Honda Bikes

New Honda DioHonda Dio H-Smart variant is the most affordable Honda scooter to get wireless tech that offers car-like keyless functionsA premium feature in entry-level scooter segment, H-Smart tech was first introduced with Activa 110 earlier this year in January. Later in March, Activa 125 also got the H-Smart update. The next Honda scooter to get H-Smart tech is Dio. Honda could later introduce H-Smart with Grazia as well.It is likely that Honda has received a favourable response to H-Smart tech with Activa 110 and 125. It could be one of the reasons that has prompted the company to introduce H-Smart with Dio as well. Most of the features of Dio H-Smart variant are same as Activa H-Smart variant. As Honda appears to be making H-Smart tech available across its scooter portfolio, it can prompt rival OEMs to introduce something similar in future.Honda Dio H-Smart featuresHonda’s H-Smart tech offers multiple car-like features. The SmartSafe feature frees users from the worry of forgetting to lock their scooter. It is essentially an anti-theft feature. As soon as the smart key goes beyond a 2-meter range, SmartSafe activates the scooter’s immobilizer function. Any attempts to start the scooter by force will be thwarted.Another great feature available under H-Smart is SmartFind. This comes handy when parking the scooter at a new place that is crowded with various other parked two-wheelers.New Honda Dio pricesSmartFind can also be useful in locating the scooter in low-light conditions or dim lit areas. To access this feature, users just need to press the Answer Back button. All four winkers of the scooter will blink twice, indicating the scooter’s exact location. SmartFind can locate the scooter within a 10-meter radius.H-Smart SmartUnlock feature allows users to unlock the seat, fuel cap and handle without using a physical key. Users just need to push and rotate the knob on the Smart Key to unlock. SmartUnlock works within a 2-meter range of the scooter. A similar feature is SmartStart that allows users to start the scooter without touching anything. The process is same – push and rotate the knob. This can be done even with the Smart Key inside the pocket.Honda Dio H-Smart – the new top-spec variantAs of now, Honda Dio is available in Standard and DLX variants. Prices are Rs 68,625 and Rs 72,626, respectively. Dio H-Smart will be the new top-spec variant and will command a premium. It is priced from Rs 77,712 ex-sh Delhi. In addition to H-Smart tech, Honda Dio will also be getting alloy wheels. As of now, Dio is offered with steel wheels. Alloy wheels are definitely a better fit with the scooter’s sporty profile.New Honda Dio More

New Honda ActivaHonda 2W May 2023 Sales Shake Up – Mayhem in Numbers is a Rollercoaster RideIn May 2023, Honda two-wheeler sales were subdued. Domestic sales stood at 3,11,144 units. Exports accounted for 18,249 units, resulting in a total of 3,29,393 units. A year prior, in May 2022, domestic sales were slightly higher at 3,20,844 units, whereas exports were 32,344 units. That amounted to a total of 3,53,188 units.This indicates a decline for Honda 2W May 2023 sales compared to the previous year. With a difference of -9,700 units domestically and -14,095 units in exports, culminating in an overall decline of -23,795 units.May 2023 Sales Slump: Honda Two-Wheelers Battle the OddsAnalysing the year-on-year growth percentage reveals a negative trend. Domestic sales witnessed a decline of -3.02 percent. Exports experienced a significant decrease of -43.58 percent in May 2023 compared to May 2022.This downward trend suggests that Honda faced challenges in both the domestic and international markets. Examining sales market share distribution for May 2023, as always, domestic sales held a dominant position at 94.46 percent of total sales.Honda 2W sales May 2023Honda Two-Wheeler Sales Take a Dive: May 2023’s Rollercoaster RideExport market sales share is significantly smaller, accounting for only 5.54 percent of Honda’s overall sales. This stark contrast highlights the company’s heavy reliance on the domestic market, which could pose risks if domestic demand were to decline.Shifting focus to the month-on-month performance, comparing Honda 2W May 2023 sales with April 2023, Honda experienced a decline in both domestic and export sales. Domestic sales dropped by -27,145 units, exports declined by -18,209 units, resulting in an overall decrease of -45,354 units. This signifies a negative growth rate of -8.02 percent on a month-on-month basis.Mayhem in May: Sales Encounter a Rocky RoadAnalysing the market share for April 2023, Honda domestic sales held a dominant share of 90.27 percent, with exports contributing a mere 9.73 percent to the overall sales. However, the declining sales figures for both domestic and export markets indicate a challenging business environment for Honda during this period.Month-on-month comparison indicated a negative growth rate, reflecting a challenging business environment for Honda during this period. More

