Honda's two-wheeler wing has recently trademarked the CRF300L name in India, suggesting that the brand is planning to bring this adventure motorcycle to our shore. For those who aren't aware, the Honda CRF300L is already on sale in select European and Southeast Asian markets.
Currently, the entry-level adventure motorcycle segment is gaining popularity in India, and this would be an opportune time for Honda to introduce the 300cc ADV to the Indian buyers. Currently, Honda India has the CB500X and CRF1100L Africa Twin in the adventure segment, but they are quite expensive. So, the CRF300L would be an appropriate choice to cater to the need of a wider audience by emphasizing Honda's reliability.
While it is not official, the brand could bring the CRF300L via the CKD route, and it could cost around Rs 2.50 lakh (all ex-showroom). If it arrives at this price point, it could be an ideal off-road alternative to the KTM 250 Adventure, which retails at Rs 2.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It comes with 21-inch front & 18-inch rear spoke wheels with block pattern tires, remarkably long-travel suspension, high upswept exhaust, and off-road favorable ergonomics, makings it a great adventure motorbike. However, its capabilities are not limited to off-road only. It is a dual-purpose bike like the Hero Xpulse 200 and will deliver equally good performance on the tarmac. For reference, the Thai-spec Honda CRF300L has 244mm of whopping ground clearance, an 830mm seat height, and it weighs just 138kg that makes it easy to manage even by shorter riders.
Powering the CRF300L will be the same 286cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that also comes with the Honda CB300R naked motorcycle. Paired to a 6-speed transmission with assist-&-slipper clutch, the motor is good enough to push out decent output figures of 27.3PS and 26.6Nm, and a claimed fuel efficiency of 32.3kmpl. While the per liter range seems apt for its category, the bike's smaller 7.8-liter fuel tank doesn't work in its favor. So, you're the one who loves to explore the undiscovered regions, you might have to carry some additional jerry cans.
While Honda is yet to share any details related to the CRF300L ADV, we expect it to arrive by the end of this year or early 2022. In addition to this, the brand may also offer a BS6-compliant version of the Honda CB300R in India.
