Honda Bikes

Honda has announced a price hike across some models in its motorcycle and scooter lineup from April 2022New Honda Activa 6GHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India Private Limited (HMSI) has announced a price hike across its lineup in the domestic market. The company cites a steep hike in prices of raw material and escalating fuel prices as reasons for this increase in prices. The price hike is effective from April 2022 and is from Rs 741 to Rs 1,371 depending on model.HMSI was the second best selling two wheeler maker in March 2022 after Hero MotoCorp. Sales stood at 3,09,549 units in the past month relating to a YoY de-growth of 21.64 percent over 3,95,037 units sold in March 2021. The Honda Activa contributed efficiently to these sales along with the CB Shine.Honda Activa Prices April 2022Starting with the Honda Activa 6G and Activa 125, price of the Activa 6G range is now available from Rs 71,432 onwards. Activa 125 is now priced from Rs 74,989 onwards. Activa 6G Standard, priced earlier at Rs 70,599 is now at Rs 71,432, a difference of Rs 833 or 1.187 percent.Honda Activa 6G Deluxe now sports a higher price tag of Rs 72,345, up from Rs 73,177 while Activa 125 Drum is higher by Rs 741 to Rs 74,898. Honda Activa 125 Drum Alloy now gets a higher price tag of Rs 78,657 while the Disc variant is at Rs 82,162, higher by Rs 822 over the earlier price of Rs 81,280.Honda Prices April 2022There is also the Activa 125 LE Drum and LE Disc variants which are now priced at Rs 79,657 and Rs 83,162 respectively. This price hike does not bring with it any styling or mechanical changes. The Activa 6G continues to be offered in the same 6 colour options while there are 5 colours being offered on the Activa 125. Honda had also filed a patent for a new scooter called Scoopy. Honda Shine, SP 125, Livo, and CD110 DreamWith effect from April 2022, Honda Shine, SP 125, Livo, and CD110 Dream also get price hikes. The CD 110 Dream Deluxe is now at Rs 69,251, higher by Rs 764 or 1.12 percent over an earlier pricing of Rs 68,487. The Honda Livo Drum variant gets its price increased by Rs 764 to Rs 73,938 while the Disc variant is now at Rs 77,938 as against an earlier price of Rs 77,174.Honda Shine Drum price has been increased by Rs 1,371 or 1.83 percent, the highest price hike for April 2022. The earlier pricing of Rs 74,943 has been increased to Rs 76,314 while the Disc variant is higher by 971 to Rs 80,314 from Rs 79,343. Honda SP125 Drum and Disc variants pricing has also been increased by Rs 820 and Rs 819 to Rs 81,407 and Rs 85,407 respectively.On the other hand, Honda has reduced the price of its Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade by Rs 10 lakhs. Launched at Rs 33 lakhs in 2021, the CBR1000RR-R now costs Rs 23.56 lakhs for the Black colour following the recent price reduction while Grand Prix Red is priced at Rs 24 lakhs. This reduced pricing allows the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade to compete equitably with rivals such as the Ducati Panigale V4 which is price at Rs 23.50 lakhs as well as with the Aprilia RSV4 that carries a price tag of Rs 23.69 lakhs. More

Primary volume generators for Honda in motorcycle segment include CB Shine and Unicorn 160Hero Splendor Electric Motorcycle Render By Vinay Raj SomashekarWhile Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) leads in scooters, its ex-partner Hero dominates the commuter motorcycle segment. Hero bikes like Splendor and HF Deluxe are currently the preferred options in commuter segment. Things could change in future, as Honda is planning to launch an affordable commuter bike that will primarily rival Hero Splendor. This has been confirmed by Atsushi Ogata, President of HMSI in a recent interaction with ET Auto.Honda new commuter bikeHonda’s existing commuter motorcycle range has CD110 Dream and Livo. However, none of these are comparable to the high sale volumes generated by Hero Splendor. Ogata has also mentioned that CD110 hasn’t been able to match customer expectations in commuter segment. CD110 Dream is currently the most affordable Honda bike, available at a starting price of around Rs 63k (ex-showroom, Delhi). This works out cheaper than Splendor Plus that starts at around Rs 69k.One option for Honda is to focus on fuel efficiency, which is one of the key factors that has made Splendor so popular. Honda must be well-aware of this, as the Hero-Honda combine had started out the journey with their ‘Fill it, shut it, forget it’ campaign. Launched in 1984, Hero-Honda partnership had lasted for around 26 years. They decided to part ways in 2010 due to growing friction in terms of business objectives.Being a global player and with a much longer history, Honda surely has the technological edge. It has the capabilities to come up with a formidable rival to Hero Splendor. Or it