Honda Activa or electric scooter – What to buy?While buying Activa will work out cheaper, operating cost will be on the higher side in comparison to an electric scooterA few years back, most people looking for a scooter would have chosen Honda Activa. However, the decision making is not so easy now with a multitude of electric scooters on sale. The decision to buy an Activa or electric scooter will have its own distinctive advantages and disadvantages.To simplify the decision making, one can focus on the cost component. It will primarily include acquisition cost, fuel cost and maintenance cost. Not getting into resale value, as there are way too many variables to consider. But in a  general comparison between a plasticky EV vs a metal-bodied Activa, it is easy to see which one will last longer. Of course, exceptions are there such as all-steel Bajaj Chetak.Activa vs electric scooter – acquisition cost (Delhi)With a budget of Rs 1.20 lakh, choosing Activa will allow you to make significant savings. Activa 110 is available in Standard, DLX and H-Smart variants. Prices are in the range of Rs 75,347 to 81,348. Considering on-road price of approximately Rs 90k, savings worth Rs 30k can be made. This can be used to buy accessories for the scooter. Or just splurge on electronics, clothing, travel, etc. One can also opt to invest the savings in equity, FD, etc.Popular electric scooter options available in the budget of Rs 1.20 lakh include Ola S1 Air, Ola S1, Ather 450X, TVS iQube & iQube S, Bajaj Chetak and Hero Vida V1 Plus & V1 Pro. Buying low-spec variants of these electric scooters can probably save you some money from your Rs 1.20 lakh budget.For example, the cheapest option available is Ola S1 Air, priced at Rs 84,999. Ather 450X is also a good deal at Rs 98,079. Vida V1 Plus effective price is Rs 1.03 lakh. TVS iQube starts at Rs 1.06 lakh. Bajaj Chetak is available at a starting price of Rs 1.11 lakh.Activa vs electric scooter – Fuel costPetrol and electricity cost varies from state to state. In general, cost of fuel is significantly less in case of EVs. In Delhi, petrol price is approximately Rs 97 per litre. Assuming average fuel efficiency of Activa at around 50 km per litre, running cost is roughly Rs 1.9 per km. In comparison, running cost of an electric scooter is much lower. For example, Ola S1 Pro claims just 17 paisa per kilometre. Clearly, huge savings can be made with an electric scooter.Activa vs electric scooter – Maintenance costWith fewer moving parts, electric scooters generally require less maintenance in comparison to a petrol-powered scooter like Activa. However, metal-bodied scooters like Honda Activa can last more than a decade. They can fetch decent resale value as well. Electric scooters are yet to complete their lifespan test. By 2030, a clearer picture will emerge about the durability of electric scooters.Other factors such as cost of battery replacement also need to be considered. Battery packs are the most expensive component of an electric scooter. Most OEMs offer a warranty of 3 years. Of course, the battery will continue to work after 3 years. But it may witness a drop in its range. If the battery pack is replaced after 4-5 years, it will cancel out much of the savings made via lower fuel cost.As better technologies are expected in the future, it will be better to wait for a few years before experimenting with an electric vehicle. For example, upcoming Gogoro electric scooters with battery swapping tech can be a game changer. For those who don’t have the financial capability to take risks, it would be better to go with Activa. If funds are not an issue, a whole set of new experiences with an electric scooter seems desirable. More

2023 Honda CBR250RR patentedHonda CBR250RR will take on the likes of Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 300 once launched in IndiaHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India has announced plans to launch larger capacity motorcycles, especially in the above 150cc segment. Later this year, a new 350cc cruiser is planned for launch, based on the CB350 platform. Honda has also patented the CL250 / CL300 scrambler in India.Apart from that, they could also be launching the CBR250RR. Yes. The same has now been patented in India. Motorcyclists upgrading from a single-cylinder offering are increasing by the day and a multi-cylinder offering in the quarter-liter segment makes a lot of sense in India. Motorcycles