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    2021 Honda CBR250RR, CBR150R HRC Tricolour Liveries Unveiled

    2021 Honda CBR150R
    The new HRC Tricolour livery on CBR150R and CBR250RR resembles Honda’s flagship faired sports bike CBR 1000RR-R SP Fireblade

    The soft corner for the CBR nameplate in India is well known by all but unfortunately, the brand could not penetrate through the masses in the country and was discontinued a while later. The CBR moniker continues to grow stronger in overseas markets. Honda has now introduced two entry-level performance bikes of the CBR range in special edition variants.
    Two of the most popular and affordable CBR bikes now come wrapped in a special HRC Tricolour Liveries which is usually associated with Honda’s motorsports history. In association with PT Astra, Honda has launched these special edition models of CB150R and CBR250RR SP in Indonesia.
    Styling & Features
    Both these motorcycles are now wrapped in Honda’s racing paint scheme of red, blue and white and hence, named Tricolour. Honda’s iconic racing Tricolour is a representation of the bikemaker’s years of dominance in motorsports.
    The HRC livery is similar to the one seen in the brand’s flagship CBR 1000RR-R SP Fireblade. While performance-wise, both CBR150R and CBR250RR are no way as sporty as the litre-class monster, this new paint scheme and body graphics certainly amplify their sportiness to a greater extent, in looks of course.
    2021 Honda CBR150R With HRC livery
    Other than the new attire, there is no other change on either of these two faired sports bikes. They both offer common features such as a fully digital LCD instrument cluster, blacked-out designer alloy wheels as well as an all-LED lighting setup. However, being a more premium offering, CBR250RR doubles up on features such as a quick shifter, ride-by-wire and three riding modes as standard.
    In terms of stylings, both CBR150R and CBR250RR get a sharp, fully-faired design with similar elements such as a muscular fuel tank, split headlight setup, an upswept exhaust, stepped-up split seats, golden-coloured front forks, a clip-on handlebar and a raised windscreen. Even the suspension setup is similar with inverted USD forks at front and a mono-shock unit. Both motorcycles are underpinned by a Diamond Truss frame.
    Engine Specs & Price
    Speaking of the engine specifications, CBR150R is a 149.16cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder which is good enough to return an output of 16.8 bhp and 14.4 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the MY2021 CBR250RR gets a heavily tweaked powertrain which features a 249.7cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor. This unit cranks out 41.5 bhp and 25 Nm of peak torque. Both units come mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch for smoother gear shifts.
    2021 Honda CBR250RR With HRC livery
    Coming to its pricing, CBR150R Tricolour is offered at a price of IDR 40,600,000 (equivalent to INR 2.09 lakh). On the other hand, CBR250RR SP Tricolour comes at a sticker price of IDR 77,300,000 (equivalent to INR 3.99 lakh). This makes both bikes slightly more expensive than their standard iterations. Unfortunately, Honda does not have any plans to launch any of these bikes in India anytime soon. More

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    Honda CB500X ADV Motorcycle India launch Planned For April 2021

    2021 Honda CB500X
    The Honda CB500X is expected to be positioned between the KTM 390 Adventure and Kawasaki Versys 650

    Adventure tourers are two wheeled equivalents of SUVs, and given the world is going crazy for SUVs, we are not surprised the trend has an influence on two wheeler market as well. Of late, the Indian mid-premium motorcycle segment has been witnessing a steady inflow of adventure tourers which are very well received by the audience. So, a leading manufacturer like Honda simply can’t afford to sit back and stay indifferent to this trend, especially when it already has the right product at its disposal.
    Honda CB500X coming to India
    Honda’s 500 cc medium-displacement family of motorcycles come in a variety of flavors and have been significant volume generators in many international markets including Europe. A good blend of style, performance and pricing makes them highly attractive. A recent media report suggests that Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is gearing up to launch the CB500X adventure tourer as early as April 2021!
    With Honda working intensely on increasing the reach of BigWing premium motorcycle outlet, the adventure tourer would come as a boost to the dealer partners. We expect the Honda CB500X to be locally assembled out of CKD kits to keep the costs competitive.
    Speaking of costs, the upcoming medium-displacement Honda would slot between the KTM 390 Adventure which retails at INR 3.10 lakh and Kawasaki Versys 650 which is priced at INR 6.91 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom). It terms of direct competitors, the Honda CB500X has the Benelli TRK 502 to face. A better brand recall and wider dealership network gives the Honda a definitive edge.
    2019 Honda CB500X
    Specifications
    Powering the Honda CB500X is a 472 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected motor which pumps out 48 hp and 43 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed automatic. The performance on offer should be adequate for long distance touring while not burning a big hole in the wallet. For reference, the European-spec motorcycle has a fuel economy rating of 28.6 kmpl as per WMTC.
    Underpinned by a tubular diamond steel frame, the Honda CB500X sticks to the basics with telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear suspension. The front-heavy stance is further enhanced by a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels which are wrapped by 110/80 – ZR19 and 160/60 – ZR17 tyres respectively.
    Braking is courtesy of a 310 mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear unit with a single-piston caliper. A dual-channel ABS system comes as a standard equipment.
    Features
    The Honda CB500X keeps up with the industry standards when it comes to equipment but there are no fancy electronic gadgets in the interest of keeping the price at bay. You do get LED headlamp, negative backlight LCD instrument console with trip computer, fuel economy indicator, gear position indicator, etc.

