Honda recently organised a customer clinic in Bengaluru to showcase the CRF300L, CRF300 Rally, and Sahara 300 models. The clinic, overseen by Honda Japan, highlighted the company’s intent to understand and cater to the evolving preferences of Indian riders in the adventure and off-road categories.
The CRF300 Rally and CRF300L are well equipped for off-road riding and have a tall posture, a flat seat, an upward curved exhaust, and a high front mudguard. The Honda twins are powered by a 286cc single-cylinder engine producing 26.9bhp and 26.6Nm of torque. They are paired with a six-speed transmission and feature 43mm USD front fork and a linked rear shock absorber.
The Sahara 300 is an ADV that was recently introduced internationally and shares styling elements with the CB500X. It’s powered by a slightly high capacity motor when compared to the CRF 300 twins. The 293cc, single-cylinder engine is compatible with E100 fuel and produces 24.8hp at 7,500rpm and 26.5Nm at 5,750rpm when running on petrol, and 25.2hp at 7,500rpm and 26.9Nm at 5,750rpm on ethanol.
For now, Honda is still evaluating the market and scope for these motorcycles and could bring them to India via the CKD route. In two-wheelers, there has been a lot of growth in the off-road space, and manufacturers such as Hero, KTM, Royal Enfield and Yezdi have all made adventure motorcycles in the small-capacity segment.
Honda informed riders at the clinic that it will evaluate bringing these bikes to India over the next two years. It is likely that these will come in via the CKD route and could add to the already growing ADV segment. Honda also said it plans to set up this clinic in other cities.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
