Inheriting the design-cues from its elder, powerful siblings the CB1000R and CB650R, the 2022 Honda CB300R flaunts a ‘neo sports cafe‘ look that translates into a compact and elegant looking motorcycle.
Astride the motorcycle, the 2022 Honda CB300R evokes one feeling – “Spirited and Agile”. 😍
It is incredibly peppy to ride, raring to pop a wheelie but not edgy like the KTM.
A sweet 30bhp single-cylinder engine mated to a crisp 6-speed gearbox equipped with an assist and slipper clutch wrapped in a compact frame, makes it a nimble motorcycle to flick in and out of traffic and on winding roads.
City Riding:
It is a smooth operator in the city – the smooth, linear power delivery with no jerky throttle, light clutch, comfortable suspension, neutral riding position – deliver a peaceful and good riding experience in the city.
Highway Riding:
This 30-bhp single doesn’t feel short charged on the highway. It can cruise at 100-120kmph all the day and has enough punch left to make an overtake.
Pillion comfort:
While the pillion seat is flat, it has very little space (especially when a medium-heavy built rider is at front) + the rear foot-pegs are higher, making it uncomfortable for long rides.
City commute with pillion is manageable for short distances.
Luggage Options:
The plastic fuel tank rules out mounting a magnetic tank bag. However a Kriega tank adapter can help mount a Kriega US-5, US-10 bags at the front.
Rear luggage options are plenty – tail-bags, saddle-bags can be mounted.
How does the CB300R fare with short riders?
With a seat-height of 801mm, anyone above 5’2 – 5’3 would be able to flat-foot the motorcycle.
Is the CB300R women friendly ?
Being a compact, lightweight, smooth motorcycle with reasonable seat height, the 2022 Honda CB300R is sure to be a hit with the women riders.
Mileage and Full-tank Range:
The CB300R comes with a small fuel tank with a full-tank capacity of 9.7 litres.
- City Mileage: 25-28 kmpl
- Highway Mileage: 30-33 kmpl
- Real-world full tank range: 200kms
Suspension:
The overall suspension setup is good, but towards stiffer/sporty side – enables the CB300R to corner well and hold the line. Mind you, it is not uncomfortable at all, but not as plush as a regular commuter.
Front Suspension is a USD fork made by Endurance in India (while the previous BS4 CB300R came with a Showa unit)
Rear suspension is a preload adjustable (7-level) mono-shock.
Brakes:
Brakes on the CB300R are progressive, offer good bite and doesn’t feel stiff/wooden.
The Dual channel ABS with IMU doesn’t intrude in a good way, delivering safe braking.
What I love about the Honda CB300R:
- Fueling and Engine: Smooth power delivery and refinement
- Gearbox: Gearshifts are crisp, no false neutrals, assist and slipper clutch is light
- Handling: very agile and extremely compact motorcycle
- Mirrors: offer good visibility and doesn’t vibrate at good speeds
- Overall Motorcycle: is super fun and smooth to ride ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What needs improvement?
- Fit and Finish: Some components look like test-mule version and not full-fledged production model – notice the exposed cable duct on the left side panel (refer image below)
- Placement of horn and indicator so weird
- Price: It’s assembled locally (unlike the previous BS4 version which was a CKD import ) With no major updates wrt features and heavy localisation of components(USD fork is Endurance unit vs Showa and MRF tyres replacing the Michelin) it should have been priced at-least INR 30-40K cheaper
- Features: Misses out on Adjustable levers, riding modes, mobile connectivity
- LCD Instrument Console: is very basic [offers good readability in sunlight and at night] for the price point and what it’s competitors offer
The Honda CB300R is an absolute hoot to ride – in the city, out on a highway and on winding roads!!
The combination of smooth-power, agility, compact dimensions of the motorcycle and a sporty suspension elevate the riding experience on the CB300R and never fails brings a smile. 😊
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