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    New Honda CB350RS vs Honda CB350 – Top Differences Explained

    New Honda CB350RS
    Expanding the CB range, Honda has added the sportier CB350RS in the Indian market

    At a time when rival Royal Enfield has a lot more options for customers in 350cc segment, it’s an onerous task for CB350 to take on the giant on its own. Things could improve in the future, as CB350 gets company in the form of CB350RS.
    Built on Road Sailing (RS) concept, CB350RS is essentially a sportier version of CB350 classic roadster. To understand each motorcycle’s capabilities, here’s a quick look at the key differences between Honda CB350 vs. CB350RS.
    CB350 vs. CB350RS – Design
    Based on the same platform, CB350RS does look similar to CB350. However, RS is a lot more stylish, as is evident in the headlamp ring, snazzy eye-shaped LED winkers, blacked-out components, sleek tuck and roll saddle, and underseat LED tail lamp. Other key changes in RS include fork boots on front suspension and sleek grab rail, which enhance the motorcycle’s sporty profile. Another differentiating factor for RS is its skid plate and wider tyres with block pattern.
    Talking about colour options, CB350 is offered in three single tone and three dual-tone colour options. CB350 DLX variant is available in Precious Red Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic and Pearl Night Star Black colour options. The DLX Pro variant is offered in dual-tone options of Matte Steel Black Metallic With Matte Massive Grey Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic With Virtuous White and Pearl Night Star Black With Spear Silver Metallic.
    New Honda CB350RS
    In comparison, RS variant currently has only one single tone (Radiant Red Metallic) and one dual-tone (Black with Pearl Sports Yellow) colour option. It is possible that Honda may introduce new colours for RS variant at a later date based on market feedback.
    CB350 vs. CB350RS – Features and powertrain
    Both motorcycles share a range of features such as segment-first assist and slipper clutch, advanced digital analogue meter, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The instrument panel displays battery voltage, gear position, real time mileage, average mileage and distance to empty. Features like front and rear disc brakes, ABS, half-duplex cradle frame, suspension and side stand indicator with engine inhibitor are also the same.
    However, RS variant misses out on Honda Smartphone Voice Control (HSVC), which is available with CB350 DLX Pro. HSVC enables pairing with user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. It can be used for accessing features like telephony, music, and turn-by-turn navigation. Honda also sells a special headset as an accessory that can be used with DLX Pro for managing smartphone via voice commands.
    [embedded content]
    Both motorcycles use the same 350cc single cylinder, air-cooled engine that generates 21 bhp power and 30 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    CB350 vs. CB350RS – Pricing
    At Rs 1.96 lakh, CB350RS is a bit costlier. CB350 DLX and DLX Pro are priced at Rs 1,86,500 and Rs 1,92,500, respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi). More

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    Honda CB350RS Road Sailing 350cc Motorcycle Launch Price Rs 1.96 Lakhs

    2021 Honda CB350RS
    Aiming to add more options in 350cc segment, Honda has launched CB350RS Cafe Racer in India – RS stands for Road Sailing

