Bikes manufactured between 2018 and 2020 are affected by this issue.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has announced a voluntary recall for the CB300R over a headlight issue.

According to the company, bikes manufactured between 2018 and 2020 are affected by this issue. Owners might experience headlight flickering or shutting off completely, which could be caused by the core wires breaking off at the root terminals as a result of fatigue.

The recall has been initiated as a precautionary measure wherein the affected part will be replaced free of cost, irrespective of the vehicle’s warranty status.

Owners can check if their motorcycle is a part of the recall campaign by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the Honda BigWing website.

The total cost of the motorcycle including RTO, insurance and extended warranty came out to be Rs 2.80 lakh.

BHPian psb300r recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hey everyone! Before diving into the bike review, let me share a bit about my biking background.

I've always had a fascination with automobiles since my school days, thanks to all those magazines I used to read. However, during my public examination days, I lost interest, and then the lockdown happened, causing me to spend the first year and a half of college online. Since no one in my family rode motorcycles, my mom bought a second-hand Honda Unicorn 150 and encouraged me to learn to ride. At first, I was hesitant, but I gradually learned by watching YouTube tutorials. It was frustrating initially, but as I spent more time with the bike, I fell in love with riding.

When the college reopened and I moved into a hostel in Coimbatore, seeing my friends and classmates commuting to college on their bikes made me want to ride too. During my 4th year, I stayed in a PG and brought the Unicorn to Coimbatore. Having a bike made life much more convenient during college.

Now, Why a new bike?

The Unicorn was perfect for its purpose. It never gave me any trouble, and despite being a 7-year-old bike, the engine still felt smooth and refined. However, seeing my friends upgrade to new and more powerful machines stirred a craving in me. The final nudge came when one of my friends bought the Honda CB350 H'ness. With only one semester left in college, I decided I wanted to commute on a new bike before it ended. I discussed it with my parents, and to my surprise, they agreed!

Bikes Considered

I had always admired the Kawasaki Ninja 300. One of my friends owns one, and after riding it, I realized the allure of a twin-cylinder engine. However, at almost ₹4.1 lakh on-road, it didn’t seem practical. My friend also mentioned that it only gives around 21 kmpl in the city, and the maintenance costs are quite high. This made me set a budget of ₹3 lakh, including all safety gear.

I didn’t want a KTM or Yamaha. Both are great machines, but I was looking for something exclusive. There are just too many orange bikes and R15s on the road. I also wanted something in the 300cc range.

I briefly considered the Triumph Speed 400, but the design felt more suited for when I enter my 30s. I realized that a naked or faired bike would be more enjoyable in my younger years, saving the cruisers for later.

I also considered the Honda CB350 H'ness and CB350RS. I had gone to the delivery of my friend’s H'ness, and that’s where I saw the RS, CB300R, and CB300F. After riding my friend's H'ness and experiencing the smoothness of the engine, along with Honda’s reliability, I knew I wanted a Honda. But I had to decide which one.

Deciding Factor

I was torn between the CB350RS and the CB300R. The RS seemed more practical, but the 300R seemed more fun. Then I watched a review of the CB300R on a YouTube channel called "Arun Ennum Naan," and that video helped me finalize my decision.

Buying Experience

In April, I visited Honda BigWing Coimbatore - Central. I was greeted by a sales executive, and after asking about the CB300R, I was told the bike was rare, with no test rides available. They only ordered it from the factory once booked. I inquired about a ₹10,000 discount for customers aged 18 to 25, which was valid only until the end of April. However, the bike had to be billed before the month ended to avail of the offer. I left the showroom with the executive’s contact details.

At the end of April, I visited Honda BigWing Salem - Central, about an hour from Namakkal. The experience was pleasant. As soon as I mentioned the CB300R, the staff asked for my license, handed me a helmet, and gave me the keys for a test ride. They recommended I test it on the highways to fully experience the bike’s potential. It was my first time riding the CB300R, and I was impressed by the power, though the engine felt slightly rough, probably due to the bike having clocked 20,000 km as a test vehicle.

