Honda Bikes

Honda CB200 Modified Into An Electric Motorcycle
The electric powertrain of the modified Honda CB200 has fitted onto a stylish aluminum enclosure
Manufacturing EVs from scratch is an uphill task in itself but it is a whole new level of challenge when one has to convert a vehicle already fitted with an IC engine. We have earlier witnessed such projects being undertaken in four-wheelers such as Land Rovers and VW Beetles but this time an electric powertrain has been fitted into a motorcycle.
An aftermarket workshop named Omega Motors, based out of San Francisco in USA, has converted a 1975 Honda CB200 into an electric motorcycle. The donor model back in 1970s and 80s was a hot-selling retro-style motorcycle with a cafe racer design. The makers of this modified prototype haven’t tried to alter the design of the motorcycle in any way.
Updated Styling
Rechristened as Omega EV200, it still retains a part-scrambler and part-cafe racer design with round headlamps, single-piece ripped seat and wire-spoke wheels lending it a retro appeal. The electric CB200 gets refurbished front forks, wheels and brakes while retaining the cable-actuated front brake and rear drum brake.
Subtle modifications have been made to the chassis in order to incorporate a battery and electric motor setup. The frame has been shortened and the welded-in rear fender has been chopped off.
Honda CB200 Modified Into An Electric Motorcycle
The pillion footpegs have also been removed while a small part of its spine has also been cut in order to weld a mounting plate for the controller. Interestingly, the motor mounts from the original bike have been left intact while the new battery pack and electric motor are attached via a set of custom mounting plates.
Specs & Features
Speaking of specifications, the motorcycle has been fitted with an electric motor sourced from Golden Motor and raed to produce 5kW (6.7 bhp) of continuous supply and peak power of 10kW (13.4 bhp). This motor feeds energy of a 1.6 kWh battery pack specifically designed and built for Omega EV200. Omega has also added a Kelly Controls controller which has been packaged neatly under the modified fuel tank and seat.
Coming to its performance, numbers are fairly modest with a top speed of 60mph (96.5 kmph). However, the electric bike weighs only 111 kilos which is 22 percent lighter than the stock CB200. The motorcycle offers a riding range of only 48 km on a single charge while charging the battery takes five to eight hours.
There isn’t much to offer in terms of features but Omega has got the stock analogue speedometer and switches working. Most importantly the clutch lever has been repurposed to work as an analogue regenerative braking control. The most attractive addition is a small digital display to reveal battery-related information which has been covered with the same piece of leather as the custom seat.

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Image – Power RacerRise in input cost has forced manufacturers to increase prices multiple times this year
India’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Honda has increased prices of its scooters and motorcycles in the range of Rs 740 to Rs 3,745 during the last six months. The price hike situation is largely the same for the entire auto industry. Rise in prices of steel and precious metals (palladium, rhodium, etc.) used in catalytic converters has increased overall cost of production.
Honda scooters price hike – Jan-July 2021
Starting with India’s top selling scooter Activa 6G, prices have increased by Rs 2,281. This hike is applicable for Activa 6G STD, Activa 6G DLX, Activa 6G 20th AE STD, and Activa 6G 20th AE DLX. In percentage terms, the price hike for these Activa variants is in the range of 3.26% to 3.41%.
For Activa 125, price hike is in the range of Rs 1,738 to Rs 2,008. The variants are Activa 125 Drum, Activa 125 Alloy and Activa 125 Disc. In percentage terms, price hike since January is in the range of 2.46% to 2.71%.
Grazia 125 Drum, Disc and Sport variants have undergone a price hike of Rs 2,008 since January. Percentage change in prices is in the range of 2.42% to 2.68%. In case of Dio STD, DLX and Repsol variants, price has increased by Rs 2,281 since January. Percentage increase ranges from 3.35% to 3.67%.
Honda Scooters Price Hike – July 2021
Honda motorcycles price hike – Jan-July 2021
Prices of Honda 110cc bikes (CD110 Dream and Livo) have increased by Rs 740 since January. The variants are CD110 Dream STD and DLX and Livo Drum and Disc. In percentage terms, prices have increased in the range of 1% to 1.15%.
