Honda has recently filed a design patent for the CRF190L in India, leading to speculation and several reports that Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) may be working on a new adventure bike which will rival the Hero XPulse 200 4 Valve. So, is Honda actually working on an entry-level adventure bike with real off-road capability, or is there more to it? After all, Honda already has two models in its 184 cc platform, the street-oriented premium commuter model, the Honda Hornet 2.0 and its adventure-styled sibling, the Honda CB200X. The answer to that question will depend on market demand, and a logically planned product strategy, something HMSI has always diligently followed when it comes to the Indian market. [1]

Figure 1. Analysis: Will Honda Launch the CRF190L In India?

Figure 1 shows The Honda CRF190L is also powered by the same 184 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine as the CB200X, but with a slightly different tune. Right now, the Honda CRF190L is available in China, and the engine is tuned to make 15.6 bhp and 14.5 Nm. Going by its “CRF” nomenclature, the bike looks like a smaller version of the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. With a seat height of 830mm, the CRF190L isn’t too intimidating and tall, but it does get a ground clearance of 240mm. And given its modest power output, the curb weight of 145kg should make the CRF190L a hoot to ride off-road. So, an entry-level ADV with such specs should definitely be welcomed by those who want to start off-road riding, especially in India. [2]

The Honda Hornet 2.0 platform already has the bare, and a soft-roader within the Honda CB200X, so logically, it would not make sense to introduce one other off-road succesful product in the identical platform. The CB200X is producing good client curiosity, and it appears far-fetched to imagine that one other off-road succesful mannequin will likely be constructed on the identical platform, with barely extra suspension journey, and floor clearance. Quite clearly, there is no dearth of Honda’s R&D and product-development functionality to develop a true-blue, small-displacement off-road bike. The Honda CRF250L and the Honda CRF300L are prime examples of that functionality. [3]

According to a supply in HMSI, there aren’t any plans within the speedy future to launch the Honda CRF190L within the Indian market. So, that leaves us with a few choices. One is that Honda is seeking to develop a brand new mannequin, which can even have actual off-road functionality, in contrast to the Honda CB200X. This may have a CRF-based mannequin nomenclature, hinting at off-road, or dual-sport functionality, somewhat than the road-oriented CB collection. [4]

References:

1. https://www.carandbike.com/news/analysis-will-honda-launch-the-crf190l-in-india-2799138
2. https://news.bharattimes.co.in/analysis-will-honda-launch-the-crf190l-in-india/
3. https://www.pehalnews.in/analysis-will-honda-launch-the-crf190l-in-india/1689148/
4. https://dksnewsonline.com/2022/03/02/analysis-will-honda-launch-the-crf190l-in-india/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Will Honda Launch the CRF190L In India?, Anatechmaz, pp. 178