Honda recently launched the CB300F after weeks of teasing and building hopes of grandeur, adventure and formidability. But with the Honda CB300R already in the market, why did the need for having another 300cc bike arise?
The Honda CB300F ’s styling isn’t very unique. Its aggressive, sporty silhouette, sharp cuts and even the colour options are shared with the Honda Hornet 2.0. And to make it worse, there isn't much difference in terms of size as well. In fact, many onlookers asked us if it was a 150cc motorcycle.
Once on the saddle, you’ll feel the ergonomics are very commuter-ish. The riding posture is relaxed and apt for city riding. Thanks to its 153kg kerb weight, it is easy to move around as well.
The commuter theme continues with the engine as well. While Honda engineers have shied away from commenting more on the origins, the bike’s spec sheet gives it away. It has a 1mm larger bore and the same stroke as the CB300R.
However, it is heavily de-stressed, the compression ratio relaxed from 10.7:1 to 9.3:1. While this should result in better tractability and more refinement, Honda has only managed to achieve the former.
The engine is super tractable and you can slot the bike in fifth or sixth and ride around town effortlessly. The clutch action is pretty light but gear shifts could have been smoother.
The tractability has come at the cost of excitement. This engine lacks the zestiness and enthusiasm that one hopes from a modern 300cc naked. Even though you can sustain triple digit speeds, there’s no enthusiasm, and the experience isn’t rewarding.
Then there’s the refinement of the engine. There are constant vibes across the rev range which become irritating towards the top of the rev range, above 7000rpm to be exact.
The USD fork is unique, the swingarm is box-section steel and not aluminium and the monoshock has less preload adjustability.
Honda has used wide MRF tyres on the Honda CB300F which has robbed the bike of its natural cornering rhythm. lacked a smooth motion between leaning the bike into the bend, staying leaned over and coming back up again. It feels jittery and you need to make constant checks and corrections to go fast around corners.
The Honda CB300F comes with disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS. However, they have a very poor performance. Even after you grab a handful of the front brake lever, the bike refuses to slow down rapidly.
Coming to the features, there is a USB charger on offer, however, we would have loved it if the placement was a bit better.
Then there’s the traction control, which, even in the slipperiest condition, wasn’t of much use since the tyres offered good grip.
Lastly, the Bluetooth connectivity feature only works well with a helmet communication device. Without it, there’s no real advantage of having the aid.
Honda is asking a hefty Rs 2.26 lakh for the DLX and Rs 2.29 lakh for the DLX Pro (the one with the Bluetooth option) for the CB300F. Extending your budget by a bit more can get you options like the BMW G 310 R while bikes like the KTM 200 Duke and Suzuki Gixxer 250 are available at a much lower price point. The Honda CB300F comes across as a fairly underwhelming 300cc bike. It is a large capacity commuter in every sense and when we do get this bike for a road test, I think its fuel efficiency scores are going to be high.
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