Back at the showroom, I asked about the discount, and the salesperson mentioned that it might be extended until the end of May. I explained that I’d only be able to take delivery at the end of May or early June, and he was fine with it.

I booked the bike the next day with an advance of ₹5,000. The wait began. By May 15, I called the executive for an update, and he mentioned that three bikes (two red, one black) were on their way, and he would try to bill one in my name. A week later, he called to say the bike had arrived. I went to the showroom with my mom to inspect it. Though I couldn’t turn it on due to a disconnected battery, my mom chose the bike based on its numerologically favorable chassis number.

The total cost, including RTO, insurance, and extended warranty, came to ₹2,80,000. After making the payment in installments, they took the bike for registration to Namakkal, where I opted for a fancy number. Everything went smoothly.

I chose to take delivery at the showroom with my family and close friends present on May 28th. They wrapped the bike in a black cloth, which I unveiled with my grandfather. After some customary pooja and photos, I started the bike. The dealership also gifted me a special CB300R helmet, but since it was an L size and I’m an M, I asked for a replacement. Unfortunately, L was the only size available.

We then took the bike to the Sai Baba temple for blessings before bringing it home.

How is the Bike?

The CB300R is an absolute joy to ride, with an incredible power-to-weight ratio. Its 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces 31 PS and 27.5 Nm of torque. At just 146 kg, it feels like a pocket rocket. There’s always enough power to zip through traffic or make quick overtakes on the highway. Despite weighing the same as my Unicorn, it feels much lighter while handling.

I’ve taken the bike on several long trips (for me, long means 150 km ) and it’s been a blast on highways. However, its lightweight can feel a bit unnerving at speeds above 120 km/h, though more experienced riders might handle it better.

Pros:

• Smooth engine performance at all speeds; only minor vibrations on the footpegs and handlebars after 120 km/h.
• Mileage of 30 kmpl on highways and 27 kmpl in Coimbatore city traffic. Heating is minimal and rarely noticeable.
• Butter-smooth gears and clutch - very satisfying to operate.
• Nissin-branded brakes with dual-channel ABS work perfectly.
• The power-to-weight ratio makes it easy to maneuver in traffic and provides a real sense of power when needed.
• Premium fit, finish, and paint quality.
• Sporty but comfortable riding position—not as aggressive as the R15 or MT15.
• It’s a real head-turner—gets compliments from bystanders and at petrol stations.
• The suspension is well-balanced, offering a comfortable ride.

Cons:

• The 9.7L fuel tank, with a 1.7L reserve, limits the range to 250-300 km depending on your riding style.
• The pillion seat is inadequate, with no grab handles. It’s also a bit loose, a common issue with the CB300R.
• Traction control would have been a nice addition.
• The first gear could be a little taller.
• The LED indicators and rear lights feel flimsy due to their plastic build.
• A range indicator in the instrument cluster would be a welcome feature, especially with the small tank.
• The headlight could be better—it’s adequate for night riding, but the throw could be improved.
• No official accessories available for the CB300R at the Honda showroom. You’ll need to rely on third-party options like Zana.

Conclusion:

This is a fantastic city bike, and if you can tolerate a little discomfort, you can even take it on longer rides. I’ve seen people do cross-state rides on their R15s, so this would definitely be more comfortable in comparison. Previously retailing at ₹3,30,000, it’s now available for ₹2,80,000, with a 10-year extended warranty—definitely value for money if you’re not too concerned about extras like riding modes or Bluetooth connectivity, which most people rarely use.

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The bike recently had its 2nd free servicing at 5850kms. Basic maintenance was done as per the owner's manual.

