New-generation CB family grows with introduction of second Neo-Sports Café-inspired motorcycle to U.S. lineup
Apr 4, 2018 – TORRANCE, Calif. – American Honda’s wide-ranging lineup of small-displacement, user-friendly models continues to flourish with today’s announcement that the CB300R will be offered to U.S. customers. Originally unveiled in November at Milan’s EICMA motorcycle show, the model shares the same Neo-Sports Café aesthetic as the CB1000R. Pared down to the essentials, it embodies motorcycling culture and urban fun, simultaneously honoring the CB line’s unrivaled heritage and embracing the future in a way that appeals to younger riders. The bold design is supported by capable performance, thanks to Honda’s proven 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine and an entirely new tubular and pressed-steel frame. The CB300R also boasts premium features like an available inertial measurement unit-based ABS, LCD display, and full LED lighting.
“We’re excited to announce that the CB300R will be hitting U.S. showroom floors this year alongside the recently announced CB1000R, with which this new model shares its Neo-Sports Café styling,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Honda is committed to offering customers a wide range of models that offer solid performance but are also rich in character and tap into the emotional element of riding. Motorcycling is an exercise in enjoyment, and with the CB300R, that feeling is now accessible to an even wider range of riders, with the added benefit of increased performance.”
- Colors: Chromosphere Red; Matte Gray Metallic
- Availability: July 2018
- MSRP
- CB300R ABS: $4,949
- CB300R: $4,649
KEY FEATURES
- Tubular and pressed-steel frame offers optimized strength and reduced weight
- Swingarm designed to provide high longitudinal rigidity and control torsion without being harsh or heavy, for confidence-inspiring feel while cornering
- 41mm inverted fork offers smooth ride with compliant damping and supple spring rate
- Lightweight aluminum wheels underpin Neo Sports Café styling and aid in lightweight handling
- New intake and exhaust design reduce air resistance, contributing to more linear throttle response
- User-friendly, 313 pound curb weight (317 pounds with ABS) attained through strenuous weight-saving measures
- 31.5-inch seat height provides great sense of control
- Radial-mount Nissin 4-piston front brake caliper with 296mm floating disc provides optimum stopping power
- Blacked-out hardware compliments Neo-Sports Café styling elements
- Lightweight, full-function LCD display adds a premium feel
- All-LED lighting brings modern flare to retro styling
50 pounds lighter than the Kawasaki sounds like a lot, wet or dry. But when you throw in the weight of the rider and gear, the percentage difference is a lot less significant, not even taking into account different size riders. While the bike’s lower weight may benefit handling and ease of use, it’s the bike plus rider weight that should be considered for assessing power to weight ratio for performance. Too many bike articles ignore this … it’s not the same as for a car that weighs ten times as much but with the same weight driver as the motorcycle. And a naked Kawasaki 400 would shed a few more pounds to be closer to the Honda. Not a Honda hater though … I do like the styling a lot.
They should stop this BS and give us what we really want…the CB400 SuperFour. It’s been in production in Asia for over 20 years, so R&D costs should’ve long been amortized. It should compete well with the SV650. Honda, why aren’t you bringing it to the U.S.?
Great looking bike.
When Honda product planners started thinking about this bike is made perfect sense. And in many ways it still does. The natural competitor for the CB300R is the KTM390. The CB300R is a good looking motorcycle, much better looking than the KTM. From a value point of view the CB stands up well as a first bike purchase. For an experienced rider that has decided to down-size or stick with a small displacement bike, the KTM provides a more engaging package. But Kawasaki has turned the small displacement bike world upside down. And if Kawasaki releases an Z400RS variant, the Honda product planners (as well as everyone else) will be forced back to the drawing board.
Poor Honda.
The weight hanging around their neck is the Ninja 400.
Also, I’m pretty sure the weight numbers are dry so no real weight advantage over the Kawi especially when power/weight is concerned. Its a looker though..and that might generate some sales
The spec says “curb weight”. I expect that to mean full fluids, making this 50lbs lighter than the Ninja 400. Super lightweight, one cylinder to feed and care for, presumably crazy good mileage, no body work and an ABS option.
They’re different bikes for different purposes, but if you’re a commuter in or near a city, this little thing should be great (though a 300cc scooter is more practical).
They specify curb weight which typically means ready to ride these days. The bike it replaces was 350 lbs wet, so I’d say the figure quoted is feasible given the substantial effort they claim to have devoted weight savings.