Recently, Honda started accepting bookings for the new 2025 CB650R and CBR65R that carries a price tag of Rs 9.2 lakh and Rs 9.99 lakh (both ex-showroom), respectively. To be retailed via Honda’s Big Wing network of dealerships, the Japanese bikemaker has more Big Wing models in the works for the Indian market.
According to a recent Autocar India report, Honda is planning to launch three new motorcycles in 2026 which will be sold through the company’s premium showroom network. The first model is expected to be the Honda Rebel 300, a very popular entry-level cruiser in international markets.
Honda Rebel 300: What to expect?
The Rebel 300 has been speculated to come to India for a long time but there have been no concrete developments until now. It is based on the same underpinnings as the CB300R which is already on sale in India. It is still unclear whether this model will be a fully-imported CBU or a locally assembled model like its naked streetfighter sibling.
The CB300R is priced at Rs 2.40 lakh and if the Rebel 300 gets the same levels of localisation, expect it to undercut the street naked bike by a few thousand bucks. Powering the Rebel 300 is the same 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed gearbox as the CB300R. At a seat height of 690mm and a relatively low kerb weight of 170 kg, the CB300R is a friendly cruiser aimed at young riders.
Honda 500cc motorcycles: What to expect?
The report further sheds light on another major development from Honda in the two-wheeler division. The company is reportedly working on a new India-specific 500cc project that will result in two different motorcycles. Internally codenamed MLHJ and MLWA, not much is known about either of these models yet.
However, given that these are part of a new India-specific project, expect them to be powered by a different engine from the existing 471cc parallel-twin motor employed in multiple 500cc models, including Honda NX500. It recently came to light that Honda has filed a new trademark for GB500S in overseas markets. This suggests that Honda could utilise the current CB350 platform for the upcoming 500cc parallel twins.
For the uninitiated, Honda sells the CB350 H’Ness in its home market as the GB350. There’s a possibility that the upcoming 500cc mill will not be a twin-cylinder unit and would be a much simpler motor than the 471cc parallel-twin unit. We expect Honda to bring out modern classics based on the new 500cc engine, just like the CB350 range.
Source: Autocar India
