Honda’s top executives confirm that their Royal Enfield rival’s launch plans are put on hold.

Thunderbird 500 vs Mahindra Mojo vs Honda CBR250R vs Himalayan
Currently the Honda CBR250R competes against the RE Thunderbird 500

Honda has confirmed it will be launching the Africa Twin next month and three other completely new models in the current financial year (two of these will be scooters). Honda also said it will be developing a middle-weight motorcycle, that will rival Royal Enfield. But it seems that Honda has put this plan on hold.

When asked Honda as to why this plan was put on hold, the company said it doesn’t have the cost-competitiveness in developing motorcycles above the 250cc segment. Also it lacks the experience of developing motorcycles above 250cc and upto 450cc. Honda sure is taking its time to bring out its RE rival and we hope it goes into production soon.

Honda meanwhile has other targets set out for this year. It targets to sell 6 million scooters and motorcycles and plans to invest Rs. 1600 crores to launch new products and enhance capacity at its plants. Honda is building its fourth factory in Karnataka which will commence production this July, taking its annual production capacity to 6.4 million units.

Honda’s Royal Enfield Rival

– The Honda Rebel could most probably be the RE rival
– The Rebel is expected to be offered with a 300cc engine and a 500cc engine
– Honda has put the plans of developing the Rebel on hold for now

2017 Honda Rebel
Honda Rebel might come in 300cc and 500cc engine options
2017 Honda Rebel Front
If launched, the Honda Rebel could pose a serious threat to the RE Classic
2017 Honda Rebel Tank
The peanut shaped Harley style fuel tank syncs well with the bike’s overall design

Source – LiveMint.com