Honda’s 300cc ‘Ceeber’ - CBR300R - to vamp up Auto Expo?

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) has promised to bring at least 14 refreshed two-wheeler models in 2016, following up on its 15 successful launches in 2015. In addition to a host of upgrades to its existing line-up, the Japanese manufacturer is focusing on new launches during this year, as well. Speculation suggests that one of these new products will be the CBR300R, and it may be unveiled at the Auto Expo. With the launch of CBR300R, Honda will compete against market leaders in the 300-cc faired motorcycle segment - Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Yamaha YZF-R3.

The Japanese two-wheeler giant has been enjoying dominance over the scooter segment, thanks to its Activa. Now, the company is now shifting its focus on strengthening its motorcycle portfolio. With the recent launch of the Hornet 160R, this new strategy is already in motion. In the quarter-litre segment, the company’s only offering CBR250R has been struggling, and was even given a mid-life makeover last year. Rumour has it that Honda is working to launch the more powerful and better-specced 300cc upgrade to the motorcycle, the Honda CBR300R. The 300 has borrowed its design cues from its elder sibling -Honda CBR 1000R including Dual-Headlamps, fully faired body and a new exhaust system. 

The CBR300R has been on sale for some time in international market. It comes powered by a 286cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection, double-overhead cams and a counterbalancer. Compared to the CBR250R, it not only gets a bump of 50cc capacity, but also loses a fair bit of weight, to bring a bigger smiles for its users. Its 300cc powerplant produces 30.4bhp of power at 8,500rpm and 27Nm of peak torque at 7,250rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission.

When Yamaha launched its YZF-R3, people had been waiting for Honda’s response. Though the company took some time, but we believe Honda will bring it with enough features to do stand its ground amidst the competition here. The price of the motorcycle will play a key role for its success in the market.