- New 200cc platform under development
- Will spawn streetbike, faired and off-roaders
- First product likely to come next year
Honda India is planning to increase its foothold in the entry-level premium segment. According to our sources, the company is working on a new 200cc platform.
In fact, recently one of the top honchos of the company said that they have strong intentions to introduce new products in the premium segment after the BS6 norms kick in. The Japanese maker plans to bring in motorcycles starting from 160cc, followed by 200cc and a 300cc.
Currently, the CB Hornet 160R is their highest selling entry-level premium motorcycle, and it’s been on sale since the last few years. This upcoming 200cc range of motorcycles is seen as a platform for these CB Hornet 160R customers to upgrade to. Through this strategy, the company would be able to retain customers who would otherwise have to go to other brands like TVS and Bajaj that have the Apache 200 and the Pulsar 200NS in their portfolio.
According to our sources, this new 200cc platform will be air-cooled with power ranging between 20bhp and 23bhp. This upcoming platform will also spawn a streetbike, a faired one and also an off-roader/adventure motorcycle. The launch timeline isn’t known yet, but we should start seeing something from early next year.
