Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is evaluating the introduction of more off-road motorcycles in the country, president and CEO Tsutsumu Otani has revealed in our recent interaction with him.
The move could expand Honda’s India portfolio beyond the recently launched XR300L and XR300 Rally, potentially including both road-legal motorcycles and competition-focused dirt bikes. However, the company has not identified any specific models for India yet.
Honda considering motocross and enduro models
“There are different categories of off-road motorcycles, including motocross and enduro. Honda is considering models in these categories,” Otani said.
Globally, Honda offers a broad range of off-road motorcycles under its CRF series, spanning beginner-focused models such as the CRF50F to competition-oriented machines such as the CRF450R. The range includes motorcycles designed for different skill levels and off-road disciplines, although it remains unclear which models Honda could consider for India.
Honda has also begun strengthening its involvement in Indian off-road motorsport. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to enter the off-road racing scene and subsequently became the title sponsor of the Honda BB Racing team in the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL). The team competes on the CRF250R and CRF450R motocross bikes, now supported officially by Honda.
Honda CRF300L and CRF300 Rally could be considered
Honda’s potential expansion could also include the road-legal CRF300L and CRF300 Rally. Both use a 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that has already been localised for use in models such as the erstwhile CB300R and the current Rebel 300.
However, their relatively sophisticated hardware, including an aluminium swingarm and an upside-down front fork, could make them more expensive than the XR300L and XR300 Rally currently sold in India.
Honda joins established off-road motorcycle players
Honda’s potential expansion would place it alongside manufacturers already offering dedicated off-road motorcycles in India. Kawasaki has long sold dirt bikes under its KX and KLX series, while KTM also offers focused off-road models. Suzuki previously sold a limited number of RM-Z dirt bikes in the country.
For now, Honda has not confirmed a launch timeline or the number of models it could introduce. Its final decision will determine whether the expansion focuses on road-legal off-road motorcycles, competition machines or both.