Honda Bikes

Image for reference.Activa electric scooter will rival the likes of Ola S1, Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and upcoming Suzuki Burgman ElectricAs electric two-wheeler segment starts to mature, mainstream manufacturers are stepping up focus in this space. In the next couple of years, we could see multiple EV products from Hero MotoCorp, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM and Husqvarna. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is also expected to launch its first EV in India.Honda Activa electric scooterActiva is the top selling scooter in the country and the top selling product in Honda’s India portfolio. Using the same nameplate to launch an electric scooter can work to the company’s advantage. It will be easier for users to connect with the brand’s USPs such as reliability, performance and long life.With Activa nameplate, breaking into the EV space and quickly establishing a strong presence will become easier for Honda. Atsushi Ogata, president at HMSI, has confirmed to ET Auto that the company will be readying its first EV for India by next financial year.It is not known if Honda will be developing an entirely new EV product for India or use a tweaked version of any of its existing electric two-wheelers currently available in international markets. Either way, not much can be said about what the product will look like and the features it will offer.Honda electric scooter with battery swap tech – Benly eTill now, the only Honda electric two-wheeler product seen in India is the Benly e scooter. It was spotted undergoing tests at Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). In its home market Japan, Honda offers different models including Benly e: I, Benly e: I Pro, Benly e: II and Benly e: II Pro. The company has other electric two-wheelers as well such as PCX Electric, Gyro e: and Gyro canopy e:Benly e: and its variants are primarily meant for last-mile deliveries in B2B and B2C space. However, things like powertrain and other hardware can easily be used to build a commuter electric scooter. As Benly e has already been spotted here, there’s a strong possibility that it could be used as a base for Activa electric scooter.Swappable batteryHonda Activa electric scooter is likely to be offered with swappable batteries. The strategy could be similar to EV players like Bounce that offer standard ownership plans as well as subscription based plans.Honda electric scooter with battery swap tech – Benly eUsers have the option to buy the scooter with battery or without battery. In the latter case, pricing is reduced significantly. Users will be required to pay monthly subscription along with a fee every time they swap a drained battery for a fully-charged one.Honda has big plans in EV space and it has already setup a new subsidiary to manufacture battery packs. Formed with a capital of Rs 135 crore, this new subsidiary is registered in Bengaluru. It will cater to battery requirements of electric two-wheelers and electric auto rickshaws. By manufacturing battery packs locally, Honda should be able to launch Activa electric scooter and other EVs at a competitive price point.Source More

2022 Honda CBR150RWith CBR150R, Honda will be looking to challenge Yamaha’s dominance in entry-level faired bike segmentPatent registration for CBR150R in India has fuelled speculations about the bike’s potential launch in the near future. It is to note that this will be the second time the bike will be launched here. Honda CBR150R was available in India from 2012 to 2017. It was later discontinued likely due to unsatisfactory sales numbers.2022 Honda CBR150R India LaunchIn a recent interview with ET Auto, President of Honda Motorcycles India, Atsushi Ogata stated that they are focusing on 150cc motorcycle segment. He said, “We need to focus more on the 150 cc line up. We are investigating this segment too and you will hear (from us) sooner or later.”It is likely that he was hinting at the launch of 2022 Honda CBR150R. If Honda is to successfully take on Yamaha in entry-level faired bike segment, it will have to launch CBR150R at a competitive price point. Its primary rival Yamaha R15 V4 is available at a starting price of Rs 1.73 lakh (Metallic Red). Dark Knight and Racing Blue variants are priced at Rs 1.74 lakh and Rs 1.78 lakh, respectively. