Weighing just 143kg, and with a 799mm-high seat, the 2018 Honda CB300R echoes the styling of its ‘Neo Sports Café’ stablemates – the new CB125R and CB1000R.
The DOHC single-cylinder four-valve motor – the same as in the CBR300R – makes 31bhp (23kW) @ 8500rpm and 20lb-ft (27.5Nm) @ 7500rpm, driving the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox. Honda says the engine has been designed with a minimum number of moving parts, in order to reduce maintenance costs.
Low-friction piston rings, a high-density radiator and an iridium spark plug are all claimed to help deliver an economy of 85mpg, which means the 10litre tank should give a range of up to 186miles.
The frame is a tubular steel lattice, with a pressed steel swing-arm that’s hung from a single rear shock with preload adjustment. The 41mm upside-down forks are unadjustable, rotating through 40° with the fat bar-style aluminium handlebars offering a 2.3m turning circle.
The 296mm floating front disc has no hub, and is bitten by a four-piston Nissin caliper. Both the front and rear brakes feature ABS that’s modulated for front and rear distribution through an inertial measurement unit (IMU).
The headlight (the thinnest ever on a Honda), taillight and indicators are all LED, while the thin LCD dash shows speed, revs, fuel level and gear position.
SPECIFICATION: 2018 Honda CB300R
Engine |
Liquid-cooled single cylinder |
Engine Displacement |
286cc |
Bore and Stroke (mm) |
76mm x 63mm |
Compression Ratio |
10.7:1 |
Max. Power Output |
31bhp/8500rpm |
Max. Torque |
27.5Nm/7,500rpm |
Oil Capacity |
1.8L/1.5L |
Carburation |
PGM-FI |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
10.0L |
Fuel consumption |
85 mpg |
Starter |
Electric |
Battery Capacity |
12V-7AH |
ACG Output |
318W |
Clutch Type |
Wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch |
Transmission Type |
6-speed |
Final Drive |
Chain |
Frame |
Steel diamond frame |
Dimensions (LxWxH) |
2012mm x 802mm x 1052mm |
Wheelbase |
1352mm |
Caster Angle |
24º |
Seat Height |
799mm |
Ground Clearance |
151mm |
Kerb Weight |
143kg |
Turning radius |
2.3m |
Front suspension |
37mm telescopic fork, 130mm stroke |
Rear suspension |
Monoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 107mm travel |
Rim Size Front |
17inch |
Rim Size Rear |
17inch |
Tyres Front |
110/70R17M/C 54H |
Tyres Rear |
150/60R17M/C 65H |
ABS System Type |
2 channel with IMU |
Front brake |
296mm hubless floating disc with radial-mount Nissin 4-piston caliper |
Rear brake |
220mm disc with single piston caliper |