Affordable Runabout

AFFORDABLE RUNABOUT

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Naked new 2015 HondaCB300F costs only $800 more than a Grom

Here's what you need to know about Honda's new 2015 CB300F: 1) It weighs only 348 pounds with a full tank. 2) It gets a claimed 71 mpg. 3) It costs only $3,999.

Wow, that’s only $800 more than a Honda Grom. For that money, you’re getting an entry-level naked that can be ridden on the freeway, an upright urban machine that’s appealing largely because of its simplicity.

This new Honda is powered by a 286cc single, the same liquid-cooled powerplant used in the brand-new fully faired CBR300R, upon which the CB300F is based. In addition to its fuel-injected engine and six-speed gearbox, the R also donates its steel frame and suspension, plus its simple braking hardware and cast wheels. Rake and trail are identical on both bikes, and the new 300F, with its reduced bodywork, weighs 9 pounds less than its fully faired sibling. Moreover, the seat is only 30.7 inches off the pavement, which means shorter riders likely won’t have trouble reaching the ground. And to accommodate even more people, Honda also offers an accessory seat that drops the seat height to 29.7 inches.

Other accessories on the new Thai-built CB300F include a Honda Racing tail bag, a carbon-fiber tank pad and fuel lid cover, plus carbon-look components, such as a chain guard, under-engine cowl, front fender, headlight cover, and tank shroud. Chrome bar ends are also available, as are a color-matched seat cowl and reflective wheel strip stickers from Honda Racing.

So what we have here is another laudable effort by Honda to get more everyday people riding. But will the new CB300F cut into sales of the $5,799 CB50OF? Probably a bit. On the other hand, Honda already had theCBR300Rto compete with the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 300, so spending a few extra bucks to develop a bike for the popular naked category makes good sense.

Andrew Bornhop