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.It is difficult to estimate the bike’s price in India. Most that can be done is to get a rough idea by comparing prices of Honda bikes available in India as well as international locations.New Honda CBR150R Patent Filed In IndiaFor instance, if we consider Honda CB300R, the starting price is THB 151,690. This is approximately Rs 3.50 lakh. In India, CB300R is priced at Rs 2.77 lakh. This makes it around 20% cheaper as compared to Thai-spec model. The India-spec bike is cheaper even though it is BS6 compliant, as compared to Thai-spec CB300R that continues in BS4 format. India-spec BS4 CB300R was available at a starting price of Rs 2.41 lakh.Coming to CBR150R, the bike is priced at THB 92,900 in Thailand. This is approximately Rs 2.14 lakh. If we apply the 20% ratio as applicable for CB300R, pricing for CBR150R in India comes at around Rs 1.71 lakh. This makes it even cheaper than R15 V4. However, this is just a rough estimate.Increased localizationTo be able to launch CBR150R at a competitive price point, Honda will have to increase localization. CB300R is perfect example, which has received a higher level of localization in its BS6 format. Localization for CB300R could increase further in future, as the company is developing the new BS6 engine at its Gujarat facility.2022 Honda CBR150RSomething similar needs to be done for CBR150R if the bike is to emerge as a viable option against R15 V4. Pricing is important in entry-level motorcycle segment, even though it may not be the sole factor that influences customer purchase decisions.In terms of styling, both Honda CBR150R and Yamaha R15 V4 are equally good looking. R15 V4 also offers a wide range of features including USD forks in golden finish, dual-channel ABS, assist and slipper clutch, variable valves actuation, traction control system and quick shifter. Bluetooth-based connectivity features have also been added, which can be accessed via Y-Connect app.While CBR150R has similar set of features, the challenge is about launching the bike at a competitive price point. It remains to be seen if Honda can achieve that goal.Source More

New Honda NT1100Specific details of Honda launching NT1100 in India isn’t available as of now – If launched, it will be retailed through the BigWing chain of dealershipsAfter filing patent for new CBR150R, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) have filed design patents for its flagship touring motorcycle NT1100. The big touring machine from the Japanese auto giant made its global debut in October 2021 and is based on the CRF1100L Africa Twin. The patent application is dated around the same time as the international debut of NT1100.NT1100 is a premium Grand Tourer (GT) which is a road-biased derivative of the brand’s flagship adventure bike. The tourer borrows some of its styling and mechanical attributes from its ADV sibling. However, it has been specifically designed for munching long miles.Honda NT1100 Patented – DesignLike many other contemporary sports tourers, NT1100 shows shades of an ADV bike in its styling. Upfront, the motorcycle flaunts dual-pod headlamps on the apron with integrated LED DRLs and a heavily faired front end. On top of that, it features a large windscreen that is five-way adjustable for height and angle and it is aided by wind deflectors on either side.Underneath the front fairings, NT1100 features fog lights on either side. Other styling highlights include a large radiator shroud, split seats, a single-sided double-barrel exhaust muffler and a single-piece grab rail that extends to form a large luggage mounting rack at the tail section. The international-spec model gets side pannier boxes as standard fitment but the India-spec model could get them as official accessories.Honda NT1100 Patent Filed in IndiaFeatures on offerThe grand tourer packs all features one could ask for in a two-wheeler at this spectrum. These include amenities like a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen display that offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity options.Apart from this, Honda offers a wide range of rider aided electronics including Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Wheelie Control and multiple riding modes namely Urban, Rain, Tour and two other customisable modes.Hardware, Powertrain SpecsNT1100 is based on the same chassis that underpins the Africa Twin ADV and comprises a steel, semi-double cradle frame with a bolt-on aluminium subframe. This chassis is suspended on 43mm Showa USD forks at front and a Showa mono-shock at rear. However, in comparison to its adventure sibling, suspension travel has been lowered by 150mm on each end.2022 Honda NT1100Braking is handled by 310 mm twin discs with radially-mounted callipers at front and a single 256 mm disc at rear. The braking setup is aided by a dual-channel ABS. The sports tourer rolls on 17-inch front and rear wheels as opposed to 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels setup in its ADV sibling which results in a lowered saddle height of 820mm.Powering the NT1100 is the same 1,084cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that also propels CRF1100L. This motor pumps out 101 bhp at 7,250rpm and a peak torque of 104 Nm at 6,250rpm. The sports tourer is available in two variants-NT1100A and NT1100D. The former is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox whereas the latter is equipped with a 6-speed DCT automatic gearbox.Source More

