- Honda launched the XR300L and XR300 Rally in India at Rs 1.83 lakh and Rs 2.08 lakh respectively.
- Both the bikes get 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels with 293.5cc engine.
- The XR300 Rally gets a 13-litre fuel tank, TFT display, RoadSync and traction control.
Honda has further strengthened its presence in the off-road and adventure bikes market with the launch of 2 new models. The company has introduced the XR300L and XR300 Rally in the Indian market at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.83 lakh and Rs 2.08 lakh respectively. Both bikes are produced locally and will be sold through Honda BigWing dealerships. Booking has also started.
A single engine, But different use
Both motorcycles are powered by a 293.5cc single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled engine. The engine is related to the unit in the CB300F and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The Indian model also gets a change in exhaust routing compared to the South American XR300L.
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The XR300L is given a traditional dual-sport design. The slim bodywork, tall front mudguard, high-slung exhaust and narrow tail section make it look ready for off-road riding. It gets a long-travel telescopic fork up front and a gas-charged Pro-Link monoshock at the rear. 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels with disc brakes on both sides. Switchable dual-channel ABS is also available.
XR300 Rally More touring focus in
The XR300 Rally is more touring-oriented than the XR300L. It features a large front fairing, tall windscreen, knuckle guards and a 13-litre fuel tank. The cockpit features a 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation via Honda RoadSync. Traction control and switchable ABS are also offered.
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The XR300L has a 7.8-litre fuel tank, 830 mm seat height and 244 mm ground clearance. Suspension travel is 260 mm with 256 mm front and 220 mm rear disc brakes. On the other hand, the Rally’s larger tank and wind protection come in handy for longer rides.
The XR300L will compete directly with lightweight off-road bikes like the Hero Xpulse 210 and the Kawasaki KLX230. Whereas the Rally model leans towards adventure touring. Honda has kept a price difference of Rs 25,000 between the two bikes.