Honda Motorcycles Price Hike – July 2021
For CB Shine Drum and CB Shine Disc, prices have increased by Rs 2,309 and Rs 2,308, respectively. In percentage terms, the numbers are 3.28% and 3.07%, respectively. In case of SP125 Drum and SP 125 Disc, prices have increased by Rs 2,307 and Rs 2,308, respectively. Percentage increase is 3.03% and 2.87%, respectively.
Honda Unicorn price has increased by Rs 3,193 since January. Percentage increase is 3.34%. Moving up, X-Blade Disc and X-Blade Rear Disc prices have increased by Rs 2,988. Percentage increase is at 2.77% and 2.66%, respectively. Next is Hornet and Hornet Repsol that have become costlier by Rs 2,987 in the last six months. Percentage increase is 2.33% and 2.29%, respectively.
Challenger to Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Honda H’ness CB350 DLX and DLX PRO prices have increased by Rs 3,745 and Rs 3,744, respectively. Percentage increase is 2.01% and 1.94%, respectively. At the time of its launch in October last year, CB350 DLX and DLX PRO were priced at Rs 1.85 lakh and Rs 1.90 lakh, respectively. Since then, prices have been hiked three times – in January, May and July. More

Image – imboby222Honda sold 2,12,446 units in domestic markets and exported 21,583 units in the past month
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has released their sales report for June 2021. While domestic sales increased significantly, it was export figures that saw a considerable jump. The company posted 11 percent YoY growth to 2,34,029 units sold in the past month, up from 2,10,879 units sold in June 20.
Post the 2nd wave period of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 95 percent of HMSI dealerships have opened across various states where in lockdown was announced by the respective State Governments. Rural sales took a leap on account of the prediction of a favourable monsoon while there has been a general surge in customer walk-ins and inquiries. The company is also scaling up operations across its four plants to meet demands.
Domestic Sales and Export Growth
Honda two wheeler sales in domestic markets stood at 2,12,446 units in June 21 as against 2,02,837 units sold in June 20. Exports on the other hand increased to 21,583 units in the past month, up from just 8,042 units exported in June 20. The two-wheeler manufacturer had sold a total of 58,168 units in May 21, of which 38,763 units were sold in the domestic market and 19,405 units globally.
HMSI’s current vehicle lineup consists of the Activa, Dio, Grazia, Hornet 2.0, xBlade, Livo, Unicorn, Shine, SP 125, and CD 110. The recently launched GoldWing, CB500 X, CB650 R, CBR650 R, CB1000 R, CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, H’ness CB350 and CB350 RS are retailed via the company’s exclusive BigWing outlets.
Honda Two Wheeler Sales June 2021
Honda has announced a price hike across its motorcycle and scooter lineup set to come into effect on July 3, 2021. The price hike will be upto Rs 2,000 and the company cites rising raw material costs and escalating fuel prices as reasons for this increase in prices, a percentage of which is being passed on to the customer.
HMSI Highlights of June 2021
Over the past month, HMSI has been busy with a host of initiatives. The company unveiled the 2021 Gold Wing Tour in two variants of Dual Clutch Transmission DCT with airbag and Manual Transmission with the first lot being booked in 24 hours of opening bookings. Honda Gold Wing Tour with manual transmission variant is priced at Rs 37,20,342 while the DCT model carries a price tag of Rs 39,16,055 (ex-showroom India).
HMSI also expanded its BigWing dealerships with new setups in cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Dehradun, Patiala and Mumbai. The company also undertook Road Safety initiative in honour of the 2nd anniversary of Children’s Traffic Training Park in Trichy.
The company has educated over 78,000 children in the city and imparted knowledge on Road Safety to 800 students and teachers in Sonipat. Along with this, HMSI’s CSR arm, Honda India Foundation, set up COVID care centers in Naurangpur, Haryana and Tapukara, Rajasthan with 100 beds and 50 beds respectively. More

Image – MRD VlogsLike all other OEMs, Honda Two-wheelers faced a huge dip in domestic sales due to a rise in Covid-19 infections across the country
The second wave of Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on all automotive brands in India especially in May when most states across the country had enforced curbs on movements and businesses. The automotive industry both passenger and commercial vehicle segments had to bear the brunt of enforced lockdowns.
