Honda CB300F First Ride Review | A pint of fun & a dash of comfort

There were a lot of guesses and speculations before this launch was announced by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India some weeks back. Some said the Forza maxi-scooter, some said the little CRF off-road machine, and some even expected the younger Africa Twin. None thought of a 300cc streetfighter for a simple reason, the CB300R that's been a part of Honda 2Wheelers' lineup in India for some time now. Anywho, welcome the new Honda CB300F.
The first question that comes to mind is, why? If there's a 300cc street fighter in the lineup already, why another one? So, we were invited to Hyderabad to throw a leg over and ride around a bit to find just that out.

Honda CB300F: The Form
So, the CB300F is supposed to take after its larger global sibling, the Honda CB500F. The bike, however, reflects a lot of Honda Hornet 2.0 in it. The design and styling are completely distinctive in comparison to the CB300R which has a neo-retro appeal. The CB300F, on the other hand, has plenty of sharp lines, for example the tank extensions, and is sportier to look at. It gets LED lighting all around.
In terms of dimensions, the CB300F is more accessible with a low seat height of 789 mm and a kerb weight of 153 kg, which is about 7 kg more than the CB300R but really isn't a lot to work with. The wheelbase of the F is also longer than the R at 1,390 mm.

It gets a fully digital instrument cluster with a five-level brightness adjustment. It isn't too fancy but gets the job done. The overall fit, finish and quality of the switchgear is neat. However, in typical Honda fashion, the indicator toggle is above the horn and takes just a little getting used to. The riding position is relaxed but the rider leans slightly forward on the handlebar which is better for control.
Honda CB300F: The Feel
What powers it then? Honda say that it's an all-new 293.52cc air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes 24 hp at 7,500 rpm and 25.6 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. It makes about 7 hp less than the CB300R and only 2 Nm below. The engine architecture is meant to deliver a flat torque curve. And it does. You could be riding in the fourth gear at 40 km/h and it'll pull through if you pin the throttle.

The throttle response is linear and feels consistently torquey in every gear. Towards the higher end of the RPMs, the bike's quick to 80 and will sit there for long if needed but it does feel like a bit of a struggle climbing beyond three-digit speeds. The engine is very refined but it might not be Honda-refined as it is biased towards low-end torque.
But the CB300F makes for an effortless ride. It is lightweight, feels light on the handlebar and is also quick to switch directions on corners. The suspension setup which is also said to be new is sprung neither too firm nor too soft. You can use this bike for demure riding or have some fun on twisties. To retail through Honda's BigWing network, the CB300F, in fact, doesn't come across as a heavy mid-segment bike but a peppy smaller bike.

Not a lot of 300cc motorcycles come with a traction control system but the CB300F does, as do the CB350 bikes. While traction control does not come across as too necessary for 24 hp but it does come in handy in rainy conditions, which were exactly the conditions we experienced the bike in. And perhaps it also assists the MRF tyres to avoid spins and slips. Plus, braking from single discs front and rear is apt.
Honda CB300F: The Findings
Overall, the CB300F comes across as a well-built motorcycle with features that would appeal to younger buyers, that includes a USB charger and voice-based smartphone connectivity (however, it can only be used with Bluetooth earphones, which is a bummer because a lot of full-face helmets, especially fit ones won't accommodate earphones).

The trouble with the CB300F is simply the competition. The Suzuki Gixxer 250 with a similar performance from a smaller engine is priced substantially less than the Honda's starting price tag of Rs 2.26 lakh (ex-showroom) or the KTM Duke 250 which is more powerful and priced only about Rs 3,000 more.
What the CB300F clearly offers is more accessibility in comparison to the CB300R with a lower seat, a friendly throttle, modern features, and a smaller price tag. The bike in itself does not leave much room for complaints. Plus, it will offer big bike treatment for its buyers through BigWing (something that a lot of other 250cc motorcycles don't get). The CB300F definitely delivers ease of operation, a sports-oriented performance whilst being comfy, and a fresh design in the segment.