    With its sporty profile, Honda CB350RS will appeal to the young generation and folks looking for quick sprints across city streets. The motorcycle can also add a lot more agility and power to everyday commutes. Price of Honda CB350RS starts from Rs 1.96 lakhs, ex-sh. Two variants are on offer, one in monotone red colour and the other in yellow / black dual tone colour.
    Honda CB350RS design
    As compared to CB350 that makes liberal use of chrome elements, CB350RS has a largely blacked-out profile. This is evident in the front forks, front and rear fenders, rear shock absorber springs and exhaust canister. CB350RS is also sleeker, as compared to its roadster sibling.
    2021 Honda CB350RS
    Another key difference is the slightly aggressive riding stance. Other key features of CB350RS include round headlamp, misses out on clip-on handlebar, sculpted fuel tank, semi-digital instrument console, single-piece seat, and upswept exhaust. Both single-tone and dual-tone colour options are available for Honda CB350RS.
    Honda CB350RS powertrain
    CB350RS utilizes the same engine as that of HNess CB350. The 348cc air cooled, single cylinder engine is capable of generating 21 bhp of max power and 30 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
    2021 Honda CB350RS
    CB350RS borrows other hardware as well such as half duplex cradle with telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 310 mm disc at the front and 240 mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.
    2021 Honda CB350RS
    Honda CB350RS features
    Talking about features, the list is largely the same as that of CB350. The cafe racer gets Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), assist and slipper clutch, side stand with engine inhibitor, turn-by-turn navigation, hazard switch and engine start/stop switch. The instrument console displays a range of information such as gear position indicator, battery voltage meter, average mileage, real time mileage and distance to empty.
    Honda will be hopeful that CB350RS turns out to be just as successful as CB350 classic roadster. While CB350 may still be far behind its primary rival Royal Enfield Classic 350, its market response has been pretty decent. As may be recalled, CB350 recently achieved the 10k sales milestone. It is now the primary volume generator for Honda BigWing dealerships.
    2021 Honda CB350RS
    Together, CB350 and CB350RS can further boost sales numbers. Honda is continuously working to expand its BigWing dealerships, which will be a positive factor for these motorcycles. Royal Enfield may command 85% market share in this segment (200cc-350cc), but that doesn’t seem to make any difference to Honda’s ambitious plans. In the future, it is possible that Honda may introduce other new products in 350cc space such as a scrambler, special editions, etc. More

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    Honda CB350RS Scrambler Rendered In 4 New Colours – Black, Red, Yellow, Blue

    2021 Honda CB350RS Black – Render
    Honda BigWing might expand this range of India-made classic motorcycles with different engine configurations in future

    Honda teased the upcoming iteration of Honda H’Ness CB350. This version of CB350 will likely be called CB350RS. It is likely to be a scrambler derivative based on CB350 classic roadster. This bike is slated to be launched on February 16 and ahead of its launch, a digital rendering of the same has been created by Pratyush Rout.
    This digitally rendered image of CB350RS as a scrambler gives an idea of what this upcoming bike could look like. It has been imagined in four production-spec colours of Black, Red, Yellow and Blue. A bit of the inspiration has been carried forward from the CB1100RS as well as the officially revealed teasers by the company.
    Design Highlights
    Other parts of it have been curated very realistically. This includes a slimmer seat at rear for the pillion just as revealed in the teaser. Apart from this, other design highlights from this digitally imagined render include a chopped off fender at front, a horizontal tail section, engine assembly cowl and a clip-on handlebar.
    Rest of the details are very similar to the current retro-styled classic roadster. Since it is expected to be a sportier version of H’Ness CB350, it is expected to feature an aggressive seating position thanks to clip-on handlebars. USD forks in the front and rear-set footpegs as shown in this rendered image.
    2021 Honda CB350RS Red – Render
    In the final production model, we could expect it to receive a black treatment instead of chrome accents. Instead of a single-piece of grab rails, it gets side bolted pillion grab rails. The teasers show a new cantilevered tailpiece with a compact LED taillight and mudguard mounted license plate and indicators.
    Engine Specs & Features
    Mechanically, this iteration of CB350 will be identical to its classic roadster sibling although suspension setup might be slightly tweaked for sportier performance. It will be powered by a 348cc unit single-cylinder, air-cooled unit which cranks out 21 bhp and 30 Nm of peak torque.
    This unit will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch. It will be built on a half-duplex cradle frame suspended on a telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers.
    2021 Honda CB350RS Yellow – Render
    In terms of features as well, this bike is expected to offer the same equipment as offered in H;Ness CB350. This includes an all-LED lighting setup, a semi-digital instrument cluster, USB charging, Bluetooth connectivity, Navigation, dual-channel ABS and a first-in-segment Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).
    We expect prices of the new CB350RS roadster to hover around Rs 2.00 lakh (ex-showroom) and will exclusively be sold through the brand’s BigWing dealerships. Honda 2Wheelers India is currently looking to expand its BigWing network in the country and we expect to see an expansion of the India-made BigWing lineup of motorcycles in the near future.
    2021 Honda CB350RS Blue – Render More

