The battlefront in the small-displacement motorcycle war is heating up, as Honda has responded to last year’s debut of the Kawasaki Ninja 300 with its own 300cc sport bike, the 2014 Honda CBR300R. Departing from the looks of the Honda CBR250R, the Honda CBR300R instead gets its styling from the Honda CBR500R that debuted last year at this time.
Finally giving us some details since its preview last month, we now know what Honda has added another 37cc to its entry-level spot, as the Honda CBR300R has a 286cc single-cylinder engine, which makes 30hp and 20 lbs•ft of torque.
Honda says the CBR300R has an improved throttle response, and will come with ABS as standard. From the way the Japanese are talking, the Honda CBR300R is set to replace the Honda CBR250R worldwide, which means we will see this bike in the United States.
Stroking out the CBR250R motor to get its 286cc displacement, the Honda CBR300R also has a stronger balancing shaft, as well as stiffer engine mounts — all of which mean a smoother motorcycle, with fewer vibrations on the roadway.
Honda says that acceleration on the Honda CBR300R has been greatly improved over the Honda CBR250R, thanks mostly to the larger capacity; and for the top-end, the CBR300R’s six-speed gearbox has a final drive ratio that has been lengthened for more efficient highway speed cruising.
No word on pricing or availability yet in the USA, but expect it to be competitive with the Kawasaki Ninja 300.
Source: Honda
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