Honda, one of the world's major players in the two-wheeler industry, is looking to make a significant impact on its Big Wing lineup in India. The company, despite being a dominant force in India's two-wheeler market, hasn't received the desired response for its premium motorcycle range, which is sold through Big Wing dealerships. To potentially change this, Honda is considering introducing a new adventure (ADV) motorcycle, the Honda XRE 300 Sahara, which could be based on the CB300F. Here's what we know about this intriguing prospect:
Introduction of Honda XRE 300 Sahara
- Honda's premium motorcycles, such as the CB300F and CB300R, have faced challenges in the Indian market, leading to significant price reductions (a reduction of Rs. 59,000 and Rs. 37,000 for the CB300F and CB300R, respectively).
- To potentially enhance its position in India, especially for the Big Wing dealerships, Honda is exploring the introduction of an adventure motorcycle priced at under Rs. 2 lakh.
Sahara Revival in Brazil
- In Brazil, Honda is resurrecting the iconic "Sahara" nameplate with the XRE 300. While detailed specifications are yet to be revealed, the 2024 Honda XRE 300 Sahara is set to be unveiled physically later this month and is expected to be launched in Brazil in 2024.
- The new Sahara pays tribute to the classic NX 350 Sahara from the 1990s, which featured a handsome fairing with a square headlight, and this design inspiration can be seen in the upcoming model.
Honda XRE 300 Sahara Design
- The Honda XRE 300 Sahara is based on the XRE 300 but departs from the traditional adventure bike look. It ditches the typical beak, knobby off-road tires, and rugged appearance.
- Instead, the Sahara opts for a more stylish fairing, integrated frame sliders (fairing protectors), a taller windscreen, Metzeler Karoo Street block-pattern tires, a black-painted box-section swingarm, and more.
- The design exudes a touring bike vibe while retaining off-road capabilities with long-travel suspension, wire-spoke wheels, an up-swept exhaust, comfortable seating, relaxed ergonomics, and other features.
- The integrated turn indicators in the bikini fairing take inspiration from the classic Sahara but are updated with LED technology.
Powertrain and Specifications
- The powertrain is expected to resemble that of the Honda Twister available in Brazil and the CB300F in India. This oil-cooled single-cylinder engine produces around 24 bhp and 25 Nm of torque, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch.
- Honda has not yet disclosed its launch plans for India.
The Honda XRE 300 Sahara, with its handsome design and touring-oriented features, is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the adventure motorcycle segment. While Honda has not confirmed its availability in India, it could be a promising contender in the sub-Rs. 2 lakh ADV segment, a market where the demand for adventure motorcycles is on the rise, with the likes of TVS preparing to launch the RR 310-based Apache RTX line.