Honda CB300R: Other Options At The Same Price

The Rs 2.5-lakh-rupee-bracket bike market just got even more interesting with the launch of the Honda CB300R. Here are the alternatives you can buy for the same price

The Indian market has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. The number of two-wheeler enthusiasts has grown and so has their purchasing power. Customers have now finally gotten out of the Rs 2 lakh-rupee psychological barrier. Manufacturers are also exploiting this price point by offering value-laden products. With Honda’s launch of the CB300R at Rs 2.41 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), this price segment just got even more exciting! Here’s what all you can buy in the same ballpark.

KTM 390 Duke: Rs 2.44 lakh

Mileage: 25.7kmpl (City), 28.5kmpl (Highway)

The KTM 390 Duke is one of the best value-for-money products in its segment. You get interesting tech like TFT smartphone-compatible instrument cluster and all-LED headlamps with it. Styling is also quite aggressive as its design genes are from the bigger KTM 1290 Super Duke R. To match all that show with the go, it comes with one powerhouse of a motor. The 373.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine produces an impressive 43.5PS of power and 37Nm of torque. All that power is transferred to the rear wheel via a 6-speed transmission with slipper clutch.

It also features standard dual-channel ABS with Supermoto mode which switches off the system at the rear. This lets experienced riders have quite some good sideways fun. Moreover, it is also capable enough for touring thanks to the upright ergonomics and a fairly large 13.4-litre fuel tank. In our tests, it returned 25.7kmpl in city and 28.5kmpl on the highway. 

All these features come at a competitive price of Rs 2.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). To top it all off, KTM’s spares are one of the most affordable ones in its segment! If the priority is pure, unfettered performance, the 390 Duke is the one for you.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Rs 2.5 lakh

Mileage: 25.93kmpl (City), 25.75kmpl (Highway)

At an ex-showroom Delhi price of just Rs 2.5 lakh, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is hands down the most affordable twin-cylinder motorcycle you can buy in India. It is also the most touring-friendly in this list as the ergonomics are upright and relaxed thanks to the easy-to-reach braced handlebars and neutrally positioned footpegs. Also, the engine has enough grunt to sustain well-above triple digit speeds comfortably. The 648cc parallel-twin engine makes 47.6PS and 52Nm, working alongside a 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch. To ensure a vibe-free ride, there’s counterbalancer shaft as well. As a result, the motor is so smooth that it’s unlike any other Royal Enfield. Coming to the efficiency figures, the motorcycle returned 25.93kmpl in the city and 25.75kmpl on the highways in our tests.

The motorcycle rolls on grippy Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres reined in by 320mm front and 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. At 202kg without fuel, the bike’s a bit on the heavier side. However, low-speed manoeuvring is fairly easy because of the flat seat (804mm high). Overall, the Interceptor is a great motorcycle for those who are stepping up from 350s or even 150cc bikes. It’s newbie-friendly and is powerful enough for spirited rides as well.

TVS Apache RR 310: Rs 2.23 lakh

Mileage: 31kmpl (City), 35.9kmpl (Highway)

The Apache RR 310 is TVS’ flagship motorcycle built in collaboration with BMW Motorrad. As far as design is concerned, TVS has nailed it and how! It grabs eyeballs everywhere, from both young and old alike! The motorcycle is also loaded with features like a vertically stacked multifunction LCD console and all-LED lighting system with projector headlamps. The riding position is sporty but it isn’t as committed as the KTM RC 390. So riding on the highways is quite comfortable in this motorcycle. Moreover, the engine is reasonably efficient too (31kmpl in city & 35.9kmpl on the highway as per our tests), but the small 11-litre fuel tank somewhat limits the motorcycle’s touring capability. 

Also Read: Honda CB300R: Everything You Need To Know

Powering this faired bike is a BMW-derived 312.2cc single-cylinder, reverse-inclined liquid-cooled engine which pushes out 34PS at 9700rpm and 27.3Nm at 7700rpm. It offers great performance but the biggest grouse about this bike is its refinement. For optimum safety, a dual-channel ABS acting on 300mm front and 240mm rear petal disc is standard. At Rs 2.23 lakh (ex-showroom), the Apache RR 310 undercuts the CB300R by Rs 18,000, and is the most affordable alternative in this list.