BHPian t3rm1n80r recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Second service update:

I wanted to change the oil at around 4000 kms, but couldn't do it due to tight work schedules and personal commitments. The bike recently had its 2nd free servicing at 5850kms. Basic maintenance was done as per the owner's manual. Post the oil change, the engine feels smoother at lower rpms, thought not very noticeable. The engine holds 1.5L of oil. The Pro Honda oil comes in 1L cans. Got the 0.5L back. The servicing amount came out to be approximately Rs 2300. I had missed out on the Italian GP sprint due to work. Caught up to it while my bike was getting serviced at PCMC BigWing.

The front brake lever feel is not very confidence-inspiring. The original Nissin brakepads had a few thousand kms life left. But swapped those with EBC HH ones anyway at Pitlane Mundhwa. I would say the brake lever feel has slightly changed, not necessarily improved. Braking performance has certainly improved though. Now the bite is progressive initially and gets sharper the more the lever is pulled. The ABS kicks in quicker now. I think grippier tyres would make a large difference in performance with these brake pads. Would see whether the feeling improves with a few adjustments.

Damage to wallet - Rs. 4250.

P.S. I don't see the attached images while editing the post in the textbox, due to which I'm unable to order/align the images in between the text. Is the feature not available on mobile browsers?

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I realised after a few 4-5 hour rides that this motorcycle was nowhere near the touring comfort of my Yamaha FZ-S.

BHPian skr recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Having bought the CB300R in a sudden spike of impulse and rage over Yamaha's nightmarish service, I realised months later that I had totally overlooked/was ignorant of some of the absolute basics. To cut down on long sentences and make it an easy read, I will discuss all the points in the bulleted form below. It is important to include some points to have better context on what I look for and how I am as a rider.

