About a decade ago, the scenario of the performance motorcycle segment in India was completely different than what it is today. People were satisfied with the Pulsars and Karizmas of the world. But as time passed by, the demand for even better motorcycles began to rise. The entry of Yamaha R15 and FZ Series in 2008 grabbed certain attention but as time flew by, motorcycling enthusiasts began to crave for even more performance oriented machines. Honda, too, contributed to the needs of the Indian motorcycling enthusiasts with the introduction of CBR250R. But apart from that, the Japanese two-wheeler major hasn’t really introduced anything new to the list that would appeal to performance hungry motorcyclists. However, things are about to change now. Honda will soon update its entry level and mid-range performance motorcycle line up for the Indian market to sustain its position against the ever increasing competition. Here is a list of five products that are lined up for a launch in India.
Honda CBR300R
Honda CBR250R’s prime competitor in the quarter-litre motorcycle segment, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, has graduated to the 300cc category. So, to keep up with the changing times and increasing competition, Honda will soon introduce the CBR300R. At the heart of the CBR300R is a single-cylinder 286cc engine that produces 29bhp or power and 27Nm of torque. The CBR300R gets a dual headlight which brings its looks closer to the litre-class CBR1000RR. We expect the riding stance of the CBR300R to be similar to the CBR250R giving the motorcycle good touring capabilities.
Honda CB300F
For those who prefer minimalistic bodywork on a motorcycle, the naked avatar of the CBR300R, CB300F, would also make way into the country. At the heart of the CB300F will be the same single-cylinder 286cc engine that powers the CBR300R. The motorcycle is about four kilograms lighter than its faired sibling as the weighing needle stands at 157 kilograms. The CB300F would appeal to city riders because of ease of handling.
Honda CBR500R
If you do not find CBR300R’s motor appealing, the CBR500R might just be the right thing for you. Honda CBR500R has been designed to offer affordable performance to the buyers. The CBR500R is powered by a 470cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor that puts out nearly 47 bhp of power and 40.7Nm of torque.
Honda CB500F
Honda will also offer the naked variant of the CBR500R named the CB500F. The power mill will remain the same 470cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor that is found on the CBR500R. But the absence of the fairing would reduce the weight of this motorcycle, hence giving it a better power-to-weight ratio.
Honda CBR650F
And last, but certainly not the least from any aspect, is the Honda CBR650F. To challenge Kawasaki touring tool, the Ninja 650, Honda will introduce the CBR650F. But it’s not just another 650cc parallel twin. The Honda CBR650F will be powered by a 649cc inline four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which will be mated to six-speed gearbox. This will also be the first in-line four cylinder powered motorcycle that will be assembled in India.
These are the five products that Honda will soon bring to India and we can’t wait to get our hand on these machines. What do you have to say? Share your thoughts and opinions through comments below. Stay tuned to Motoroids for more updates from motoring industry.
Please inform the price
Tell me whether CBR300R will be launched in December or next year, since I am planning to buy one in the range of 2 to 2.5 lacs. I inquired at HONDA dealerships, they hinted at the launch of something new since there were no CBR250R in showroom hinting at stocks cleared and wait for something new. Please inform me about the launch.
Why are the CB400/500X models missing in their plans? The speculations last year did make mention of the X’s being probables…
Any guess when 300r will be launched here in India?
Looking at HMSI I am very sure that the CB versions won’t be launched atleast initially… First will be the CBRs and if they gain ground they will think of CBs..