The CFMoto 300NK is now on sale at Rs 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom, India). A Chinese brand that was created in 1989 and has a presence in Australian, Asian and North American markets overseas, CFMoto’s 300NK is an entry-level offering in India. It goes up against the BMW G 310 R, Honda CB300R and the KTM 390 Duke. The BMW and Honda are motorcycles that are quite well-established and we like them for how light and nimble they feel in the city. KTM’s 390 Duke, meanwhile, is loved for its potent powertrain and track-ready dynamics. Thus the CF 300NK has its work cut out and while we wait to pit these motorcycles against each other on the road, here’s a detailed specifications comparison to see what they are like on paper.
Design and dimensions
The CFMoto 300NK looks quite contemporary with some interesting design elements such as the chiseled fuel tank, exposed trellis frame and floating rear body panels, which seem to take inspiration from the Yamaha YZF- R15. The design does seem as if it is influenced by the KTM 125/200/250 Duke; possibly a consequence of the Austrian brand’s tie-up with CFMoto.
The 390 Duke, meanwhile, features styling that draws inspiration from new-generation higher-capacity Dukes. It features aggressive lines all around, a flat LED headlight and a sharp minimalistic rear end. The Duke is also the only one in this list that isn’t available in a subtle colour scheme, it can only be had in a bright orange or white.
The BMW G 310 R’s design is quite well-rounded. Its stand-out elements include the small headlamp, a golden-coloured upside-down fork and the beefy fuel tank. It also looks quite striking in the official BMW colours.
The Honda CB300R looks like a miniature CB1000R or even the CB650R. Honda calls it the ‘neo sports cafe’ design language and we feel the bike looks much better in the flesh, rather than what the pictures suggest. Bits like the circular LED headlamp and floating tank extensions lend the bike a rather well-rounded design.
When you look at the dimensions chart, the four motorcycles are almost evenly matched in terms of size. It’s just a case of one bike being slightly longer or taller or wider than the other. That said, we’ll wait to park these four motorcycles next to each other to find out which one has the most street presence.
Engine and transmission
CFMoto’s 300NK is powered by a 292.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 34hp at 7,200rpm and 20.5Nm at 8,800rpm, which are respectable figures for a sub-300cc machine. Interestingly, the BMW G 310 R produces the same horsepower, but quite a bit higher in the rev range (at 9,500rpm). However, the BMW also has a big torque advantage at 28Nm; the 300NK has the lowest torque figure among the bikes in this comparison.
The Honda CB300R makes less power than both – the 300NK and the G 310 R – at 30.4hp, but puts out a respectable torque figure of 27.4Nm. Lastly, the 390 Duke’s figures are higher than the others here, producing 43.5hp/37Nm from its 373.2cc engine, which also explains why it has the highest power-to-weight ratio of 266.87hp/tonne.
In terms of power-to-weight, the CFMoto 300NK comes in at second with 225hp/tonne. The G 310 R and CB300R, meanwhile, are pegged at 214.5hp/tonne and 206.8hp/tonne, respectively.
| Powertrain | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto 300NK | BMW G 310 R | Honda CB300R | KTM 390 Duke | |
| Engine | 292.4cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 313cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 286.01cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 373.2cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 34hp at 7200rpm | 34hp at 9500rpm | 30hp at 8000rpm | 43.5hp at 9000rpm |
| Torque | 20.5Nm at 8800rpm | 28Nm at 7500rpm | 27.4Nm at 6500rpm | 37Nm at 7000rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 225.16hp/tonne | 214.51hp/tonne | 204.08hp/tonne | 266.87hp/tonne |
Chassis
The CFMoto 300NK, BMW G 310 R and KTM 390 Duke make use of a trellis frame while the CB300R sports a diamond frame structure. What they have in common is the suspension setup, in the form of a USD fork and a monoshock. Braking hardware on the CFMoto, Honda, KTM and BMW motorcycles feature ABS-equipped, four-piston calipers in the front and a single-piston caliper unit at the rear. The CB300R is the only bike here to offer IMU-aided ABS, which should result in more finely tuned performance when leaning while cornering.
| Chassis | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto 300NK | BMW G 310 R | Honda CB300R | KTM 390 Duke | |
| Wheelbase | 1360mm | 1374mm | 1344mm | 1357mm |
| Seat height | 795mm | 785mm | 800mm | 830mm |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Disc/disc | 300mm disc/240mm disc | 296mm disc/220mm disc | 320mm disc/230mm disc |
| Suspension (front/rear) | USD fork/monoshock | USD fork/monoshock | USD fork/monoshock | USD fork/monoshock |
| Tyres (front/rear) | 110/70 R17 / 140/60 R17 | 110/70 R17 / 150/60 R17 | 110/70 R17 / 150/60 R17 | 110/70 R17 / 150/60 R17 |
| Fuel capacity | 12.5 litres | 11 litres | 11 litres | 13.4 litres |
| Kerb weight | 151kg | 158.5kg | 147kg | 163kg |
Features
The only motorcycle to use a conventional halogen headlamp here is the BMW G 310 R; the rest use all-LED lighting. While all four bikes feature a fully-digital instrument cluster, the ones on the KTM and CFMoto are full colour TFT displays. Both units display a host of information on the large colour screens, and the 300NK also has customisable screens similar to what you’d find on motorcycles three or four times its price. Another highlight of the CFMoto’s features list are the Rain and Sport modes, which would be a segment-first, if they alter performance as the name suggests. We asked what exactly the ride modes do, but AMW-CFMoto officials weren't aware. We'll have to wait until we ride the bike to find out.
Price
At Rs 2.29 lakh, the CFMoto 300NK is the most affordable of the lot. To give you an idea, the BMW G 310 R costs Rs 2.99 lakh, the KTM 390 Duke is priced at Rs 2.48 lakh, while the Honda CB300R will set you back by Rs 2.42 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom India). This gives the CFMoto an advantage. What strengthens its case further is that the CFMoto doesn’t compromise elsewhere, at least on paper. However, it is only when get a chance to ride the motorcycle that we can give you a definitive review. Additionally, CFMoto is a completely unknown brand in our country at the moment and they have a lot to prove, not only in terms of their motorcycles, but mainly the sales and aftersales experience.
Also see:
CFMoto 650NK vs Kawasaki Z650: Specifications comparison
2019 CFMoto 300NK image gallery
KTM 390 Duke India review, test ride
2019 Honda CB300R review, test ride
2018 BMW G 310 R, G 310 GS review, test ride