Honda CB500X Price CutHonda CB500X was launched in India via the completely knocked down (CKD) route in May 2021 at Rs 6.87 Lakh ex-shHonda expanded their premium bike range in India with the launch of the new CB500X. It has been brought in via the CKD route. The launch of Honda CB500X got many excited. But by the time the price was revealed, most of the excitement died down.It was launched at a staggering price tag of Rs 6.87 lakhs, ex-sh. Most bikers who were waiting for this machine, thought it was steeply priced. Some even opted to buy the 500X, while others bought something else in the range.Honda CB500X Price CutThere is finally good news for those who have been wanting to buy the CB500X. Honda BigWing dealers have confirmed to Rushlane that the price has been cut by Rs 1.07 lakh. The new price of Honda CB500X in India is Rs 5.8 lakh. All prices are ex-sh. Honda retails the CB500X via BigWing Topline and regular BigWing premium dealerships which are currently in limited numbers across India.Targeting a younger and more adventurous segment of buyers in the country, the CB500X parallel twin adventurer is open for bookings at the new price tag. It is offered in the mid size premium motorcycle segment and is ideally suited for both city and highway riding. Highlights include long travel suspension, tall windscreen, adventure styling and an engine that is high on power and torque.Honda CB500XHonda CB500X Design and Colour OptionsThe Honda CB500X is packed with features. It receives all LED lights, negative LCD display with gear shift indicator, engine temperature and ABD indicator while from the safety point of view it receives Honda’s Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) technology along with Honda’s Ignition Security System (HISS) theft deterrent.The new CB500X sits on a diamond shaped steel tube frame relating to better riding stability and handling while ground clearance is at 181 mm and kerb weight is at 119 kgs. Honda has also fitted the new CB500X with a comfortable seat and dual sport tyres and the new adventurer tourer is presented in two color options of Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.Honda CB500X Engine SpecsHonda CB500X is powered by a 471cc, parallel twin, liquid cooled engine that makes 47 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm mated to a six speed transmission with slip and assist clutch as standard. It gets a single 310mm disc in the front and 240mm disc at the rear with petal type disc brakes and dual channel ABS. The adventure tourer rides on 19 inch wheels in the front and 17 inch at the rear fitted with 110/80 – ZR19 and 160/60 – ZR17 tyres respectively.Suspension is via long stroke 41mm front and 9 stage spring preload at the rear offering a more comfortable ride on uneven terrain. Safety is further enhanced via ESS – Emergency Stop Signal that detects sudden braking and immediately activates front and rear hazard lights to warn other vehicles around.The new Honda CB500X boasts of rugged makeup. It borrows some styling from the Africa Twin. With its tough adventure styling, long travel suspension and a tall windscreen, the Honda CB500X competes with the likes of Suzuki V-Strom 650, Benelli TRK 502 and Kawasaki Versys 650. More

New Honda Vario 160ccHonda Vario 160 will not reach Indian shores anytime soon, however, the company might launch PCX 160 in India which is powered by the same engineHonda has launched a new power scooter called Vario 160 in Indonesia. It joins the existing Vario lineup which comprises Vario 125 and Vario 150. The latter has been sold out for the considerable future in Indonesia and hence will be joined by its more powerful sibling.The Vario lineup has been in production since 2006 and in its seventh generation, it not only gains cosmetic improvements but also performance upgrades. The scooter receives more edgy and sharper styling which mimics the styling of Maxi scooters. However, Vario 160 is not a proper maxi-style