coming close are Kawasaki Ninja 300 (displacement-wise) and Royal Enfield 650cc offerings (price-wise).2023 Honda CBR250RR Patented in IndiaIf you think CBR250RR has a lot of ‘R’ in its name, it is still one less R than Honda’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. In Honda’s books, more R is probably more performance or something of that sort. Speaking of CBR1000RR-R Fireblade that’s where CBR250RR draws most of its design inspirations.There is a sharp fairing that screams a lot of aggression. LED DRLs accompany twin headlights that make CBR250RR’s face. These LED DRLs look like snarly eyebrows for its eye-like LED headlights. The handsome fairing covers almost all of the engine bay. An aerodynamic windscreen and fairing-mounted ORVMs. India is likely to get turn indicators separate from their LED DRLs as seen in the patent.2023 Honda CBR250RR patentedCBR250RR badging above and large Honda badging below lends a sporty flair. The gold Showa SFF-BP USD front forks grab a lot of attention. Clip-on handlebars offer a committed riding posture and a lot of front-end feel. Other notable elements include a steep subframe with split and stepped seats, a dual-barrel exhaust and a fully digital Blue-backlit instrument cluster.This is not a TFT panel, something which KTM RC 390 offers. It shows various basic functionalities and readouts of the motorcycle. Componentry includes rear mono-shock, single petal disc at both ends, dual-channel ABS, three riding modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+), 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tyres wrapped to 17” alloys and 14.5L fuel tank. All this combined, Honda CBR250RR weighs 168 kg.Parallel-twin motor, unlike CB300RA 249cc, parallel twin, liquid-cooled engine powers Honda CBR250RR. Honda will offer two states of tune. Base Standard variant will generate 38.2 bhp of power and 23.3 Nm of torque, while the SP variant makes 42 bhp of power and 25 Nm of torque. A 6-speed transmission, a slip and assist clutch along with a quick shifter are notable elements.With Yamaha getting ready to launch R3 in India later this year, timing seems to be right for Honda to finally launch the CBR250RR. If launched, expect Honda CBR250RR to be priced around Rs 3.5 lakh. More

Honda CL250 / CL300 ScramblerLaunched in China earlier this year, the new Honda 250cc-300cc scrambler has now been patented in IndiaWe know Honda hasn’t made a CL motorcycle since the 70s. That will change soon as Honda is reviving its CL brand. There are talks of 250cc, 300cc and 500cc models. CL500 made its debut first, while CL300 debuted earlier this year. Now Honda has patented the design of this new Scrambler motorcycle in India.But is it the CL300 or the upcoming new CL250. This is not clear yet. Honda has already unveiled the CL300 in China, while the CL250 is reportedly getting unveiled very soon. The one patented in India, could be the CL250 scrambler or the CL300 scrambler. Honda’s patent papers don’t reveal the model name. Both 249cc and 286cc engines have the same block and casing with differences in bore and stroke on the inside.Honda 250cc-300cc Scrambler Patented In IndiaBoth CL250 and CL300 will have similar design. Both motorcycles are derivatives of Honda’s Rebel cruiser bike. Except for the engine, CL250, CL300 and CL500 bear identical design. This way, Honda is establishing a product identity that runs across that model line.KTM employs a similar strategy too. Duke, RC and Adventure range have identical frames and bodies, with differences in their powertrains. Speaking of powertrains, Honda CL250 Scrambler comes equipped with a 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a DOHC setup. This is the same engine as the Rebel 250. But, power is slightly decreased at 24 PS and torque is slightly increased at 22.55 Nm. In contrast, Honda offers the same 286cc engine from CBR300R with CL300. This single-cylinder engine generates 27 PS of power, which is 5 PS less than Rebel 300 cruiser.Honda CL250 / CL300 Scrambler patented in IndiaWhat does it pack as opposed to Rebel cruiser counterpartOther changes in componentry from Rebel 250 include a new subframe, fuel tank, wheels, tyres and an upswept exhaust. The new subframe allows for a flat seat and takes the seat height to 790mm, 100mm higher than Rebel’s. CL250 gets an upswept twin-tip exhaust that not only looks substantial but aids water wading ability as well.New Honda 300cc Scrambler – CL300This exhaust ends that typical Scrambler look. Fuel tank can take 12L, which is 1L more than on the Rebel 250. Both Rebel 250 and Rebel 300 get 16” alloys at both ends, but Honda is offering 19” front and 17” rear alloys with CL250 and CL300. Other notable elements include single disc setup