Honda Bikes

Image – Durga HondaHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India reports growth in domestic wholesales and exports in March 2021
Honda reports sales growth for March 2021 with domestic wholesales of just below 4 lakh units. Sales is reported at 3,95,037 units, up from 2,45,716 units. Growth stood at 60.77 percent at volume gain of 1,49,321 units. Best sellers for domestic market were Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Unicorn, Livo, Grazia and Dream.
Exports were flat at 16k units. In March 2020, 16983 units were exported. Exports top performers were Navi, Dio, CB Shine, X-Blade, Hornet, Hness CB 350. Cumulative sales is reported at 4,11,037 units, up from 2,61,699 units. Volume gain stood at 1,49,338 units at 57.06 percent growth.
Honda 2W Sales March 2021
MoM domestic sales fell from 4,11,578 units at volume loss of 16,541 units at 4.02 percent decline. Cumulative MoM sales fell from 4,42,696 units at volume loss of just over 30k units.
HMSI FY21 sales
FY21 posed great difficulties in terms of business functionality in the first couple of months. Thereafter, traditional purchases during the festive season helped boost sales, and this was followed up by a fairly active Q4. However, steady sales in recent months haven’t been enough to help manufacturers come into the green. Resultantly, auto manufacturers find themselves in the red at the end of FY21.
Honda 2W Sales March 2021 and FY 2021
Honda two wheelers ended the year at 19.04 percent decline. Cumulative sales fell to 40,73,182 units, down from 50,31,297 units at volume loss of about 9.6 lakh units. Export volumes fell to 2,017,310 units, down from 3,24,725 units at volume loss of 1,17,415 units. Domestic sales fell by 17.86 percent. Wholesales contracted to 38,65,872 units, down from 40,06,572 units at volume loss of 8,40,700 units.
Honda market presence
In recent times, the mass market two-wheeler market has shown great strength of character, proving to be a commodity that most would be willing to consider. Living amidst lockdowns and curfews owing to Covid-19 pandemic, folks are increasingly feeling the need for a two-wheeler.
While demand is at a natural high, Honda’s top seller is the Activa scooter as against Hero’s Splendor. Hero HF Deluxe is another motorcycle on the podium. Honda on the other hand offers CB Shine as its bestselling motorcycle. As and when Honda were to introduce an affordable mass market motorcycle, it’s likely the product could tip the scales largely in their favour. Rural markets form the backbone of such mass market motorcycles.
HMSI has already begun treading on a new path with the launch of its 350cc offering. The move has given Honda yet another segment to compete in, and thereby add to sales. This premium move allows Honda to be an attractive proposition to a new buyer group, as well as gives current customers a chance to stay within the brand at a future time. Honda has plans to introduce more premium mid-segment bikes made in the country in due course of time.
Despite difficulties in 2021, Honda has been able to infuse much excitement in the market. The company brought in the Hness CB350, and CB350 RS. Then there was the CB500X, CBR 650R and CB 650R. More

Honda CB350RS Gunmetal Black MetallicIn India, CB350RS is only offered in dual tone colours – Export market gets new single tone colour schemes
After emerging as one of the popular options in 350cc motorcycle segment in India, CB350 range has been launched in Honda’s home market Japan. As compared to CB350 and CB350 RS in the Indian market, the names have been changed to GB350 and GB350S in Japan. These will be manufactured in India and exported to Japan. While they are largely the same in both countries, there are some differences in terms of colour options, weight and engine output.
CB350 vs. GB350 – Key differences
While the engine is the same in both countries, the one used in Japanese models has been tweaked to deliver slightly lesser power and torque. The 348.36cc engine on-board Honda CB350 and CB350 RS is capable of generating 21 ps of max power and 30 Nm of max torque. On Japanese GB350 and GB350S, the engine makes 20.4 ps and 29 Nm. That’s 0.6 ps and 1 Nm less, as compared to the Indian model. 5-speed gearbox is the same in both countries.
Honda CB350 Candy Chromosphere Red
Another difference can be seen in the colour options offered in the two countries. In Japan, GB350 is available in colour options of Candy Chromosphere Red, Matt Jeans Blue Metallic, and Matte Pearl Morion Black.
In Comparison, CB350 is offered in two variants, DLX and DLX Pro. While DLX gets monotone colour options of Precious Red Metallic, Matte Marshal Green Metallic and Pearl Night Star Black, DLX Pro is offered in dual-tone colour options of Matte Steel Black Metallic with Matte Massive Grey Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic with Virtuous White and Pearl Night Star Black with Spear Silver Metallic.
Honda CB350RS Pearl Deep Mud Grey
Talking about the sportier GB350S, colour options include Pearl Deep Mud Grey and Gunmetal Black Metallic. In India, CB350 RS is offered in monotone Radiant Red Metallic and dual-tone Black with Pearl Sports Yellow. CB350 and GB350 also differ in terms of their weight. GB350 and GB350S weigh 180 kg and 178 kg, respectively, which is 1 kg less as compared to their Indian counterparts.
Honda CB350 Matte Pearl Morion Black
CB350 vs. GB350 pricing
Honda GB350 is priced at 550,000 Yen (~ Rs 3.63 lakh) and S variant at 594,000 Yen (~ Rs 3.92 lakh). In comparison, CB350 DLX and DLX Pro are priced at Rs 1.86 lakh and Rs 1.92 lakh, respectively. CB350 RS retails at 1.96 lakh for monotone variant and Rs 1.98 lakh for dual-tone model.
In the Japanese market, GB350 will go on sale from April 22. The S variant will be available from July 15. With its elegant profile and comprehensive range of features, Honda CB350 could be introduced in several other international markets. This will reduce dependence on a single market.
Honda CB350 Matt Jeans Blue Metallic
In India, CB350 range has a tough task to take on market leader Royal Enfield that has 95% market share in 350cc segment. Till the time enthusiasts start accepting CB350 range as equal to or even better than Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles, exports will fill the gap in terms of revenue generation and production capacity utilization. More