can improve existing CD110 by introducing some new features such as engine start-stop system. Honda could also perform some tweaks to make CD110 just as nimble as Splendor.Honda CB Shine. Image – Ryt To KnowIt will be interesting to see Honda aggressively targeting the entry-level commuter segment. While Suzuki and Yamaha have decided to stay away, Honda will continue to face competition from Bajaj and TVS in addition to Hero MotorCorp.Honda sales analysisAs of now, close to 50% of HMSI sales come from its Activa scooter. Second bestseller is CB Shine, followed by Unicorn 160. In 200cc to 500cc segment, Honda’s offerings are fairly limited. Honda H’ness CB350 has registered consistent numbers every month, but it trails behind rivals by a significant margin.Honda also has limited presence in sport biking segment, which is dominated by Bajaj, KTM, and Yamaha. Honda could target these segments as well in future. Earlier this year in January, the company had expanded its middleweight portfolio to include CB300R. The bike was launched at an introductory price of Rs 2.77 lakh. It was available earlier in BS4 format and was quite popular.The bike has a sporty profile and comes with features such as golden USD forks, all-LED lighting, smartphone connectivity, USB charging port and assist and slipper clutch. CB300R can help Honda strengthen its position in 200cc-500cc motorcycle segment. More

Honda Scoopy has been in pipeline for the Indian market for a long time, it was even spied testing in the country a few years agoHonda Scoopy Scooter 110ccIn recent times, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has filed quite a few patents, indicating that the Japanese brand is planning to launch multiple new models in the country. Though the latest one to come to light is not very recent, it is an addition to the growing list of upcoming two-wheelers from Honda.The company has filed patents for a new scooter called Scoopy in India which were actually filed back in March last year. While filing a mere patent doesn’t guarantee a market launch, Scoopy does make a lot of sense for the Indian market. The scooter was spotted testing in India back in 2017, however, it did not get launched after all.Honda Scoopy Patented in India- DesignsHonda Scoopy is a true modern classic scooter with a retro styling that appeals to both young as well as mature riders. It surely stands apart as far as design is concerned when compared to its segment rivals like Hero Pleasure Plus, Maestro Edge and TVS Jupiter as well as its Indian peers Honda Dio and Activa 6G.It gets an oval-shaped headlamp cluster mounted on the front apron flanked by bean-shaped turn indicators thus lending the scooter a unique appearance. It gets sweeping lines on smooth body panels usually seen on European scooters. It gets a single-piece saddle that looks large and cushiony and should be comfortable in long-distance commutes as well.Honda Scoopy Scooter Patent Filed In IndiaFeatures & Hardware SpecsSpeaking of convenience, Scoopy gets a large 15.4-litre under-seat storage in addition to a USB charging port inside the front glove box. It also gets a wide floorboard on which carrying luggage should be relatively easier. Other key features on offer include a semi-digital instrument cluster, keyless ignition, a projector LED headlight, a multi-function hook at the front and a side stand indicator.In terms of safety & security, the new Scoopy has been equipped with smart keys that offer an answer-back feature and anti-theft alarm. Coming to its hardware setup, it is underpinned by an eSAF frame which is suspended on telescopic forks up front and a mono-shock at rear. It rolls on 12-inch alloy wheels at both ends while anchorage is taken care of by a disc brake in front and a drum at rear which are aided by CBS.Powertrain DetailsPowering Scoopy is the same 109.51cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC engine that propels Activa and Dio in India. While this motor churns out 7.76 PS of power and 9 Nm of peak torque in the India-spec models, it kicks out 9 PS and 9.3 Nm in the Indonesia-spec Scoopy. It comes with eSP (enhanced Smart Power) which not only boosts performance but also improves fuel efficiency.Honda Scoopy 110cc scooterThe scooter also gets an ACG starter, which ensures smooth engine starts without the usual sputtering sound. Whether or not this scooter will see daylight in the Indian market only time and Honda can tell us. If it is to be launched in India, it has to be priced very competitively against other 110cc scooters. More

