Prices of motorcycles move up and down all the time, but some changes stand out. The Honda CB300F recently got a major price cut, and that has opened up a fresh conversation in the street bike space. With the new price, you can now look at a genuine 300cc machine within a budget of around ₹1.55 lakh (ex-showroom).

If you have been waiting for 300cc bikes under ₹1.6 lakh, this is the update you were hoping for. Many riders were earlier forced to stretch their budget or settle for smaller capacity engines. But with the GST revision reducing taxes on mid-capacity bikes, the CB300F has suddenly become accessible to a wider group of buyers.

What Changed with the GST Revision?

The recent GST policy update brought down the tax rate on 350cc motorcycles. Earlier, you would pay a higher tax bracket for 300cc bikes, making them pricier than they should have been. With the revision, Honda dropped the CB300F’s price by nearly ₹15,000, bringing it to around ₹1.55 lakh ex-showroom.

This shift matters because it changes how the bike is positioned. Earlier, the CB300F looked expensive compared to 250cc rivals and even some 350cc options. Now, it sits in a bracket where value becomes its strongest talking point. For someone considering beginner-friendly 300cc bikes, the equation suddenly looks very different.

Honda CB300F Specifications and Features at a Glance

Honda has packed the CB300F with features that work both for city commutes and weekend rides. Given below is a quick look at what you get:

• 293.5cc oil-cooled engine producing around 24–24.5 PS of power and 25–26 Nm of torque
• Lightweight frame of about 153 kg, making it easy to handle in traffic and on longer rides
• Upside-down front forks and rear monoshock for stability
• Dual-channel ABS with traction control (HSTC) for safety
• Fully digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity
• USB charging port for convenience

CB300F vs Competition

The real question is, how does the Honda CB300F compare with other options in the same range? Let’s look at some of the closest rivals you might consider:

Hero Xtreme 250R and 250 series

Hero’s 250cc bikes are priced close to this bracket. They are lighter on the pocket and good for city use, but they simply don’t match the CB300F in terms of torque and high-speed stability. The Honda offers more displacement and a better feature list for just a small difference in price.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

The Hunter 350 is one of the best value motorcycles in Royal Enfield’s lineup, and it attracts riders looking for a classic feel with modern touches. However, it is heavier and tuned for relaxed rides. Lighter and more responsive than its rivals, the CB300F delivers a smooth ride for street-focused riders.

Bajaj Dominar 250 and Pulsar 250 twins

Bajaj knows this segment well. The Dominar 250 is your powerhouse for highway cruising, giving you that solid, comfortable feel at speed. For daily use, the practical Pulsar 250 models are better. But when you compare performance vs price, the Honda now feels better positioned. It comes across as a more refined machine with premium components like USD forks and traction control that Bajaj doesn’t always include at this price point.

This comparison shows why Honda’s pricing change matters. The CB300F no longer feels overpriced. Instead, it now looks like one of the most affordable performance bikes in the street bikes 300cc segment.

What You Should Check During a Test Ride

Before you make a purchase, it’s always smart to spend a little time at the dealership. Here are a few things worth checking:

• Midrange pull: How easily the bike picks up speed in the 3,000–6,000 rpm range matters most for city traffic.
• Clutch and gear feel: A lighter clutch makes daily-use motorcycles easier to handle in stop-go conditions.
• Braking response: Test the ABS intervention on different surfaces to see how secure you feel.
• Comfort: Check seat height, handlebar reach, and pillion comfort.
• Practical extras: Find out about the service deals they offer and ask if they have accessories.

Also, for your budget, always get the final on-road price. That way you know exactly what you’ll pay, including insurance and registration.

Cost of Ownership and Daily Use

Performance is only one part of the picture. You also need to know how the CB300F handles everyday riding. Honda claims a fuel efficiency figure close to 30 kmpl, but you can realistically expect 25–28 kmpl in mixed riding.

Service costs should be moderate since Honda’s network is wide and parts are usually reliable. Insurance premiums for 300cc motorcycles will be slightly higher than 150cc or 200cc bikes, but still manageable if you compare quotes. Tyre replacement and chain maintenance will add to your long-term costs, as they do with any street bike in this class.

For weekend riders, the bike has enough power to keep highway rides enjoyable. On regular days, it feels light and easy to handle in city traffic.

Final Thoughts

The recent price cut has shifted the CB300F into a bracket where it suddenly looks very attractive. At around ₹1.55 lakh, you’re getting a proper 300cc street bike with a strong feature list, trusted brand name, and practical everyday usability. Compared to the competition, it feels lighter, sharper, and better equipped at this price point.

If you’ve been looking for budget 300cc motorcycles in India, this could be your best time to head to a Honda showroom. Honda CB300F has truly changed the game—making 300cc bikes under ₹1.6 lakh a reality for more people.

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FAQs

Which 300cc bikes can I get for less than ₹1.6 lakh?

Right now, the Honda CB300F leads the list. But there are a few others worth considering, like the Suzuki Gixxer 250, Yamaha FZ25, Bajaj Pulsar NS200, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, and Hero Xtreme 200S

How does the Honda CB300F compare with other 300cc options?

The CB300F stands out because it’s lighter and packed with features that many rivals don’t offer, like traction control, USD front forks, and a smooth, refined engine. And all this is at a price that’s easier on the pocket.

Is the Honda CB300F a good bike for beginners?

Yes. The CB300F offers a balanced ride with easy handling, making it suitable for new riders.