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/2018/04/2018-kawasaki-ninja-400-abs-md-ride-review/

 

[pdedse]

unfortunately for Honda, this is the competition

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2018/04/2018-kawasaki-ninja-400-abs-md-ride-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.

 

[dbarkdoll_imp]

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.

Wouldnt be the only thing they've given up on. (Mid-sized naked to compete with MT-09/790 Duke/Street Triple/Z900/etc.)

 

[3rdbike_imp]

For the most part, I like the looks of the CB300R. It's funny to think about all the bikes on the market spawned by the Ducati Monster 20 years ago.

As Ferret said, "unfortunately for Honda, this is the competition". If I had room in the garage, I'd be clearing a spot for that Kawasaki! And with another look at the past, this 'little' 400 Twin (and a good rider) would have been a real contender for Gran Prix championships back in the 50's, early 60's.

Bu alas, I'll have to do my 'racing' from the bench..:dodgy:

 

[flynrider]

My first bike was a Kawasaki 400 twin (76 KZ400). It sure didn't make 44 hp and as I recall, the mid 70s suspension was marginal. I'd love to take a ride on this new version and see what passes for a "starter bike" today.

 

[nhawk7504_imp]

I like the little Honda. Those things sound killer with a pipe. Nice design. There is something about a small single that is really awesome. Empty Sea, is that all you forget? What did I have for breakfast again?

 

[LongRanger_imp]

I missed the CB300R intro too. Reminds me of a G310R from a styling perspective.
That review of the Ninja 400 is extremely favorable. I think I need to get in line.

 

[geosar_imp]

I stumbled upon the CB300R at my dealer the other day. It was hidden among all of the KLRs and side by side 4 wheel monsters.

I am attracted to the little guy. Very nice looking and well priced. Not certain how it would be for long trips, but what a neat bike.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

Checked out the Ninja 400 at the Kawasaki dealer this afternoon. Cute little bike, and I mean little. It's about the same size as my ex-CBR250R, but apparently several pounds lighter. Nicely styled but a bit plasticky. The black rims were enough to make me keep walking.

 

[the Ferret]

I saw a grey and orange Ninja 400 at a Kaw dealer the other day. Thought it looked pretty nice. I didn't sit on it though.

 

[VLJ_imp]

Checked out the Ninja 400 at the Kawasaki dealer this afternoon. Cute little bike, and I mean little. It's about the same size as my ex-CBR250R, but apparently several pounds lighter. Nicely styled but a bit plasticky. The black rims were enough to make me keep walking.

What other wheel color besides black were you expecting on a budget-conscious sportbike?

 

[Desert viper_imp]

I think YAMAHA would have sold a boatload of these with these colors