Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has officially launched the Honda CB300F Flex-Fuel, making a strong statement in favor of sustainable mobility. This motorcycle represents a major innovation as India’s first 300cc flex-fuel motorcycle, designed to run on a fuel blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol (E85). Priced at ₹1.7 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional motorcycles without compromising on power or performance.
In this article, we explore the features, specifications, benefits, and how the CB300F Flex-Fuel fits into India’s future mobility goals.
Key Features and Highlights
Here are the most noteworthy aspects of the CB300F Flex-Fuel:
- Engine: 293.52cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine with support for E85 ethanol-blended fuel.
- Power Output: 24.9 PS at 7,500 RPM.
- Torque: 25.9 Nm at 5,500 RPM.
- Gearbox: 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch.
- Price: ₹1.7 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
- Honda cb 300f on road price: Rs 1,95,150
- Availability: Bookings open at BigWing dealerships; deliveries start last week of October 2024.
- Colors: Available in two options – Sports Red and Mat Axis Grey Metallic.
Why Flex-Fuel Technology Matters
What Is Flex-Fuel?
Flex-fuel engines are capable of running on ethanol-petrol blends, allowing greater flexibility in fuel use. The CB300F can use E85 fuel, which consists of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. Ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel that reduces carbon emissions and helps in achieving better fuel economy.
Benefits of Ethanol Fuel
Lower Emissions: Ethanol burns cleaner than petrol, reducing the output of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants.
Economic Advantage: Reduces India’s oil import bill and promotes the domestic agricultural sector by increasing the demand for ethanol.
Performance Boost: Ethanol has a higher octane rating, improving the motorcycle’s fuel efficiency and performance.
Government Support: Honda’s effort aligns with India’s goal to achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2025.
Engine Performance and Transmission
The 293.52cc engine in the CB300F Flex-Fuel provides an impressive blend of power and efficiency. The bike generates:
- 24.9 PS of power at 7,500 RPM.
- 25.9 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.
This is a slight improvement over the petrol-only version, which reflects the performance potential of ethanol-blended fuel. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring an assist and slipper clutch. This clutch ensures smooth gear shifts and prevents rear-wheel lockup during aggressive downshifts.
Design and Styling
The CB300F Flex-Fuel shares the same sharp, aggressive design as the petrol-only version, retaining its sporty look with features like:
- LED Headlamps and Indicators: For better visibility and safety.
- Compact Fuel Tank Extensions: Enhances the bike’s muscular stance.
- Golden-colored USD Forks: Adds a premium touch to the design.
- The only visible distinction in the Flex-Fuel variant is the ‘FlexTech’ decal on the fuel tank, emphasizing the bike’s ethanol compatibility.
Color Options
- Sports Red
- Mat Axis Grey Metallic
Technology and Features
The CB300F Flex-Fuel offers advanced features for safety, convenience, and rider assistance, including:
- All-Digital Instrument Cluster: Displays speed, odometer, tachometer, gear position, fuel gauge, trip meters, and a clock.
- 5-Level Adjustable Brightness: Customize the display’s brightness according to your preference.
- Intelligent Ethanol Indicator: Alerts the rider if ethanol content exceeds 85%.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC): Ensures better traction and stability on slippery roads.
Suspension and Braking
The bike retains the same high-quality suspension setup found on the standard CB300F. It features:
- Upside-Down (USD) Front Forks: Provides better control and stability.
- 5-Step Adjustable Rear Monoshock: Allows riders to fine-tune the suspension for comfort.
For braking, the bike is equipped with:
- Dual Disc Brakes: 276mm disc at the front and 220mm disc at the rear.
- Dual-Channel ABS: Ensures safer braking, especially in wet conditions.
Sustainability and Fuel Economy
One of the primary advantages of the CB300F Flex-Fuel is its eco-friendly design. By adopting ethanol-blended fuel, Honda aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its motorcycles while supporting India’s sustainable development goals.
Ethanol is also more cost-effective than conventional petrol, especially in areas where ethanol-blended fuel is readily available. Riders can expect similar fuel efficiency to the standard model, but with lower emissions.
Pricing and Availability
Honda has priced the CB300F Flex-Fuel at ₹1.7 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the same as the standard version, ensuring that customers don’t pay a premium for adopting greener technology.
Booking and Delivery
Bookings: Open at all BigWing dealerships.
Deliveries: Start by October 2024.
Comparison Table: Standard CB300F vs. CB300F Flex-Fuel
| Feature | Standard CB300F | CB300F Flex-Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 293.52cc, Petrol Only | 293.52cc, Supports E85 Fuel |
| Power Output | 24.5 bhp | 24.9 PS |
| Torque | 25 Nm | 25.9 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
| Colors | Red, Grey, Blue | Red, Grey |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Ethanol-Petrol Blend (E85) |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹1.7 Lakh | ₹1.7 Lakh |
| Unique Feature | N/A | Intelligent Ethanol Indicator |
The Road Ahead: Honda’s Sustainability Vision
The CB300F Flex-Fuel reflects Honda’s commitment to sustainable innovation. According to Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director of HMSI, Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 across all its products and operations. The introduction of flex-fuel motorcycles is a step towards supporting India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The Honda CB300F Flex-Fuel offers a seamless blend of performance, style, and sustainability. With its E85 fuel compatibility, advanced features, and competitive pricing, this motorcycle represents the future of eco-friendly commuting in India. For riders who seek thrilling rides without compromising on environmental responsibility, the CB300F Flex-Fuel is an excellent choice.
As bookings open and deliveries begin in October 2024, the CB300F Flex-Fuel sets a new standard for green mobility solutions in the two-wheeler market.
