Honda Announces Entry Into Indian Off-Road Racing

• The brand has not revealed what championships it plans on participating in
• Honda could expand its lineup in the near future

Honda has announced its entry into the Indian off-road racing space. As part of this move, it may also expand its off-road motorcycle lineup, introducing its dual-sport motorcycles, which are sold internationally, to India.

So far, the brand has not revealed which championships it plans to participate in. But we expect it to participate in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) and the National Motocross Championship (NMC) through factory teams. It could also take part in the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), helping privateers with factory support.

Over the years, HMSI has had a strong presence in circuit racing in India through initiatives such as the Honda One Make Race and participation in the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship. The company has also supported rider development through international platforms like the Asia Road Racing Championship.

With the growing interest in off-road riding, it makes sense for the brand to secure a foothold in this space. Currently, the brand doesn’t have any off-road-focused motorcycles in the sub-500cc segment. If Honda can launch something in this segment, it will be able to compete in the lower classes of national and regional races, where production-spec motorcycles are used.

Currently, most riders who race in such events either use the Hero Xpulse 200 4V, Hero Xpulse 210, or the Kawasaki KLX230. If Honda launches the CRF300 Rally or the Sahara 300, it can have a presence at a grassroots level.