Honda Bikes

Honda NX500 Deliveries CommencedThe closest rivals to 47 bhp Honda NX500 ADV are Benelli TRK 502, Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650In India, Honda is expanding its multi-cylinder portfolio with new launches. The latest among these launches is Honda NX500, which is a premium multi-cylinder ADV motorcycle from Team Red. Launched at an inaugural price of Rs. 5,90,000, it is quite a lot more VFM than CB500X and is attracting a lot of eyeballs in India.Honda NX500 Deliveries CommencedThe motorcycle was launched last month and it takes the position of CB500X in Honda’s Indian lineup. Honda CB500X witnessed slow sales in India as it was devoid of the latest updates that global CB500X got. Honda NX500 is here to fix that and we should say, it overfills the shoes that CB500X left behind.Sold exclusively via Honda’s premium Big Wing dealerships, NX500 is a lucrative proposition. A proposition that Col. Abhishek Mishra has explored. Honda Big Wing Gurugram delivered their first Honda NX500 ADV motorcycle to Col. Abhishek Mishra. Celebrations followed soon and Honda Big Wing Gurugram wished Col. Abhishek Mishra safe and adventurous rides.Honda NX500 is brought to Indian shores via CBU route. Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India has launched it in three exciting colours – Grand Prix Red, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White. Grand Prix Red is the most dashing shade offered with Honda NX500 and that is exactly what Col. Abhishek Mishra has chosen.Honda Big Wing Gurugram Dealer Delivered 1st Unit To Col. Abhishek MishraHonda’s re-considered pricing strategiesFor its Indian lineup, Honda was never considered to be subtle, where their pricing strategies are concerned. However, there seems to be a shift in Honda’s pricing strategies, especially with its Big Wing offerings. We say this because Honda CB500X was brought to Indian shores via CKD route and was priced at Rs. 6.87 lakh (ex-sh) at launch.Honda NX500 is brought to Indian shores via CBU route and it offers better equipment and features than CB500X. At Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-sh), NX500 costs significantly less and offers more premium componentry like USD telescopic front forks, dual disc brake setup for front wheels and others.Also, there is a new 5-inch TFT instrument screen, which is a far cry when compared to CB500X’s LCD unit. This TFT unit gets Bluetooth connectivity featuring Honda Roadsync connected features with app support for Android and IOS. This enables call controls, music controls and navigation deets among others.Honda NX500NX500 bears a hybrid ADV design with a greater lean towards a semi-faired sports touring motorcycle DNA. It is powered by a 471cc parallel twin cylinder engine with 47 bhp of peak power at 8,600 RPM and 43 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 RPM. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, top speed is 180+ km/h.Honda NX500 Delivery More

Honda Scrambler. Image for illustration only.With multiple new products based on the CB350 platform, Honda seems determined for an even tougher fight with rivals, especially Royal EnfieldJust a few days back, a design patent revealed the details of a new Honda ADV bike based on the CB350 platform. And now, another patent leaked online reveals the design and features of a new Honda scrambler bike. Here are the details.Honda 350cc scrambler – design and stylingThere are quite a few similarities between the Honda 350cc ADV and the scrambler model. For example, the fuel tank and seats appear to be the same. The overall design outline also seems familiar. However, the ADV gets signature features such as the raised front beak, tall windscreen, long suspension travel, larger front wheel, wire spoke wheels and front and rear luggage mounts.Honda 350cc Scrambler – Design patent leaksTalking about the 350cc Honda scrambler, the bike has a wide handlebar, round headlamp, same sized alloy wheels at both ends, fork gaiters, metal frames on the fuel tank and an upswept exhaust. The 350cc ADV also has upswept exhaust, but it is a more compact unit. As a different exhaust has been used, the aural experience is expected to be distinct in comparison to the ADV and the existing CB350.Honda 350cc scrambler has a comfortable, upright riding stance. With a bucket rider seat, the seat height could be less than 800 mm. The pillion seat section seems narrow and does not get a dedicated grab rail.Honda 350cc scrambler specsSuspension setup comprises telescopic forks at front and twin rear shock absorbers. Suspension and braking setup could be common across both the scrambler and ADV models. Existing Honda H’ness CB350 has 310 mm and 240 mm disc brakes at front and rear, respectively. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. CB350 has an all-LED setup, which will be the same with the 350cc scrambler and ADV bikes.Honda 350cc scrambler performancePowering the 350cc scrambler will be the 348.36cc engine that churns out 21 PS of max power and 30 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Honda is likely to retain the engine tuning, although gear ratios can be adjusted in line with the bike’s scrambler profile. As far as possible, Honda will try to borrow components from the existing CB350. A similar strategy will be deployed for the upcoming 350cc ADV bike.Upcoming Honda 350cc scrambler will go up against rivals such as Yezdi Scrambler, Royal Enfield Scram 411 and Triumph Scrambler 400X. Launch is expected in 2025. The new 350cc bikes from Honda are expected to be positioned above the existing CB350 and CB350RS. They will help Honda to target a larger segment of buyers looking for a sub-500cc bike. As of December 2024, Honda CB350 was ranked 9th in the list of bestselling bikes in 300cc to 500cc segment. More

