Honda CB300R Removed from India Website — Discontinuation Explained

The Honda CB300R has been quietly removed from the official India website of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, creating strong speculation that the bike has been discontinued here. With its 286cc liquid-cooled engine and neo-retro styling, the CB300R had carved a niche in the sub-350cc premium segment. But now, the root keyword — “Honda CB300R” — illuminates a broader story of shifting strategy and competitive pressures.

Engine & Performance

The CB300R was powered by a 286.01 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, producing about 31.1 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 27.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox with an assist & slipper clutch, it delivered a smooth, refined power band suitable for both urban commutes and occasional touring. The kerb weight of just 146 kg further enhanced agility. Real-world mileage was around 30 km/l under mixed conditions. While the engine and performance spec were respectable, the bike lacked the output and high-end features of rival models in a fiercely contested sub-300cc market.

Chassis & Handling

Built around a compact diamond-type frame, the CB300R featured upside-down (USD) 41 mm front forks and a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock. Specs show 9.7 litre fuel tank capacity and seat height around 801 mm in Indian spec. At 146 kg, it was among the lightest in its segment, giving it manoeuvrability and good handling balance. However, in a market where rivals increasingly offered ride-modes, traction control or more aggressive styling, the CB300R’s premium but restrained setup perhaps didn’t win sufficient attention.

Technology & Features

In terms of features, the CB300R offered dual-channel ABS, full LED lighting, a digital instrument console and slip-assist clutch – solid for its class though not industry-leading. Pricing in India had been reduced over time to an ex-showroom figure around ₹2.19 lakh in Delhi. Despite these advantages, the article from DriveSpark points out that weak marketing (limited to Big Wing showrooms) and intensified competition from brands like KTM Duke 250, TVS Apache RTR 300 and Bajaj Dominar 250 may have hurt its appeal.

Why the Disappearance?

The delisting from Honda’s official India site is being treated by most credible sources as signalling the CB300R’s discontinuation. Dealers reportedly have no fresh stocks and are not taking bookings. Analysts suggest that the move may be to avoid internal overlap as Honda potentially prepares to bring in another model, the Honda Rebel 300, which shares the same engine platform and may better align with current premium-naked demand.

Conclusion

Although the Honda CB300R combined premium build with reliable performance, it appears to have fallen victim to niche positioning, limited dealership reach and an increasingly competitive 250-300 cc segment. For riders seeking a light, nimble naked with Honda build quality, the CB300R certainly delivered. But for those looking for advanced electronics, aggressive power or broad-dealer access, the value proposition had slipped. With its removal from Honda’s India lineup, prospective buyers should consider it only as a last-lot opportunity or turn attention to alternative models. Ultimately, the CB300R ends its chapter as a competent but under-realised entry in Honda’s premium roadster ambition.