• I was mostly ignorant of the types of motorcycles at the time of purchase, and what they are supposed to do. Adventure Tourer is a genre that I had heard and seen, but didn't know much in detail. Again. I'm not overly bothered about on-paper specifications. If it makes me happy on a daily basis, it's a good bike.
• Having had the opportunity to be on the road for considerable periods owing to my work (Doesn't REQUIRE me to travel by motorcycle, but I chose to do it anyway), it was paramount for my motorcycle to have decent touring capabilities.
• I am quite skinny by build, so big, heavy bikes never really appealed to me. Neither does track performance. Considering 90% of the rides are about nimbly manoeuvring through daily city traffic, stray animals and an overwhelming number of idiots on the road, getting out of tricky parking spots, etc., I am more inclined to a practical daily bike which gives me a fair number of options and flexibility. I was greatly swayed by the weight of the CB. From the FZ-S v3.0, it was like upgrading to a doubly powerful bike with the same weight. The little test ride just blew me away in those 10-15 minutes honestly.
• I thought with a 300cc, my touring ability would be upgraded greatly, especially with a light, nimble-footed frame and such beautiful refinement. I didn't know much about riding characteristics, other than three basic postures, and I didn't at all find any committedness on the seating posture at the CB during the test ride.
• Touring ability, lightweight and slick manoeuvrability being paramount, I bought the CB assuming it was a perfect upgrade to the FZ-S (and I re-iterate, being absolutely fed up with the Yamaha service experience).
• While the above may sound a little doomed in its conclusion, it is quite the opposite, and this is why I chose to finally write this post. The CB300R is indeed a beautiful machine and I can guarantee this is going to be a one-of-a-kind view regarding its touring abilities, with a few little tweaks I have personally tried. So far, it has worked miraculously, touchwood, and it has cost me a nominal sum, but the difference in experience is quite frankly, beyond surprising.
• Realising after a few 4-5 hour rides that the CB was nowhere near the touring comfort of the FZ-S, I just went gung-ho on the internet searching for solutions. Tragically, there was not a single solution in sight, except the $650 (>₹50,000! ) Corbin seats, which are not available in India (add to that customs, taxes etc. if you are willing to import). Moreover, the long-distance comfort review on the Corbin seats is bad!
• The Zana handlebar risers had done a bit to ease the overall shoulder and palm fatigue over long distances (which wasn't overly concerning but was useful nonetheless), but the bum and back fatigue was proving to be the Achilles' heel. Air seats weren't doing the trick.
• Two fortuitous conversations, one with one of the BigWing (Dehradun) mechanics and another with my regular customizer, gave me the idea that I could perhaps ask some 'seatwala' to have a look. A Google search convinced me that if there was one place that could have a solution, it was a shop called Munna Lal and Sons in Chakrata Road, Dehradun. The limited reviews were all excellent, and motorcyclists raved about how good a job they had done. The reviews seemed genuine and I paid a visit.
• Initially they thought I just needed a soft foam, but on hearing the touring aspect, suggested a hard adv style base foam with another layer of soft foam on top. I told them as clearly as I could what I wanted exactly, i.e., the shape, seat height (which I did not want to change much as it was quite comfy anyway, especially with the risers installed).
• The guys at Munna Lal were amazing not only with their expertise and work but also were willing to give useful suggestions. Once the framework of the hard foam was ready, it was pasted on to the nearly non-existent stock seat padding. They were more than happy to insist on me taking repeated test rides until the optimum ergonomics were established to my liking. It took around 4-5 rounds of test rides and consequent shaving off of the foam to get to what felt like a decent enough sweet spot, albeit with a little rise in the seat height, which is, of course, inevitable with the addition of all the foam. It was to a point where I could nearly flat foot. Their cooperation during the entire process was just exemplary.
• This was finished off with a half-inch layer of soft foam pasted on top of the hard foam.
• The final layer consists of the seat cover which was hand-stitched with great dexterity in a few minutes, which they claimed came with "guaranteed waterproofing". They worked even beyond their regular shop hours and never pressurized me to hurry on my decision.
• The pillion seat was also modified the same way, in addition to removing the incline of the seat and making it flat, the overall dimensions of the seat were also increased. It was fine for my wife for the short ride back home, but is to be tested over long hours.
• Completed a ~280 km ride through mostly twisties, and I can finally say, at least for solo touring, the issue is superbly sorted. 280 km in this terrain can be translated to roughly around 450-500 km through highways in the plains. Total ride duration was around 7 hours, and all I had was what I consider very normal soreness.
• On the way back, completed 125 km (around 2.5 hours) at a stretch with no breaks before finally stopping over for a well-deserved tea. For more context, these 125 km were post the initial 140 km, after which I had a few hours break to get some maintenance work done, meaning the stretch between 141-265 km of the ride approximately. Wearing a riding pant (Rynox Advento) also helped a great deal with the anti-skid factor really impressing me in terms of its fatigue-reducing qualities.
• During my search on the internet for touring solutions, I did not see a single opinion in either Indian or International forums which said it could be used for touring. The overall reviews for the post $600 Corbin seats are quite negative other than for short urban commutes, which is funny because short rides on even the stock cushion are totally fine and immensely enjoyable. Most reviews say it is impossible to ride more than 40-45 minutes without feeling discomfort. Hmm...
• THE PRICE: The entire seat customization process cost me ₹1,200/- (Rupees Twelve hundred, I haven't missed any zeroes) in total. This includes (for both rider and pillion seats) hard foams, soft foams, seat covers and the labour cost. I am quite in disbelief as to what a miraculously good job this small, innocuous shop has done.
• Additional points: The service quality at Honda BigWing Dehradun is decent. At least basic parts are available, hospitality is more than decent, the mechanics are all quite friendly, and service experience has been good over these 1.5 years and a tad over 18,500 km. For context, at the time of letting go of the FZ-S, I had covered an identical number of kilometres in around 23 months.
• This is a welcome change after the Yamaha service, which completely ruined the experience of a wonderful motorcycle, no matter how much I wanted to take care of it. At the time of exchange, the Yamaha had also run just over 18,500 km (between August, 2020 and July, 2022). I had done plenty of 12-13 hour rides on the FZ all over Uttarakhand, through good and terrible roads, and don't ever remember having any major issues whatsoever.
• No bike is and none will ever be perfect. While ADVs are a no-brainer as an all-rounder, it is good to know that there are ways to work around apparent handicaps. Motorcycles are not meant to be one size fits all, and everything I discussed is dependent on factors like the rider's height, weight, length of arms, feet, etc. But the experience is an eye opener on how there may be relatively easy solutions for one to explore instead of having to look for a new motorcycle entirely.
• The seats are yet to be tested for pillion comfort over long hours, behaviour with time, etc. Notwithstanding the aches produced by the stock seat, I've done plenty of post 100 km rides with my wife, the longest being from Dehradun to Shimla, a distance of around 240 km. Luggage troubles in the latter (not going into details for now) caused great bother and discomfort on the way to Shimla, which was down to my ignorance about packing soft luggage on a top rack, wrong mounting, coupled with using the luggage for the very first time. The return journey was slightly better. Luggage mounting is an issue I'll be looking to solve next.