Honda Activa 6GHonda 2Wheelers India reported a 30.76 percent increase in domestic sales and 16.80 percent increase in exports in Feb 21
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India have maintained good sales momentum in February 2021 both where domestic sales as well as exports were concerned. In the past month, the company also expanded its networks. It opened three new BigWing dealerships in Siliguri, Vododara and Thane thus taking total to 5 BigWing Topline showrooms from where the company’s 300cc premium range is retailed and 18 Honda BigWing outlets from where the 300-500cc mid-size premium range is sold.
Honda Domestic Sales
Honda has noted a 31.76 percent increase in domestic sales in Feb 2021. Sales which stood at 3,14,783 units in Feb 20 surged to 4,11,605 units in the past month. However, on a MoM basis, sales dipped by 1 percent as compared to 4,16,712 units sold in Jan 21.
It was the Honda Activa scooter that topped the sales charts in spite of de-growth of 6.09 percent. Sales in Feb 21 stood at 2,09,389 units, up from 2,22,961 units sold in Feb 20. The Honda Activa scooter currently commands a 50.87 percent share in the company lineup.
The CB Shine is currently a popular buy in the premium commuter segment. It was at No.2 in the list of Honda bikes sold last month with sales growth of 128.18 percent. Currently holding a 28.18 percent share, sales in the past month stood at 1,15,970 units, up from 50,825 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
Honda Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2021 vs Feb 2020 (YoY)
The Dio scooter came in third with sales of 28,171 units, up 6.33 percent as against 26,494 units sold in Feb 20. Honda Unicorn 160 as added 22,281 units to total domestic sales in the past month while Dream at No.5 saw its sales increase 405.46 percent to 10,736 units, up from 2,124 units sold in Feb 20.
Livo and Grazia also saw good numbers with significant percentage increase in Feb 21 over domestic sales in Feb 20. The Hornet 2.0 and H’ness 350 both contributed 3,596 units and 3,268 units to total domestic sales last month.
X-Blade noted a 4,510 percent increase in demand in local markets with 1,844 units sold, up from just 40 units sold in Feb 20. Aviator is no longer on sale in India while the Unicorn 150 has been replaced by the Unicorn 160 and the Hornet 160R failed to receive any BS6 upgrade.
Honda Two Wheeler Exports Feb 2021 vs Jan 2021 (MoM)
Honda Two Wheeler Exports
Honda exports increased 16.80 percent to 31,088 units in Feb 21 as compared to 26,616 units exported in Feb 20. It was the Honda Navi that found most buyers in export markets with 6,398 units exported, up 85.77 percent as against 3,444 units sold in Feb 20. In fact, the Navi scooter is solely produced for export purposes.
Dio exports dipped 44.05 percent to 5,695 units last month, down from 10,178 units exported in Feb 20 while CB Shine saw exports surge 78.75 percent to 4,794 units, up from 2,682 units sold in Feb20. Significant percentage increase was also seen in the case of the Dream (77.68 percent) and X-Blade (83.01 percent) while exports of the Livo stood at 2,700 units. The Honda Livo, in its BS6 avatar continues to compete against the TVS Star City Plus BS6 and Hero Passion Pro BS6.
Exports of the Honda Hornet 160R and Grazia dipped marginally in the past month and Aviator exports also dipped from 680 units exported in Feb 20 to 360 units in Feb 21. The recently launched Honda H’Ness CB 350 added 300 units to company exports. Activa and Unicorn 160 also reported lower exports while the CB Twister noted a 100 percent de-growth with 0 units exported in the past month, down from 1,040 units exported in Feb 20. More

