Honda stands firm with the plans of an all-new 300cc-400cc bike for the Indian market, estimating the launch time frame to year 2020 and clearly removing any existing product from the expected list. They have made the fact clear that Honda Rebel series will stay on sale in those restricted markets and Honda would develop an all-new motorcycle on a completely different platform for India.
This recent report came straight from Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India CEO Minoru Kato. Honda will achieve 100 percent localization for this product and that increases the chance of a cruiser with all-new engine to exist in the Honda lineup very soon.
The most dominating brand in above 300 cc segment is Royal Enfield and they offers cruiser style engines on all of the bikes, leaving entire Honda’s global lineup without a direct competition in this segment.
They have confirmed the on-going research for this segment and would come up with a similar performing engine in the coming years. Royal Enfield was once considered a slow seller but at present, they have crossed 60,000 a month sales with Classic 350 as the highest seller.
Honda will definitely target the best-seller and bring an even refined motorcycle on the charts. Not everyone out there loves Royal Enfield and that would be the biggest point for Honda to conquer. They will try keeping the product under INR 2 lakh in any circumstances.
Honda will try the new product in most Asian markets as more sales would help them keep the cost under check. Although they have tie-ups with top part manufacturers of India, getting a perfect design and cost effective component list would be necessary before any production estimate.
This would be the first engine from Honda in this segment to focus on more torque and ease of driving. All other Indian motorcycle brands focus on higher horsepower, clearing a nice segment for manufacturers in the coming time.
