Honda to Launch New 300cc-500cc Bikes in India; To Rival Royal Enfield

According to recent reports, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is planning to launch a new product portfolio in the 300cc-500cc mid-size motorcycle segment in the upcoming 18 months. The reports also suggest that the brand will be doubling their production for the premium motorcycle segment in India, which will allow them to compete in the market with the likes of giants like Royal Enfield. The brand recently set up an all-new premium bike division that comprises of 15 senior executives with a strong passion for premium bikes as well as knowledge on the parts. HMSI has christened the new department as “Big Wing”, which will be launching new 300cc-500cc motorcycles in the Indian market. The brand is expected to roll out the first cruiser motorcycle under the “Big Wing” moniker in the coming 18 months. Honda is also planning on launching new Big Wing outlets in major towns of the country while the total number of outlets across India will stand at 100. The brand has already launched some of its Big Wing outlets in major metro cities, which currently offers premium motorcycles like Honda CB300R going all the way up to the top-tier Honda Gold Wing. With the introduction of a new portfolio, the brand plans on dominating the mid-size motorcycle segment and downsize the top position holder Royal Enfield. Commenting on the launch of new premium cruiser motorcycles and sportbikes, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Sr VP, sales and marketing at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India stated - "We are approaching the premium bike business with the new energy and zeal than ever before, not to be mixed with a mass-market approach. We know that pricing is going to be a key consideration for increasing the volumes and viability of our dealers. There has to be a model that is locally produced to make it viable," “We have been maintaining that the middleweight category has good potential in terms of volumes. The study is on to understand exactly what kind of portfolio we need. There will be a different kind of body styles in the mid-size space that will be introduced to cater to a larger audience". As per the reports, Honda has already tuned out a portfolio of more than a dozen motorcycles that will be sold via Big Wing outlets. One can expect the brand to roll out several new 300cc to 500cc motorcycles in the Indian market. All the bikes are expected to be locally assembled while some of them will be imported as CBUs. Source [caption id="attachment_527700" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Meet Yamaha XSR155 Trail Breaker by K-Speed Customs[/caption]