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    2021 Honda Dio Scooter Launched In Japan With Remote Key

    2021 Honda Dio
    Although its looks are completely different, the Japanese Dio is similar to its Indian counterpart in its engine specs

    Honda Motorcycles and Scooters has launched the updated 2021 Dio in its home country. The scooter comes with a host of updates in terms of features as well as cosmetics. Even though it carries the same nomenclature, the Japanese model is in no way similar to the India-spec model.
    Design
    The major difference being the headlight which is mounted on its handlebar rather than its front apron is the case with the India-spec model. Its overall design is a nice blend of sporty looks and everyday practicality. It gets a wide and flat single-piece seat which looks comfortable for both the rider and pillion.
    Components such as alloy wheels, exhaust muffler, footboard and tail section have been blackened out which give a sporty appeal to the scooter. In addition, it is offered in four different colour schemes including Matt Galaxy Black Metallic, Pearl Jasmine White, Descent Silver Metallic and Matt Stary Blue Metallic. The apron of the scooter receives LED DRLs instead of a headlight unit.
    Features
    In terms of features, Honda Dio comes with an analogue speedometer along with a digital MID in the instrument cluster. It receives an easy to read console and an immobilizer. The console reads out information such as fuel level, speed limit, distance to empty and other basic information.
    2021 Honda Dio
    The scooter can hold a bottle of 500ml which can be stored on the cubby hole placed at front. The company claims that the new Dio can easily fit a full-size helmet thanks to a large under-seat storage capacity of 18 litres. It also gets remote key feature.
    However, at this price, Dio also misses out on a few features such as LED headlights and taillights, an external fuel filler cap and a USB charging port. Other than this, it looks like a fairly simple and everyday functional scooter.
    Mechanical Specs
    Mechanically, this version of Dio in Japan is very similar to its Indian counterpart carrying the same name. The Japan-spec model is also powered by a 110cc engine that makes 8.7 PS of power and 9 Nm of peak torque. Its hardware consists of a suspension setup of telescopic forks at front and a side-mounted single shock absorber at rear. Anchorage duties are handled by disc brake at front and a drum brake at rear.
    In Japan, Honda retails Dio in a price range of JPY 2,23,000 (approximately INR 1.54 lakh) and JPY 2,20,00 (approximately INR 1.52 lakh). The Japanese auto giant has no plans of introducing this version of Dio to India. It currently focussed on launching a cafe racer or scrambler derivative of CB350 which will be called CB350RS. More

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    Honda CB350RS New Teaser Reveals LED Tail Light, Turn Indicators – Yellow Colour?

    Honda CB350RS Teaser
    Honda CB350 achieves 10k sales milestone – It comes just days before the launch of new variant of the classic roadster

    Honda took its own sweet time to establish a proper presence in India’s medium displacement segment with a market-specific product. However, things are now moving at a brisk pace. The Honda CB350 retro classic roadster surpassed 10,000 unit milestone in a relatively short period even with limited number of BigWing outlets across the country. The milestone achievement comes just days ahead of the planned variant extension.
    Honda CB350 sales
    Since 21st October 2020 when the deliveries commenced, the CB350 has managed to clock 10,000 unit sales in just 3 months. Speaking about the motorcycle, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., revealed that there are order backlogs in several cities and the company is working at the backend to reduce the waiting period. He also added that Honda is in the process of expanding its BigWing premium motorcycle dealership network to more cities in the months to come.
    While the sales figure is no where near what its primary rival, Royal Enfield Classic, has been managing on a monthly basis despite being at the end of its life cycle, the CB350 is certainly a bright prospect for Honda.
    Honda CB350 RS launching soon
    Honda recently teased what looks like a cafe racer variant of the CB350 which is to be launched in India on 16th of February. We learnt that the new motorcycle will be called the Honda CB350 RS. From what is already revealed, the new variant’s styling is in-line with the Japanese brand’s RS lineup of retro-classic motorcycles.
    New Teaser of the Honda CB350RS reveals LED tail light, turn indicators, and yellow colour on fuel tank
    The CB350 RS will be a sportier alternative to the regular model with black accents replacing chrome treatments, and a new taillight and empennage. We can also expect different colour themes and a slightly tweaked riding position (read new handlebars) to further differentiate it from regular CB350.
    As far as specifications are concerned, we don’t expect to see any drastic changes. The 348 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine developed specifically for our market will continue to power the motorcycle. In its current guise, the motor is good for 21 hp and 30 Nm of torque, and comes paired with a 5-speed transmission. We expect the Honda CB350 RS to have identical performance figures.
    Outlook
    The launch of new variant, increment in production capacity and expansion of BigWing dealership network would bring in significant incremental sales for Honda’s neo-classic platform. Given the popularity, we expect the company to dish out interesting variant extensions like cafe racer, scrambler, special editions, etc., at regular intervals.
    With Royal Enfield gearing up to overhaul its widely acclaimed 350 cc portfolio with new exciting products, the competition in this space is set to get very intense in the short term. It is all good news for prospective customers. More

