You can soon buy Honda's off-road racing bikes in India
What's the story
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has announced its plans to enter the off-road racing scene in India. The company is looking to expand its product portfolio with more off-road and adventure (ADV)-style motorcycles. This move comes as part of a larger strategy to tap into the growing interest in all-terrain riding among Indian enthusiasts.
Racing plans
Factory-supported teams could participate in select championships
The National Motocross Championship (NMC), Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), and the new Indian Supercross League (ISRL) are some of India's most popular off-road motorcycle racing championships. While brands like Kawasaki, Yamaha, Hero, and TVS have factory-supported teams in these leagues, Honda has only been represented by private imports of its CRF250R and CRF450R machines. Now that HMSI is looking to enter this space officially, a factory-supported team could compete in either or both INRC or NMC.
Product lineup
Potential off-road motorcycles for Honda India
In India, certain championship classes allow manufacturers to race competition-specific off-road machines that aren't road-legal. However, lower classes require stock or modified versions of production bikes each brand retails in India. Currently, Honda doesn't have a single off-road focused motorcycle under the 500cc mark. But its international lineup includes three models - CRF300L, CRF300L Rally and Sahara 300 - which could be potential candidates for the Indian market.
Market research
HMSI conducted a customer clinic for off-road bikes in India
Almost two years ago, HMSI conducted a customer clinic with these bikes in select metro cities. The event was directly overseen by Honda Japan and aimed at understanding the evolving preferences of Indian riders in the adventure and off-road segments. Despite no official announcement since then, Honda's growing interest in trail riding and adventure touring hints at a possible introduction of machines catering to these needs.
Current offerings
Offerings in India
In the large-capacity, multi-cylinder ADV division, Honda only sells the XL750 Transalp in India. The Africa Twin 1100 Adventure Sports was discontinued a few years ago and is yet to make a comeback. However, HMSI has been involved in circuit racing for past 18 years with events like Honda One Make Race, and supporting Indian talent in international championships like Honda Asia Dream Cup and Thailand Talent Cup.