Honda XRE 300 adventure bike derives power from a 292 cc engine making 25.4 hp and 27.6 Nm; rivals upcoming KTM Duke 390 Adventure and BMW G310 GS
We have told you already that Honda is planning to launch four new products in the Indian market in the next twelve months to consolidate its position from the mass market to the premium end of the scale.
Honda officially announced the commencing of the CBR1000RR’s bookings recently and it will be accompanied by the highly popular Africa Twin adventure tourer as its launch is expected in the coming months. It is part of the brand’s plans to up the market share by 20 percent and close down the gap to Hero MotoCorp.
Additionally, internet rumours indicated at a possible fully-faired version of the CB Hornet 160R. If it comes into fruition, Honda may see instant positive response considering how well the CB Hornet has been received so far. The other vacant slot will likely be filled by another adventure tourer in the entry-level premium market and it is none other than the XRE 300.
Although it follows the same design line and purpose as the Hero Impulse, it is a completely different product targetting a niche segment with a unique band of buyers. Further felling the launch speculation is the spy picture of the XRE300 captured at Honda’s local factory. Going on step further, we can now exclusively reveal that the motorcycle has been patented in India and it will likely be launched in a later part of this year.
Here is everything you need to know about the Honda XRE 300 adventure tourer:
Honda XRE 300 India Launch
| Honda XRE300 Expected Launch | October 2017 |
Honda XRE 300’s trial production seems to have begun at the Japanese brand’s domestic facility. It goes on to show that the production could commence soon. Reports emerging on internet suggest that the entry-level touring motorcycle could be launched sometime later this year.
Honda could eye significant sales by introducing it during the festive season (around October) and its market entry might coincide with that of the similarly positioned BMW G310 GS.
Honda XRE 300 India Price
| Price (ex-showroom, New Delhi) | Rs. 2 Lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh |
As the XRE 300 enters a brand new segment in India, it is likely to be priced affordably to make use of the customers. In Brazil, the XRE is approximately priced at around Real 16,000 (Rs. 3.25 lakh) for the base model and Real 18,000 (Rs. 3.65 lakh) for the ABS version. We can expect the Indian price to hover around Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh considering that it is locally produced.
Honda XRE 300 Engine Specifications
| Engine Displacement | 291.6 cc Single-Cylinder Four-Stroke Air-Cooled Engine |
| Max. Power | 25.4 hp at7,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 27.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | Five-Speed Manual |
| Suspension | Telescopic Front Fork with 245 mm Travel; Pro-Link Monoshock Rear with 225 mm Travel |
| Brakes | Single 256 mm Front Disc, Two-Piston Caliper (base) or Three-Piston Caliper (C-ABS) Single 220 mm Rear Disc, Single-Piston Caliper with Optional Combined ABS |
| Clutch | Wet Multi-Plate and Chain Drive |
| Bore x Stroke | 79 mm x 59.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
Powering the Honda XRE 300 is a 291.6 cc 4V single-cylinder DOHC fuel-injected air-cooled engine that has been in the business since its production started in Brazil back in 2009. It is connected to a five-speed manual transmission sending power to the wheel.
For Brazilian market, Honda made significant mechanical changes like new viscosus air filter technology, iridium spark plug and fuel pump is inside the fuel tank in 2014. The motor is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 25.4 hp at 7,500 rpm and 27.6 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm.
ABS will likely be offered as an optional fitment. For versatile off-roading, the XRE features telescopic front fork with 245 mm travel and pro-link monoshock rear with 225 mm travel. The braking duties will be dealt by 256 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc while a combined ABS system with three-piston caliper can be expected on the top-spec model.
Honda XRE 300 Top Speed
| Top Speed | 160 kmph |
The maximum speed of this dual-sport motorcycle is expected to be around 160 kmph with the engine packing more punch in the mid and low range to tackle the uneven terrains and difficult landscapes.
Honda XRE 300 India Mileage
| Honda XRE300 Mileage | 25-30 kmpl |
Expect the Honda XRE 300 adventure motorcycle to return a fuel efficiency close to 30 kmpl when ridden leisurely. Otherwise, it could go down as low as 25 kmpl.
Honda XRE 300 Styling
This entry-level adventure touring machine is a sleek off-roader. Looking at it you could sense its purpose built nature and there are no flamboyant bits and pieces that devoid of its intentions. For example, the long travel suspension can see out the undulations and bumps even on the rough patches of surface conditions while a fuel tank with 13.6 litres of capacity allows for longer rides.
It has good amount of seat height and purposeful foot pegs while the upright handlebar setup enables easy maneuvering of the motorcycle while standing up and comfort to the body when sat down during touring. The XRE300 Adventure body graphics gives a sporty stance and the exhaust system is mounted underneath the seat. The pillion rider appears to have access to wider seat texture as well.
The rectangular headlight and spoked large diameter wheels compound the adventure touring status of the XRE300. The side body panels are compactly packed in order to give the rider a lighter bike feel and there are no fancy overhangs. Moreover, the LCD display shows all the vital information the rider needs to know.
Honda XRE 300 Dimensions
| Length | 2,171 mm |
| Width | 830 mm |
| Seat Height | 860 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,417 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,181 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.6 litres |
| Oil Capacity | 2 litres |
The Honda XRE measures about 2,171 mm long, 830 mm wide and stands 1,417 mm tall –bodes well for an adventure touring motorcycle. The seat height is at 860 mm while the long miles are assisted by 13.6 litre fuel tank.
Honda XRE 300 Ground Clearance
| Honda XRE 300 Ground Clearance | 259 mm |
With dual purpose tyre and long travel suspension, the ground clearance of 259 mm will enable the XRE300 to see out the toughest of surface conditions.
Honda XRE 300 Kerb Weight
| Honda XRE 300 Kerb Weight | 153 kilograms |
The Honda XRE tips the weighing scale at 153 kilograms and it should help for an effortless ride in both city traffics and serene roads.
Honda XRE 300 Tyre Size
| Honda XRE 300 Tyre Size (Expected) | Front: 90/90 – 21 inch Rear: 120/80 – 18 inch Metzeler Enduro 3 |
As it is an adventure tourer, the front spoked wheel of 21-inch in size is taller than the 120/80 section rear wheel with a size of 18 inches. We might get the Metzeler Enduro 3 rubber in the top-end version or Honda might for cheaper alternatives to keep the costs down.
Honda XRE 300 Features
| Honda XRE 300 Top Features |
| 1. Digital LCD Display |
| 2. Long Travel Suspension |
| 3. Upright Tall Riding Position |
| 4. PGM-FI Fuel Injection System |
| 5. All Purpose Tyres with Spoked Wheels |
| 6. Raised Front Mugard |
| 7. Optional CBS (Combined ABS) |
| 8. Sporty Body Graphics |
| 9. High Mounted Exhaust Unit |
| 10. Disc Brakes Up Front and Rear |
Honda XRE 300 Colours
Grey Metallic, White, Black, Green and Red are the colours in which the XRE300 is offered overseas.
Honda XRE 300 Rivals
In the unexplored entry-level touring space, the Honda XRE adventure tourer will compete against the likes of Royal Enfield Himalayan, upcoming BMW G310 GS and the KTM 390 Adventure whose arrival is also eagerly anticipated to take the fight to higher standards. In the future, we might witness Kawasaki Versys 300 X and a Yamaha rival spice up the competition.
Honda XRE 300 Adventure Bike Images
