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Although Honda 2-wheelers India isn’t present at this year’s Auto Expo, the company did have a surprise in store for us at the Ethanol Pavilion at the show. Standing among a motley mix of Indian motorcycles from the likes of Bajaj, TVS and Yamaha, Big Red showcased the XRE 300 - a small ADV that we’ve all been lusting after for quite some time.
The XRE 300 Rally is a dual-purpose motorcycle sold in the Brazilian market with a 291.6cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor putting out 25.4PS and 27Nm. While the output figures are nothing to write home about, what makes the XRE special is its 21/18 spoke-wheel setup with dual purpose tyres, long travel suspension and a kerb weight under 150kg. This should make it great for off-road use, and it can also hold its own on the highway with its comfortable ergonomics and a fuel tank capacity of 13.8 liters.
We’ve seen spy pics of the XRE 300 Rally in India in the past, but there has been no indication of the bike being launched in India. The bike on display at Auto Expo 2023 was the flex fuel powered version, which can run on an ethanol blend (with petrol) ranging from 20% to 85% (E20 to E85). And because of this, it also makes 0.2PS and 0.4Nm more than just the petrol powered version.
Oh Honda, please get the XRE 300 to India!
Auto Expo 2023 : https://www.zigwheels.com/autoexpo