[hikozaru]

Originally Posted by whencut86

This will be a no-brainer for a lot of people once it is launched in our market. Absolutely no competition for the CRF300L and CRF300 Rally in today's market from a fit and finish standpoint, capability perspective and power-to-weight ratio. These bikes weigh 138/148 kgs based on the version and the rally version gets a 13 litre tank as well. The power to weight ratio is insane for these bikes and that makes these super fun to take it on all roads. If launched in the 3-4 lakh price bracket, there will be many takers for this bike even over the new Himalayan purely because it weights 140 kgs approximately. The seat height may be the only worrying factor for a lot of people though. The upcoming Adv390 with close to 50PS power and 160-170kgs weight will also be a better option but the rideability of the Honda will be much better than the new 390 engine.

There is just one tiny problem. You need raw power and not just a good power to weight ratio to go beyond 100kmph. This is what stops the CB300R from being a single bike garage to a lot of people. It has got additional constraints as well, compared to the CB, like a dirt style seat, tube tyres, compromises not a lot of people would be willing to make.

[whencut86]

Originally Posted by hikozaru

There is just one tiny problem. You need raw power and not just a good power to weight ratio to go beyond 100kmph. This is what stops the CB300R from being a single bike garage to a lot of people. It has got additional constraints as well, compared to the CB, like a dirt style seat, tube tyres, compromises not a lot of people would be willing to make.

This can do 110-120 KMPH all day long which can be the cruising speed for many folks. The Himalayan has tube tires and so does the rally version of the Adv390. Do we have a promised date for the tubeless spoke alloys for Himalayan? Most folks go for an outex kit conversion and are happy with the results. This doesn't deter many from buying these bikes. People will opt for the outex kits for CRF300 series as well. There is a 50kg weight difference between this and the Himalayan 450 and a 30kg weight difference between Adv390 and this.

Lot of accessories for CRF300 series in other markets and they will flood our market if this is launched here. Fuss free ownership. Seat Height is a deterrent but can see people with height 5'9'' and above comfortably flat footing post sitting due to the suspension setup. No bike is perfect but the positives here outweigh the negatives but it all depends on the price no doubt.

[hikozaru]

Originally Posted by whencut86

This can do 110-120 KMPH all day long which can be the cruising speed for many folks

To me cruising at a certain speed means it should also be able to overtake from that speed quickly. It is an important part of safe riding on highways. The last 30kmph is a bit of a struggle on the honda 300s and it tops out at 140 on the dash or a real world 120kmph. I would say the real cruising capacity is an odo indicated 90kmph. With cars in India getting faster by the day, I'd say anything less than a 390 is somewhat unsafe and prone to bullying by car drivers.

Agree with your other points. I enjoyed riding a CRF 110 or 125 for my dirt lessons and I am happy that the 300 is coming to India

[SoumenD]

Originally Posted by whencut86

...There is a 50kg weight difference between this and the Himalayan 450 and a 30kg weight difference between Adv390 and this.

This is one of the primary reasons am waiting now for the Sahara 300 with bated breath. Being a lean 60kg guy, I prefer lighter bikes but need Xpulse-ish suspension, so adv/crossover is the genre am eyeing. Was expecting the V-Storm 250SX to be this but sadly the suspension disappointed me.

However knowing honda, am doubtful this will be anywhere below 5L OTR bangalore if at all it comes.

[adises]

Anyone heard any news on the Honda CRF300 front? Doing a Google search still throws up articles from back in June.