Honda Bikes

Honda reported YoY growth of 11.87 percent in Dec 2022 while MoM sales fell by as much as 32.97 percentHonda CB350Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) sales in December 2022 stood at 2,50,171 units relating to a growth of 11.87 percent. The company had sold 2,23,621 units in Dec 2021 with a 26,550 unit volume growth.Honda two wheeler sales in the past month reported growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports. Domestic sales were higher by 10.70 percent YoY to 2,33,151 units in Dec 2022 from 2,10,612 units sold in Dec 2021.Honda 2W Sales Dec 2022Domestic sales commanded a 93.20 percent share. Exports on the other hand improved by 30.83 percent YoY to 17,020 units up from 13,009 units sold in Dec 2021 with a 6.80 percent share. It was the likes of Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Grazia and CB350 which helped post sales growth in the domestic market.MoM sales on the other hand dipped 32.97 percent. De-growth was seen both in terms of domestic sales and exports which fell 34.05 percent and 13.52 percent respectively from 3,53,540 units and 19,681 units sold in Nov 2022.Honda Sales Dec 2022Honda 2W CY 2022 SalesTaking into account sales during the calendar year (Jan-Dec) 2022, Honda has noted an 11.94 percent growth. Sales in the first quarter were in the red with de-growth reported across Jan, Feb and Mar to end Q1 with 9,10,472 units, down 25.58 percent from 12,23,375 units sold in Q1 2021. Thereafter sales improved across each month. Q2 2022 ended with a 102.54 percent growth to 9,95,156 units from 4,91,331 units sold in Q2 2021 while H1 2022 sales were up 11.13 percent to 19,05,628 units from 17,14,707 units sold in H1 2021.Honda Sales 2022Q3 2022 sales saw a 9.07 percent increase to 13,14,894 units form 12,05,568 units sold in Q3 2021 and Q4 sales improved by 17.56 percent, thus ending H2 2022 with a 12.61 percent growth to 23,27,577 units from 20,66,973 units sold in H2 2021.Honda 2w In 2022During the course of 2022, Honda saw many achievements. The company announced the limited DIO sports edition and Honda Shine edition along with the 2022 Activa Premium Edition. It achieved 1 crore unit sales for the Shine 125cc and over 2 lakh sales for the Honda Grazia 125 in the eastern region.The past year also saw the launch of the new 2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sports in India while the company brought in the 2022 Gold Wing Tour to India via completely built-up (CBU) route from Japan. There was also the 2022 CB300R and CBR650R models launched in the country in two colour schemes of Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic. BigWing dealerships made their way to 31 new cities in India. More

Honda Two wheeler exports fell 18 percent in December 2022; Domestic sales improved by 38 percentImage – Dev MTRAs a leading domestic manufacturer, Honda two-wheelers offers a range of vehicles. For the longest time, Honda has stood in growth territory, driven by the popularity of Activa. Honda has introduced new models in the mid-segment in recent years. In November 2022, domestic sales were reported at 3,53,553 units, up from 2,56,174 units. Volume gain was just shy of a lakh units at 38 percent growth.Activa remains the golden egg laying goose at 1,75,084 units. Volume growth stood at 51k units, up from 1,24,082 units at 41 percent growth. CB Shine sales crossed a lakh at 1,14,965 units, up from 83,622 units. Volume growth was at 31k units at 37.5 percent growth.Honda 2W Sales Breakup Nov 2022Unicorn sales almost doubled at 28,729 units, up from 15,555 units. Volume gain stood at 13,174 units at 84.69 percent. Dio sales too almost doubled up at 16,102 units from 8,522 units. Volume gain stood at 7,580 units at 88.95 percent growth.Livo sales fell from 7,416 units to 6,089 units. Volume decline stood at 17.89 percent at volume loss of 1,327 units. Dream units sales fell to 4,613 units from almost 8k units. Grazia sales fell to less than half down at 2,579 units from 5,448 units. Hness CB350 sales were at 2k units down from 2.3k units. Hornet 2.0 sales were reported at 1,655 units. CB300R sales were reported at 367 units. CB200X sales fell to 93 units. 11 units of CBR 650 were sold, and a single GoldWing.Honda 2W Domestic Sales Breakup Nov 2022While Honda is a major two-wheeler manufacturer in India, it’s significant business presence in the domestic market isn’t replicated in the export business. Over time, Honda has exported a wide range of two-wheelers from India to markets around the world, including motorcycles, and scooters. And the rather new Navi, a modern iteration of an advanced moped, which sadly only survived a few short years in India.Honda 2W Exports Breakup Nov 2022As a brand, Honda enjoys a strong global presence. And has built a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable vehicles. Exports from India aren’t high volume. Last month this number stood at below 20k units.Navi led from the front at 7,345 units at 5 percent decline. Dio exports fell by 20 percent, down to 3,655 units from 4,595 units. X-Blade numbers improved to 2,352 units, up from 2,080 units. CB Shine volumes fell by 1k units, down at 1,913 units from 2,960 units. Unicorn exports improved by more than half, up at 1,680 units from 1,104 units. Honda 2W Exports Breakup Nov 2022Livo exports were up at 1.4k units from 1.1k units. Hornet 160R volumes improved by 200 units, up at 924 units. Activa, which sells in lakhs in India, had 312 takes overseas. Dream exports fell significantly, down at 100 units from 1.3k units. Total exports for the month fell to 19,681 units, down from 24,211 units at 18.71 percent decline. Volume decline stood at 4,530 units. More

