2019 Honda CB300R

Is it retro modern or streamlined steam-punk? No matter. Whatever the inspirations for its design, the naked 2019 CB300R is a pretty machine. And beginners, short-hop commuters, and many others with an abiding appreciation of small-displacement, user-friendly models will be visiting their local Honda showroom to check it out in July.

Sharing the same bold Neo-Sports Café styling of the CB1000R, this pared-down brother, introduced at Milan’s EICMA show in November, boasts a new tubular and pressed steel frame and Honda’s proven 286cc liquid-cooled engine. It features full LED lighting, an LCD display, and inertial measurement, unit-based ABS is also available (for $ 300 more than the base model price).

Other specifications of note: a swingarm providing longitudinal stability and torsion control for confident cornering; lightweight cast-aluminum wheels; a 41mm inverted fork with compliant damping and supple spring rate; 31-inch seat height; 313-pound curb weight (317 pounds with ABS); radial-mount Nissin 4-piston front-brake caliper with 296mm floating disc for optimal stopping power; 2.7-gallon fuel tank (71 mpg); and newly designed intake and exhaust, reducing air resistance and promoting more linear throttle response.

Colors: Matte Gray Metallic or Chromosphere Red. Price: $ 4649, $ 4949 with ABS.