In the light of shared powertrain model between CBR250R and CRF250L, the auto journals are abuzz with the speculations regarding the launch of CRF250L in the Indian auto industry. However the Japanese company, Honda has not made any official announcement in this regard.
The powertrain driving the CRF250L is almost identical to the one on CBR250R, right from the features down to the gear ratio. Power and torque output is the only way one could tell apart both the powertrains. While the CBR250R unit is built to deliver 25 bhp of power and 23 Nm of torque, CRF250L powertrain has been capped to deliver 23 bhp of power and 22 Nm of torque. By the look of it, achieving better fuel efficiency was the drive behind reducing the power output in CRF250L. The mileage on offer by the CRF250L, according to Honda, is 44.3 kmpl while driving at a constant speed of 60 kmph, however, in actual riding it will offer 30-35 kmpl.
There are several other reasons besides this which can compel the company to launch the bike in India. An off-roading revolution has been started by the recently launched Hero Impulse which is also sold by Honda in Brazil as 150 BROS. Besides regular commuting, many bike customers have shown interest in Impulse who are interested in off-roading. However, according to the feedback the bike from Hero needs to deliver much more power which can be replaced by the Honda CRF250L. Due to this, the bike from Japanese manufacturers can pose tough competition to the Impulse in terms of sales. With the launch of this bike in the country, Japanese company will get an open window to an unexplored off-roading motorcycle segment. Besides, it is also anticipated that Honda can also roll out a CRF150L on the lines of BR150R much later, in the country.
Taking into account, the geographical condition of India and its rough terrain, the new target segment of off-road motorcycle in the industry offers endless possibilities to the companies. In future many more companies may swarm this particular segment, including KTM which is popular worldwide for its off-road motorcycles.
