Naked CB300R re-joins Honda’s range for 2022 with Showa fork upgrade and slipper clutch

Honda have reinstated the A2-friendly CB300R as part of their 2022 line-up, adding a Euro5-compliant motor, and Showa Separate Function Big Piston upside down forks.

The novice-friendly naked first arrived back in 2018 and was marketed as a ‘stepping-stone’ – bridging the gap between the learner legal CB125R and later four-cylinder CB650R. It resumes this role for 2022 – retaining very similar styling with a claimed greater front-end stability, more comfort, and the inclusion of a slipper clutch.

Related articles on MCN

• 2018-2020 Honda CB300R bike review
• 2022 Honda CB500F bike review
• 2022 KTM RC390 bike review

Starting in the middle the 286cc liquid-cooled single has been tweaked to meet Euro5, producing around 31bhp at 9000rpm and 20ftlb of torque at 7750rpm. 

Housed in a tubular steel frame, the DOHC unit meets the new standards thanks, in part, to a redesigned exhaust mid-section with a larger catalyser. The muffler also features a simpler internal structure, too.

Adding to the reworked engine is an assist and slipper clutch, which works alongside the six-speed gearbox to provide smoother downshifts. Prices start at £4899 OTR, with bikes arriving between May and June 2022.

Also said to smooth things out are the new 41mm Showa forks, which are taken from the larger CB650R naked, with changes to the spring rate and damping to suit the smaller model.

Working alongside a five-stage pre-load adjustable rear shock, Honda claim the upside-down units offer more front end feel and bump absorption, with a single four-piston front radial Nissin caliper, 296mm hubless floating disc, and two channel ABS bringing an additional safety net.

Away from improvements to the ride, Honda also say the new CB300R is also comfier, thanks revised seat cover thickness – which offers greater cushioning, whilst retaining its old 799mm seat height.

Considerably lower than the rival KTM 390 Duke’s 820mm perch, the 300R also weighs in at a manageable 144kg ready to ride, with a compact wheelbase of 1352mm.

Away from the comfort, you also get an updated LCD display. A thin design weighing just 230 grams, it provides your speed, revs, fuel level, gear position and more.

There’s also full LED lighting, meaning greater road presence and an added air of quality, plus four paint finishes to choose from. Yellow, blue, and red bikes come finished with gold forks, with an all blacked-out model also available. Keep an eye out for the full Honda CB300R review coming very soon.