CB 300F OVERVIEW & PRICE
PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE
The heart of the Honda CB 300F is its robust 293.52cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. This powerplant delivers impressive performance metrics, generating a maximum power output of 24.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 25.9 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The engine’s design balances power and efficiency, making it suitable for city riding and highway cruising. Paired with a 6-speed transmission, the CB 300F offers smooth gear shifts and optimal power delivery across various riding conditions.
Including a slipper clutch enhances the riding experience by providing more effortless clutch operation and reducing rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifting. This feature is particularly beneficial for riders navigating through dense urban traffic or enjoying spirited rides on winding roads. The flex-fuel variant of the CB 300F introduces an interesting dimension to its performance profile. Equipped with a PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) system, this version can run on E85 fuel, consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. This capability aligns with sustainable mobility goals and offers performance benefits associated with high-ethanol fuel blends.
MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
The Honda CB300F boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 30 kmpl. This figure is consistent across all variants of the CB300F, including the standard and Flex-Fuel models. It’s important to note that the ARAI mileage is achieved under ideal test conditions, and real-world efficiency may vary based on riding conditions and individual riding styles.
With a fuel tank capacity of 14.1 litres, the CB300F offers a substantial driving range of approximately 423 km on a full tank. This combination of efficiency and range makes the CB300F an excellent choice for daily commutes and longer journeys.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
The Honda CB300F comes packed with an impressive array of features that cater to the modern rider’s needs:
- Advanced Engine Technology: The CB300F boasts a 293.52cc, 4-stroke, SI, oil-cooled engine that delivers a maximum power of 18kW at 7500rpm and a peak torque of 25.6 N-m at 5500 rpm. This powerplant is complemented by a PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) system, ensuring optimal fuel efficiency and performance.
- Intelligent Ethanol Indicator: The CB300F is a flex-fuel motorcycle equipped with an Intelligent Ethanol Indicator. This unique feature sets it apart in the Indian market, where most flex-fuel bikes run on E20.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): This advanced traction control system maintains grip between the tyre and road surface, enhancing safety and rider confidence.
- Fully Digital Meter: The bike features a comprehensive digital instrument cluster that provides ride statistics and feature indications with 5-level brightness adjustment for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS): This innovative system allows riders to connect their smartphones to the bike via Bluetooth, enabling access to calls, messages, music, navigation, and weather updates on the go.
- LED Lighting: The CB300F is equipped with all-around LED lights, which improve road visibility and ensure a longer life for the lighting components.
- USB-C Phone Charger: A convenient USB-C charging port allows riders to keep their devices powered during long rides.
- Advanced Braking System: The motorcycle features a dual-channel ABS system with a 276mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, ensuring superior braking performance and safety.
HANDLING
The Honda CB300F is often described as a pleasure to ride, especially in urban settings. Its lightweight design (kerb weight of 153 kg) and nimble handling make it ideal for city commutes, allowing riders to easily navigate traffic. The bike’s riding posture is comfortable, with a seat height of 789 mm, accommodating a wide range of riders. This makes it suitable for both short city rides and longer journeys. The CB300F features a telescopic (USD) front suspension and a mono-shock rear suspension. This setup is generally good for city rides, balancing comfort and stability.
Some users have noted that the rear suspension can feel a bit firm initially but becomes more comfortable over time. The bike’s cornering ability is decent, although the softer suspension compared to some competitors can make aggressive cornering less precise. This characteristic aligns with its positioning as a versatile urban commuter rather than a pure sports bike. Riders praise the smooth performance of the engine, especially in the low and mid-range.
The 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch is appreciated for its ease of use in traffic conditions. While the CB300F is primarily designed for urban use, its lightweight nature may affect stability at higher speeds. This is an essential consideration for riders who frequently travel on highways. The dual-channel ABS system, coupled with the 276mm front disc and 220mm rear disc, provides confident braking performance, enhancing overall safety and control.