Domestic Sales- Activa Shine Lead Charts
Honda Two Wheelers faced a similar predicament in the month of May when the Japanese auto giant sold 38,764 units of two-wheelers across India. In May last year, Honda was able to sell 54,000 units across the nation, therefore, translating to YoY negative growth of 28.41 percent.
The sales figures were led by Activa with 17,006 units last month as compared to 27,880 units sold in the domestic market last year. This led to a negative YoY growth of 39 percent. Activa was trailed by CB Shine with 14,666 units sales registered in May this year instead of 15,681 units sold in May last year, thereby witnessing a decline in sales by 6.47 percent.
YoY Decline in Sales
CB Shine was followed by Livo at the third spot with 1,747 units whereas the fourth spot was occupied by Dio with 1,697 units. The latter witnessed a YoY decline of 75.96 percent after it registered a sales volume of 7,060 units during the same month last year.
Honda Sales May 2021
The company sold 1,320 units of Unicorn 160 in May 2021 compared to 3,379 units in May last year which resulted in a negative growth of 60.94 percent. Unicorn was followed by Dream with a recorded sales volume of 1,231 units for May 2021.
Grazia took the sixth position with 638 units whereas the company’s latest entrant CB350 manages a monthly figure of 428 units only. Rest of the models, most of them which are retailed through the company’s premium chain of dealerships- Bigwing, were not even able to breach the 100-mark. These models included the likes of CBR650F (13 units), Hornet 2.0 (9 units), Africa Twin (4 units), X Blade (3 units), CB500 (1 unit) and CB300R (1 unit).
Decent Export Figures
Export figures were decent enough from Honda as the company was able to ship as many as 15,833 units to overseas markets. Dio led the charts with the most number of exports- 4519 units. It was followed by X Blade and Navi with registered exports of 2,970 units and 2,040 units respectively.
Honda Exports May 2021
Livo, Hornet 160R and Dream recorded exports of 1,200 units, 1,164 units and 1,000 units respectively. The company shipped 840 units of Aviator, 620 units of CB Shine, 480 units of Unicorn 160 and 468 units of Activa to overseas countries. More

Honda electric scooter with battery swap tech – Benly eHonda recently patented PCX electric scooter in India while the Benly e was spotted on test by ARAI near Pune
With auto companies gradually shifting towards cleaner power sources, it is evident that newer technologies for electric vehicles will show up in the coming future. While major two-wheeler brands have already started showcasing their future electric mobility, Honda is yet to openly share its plans for electric mobility in India.
The Japanese auto giant is developing a new portable and swappable battery system called Mobile Power Pack for its future small-sized electric mobility such as electric two or three-wheelers. This is basically a capacitor that stores electricity for use as a power source. Honda is currently working on a home charger for this platform.
Testing Battery Swapping Platform In India
Reportedly, Honda is testing this swappable battery platform in India on electric tricycle taxis or rickshaws. The company, however, has released no fixed plans to launch battery-powered electric three-wheelers in India as yet and is most likely testing this platform for future electric scooters and motorcycles. The Japanese manufacturer had earlier revealed that it was serious about developing electric mobility solutions for two-wheelers which includes three new models by 2024.
These include a 50cc-equivalent electric moped while the other two include an e-scooter and e-motorcycle both aimed at the 125cc performance region. While the models do seem modest in terms of performance, they should be a good starting point for the company especially for a budget-centric mass market like India. Urban, utilitarian two-wheelers are likely to generate more sales volumes than high-performance models for the company.
Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.
Chargers for swappable batteries
Since output figures won’t be huge in these entry-level models, instead of opting for massive battery packs, Honda could use its swappable Mobile Power Pack system that is already installed on its PCX Electric e-scooter.
The company intends to expand this platform by installing more battery-swapping stations. Recent patents also reveal that Honda is working on a home charger that could juice up one battery pack at a time. While chargers at swapping stations could accommodate two battery packs simultaneously.
It is already known that Honda has also entered into a global association with KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha to co-develop another swappable battery platform. By the time this platform gets fully developed and becomes functional, its own Mobile Power Pack system will develop over time and become more universal. These developments are extremely favourable for markets such as India.
