Honda is reportedly working on a new scrambler-styled modern classic motorcycle based on the Honda Rebel 300. But that’s not the only scrambler, Honda is also planning a slightly bigger CL 500 scrambler rumours of which have been doing the rounds for a few months now. In fact, earlier this year, Honda filed trademark rights for the CL500 name essentially confirming the model. The CL500 will use the Honda Rebel 500’s frame and engine. But that’s not all, a smaller Honda CL250 could also be introduced based on a single-cylinder Honda Rebel 250 which is sold in Asian markets.
The latest confirmation though is of the Honda CL300, with a trademark application filed by Honda in Thailand for rights to the CL300 name. And Thailand is where the Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 are manufactured. At the same time, Honda has also applied for the CL500 trademark in countries including Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, and both models could be launched closer to each other later this year as 2023 models.
A patent filing of the Honda CL300 confirms the new model, likely to be unveiled later this year as a 2023 model, and manufactured in Thailand.
The Honda CL300 is likely to use the 286 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine of the Rebel 300, which makes around 27.4 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque, with a top speed of around 135 kmph. Like the Rebel models, the CL300 is expected to get dual shocks at the rear, and will likely be based on the same chassis, with a taller frame and reinforced subframe to suit its retro-styled scrambler design. The design is likely to be inspired by the 1960s Honda CL250 pictured above, but more neo than retro, with modern touches. Both the Honda CL500 and CL300 are likely to be launched in the western market and the international market later this year as 2023 models. Although there is no confirmation on the launch of these models on Indian soil, considering they will be manufactured in Thailand, prices won’t be too high with the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that India enjoys with Thailand.
Honda’s move to introduce these two scrambler models seems to be a direct result of the growing focus on modern classic models around the world, particularly in the entry-level and mid-size space. Honda already manufactures the Honda H’Ness CB 350 and Honda CB350RS in India, and Royal Enfield the undisputed king of the segment in India, is making rapid inroads into this segment around the world. Small and mid-size scramblers seem to be models which are likely to see a lot of consumer interest across the world.
In India, we currently have the Yezdi Scrambler and the Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411, but one of the first models from the upcoming Bajaj-Triumph alliance products, is also likely to be an entry-level scrambler. If Honda does decide to introduce the upcoming Honda CL300 in India, this segment of scramblers could see a lot of action in the coming years.
Highlights
- Honda CL300, Honda CL500 may be based on Honda Rebel platforms
- New Honda CL300 scrambler to be manufactured in Thailand
- Honda seems to be betting big on neo-retro scrambler-styled models
Keyword: 2023 Honda CL300 Scrambler May Be Introduced