I have invested quite a bit into accessorizing the bike, and here's a list of the accessories installed:

• Zana Top rack with plate and back rest. I don't use the back rest though.
• Zana Handlebar Risers
• Brake reservoir covers (front and rear)
• Pillion footrest add on
• Givi Windscreen
• SW Motech Crash Guard
• Grip Puppies handlebar cover, which I am about to change as it is starting to come apart.
• Barkbusters (first/second copy?) Handguards

I have attached a few images for reference.

Thanks for reaching the end, in case you are one of those rare beings who has made it this far from the start.

Cheers and Peace Out.

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I have made no changes to the motorcycle. In fact, it hasn't been even washed or cleaned.

BHPian shokedm recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I bought my Honda CB300R last week from Pune Big Wing East. Ever since the start, I've noticed a few problems with it. So far, the bike has clocked 300 kms. Nothing has been changed on the bike (all stock) and I've followed the user manual's instructions on proper engine, brakes, and tire break-in. The bike has not been washed or cleaned at all, and definitely not used by anyone else but me.

I've listed the issues below, and I hope that Honda really takes their quality checks seriously:

Handlebar is bent, or the fork is out

While riding in a straight line, the bike leans to the left on its own. Even if I completely let go of the handlebar, the bike leans to the left immediately.

While riding in traffic for more than five minutes, my left hand begins to hurt due to this imbalance.

Loud Chain Noise

The chain started to make a sound within the first 200 kms. It sounds like it's brushing against something each time I drop a gear.

Defective RHS RVM

The bike was given to me with a defective RHS RVM. The mirror on the right is shaped like a left-hand side mirror, i.e. it is inverted. I've included a picture of this below. The first picture is of my bike with the inverted RHS RVM and the second picture is of my friend's bike who bought the bike with me. My question is, how in the world did this get through quality checks or even past the dealer?

I will be taking the bike to the dealer at the end of the week to see what solutions can be offered, but I'm looking forward to getting some guidance on these issues from fellow members.

I love Honda and have owned a Honda Unicorn (CB150) since 2006. The bike has done more than 1,50,000 kms and that in itself is a testament to Honda. That said, has Honda's quality gone down since? Is it worth investing Rs. 3,00,000 on a bike that may or may not be in perfect condition? Or did I just get a lemon?

Here's what BHPian hikozaru had to say about the matter:

It is eerily similar to what I faced in my long test ride. Really, it is unfortunate considering these are things you cannot identify in a PDI without putting miles on the odo.

Check your tyre pressures. I've found that my bike tends to tip in quite suddenly and goes into tank slapper mode quite easily on bumps (taking them both in a straight line as well as during lean) with low pressure. Hope it's an easy fix.

Here's what BHPian shokedm replied:

Thank you for the advice. I've filled up the tyres to the recommended 29 psi. I've noticed the wobble and it going into the tank slapper mode as well. Quite disheartening to say the least. I've also emailed HMSI to see how they propose to address these issues. I will keep our fellow BHPians posted.

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The styling of the Honda CB300R is based on the CB1000R litre-class roadster.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has launched the 2023 CB300R. The Neo Sports Café Roadster is priced at Rs 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom).