scooter.New Honda Vario 160cc DesignThe latest iteration of Vario 160 flaunts a sporty premium design with a body that is now bigger than the outgoing model. In a way, styling of Vario 160 is reminiscent of the Burgman range of scooters from Suzuki which receive a heavily faired front fender.Upfront, the scooter features an all-new twin-beam LED headlamp with LED DRL eyebrows extending to the top of the front apron which gives the scooter an angry face. Above the twin headlights, there are turn indicators that are accompanied by LED position lamps.New Honda Vario 160ccMoreover, the apron sides and under-seat panels flaunt a chiselled and muscular design. On the side of the front fender, Vario branding is pasted with 3D lettering. The edgy styling in front end of the scooter has been carried to the rear end as well with a sharp rear fender and a raised tail section.The chunky single-piece grab rail gives the scooter a rugged appeal. The blacked panels such as the floorboard, exhaust muffler, alloy wheels, rearview mirrors and a small visor on the handlebar give the scooter a nice and sporty dual-tone theme which accentuates its appeal.FeaturesAs far as features are concerned, Vario 160 gets a fully-digital instrument console that packs a wide range of information including fuel level, distance covered, average fuel consumption, speed, etc. However, there is no mention of any form of connectivity options. Under-seat storage isn’t huge at 18 litres but it does get a USB charger as standard.New Honda Vario 160ccSpecs & PricePowering Vario 160 is a 160cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that pushes out 15 bhp and 13.4 Nm of peak torque. These figures are nearly identical to Yamaha Aerox 155 which is considered as the direct rival to Vario 160 in Indonesia. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a CVT automatic gearbox.Vario 160 rolls on 14-inch alloy wheels shod with 90/80 section and 100/80 section of tyres. The chunkier tyres should offer better handling around corners. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends complemented by dual-channel ABS. Honda is offering the scooter in two variants: CBS and dual-channel ABS. The former is priced at RP 25,800,000 (approx. INR 1.34 lakh), while the latter at RP 28,500,000 (approx. INR 1.48 lakh). More

2022 Honda X-ADV Scooter trademarked in IndiaHonda Two Wheeler domestic sales dipped 24.36 percent YoY in January 2022 while exports increased 90.61 percentHMSI has only recently launched the new sporty edition of the Grazia 125 scooter and sales have crossed the 2 lakh milestone in eastern states of India that include Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Odisha, Assam and Nagaland.The Honda Shine also crossed the 1 crore unit milestone while the company goes about expanding its BigWing dealership network in North India with a new outlet inaugurated in Kangra (Himachal Pradesh). Expansion of the company’s BigWing showrooms are also underway. The company has 88 touchpoint as on date which will be expanded it to 100 by end of the current financial year.Honda Scooters, Motorcycles Jan 2022 SalesHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India has today announced its sales numbers for January 2022. Total sales (Domestic + Exports) for the month stood at 3,54,209 units. This was against 4,37,183 units sold in January 2021 relating to a YoY de-growth of 18.89 percent.When comparing sales (Domestic + Exports) on a month-on-month (MoM) basis, sales had stood at 2,23,621 units in December 2021, relating to a 58.40 percent growth. Leading two wheelers from Honda include Activa, CB Shine, Dio, Grazia, and others.Honda Two Wheeler Sales and Exports Jan 2022Domestic sales in January 2022 stood at 3,15,196 units, this was a 24.36 percent de-growth of 4,16,716 units sold in January 2021. MoM domestic sales increased 49.66 percent from 2,10,612 units sold in December 2021 while share percentage decreased from 94.18 percent held in December 2021 to 88.99 percent in the past month.HMSI saw better results in global markets. Exports doubled on a YoY basis to 39,013 units, up 90.61 percent from 20,467 units shipped in January 2021. MoM exports surged 199.89 percent from 13,009 units exported in December 2021 while share percentage increased from 5.82 percent in December 2021 to 11.01 percent in January 2022.Honda Two Wheeler – Key HighlightsLast month, HMSI also launched the 2022 CB300R at Rs 2.77 lakhs and Honda CBR650R in India at Rs 9.35 lakh. It is being brought in via the CKD route and is open for bookings. Honda CBR650R gets powered via a 649cc, DOHC 16 valve engine, capable of producing 87hp power at 12,000rpm and peak torque of 57.5Nm at 8,500rpm.Honda CB300R gets colour options of Matte Steel Black and Pearl Spartan Red while 2022 CBR650R is presented in two colour schemes of Grand Prix Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic. Honda CB300R is powered by a 286cc, 4 valve DOHC engine offering 31.1hp at 9,000rpm and 27.5Nm at 7,500rpm. