Honda set to launch 4 new premium bikes in India this year
Honda is preparing to bring four new, relatively affordable premium motorcycles to the Indian market this year.
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Demand for premium motorcycles is rising fast in India. Young customers are no longer limited to mileage-focused commuter bikes and are increasingly drawn to cruisers, roadsters and adventure motorcycles. With this demand in mind, Honda is preparing to launch four new premium and relatively affordable motorcycles in the Indian market this year.
The first is the Honda CB500, a neo-retro roadster whose design echoes the CB350 and the larger CB750. It is likely to be produced locally in India, which could help keep its price competitive. The bike will get a round LED headlamp, a large fuel tank, twin rear shocks and disc brakes on both wheels. Its 501cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine will produce 27 PS of power and 43.3 Nm of torque.
The second bike is the Honda Rebel 500, which was previously sold in India but was priced high due to being imported as a CBU. It could now return with about 50 percent localisation. Its 471cc parallel-twin engine will produce 46 PS and 43.3 Nm of torque, and it is expected to be offered with both a standard 6-speed gearbox and an e-clutch option.
For those who prefer off-roading, the Honda XR300L could be significant. It will have a lightweight body, long-travel suspension and 244 mm of ground clearance. Its 293.5cc single-cylinder engine will deliver 26.9 bhp and 26.6 Nm of torque. If it is produced in India, it could come at a good price.
The fourth bike, the Honda XR300 Rally, will be more touring and off-road focused than the XR300L. It will get a larger fuel tank, a taller windscreen and Dakar-inspired bodywork, along with features such as a colour TFT display, RoadSync connectivity, traction control and switchable dual-channel ABS. This bike could compete with the KTM 390 Adventure R, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the TVS Apache RTX.
