2021 Honda XRE 300 ADV Launched Overseas

Unlike the CB200X, the XRE 300 seems to be a much more capable off-roader

Just a few days ago, Honda launched the CB200X in India as its smallest ADV offering. Now, the Japanese bikemaker has launched the 2021 XRE 300 in the international market and here’s what it’s all about. 

Unlike the CB200X, the XRE 300 looks a lot more off-road oriented. Its high beak, tall riding stance and the overall design are a testament to its dirt-friendly nature. While its stance might be that of a traditional off-roader, there are some modern touches to the design such as LED illumination. There’s also a full digital LCD cluster on offer, though not much else in terms of features. But that’s to be expected from a rugged dual sport capable of both zooming along the highways and bashing around the trails with equal ease.

The 2021 Honda XRE 300 is powered by a 291cc air-cooled single-cylinder motor with a claimed output of 25.4PS and 27Nm, and comes with a 5-speed gearbox. For reference, the Honda CB200X makes 16.5PS and 15.5Nm from its 184cc motor. 

While the XRE’s output figures don’t sound too impressive on paper, its underpinnings are a different story. It’s packing a conventional telescopic fork with a whopping 245mm of travel and linked rear shock with 225mm of travel. To put that into context, the Royal Enfield Himalayan’s suspension offers 200mm of travel at the front and 180mm at the rear. Braking hardware on the XRE comprises a 256mm front and a 220mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as standard. 

Rolling on a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear spoked wheel, the Honda XRE 300 gets knobby tyres and weighs just 148kg, which really drives home its off-road credentials. But it should have decent highway legs too, considering it’s got a 13.8-litre fuel tank. 

In Brazil, it's priced BRL 20,390 onwards (roughly Rs 2.90 lakh). The pricing is quite attractive, and although back in 2017, Honda had patented the XRE 300 in India, we seriously doubt that we’ll see it land on our shores anytime soon.. In the meantime, we’ll just need to make do with the Hero Xpulse 200 or the Royal Enfield Himalayan to scratch our off-road itch.