Honda Bikes

Honda Diabolus Custom CL300 Scrambler By K-SpeedThe Honda Diabolus custom CL300 Scrambler share its 286cc single-cylinder engine with CB300R that generates 31 bhp of power and 27.5 Nm of torqueRetro classic motorcycles are currently all the rage. Among this broad umbrella, scramblers have seen quite a bit more uproar among enthusiasts when compared to just classic motorcycles. Honda’s CL lineup caters to this demographic. Renowned motorcycle modder K-Speed has created Diabolus based on Honda CL300 Scrambler.Honda Diabolus Is A Customised CL300 ScramblerThailand-based K-Speed Customs has revealed Honda Diabolus, which is a customised CL300 Scrambler. K-Speed has envisioned a purpose-built authentic Scrambler style motorcycle that pays tribute to old legends. The kit is shown with CL300, but can also be implemented on the larger Honda CL500 as well.Said Honda CL300 has been patented in India too. There may be launch intentions, but can very well be just Honda’s standard patenting exercise. CL300 shares its engine with CB300R sold in India which recently got a significant price cut. With new pricing, CB300R is an apt rival to Triumph Speed 400.What K-Speed has done with CL300 is really commendable. It brings a culmination of raw, minimalistic and wild design language that looks better than what Honda had intended. Honda’s round headlight is replaced with a sleek square LED unit with a grill, situated slightly below its triple tree.Honda Diabolus Custom CL300 ScramblerStock front mudguard is replaced with a tall off-road style unit. Handlebar is different and features retro switchgear too. Standard bike’s frame, fuel tank and engine are unchanged. There is a substantial bash plate. Exhaust is now routed from the side into an up-swept twin end can design.Off-road ready retro scramblerIn standard bike, exhaust is routed below the engine and then goes up, ending in an upswept design. Seat has a similar pattern on upholstery, but is a custom single-seater unit. Rear fender is significantly smaller and lends a tidy appearance, displaying its substantial tyres proudly. Speaking of tyres, these are knobby ones that will perform much better on trails than stock ones.What is more attention-grabbing about this Honda Diabolus custom build is its wire-spoke wheels. For starters, these replace the alloy units on standard CL300. I have seen many wire-spoke wheels. However, these have been stylised quite a bit. Rear subframe and round-section swingarm are retained.Honda Diabolus Custom HandlebarOther components like RSU telescopic front forks with gaiters, rear dual-shock absorber setup, re-positioned round speedometer, custom bar-end ORVMs grab attention. This single-cylinder 286cc DOHC 4V engine generates 31 bhp and 27.5 Nm on CB300R. A 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch are standard too.Ergonomics look upright and should allow rider to push the machine to its limits on an off-road trail. Honda Diabolus customised CL300 Scrambler by K-Speed is one of the best mods on Honda’s CL range ever. I wish more manufacturers brought back square headlights that look properly retro and nostalgic. More

Honda CB350 RSHonda 2W sales saw a YoY growth both in domestic and global markets with over 4.90 lakh units soldIn October 2023, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) sold a total (domestic + exports) of 4,91,838 units. These included 4,62,747 units sold in domestic markets while 29,091 units were exported. It was a significant increase over 4,49,414 units sold in October 2022 but distinctively lower on a MoM basis when compared to 5,25,816 units that the company sold in September 2023.Honda 2W Sales Breakup October 2023Honda domestic sales in October 2023 stood at 4,62,747 units, up 8.63 percent from 4,25,992 units sold in October 2022. This was a 36,755 unit volume growth. It was however, lower on a MoM basis as the company had reported domestic sales at 4,91,802 units in September 2023. Every model in the company lineup has seen its MoM sales dip significantly.Honda Activa once again ruled the domestic sales charts with a 47.29 percent share and 2,18,856 units sold last month. This was a YoY growth of 3.92 percent from 2,10,623 units sold in October 2022. At No. 2 was the CB Shine with 1,31,816 units sold last month, up 0.69 percent YoY from 1,30,916 units sold in October 2022 to garner a 28.49 percent share.Increased demand was seen for Honda Dio, sales of which improved 34.19 percent YoY to 32,385 units last month from 24,134 units sold in the same month last year. There was the relatively new Honda Shine 100 that saw sales of 31,771 units last month to command a 6.87 percent share on this domestic