Replacing the Honda CBR250R globally, the CBR300R is finally ready to roll out with global sales confirmed to commence in July after several delays. Honda Australia announced on its facebook page that it will be one of the first markets to get the CBR300R globally. The much anticipated quarter-litre model gets a host of changes to the design and styling along with an increase in power to compete against new rivals in the segment.
The 2014 Honda CBR300R has been redesigned to look part of the CBR family, since the CBR250R looked more a part of the VFR family. The front features double-barrel headlamps, much like the bigger CBR1000RR, while the overall styling looks more toned for a very aggressive look and a sporty stance. We do hope to see a vast improvement on the plastic quality at certain places.
Powering the Honda CBR300R is a reworked version of the existing 250cc engine (from the CBR250R) that has been re-bored to 286cc and now produces 30.4 BHP of power at 8500 RPM and 27 Nm of torque at 7250 RPM, paired to a 6-speed transmission. The new engine also gets a remapped fuel injection system to offer crisp throttle response across the rev range and a new exhaust system. The CBR300R is also 8 kgs lighter now, courtesy of the changes and a streamlined chassis.
The Honda CBR300R gets 37 mm telescopic front forks and a monoshock pro-link rear suspension setup. Stopping power comes from 296 mm single hydraulic disc with 2-piston calipers at the front and a 220 mm single hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper setup at the rear. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. ABS is also on offer on the CBR300R but as an option.
Honda is offering the CBR300R in three colour options namely Gunpowder Black Metallic, Millennium Red and Tri Colour. In terms of the Indian launch, our close sources reveal that the CBR300R will replace the CBR250R in the country with a launch scheduled by November this year. With the rise in power and new design on offer, the CBR300R with C-ABS is expected to be priced around Rs. 2.5 lakhs (on-road) and will take on the Kawasaki Ninja 300, the upcoming Mahindra Mojo 300, Hero HX250R and the KTM RC390 in the segment. It will also compete with the recently launched Yamaha R25.