Honda currently retails four scooters in India- Acitva 6G and Dio in the 110cc category and Activa 125 and Grazia in the 125cc categoryImage for reference.Honda’s two wheeler business has suffered in recent months. Sales declined by more than 30% last month. Honda has plans to launch new scooters and motorcycles in India, to boost sales. They also have plans to launch electric scooters.Honda has filed design patents for 3 new scooters in India, images of which have now leaked online. In the past, Honda had brought scooters with slightly unconventional looks like Cliq and Navi. However, both models failed miserably in the Indian market.New Honda Scooter Design PatentsHence, this time Honda has opted for a more conventional yet distinct design that fulfills the demands of a commuter scooter. The styling has been kept simple and by the looks of it, the scooter will be targeted at a mass section of buyers. It could be either a 110cc or 125cc offering since the design looks too sober for a power scooter of the 150cc category.We already have spoken about the Honda X-ADV scooter, that has been patented in India. Apart from that, two more scooters have been patented. One of the patents was filed on 19th Feb 2021, other on 18th Oct 2021.  Honda files new scooter design patents in IndiaThe patent images display an IC engine-powered scooter. The headlamp is mounted at the centre of the front apron whereas turn indicators are positioned on the front side panel. The floorboard looks flat and spacious thus indicating that it would be a practical offering.It gets a single-piece saddle with a raised pillion seat and a flat tail section with a single-piece grab rail. The exhaust muffler is side-slung and flat whereas the tail lamp seems to be high mounted. Apart from under-seat storage, it appears that the scooter will also offer some storage in the front compartment with an open aperture.Since one of these new Honda scooters is expected to be a budget offering, we don’t expect it to be loaded with all tech and gizmos. However, it is likely to cover all basic features including LED headlights, an under-seat charging point, a semi-digital instrument console and an integrated self-start and engine kill switch. Bluetooth connectivity is unlikely to be part of this package.2022 Honda X-ADV Scooter trademarked in IndiaExpected Engine SpecsIf introduced in the 110cc guise it will be powered by a 109.5cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which pushes out 7.6 bhp and 8.8 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with a CVT gearbox and propels Honda Activa 6G and Dio. The other option is with a 125cc engine which kicks out 8.1 bhp at 6,500rpm and 10.3 Nm of peak torque at 5,000rpm. This motor performs duties on Activa 125 and Grazia.At the moment, there are no specific details regarding this patent filed by Honda. It isn’t yet confirmed if at all this model will reach production. However, this isn’t the only trademark filed by the company. Recently, it was reported that Honda has filed a trademark for CBR150R in India. More

Honda 2Wheelers reports over 30 percent decline in domestic sales in February 2022, exports fall 13.33 percentImage – Bike RockersFebruary 2022 saw most two-wheeler manufacturers report a dip in sales. Domestic Honda two wheeler sales fell to 2,85,706 units, down from 4,11,622 units. Volume loss is 1,25,916 units at 30.59 percent decline.Honda Sales Breakup Feb 2022 – Activa No 1Honda Activa sales are down to 1,45,317 units from 2,09,389 units. Volume loss is reported at 64k units at 30.60 percent decline. CB Shine sales declined to a similar extent, down at 81,700 units from 1,15,970 units. Volume loss stood at 34,270 units.Dio sales fell 45 percent at volume loss of 12,684 units. Sales were down to 15,487 units from 28,171 units. Dream sales however improved. The only motorcycle to be reported at growth, up at 44.15 percent at volume gain of 4,740 units. Sales were up at 15,476 units from 10,736 units.Unicorn 160 sales decline is 42.50 percent. Sales are down at 12,812 units from 22,281 units at 9,469 units volume loss. Livo sales declined 12.41 percent at volume loss of 1,047 units. Sales fell to 7,392 units from 8,439 units. Hness 350 sales stood at 3.1k units, marginally down from 3,268 units. Sales decline stood at 5.17 percent at volume loss of 169 units.Honda Sales Breakup Feb 2022Grazia sales decline was steep at 64.02 percent. Volume loss stood at over 5k units, down at 2,846 units from about 8k units. CB200X sales are reported at 538 units, and CB300R at 429 units. Hornet 2.0 sales decline is at over 88 percent, down at 422 units from about 3.6k units. X-Blade sales fell to 150 units from 1,844 units at a 91.87 percent decline. CB650 and CB500 sales are reported at 19 units each.Honda Exports Breakup Feb 2022Honda exports volume is much less in comparison to domestic sales. Even so, Honda reported a decline of 13.33 percent. Sales fell to 26,944 units, down from 31,088 units. Volume loss stood at 4,144 units. While Navi sales have been stopped in India, in export markets, it’s a top seller.Navi export is up at 7,767 units from 6,398 units. Volume gain