Beware Honda Rebel, This New V-twin Cruiser Has Entered America

Back in 1999, Keeway opened its doors for the first time, aiming to become a key player in the global market. Today, the Hungarian brand is ever closer to achieving that under its Chinese ownership (same company that owns Benelli). As part of the expansion, the company has now set foot in North America.

It has launched multiple two-wheelers here, headlined by the V302 C V-twin cruiser. The motorcycle promises all the ingredients to stir up the beginner cruiser segment here. Here’s what all you get.

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The Keeway V302 C Cruiser Has A Premium Design With Likable Features

Chinese bikes are notorious for being known as doppelgangers, but the Hungarian origin of the V302 C prohibits that. It has a unique aesthetic, unseen in the 300-400cc space. You get a stylish LED headlight up top, flanked by a wide fender and beefy stanchion protectors. This is topped by an edgy yet retro-shaped fuel tank, which blends into a scooped single-piece saddle.

The tail end rounds off things with a bobber-like chopped fender and minimalistic tail lamp. We also like the attention to detail, evident from the big cruiser-like side-mounted air filter cover, blacked-out mechanicals, bar-end mirrors, and chunky tires. You can have the V302 C in four colors:

• Black
• Red
• Gray
• Yellow-black

As for features, Keeway has focused on the basics here. A fully digital LCD shows you all the important details, while a hazard switch, dual-channel ABS, and all-LED lights elevate the experience. Though a simple package, this is enough to put it ahead of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the Honda Rebel 300. To enjoy these, you sit aboard a double-stitched saddle with space for two occupants. Your hands go on a flat handlebar and the feet on forward-set footrests to ensure a relaxed riding triangle.

A 298cc V-twin Engine Powers The Keeway V302 C

Under the skin lies a V-twin engine. Yes, a V-twin on an entry-level motorcycle. It’s a 296cc mill with a Single-Overhead-Camshaft (SOHC) setup, good for 30 horsepower and 19.5 pound-feet. All of it reaches the wheel via a six-speed transmission, driven by a belt for an authentic cruiser flavor. At this output, the cruiser is well clear of the Classic 350 and a couple of ponies ahead of the Rebel.

The engine sits inside a steel chassis, which suspends on upside-down forks and dual shock absorbers. While the former is non-adjustable, the latter has five-step preload adjustability. Braking, meanwhile, is via a 300 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc. It should be more than enough to stop you, considering this is rather light at just 368 pounds. To add to the accessibility, you have 6.3 inches of ground clearance and a low 27-inch saddle height.

Keeway Has Priced The V302 C At $4,999

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The Keeway V302 C will sell for $4,999 in America. At this price, it costs $300 more than the base-model Meteor 350 and just $150 more higher than the Rebel 300. That’s a strong price if you ask us, considering the Chinese-Hungarian offering one-ups its rivals in most aspects.

2024 Keeway V302 C Specifications

Source: Keeway America