A 125cc equivalent e-scooter and e-motorcycle will give Honda the perfect start to its prospective EV lineup in India. This will lend Honda muscle to compete against local EV manufacturers such as Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450X and Revolt RV400 and RV300. More

Image for reference.The clutch-by-wire tech will provide a very light clutch lever action which might lead to automatic clutching in future
Honda has been at the forefront of developing new technologies, especially in the two-wheeler segment. With the evolution of ride-by-wire technology, automakers have been able to incorporate various rider assist features such as multiple ride modes, traction control and wheelie control to name a few.
The Japanese auto giant has taken another leap forward and is developing a new ride-by-wire clutch. The company has filed patents regarding the same at the US Patent Office which throws some light into this upcoming technology. The purpose of this system is, as usual, to limit physical linkage and replace them with a bunch of electronic chips.
Honda Clutch By Wire System
New Clutch-By-Wire Operation
This system uses hydraulic and electronic principles to remove a direct link between the clutch lever and the clutch plate. Patent drawings show a conventional handlebar-mounted lever whose position is observed by an electronic position sensor.
The heart of the system still features a hydraulic pressure control unit which is operated on the basis of the information it receives from the position sensor. It also receives a bunch of other information such as engine rpm, vehicle speed and throttle opening.
Honda Clutch By Wire System
Based on all this information, the hydraulic pressure control unit decided to actuate the clutch. However, contradictory to a conventional clutch system, in this case, the clutch is always dis-engaged in a resting state. In present clutch setups, transmission and engine are connected to each other in their resting state and only disengages them when the clutch lever is pulled. Therefore, the clutch-by-wire allows the engine and transmission to remain disconnected in the event of a failure.
Advantages
Since there is no mechanical link between lever and clutch, the clutch-by-wire can offer a very light lever action. However, to give it a familiar feel at lever, Honda will be equipping it with a “reactive force generation device” as shown in the patents which act against the lever. The clutch action will still be a lot lighter but would surely not feel alien.
This setup could offer a host of inherent advantages, in addition to a light lever action, which could work together with other computer powered electronic rider aids like a quick-shifter and traction control to offer seamless and smooth gear shifts.
Honda Clutch By Wire System
It could also facilitate an anti-stall system of sorts which could prevent the engine from stalling during bumper to bumper traffic. On the downside, though, critics believe that this would increase complexity of the system and hence would also increase chances of failure and also add up to the final cost of the motorcycle.
This also means that Honda will reserve this technology only for the higher spectrum of its lineup. Given the success it witnessed with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) setup in Africa Twin, there is no reason why the Japanese bikemaker can’t pull this off. Expect the flagship range of CBR motorcycles to get this system first. More

2022 Honda MonkeyWhile Honda Monkey 125 is very unlikely to arrive on Indian shores, its mini-moto sibling Grom 125 has been patented here earlier this year
Honda has revealed an updated iteration of its cult mini-moto called Monkey 125 which gets mechanical as well as cosmetic updates. Originally, launched as a 49cc miniature bike in 1961 to be used as a kid’s toy in amusement parks, the modern Honda Monkey made its debut in Europe as a 125cc mini-moto which is a fun-to-ride machine for teenagers.
While design of the new Monkey is very similar to their older model, it gets new colour schemes to spruce up its lively character. It also gets a host of accessories for riders to personalise according to their preference. While the overall styling remains retro which appeals to classic motorcyclists, the add-ons give it a hint of funkiness in order to attract a younger section of riders.
Same design with minute tweaks
The 2022 Monkey is based on the same steel backbone frame paired to a swingarm with an oval cross-section echoing the circular design theme prominent across the mini-bike. Some of its styling highlights pay homage to the original mini-moto of the 1960s such as chromed mudguards, mini-ape handlebars, a single-piece padded seat, a peanut-shaped fuel tank, chunky tyres and an upswept exhaust with stamped heat shield.
A glossy fuel tank measuring 5.6-litres wears the same colour as the frame, swingarm and rear shock absorbers. It also dons the 3-D Classic Wing design Honda logo. For 2022, Honda is offering Monkey 125 with three colour options namely Banana Yellow, Pearl Nebula Red and a new Pearl Glittering Blue.
2022 Honda Monkey
Another attractive highlight is a fittingly stylish tubular steel rear carrier which is only offered as an official accessory. This carries is useful to carry loads of up to three kilos.