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    New Honda CB350 Cafe Racer Name CB350RS – Leaked In New Teaser?

    Honda CB350RS Cafe Racer Teaser
    The styling tweaks include black accents instead of chrome, a new tailpiece, and colour themes

    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) took its time to develop a Royal Enfield challenger in the form of H’ness CB350 but is now already gearing up to spawn a variant extension. The Honda CB350 Cafe Racer has been teased once again in a build up to its unveil on February 16th.
    Honda CB350 Cafe Racer
    The H’ness CB350’s simple roadster body style with minimalist styling is a perfect to spawn an array of variants to cater to different tastes. The Cafe Racer with design tweaks would be targeting younger audience with a sportier appeal.
    From what can be seen from the teasers, the upcoming variant of the medium displacement retro-classic motorcycle features a new cantilevered tailpiece with compact LED taillight and mudguard mounted license plate and indicators.
    While the regular Honda CB350 embraces chrome appointments, Cafe Racer adopts black finish for the front and rear fenders, exhaust canister, rear shock absorber springs and the front fork. The new handlebar makes for a slightly sportier riding posture to suit the Cafe Racer styling. All other elements are shared with the regular model.
    Link to the teaser image reveals the name CB350RS
    The Name – Honda CB350RS
    Honda has revealed a new teaser today, and also launched a dedicated web-page on their official website of Big Wing. After taking a look at the page source of this new teaser website, you will notice that the name CB350RS is seen multiple times in the site’s coding as well as in the URL.
    Honda CB350RS name appears in the official website coding
    This indicates that the name of the CB350 based new motorcycle is likely going to be christened as CB350RS or CB 350 RS or CB350 RS. Whatever is the official name, it will be revealed on 16th Feb 2021, at the time of launch.
    Honda CB350RS Specifications
    The Honda CB350RS is powered by a 348 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which is expected to be carried forward without any changes. The motor produces 21 hp and 30 Nm of torque, and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The frame and suspension setup, wheels and braking system remain the same but the tyres adopt different buttons to suit the new variant’s character. To recap, the motorcycle is equipped with front and rear disc brakes with standard dual-channel ABS system.
    Honda CB350RS Website
    The digi-analog instrument panel has been retained, and just like its sibling, the Honda CB350RS Cafe Racer will sport turn-by-turn navigation, music and telephone control supported by Bluetooth connectivity, and Honda Selectable Torque Control. Other noteworthy features include smartphone voice control, side stand engine cut-off, and battery health indicator.
    Honda BigWing
    The Honda CB350 RS Cafe Racer will be retailed exclusively through the brand’s BigWing premium dealership network. While this approach restricts its territorial coverage when compared to Royal Enfield motorcycles, Honda is working on significantly expanding its BigWing network across the country. Premium ownership experience is a part of the motorcycle’s appeal and BigWing goes a long way in ensuring that.
    More India-specific models on the way?
    At the time of launching the CB350, Honda hinted that a bigger thump is coming. While there are no specifics as of now, it is rumoured that a CB500 could be in the works. With heavy localization, a bigger engined Honda motorcycle with retro-classic styling would emerge as a compelling alternative to Royal Enfield’s ever-expanding twin-cylinder portfolio. More