list. Sales almost halved for Honda Unicorn with a 48.72 percent YoY decline, down to 16,404 units from 31,986 units sold in October 2022.Honda 2W Sales Breakup October 2023 – DomesticHowever, it featured at No. 4 on the list of 150-200cc motorcycle sales last month after the Pulsar, Apache and Yamaha FZ. While Honda Dream sales improved 11.48 percent to 9,612 units last month, that of SP160 stood at 8,014 units. Honda SP160 was launched in India in August 2023 and is slotted between the Unicorn and XBlade in price while it shares its engine with the Unicorn.Honda Livo sales dipped 24.09 percent to 5,103 units last month while sales of Hornet 2.0 improved by 176.52 percent to 3,650 units from 1,320 units sold in October 2022. The Hornet 2.0 is particularly found to be attractive to buyers thanks to its sporty design and advanced features. Sales of CB350 also dipped by 35.80 percent to 2,883 units on a YoY basis.The highest percentage increase was seen in the case of Honda CB200X. Sales stood at 1,810 units last month, a 990.36 percent increase from 166 units sold in October 2022. CB300 and Gold Wing recorded dip in demand by 36.12 percent and 166.67 percent respectively.Honda 2W Sales Breakup October 2023 – ExportsHonda Navi and Dio Command Export List in October 2023Honda 2W exports last month was also positive with a 24.20 percent YoY growth to 29,091 units, up from 23,422 units shipped in October 2022. This was a growth of 5,669 units in terms of volumes. Honda Navi (12,217 units) and Dio (5,268 units) command the export list in October 2023 with a combined share of 60 percent.Activa scooter exports also improved significantly by 2033.33 percent to 3,328 units up from just 156 units sold in October 2022 to take on an 11.44 percent share in global markets. Exports of CB Shine dipped by 34.06 percent YoY to 2,130 units while Hornet 160R grew by 7.80 percent YoY to 1,216 units.There were also 1,160 units of the CB350 exported last month while numbers dived for the Dream (1,100 units), X-Blade (960 units), Livo (800 units), Unicorn 160 (444 units) and Grazia (120 units). The export list also had the Aviator (120 units) and Shine 100 (108 units). More

New Honda CB350 TVCBy introducing new products in 350cc segment, Honda can target a larger segment of buyersWith its CB350 range, Honda has provided an alternative to Royal Enfield’s bestsellers such as Classic 350, Bullet 350, Hunter 350 and Meteor 350. Other brands have also introduced new products such as Triumph Speed 400 and Harley-Davidson X440. As the segment gets more crowded, it is possible that CB350 range could start to fade out from people’s memories. To prevent that and add more options for enthusiasts, Honda has launched a brand-new bike based on the CB350 platform.Honda CB 350 Official TVCPriced from Rs 2 lakhs to Rs 2.18 lakhs, the new Honda CB350 is a similar looking motorcycle to the Royal Enfield Classic 350. As compared to existing CB350 and CB350RS that have a neo-retro profile, Honda’s new CB350 has more of the signature features associated with old-school retro bikes. Take a look at the official TVC of new Honda CB350 below.[embedded content]The primary targets will be Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Bullet 350. These are currently the top two bestselling bikes from Royal Enfield. Bullet was ranking lower a few months back, but sales have zoomed ever since the new-gen version was launched. These bikes are preferred for their classic appeal.Based on the TVC, it is evident that Honda’s new bike is targeted at young users. The theme is about action, adventure and the fascination to explore the unknown. Some of the key highlights include telescopic front forks, single-piece handlebar, curvy fuel tank with chrome fuel filler cap, tan leather seats with white piping and Nissin front brake calliper.New Honda CB350 DLXThere are some distinctive features in comparison to existing Honda CB350. For example, the new CB350 has front forks in silver finish. A fork cover is also evident. The mudguard gets support rods, similar to that used with Classic 350 and Bullet 350. Honda’s new bike will appeal to folks who don’t want to dilute the classic look and feel.This new bike sits below the existing HNess CB350 range, which has DLX, DLX Pro, DLX Pro Chrome and Legacy Edition variants, priced in the range of Rs 2.10 lakh to Rs 2.16 lakh (ex-sh.). CB350 RS variant has DLX, DLX Pro Dual Tone, DLX Pro and New Hue Edition models. These are available in the price range of Rs 2.15 lakh to Rs 2.19 lakh. Primary rival Classic 350 is available at a starting price of Rs 2.20 lakh. More

