Honda Rebel 300 (Royal Enfield Thunderbird Rival) Could Debut At Auto Expo

Honda Rebel 300 India Launch, Price, Engine, Specs, Features, Mileage, Top Speed 1

Honda Rebel 300 is expected to give tough competition to Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 with modern styling and packed features

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. have been consolidating their domestic portfolio in recent years and witnessed steady growth in the two-wheeler space. Amidst being the bestselling scooter manufacturer in the country, the Japanese brand has moved up the order in motorcycle sales and resides only next to Hero MotoCorp in the first half of this fiscal in terms of sales.

The introduction of new products has helped Honda largely in addressing a wide range of customers and it is looking to expand into premium segments where the demand and potential for more exploration exists. The entry-level cruiser space has long been flourishing courtesy of the ever increasing sales growth of Royal Enfield.

Also Read: Honda Beats Bajaj Auto To Become Second Best Bike Seller In India

Honda Rebel 300 India Launch, Price, Engine, Specs, Features, Mileage, Top Speed 5It has been rumoured for several months that Honda is observing the possibility of entering 300-500 cc segments with an indigenously developed product for India. However, the Rebel series of 300 cc and 500 cc cruisers could be considered as they fit the bill perfectly and we have a reason why!

The Rebel 300 has been a huge hit in international markets and we were the first to divulge that it had already been patented in India last month. Its launch time frame could be within a year and is expected to be a premium alternative for the Bajaj Avenger range while being pitched against the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350.

Also Read: Honda Grazia Scooter Garners 15,000 Units Of Sale In Just Three Weeks

Honda Rebel 300 India Launch, Price, Engine, Specs, Features, Mileage, Top Speed 2

Currently, the Rebel 300 derives power from a 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke PGM-FI engine from the CB300R and is mated to a six-speed transmission. It replaced the iconic Rebel 250 that paved way for young enthusiasts into street biking in the past decades across several foreign markets.

We are hoping that Honda would bring in the 500 cc version along as well. It uses a 45 bhp producing 471 cc parallel-twin from the CB500R and will become a direct competitor to the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. Honda can rely on the success of both the models around the globe and may place them in an affordable price range locally.

Also Read: Honda 150cc Scooter Could Launch In Mid-December

Honda Rebel 300 India Launch, Price, Engine, Specs, Features, Mileage, Top Speed 3

The Rebel 300 comes equipped with 41 mm front fork with 4.8 inches travel and dual rear shocks with travel of 3.8 inches. It runs on 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear tyres and comprises of hydraulic disc brakes on both ends. Weighing in at 165 kg, the Rebel 300 has been credited for its build quality and sporty handling – the attributes that could prove to be a deal snatcher for the brand.

The Rebel 300 has a flowing yet slightly edgy design with minimalistic look. It gets the much-needed ABS fitment as optional and features digital LCD instrumentation, decent fuel tank capacity of 11.2 litres and 690 mm seat height. We can expect the Rebel 300, which understandably comes with more modern technologies, to be priced at around Rs. 2-2.3 lakh (ex-showroom). Honda might surprise us and show them to the public at the upcoming Auto Expo in February. Until then, let us keep our fingers crossed!

Honda Rebel 300 Images