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Earlier today, we told you Honda had released the official specs for the new NM4 (they’re not calling it the Vultus in Canada). Now, they’ve just confirmed it’s coming to Canada, along with the CBR300.

It’s not a surprise that the CBR300 is coming; a few weeks ago, we told you the signs were all pointing to a late 2014 delivery. Now, Honda’s confirmed the machine is coming, likely arriving this fall. Bam!

The CBR300 is a logical reaction to Kawasaki’s Ninja 300, a bike that moved past their long-running Ninja 250 series, out-muscling their quarter-litre competition in the process. Honda responded by stroking the CBR250’s motor, ending up with close to 17 per cent power gain. They also updated the bodywork; it’s closer to the sporty CBR1000 now, and less like the VFR series. That’s what the kids want these days, right?

ABS will be standard on the new CBR300 series – it was optional on the CBR250.

While some beginner buyers may take this as a sign to hang on to their money and wait for the bigger bike to arrive in the fall, keep in mind a few things: The new CBR300 will likely be priced higher than the current 250, since they’ve updated the model. Also, your insurance company is almost certainly going to want more money for larger displacement. Finally, Honda is running huge discounts on the current CBR250 lineup right now – as low as $3,499 MSRP on their site right now, minus freight and taxes. That’s a smoking deal on a bike that can do it all, even if it can’t do it very fast …

About the NM4: Apparently, contrary to what we guessed this morning, Canada is indeed getting the DCT version of this machine; it’ll be the first of their 700-series twins to come equipped as such. The bike should arrive in showrooms sometime this fall.

Finally, Honda’s also announced they’re bringing in an updated PCX150 scooter. They’ve upgraded all the lights to LED units, changed the bodywork, and reworked the ergonomics to make the step-through more comfortable for both rider and passenger. The fairing compartment on the left side now contains a 12V plug-in, for uses like phone charging, and they’ve added hazard lights.

On the mechanical side of things, Honda’s revised some engine internals to improve fuel effficiency (new tires also help out in this department). Top speed is still over 100 kph, though. The fuel tank was increased in size from 5.9 litres to 8 litres, so riders should have plenty of range now.

GALLERY

Check out all the pics that go with this story! Click on the main sized pic to transition to the next or just press play to show in a slideshow.

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