Leaked patent images suggest that Honda is working on a new, middleweight scrambler-style motorcycle that will be based on the company’s existing product, the Rebel 500 cruiser.
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As seen in the leaked patents, the primary frame is identical to the Rebel 500, although the sub-frame is noticeably different from the cruiser. Moreover, a closer look at the footpegs and brake lever show an off-road biased setup that aims to provide a better grip. The dotted lines in the leaked patent image are the outline of how the final product may look like, although it will undergo a few changes as the development process goes forward.
Apart from the chassis, the upcoming scrambler will also share its engine with the Rebel 500. However, the exhaust pipe on the scrambler, as seen in the patent image, will be relatively tall-set than the cruiser motorcycle. The 471 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 8-valve (4-valves per cylinder), DOHC motor on the Rebel 500 makes 46 hp of peak power at 8,500 rpm and 44.6 Nm of max torque at 6,000 rpm. The twin-cylinder mill is claimed to deliver a healthy low-range torque and sufficient higher-rpm performance, and the tuning should suit the scrambler bike as well. It will be interesting to see if Honda also develops a scrambler-style motorcycle around the Rebel 300.
The patent image also shows budget-friendly hardware. Thus, the shock absorption department comprises conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin-sided springs at the back. Braking setup on the motorcycle in the patent image includes single discs on both wheels. The box-type swingarm on the scrambler motorcycle patent looks different from the unit on the Rebel 500.
The Rebel 500 comes with a LED headlight, and we would not be surprised to see a similar setup on the scrambler bike. We may also see a Rebel 500 sourced instrument console on the middleweight scrambler motorcycle. The ergonomics will be very different from the Rebel 500, and the scrambler bike will pack high-set handlebar for better accessibility while off-roading. We also expect to see wire-spoke wheels on the scrambler, with a 19-inch unit at the front.
The new scrambler from Honda will target the budget-oriented middleweight segment of the market and it will be an ideal product for countries like India. Do note that there are no details about the target markets for this motorcycle yet.
[Source: Bennetts.co.uk]
