Me too! Me too! CBR300R announced

[adouglas]

http://blog.motorcycle.com/2013/10/1...imamotor-show/

Honda announced it will present a new CBR300R sportbike at the Oct. 17-20 China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition (CIMAMotor) in Chongqing, China. A new global model, the CBR300R will be produced in Thailand, likely using the same production lines for its predecessor the CBR250R which it will likely replace in most markets.

Still a thumper, apparently. Which means that the rev-happy Ninjette will still win in the spirited-riding fun department.

[massacremasses]

looks waaaaay better.

[xdnxp]

I want to see how it compares with the ninja. I wasn't sold on the looks of the CBR500 but this one looks good. Thanks for sharing.

[Aggrotech]

they sure know how to make it look like a fatty.

[ninjamunky85]

Definitely looks better than the 250, will be interesting to see how it compares to the ninja spec wise.

[adouglas]

I predict, like the CBR250, tuning aimed more at noobs.

Less peak power, but delivered earlier
Less peak torque, but delivered earlier
Lower redline
More weight
Possibly slightly more sophistication but don't count on it.

The Ninjette's strength is that it's beginner-friendly while still being more fun than a barrel of stoned monkeys when you wind it up, which makes it worthwhile for experienced riders too.

The CBR250, if the reports are to be believed, does the former really well but the latter, not so much.

I think the 300 will be more of the same. They're just following Kawi here to prevent market share erosion.

[JohnnyBravo]

I think like Hondas sad attempt at a 250, the 300's only suprise will be how not so great of a bike they put out... Honda is usually pretty good, but I guess they just wanna out do hyosung?

[Sirref]

honestly they're running the wrong engine configuration to match the ninja 300 if they're going cc for cc.

if they really want to beat the 300 they'll need to make a package that's just as fun while being better put together (no loose fairing pieces like on my N300)

if they made an I4 300cc bike with a reasonably suspension and an ok looking dash (not a fan of the cbr250 dash) then I would highly consider defecting to honda. as it is now the only honda that really competes with kawi in my eyes is the cbr600rr vs the 636

[JohnnyBravo]

If they would put out a powerhouse engine instead of a thumper... Like the crazy F1 sounding old Japanese 200's you could see me defect, but the body isn't better looking, not on paper anyway

[burningscooter]

LOL @ the prospect of an I4 300cc Honda. Would be sweet though.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by burningscooter

LOL @ the prospect of an I4 300cc Honda. Would be sweet though.

Hey they made 4 cylinder 200's... We can hope

[Byakkotai]

It is another "Global" bike - wondering how well Honda can balance economy vs. performance this time around. At least they got rid of the VFR styling.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Hey they made 4 cylinder 200's... We can hope

It's not just the cost issue that will keep this from happening; emissions are evidently a bear for extremely high revving 4-strokes. Which a sub 250cc 4 would necessarily be.

As for the Honda engine, there is a 305cc big bore kit for the CRF version of that motor: http://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/prod...oducts_id/5146

Wondering if the official honda version will be similar to that, or instead just stroking the motor (like Kawi did with the 249cc mill to get us to 296cc on our "300").

[rasta]

So does this mean the Ninja 300 was killing the CBR500 in sales?

Personally, I've seen a couple 300s around, but I haven't seen a single CBR500 on the road

[CycleCam303]

Seriously? Seriously! If they make this for the same price as the cbr250 the ninjette might just be posted in the classified section. Then I will have ALL the Hondas and my trifecta will be almost complete. I want an rc51 baaaad. I looked at one last night.

It looks way better with the cbr1000 styling. It'll be as fast as a ninja 250. And it should yield better mileage too. I might be looking for a better commuter bike.

[subxero]

anyone else thinking (unoriginal b**tards)

Come on show a little ingenuity, creativity, something, not just. Oh hey, Kawi bumped up to 300cc displacement... we should probably do the same thing. I feel like it even has style queues from the ninja 300,

IDK, maybe it's just me.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by rasta

So does this mean the Ninja 300 was killing the CBR500 in sales?

Personally, I've seen a couple 300s around, but I haven't seen a single CBR500 on the road

no they'd be altering the cb500r then, it just shows that the 300 killed the cbr250r in sales.

[alex.s]

looks like a winner to me.

[adouglas]

Oh, I'd love to see a small-displacement, high-revving sportbike with good suspension. Something like a Ninjette with the spec of my GSX-R. Or a street-legal Moto3 bike. Those things are SICK.

It will never happen, at least not in the US, where bigger is always better (even when it isn't, really).

The target consumer for bikes of this size wouldn't know what to do with a fully-adjustable suspension. I mean, look at us... a fair portion of Ninjette owners haven't a clue how (or why) to adjust the simple five-position rear shock we already have, never mind something with rebound/compression adjusters.

This is a class of beginner bikes, where looks matter, docility matters, and cost of ownership matters. The Ninjette does all three really well without sacrificing its zingy little soul.

