2019 Honda CB300R vs rivals: Specifications comparison

Honda has just launched its CB300R naked motorcycle in India at Rs 2.41 lakh (ex-showroom). With this pricing, the motorcycle is part of a segment that currently houses some very capable entry-level, performance-oriented motorcycles, particularly the naked KTM 390 Duke and the BMW G 310 R. While these are the CB300R's direct rivals, there’s also the well-priced Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 to contend with; so we’ve thrown it in to the mix as well. Read on to find out how these motorcycles stack up against each other on paper.

Powertrain

The CB300R was first unveiled in 2017 in international markets as a replacement for the small-capacity sport naked, the CB300F, which Honda discontinued in 2018. However, it uses the same powerplant which is the one powering the internationally available CBR300R as well. Unfortunately, India never got to experience this engine. The unit that'll make its way here is slightly detuned, with the 286cc, single-cylinder, four-valve DOHC, liquid-cooled motor making 30.4hp at 8,000rpm and 27.4Nm at 6,500rpm compared to the UK-spec model's 31.4hp at 8,500rpm and 27.5Nm at 7,500rpm. While this isn’t as much as the 43.5hp and 37Nm produced by the 373.2cc, single-cylinder motor on the 390 Duke, we expect the Honda engine to be not as frantic in its power delivery.

These figures put the Honda's unit more in line with engine characteristics of the G 310 R. The 313cc engine on the G 310 R is also a 4-valve, liquid-cooled, DOHC affair and it produces 34hp and 28Nm.

As for the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, it’s no slouch either and is the only twin-cylinder engine in the bunch. The Interceptor's 648cc, parallel-twin engine is refined and produces 47hp and 52Nm. Even though this is the highest power figure here, the substantial difference in weight over the other bikes results in a power-to-weight ratio that's much below the 390 Duke’s.

With a kerb weight of 147kg, the CB300R is one of the lightest motorcycles in its class, and so despite being the least powerful it still has an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The actual number are: 206.8hp/tonne on the CB300R, 214.5hp/tonne on the G310R, 232.6hp/tonne* on the Interceptor 650 and an impressive 266.87hp/tonne on the 390 Duke.

*calculated using dry weight without fuel

Design and styling

The Honda CB300R features modern-retro styling that the bike maker calls 'Neo-Sports Cafe' and is the same design language seen on the CB1000R+. Retro elements like the round headlights paired with sharp lines, makes the bike seem quite minimalistic in appearance. Speaking of sharp lines, the 390 Duke features quite a few of them. The bold design is further accentuated by the bright colour scheme of the bike.

The Interceptor 650, on the other hand, sports a simple, classic styling, and gets twin exhausts, something that isn't usually seen on motorcycles at this price point. The G 310 R is also rather conventionally styled, but the muscular fuel tank and colour schemes give it a noticeable and sporty presence out on the road.

*dry weight without fuel

Chassis

The BMW G 310 R and KTM 390 Duke make use of a trellis frame while the CB300R sports a diamond frame structure. What they have in common is the suspension setup in the form of a USD fork and a monoshock. The Interceptor 650 wasn’t designed with track days or corner craving in mind, so it’s no surprise that it gets a more conventional double-cradle frame, telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers.

Braking hardware on the Honda, KTM and BMW motorcycles feature ABS-equipped, four-piston calipers in the front and a single-piston caliper unit at the rear. The Royal Enfield gets dual-channel ABS as well with single discs grabbed by dual-piston calipers at the front and rear.

Features

The Honda CB300R may not be the most feature-rich motorcycle in its class, but it does come with a segment-first feature – an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)-assisted ABS, usually reserved for larger motorcycles. This enables improved front-to-rear distribution of ABS operation. There's also an LCD instrument panel with an adjustable gear shift indicator, and current/average fuel consumption, in addition to the speed, odo and tachometer.

The 390 Duke features a more advanced TFT display that not only shows all the relevant information such as speed, distance, fuel consumption, and gear position but can also pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth to display text messages, calls, and even lets you answer them. The digital unit on the 
G 310 R is not as feature-rich as the KTM’s but does provide you with a considerable amount of information such as speed, a tachometer and fuel gauge.

Keeping with its classic styling, the RE Interceptor 650 sports a basic analogue cluster for speed and rpm.

Summing it up

There’s a lot that's common among the motorcycles here. Three of them are sport-nakeds, and the Interceptor 650 with its pricing and performance fits right into the competition as well. Honda is renowned for its high-quality products and we expect similar levels of finish and refinement on this motorcycle too. The CB300R also happens to be the brand’s first serious competitor in this segment since the launch of the now-outdated CBR250R almost eight years ago. The CB300R will be perfect for someone looking for a performance-inclined, entry-level naked that isn’t as manic as the 390 Duke, and it is Rs 55,000 cheaper than the G 310 R which offers similar performance.