Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is excited to announce the India tour of the CRF450 Rally, the ultimate off-road machine and Team Honda Racing Corporation’s weapon of choice for the legendary Dakar Rally. The CRF450 Rally will be displayed at Honda BigWing Topline dealerships and Adventure Camps across India, offering motorsports enthusiasts and adventure riders a rare opportunity to experience Honda's championship-winning spirit first-hand.
The tour, running from January to March 2025, will visit key cities including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Indore, and Gurugram, reinforcing Honda’s commitment to motorsports and excellence. The CRF450 Rally, a champion designed for the harshest terrains, is set to ignite the spirit of adventure and high performance, which are central to Honda’s DNA.
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to bring the CRF450 Rally to India, a country with a growing passion for motorsports and adventure biking. With this tour, we aim to bring the essence of world-class rally racing closer to our customers, inspiring the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts. The CRF450 Rally is not just a motorcycle – it is a symbol of Honda’s relentless pursuit of excellence and dominance in motorsports. We recently completed a showcase in the city of joy, Kolkata, and received an overwhelming response from enthusiasts. This tour is our way of sharing Honda’s Dakar-winning legacy with Indian enthusiasts and inspiring everyone to push boundaries and realise the power of dreams.”
The CRF450 Rally is a true icon of Honda’s engineering prowess, boasting an impressive record in some of the world’s most demanding rally events. Since its debut in 2013, the bike has been continuously refined with insights gained from high-level competition. Honda recently achieved a runner-up position at the 2025 Dakar Rally, cementing its place at the forefront of global motorsports. The team also celebrated a double podium finish at the 47th edition of the world-famous event, with Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren securing second and third positions for Monster Energy Honda HRC.
The Dakar Rally has been testing both riders and machines since 1978, with Honda securing its first victory in 1986 on the NXR750 and three consecutive wins from 1986 to 1989. Honda’s victories in Saudi Arabia, including Ricky Brabec's win in 2020 and Kevin Benavides’ triumph in 2021, have further reinforced the brand's motorsport legacy. Honda dominated the 2024 Dakar, with Brabec clinching his second win, while Monster Energy Honda Team’s riders claimed eight out of 13 stages.
Honda's motorsport legacy stretches back to its debut at the Isle of Man TT races in 1959, driven by the vision of founder Soichiro Honda to lead in technology. The brand has consistently triumphed in various global races and achieved significant victories in 2024, including the Dakar Rally and the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. Despite challenges in MotoGP, Honda remains committed to performance, innovation, and sustainability, looking ahead to future successes in major championships in 2025.
