Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Ltd (HMSI) is set to launch the CB300R neo sports cafe in India on 8 February 2018. The Honda CB300R will be a CKD import and will rival the KTM 390 Duke and the BMW G 310 R in India. Here's a quick specs-level comparison between the three premium motorcycles.
Looks are subjective; however, all three motorcycles are well-designed and feature a characteristics design, which stands out for each one. While the Honda CB300R is a modern-retro roadster, the BMW G 310 R and the KTM 390 Duke are naked streetfighters.
The Honda CB300R offers us a unique outset towards how a modern-classic should be designed. While the BMW G 310 R is the more rounded product as compared to the 390 Duke, the Austrian streetfighter has an in-your-face design with sharp styling.
As far as features are concerned, the KTM 390 Duke is hands down the most feature-rich motorcycle with the most bang for your bucks. It features an LCD TFT display for the instrument cluster with Smartphone integration via Bluetooth, LED headlights, ride-by-wire throttle system, dual-channel ABS with a ‘Supermoto’ mode and PASC slipper clutch among others.
That said, the Honda CB300R has quite a few features up its sleeves. Apart from LED lights and a fully-digital instrument cluster, it offers an IMU based lean-angle sensitivity for the dual-channel ABS unit. On the other hand, the BMW G 310 R only offers digital instrumentation and dual-channel ABS as the only standout features.
| Specifications | Honda CB300R | KTM 390 Duke | BMW G 310 R |
| Engine | 286cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder with fuel injection | 373.2cc single cylinder engine with liquid cooling, Ride-by-wire and fuel injection | 313 cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled with fuel injection |
| Maximum Power | 31 bhp at 8,500 rpm | 43.5 bhp at 9,000 rpm | 33.5 bhp at 9,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 27.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm | 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm | 28 Nm at 7,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed with a slipper clutch | 6-Speed |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm USD forks | 43 mm WP USD fork | 41 mm USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-link mono-shock | WP mono-shock | Mono-shock |
| Front Brake | 296 mm disc, ABS with IMU | 320 mm disc with ABS | 300 mm disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 220 mm disc, ABS with IMU | 230 mm disc with ABS | 240 mm disc with ABS |
| Front Tyre | 110/70 R17 Michelin Pilot Street | 110/70 R17 Metzeler Sportec M5 | 110/70 R17 Michelin Pilot Street |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60 R17 Michelin Pilot Street | 150/60 R17 Metzeler Sportec M5 | 150/60 R17 Michelin Pilot Street |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10 litres | 13.5 litres | 11 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 143 kg | 163 kg | 158.5 kg |
| Seat Height | 799 mm | 830 mm | 835 mm |
| Price | Under INR 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom) | INR 2.44 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) | INR 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) |
The Honda CB300R employs a 286cc four-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected motor that is capable of producing 31 bhp of power at 8,500 rpm and 27.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm, while the engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. While the CB300R develops the lowest power amongst the three, the figures are only marginally lesser than the G 310 R. However, the neo sports cafe produces the power at a slightly lesser rpm, which should offer better rideability and in-gear acceleration.
On the other hand, the KTM 390 Duke is the most powerful motorcycle in the segment. It uses a 373.2cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve motor that churns out 43.5 bhp of power and 37 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed transmission with a standard PASC slipper clutch.
The BMW G 310 R is the least feature-rich motorcycle in this comparison, and also the most expensive bike in its segment. The G 310 R is powered by a 313.2cc liquid-cooled, four-valve engine that pumps out 33 bhp of power at 9,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 28 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The motor is coupled with a six-speed gearbox.
Also Read: Honda CB300 TT to arrive in 2020 – Report
As far as pricing is concerned, the KTM 390 Duke retails at INR 2.44 lakh*. On the other hand, the BMW G 310 R has been priced at INR 2.99 lakh*. As for the Honda CB300R, the company has announced that the neo sports cafe will be launched under INR 2.50 lakh*, despite it being a CKD import. The other two are locally manufactured in India.