Honda GB350 C for Japan is India-spec CB350With its pure retro classic design, Honda GB350 C can prompt enthusiasts to reconsider their original 350cc classic bike preferencesAs part of its campaign to aggressively target the 350cc segment, Honda has launched the new CB350 in India. The existing 350cc bikes from Honda, the H’ness CB350 and CB350RS, will continue to be sold alongside. The same motorcycle will be shipped to Japan too, where it will be sold under the name GB350 C, where C seems to stand for Classic.New Honda GB350 C in Japan – What’s different?New CB350 utilizes the same platform as that of H’ness CB350 and CB350RS. As of now, Honda does export the CB350 lineup to Japan, where H’ness CB350 is sold as GB350 and CB350 RS as GB350 S. Now CB350 will be sold as GB350 C. Even though it is identical to India-spec CB350, Honda GB350 C will get Japan-specific colours.When compared to H’ness or RS, CB350 gets a new look and comes with some retro timeless design attributes. While the other two 350cc Honda bikes have a neo-retro profile, the new CB350 has a timeless classic design. For folks who currently favour Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda’s new CB350 can emerge as a viable option. However, breaking into Royal Enfield’s cult-like fan following will still be a challenge.At a starting price of Rs. 2 lakh (ex-sh), new CB350 certainly has potential. But it is not something that can be described as completely unique. With design traits resembling those of Classic 350, its nemesis.New Honda CB350 Vs Classic 350Some of the key highlights include round headlamps and rear-view mirrors, a timeless fuel tank, all-LED lighting setup, metallic shrouds for front forks, split seats, a long exhaust and retro front and rear fenders. A total of five colour options are available – Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Marshal Green Metallic, Matte Dune Brown, Matte Crust Metallic and Precious Red Metallic.Honda CB350 specs, performancePowering Honda CB350 is the 348.36cc engine that generates 21 PS of max power and 29.4 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. In comparison, Royal Enfield Classic 350 delivers 20.2 PS and 27 Nm. Ride dynamics onboard Honda CB350 are improved with assist and slipper clutch and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).The bike has telescopic front forks and nitrogen-charged rear suspension. Braking apparatus comprises 310 mm and 240 mm disc brakes at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is standard across all variants. Honda CB350 is equipped with a retro-styled semi-digital instrument console.It has advanced features such as Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS). The exhaust pipe has a double layer structure, which helps maintain the bike’s visual appeal by preventing thermal discoloration. Users can choose customization options such as Solo Carrier Custom and Comfort Cushion. For personalization, users can choose accessories such as a long visor, backrest and rear carrier. Safety can be improved with accessories such as leg guards and knuckle guards. More

Honda CB350 BABT teasedUpcoming CB350 cafe racer has a truly unique profile, even though it borrows much of the hardware from Honda H’ness CB350Honda CB350 had ambitious plans against popular 350cc bikes from Royal Enfield. However, with REs with their cult following and immense fan base, CB350 hasn’t been able to make any major impact despite the recent variations of CB350. CB350 RS was also introduced later, but sales numbers are nowhere close to RE bikes like Bullet 350 and Classic 350.Honda CB350 is taking a more Classic route?Further complicating the situation for CB350 is Hunter 350 which has emerged as one of the bestselling bikes in 350cc segment. When we analyse 300cc to 500cc bike sales, CB350 YoY and MoM sales have dipped in recent months, which seems a worrying trend. To boost its prospects in 350cc segment, Honda is readying a new classic motorcycle based on CB350.As of now, Honda CB350 is a neo-retro motorcycle. This neo-retro appeal is further amplified in CB350 RS. But customer reception and buying trends seem to be favouring more “Classic” appeal, something which Royal Enfield excels at. Now, Honda is bringing more “Classic-ness” to CB350 lineup as teased on social media handles.This is by far Honda’s most significant dig at Royal Enfield Classic 350. This time around, Honda seems to be business, as it is tackling rivals with their ethos. In this case, “Classic-ness”. There is one word that Honda has thrown frequently in this teaser is BABT, which should abbreviate to something.As seen in the company’s teaser, Honda CB350 BABT is taking the Classic route. We can see the same Nissin callipers, alloy wheel designs and other components