The styling of the Honda CB300R is based on the CB1000R litre-class roadster. The bike has a circular LED headlamp, a muscular fuel tank with a short tail section and an upswept exhaust. It gets a digital instrument console, and now comes with an emergency stop signal and hazard light switch.

The CB300R is powered by a 286.01cc, single-cylinder engine that has been updated to comply with the BS6 OBD2A regulations. It produces 30.7 BHP and 27.5 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox via an assist slipper clutch. 

The CB300R rides on a 41 mm upside-down front fork and an adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a 296 mm front disc and a 220 mm disc at the rear supported by dual-channel ABS. The bike weighs 146 kg. 

The 2023 CB300R is available in two colour options: Pearl Spartan Red and Matte Massive Grey Metallic.

2024 Honda CB300R is powered by the same 286cc, single-cylinder engine as before.

Honda has taken the wraps off the 2024 CB300R for the global markets. It is likely to be launched in India later this year.

The CB300R is a street bike featuring a circular LED headlamp with raised handlebars and a stepped seat offering an upright riding position. Honda hasn't made any changes to the design of the bike for the 2024 model year. The bike is now available in two new colour options: Matte Black Metallic and Pearl Dusk Yellow.

2024 Honda CB300R is powered by the same 286cc, single-cylinder engine as before. This unit produces 30.70 BHP @ 9,000 rpm and 27.5 Nm @ 7,500 rpm and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch.

The CB300R is equipped with an upside-down front fork and a mono-shock at the rear. The brake setup consists of petal-type discs at both ends, assisted by dual-channel ABS. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with Dunlop 110/70R-17 section front and 150/60R-17 section rear tyres.

Honda hasn't revealed the exact number of CB300Rs that are affected by this issue.

Honda has issued a recall for select units of the 2022 CB300R in India over a crankcase cover issue.

According to the company, the right crankcase cover of the bikes may have a manufacturing defect, which may cause the sealing plug to come loose due to the heat-induced low retention force. This may result in the engine oil splashing out, which could in turn set the hot parts of the bike on fire. The hot oil could also cause injuries to the rider.

Honda will reach out to customers of the CB300R to notify them about the recall and get their bikes inspected at their nearest BigWing dealership. Customers can also enter their bike's vehicle identification number (VIN) on BigWing's official website to check if their CB300R is among those affected by this issue.

Honda has notified all dealerships across India to replace the affected parts on these bikes. The replacement of parts will be done free of cost even if the bike is out of warranty.

The Gixxer or Gixxer SF may be a better alternative, but both of these bikes don't have the combination of the higher upright seating position and suspension setup which the V-Strom has.

BHPian whencut86 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I test-rode the V-Strom 250 today and came back very impressed. I ride a CBR250R and with my return to the office starting, was looking for a change and a lighter bike with more upright seating. My CBR250R is a TN registered one and I shifted to Bangalore just before COVID and so was thinking of exchanging the CBR for a new bike so that I won't be stopped by cops anywhere also spares for CBR are getting hard to get nowadays. I wanted a bike only for urban conditions with very minimal highway or weekend rides.

I was having the CB300R in mind with its 146 kg weight and light and flickable nature within the city and wanted to test ride this. I dropped into the Aryan Suzuki showroom at Hoodi today since I was on my way to the office and was handed over the keys of the V-Strom 250 for a test ride without any questions asked further. Told the Sales Advisor I would go for a longer 9-10 km ride and come back and was told no issues with that.

I am 6 ft tall and did not have any issues with the seat height and was comfortably able to flat foot. The seat height is a boon in city traffic since with its SUV-like seating you see the road far ahead and can plan overtakes or navigate with ease. This is a wonderful change from the 784mm seat height of CBR to the 835mm seat height of the baby VStrom.

The suspension felt plush as my CBR if not better and that is saying a lot about the suspension setup of the baby VStrom. I was sceptical about the suspension setup post all the initial review videos but I have no complaints post the test ride. This is perfectly comfortable for urban conditions and rides well over broken patches of roads and tattered tarmac.