Honda has chalked out aggressive plans for EV segment, with target to launch at least 10 new electric-two-wheelers by 2025Honda Electric Bike TeasersAs part of its program to achieve carbon neutrality, Honda will be stepping-up focus on introducing multiple electric two-wheelers as well as flex-fuel vehicles. Honda’s electric portfolio will include electric bikes, mopeds, commuters and more powerful, performance-oriented electric bikes.To expedite the process, Honda has teamed up with other companies such as Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. The collaboration will entail development of standardized swappable battery architecture. Such collaborations will help reduce development and production cost, which will benefit all stakeholders and the entire electric two-wheeler ecosystem.Honda electric bike designBased on design sketch of Honda’s upcoming electric bike, it is evident that the brand’s signature styling will continue in electric segment. This is especially true for its performance-oriented electric bikes. The image of the bike was posted by the American division of Honda. Design language of the bike looks familiar to that of recently launched CB750 Hornet and CB300F.As compared to electric scooters that offer more freedom to experiment with the design, the choices are fairly limited in case of electric bikes. A major reason is placement of battery, which has to be centrally mounted. To ensure an optimal centre of gravity, the most suitable place is lower middle section. This is where ICE-based motorcycles have their engine. Most electric bikes follow the same approach and it continues with Honda’s upcoming electric bike.Honda Electric Motorcycle Design SketchWhile only the side view is visible in the sketch, the outline of a flat-type, aggressive front fascia can be seen. Other key features include low-set handlebar, USD front forks in golden finish, sculpted fuel tank, step-up seat, short tail section, alloy wheels, disc brakes at both ends and sporty graphics.Body panelling is closely knit and tightly packed, which helps ensure a compact look and feel for the bike. Covers for the battery and electric powertrain are done in metallic finish, which introduces another layer of aesthetic dynamism. As this is a design sketch, there are likely to be several iterations before the bike reaches production stage. Newer innovations in battery technology and linked hardware could also influence the final design of the bike.Honda electric two-wheeler for IndiaHonda’s Benly e: electric scooter has been spied on road tests multiple times. Either Benly e: could be launched in India or there could be an entirely new product. With Activa the current bestseller, Honda could introduce a similar product in electric format to target the mass market. In international markets, there are multiple versions of Benly e: electric scooter. The top-spec variant has a range of 87 km.Honda Electric Two Wheeler Launch PlanHonda electric scooter for India will have multiple challengers such as Ather 450X, TVS iQube, Ola S1 Pro and Bajaj Chetak. Ola especially is quite gung-ho, having announced its intention to beat Honda Activa sales by August 2023. Whether or not it materializes remains to be seen. More

