Both the XR 300 adventure motorcycles will be locally made in India as the brand gears up to foray into lightweight dual-sport segment
Honda 2-Wheelers India recently unveiled a slew of new motorcycles, scooters and EVs in our country. Apart from the traditional cruisers, what caught the attention of most viewers were the XR 300L and XR 300 Rally – two dual-purpose all-terrain adventure bikes. Both these ADV models will be locally developed in India as they launch in the next 6-8 months in the Indian market. Likely to be sitting on the same platform as the CB300F, the XR 300 duo will be in direct competition with Hero Xpulse 210, Kawasaki KLX230 and TVS Apache RTX 300.
Honda XR 300L Launch in India
Honda claims that the XR 300L dual-purpose motorcycle is “made for those who live for the thrill of the trail. Mud, gravel, sand or rock.” It will come with front and rear disc brakes while a switchable dual-channel ABS will also be offered as standard feature. Honda XR 300L will also get a gas-charged pro-link rear suspension and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
It will be powered by a 293.5cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine which we have seen in the CB300F. Though the power and torque figures have not been released by the company, we expect the XR 300L to make 24.5 hp and 25.9 Nm. Needless to mention, the XR 300L will come fitted with wire-spoke wheels and off-road biased tyres as it is likely to be priced around Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
Honda XR 300 Rally Launch in India
While the XR 300L is an out-and-out off-roader for all-terrain riding, the XR 300 Rally is more of an adventure tourer with focus on long-distance trail touring. Inspired by Honda’s rally heritage, it will be rolled out with rally-inspired styling, comfort-oriented equipment and wind protection. The brand states that the XR 300 Rally is “born from Honda’s Dakar-winning rally DNA”.
Some of the notable features onboard the XR 300 Rally will be front and rear disc brakes, switchable dual-channel ABS, gas-charged pro-link rear suspension, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and Honda RoadSync. At the heart, it will have the same 293.5cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine as the XR 300L with identical power output and torque performance.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said: “India remains one of Honda’s most strategic global markets. At the same time, we are accelerating our Make-in-India for the World commitment by strengthening local engineering and manufacturing capabilities. This not only allows us to bring Honda’s global technologies closer to Indian customers, but also reinforces India’s role as an important manufacturing and export hub within Honda’s global operations, while maintaining the quality, reliability, and safety that define Honda.”