at both ends with single channel ABS.Circular quad projector LED headlights, tail lights and circular turn indicators along with a tear-drop fuel tank lend it a neo-retro look. Colours are likely to be similar to CL300’s. Candy Energy Orange, Pearl Cadet Grey and Pearl Himalayas White are likely. Cross Style and Tour Style accessory line is likely to be similar to CL300 too.Honda 250cc-300cc ScramblerCross Style accessories include, knuckle guards, headlight cowl, a front beak and more. Tour Style accessories include a 38L top box, heated grips, accessory socket, saddle bags, center tank pad, and more. Launch is possible by the end of 2023. We hope India is a recipient as well. When launched in India, this new Honda Scrambler motorcycle will be a decent rival to the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. More

2023 Honda EM1 Electric ScooterThe Honda Power Pack e swappable battery on 2023 Honda EM1 weighs 10.3 kg and AC charger compatibility is present tooHonda’s first electric 2W for Europe is 2023 EM1. It features a Honda Mobile Power Pack-e removable battery too. The company styled it distinctly to establish a slight departure from design languages used on their ICE scooters. Honda is targeting young audiences and short commuters in Europe.The company first announced Honda EM1 e in September last year as part of 10 or more electric 2W vehicles by 2025. Honda even intends to go carbon neutral by 2040 and this is a strategic first step towards that future. Buyers can lease, rent, or subscribe to, scooter, battery and charger depending on their country. Battery disposal and recycling are on Honda too.2023 Honda EM1 Electric ScooterThe company is pitting EM1 as high-quality urban mobility for shorter commutes and makes use of Honda Power Pack e swappable battery network. Pearl Sunbeam White, Digital Silver Metallic, and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic are its colour choices. Honda EM1 e 23YM doesn’t feature pedals, despite having “Electric Moped” (EM) in its name.The Li-ion battery weighs 10.3 kg and measures 298mm (L) x 177mm (D) x 156mm (H) in size. 50.3V and 29.4 Ah account for a battery capacity of 1.47 kWh. The optional 270W AC charger will take it from 0-100% in 6 hours, and 25-75% in 2 hours 40 minutes. The brushless hub motor is rated for 0.58 kW (0.77 bhp) and peaks out at 1.7 kW (2.27 bhp). Top speed is 45 km/h.Colour OptionsThis powertrain combo promises a range of 41.3 km in normal mode and up to 48 km in ECON mode. Honda promises durability too with 2,500 charge cycles. All this is mounted on an underbone chassis and the whole product weighs 95 kg (including battery). 2023 Honda EM1 measures 1860mm x 680mm x 1080mm (LXWXH).Ground clearance is 130 mm, seat height is 740 mm and wheelbase is 1300 mm. Other componentry include telescopic suspension up front, twin shock absorbers at the rear, front disc and rear drum braking with Combi Braking, 12” front wheel with 90/90-12 tyres and 10” rear wheel with 100/90-10 tyre.Design and appealThere is an LCD instrument panel and LED lighting all around. Front LED signature DRL lends a modern and sophisticated look for the design. Long seat, pillion grab rail, sleek and slender design, optional 35L top box, flush foot pegs are notable elements. The under seat storage is just 3.3L and front luggage provisions can hold a 500ml PET bottle and a USB Type-A port charging port as well.Front storage and USB chargerOwners can charge Honda EM1 e with an AC charger at home or use Honda Power Pack e swapping stations too, depending upon the purchase type. In other news, India-spec Activa recently ditched its 6G suffix. Honda will launch Activa electric in India next year. More

Honda removes 6g suffix from Activa nameThe 109.51 cc single cylinder engine on Honda Activa generates same numbers as before and boasts identical pricing tooHMSI is the No 1 scooter brand in India. Activa has been the primary volume generator for many years now. So much so, that people often default on an Activa when buying a scooter. In FY 2023, Honda manufactured 21.5 lakh Activa, most of which were sold in India alone.Honda has, surprisingly, decided to change the name of its bread and butter scooter in May 2023. Before you ask, no. The Activa name is not going anywhere. Instead, Honda is dropping the 6G tag from the name. HMSI has not quoted a reason, but Activa is just an Activa now and the 6G suffix is dropped.Honda Activa Ditches 6G Name – Why though?Why? This is the million-dollar question. As HMSI has not quoted a reason, it can be anyone’s guess. Maybe Honda is doing this as Activa didn’t really get six generations of upgrades. Three at best along with the major powertrain upgrade in 2020 as part of the Indian Government’s