The engine doesn't require too much shifting in traffic and this is a very welcome thing in Bangalore traffic. Loved the tractability of the engine from low speeds to higher gears. The ride was a mix of stop-and-go traffic and some open stretches and absolutely no complaints here about the power delivery. The CBR may deliver power slightly better but there is nothing to hold against the VStrom 250 in this regard since I could maintain low speeds without having to downshift in traffic and the engine pulled cleanly from those speeds once traffic cleared.

Overall, I was very happy with the V-Strom 250 and was thinking this doesn't deserve all the flak it is receiving from reviewers. Agreed this is not an enduro or hardcore adventure bike but for urban needs and highway touring this is a perfectly capable bike. The Gixxer or Gixxer SF may be a better alternative to this bike, but both of these bikes don't have the combination of the higher upright seating position and suspension setup which the V-Strom has. A very flickable and easy to live within the city and personally V-Strom 250 ticks all the boxes. Compared to the CB300R, this is heavier by 21 kg but I guess I can live with this considering all the other positives.

The exchange discount of 7000, free insurance and free jacket are the offers still on though the extended warranty and waiver of labour for first paid service are no longer part of the offer. Sounds like a decent deal to me and would see how best to exchange a TN-registered bike in Bangalore and get a good deal for this during the exchange.

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After 36 days of waiting, the parts arrived broken and now I'm forced to wait another 2 weeks.

BHPian mrgawde recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

31st of July - Delivery of Bike by Honda Big Wing Mumbai

I bought my first motorcycle, a brand new red CB300R from Honda Big Wing (Worli Showroom, Mumbai). Words cannot describe how excited I was! If only I knew that this was the start of a long painful journey dealing with Honda Big Wing and their representatives. Within the first 20 mins of riding the bike on the very first day the engine cool light had come on, I was a bit surprised as there was no traffic on the streets and it wasn't a particularly hot day. I decided to let some time pass and see if the issue persisted. Since this is my first bike, I never knew what a radiator should sound like so I assumed the bike was functioning normally, since it was a brand new bike.

In the next 4 days, I took the motorcycle on quick 5 minute rides across town, the cool engine light would switch on and off occasionally.

4th of August - The Incident

5 days after my purchase of the bike I was travelling on the highway in heavy traffic. I noticed that the engine light was on and for the first time I felt the heat of the engine on my legs. A taxi driver who was passing told me coolant was leaking from my bike. In a state of shock and disbelief, I had to swerve through traffic to get my bike to the side of the road and immediately smoke started billowing from the engine. At this point I was panicking and wasn't sure what to do, the dealer did not even provide me with an RSA number. So my first priority was to shut off the engine and walk the bike to a secure area. In the midst of this, a nearby samaritan told me sometimes the coolant for a new bike is topped up extra and that I shouldn't worry. In the next 30 minutes of my efforts to get my motorcycle back safely, I had to run it fast through cool air and take regular stops when that wasn't an option. I am very thankful to the taxi driver who pointed out that the coolant was leaking. Being a new driver, being in such a startling situation could have led to a much worse accident, thankfully I am alright.

5th August - Visit to service centre (First day at the service centre)

The next day, I took my bike to the Worli service centre. Upon investigation, they found that the fan in my bike wasn't spinning and looking deeper found a piece of cardboard jammed inside the fan.

A BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE CAME FROM HONDA BIG WING WITH CARDBOARD STUCK INSIDE THE RADIATOR.

I was in a state of disbelief. The level of negligence was just too high, and that too for a premium motorcycle. I shudder to think of what could have happened due to their negligence, thankfully I am alright despite Honda Big Wing's best efforts. After coming to terms with the fact that they sold a motorcycle with a piece of cardboard stuck in the radiator I asked on what the process would be to repair their own error. They told me the part isn't available in stock and will need to be ordered and that it could take about 2 weeks. I left the bike at the service centre and went home.