[choneofakind]

Finally, Honda's stepping up to the game! If they tune it right, they can match the power output (look at the Yamaha WR250X vs the ninja 250) but I doubt they'll do that because they want to keep it newbie friendly.

Still, I like seeing some small bike competition!! Kudos to Honda for stepping up. Now let's get the rest of the big 4 into the game.

[subxero]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Finally, Honda's stepping up to the game! If they tune it right, they can match the power output (look at the Yamaha WR250X vs the ninja 250) but I doubt they'll do that because they want to keep it newbie friendly.

Still, I like seeing some small bike competition!! Kudos to Honda for stepping up. Now let's get the rest of the big 4 into the game.

Screw the big 4, I wanna see some non jap makes get into the mix, now that would be exciting

Triumph 300cc triple? huh?
A little BMW sportbike would be awesome
Ducati 292evo, yeah buddy!

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by subxero

Screw the big 4, I wanna see some non jap makes get into the mix, now that would be exciting

Triumph 300cc triple? huh?
A little BMW sportbike would be awesome
Ducati 292evo, yeah buddy!

Daytona 225R
S100RR
Pangiale 198

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.............

I can see the Sport Rider comparo headline now:

Fun Size Shootout!

[Nemesis]

So the CBR300R will NOW produce just as much as the Ninja 250R?

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by Nemesis

So the CBR300R will NOW produce just as much as the Ninja 250R?

with the same powerplant I'd say it'll produce slightly more hp but a lot more torque than the ninja 250r did, overall though assuming the same powerplant the N300 should be the more fun bike. can't just make assumptions as honda could make it ridiculously fun and quarter liter track days would be a bit more diverse stateside.

[Jono]

This will be a great bike for city commuters. Great gas mileage, torque that is usable for the city, nice looks. I like my KLX250SF single cylinder more than I did my ninja 250 twin for city riding, which is why the ninja is gone. Haha. I think this will definitely be a better seller than the CBR250 is/was. It will be easier to clutch up wheelie as well!

[subxero]

i definitely feel the cbr300 will fair better than the cbr250, mainly because it isn't completely butt *** ugly.

[Snake]

Looks cool but I'll stick with the Ninjette.

[Daks]

I think it's honda just at least staying in step with kawasaki. Now that ninjas aren't 250 anymore there is a wider gap between honda's starter bike and kawasaki's. Of course every person shopping for a new smaller bike would go with the ninja 300 over the honda 250. It's kind of stupid not to.

Honda saw that loss in market after their 250 was initially received well and is keeping pace.

Looks nice but as a thumper it's better for a newb than an experienced small-bike appreciator. If I go honda it's gonna be a 500.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by subxero

i definitely feel the cbr300 will fair better than the cbr250, mainly because it isn't completely butt *** ugly.

that's a pretty good point, the cbr300 doesn't have that ridiculous stock exhaust hahaha

[Joshorilla]

Originally Posted by subxero

Screw the big 4, I wanna see some non jap makes get into the mix, now that would be exciting

Triumph 300cc triple? huh?
A little BMW sportbike would be awesome
Ducati 292evo, yeah buddy!

I don't think Triumph, Ducati or BMW would do that, they're more about providing premium products at a certain price point, unlike the Asian counterparts who produce a product for every demographic, for the european manufacturers this would be seen to cheapen the brand image and degrade prestige.

Think of it this way, would Rolex release a $200 plastic watch for the every man price point? Would Mont Blanc release a rebranded biro / bic / ball point for $20? No, because it would cheapen their high end products, where as Seiko make thousand dollar watches and twenty buck watches, and you'll never hear someone say " I am going to trade my rolex day datee in for one of those sweet grand seiko watches"

Honda and Kawasaki are just whores to the market, you seen Kawasaki's rebranded Kymco scooter?! Disgusting.

[Boom King]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Hey, I've seen you before...



Looks almost like a mirror image of the CBR400R available in Japan and India, which is a sleeved down version of the 500R. Honda is even sharing paint schemes between these bikes. They will probably do the same as Kawasaki and offer a 300cc engine in some markets and keep it 250cc in others with the same cosmetics.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by Joshorilla

I don't think Triumph, Ducati or BMW would do that, they're more about providing premium products at a certain price point, unlike the Asian counterparts who produce a product for every demographic, for the european manufacturers this would be seen to cheapen the brand image and degrade prestige.

Think of it this way, would Rolex release a $200 plastic watch for the every man price point? Would Mont Blanc release a rebranded biro / bic / ball point for $20? No, because it would cheapen their high end products, where as Seiko make thousand dollar watches and twenty buck watches, and you'll never hear someone say " I am going to trade my rolex day datee in for one of those sweet grand seiko watches"

Honda and Kawasaki are just whores to the market, you seen Kawasaki's rebranded Kymco scooter?! Disgusting.

I guess you haven't heard.... http://rideapart.com/2013/10/spied-t...l-street-bike/

[Byakkotai]

Attention all other mfgs: this week would be a good time to show off those small engines you've been building

[Daks]

It's almost a shame all these little bikes are being built mainly for foreign markets where I'm sure a thumper's fuel efficiency is king.

