HONDA

CB 300F Twister: versatile, durable, agile and ambitious

Since 2001 the name Twister has been part of the lives of Brazilian motorcyclists. Successful aesthetics and great overall performance became the model's hallmark. In 2008, the 1st generation of the CBX 250 Twister gave way to the more powerful CB 300R, which dominated the segment, until the rescue of the name through the unprecedented CB 250F Twister, which in 2015 debuted an unprecedented engine, with less cubic capacity than its predecessor, but with equivalent performance and lower consumption.

In seven years on the market, from 2015 to 2022, the CB 250F Twister remained No. 1 in its segment. Its high reliability, modern styling and ease of riding made it the preferred option for those wishing to make a leap in category, moving from small-displacement utilitarian models, such as the CG 160, to a motorcycle with greater performance and capacity.

Now, with the arrival of the CB 300F Twister, history is repeating itself: Honda fulfills its tradition of constant technical improvement and aesthetic modernization, crucial points to remain at the forefront of the segment. The new Twister reaps the legacy of continuing to be a versatile, durable, agile and ambitious motorcycle, a champion even when it comes to minimal depreciation.

Under this philosophy of improvement, but without breaking with the essence that the name Twister carries, the Honda CB 300F Twister is born. Engine and suspensions were improved as well as the aesthetic aspect, bringing it closer to the Honda CB 500F; Details like the split seat, Blackout LCD panel and full-LED lighting are a genuine upgrade over the model it replaces.

Model generalities... The Honda CB 300F Twister is the result of an in-depth project that resulted in an advanced urban streetfighter, with an aggressive, strong and sporty style, which aims to give its users the real feeling of piloting a model of displacement higher. However, its DNA preserves the qualities of the previous generation, including its renowned robustness, economy and great versatility.

In fact, the Twister lends itself as much to everyday work and transport as it does to weekend leisure. It serves both those who want an agile and fun motorcycle to face roads full of curves and those who want to take road trips safely and with power reserve, even taking pillion.

Deep changes in the suspensions found in the consecrated Diamond-type tubular chassis the exact structure to offer an excellent dynamic behavior to the model. Braking uses discs at the front and rear, and the CB 300F Twister will be sold in two options in which the differential is precisely the brake system: CBS - Combined Brake System, or the ABS version, with an electronic anti-lock system.

In the engine, the increase in power and torque allows for more consistent throttle responses, improving acceleration, speed recovery and providing the new Twister with the ability to achieve excellent performance. This evolution in the performance of the engine with FlexOne technology was accompanied by even more savings. The six-speed gearbox has an assisted and sliding clutch, an upgrade complemented by the new rear tire, now wider, a change that serves to increase power.

The lighting on the CB 300F Twister is full-LED and the panel, Blackout type, is full of information and has a new USB Type-C port for recharging smartphones. Finally, it should be noted that the new split seat, the shape of the new tank and the positioning of the handlebars and pedals provide excellent ergonomics, without affecting practical aspects such as the distance of the seat from the ground and the dry weight, only 2 kg more than the previous model.

Design & practical aspects...The styling of the Honda CB 300F Twister was developed by Mono-C (Honda Brazil's design department), under the precept of realizing an advanced streetfighter with a powerful and aggressive image. To this end, elements such as the plastic fairings that cover the tank - use angular lines, matching the shapes of the front optical group, the exhaust pipe and the bipartite seat, whose elevated final portion emphasizes the model's sportiness.

About the fairing that covers the tank, now with a capacity of 14 liters, it is a resource that, in addition to making it easier to obtain more elaborate shapes, has a practical rationale: it is made up of three elements - left, top and right - in the event of damage, the fairing not only protects the metallic fuel tank but also saves money, both because of the easier repair and the possibility of individually changing the elements.

The technology used in the tank fairing made it possible to approximate the style of the Honda CB 300F Twister to that of the CB 500F, a reference in its segment. In this way, the new Twister positions itself on a superior aesthetic level, with the appearance of a larger displacement model. Other stylistic choices contribute to this aspect, such as the short and high exhaust pipe, the lower engine fairing and newly designed wheels, but also technical choices such as the wider rear tire, now a 150/60 R17 (previously 140/70 R17) and the most robust front suspension, with Ø 41 mm tubes (previously Ø 37 mm).

The new dashboard is another element that gives distinction to the Honda CB 300F Twister. Rectangular in shape, the LCD Blackout screen features a tachometer and gear indicator, clock, speedometer, two partial odometers, total odometer and offers information such as remaining autonomy, average and instantaneous consumption, battery charge level, in addition to the traditional headlights. alert. A new feature is the Type-C USB port for recharging Smartphones, located at the upper left end of the panel.

Engine...The engine of the CB 300F Twister derives directly from the one that equipped its predecessor. The gain in cubic capacity - which went from 249.5 cm3 to 293.5 cm3 - was obtained by increasing the cylinder diameter, which went from 71 to 77 mm, maintaining the stroke of 63 mm. It is important to remember that this option allowed for the improvement of the four-valve cylinder head and consequent gain for the engine's supply and exhaust system.

Maximum power increased from 22.6 hp (22.4 with gasoline) at 7,500 rpm to 24.7 hp (24.5 with gasoline) at the same speed. Maximum torque rose from 22.4 Nm (22 Nm with gasoline) at 5,500 rpm to 25.5 Nm (25.6 Nm with gasoline) at the same speed. The maximum power grew by 9.3% while the maximum torque by no less than 15.5%, an extremely desirable characteristic considering the type of use to which the CB 300F Twister is intended, mostly made of urban routes interspersed with expressways.

In practice, the gain is perceived through a more robust throttle response in all rotation ranges. Another positive consequence is consumption, which proves to be even better, and which can be explained by the fact that despite the increase in cubic capacity, the increase in power and especially in maximum torque allows driving the CB 300F Twister by opening the throttle less. 

As for the transmission system, the six-speed exchange - exclusive in the segment - is now coupled to a sliding and assisted clutch. This type of clutch, previously exclusive to high-performance motorcycles, prevents the rear wheel from losing grip when downshifting more heavily. The assistance makes the clutch lever light and easy to operate, which on a motorcycle with a strong urban profile is a very desirable quality.

To better assist the engine's demand for heat dissipation, the CB 300F Twister features a larger oil cooler. The same can be said about the exhaust system: the shorter tailpipe is connected to an expansion chamber under the engine, which houses the catalytic converter. This new positioning provides greater efficiency to the entire system.

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