Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has just made its most stylish entry-level performance bike significantly more attractive. Following the recent GST revision for sub-350cc vehicles, the company has officially updated the price of the Honda CB300R on its website, revealing a substantial cut. The neo-retro naked motorcycle is now priced at Rs 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), a full Rs 21,000 less than its previous price of Rs 2.40 lakh.
This move comes after Honda’s initial announcement to pass on GST benefits to customers, which initially focused on more mass-market models. The inclusion of the CB300R in this price revision is a significant development for enthusiasts who had been eyeing the premium-built machine but were perhaps hesitant due to its positioning against more affordable rivals.
A Sharper Competitive Edge
This price reduction dramatically alters the CB300R’s standing in the hotly contested sub-400cc naked bike segment. The Honda now presents a compelling alternative to popular models like the KTM 250 Duke (Rs 2.12 lakh) and positions itself as a more accessible option than the highly-praised Triumph Speed 400 (Rs 2.50 lakh). Most notably, the CB300R now undercuts the base variant of the feature-rich TVS Apache RTR 310, which starts at Rs 2.21 lakh.
For riders seeking a premium, lightweight streetfighter with a distinct design language, the CB300R’s value proposition has never been stronger. The bike’s core mechanics remain unchanged. It continues to be powered by a refined 286cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that delivers a smooth 31 horsepower and 27.5 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch.
A Journey to Competitive Pricing
This is not the first time the CB300R has received a price adjustment. Its journey to this new, attractive price point began with increased localisation, which brought its cost down from Rs 2.77 lakh to the previous Rs 2.40 lakh. This latest cut, directly attributed to the revised GST structure, is the second major reduction, solidifying its place as a serious contender.
It’s worth noting that while the CB300R and other smaller BigWing models like the CB300F and CB350 series have seen price drops, the opposite is true for Honda’s larger offerings. Bikes like the NX500, Rebel 500, and CBR650R have experienced price increases due to the new tax regime. This contrast highlights how the GST 2.0 policy has created a clear divide, making sub-350cc bikes more affordable while larger-displacement machines become a more significant investment.
For the riding community, this price revision means the segment just got more interesting. The Honda CB300R, with its premium fit and finish and agile handling, is now a smarter buy than ever, forcing competitors to justify their own price tags.