Mechanical Specs
The bike weighs a very nimble 104 kilos and offers a wheelbase of just 1,145mm with a very accessible seat height of 775mm. The plush seat is made of high-density urethane for maximum comfort.
For a bike of this size, Honda offers the new Monkey with USD forks at front with a travel of 100mm while wearing a premium Alumite finish. Further, suspension in the rear is carried out by dual shock absorbers with two-stage springs and revised damper rubbers, for improved ride quality on bumper roads and reduced bottoming.
2022 Honda Monkey
The mini-moto rides on 12-inch wheels shod by fat, block pattern tyres. Braking is handled by a 220mm disc at front and 190mm disc at rear which are managed by the IMU-based ABS. However, the most interesting highlight is a new heart which is now Euro-5 compliant and is borrowed from the new Grom. The new Monkey is powered by a 124cc SOHC two-valve, air-cooled engine which returns a slightly higher output of 9.4 bhp at 6,750rpm and a peak torque of 11 Nm at 5,500rpm.
Moreover, this motor is now paired with a new 5-speed gearbox replacing the older 4-speed unit. Top speed is claimed to be 91kmph although few riders have claimed to breach the 100kmph mark in the older model. It is also claimed to return a fuel efficiency figure of around 67kmpl. Prices for the new Monkey 125 will be revealed upon its launch in the coming few months. More

2021 Honda Gold Wing India Launch2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour will get features such as Smart Key, Bluetooth Connectivity and Airbag
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has announced launch of the new 2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour in India. It will come in via the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route from Japan and has been priced from Rs 37,20,342 for the base Manual Transmission variant going up to Rs 39,16,055 for the DCT + Airbag trim. (Prices are ex-showroom).
The earlier Honda Gold Wing Tour, was sold in India in a BS4 format and was priced at Rs 29 lakhs. Its 2021 update sees a BS6 compliant engine and feature updates and the company’s flagship touring bike is already on sale in multiple global markets of North America, Australia, Western Europe as well as in its home market Japan.
It is presented globally in 5 trims of base standard model, Gold Wing automatic DCT, Gold Wing Tour, Gold Wing Tour automatic DCT and Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT. India will receive two variants of Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with airbag & Manual Transmission.
Styling Updates
The 2021 Gold Wing Tour is added to the company’s premium motorcycle product portfolio in India and comes in with improved finish and material. 2021 Gold Wing get new colour options of Deep Pearl Gray, Metallic Black and Candy Ardent Red.
2021 Honda Gold Wing India Launch
Styling updates include a more comfortable twin seating for rider and pillion in suede/synthetic leather, pillion backrest that can be adjusted from 16-23 degrees, a larger trunk with 11 liter storage while the sound system is updated with a 55 watt capacity unit. Improved channels for airflow around the rider and pillion are also a part of its features while the extended electric screen for better wind protection can also be adjusted according to angle and height
The new Gold Wing Tour gets LED fog lamps while lower portion of headlamps use optical lenses on either sides for a jewel eye low beam light signature. The upper section uses high beam for a stereoscopic effect while front auto cancel indicators are housed in the mirrors.
A 7 inch full TFT liquid cooled display offers the rider vital information both for audio and navigation along with selection of riding modes and suspension adjustment Brightness of the screen can be adjusted according to 8 levels while the screen is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via the users smartphone with access to phone numbers and music playlist. Bluetooth connectivity is also on offer and features also include 2 USB Type-C ports to plug in. Smart Key is used to activate all systems with ignition and handlebar lock being turned on or off while just carrying it.
Engine Specs
The 2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour is powered by a 1,833cc, liquid cooled, 6 cylinder engine offering 125 hp at 5,500 rpm and 170 Nm torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine gets mated to a 6 speed manual transmission or a 7 speed automatic DCT. It comes in with four riding modes of Tour, Sport, Rain and Econ.
Throttle By Wire (TBW) and Dual Combined Brake System is also a part of its on board features. When compared to its earlier counterpart, the 2021 Gold Wing Tour is capable of 22 percent higher fuel efficiency thanks to a lighter overall weight and engine updates.
Bookings open at HMSI’s BigWing dealerships across India, located in Gurugram (Haryana), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Kochi (Kerala) and Hyderabad (Telangana). Buyers can also book online via Honda website. Deliveries will commence from July 2021. More