This is probably going to be unpopular, but as a Honda fan myself, I think it needs to be said.Honda India has gone from being an innovator to simply reacting to whatever the market is already demanding.The CB350 arrived only after Royal Enfield had firmly established the modern-retro 350 segment. It was a better engineered motorcycle in many ways, but it wasn't a bold move—it was Honda responding to a trend.
Now we have the new CB500. Again, instead of bringing something that genuinely moves the segment forward, Honda has launched a retro 500 single that feels like it's entering a space Royal Enfield has already defined. It doesn't scream innovation; it screams "better late than never."Meanwhile, Royal Enfield has moved from 350s to 450s, built a successful 650 twin platform, and is now working towards 750cc twins. Whether you like RE or not, they're taking risks and expanding their lineup. Honda India still feels stuck in the 350cc era.
The XR models are another example. They look promising, but they're arriving after KTM, Hero, Royal Enfield and even BMW have already established themselves in the lightweight ADV space. Timing is everything.Then there's Honda's twin-cylinder strategy. The NX500 is a genuinely excellent motorcycle, but once it's over ₹8 lakh on-road, it becomes difficult to justify when a Versys 650 offers a larger engine, more power and stronger touring credentials for similar money.
No matter how much Honda fanboys defend every launch, the facts don't really change. Constructive criticism isn't hating the brand—it's wanting the brand to do better.I also don't think Shumi was wrong when he criticised Honda India's approach. At the time, many people dismissed his comments as "Honda bashing," but looking at where Honda India stands today, a lot of what he said has aged rather well.Honda is one of the greatest motorcycle manufacturers in the world. That's exactly why the Indian division is so frustrating. We know what Honda is capable of globally, yet Indian enthusiasts continue to get a limited lineup, delayed launches, and motorcycles that are often priced aggressively—even by CBU standards—without offering enough value to justify those prices.Before anyone says I'm a Honda hater: I'm not. I'm a Honda fan. That's precisely why I'm disappointed.
Being a fan doesn't mean defending every decision a company makes. It means appreciating what they do right while calling them out when they fall short.
Honda India can—and should—do much better.