Honda surprised the motorcycle industry by registering a photographic prototype of a new 300cc café racer, departing from the usual procedure of presenting CAD digital images for design registrations. The registration was filed in Japan, but evidence points to development carried out by the company’s Brazilian division.
The air-cooled single-cylinder engine shows similarities with the powerplant used in Brazilian models such as the XR300L Tornado and the recent Sahara 300. With a 300cc displacement, achieved through a 77mm bore and 63mm stroke, the engine produces approximately 25 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque of 26.4 Nm at 5,750 rpm.
The frame appears to be derived from the CB300F sold in Brazil, maintaining the backbone-style steel structure and monoshock rear suspension. At the front, it features an inverted fork, possibly sourced from the Indonesian CB300F BigWing version. A distinctive element is the twin front brake discs, apparently developed specifically for this project.
The exhaust system shown in the images lacks emission control equipment, suggesting that this is still an early-stage styling exercise. The fuel tank, seat, and rear bodywork are unique elements of this prototype, while the circular headlight with four LEDs appears to be shared with the current Rebel 300.
This development may indicate Honda’s interest in competing in the growing classic single-cylinder segment, where brands like Royal Enfield and Triumph have gained prominence. The decision to protect the intellectual property of the design suggests that the company may have concrete plans for a production model based on this concept.
Source: Cycleworld