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox, while a slip and assist clutch are offered as standard. In other news, Honda has trademarked the X-ADV scooter in India.HMSI’s road safety initiative includes a Digital Road Safety Awareness training in Ahmednagar (Maharashtra). This was conducted for over 300 students and staff members of Amrutvahini College of Engineering. The company celebrated its 5th anniversary of its Traffic Training Park in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) and 9th anniversary of Traffic Training Park in Jaipur (Rajasthan). More

Honda CB350Honda has reported de-growth both in terms of domestic sales and exports in the past monthTwo wheeler sales in India have been dismal over the past month. Every major two wheeler maker has reported de-growth while it has been makers of electric two wheelers who have been reaping rich rewards.Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has suffered de-growth in terms of sales in December 2021. This can be seen both in terms of domestic sales and exports which dipped 12.98 percent and 23.39 percent respectively.Honda Domestic Sales December 2021Domestic sales stood at 2,10,638 units in the past month, down 12.98 percent over 2,42,046 units sold in December 2020. The Honda Activa commanded nearly 50 percent of sales with 1,04,417 units sold last month, down 22.12 percent over 1,34,077 units sold in December 2020. Not only was the Activa the best-selling model in the company lineup but it was the best selling scooter in the country in the past month.At No. 2, was CB Shine commuter bike. Sales increased 21.53 percent YoY to 68,061 units, from 56,003 units sold in December 2020. YoY sales increase was also seen in the case of Unicorn 160 with a 61.05 percent rise to 19,321 units in December 2021, up from 11,997 units sold in December 2020. Honda Dio was at No.4 with a 60.79 percent de-growth on a YoY basis. Sales which had stood at 22,025 units in December 2020 dipped to 8,637 units last month.Honda Domestic Sales Dec 2021 Vs Dec 2020 (YoY)Grazia sales increased 7.86 percent YoY to 3,610 units up from 3,347 units sold in December 2020 following which every other model posted a YoY de-growth. Honda Dream was at No. 6 with 56.33 percent de-growth to 2,180 units, Livo sales dipped 51.77 percent to 2,116 units and H’ness 350 sales fell 12.79 percent to 1,364 units.Honda CB 200X, launched in August 2021 saw 919 units sold in the past month while there were only 10 units of CB 300R sold in December 2021. Honda CB 650, CB 500 and Gold Wing sales stood at 1 unit each.Honda Exports December 2021Exports of the company dipped 23.39 percent in December 2021 to 16,073 units from 20,980 units exported in December 2020. Topping export charts, Honda Dio has been a favourite in global markets. Sales increased 17.16 percent YoY to 4,138 units in December 2021 from 3,532 units sold in December 2020. Honda Dio commands a 25.75 percent share in the company lineup in terms of exports.Honda Exports Dec 2021 Vs Dec 2020 (YoY)Honda Navi has gone on sale in US markets. The scooter was discontinued in its home market a few years after its introduction, but is now the most affordable two-wheeler in the company’s US line-up, with a base price of $1,807. Exports in the past month stood at 2,655 units, down 57.09 percent over 6,187 units shipped in December 2020. CB Shine at No. 3 saw increased demand globally by 0.78 percent to 2,583 units, up from 2,563 units sold in December 2020.Honda X-Blade exports dipped 26.37 percent YoY to 1,396 units from 1,896 units shipped in December 2020 while the company has reported significant growth where exports of the Dream (1,300 units) and Grazia (999 unit) were concerned. Unicorn 160 and CB 350 exports also increased 136.52 percent and 44.71 percent respectively.Honda Livo (700 units) and Hornet 160R (376 units) suffered a YoY de-growth by 58.82 percent and 72.51 percent respectively. At No. 11, exports of Honda Unicorn 150 saw a near 2 fold increase in demand to 155 units in the past month, up from 80 units exported in December 2020 while Activa (68 units) and Aviator (0 units) exports dipped 91.28 percent and 100 percent on a YoY basis. More