Wish we had more choice of small bikes with a little gut to them. Mainly because I can't reach the ground on anything bigger than the 500s.

[subxero]

Originally Posted by Joshorilla

I don't think Triumph, Ducati or BMW would do that, they're more about providing premium products at a certain price point, unlike the Asian counterparts who produce a product for every demographic, for the european manufacturers this would be seen to cheapen the brand image and degrade prestige.

Think of it this way, would Rolex release a $200 plastic watch for the every man price point? Would Mont Blanc release a rebranded biro / bic / ball point for $20? No, because it would cheapen their high end products, where as Seiko make thousand dollar watches and twenty buck watches, and you'll never hear someone say " I am going to trade my rolex day datee in for one of those sweet grand seiko watches"

Honda and Kawasaki are just whores to the market, you seen Kawasaki's rebranded Kymco scooter?! Disgusting.

I never said anything about price point or quality of the bike.

They can still make a small displacement bike with quality parts and components and sell it for what it is worth and not "cheapen" the brand.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by subxero

I never said anything about price point or quality of the bike.

They can still make a small displacement bike with quality parts and components and sell it for what it is worth and not "cheapen" the brand.

I believe aprillia does this with their rs125, it's quite a step up from other 125s as the bike has pretty close to the same horsepower as the ninja 300 (2 strokes for the win) and is quite obviously a joy to own in europe

[CycleCam303]

Business is business. It's most likely not so much cheapening the brand, more why spend millions of dollars on something that won't turn a huge profit.

Sure they could make a small bike with all the goodies. It would be out of reach for entry level rider's price point and the niche market of people wanting a hi po small displacement bike will choke at the price.

Here's a great example. Right now go look on ebay for a honda rs125 chassis or an aprilia rs250. Or the moriwaki 250 (4 stroke 125 gp equivalent) The honda rs125/250 is a serious machine. These would destroy a ninja 250 300 in every aspect of chassis and handling ability hands down. Those are the small bore bikes that people in this thread would love to make street legal. The prices are insane. The cheap ones go for 5 or 6 grand? For a track only bike? A race ready 600 can be had for the same price....

And there's the deal breaker. Would I love a kawasaki zx2r with a four cylinder or just an actual racing oriented 250 twin and real suspension attached to an aluminum box frame, hell yea! But the price would be ridiculous. And I wouldn't want to commute or daily ride the thing. Our little bikes make perfect inexpensive commuters. Which is a very under served market. Nothing works better than a entry level mini sport bike for commuting 50 miles on freeways to a bustling city like San Francisco.

We have top of the line already being researched and available to us. Modern liter bikes have technology bleeding out of the fairings. Just get a real bike and enjoy the little ones for what they are.

[Aufitt]

I'm just ****** they both went to 300cc (Au racing reasons)

Having had a cbr250 that I tracked the **** out of for a year, and a Ninja 250 racebike , I loved the Honda (despite it running out of revs) because it's much lighter weight, better handling, and build quality made up for it.
maybe this thing has the power of the Ninja/ handling of the cbr, if so it will be a good thing.

[subxero]

@CycleCam303 I think you make so good points but you are comparing the price of a brand new rs125 or a rare import rs250 to a used run of the mill big 4 supersport which can be found by the 1000's with a few mouse clicks. It's apples and oranges IMO. A brand new rs125 street legal can be had for $6k (not sure about OTD) but again they are harder to come by used and or new so dealers can ask that much and get it, same with private owners. Either way That's ~ $1500 more than a brand new 2012 ninja250 when they came out. Which is nothing when you think about how much cash your average ninja250 rider dumps into their bike in upgrades. I alone have put around $1500 in mods on my bike and I have only done a few things compared to some people out there. (clip-ons, rearsets, full exhaust, ignition timer + small misc)

So people that are interested in a small displacement sport bike be it for fun or track could either buy a (ex. Ducati 300cc bike) for $7.5k and it would be gtg off the show room floor with serious hardware, or you can buy a new ninja for $4.5k and then dump tons of time and money into it and it still probably wouldn't be as solid as the Ducati off the floor.

I know which I would choose if given the option

+ the same reasons someone will pay $16k for an evo848, or $14k for a Daytona 675r vs 11k for a big 4 600ss or $13.5k for a 1000ss. The brand name and more unique exotic bikes make them appealing. I can't imagine Ducati is making a killing selling their high end super bikes compared to the big 4 but they still make them. A small displacement sport bike would probably sell better than their super bikes. I would never consider buying something like an evo848, no way can I spend that much on a motorcycle, but 8k for a tricked out exotic 300.....EF YEAH!!!

[choneofakind]

^you realize that you can get a brand new 600SS from the big 4 for a lot less than 11k right?? I was at a dealer over the summer and they were selling a 636 for a lot less than that. Like 9500 OTD iirc. Or maybe 9500+fees