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Honda CB300R Discontinued in India: End of an Era for the Neo-Retro Streetfighter

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has quietly pulled the plug on the CB300R, one of its most underrated premium offerings in the 300cc segment. The neo-retro roadster has been delisted from the official Honda BigWing website, with dealers confirming no fresh bookings are being accepted. This marks the second time the CB300R has been discontinued in India – the first being in 2020 due to BS6 norms – and this time, it seems permanent.

A Brief History of the CB300R in India

Launched initially in February 2019 as a CKD (completely knocked down) unit priced at Rs 2.41 lakh (ex-showroom), the CB300R turned heads with its lightweight design (just 146kg kerb weight), liquid-cooled 286cc single-cylinder engine producing 30.7 bhp and 27.5 Nm, and premium features like golden USD forks, radial calipers, and full-LED lighting. It was Honda's entry into the neo-cafe racer space, rivaling bikes like the KTM 390 Duke and BMW G 310 R.

The bike was discontinued in July 2020 amid the BS6 transition but made a comeback in January 2022 with higher localization, a slipper clutch, and a price tag of Rs 2.77 lakh. In October 2023, Honda slashed prices by Rs 37,000 to Rs 2.40 lakh, and post-GST 2.0 revisions in late 2025, it became even more affordable at Rs 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Despite these efforts, sales remained dismal – SIAM data shows only one unit sold between March and May 2025.
Why Was It Discontinued?

Poor sales are the primary culprit. Despite its agile handling, refined engine, and competitive pricing (especially after GST cuts benefiting sub-350cc bikes), the CB300R struggled against feature-packed rivals like the Triumph Speed 400, TVS Apache RTR 310, and Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. Key drawbacks included:

Lack of modern features: No TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, or traction control.
Limited availability: Sold only through select BigWing dealerships in major cities.
Outdated appeal: The design and tech felt dated compared to newer entrants offering more performance and gadgets for similar money.

Dealers report leftover stock was cleared months ago, and the bike vanished from Honda's updated price lists post-GST 2.0. As of November 10, 2025, multiple sources confirmed the delisting, with no official statement from HMSI yet.

What Made the CB300R Special?

At its core, the CB300R was a purist's delight:

Engine: 286cc liquid-cooled single, rev-happy with smooth power delivery and a sweet exhaust note.
Handling: One of the lightest in class, with razor-sharp agility thanks to the steel trellis frame and premium suspension.
Features: Dual-channel ABS, assist/slipper clutch, IMU-based braking, and all-LED setup.
Mileage: Around 30-32 kmpl in real-world conditions.

It was the most affordable liquid-cooled bike under 350cc in Honda's lineup and a fantastic urban commuter with weekend scratching potential.
What's Next for Honda in This Segment?

Rumors swirl about a replacement – possibly a updated neo-retro model with TFT, connectivity, and more power. Honda has patented new designs in India, and some speculate a facelifted CB300R or even a CB500F could fill the gap. However, nothing is confirmed, and Honda's focus seems shifted to larger BigWing models like the NX500 and Rebel 500.

For now, used CB300Rs are popping up on the second-hand market at premiums – a testament to its cult following among enthusiasts who appreciated its no-nonsense Japanese reliability.

Final Thoughts

The CB300R's discontinuation is a sad moment for fans of lightweight, fun-to-ride nakeds. In a market chasing features and torque monsters, it stayed true to Honda's "fun and efficient" ethos but couldn't keep up with the competition. If you own one, hold on tight – it's a future classic. For the rest, alternatives like the Triumph Speed 400 or upcoming KTM 390 updates await.

Rest in peace, CB300R. You were too pure for this segment.