2 weeks later (14 days at the service centre)

I would be in constant touch with the service head of Honda Big Wing for Mumbai (Frank) and the sales lead of Honda Big Wing Mumbai (Vijay), unfortunately, there were no updates. At one point the service head sent me an invoice for the parts that needed replacement. I was a bit taken aback as the fan had broken due to cardboard that they had forgotten to remove inside the radiator on a 5-day-old bike! Deliver a faulty bike and make the customer pay for its repairs?

I maintained contact with the team in hopes that my bike would come back to me. On the 23rd of August (2 Weeks after the bike was left at the service centre), I was told the parts were still in the pending state which means that they have not even shipped the order from Delhi. I was told that the order would take another 10 days. Throughout this painful process, the service lead was quite rude and never bothered keeping tabs on my particular case, in fact, I had to call him and remind him each time. This is definitely not the service I expected from a premium 2-wheeler brand.

After another 10 days of waiting (24 days at the service center)

The service lead began to stop answering my calls. I was not incessantly, but it seemed that they had not procured the part yet. Finally, once they answered, I was told the order was in a 'pending' state. It had now taken 24 days to get a fan from Delhi. They refused to escalate the matter or offer any timeline for the repair.

10th of September - The parts finally arrive! Or have they? (36 days at the service centre)

36 days after I dropped off my bike at the service centre I get a call from the service lead. He informs me that the fan they ordered has arrived broken. I was now beyond annoyed, I asked them what they could do to fix it, and they said they'd order a new fan which would take another 2 weeks!!! The service lead even had the gall to suggest 'glueing' the old fan as an option if I am impatient. What a joke! It seems that Honda Big Wing doesn't care about their customers after a sale. How can a premium line of motorcycles have such terrible support? I didn't have the motorcycle for more than a week and now I am waiting for it for more than a month. If I had known about the terrible attitude that Honda Big Wing would carry and that I would have to wait for a month for my new motorcycle, just for it to feel like a patched-up second-hand one, I would have rather gone for a KTM Duke 390.

Here's what BHPian neil.jericho had to say on the matter:

It's unfortunate that you have had to suffer at the hands of a callous and indifferent Honda dealership. You certainly have the patience of a saint.

Do you have pictures of the bike, the damaged fan and the piece of cardboard that was stuck in it? If you do, please post them.

First things first, go to the Honda Big Wing website, and pull up the email ID or Contact Us box for the page. Explain your predicament. Put a link to this thread. I'm sure that this thread is getting widely circulated in the motorcycling community, both within Bombay and outside it. The last time I used this approach (though I'm not a Honda customer), the local Honda Big Wing dealership contacted me within 30 minutes and things began to move very quickly. It's no surprise that they don't want to escalate the matter internally. How are they going to explain to the company and the higher-ups at the dealership, that they didn't properly do the PDI on your motorcycle?

Secondly, ask the local dealership to source the part from another Big Wing dealership, if it's going to take another 2 weeks. It's surprising to hear your local Honda dealership take such a laid-back approach to your problem.

Thirdly, if you are on social media, leverage it to your advantage.

Also, have you asked for a loaner bike? You should.

In this case, there is no reason for you to pay for the fan and/or any other associated parts.

I hope the staff at the Honda dealership finally see some sense and bring this to a speedy conclusion.

Here's what BHPian swiftnfurious had to say on the matter:

Well - a very sad way to start the ownership. Having problems in a vehicle is ok - how the issues are resolved is what brings trust to that brand! After having a not-so-good experience with the service centre or parts availability for my CBR 250, I stopped recommending Honda vehicles to my friend circle.

The product may be super good, but the problem starts when something goes wrong! What good is a product if the parts are not available when it breaks?

From what I read on the groups, someone has to be extremely lucky for the Honda guys to even provide any support and that's exactly why the dealerships act high-handed.

I honestly don't have much good advice for you, maybe sending the link to this thread to Honda's social media might work. Else, the time & effort-consuming Customer court proceedings are the only way!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.