As year-end arrives, Honda CB300F prices cut by Rs. 50,000 on its ex-sh price – This is likely to breathe new life into Honda’s 300cc lineupHonda CB300F Price Cut. Image – Auto Travel Tech.While the Indian automotive fraternity was expecting the launch of Forza 350 maxi scooter, we got the unexpected Honda CB300F. The motorcycle boasted a lightweight character which would result in peppy performance and a better power-to-weight ratio.Priced at Rs. 2.26 lakh for Deluxe variant and Rs. 2.29 lakh for Deluxe Pro variant, Honda CB300F prices seemed to be a downside for the motorcycle. Further hurting its image was the more powerful CB300R sold alongside it at Rs. 2.77 lakh (all prices ex-sh).Honda CB300F Price Cut By Rs 50KIt has come to light that dealers of the Japanese brand have slashed the ex-sh price of CB300F by Rs. 50,000 flat. As per dealer, this is part of Honda’s year-end offer for CB300F and takes the ex-sh price to around Rs. 1.75 lakh only. On-road price in Telangana state is around 2.10 lakh and in Karnataka state is around 2.2 lakh. In Chandigarh or Puducherry, on-road prices may be around Rs. 2 lakh.This seems to be a good deal for Honda fans looking to buy a 300cc motorcycle. With Rs. 50K slashed off its ex-sh price, Honda CB300F lends a whole new perspective towards it and sheds a different light on the product altogether.Honda CB300F Price CutAt first, an offer like this seemed too good to be true. Later, we confirmed the offer from multiple Honda Big Wing dealerships, including in cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru. At this price point, CB300F competes with 250cc street motorcycles like Bajaj Dominar 250 and Suzuki Gixxer 250 which are priced at Rs. 1.75 lakh and Rs. 1.77 lakh respectively (ex-sh).Motorcycles like KTM Duke 200 are pricier than the Honda CB300F with this revised pricing due to year-end offer. For the price, Honda CB300F offers gold USD forks at front and a copper-colored engine head and clutch cover. These elements up the premium quotient which Honda generally aims for.Features include HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) which is basically a traction control system, dual-channel ABS, fully digital instrument console with adjustable brightness, smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth, full LED lighting all around, and the company boasts 10 patented tech on CB300F.Specs & FeaturesHonda CB300F gets a new 293 cc single-cylinder engine which gets a DOHC setup and a 4V head. It makes 23.8 bhp of power at 7,500 RPM and 25.6 Nm of torque at a low 5,500 RPM. This engine is mated with a 6-speed gearbox and comes with oil cooling and a slipper clutch.The main highlight of this motorcycle was its low 153 kg kerb weight. In comparison, a KTM Duke 200 weighs 159 kg and Gixxer 250 weighs 156 kg despite only getting a lighter and less complex SOHC setup. Honda CB300F prices slashed with a year-end offer seems to be the right time to buy it as this offer might end in 2022. More

Mechanically, 2023 Honda CRF300L is kept identical to outgoing model with 27.3 bhp and 26.6 Nm2023 Honda CRF300LIndia is a very important market for Honda when its grand scheme of things is considered. HMSI has revealed that India will soon be a manufacturing and export hub for the brand. When it comes to ADVs, a segment that is currently hot, Honda is not very active. At lower end, we have a pseudo-ADV, CB200X and at higher end, we have CB500X and Africa Twin.In the 300cc to 450cc segment, Honda currently has zero ADVs. This is the segment where most of the action lies. KTM 390 Adventure, Royal Enfield Himalayan and BMW G 310 GS are currently partying in this segment. Will Honda CRF300L MY2023 make it to India? There is a probability as it is already patented in India. Let’s take a look.2023 Honda CRF300L RefreshedFor starters, there is speculation in place that suggests that Honda is toying with the idea of bringing CRF300L to India. Fueling that rumour, Honda showcased it in one of its showrooms in India. This might be to gain customer feedback regarding the motorcycle. It was interesting that Honda had showcased it in one of its regular dealerships instead of BigWing premium dealerships.Honda CRF300L is a true blue off-roader. This is a far cry from the CB200X that Honda currently sells. Design-wise, Honda CRF300L refreshed for MY2023 comes with new black hand guards, which are offered as standard fitment on Swift Grey paint scheme. This new shade was not on offer before and is exclusive to MY2023.2023 Honda CRF300LThis colourway gets side body panels and subframe finished in white, while orange bits adorn its fuel tank. Purposeful headlight assembly and front beak get the base grey finish. Honda’s classic Extreme Red colour scheme with white and blue splashes is also present and gets red hand guards.MechanicalsHonda has made zilch changes to its mechanicals. There was no need for changes to begin with, as CRF300L was very well kitted out as far as off-roaders are concerned. It gets USD front forks and a rear monoshock, both offer 259 mm of travel. Braking hardware includes 256 mm disc up front and 220 mm at the rear.Due to its massive 284 mm of ground clearance, seat height is pegged at 881 mm. It gets spoked wheels at both ends wrapped with 80/100-21 front tyre and 120/80-18 at the rear. 2023 Honda CRF300L continues to get a 296cc liquid-cooled engine that makes 27.3 bhp and 26.6 Nm.This is plenty of performance when its 140 kg kerb weight is brought into picture. For reference, Hero Xpulse 200 weighs 158 kgs and only makes 18.8 bhp and 17.35 Nm. If launched in India, it will compete against true blue off-roaders like the current Himalayan and Yezdi Adventure. Along with it, the upcoming Himalayan 450, 2023 KTM 390 Enduro, 390 Adventure, Xpulse 300+ and more. Pricing will be at premium end, though. More