Image – JerishHonda H’Ness CB350 competes against the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa Forty-Two and Benelli Imperiale
Automotive industry is like a house of dominos, one act of a price hike by a manufacturer may lead to other brands increasing prices of their products as well. Now, it’s the turn of Honda which is set to increase prices of H’Ness CB350. Dealers have revealed that the Japanese bikemaker is set to increase prices by Rs 5,500.
The new incremented price will take effect from April 1, 2020. Currently, prices of the retro-style classic motorcycle start at Rs 1,86,500 for the base DLX variant while the higher-spec DLX Pro trim is offered at a price of Rs 1,92,500. Since its launch late last year, this will be the second price hike for CB350.
Honda is yet to confirm any such development but it won’t come as a surprise since price increase of vehicles is a common practice at the start of a new financial year. Despite limited availability through Honda’s premium BigWing network of dealerships, CB350 has created a very strong buzz among motorcyclists in India.
Some of its strongest suits are its classic retro design, strong mid-range and low-range performance and exceptional refinement with a thumpy exhaust note. Since its launch last year, Honda has sold more than 13k units of the CB350. With the launch of CB350RS, Honda is expected to register even more sales in this segment.

Month
CB350 Sales

Oct
1,290

Nov
4,067

Dec
1,564

Jan
3,543

Feb
3,268

Total
13,732

Design & Features
Speaking of its design, some of the highlights include a round headlamp, a leather tan seat, a curvy fuel tank, and chrome-embellished fenders and exhaust. Presence of blacked-out components such as engine-gearbox assembly and alloy wheels gives it a contrasting appeal. Its equipment consists of modern features such as full-LED lighting, semi-digital console, Bluetooth connectivity and traction control.
Mechanical Specifications
The bike draws its energy from a 348.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that kicks out 20.5 bhp at 5,500rpm and a peak torque of 30 Nm at 3,000rpm. This unit is coupled with a 5-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Its hardware setup consists of a double cradle frame which is suspended on telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear.
The motorcycle rides on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels while anchor duties are handled by a single disc brake at each end assisted by dual-channel ABS. It tips the weighing scales at 181 kg and can hold up to 15 litres of fuel.
Earlier this year, Honda also launched a scrambler version of CB350 called CB350 RS which is essentially the same bike with slightly sportier styling and ergonomics. We do not know yet whether the upcoming price revision will also involve CB350’s sportier sibling or not. More

Image – Emerald Honda
The two wheeler dealer had collected Road Tax from 29,175 buyers but failed to make payments to the concerned authorities
Emerald Honda, a Honda two wheeler dealership has been booked for cheating the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The dealership had been collecting road tax from each two wheeler buyer as per the standard norms but the amount was not paid to the concerned authorities.
This fraud came to light when one such buyer, a Bapunagar resident, Surendrakumar Agja received a notice from the AMC asking him to clear his road tax dues within 3 days. Agja had purchased a two wheeler from the Emerald Honda showroom in Shahibagh in 2016. He paid the one time road tax and even received a receipt for the same. Hence he was astounded to receive the notice in July 2020 citing unpaid dues.
Agja had approached the police on receipt of the notice in November 2020. An FIR was registered under IPC Section 406 (Punishment for Criminal Breach of Trust) and 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property). While this was initially thought to be a sole case, it then came to light that this was not so.
More Customers
The said dealership had collected road tax from 29,175 two wheeler buyers during the period January 1, 2016, and December 12, 2020, but not deposited the same with the said authorities. As per documents received, the dealer had not paid taxes to the tune of Rs.3.63 crores to AMC.
Image – Emerald Honda
Though the Police Inspector M B Barad of the Madhavpura Police Station stated in January that the non-payment of taxes was inadvertent and were cleared later, Agja came to learn from AMC that this was not the case and the dues were still pending.
Untimely Action by Cops
Agja states that no action was taken at that time. Had the authorities acted on his complaint, the owners could have been apprehended. Now it is noticed that the Honda Showroom has been shut and the owners are absconding while a list exists of over 8,000 two wheeler owners whose road tax has not been deposited with the AMC.
The aggrieved two wheeler owners have now decided to approach the Police Commissioner to take action against the Madhavpura Police personnel who obviously tried to protect the accused by not taking timely action.
Employees’ PF Also Siphoned Off
Not only were the two wheeler buyers cheated of their road tax dues by the said Honda Dealership, but the hapless employees have also found that their employers had been making deductions for Provident Fund from their salaries but not deposited the same into the PF account.
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