Honda ActivaHonda 2W sales grew significantly both in domestic and global markets in January 2024Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) sales in January 2024 stood at a total (domestic + export) of 4,19,395 units. This was a 41.51 percent YoY growth over 2,96,363 units sold in January 2023 relating to a 1,23,032 unit volume growth. Setting off the New Year on a promising note, the company has seen growth both in domestic and global markets.Honda 2W YoY Sales January 2024Honda 2W sales which grew at 41.51 percent YoY in January 2024 at 4,19,395 units saw domestic sales at 3,82,512 units, up 37.52 percent over 2,78,143 units sold in January 2023. This was volume growth of 1,04,369 units with domestic sales commanding a 91.21 percent share.Honda 2W Sales Jan 2024Exports however, saw an even higher percentage growth by 102.43 percent with a total of 36,883 units shipped in January 2023, up from 18,220 units exported in January 2023. This was a volume growth of 18,663 units with exports taking up an 8.79 percent share.On a MoM basis, Honda 2W sales saw a 32.25 percent growth to 4,19,395 units. This was a volume growth of 1,02,272 units over 3,17,123 units sold in December 2023. Here too there has been a significant increase both in domestic sales and exports. Domestic sales were up 33.70 percent MoM to 3,82,512 units from 2,86,101 units relating to a 96,411 unit volume growth with a 90.22 percent share. Exports were up 18.89 percent from 31,022 units shipped in December 2023 with a 5,861 unit volume growth and 9.78 percent share.Honda 2W recent updatesThe company achievements during January 2024 also included the inauguration of a 3rd assembly line at Vithalapur in Gujarat with a capacity of 6.5 lakh units. Honda also inaugurated a new sales and service outlet at Rajkot in Gujarat while Honda has been in attendance at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2024 Show with an electric scooter and Flex Fuel motorcycle.Speaking about the Flex Fuel technology, the motorcycle will run on flex fuel which is a blend of ethanol and gasoline. The two wheeler maker has modified the CB300F that can run on flex fuel. This is not the first time that the company has made a flex fuel bike, as the company has sold several such flex fuel powered bikes in Brazilian markets.The company also commenced 2024 with an exciting new launch. The Honda XN500 has been launched at Rs 5.9 lakh (ex-showroom). It is presented in 3 colour options of Grand Prix Red, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White and sold via the company’s BigWing dealerships. Bookings are open now for Rs 10,000 exclusively at Honda’s BigWing dealerships while deliveries are set to commence by February 2024. More

Honda CRF300L. Image for illustration only.Other than Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, Honda CB350 ADV will rival Yezdi Adventure and upcoming Hero Xtreme 440 as wellWith travel currently being one of the most popular trending activities, it has proportionally increased appeal towards motorcycling and adventure riding. After Hero MotoCorp, Royal Enfield has cashed in this segment with Himalayan 411 and now Himalayan 450. Honda is now challenging Himalayan 450 with a new contender. Let’s take a look.Honda CB350 ADV Design PatentedThis would be Honda’s first attempt at proper ADV off-road motorcycle segment, not counting CB200X. The target in sight is definitely Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. But Honda’s new ADV will lock horns with other off-road motorcycles like Yezdi Adventure and upcoming Hero Xpulse 440 built on Harley-Davidson X440’s platform.Honda CB350 ADV DesignOne look at Honda CB350 ADV design patented, your first thought might go to Royal Enfield Himalayan 411. That said, there are only so many ways to design a purpose-built ADV motorcycle. Something similar as observed when we compared Royal Enfield Classic 350 with Honda’s new CB350 Classic. These initial observations are based on a 2D side profile flat image. Final production-spec motorcycle in 3D and with surface finishing will surely look very different than Himalayan. On closer inspection, we can see design differences between Honda and Royal Enfield, even though overall approach is similar.Both get a beak, large windscreen, side guards to mount luggage, headlight guard and more. Honda is going for a round headlight too. Rear subframe has a flat pillion seat that is set higher for comfort. Pillion grabrail will have a luggage rack too. We can see rider knuckle guards on handlebar as well.2023 Honda CB200XSimilar componentry as CB350Differences are more pronounced with selection of componentry. Honda is going for a cradle chassis that houses an air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a single up-swept exhaust. Honda is going for RSU telescopic front forks with long travel and these get fork gaiters too. At the rear, Honda CB350 ADV gets twin shock absorbers.For context, Royal Enfield Himalayan offers USD telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock setup. This is too early to say based on a single 2D image, but front wheel is likely to be around 19-inches and not 21-inches like Himalayan and Hero Xpulse. Wheels are wire-spoke type and we hope Honda is giving tubeless dual purpose tyres.Considering everything, we think Honda is taking CB350 and extracting an ADV version of it. And that explains all the component choices that Honda has made. Currently, CB350 has a 348cc air-cooled engine generating 20.78 bhp and 30 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. We hope Honda is eking out more performance out of this engine to better rival Himalayan and Yezdi Adventure. Honda could launch it in 2025 and just like CB350, it is likely to be a global product as well. More