Design patents for 125cc NS125LA and 150cc Winner X are most likely aimed at protecting Honda’s intellectual property in Indian marketHonda Winner 150ccHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) recently got the design patents for NS125LA and Winner X scooters in India. These scooters are available for sale in international markets and are positioned as commuter bikes.While 125cc NS125LA scooter is exclusively meant for Chinese market, the 150cc Winner X underbone scooter is sold in Asian markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Winner X is sold as Supra GTR in Indonesia, whereas in Malaysia, it is named RS150R/RS-X.Honda NS125LA, Winner XHonda NS125LA has a classic, retro design with round headlamp and smooth, curvy body panelling. Its attractive, laidback design, coupled with a range of utilitarian features, makes it suitable for all age groups. The scooter is powered by a 124.9cc air-cooled motor that generates 8.97 hp of max power and 9.87 Nm of peak torque. This is a different engine, as compared to the one used with Activa 125.Honda Winner X blends in the best of both worlds, the speed and agility of a motorcycle and comfort and practicality associated with a scooter. Winner X was launched in 2016 and has received multiple updates over the years. It is powered by a 150cc motor that generates 15.6 hp and 13.5 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Some key features of Honda Winner X include full digital display, keyless operation, all-LED lighting and USB charging port.Honda NS125LA patented in IndiaIndia launch plans?It does not appear that Honda is planning to launch NS125LA and Winner X in Indian market. Design patents may just be a proactive move on part of the company to secure its intellectual property in the country. NS125LA, in particular, has a fairly unique and attractive design. There could be a possibility that its design or part of it may be copied.Honda Winner X patented in IndiaWhile established OEMs may not be a suspect, there could be a threat of design infringement from emerging players in Indian two-wheeler segment. It especially concerns the EV segment, where new electric scooters are being launched at regular intervals. Honda itself may have plans to use the design of NS125LA for one of its products in future. There could be several other possibilities, which is where the design patents come into play.In its current form, the NS125LA scooter does not even meet the BS6 emission standards. It works in China, as emission norms there are relatively less strict. In case of 150cc Winner X, the scooter does not suit Indian consumer preferences. There’s hardly any demand for geared underbone scooters in the country. All these factors indicate that Honda NS125LA and Winner X are unlikely to be launched in India.Honda Winner X patented in IndiaHonda has different plans for India, one of which is an entry-level 100cc commuter bike. It will primarily rival Hero Splendor and HF Deluxe. Honda is also working to launch its first electric two-wheeler in India. While Benly e: electric scooter has been spotted on road tests multiple times, Honda could introduce an entirely new product. Launch is expected in 2023. More

At EICMA Show, Honda CL500 Scrambler, Rebel CMX1100T, Transalp ADV and EM1 electric scooter have been unveiledImage – MotofichasThe first patent drawings for 500cc scrambler from Honda had been leaked earlier this year. Since then, there were a lot of rumours that revolved around the possible launch of Honda CL500 Scrambler. Dated March 2018, these patents show a scrambler-like motorcycle based on Rebel 500’s engine and body.Honda at EICMA 2022 showcased CL500 and CMX1100T. They also had on display – Transalp ADV based on Hornet 750 and EM1 electric scooter with a swappable battery.Honda CL500 Scrambler, Rebel CMX1100T RevealedHonda CL500 Scrambler is based on Rebel 500 cruiser motorcycle. It gets the same engine that also does duties on Honda’s other 500cc lineup like CB500X ADV, CBR500R sports bike, Rebel 500 cruiser and CB500F street bike that was recently displayed at a BigWing dealership in Bengaluru.Specs-wise, Honda CL500 Scrambler falls in the same ballpark as its other 500cc siblings. That said, there are some glaring omissions on CL500 that other 500cc siblings have recently received. Equipment like Showa SFF-BP USD front forks and dual front disc brake setup that CB500F, CB500X received in 2022.[embedded content][embedded content]What it does get are 41mm telescopic front forks with 150mm travel and twin shock absorbers at the rear with 145mm travel. To boost its Scrambler appeal, it gets 19” front and 17” rear wheels shod with Dunlop Mixtour tyres that have a block-pattern design. It would have been better if they were wire-spoke wheels, but that is not the case. Fork gaiters, LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, high-mounted exhaust, and a fully digital instrument cluster are on offer.Due to its 790mm seat height, ground clearance is limited to 155mm. This should be good for some mild off-roading. Honda has extracted 46.6 bhp of power and 43.4 Nm of torque from its 471cc parallel-twin engine. These figures are slightly different to other 500cc bikes in Honda’s stables and is tuned for bottom-end torque.Rebel CMX1100T TourerThe biggest off Rebel range is now offered with a touring variant named CMX1100T. Yes, the ‘T’ in the name denotes Touring. Most of the bike is identical to their non-touring version. This is not a bad thing as it shares its 1,084cc engine with the Honda Africa Twin. Honda has added touring capabilities and hence the suffix ‘T’.Honda CMX1100TIt now gets panniers at either side that boast 32L in total luggage carrying capacity. Even though bigger tourers in Honda lineup like Goldwing offer a lot more, it is good enough. Aiding touring abilities is a batwing-shaped fairing that should offer a lot of wind protection to the rider’s torso. There is no official information regarding the launch of these motorcycles in India. More