stood at 1,369 units at 21.40 percent gain. Dio numbers fell marginally to 5,423 units, down from 5,695 units. Volume loss stands at 272 units, at 4.78 percent decline. In 21 years, Honda has exported 30 lakh units, and Dio has played an important role.Honda Exports Breakup Feb 2022X-Blade export is up at 3,844 units from 3,252 units. Volume gain stood at 592 units at 18.20 percent growth. Dream numbers fell by 7.78 percent, down to 3,128 units from 3,392 units. CB Shine exports fell to 2,518 units from 4,794 units at 47.48 percent decline. Hornet 160R export fell to 1.6k units, down from about 1.9k units at 16 percent decline.Honda CB350 export is up at 1,200 units from 300 units. Unicorn 160 numbers more than doubled at 576 units, up from 240 units. Grazia’s decline was steep, down at 320 units from 1,480 units. Activa, Aviator and Unicorn 150 exports are reported at a decline. More

Honda 2Wheelers India reports 30 lakh units in cumulative exports in 21 yearsImage – WheelCruzeFor Honda 2Wheelers, the company is in its 21st year of operations in India. In this time, Honda 2Wheelers India cumulative exports have surpassed the 30 lakh unit mark. This strengthens Honda’s position as the topmost scooter exporter of India. The achievement is spearheaded by Dio. Honda Navi, a more recent launch saw sales in India dwindle but continues to enjoy great demand as a topmost export for Honda in recent months.Export opportunities have increased manifold in recent years. By 2016, the first 15 lakh exports took a 16 year time period. The remaining 15 lakh units benefitted from accelerated export growth, and has been achieved in under 5 years. This is at more than 3 times the earlier speed.Honda Two Wheeler ExportsOver time, Honda has expanded its export portfolio. Starting with Activa in 2001, Honda now exports 18 models. While the Activa scooter has advanced over time reaching new milestones each year in the domestic market, its exports have never reached such great heights.Honda’s performance in the domestic market backed largely by Activa places the company securely at second place in the sales list. Accolades in the export market are reserved for Honda Dio. Growth has been furthered not only by product portfolio expansion but also an increase in global footprint.Honda Exports Jan 2022Honda has entered advanced markets with exports to more than 29 export markets today. Some of the top two wheelers exported by Honda from India in recent months include the likes of Navi, Dio, X-Blade, Dream, CB Shine, Hornet, Unicorn, Activa and even the CB350 Hness.In 2020 Honda Overseas Business Expansion business vertical was started. The manufacturer has expanded its global exports footprint. This includes developed markets like the United States, Japan, and Europe among others. In recent times, HMSI has started manufacturing global engines at its 4th factory at Vithalapur, Gujarat.HMSI exports expansionAtsushi Ogata – Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, ‘Such milestones are a shining testimony of HMSI’s sustained efforts in expanding Honda’s footprint in global exports. Last year we flagged off our global engine production line at Vithalapur plant in Gujarat, thus strengthening our export capabilities further. As we make further inroads into developed markets, our reinstated focus on exports expansion takes HMSI one step closer to become a ‘Manufacturing Hub for the World’.”Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “In the last two decades, Honda has delighted more than 30 lac two-wheeler customers through exports. Led by Dio Scooter, we are expanding our export portfolio including both scooters & motorcycles. To establish high quality and efficiency, matching global standards, HMSI raised a dedicated Overseas Business vertical in 2020.” More

Honda CL250 and CL500 will be based on underpinnings and powertrains of their cruiser siblings- Rebel 250 and Rebel 500Honda Scrambler 500cc Render. Credit – Young MachineIn the past few years, popularity of scramblers, especially in the entry-level space has shot up very high. Hence, many bikemakers are planning to utilise their existing mid-displacement motorcycle platforms to develop new scramblers. It was recently revealed that Honda will be adding two new scrambler motorcycles to its lineup.Previous reports mentioned that the upcoming scramblers will be available in 250cc and 500cc guise, both based on the brand’s entry-level cruiser offerings Rebel 250 and Rebel 500 respectively. This will help Honda reduce development and production cost of its new scramblers.New Honda Scrambler 500cc Patent LeaksIn a recent development, patent drawings for the upcoming 500cc scrambler from Honda have been leaked on a Japanese website. These patents date back to March 2018 and show a scrambler-like motorcycle based on Rebel 500’s engine and body. Based on this