Honda NX500 LaunchedThe direct rivals of Honda NX500 launched, are Benelli 502 and 502X along with Kawasaki Versys 650 and to some extent Triumph Tiger Sport 660ADV segment is currently on the rise with more additions than before. However, within 300cc to 500cc segment, there are little to no multi-cylinder ADVs for sale. Honda is fixing that by launching NX500 in India, sold exclusively through their premium BigWing dealerships. Honda NX500 launched, costs Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-sh). There are three colours – Grand Prix Red, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White.Honda NX500 Launched In IndiaIt has to be noted that NX500 is CB500X’s replacement, considering brand positioning and pricing. At the end of its life-cycle, CB500X was priced at Rs. 5.8 lakh (ex-sh), down from its initial pricing of Rs. 6.87 lakh (ex-sh). We have to also note the fact that CB500X was a locally assembled CKD model and was initially priced close to Rs. 7 lakh (ex-sh).In contrast, Honda is importing NX500 as a CBU model, which costs less than CB500X CKD model, despite packing significantly more premium features and hardware. This is interesting to see, which shows that Honda is rethinking its pricing strategies for Indian market. The Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-sh) pricing for NX500 is reasonably justified, being an import and packing all the extra features over CB500X.For the money, Honda is offering a crossover vehicle. The design theme for Honda NX500 launched, is called “Daily Crossover”, where the bike doesn’t look out of place, whether it is in the city, winding road, highway or gravel trail. A do-it-all proposition, if we may. The bike gets a compact adventure styling to have an imposing, yet nimble silhouette.Honda NX500 ConnectivityAll-LED headlights, tail lights and turn indicators look premium and perfectly accentuate bike’s overall styling. The fairing has a dual-tone effect with black elements to cut down on visual bulk. There is a non-offensive rear subframe with a single-piece seat. Seating posture is upright and there is a decently tall windscreen too.Specs and performanceHonda is even offering a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity along with IOS and Android compatibility. Switchgear is extensive with buttons to control instrument cluster. Honda RoadSync enables navigation, call and music controls from a connected phone. There is an emergency stop signal too.Componentry includes 19-inch front and 17-inch rear aluminium wheels wrapped with 110-section front and 160-section rear tyres, Showa 41mm SFF-BP USD telescopic front forks, Pro-Link mono-shock rear suspension, dual 296mm front disc and single 240mm rear disc, dual channel ABS and has a 17.5L fuel tank. All this is mounted on a steel diamond frame.Honda NX500 FasciaHonda NX500 launched, gets a 471cc parallel twin-cylinder engine with DOHC setup and liquid cooling that generates 47 bhp at 8,600 RPM and 43 Nm torque at 6,500 RPM. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and gets a slip and assist clutch along with traction control. The Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-sh) is introductory and can change at Honda’s discretion. More

