2023 Honda CL300 to be Introduced soon?

Honda is developing a new modern classic scrambler-styled motorcycle and the rumors are spreading like a wildfire. The new CL500 will be using the engine and frame of the Honda Rebel 500.

Honda, as far as rumors are to be believed, is developing a new modern classic scrambler-style motorcycle based on the Honda Rebel 300. But that's not the only scrambler Honda is planning; rumors of a somewhat larger CL 500 scrambler have been circulating for a while. In fact, Honda effectively confirmed the model earlier this year when it filed for trademark protection for the name CL500. The frame and engine from the Honda Rebel 500 will be used in the CL500. But that's not all; a smaller Honda CL250, based on the single-cylinder Honda Rebel 250 used in Asian markets, may also be shown.

The Honda CL300 is the most recent confirmation, and Honda has applied for trademark rights to the CL300 name in Thailand. The Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 are also made in Thailand. Both cars may debut closer together later this year as 2023 models as Honda has simultaneously filed trademark applications for the CL500 in nations like Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Rebel 300's 286 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine—which produces about 27.4 bhp and 27 Nm of maximum torque and has a top speed of about 135 kmph—is most likely to power the Honda CL300. The CL300 is anticipated to have dual shocks at the rear, just like the Rebel models, and is anticipated to be built on the same chassis as the Rebel models, albeit with a larger frame and stronger subframe to fit its retro-inspired scrambler design. The design is probably influenced by the Honda CL250 from the 1960s shown above, but it has more neo-retro features than retro ones. Later this year, as 2023 models, the Honda CL500 and CL300 are most likely to be introduced in the western market and on the global market.

Given that they will be produced in Thailand, costs won't be excessive due to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that India and Thailand have, even if there is no indication that these models will be introduced in India.

Honda's decision to release these two scrambler bikes appears to be a direct response to the increased global interest in modern classic models, particularly in the entry-level and mid-size segments. The Honda H'Ness CB 350 and Honda CB350RS are already produced by Honda in India, while Royal Enfield, the clear market leader in India, is rapidly expanding its market share globally. Small and midsize scramblers appear to be models that will certainly get a lot of interest from customers all around the world.

The Yezdi Scrambler and the Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 are the two scramblers currently available in India, although one of the initial models from the future Bajaj-Triumph alliance goods is also probably going to be a budget scrambler. This market for scramblers might have a lot of activity in the following years if Honda decides to launch the upcoming Honda CL300 in India.