Honda Motorcycles India introduces new models for the Indian market

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India just pulled off an ambitious unveiling of 10 vehicles, taking the wraps off the new CB350 family, the ADV 160 which is Honda’s first flex-fuel scooter, the new Rebel Family that brings low-slung cruiser charm to Indian roads, and the XR series which steers the brand into a new direction in uncharted territory.

Honda CB 350

There are no mechanical changes with all three variants: CB350, CB350C, CB350RS all of them retaining the existing 348.6cc, single-cylinder air-cooled engine which produces 20.7bhp and 29.5Nm of torque and is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The entire lineup receives new paint schemes and the fuel tanks and side panels get revised graphics to separate them from the outgoing models.

Honda CB 500

The 2026 Honda CB500 features a new 501cc, single-cylinder air-cooled engine which is paired with an oil cooler, it produces approximately 26.63 bhp and 43.3Nm of torque. This makes it Honda’s largest air-cooled single cylinder motorcycle in India. Honda states the engine has been designed and tuned for low-rev stability and produces a classic thump heavy exhaust note. The bike features the classic retro roadster design with chrome accents and traditional telescopic fork suspension at the front with twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. To accommodate the larger 501cc engine, Honda has designed a new cradle chassis

Honda Rebel 300 & 500

The new Rebel 300 & 500 will be available in two variants: standard and E-Clutch variants, and unlike the outgoing Rebel 500 both new models will be manufactured locally in India. The Rebel 300 will be powered by a 286cc single-cylinder engine which is expected to make around 25.59bhp and 27.5Nm of torque, with the Rebel 500 producing 45.37bhp and 43.3Nm of torque. Both motorcycles will use a 6-speed gearbox, with E-Clutch variants allowing riders to shift gears without operating the clutch lever if they please. The Rebel 300 has an expected kerb weight of 172kg with the bigger Rebel 500 tipping the scales at 191kg. Both motorcycles will feature an upright handlebar and forward-set footpegs, which when combined with a 690mm saddle height offer a relaxed riding position.

Honda XR 300

The Honda XR 300 comes to India in two variants: XR300L and XR 300 Rally, with the former being developed as a dual purpose motorcycle capable of everyday practicality with off-road capability, and the latter is built on the same platform but takes a different approach, being inspired by Honda’s rally heritage, it is designed for long distance touring and mixed-terrain riding. Both motorcycles are powered by a 293.5cc air-cooled single cylinder engine with an oil-cooler which is expected to produce 26.9bhp and 26.6Nm of torque, being paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Both motorcycles sit on long-travel suspension with 260mm of travel and a saddle height of 830mm.

Conclusion

Honda will confirm the pricing and other details closer to the launch of these models, with one thing is for certain all of these vehicles will now be built locally by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India instead of being imported as CBUs. For information regarding the scooters that were unveiled at the event, click here.