Honda is also evaluating the CRF300L and the Sahara 300. Upon launch they could rival the likes of the Hero Xpulse 200 4V and Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Honda recently organised a customer clinic in Bengaluru to showcase the CRF300L, CRF300 Rally, and Sahara 300 models. The clinic, overseen by Honda Japan, highlighted the company’s intent to understand and cater to the evolving preferences of Indian riders in the adventure and off-road categories.
Images from Honda’s customer clinic in Bengaluru
The CRF 300 twins pack a 286cc single-cylinder motor that produces about 27hp and 26Nm. While the CRF300L is a dual-sport motorcycle made primarily for off-roading, the CRF300 Rally is a more road-friendly version with a larger size and fuel tank. The feature list on all three motorcycles is quite barebones. Even the instrument cluster is a monotone LCD.
Honda Sahara 300
The Sahara 300 is an adventure motorcycle with the same motor as the CRF 300 twins. The engine produces 24.8hp at 7,500rpm and 26.5Nm at 5,750rpm when running on petrol, and 25.2hp at 7,500rpm and 26.9Nm at 5,750rpm on ethanol.
Honda CRF300 Rally top view
For now, Honda is still evaluating the market and scope for these motorcycles and could bring them to India via the CKD route. In two-wheelers, there has been a lot of growth in the off-road space, and manufacturers such as Hero, KTM, Royal Enfield and Yezdi have all made adventure motorcycles in the small-capacity segment.
Honda CRF300L
While these bikes’ launch is anticipated in the next two years, details regarding their manufacturing and pricing strategies remain subject to Honda’s decision-making process. As the post-clinic evaluation concludes in Bengaluru and amid the possibility of the clinic being set up in other cities, one thing is certain: Honda’s foray into the Indian off-road segment is imminent and holds the promise of competitive offerings that could shape the industry landscape in the coming years.
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