Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is set to launch a host of new products in India tomorrow, with the Rebel 300 cruiser and ADV 160 adventure scooter expected to be the big highlights.
- Rebel 300 and ADV 160 likely to be launched in India
- Competitive pricing expected considering that the models are under 350cc
- More new products could also be launched at the event
Rebel 300 Cruiser
The Rebel nameplate is not entirely new to India. Honda had previously introduced the Rebel 500 in the country as a CBU model, pricing it at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom). However, its premium price tag made it out of reach for many.
With local manufacturing expected for the Rebel 300, Honda could position it at a much more accessible price point, making it a stronger rival to other popular bikes such as the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Meteor 350 and Bullet 350.
The Rebel 300 uses a 286cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, making around 30hp and 27.5Nm. It has an accessible 690mm seat height and a kerb weight of 165kg. Currently, in many international markets, the 2027 model features Honda’s E-Clutch system. It remains to be seen if this E-Clutch model makes its way here or whether Honda uses a more affordable system to keep costs in check – something that Tsutsumu Otani, MD, president and CEO of HMSI, told us the company was exploring for the Indian market.
This is the same engine that powers the Honda CB300R, which used to be on sale in India. Given the fact that that bike’s price was reduced to Rs 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom prices) after the GST rate reduction, Honda could also price the new Rebel 300 quite aggressively.
ADV 160 Maxi-Scooter
Over a year ago, we broke the news that Honda would bring the ADV 160 to India, and the vehicle is now finally ready for launch. The new ADV 160 will sit at the top of the brand’s scooter range in India. The adventure-style maxi-scooter will likely be aimed at buyers looking for a more premium and performance-oriented alternative to conventional commuter scooters. Pricing will be crucial, and it remains to be seen how aggressively Honda positions it in the market. The ADV 160 will go up against the likes of the Yamaha Aerox (Rs 1.45 lakh to Rs 1.48 lakh ex-showroom) and Hero Xoom 160 (Rs 1.43 lakh ex-showroom).
Internationally, this scooter uses a 157cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine making 16hp and 14.7Nm. It has a seat height of 780mm, a kerb weight of 134kg and 27 litres of underseat storage. The scooter also features an adjustable windscreen and single-channel ABS as standard.
Other product launches
While the Rebel 300 and ADV 160 are expected to be the main launches, Honda is expected to have a few more surprises planned for tomorrow’s event. The company has been expanding its premium motorcycle portfolio in India, so additional product launches in that category could be on the cards, as well as a third EV following the Activa e: and QC1.