Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has formally announced its entry into off-road racing, marking a strategic shift in its motorsport direction in India. The company plans to gradually move focus away from track racing and expand into dirt-based formats such as rally, supercross and other off-road formats, reflecting changing customer preferences and growing participation in these categories.
The move comes after HMSI’s 18-year involvement in the Indian motorsport scene. Over the years, the company has played a key role in nurturing racing talent through initiatives like the Honda One Make Race and participation in national-level competitions such as the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship. It has also invested in rider development with advanced platforms, including the NSF250R Moto3 spec machine, while supporting Indian riders in international series like the Asia Road Racing Championship, Thailand Talent Cup and Honda Asia Dream Cup.
Off-road racing in India has been gaining traction due to its accessibility and wider appeal among enthusiasts, bringing in both amateur and professional riders. HMSI believes this transition will create more opportunities for rider participation and grassroots development in formats that are witnessing strong participation globally.
As part of this shift, the company is also evaluating the expansion of its product portfolio, with increased focus on adventure and off-road capable motorcycles tailored for Indian riding conditions, aligning its motorsport strategy with future market demand. With that said, we could expect Honda to bring in the CRF series motorcycles in India soon.