as CB350. But there are changes. The front telescopic forks now get a silver finish. Along with that, Honda is offering a fork cover like Royal Enfield does. The new split seat design and tan seat covers are new too. What does BABT stand for?The front mudguard now gets two connecting spokes that emerge from the bottom of the front fork. This is a signature classic bike design trait that was missing in CB350. From what little Honda has teased, Honda CB350 BABT version has a lot more classic appeal than regular CB350 and CB350 RS.If striking a Classic appeal was the agenda, chrome spoked wheels would have helped a lot in that regard. But that is not the case. Honda’s teaser mentions “Coming Soon”. Caption for this post read, “Brace yourself for the rise of a legend with fearless voice. Get ready to take on the open roads.”CB350 BABT Classic style front mudguardHonda CB350 BABT performancePowering CB350 cafe racer will be the 348.36cc, 4 Stroke engine churning out 21 PS of max power and 30 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Most of the hi-tech features will be borrowed from CB350. It will include Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS), all-LED lights, assist and slipper clutch, side stand with engine inhibitor and gear position indicator.Primary rival is likely to be the slew of 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles along with offerings from Jawa and Yezdi. Launch is likely to be in the coming days, as this is just a variation of an already existing motorcycle.CB350 BABT Classic front fork cover More

2024 Honda ADV 160 DebutedNow that Hero is launching a 160cc ADV-styled scooter to rival Yamaha Aerox 155, 2024 Honda ADV 160 makes perfect sense for IndiaIn international markets, Honda has been upgrading its 150cc scooters to 160cc versions. Same holds true with ADV 160 as well, upgraded from ADV 150 earlier this year. The scooter now entered MY2024 with a brand new colour, taking the total number of colourways to four.Should Honda bring in ADV 160 to rival Hero Xoom 160?Now that Hero has showcased Xoom 160 ADV style maxi scooter, we hope Honda launches 2024 ADV 160 in India too. ADV 160 gets an aggressive front fascia with sleek headlamps and vertically mounted LED DRLs. There’s a large transparent windscreen mounted on the front apron, which is functionally relevant and also enhances the bike’s sporty profile.Other key features include fancy rear view mirrors, a stepped single-piece seat, an upswept exhaust and a long tail section. With 2024 Honda ADV 160, there aren’t any design changes. Features like the sporty X-shaped taillamp, rectangular digital instrument console and other elements have been kept the same.This LCD instrument screen displays a range of information such as time and date, speedometer, real-time fuel consumption and air temperature. A separate panel for indicators has been provided below the digital console for easy viewability. The overall profile of scooter radiates immenseness that commands a lot of road presence.2024 Honda ADV 160 ColoursThis is a non-step-through scooter, hindering practicality. However, it houses scooter’s large 8.1L fuel tank, liberating large 27L under-seat storage. Other features carried forward include Honda Smart Key system, front inner box with 2L capacity, smartphone charging socket and emergency stop signal.With 2024 Honda AD 160, the company has introduced the new Pearl Bosphorus Blue. Other colours on offer with MY2024 are Matte Dahlia Red Metallic, Pearl Smoky Gray and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic. This new 2024 model will go on sale in Japan on 14th December 2023 for an asking price of JPY 473,000 (including tax) which translates to Rs. 2.6 lakh.2024 Honda ADV 160 specsPowering Honda ADV 160 will be a liquid-cooled 4V 156cc motor. Output numbers are around 16 PS and 15 Nm. Honda ADV 160 will have eSP (enhanced smart power) tech ensuring optimal performance across varied environments. eSP system comprises various components such as ACG Starter and programmed fuel injection.Idling stop system will be available with 2024 Honda ADV 160, which boosts fuel efficiency. The scooter will have double cradle frame with telescopic front forks and gas-charged twin rear suspension. True to its ADV profile, the scooter will have block pattern tyres. Both wheels will have disc brakes with single-channel ABS.Now that Hero is launching India’s second sporty maxi-scooter in the form of Xoom 160, the time is ripe for Honda to bring in ADV 160 in India. Both will rival Yamaha’s Aerox 155 which currently enjoys quite a niche. Considering Hero’s pricing exercises, it will have a much better VFM proposition, though. More