shock | YSS G-Series Adjustable | ₹20,000–₹25,000 |
| Front Fork Kit | Andreani Cartridge Kit | ₹45,000–₹55,000 |
| Braided Lines | HEL/Venhill | ₹7,000–₹8,000 |
| Tyres | Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 | ₹24,000 (pair) |
Summary
The Honda CB300R (2025) stands out for its light weight, premium suspension, and refined single-cylinder engine. It targets riders who want a high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-handle naked bike with understated retro looks and top-tier braking tech — a niche where it remains one of the most refined offerings in India’s sub-300 cc class.
