Honda Bikes

Honda ActivaHonda’s two wheeler domestic numbers saw a 2.73 percent de-growth on a YoY basis while the company also experienced shrinking exportsHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India has been facing tough times. Sales in the past few months have been in the red and the month of May 2023 was no different. While in domestic markets it was only the Honda Activa and Hness 350 to post an increase on a YoY basis, the export list saw every model show negative growth.Honda two wheeler total sales (domestic + exports) in May 2023 dipped to 3,29,730, down from 3,52,414 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 22,684 units. However, despite these troubled times, the company is confident of posting double digit growth in FY24, thanks to a series of new launches among which is the new Shine 100 cc.Honda 2W Domestic Sales May 2023Sales in domestic markets dipped 2.73 percent YoY in May 2023 to 3,11,623 units, down from 3,20,378 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 8,755 units. Honda Activa was once again at the top of sales charts with 2,03,365 units sold last month, up 36.11 percent as against 1,49,407 units sold in May 2022. The Activa currently commands a 65.26 percent share.At No. 2 was Honda CB Shine with 83,230 units sold last month, down 30.51 percent over 1,19,765 units sold in May 2022. It was followed by the recently introduced Shine 100 of which 20,469 units were sold last month. Honda Shine 100 was introduced in March 2023 and is set to see increased sales in the months ahead.Honda domestic sales breakup May 2023Honda Hness 350 also posted a YoY growth of 23.34 percent to 4,080 units, up from 3,308 units sold in May 2022. There were also 479 units of the Grazia scooter sold last month while sales of the Dio dipped 100 percent to 0 units from 20,497 units sold in May 2022.Honda 2W Exports May 2023Every model in the company lineup has posted YoY de-growth in terms of exports in May 2023. Sales dipped 43.48 percent to 18,107 units in the past month, down from 32,036 units sold in May 2022.There was the Navi scooter of which the company shipped 6,665 units in May 2023, down 13.90 percent from 7,741 units sold in May 2022. It was followed by the Dio with a 53.27 percent YoY de-growth to 3,552 units in May 2023 from 7,601 units shipped in May 2022. It was these two models that commanded 56.43 percent of total exports.Honda exports breakup May 2023The list also included X-Blade (1,908 units), Grazia (1,560 units), CB Shine (1,120 units) and Activa (954 units) each of which have posted YoY de-growth. Exports also fell for the CB650 (680 units),  Unicorn (608 units) Hornet (524 units) and Dream (396 units) while exports of Livo and Aviator were down to 100 units and 40 units respectively. More

Honda Activa Reached 3 Crore Sales MarkHonda Activa touched the 3 Crore units sales milestone and is by far the only scooter in India to achieve this featIndia is one of the largest 2W markets on earth. Scooter sales are not as much as budget commuter motorcycles. Still, Honda has had a strong grip in this space. With its Activa line of 110cc and 125cc scooters, Honda has completely captivated the Indian scooter market in its 22 year long run.Sales for the Activa brand have now crossed a total of a whopping 3 crore units. Activa has had unprecedented popularity and is kind of a default scooter for many buyers in India. Sales numbers reflect that phenomenon perfectly. Also demonstrates just how popular Honda scooters are and how ahead they are from their respective rivals.Honda Activa 3 crore sales milestoneEver since the first Activa hit the road in India in 2001, it has been a popular choice. 2W sales now are significantly greater than what they used to be in the 2000s and early 2010s. That said, it is commendable for Honda Activa as the first Crore units milestone was achieved in 15 years since its debut in 2015.The next two Crore units, among three Crore units achieved recently, came up in just half the time Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) took to hit its first Crore units mark. In half the time taken to reach the 1 Crore units mark, Honda sold twice as many scooters.Honda Activa sales journey in IndiaThis should perfectly show the magnitude of HMSI’s scooter operations in India. Expressing gratitude on achieving this historic milestone, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani – President, CEO & Managing Director, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “We are extremely proud of the Honda Activa’s incredible journey. Achieving the 3-crore customer milestone in just 22 years is a testimony to the unwavering support and trust that our customers have placed in us. HMSI remains committed to deliver exceptional value to our consumers.”Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “This milestone reaffirms our dedication to drive scooter revolution and thank the 3 crore Indian families for their trust in brand Activa and HMSI. Activa has changed many Avatars since inception continuously upgrading as per changing Customer need. As we strive to meet the evolving customer demand, we will continue to raise the bar and introduce groundbreaking technologies and provide an unmatched ownership experience.”History of India’s highest-selling motorcycleThe first gen Honda Activa hit the Indian market in 2001 and then its preceding model arrived in 2008 with a bigger 110cc engine. Activa 3G arrived in 2014 and so did the first Activa 125. This was the first time Honda had launched a 125cc Activa. LED headlights and DRLs were first on offer with Activa 5G in 2017.Activa 6G came in 2019 to celebrate the 10th year and then it got the BS6 transition and featured a silent starter among others. Now, Honda has dropped the 6G suffix and calls it 2023 Activa. Honda’s first electric scooter is likely to take the Activa name as well. More

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