patent, a render has been created which imagines CL500 Scrambler in its full production form.From the leaked patent drawings it is clear that CL500’s frame would share a resemblance with its cruiser sibling Rebels, although there are some differences towards the rear section of the chassis. The digital illustration borrows styling inspirations from Honda’s C series bikes launched between 1960s and 90s, especially Dream CL72 Scrambler.Honda Scrambler 500cc – Patent leaksIt also looks a tad similar to the India-spec CB350 RS which is essentially a pseudo scrambler. Highlights from this rendered design includes a relatively straight and flat saddle with a minimalistic profile, a high-mounted horizontal exhaust muffler, black fork gaiters and larger alloy wheels. In addition, the illustration takes inspiration from the leaked parents and gets a squarish fuel tank.CL500, C250- Powertrain SpecsPowering CL500 will be the same 471cc parallel-twin DOHC 4-valve engine that propels Rebel 500. In the cruiser, this motor dishes out 46 PS of power at 8,500rpm and 43 Nm at 6,500rpm.This unit will be paired with a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. Other than chassis and engine, CL500 Scrambler is also likely to borrow the suspension setup of Rebel 500 which comprises telescopic forks upfront and dual shock absorbers at rear.Honda Scrambler 500cc – Render based on leaked patentThe less powerful CL250 Scrambler will be based on its equivalent quarter-litre cruiser. Powering the scrambler is a 249cc DOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder motor that pumps out 26 PS of max power at 9,500rpm and 22 Nm of peak torque at 7,750rpm. This unit will also be mated to the same 6-speed constant mesh gearbox.Some overseas media reports have confirmed that CL250 could get an official debut toward the end of this year with CL500 to follow sometime in 2023. Both bikes are, however, unlikely to be launched in India anytime soon. More

Quite a few styling bits for Hawk 11 appear to have been borrowed from CB4 Interceptor Concept that was showcased in 2019New Honda Hawk 11 Cafe Racer. Image – AutoByIn global markets, Honda Africa Twin’s platform has been utilized for other popular bikes such as Rebel 1100 and NT1100. To ensure choices are not limited to tourer, cruiser, ADV segments, Honda has unveiled an entirely new 1100cc bike.Named Hawk 11, the bike was unveiled at the 2022 Osaka Motorcycle Show. This new Honda motorcycle will work to fill the gap that’s been left with the recently discontinued CB1100.New Honda Hawk 11 Cafe RacerA neo-retro cafe racer, Hawk 11’s most distinguishing feature is its Monza fairing. As it is similar to that of CB4 Interceptor Concept, it provides a clue about the level of similarities that could be there between the two bikes.Other key highlights include circular headlamp with DRL and chrome surround, compact windscreen, round rear view mirrors, spear-shaped turn indicators, low-set handlebar and sculpted fuel tank. A single-piece seat will be used for Honda Hawk 11. Images are credited to Young Machine.New Honda Hawk 11 Cafe RacerWhile the CB4 Interceptor Concept had 4 exhaust pipes, making their way under the seat, this one features a more practical design for the exhaust. The bike has minimal fairing and much of the chassis is similar to Africa Twin. A few changes have been introduced to suit its cafe racer profile. Hawk 11 is an all muscle, with the massive twin-cylinder engine highlighting its beasty nature.New Honda Hawk 11 Cafe RacerHonda Hawk 11 specsPowering Hawk 11 will be the same 1082.96 cc engine used with Africa Twin. The liquid cooled motor generates 100 ps of max power at 7,500 rpm and 103 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The bike is offered with manual as well as DCT transmission option.Hawk 11 has a semi double cradle steel frame with USD front forks and monoshock rear suspension. It’s likely that suspension will be stiffer to ensure optimal performance on the tarmac. The bike has disc brakes at both ends, integrated with dual-channel ABS as standard.New Honda Hawk 11 Cafe RacerLike Africa Twin, Honda Hawk 11 comes with a range of advanced features. It includes heated grips, cruise control, throttle by wire system, selectable and cornering ABS and wheelie control. Multiple ride modes will be on offer including user customizable options. These make adjustments to power delivery based on riding conditions.The bike gets a full-digital touchscreen instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation. Users will be able to access their smartphones for calls, text, music, etc. While cafe racer motorcycles are gaining popularity in India, it’s mostly in the middle-weight segment. High price of the Honda Hawk 11 may limit its prospects. NT1100 has a better chance of getting here, as it has been patented in India. More