Honda CB300R likely to be launched in India to take on BMW G 310 R

Currently, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has a range of commuter bikes and scooters although product launches in the premium bike space have been limited in the past couple of years. It looks like the company now plans to add more premium bikes since there is renewed market interest for mid-capacity premium bikes.

One of the models that Honda may bring to India is the CB300R. The neo-retro styled naked bike made its global debut at 2017 EICMA Show in Milan. A report in Gaadiwaadi claims, HMSI has recently patented the CB300R.

Patenting a bike model can be for benchmarking purposes while the growth of naked streetfighter bikes in India with a capacity around 300cc may prompt Honda to think about bringing the CB300R here.

BMW Motorrad recently launched the G 310 R priced at Rs 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom) in India and it will be the prime rival for Honda CB300R in India. The Honda bike will also lock horns against KTM 250 Duke and upcoming Benelli 302S.

Honda CB300R

While most of the CB300R's rivals across the markets comes with chiselled body parts in line with naked streetfighter theme, the Honda bike features sports café racer kinds of style. The unique touch to the design makes the CB300R stand out from others and it is the biggest USP of the motorcycle.

Based on a tubular steel frame, CB300R boasts of high specification 41mm USD forks, preloaded adjustable rear suspension, radial-mount 4-piston front brake callipers, LCD instrument display, LED lighting, IMU-based ABS system and others.

The motorcycle draws power from a 286cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which produces 31hp and 27.5Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission. This is the same mill that also powers the Honda CBR300R, the full faired version.

It is too early to comment on a time duration if HMSI decides to launch the CB300R. In any case, the motorcycle is expected to be priced around Rs 3 lakh if the launch happens anytime soon.