[Rumour] Are Honda and Yamaha planning on smaller adventure bikes?

Reports from Japan suggest Honda and Yamaha might planning on developing small capacity adventure bikes.

Folks, another day, another report. Our friends from YoungMachine are here again with another report and this time it’s about Honda and Yamaha planning on developing an all-new line-up of smaller capacity adventure bikes.

One of Japan’s leading motorcycle website, YoungMachine is well known for their reports on incoming bikes. Especially the ones from Japan’s big four. In case you are unaware, YoungMachine was the very first media outlet to report on the arrival of Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-25R inline-four machine and the fan-favourite Honda CT125 Hunter Cub way before the bikes were launched.

So getting back to the story, one of YoungMachine’s recent speculation suggests Honda and Yamaha might be planning on developing smaller adventure bikes in the 250cc-300cc segment. Well, when you think of it, it kind of makes sense.

Honda Africa Twin 250?

Starting off with Honda, Young Machine reports the firm might be planning on a smaller 250cc version of the iconic Honda Africa Twin. Given the firm already has the CRF250L Rally which could be used as the base, the idea sounds more realistic. Well, if that’s the case, all Honda has to do is to add in a bit of Africa Twin styling with a larger fuel tank and change the overall dynamic to more road-oriented and a little less enduro.

Yamaha Tracer 300 / Ténéré 300?

Moving onto Yamaha, Young Machine suggests the firm might be working on a smaller capacity Tracer or Ténéré.

Again, when you think of it, Yamaha actually has the smaller capacity MT 03 and R 3 series which could be utilised as the base. Although Yamaha might have to work on an-all new offroad oriented chassis, the 321cc from the  MT-03 and R3 can be easily re-turned for more torque, offroad and touring use. On the other hand, the 249 cc MT25 and R25 can also be an excellent base platform.

Also, in case you missed our previous coverage, Fabrizio Corsi ( Product Communication Manager Yamaha Italy) did say  Ténéré 300 is a possibility if buyers want one. Read about it here:

Yamaha says there could be a Tenere 300 if buyers want one!

What we think

Speaking of this idea in general, it actually sounds promising because one of Japan’s big four, Kawasaki already has the Versys 250 in the segment. Aside from this, since the past few years, we have been seeing manufacturers shifting their way into the smaller capacity adventure bikes so Yamaha and Honda might actually be planning on making their move into this competitive segment.