Did we know about the new CB300R?

[emptysea]

I know that this is news to me...or the Alzheimer's is kicking in.

https://powersports.honda.com/2019CB300R.aspx

[pdedse]

Looks nice; is that a radiator or an oil cooler?

[stateboy_imp]

This is a quote from cyclenews.com.

"The CB300R is powered by a 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine housed in an entirely new tubular and pressed-steel frame. It also boasts premium features like an available inertial measurement unit-based ABS, LCD display, and full LED lighting.

MSRP is $4649 for the standard and $4949 for the ABS model. They are schedule to appear on showroom floors in July."

[the Ferret]

unfortunately for Honda, this is the competition

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2018/04/2...de-review/

[pdedse]

unfortunately for Honda, this is the competition

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2018/04/2...de-review/

Hard to argue with all the cold, hard data, and the reviews, yet...the Honda looks better. If I can't immediately say about the overall look of a bike, wow! then I just can't see myself ever buying one.

[the Ferret]

There was a time (70s and 80s) when faced with competition like the new 400 Ninja, that the following year you could expect an even better model from Honda. Im not sure Honda is playing that game anymore. Next years release we will know. If it's another 300 with a new paint job, instead of a Ninja 400 beater, to me that would tell me Honda has given up.

[DaSwami_imp]

Well, a least it has a round headlight.....ugh

[Banned_imp]

I know that this is news to me...or the Alzheimer's is kicking in.

https://powersports.honda.com/2019CB300R.aspx

It was mentioned once on the CB1000R thread but was never talked about in any detail so you very well may have missed it.

I think you're safe

[cookiemech]

Really good-looking bike, but at the MSRP shown I'd be looking for a very slightly used CB500F or X at roughly the same money. I do strongly prefer the round headlight rather than the (IMO) ugly treatments on current CB500s.

But since I'm outside the target demographic, I don't think my opinion counts much to Honda . . .

[flynrider]

There was a time (70s and 80s) when faced with competition like the new 400 Ninja, that the following year you could expect an even better model from Honda. Im not sure Honda is playing that game anymore. Next years release we will know. If it's another 300 with a new paint job, instead of a Ninja 400 beater, to me that would tell me Honda has given up.

I don't think they are. Kawasaki pretty much dominated the low end market with the little Ninjas for decades, while Honda kept churning out the never changing, anemic Nighthawk and Rebel 250s.

That being said, the small Hondas did sell to folks who weren't interested in the crotch rocket look or highway capable performance. I think Honda is taking the same tack here. There will be a market for those who want a small bike that's not covered in plastic. I really do like like the look of the 300R. It seems that utilitarian standard bikes really are making a comeback in the U.S.