Honda To Launch New Bikes In India Tomorrow: What We Expect
Honda could bring its motocross bikes and updates to the CB350 series
Quick Highlights
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The CRF250R and CRF450R could be launched
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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.
User Reviews
I chose this bike because mainly my routes are on highways and ofcourse, because of the japanese reliability honda offers, plus it's the best bike in the segment in my opinion as it gets a fair amount of safety features like traction control, dual channel abs and because of the slipper clutch provided, gear changing and overall the engine is butter smooth. Also it gives the best mileage in the segment too, as I have ridden a classic 350 before, I can definitely tell the difference. Rides are butter smooth, it's like the bike is gliding, absolutely 0 vibration, it's not that comfortable as the hness 350 as it has a more aggressive riding stanc than the hness, but it's fairly comfortable, not that bad, the only thing bugs me are the stock seats, it's very uncomfortable for the pillion and your rear may hurt a little on long rides, but overall I'll rate it a 4/5, which is not bad at all. If you want the best looking neo retro bike in the segment, the cb350 RS is for you hands down, it has great mileage, very low maintenance cost, fairly comfortable (change the stock seats) and it feels rarer than other bikes in the segment as the BigWing network is so limited, and that gives you the satisfaction you need.Read More
I have really enjoyed owining h'ness. The bike is smooth, powerfull and very comfortable with city commuting as well as weekend trips. I have done a trip from kochi to Dhanushkodi with this bike and that was a fantastic experience. I have maintained this bike well and it has also an entented warranty till 2030. If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish bike for your daily commute and trips, this bike will be a best choice.Read More
Engine is refined, no vibration even driving on speed 100, suspension is stiffer side which become positive for highway rides. Good highway if your continuously riding on highway. Will get 40 plus mileage on highway if cruising on 80 speed. Handling is good. Breaking is fantastic even on high speed braking will provide enough confidence to control on it. Bigger negative is, need to shift the gear during on city rides. I would its one of bad bike if you are driving on city. Go for it if you riding on highway, will get 40 plus mileage which is an edge of this bike. Smother and refined engine will provide an next level experience on highway. DUAL Channel abs and traction work fantastic and provide too much confidence during braking.Read More