Showcased at the 2013 EICMA, the Honda CBR300R has been facing a global delay and the Japanese automaker had to reschedule the launches in most countries in the past months. Originally slated for launched in March in the UK, the CBR300R went on sale in the country this month, while the Indian launch was scheduled by the end of 2014. However, our sources confirm that Honda India has pushed the launch of the CBR300R even further and the quarter-litre sports bike will go on sale in the country only by next year.
With emphasis on the mass market segements, Honda has cancelled the dealer training program at the moment and instead will continue to sell the existing stocks of the CBR250R as inventory levels are high. The manufacturer is focusing on the 100-110cc segment and recently launched the CD 110 Dream motorcycle. Even though the CBR300R is an important product, the revenue comes in from the mass market segments and from a business point of view it make sense to concentrate on commuter motorcycles for Honda as it wants volumes to beat Hero.
The Honda CBR300R has been one of the long awaited launches this year and will be locking horns with the upcoming KTM RC 200/390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the likes in the segment. A perpetual successor the CBR250R, hopes are high with the CBR300R that promises to rattle out all niggles on the predecessor, while also providing more power and performance compared to the outgoing model.
The Honda CBR300R uses a stroked out version of the 249cc engine from the CBR250R that now displaces 286cc, producing 30.4 BHP of power and 27 Nm of torque, from the single-cylinder motor, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The additional output comes with a remapped ECU, while Honda has also equipped the CBR300R with a heavier balancer shaft to reduce vibrations. The bike has also lost weight and now weighs 6.8 kgs lighter compared to its predecessor, offering a better power to weight ratio.
The biggest change on the Honda CBR300R however is the new design language that brings it into the CBR family, instead of the VFR family. The single headlight unit has been replaced by the twin headlamps, and the lines and creases have been reworked upon for a fresh new look. While C-ABS is standard on the CBR300R internationally, we expect Honda to offer C-ABS on the higher variants, while the safety feature will be missed on the lower trims to keep prices competitive. The Honda CBR300R will be priced under Rs. 2.5 lakhs (on-road) when launched early next year.