COMFORT
Comfort is crucial for any motorcycle, especially one likely to be used for daily commuting. The Honda CB300F has been designed with this in mind. The bike features a split seat design, often providing better comfort for the rider and pillion than single-piece seats. For daily usability, Honda has included several practical features. The CB300F comes with a fully digital meter, providing clear and easy-to-read information at a glance. It also includes a USB-C phone charger, allowing riders to charge their devices on the go – a handy feature for those who rely on their phones for navigation or communication during rides.
Including LED lighting (headlamp, tail lamp, and winkers) adds to the bike’s modern aesthetic and provides better visibility, enhancing safety during night rides. One standout feature that adds to both comfort and safety is the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). This system helps manage traction, which is particularly useful in varying road conditions that riders might encounter daily.
BUILD QUALITY
The Honda CB300F is generally praised for its commendable build quality, which is typical of Honda motorcycles. The fit and finish levels are good, with the motorcycle being a well-put-together product. While the overall build is solid, there have been some criticisms regarding using materials. Some reviewers have pointed out that the bike has many plastic components, which they feel are cheaper than expected from a premium Honda model. The CB300F’s design is aesthetically pleasing, drawing styling cues from larger models like the CB500F. Its resemblance to the Hornet 2.0 is noted, which is not necessarily a negative point as the Hornet 2.0 is considered a handsome motorcycle.
Some areas have been identified for potential improvement. For instance, the key is described as too small and cheap for a premium motorcycle, and some of the newly added buttons on the handlebar lack the reassuring clicking sound found in other switches. Indian owners have generally praised the CB300F’s design and styling, appreciating its sporty and minimalist look. However, some users have noted issues with plastic quality, describing it as subpar compared to competitors like KTM and Bajaj. A common point of user feedback is the limited availability of Honda accessories, which restricts customization options. This has been a concern for riders interested in personalizing their bikes.
STYLING
The CB300F carries a sharp, muscular design with aggressive bodywork and sharp creases. It features a single-pod headlight, a muscular fuel tank, split-style seats, and a side-slung exhaust. The bike has three colour options: Sports Red, Mat Marvel Blue Metallic, and Mat Axis Grey Metallic.
Honda CB300F COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
The CB300F is available in three striking colour options
- Sports Red
- Mat Marvel Blue Metallic
- Mat Axis Grey Metallic
The CB300F Flex Fuel variant, however, is available in two colour options
- Sports Red
- Mat Axis Grey Metallic
The Honda CB300F comes in two main variants:
- CB300F: This is the standard variant, offering all the abovementioned features.
- CB300F Flex Fuel: This variant is particularly noteworthy as it’s India’s first 300cc E85 flex-fuel motorcycle. It can run on fuel blends ranging from E20 to E85, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING
Priced at ₹ 1,70,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the CB300F is positioned competitively within the premium motorcycle segment. This pricing strategy makes it an attractive option for riders looking for a feature-rich, environmentally conscious motorcycle without breaking the bank. The CB300F comes with features typically found in higher-priced motorcycles, such as the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), fully digital meter, and Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS). These features add significant value to the overall package.
As India’s first 300cc flex-fuel motorcycle, the CB300F offers a unique proposition regarding environmental sustainability. This feature not only reduces emissions but also aligns with future fuel trends, potentially saving costs in the long run. Honda motorcycles are generally known for their reliability and low maintenance costs. The CB300F is expected to continue this tradition, offering good value over the long term through reduced servicing and repair expenses.
The PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) system and the flex-fuel capability are designed to optimize fuel efficiency. This can lead to significant savings on fuel costs over time, especially as ethanol-blended fuels become more prevalent. Honda motorcycles typically enjoy good resale value in the Indian market. The CB300F, with its advanced features and eco-friendly technology, is likely to maintain a substantial resale value, adding to its overall value proposition. Compared to competitors in the same price range, the CB300F stands out with its unique flex-fuel capability and advanced features. This gives it a competitive edge regarding value for money, especially for environmentally conscious riders.
