/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/TG5QM3HYAJFXLG4VUON7QTCGVU.jpg "2024 Honda CB300R First Look Preview")
American Honda continues its rollout of returning models for 2024, with the latest new motorcycle release homing in on the popular CB300 sport naked. For the new model year, the CB300R is back unchanged, save for a $100 price increase, and will be in dealers this July 2023. MSRP is $5,149.
So there’s not much to discuss on the mechanical front for the 2024 US model, but then we were already fans of the CB’s overall competence, impressive build quality, and clean neo-classic lines. We said as much in our last entry-level naked bike comparison a few years back, enthusing that “Honda knocked it out of the park with the CB300R.”
Related: Honda CB300R, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, KTM 390 Duke Naked Bike Comparison
Last year’s US updates to the wee CB were fairly minor, consisting of the addition of a gear position indicator on the LED instrument panel to add a measure of convenience.
That’s all good, but we’re still a bit miffed, as Honda gave the 2022 model year European 300s a bit more attention. According to the European press release, the engine got a minor update (to comply with Euro 5 emissions regs), with slightly boosted horsepower and torque figures, along with a new Showa SFF-BP fork as well as a new slip/assist clutch. Alas, no such luck for US-bound models in 2023 or 2024.
But even without those upgrades, there’s much to love about the returning US model. The 2024 CB300R chassis remains essentially unchanged, with the same tube steel frame and inverted (nonadjustable) fork, and a surprisingly eager liquid-cooled short-stroke 286cc engine down below to propel you forward. And with a full tank of fuel, the R weighs just 316 pounds without ABS, making it the lightest entry-level streetbike in the 300cc class.
That light weight goes a long way to explaining just how surprisingly peppy the CB300R feels under acceleration. And because it features a counterbalancer, the CB300R engine is a smooth runner with a balanced chassis to match, serving up an even, well-damped ride that works exceedingly well for a bike this size.
Don’t let its compact footprint fool you into thinking this is a price-point entry-level ride; the CB300R’s Neo-Sports Café style, excellent build quality, and standard ABS still makes it a great bang for the buck. Even with a $100 price bump and no real changes for the 2024 model year—even the color options remain the same—the CB300R remains a solid choice for fuel-conscious riders, new folks entering the sport, and even experienced commuters.
MSRP for the 2024 Honda CB300R is $5,149, and it will come in either Pearl Dusk Yellow or Matte Black Metallic when it arrives at dealers in July.
2024 Honda CB300R Technical Specifications and Price
| MSRP: | $5,149 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 286cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single; 4 valves/cyl. |
| Bore x Stroke: | 76.0 x 63.0mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Claimed Horsepower: | N/A |
| Claimed Torque: | N/A |
| Fuel System: | Fuel injection w/ 38mm throttle body |
| Frame: | Tubular steel |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm inverted fork; 5.1 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Pro-Link shock; 5.2 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 4-piston caliper, 296mm disc w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast aluminum; 17 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 110/70-17 / 150/60-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.7°/3.7 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 53.2 in. |
| Seat Height: | 31.6 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2.6 gal. |
| Claimed Wet Weight: | 316 lb. |
| Contact: | powersports.honda.com |
