KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Honda considering CRF300 models for India
- Select riders invited to test the CRF models
- Launch can take place next year possibly
The growing sales and interest in the adventure bike segment in India has started raising eyebrows among Japanese brands. One such example is Honda which is considering bringing a new range of CRF300 models to India. A recent riding camp in Bengaluru by the company has initiated the debate of the Honda CRF300 Rally & CRF300L coming soon to India. Read below all the details about these models and Honda's intention of bringing them to India. Also, make sure to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group for the latest updates from the automotive world.
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Honda CRF300 Rally & CRF300L Bikes India Launch Possible?
Honda Japan recently conducted a bike camp at BigRock Park in Bengaluru. This event invited selected Honda owners to test-ride the CRF range of bikes. Honda offered the CRF300 Rally & CRF300L to the riders; later on, registered their insights and views on these bikes. Interestingly, the Japan wing was on the field and not the Honda India brand. Therefore, the question came to the limelight that Honda is considering to launch these bikes in India.
The CRF300 models are popular entry-level ADV bikes in the global markets. These are profoundly appreciated by the customers for their reliability and hardcore nature. Even strong off-road abuse can not dismantle these bikes. Also, the 286cc single-cylinder engine is decently powerful to pull these out of tricky situations.
Now the main question is, will these launch in India? The Japanese manufacturers are known to take their time. Because the adventure bike category has exploded in the past few years in India; it surely is an enticing segment to enter. Honda currently has no affordable ADV bikes in the 250-500cc segment. The CRF300 models can prove to be a game changer for Honda if launched.
There is also a slight possibility that Honda can bring these bikes as CKD. Moreover, HMSI can manufacture these models in India and further export. This will yield better fiscal results for the company. If Honda launches the CRF300 bikes in India, these would be priced around Rs 3 lakh mark. Some of their rivals will include the Triumph Scrambler 400X, Royal Enfield Himalayan, & the KTM 250 Adventure.
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Verdict
The current lineup of Honda two-wheelers is predominated by Activa sales. The big bikes from Honda contribute to a smaller section of sales. Hence, plunging into an evolving category of bikes that can also pull volumes looks like a good idea. Let's see if Honda actually takes the game further and bring these models to India in the coming year or so.