Honda two wheeler’s 3rd Assembly Line at its Gujarat plantHonda Vithalapur Plant’s 3rd Assembly Line Boosts EfficiencyHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) propels its growth trajectory with the inauguration of the innovative 3rd Assembly Line at the Vithalapur plant in Gujarat. This state-of-the-art facility signifies a colossal leap forward. And augments annual production capacity by an impressive 6.5 lakh units.At the core of this expansion are key models such as the ever-popular Activa and Dio, alongside their 125cc variants. This strategic move at the Gujarat plant holds particular significance. Especially in the global engine production arena. This comes about through dedicated focus on the 250cc and above engine category to meet global market needs.Honda Empowers Female Workforce in Gujarat’s Manufacturing LandscapeHonda is unwaveringly committed to the development and empowerment of its female workforce. This proactive approach aligns with the company’s vision for accelerated and robust growth within the two-wheeler manufacturing sector. While also setting an exemplary standard for the industry.Sustainability takes centre stage at the Vithalapur facility. A remarkable 75 percent of the electrical power utilized is sourced from renewables, underscoring Honda’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices. The facility actively engages in rainwater harvesting. And contributes to zero liquid discharge and zero waste to landfill, solidifying its commitment to eco-conscious operations.Wheels of Change: Honda’s Visionary Road to Carbon Neutrality by 2030 in GujaratBeyond operational excellence, Honda integrates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives seamlessly. These initiatives span healthcare, education, road safety, and gender equality, reflecting the company’s holistic commitment to societal welfare and empowerment.Looking towards the future, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India sets a visionary goal. Achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, with a specific focus on the Gujarat plant. This commitment resonates with the global call for sustainable practices and dovetails harmoniously with manufacturing excellence. In the process, cementing the plant’s role in this transformative journey.Scooter Revolution: Powers the Scooterisation Movement from the frontThe 3rd Assembly Line at the Vithalapur plant is not merely an expansion in capacity. It marks a significant stride towards a sustainable and efficient future. Honda’s dedication to innovation and environmental consciousness positions it at the vanguard of the two-wheeler manufacturing industry.With this accelerated expansion and steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, HMSI solidifies its position as a global leader. Alongside it underscores the transformative impact of the Vithalapur facility in shaping the future of the automotive industry. The significance of this expansion extends beyond quantitative measures. And etches a qualitative shift towards a greener, more inclusive, and technologically advanced future. More

New Honda ActivaHonda has posted a YoY growth but MoM drop in sales in December 2023 while CY 2023 sales ended with a 3.70 percent declineHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has released their sales results for December 2023. In the last month of the calendar year, total sales (domestic + exports) stood at 3,17,123 units, up 26.76 percent when compared to 2,50,171 units sold in December 2022. This was volume growth of 66,952 units. However, the company has seen a MoM decline by 29.19 percent from 4,47,849 units sold in November 2023.Honda 2W Sales and Exports December 2023Taking only domestic sales into account, HMSI sold 2,86,101 units in December 2023, up 22.71 percent YoY from 2,33,151 units sold in December 2022. MoM sales dipped by 31.99 percent from 4,20,677 units sold in November 2023. Exports on the other hand have seen both a YoY and MoM growth of 82.27 percent and 14.17 percent respectively to 31,022 units.Honda 2W Sales Dec 2023Honda 2W Sales in CY 2023In calendar year (CY) 2023, the company sold 40,76,673 units. This was a 3.70 percent decline over 42,33,205 units sold in CY 2022 relating to a volume de-growth of 1,56,532 units. Sales remained in the red through most months of the past year, closing the first quarter (Jan-Mar 2023) with 7,01,084 units sold, down 23 percent over 9,10,472 units sold in the same 3 months of 2022.Even as April 2023 sales ended on a positive note with a 6.14 percent YoY growth to 3,38,290 units, the Q2 period also ended with a 4.32 percent de-growth to 9,52,190 units sold down from 9,95,156 units sold in the same period of 2022. This saw the H1 2023 sales down 13.24 percent to 16,53,274 units.Honda 2W Sales CY 2023During the months of July to September 2023, sales dipped by 22.81 percent in July but were positive in the latter two months but ended the Q3 period down 4.64 percent to 12,53,874 units from 13,14,894 units sold in Q3 of 2022. The festive season brought in better results for the company with October to December 2023 seeing increased sales to end Q4 2023 with a 15.49 percent YoY growth to 11,69,525 units up from 10,12,683 units sold in the same period of 2022. This also contributed to better H2 2023 sales which showed an increase of 4.12 percent YoY to 24,23,399 units up from 23,27,577 units sold in the same period of 2022.Honda Special Editions and BigWing ExpansionIn the past calendar year, Honda 2W has introduced several products and undertaken a host of initiatives. The Activa H-Smart was launched along with the Shine 100, SP160 and Dio 120. Special editions such as Activa Limited Edition, SP125 Sports Edition, Repsol Editions of Hornet 2.0 and Dio 125 also made their entry into the company portfolio. Models were updated to OBD-2 compliance and BigWing dealerships were also expanded to 25 cities across the country.Honda celebrated an important milestone where the Activa scooter was concerned, marking 3 crore customers in 22 years while Honda Shine 125cc has seen sales cross the 30 lakh unit mark in western India. Special attention was also paid to road safety initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility through the past year.The new Honda CB350, launched in November 2023, played a significant role in increasing total sales. Honda CB350, is sold via Big Wing dealerships. It is presented in two trim levels – DLX and DLX Pro and are priced at Rs. 1,99,900 and Rs. 2,17,800 respectively. More