Honda To Launch New Bikes In India Tomorrow: What We Expect

Quick Highlights

• The CRF250R and CRF450R could be launched

• The CB350 series could get a facelift

Honda is set to launch new bikes in India tomorrow. While the brand has not given any official confirmation regarding which bikes are supposed to be launched, here's what we expect.

Honda CRF MX Bikes

Honda could bring its CRF250R and the CRF450R MX bikes to India. These bikes would be Honda's first proper motocross offerings in India. 

The CRF250R is powered by a 249.3cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine making 40 PS and 27.1 Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. It gets a Showa inverted fork and a Showa monoshock. It rides on a 21-inch front and a 19-inch rear wheel. It has a kerb weight of 104 kg, a seat height of 958 mm, and a high ground clearance of 331 mm.

The CRF450R gets a 449cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine making 60 PS and 47.5 Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. It gets a Showa inverted fork along with a linked Showa monoshock. The bike rides on a 21-inch front and a 19-inch rear wheel. The bike has a seat height of 953 mm, a kerb weight of 107.8 kg, along with 333 mm of ground clearance.

All said, these are not road-legal bikes and are only meant for off-road riding. These bikes are most likely to come to India as CBUs (Completely Built Units) in limited numbers, which would make them relatively expensive. However, we will know the exact prices only when they are launched. 

For reference, the KTM 250 SX-F is priced at Rs 9,58,000, the KTM 450 SX-F is priced at Rs 10,25,100, and the Kawasaki KX450 is priced at Rs 9,92,000 (all ex-showroom). These bikes will be the direct rivals to Honda's upcoming motocross bikes.

Updated CB350 Series

Honda could also give its popular CB350 series a facelift. It could feature new colours and graphics while retaining its retro design. Mechanically, we expect it to be powered by the same 349cc single-cylinder engine making 21 PS and 30 Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Other underpinnings, such as the suspension and the braking hardware, are also likely to remain unchanged.

Honda ADV 160 & Rebel 300

Honda might also showcase the ADV 160 and the Rebel 300 at the event tomorrow. 

The Honda ADV 160 was recently patented in India and is an adventure-style maxi scooter with a rugged design. It is powered by a 156.9cc single-cylinder engine producing 16 PS and 14.7 Nm paired to a CVT gearbox. The scooter would be an alternative to the Hero Xoom 160 and the upcoming Yamaha NMAX 155.

The Honda Rebel 300 is a cruiser powered by a 283cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. The engine makes 30 PS and 27.5 Nm and is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. It gets a low 690 mm seat height and a kerb weight of 165 kg, which would make it a very accessible bike for shorter riders looking for their first motorcycle.