Honda’s all-new A2 licence-friendly CB300R

Honda have revealed an A2 licence-friendly CB300R that apes the look of the firm’s eye-catching new-for-2018 CB1000R. 

Like the 1000cc machine, it’s a band-new bike for next year and looks to be a properly smart little number. It promises to be an instant contender for the attention of 250-300cc riders, bridging the gap between 125s and large-capacity machines.

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The styling has been kept stylish and aggressive, highlighted by a number of neat touches such as the distinctive LED headlight and LCD dash that will help the bike stand apart in what’s becoming a very crowded market. It’ll come in three finishes: black, red and silver.

A tubular and pressed steel frame will help newer riders by keeping the bike light, tipping the scales at just 143kg at the kerb. The 41mm USD forks are a welcome touch. They are non-adjustable but the rear shock has a choice of five different preload settings.

The brakes look to be pretty good, with a radially-mounted 4-pot Nissin caliper biting a singular 296mm hubless disc. Interestingly, the bike features an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – something that has traditionally been found on higher-end machines – which works in conjunction with the two-channel ABS system to modulate the braking between the front and rear brakes. It’s an impressive feature for 300.

The 286cc single-cylinder lump that powers the bike is the same engine that’s featured in the sporty CBR300R. It delivers 31bhp at 8500rpm and makes 20.3ftlb of torque. It’s fed by a small 10-litre tank, but the claimed 85mpg should see a theoretical range of up to 180 miles between stops. 

CB300R in stats

Engine 286cc single
Power 31bhp @ 8500rpm
Torque 20.3ftlb @ 7500rpm
Frame Tubular and pressed steel
Seat height 799mm
Weight 146kg (wet)
Front brake Single 297mm disc with radially-mounted Nissin 4-pot caliper with IMU-based ABS
Rear brake 220mm disc with single piston caliper
Tank capacity 10 litres
Economy 85mpg (claimed)

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