Honda CB300F was earlier offered with a discount of ₹50,000 nationwide. This was supposed to end in 2022 but as of now, this discount is still on offer. This is quite unprecedented; a new Honda product does not get such a big discount within a few months of its launch. This does not, however, come as a surprise, because the launch price of ₹2.26 lakh to ₹2.29 lakh seemed a bit much for what this bike had to offer. While it is a 300, its specifications are akin to the simpler 250s on sale today. Now, at ₹1.79 lakh, can the CB300F make a genuine case for itself?

As with most sporty naked bikes today, the Honda CB300F has a front-heavy look, with angular tank extensions, although it does not have a steeply raked rear end, which should bode well for carrying a pillion. Our test was on this handsome, deep blue colour and the flakes visible in the paint are a neat touch. The richly painted, 14.1-litre tank and the tactile switchgear reinforce its premium positioning. While quality levels are respectable nearly all over, the mirrors and non-adjustable levers are lifted straight off Honda commuter bikes (like the Unicorn and Shine) and stick out like a sore thumb on this otherwise well-finished product.

The 6-speed gearbox is precise, with a light clutch feel that makes riding in the city a breeze. The MRF REVZ tyres perform adequately and are a good match for this bike’s capabilities. Braking performance (provided at both ends by Nissin) is a love/hate affair, with the front brake lacking feel but the reassuringly strong rear brake does, partly, make up for it. Dual-channel ABS is standard and is not switchable.

The CB300F is a quick, well-built, feature-packed offering from Honda which is also priced competitively. There is not any standout feature on the CB300F, but it comes together as a stylish, lightweight and do-it-all motorcycle that is more than the sum of its parts. Add to that the fact that Honda spares and service are famously light on the wallet and the little CB makes a compelling case for itself.

As a city-oriented motorcycle, the Honda CB300F does many things right, but lacks refinement unlike its rival — Bajaj. Nevertheless, for those who value the Honda badge and do not have an interest in long-distance travel, the CB300F makes for a good motorcycle, but only at a discounted price, as it simply cannot justify its original price tag.