push for fewer tailpipe carbon emissions through BS6 emission standard.But, Honda already knew this. So, why the change in name now in May 2023? This might be a part of Honda’s strategic product positioning exercise. Where Honda might bring in variations of its Activa lineup in the future.Honda removes 6g suffix from Activa nameNeed for more variety in the Activa brand is likely to be a necessity in the future. Lastly, Honda is introducing its maiden electric scooter for India in the near future. It will feature swappable battery tech as well. Maybe Honda’s future EV’s name might create a convoluted reception for its current ICE scooter’s name. Anticipation of this might be one of the reasons as well.What next for future Activa updates? No 7G?Long story short, no. There won’t be an Activa 7G or an 8G. Instead, incremental updates for Activa lineup are likely to be recognised with the subsequent year when they were implemented. For example, Honda is likely to recognise updates in 2023 as MY2023 Activa and so forth.Honda Activa’s name is the only change that the company is implementing. No mechanical updates. This means Activa’s tried and tested 109.51cc single-cylinder engine is still on offer. This engine generates 7.73 bhp of power and 8.9 Nm of torque and is mated to a CVT. Honda offers a silent starter, LED headlights, DRL, external fuel filler cap and other features.Honda Activa 2023 specsIndia’s largest scooter maker has not hiked the prices of Activa as well. So the Rs. 75,347 price tag is the same as before too. It’s only the name that Honda has changed and nothing else. Goodbye 6G suffix! More

Honda Shine 100cc Production StartsHonda Shine 100cc will rival commuter bikes such as Hero Splendor, Hero HF100, HF Deluxe and Bajaj Platina 100
Hero Splendor that had positioned itself at No.1 on sales charts in India is set to get a new rival in the form of the Honda Shine 100cc. This new commuter bike has been launched at Rs 64,900 (ex-showroom). This is an introductory price which is set to be increased in due course.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has reported a YoY growth of 6.14 percent in domestic sales in Apr 2023. There was also a 71.28 percent MoM growth in sales. With the new Shine 100cc, Honda can now hope for increased sales in coming months.
Honda Shine 100cc Production Starts
Honda has announced the start of production of Shine 100cc. First batch has rolled out the company plant in Narasapura (Karnataka). Dispatch to dealers across India has also started. Deliveries to customers will commence in a few days.
The new Honda Shine 100 is being offered in 5 colours of Black with Red Stripes, Black with Blue Stripes, Black with Green Stripes, Black with Gold Stripes and Black with Grey Stripes. Where ergonomics are concerned, the new Shine gets a long seat of 677mm, low ride height of 786mm, ground clearance of 168mm and wheelbase of 1,245mm.
New Honda Shine 100cc – Brochure
It commands a turning radius of 1.9 meters. On board features also include aluminum grab handles, attractive front cowl, uniquely designed fuel tank, halogen headlamp and distinctive tail lamp. It rides on black finished alloy wheels while other features include side stand with engine inhibitor and Combi-Brake System (CBS) with equalizer. It also sports an analogue instrument cluster with speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge.
Honda Shine 100 – Engine
The Honda Shine gets a 99.7 cc, air cooled, single cylinder engine that offers 7.6 hp power and 8.05 Nm torque mated to a 4 speed constant mesh gearbox. Power offered by its arch rival Hero Splendor is marginally higher at 8 hp while torque figure remains the same. Honda confirms that performance and fuel efficiency will be the best in the segment. Though mileage figures are not yet revealed, expected mileage could be in the 60-70 km/l range.
The 100cc engine gets fuel injection and Solenoid which allows for a smoother start in any type of weather conditions while it also prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is engaged. The engine is OBD – 2 compliant and is capable of running on E20 fuel which is petrol with 20 percent ethanol blend.
Honda Shine 100 which is based on a new diamond-type frame, gets telescopic forks in the front and dual spring-loaded shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is via drum brakes at the front and rear with combined braking system as standard. Honda is also offering the new Shine 100 with a special 6 year warranty pack of 3 years standard and 3 years optional. Besides rivaling Hero Splendor, the new Honda Shine 100, which is offered in a single variant will also compete with the Hero HF Deluxe and HF 100 and also with the Bajaj Platina 100. More