Honda CBR300R's naked version images leaked

It’s becoming ever so difficult for manufacturers to maintain secrecy around their offerings before its official launch or unveil. The most recent victim of this is Honda, as patent images of its latest naked motorcycle has been leaked, while it was submitted for trademark filings and patent with the European Union. From the looks of it, the new bike seems to be the naked version of the CBR300R and will be most likely christened CB300F as is the tradition with naked Honda motorcycles. The design of the new bike has been influenced from the CB500F street-fighter, especially the headlights and the tank extensions. Part sharing with the CBR300R is visible on the mudguards, seats, exhaust and tail section. This is reasonable as the CB300F will use the same underpinning as its faired offering. The handlebar seems to be raised and with the rear-set footpegs it should provide a subtly sporty yet comfortable riding position, which is essential for a streetbike. Also Read: Honda CBR300R Unveiled

Powering the new CB300F will be the 286cc, single-cylinder mill producing 30.8PS @ 8,500rpm and a torque rating of 27Nm @ 7,250rpm. The powerplant is a bored out version of the 249cc engine as found on the 250R with the same basic engine construction and PGM-FI takes care of fuelling the bike. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission. It will be interesting to see whether Honda will fiddle with the motor, to adapt to the streetbike characteristics of the CB300F. Top speed of the naked bike will be compromised slightly in comparison to its faired sibling owing to aerodynamics. Braking duties are take care of by disc brakes at front and rear, while ABS doesn’t seem to be a standard fitment and would be an option.

Honda had ruled out any possibilities of launching the CBR300R in 2014 for the Indian two-wheeler market, as production of it has been delayed in the international market. This means, the CB300F wouldn’t land on our shores before 2015. If and when it comes, the CB300F will be pitched against the soon to be launched Kawasaki Z250 and Suzuki Inazuma. All though in terms of power figures and performance, the CB300Fwill be able to compete against both its rivals but what will really set it apart will be its pricing. Honda’s naked offering will be much cheaper than the Inazuma and Z250 as it will be locally manufactured and is powered by a single-cylinder mill unlike the parallel-twin found on its Japanese counterparts.  Also Read: 2014 Kawasaki Z250 first review