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Honda Activa is the highest-selling scooter in India which is offered in two configurations- 110cc and 125cc
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Render Credit – Young MachineAs compared to rivals, Honda currently lacks a dedicated small capacity ADV in its portfolio
The adventure segment in the country has witnessed a significant boom in recent years. Off-road enthusiasts with limited budget usually choose bikes such as Hero Xpulse 200, Royal Enfield Himalayan and KTM 250 Adventure. While Honda has bikes like Africa Twin, it does not have an affordable ADV option for customers. To fill the gap, Honda will soon launch a new entry-level ADV motorcycle.
Based on Hornet 2.0
Honda’s small capacity ADV for the Indian market will be based on Hornet 2.0. To be more specific, the CBF190X road-centric adventure tourer sold in China could be the base for Honda’s new ADV for India. It is to note that Hornet 2.0 is based on CB190R naked motorcycle that is sold in Chinese market. The CBF190X adventure tourer is built on the same platform.
Talking a bit about Honda CBF190X, the motorcycle borrows several styling bits from CB500X. The latter is imported in India as a CKD. Some of the key features of CBF190X include sleek headlamp design, moderately sized windshield, sculpted fuel tank, half fairing, stubby upswept exhaust, and single piece seat. Since CBF190X is a road-biased adventure tourer, it gets standard alloy rims.
Honda entry-level ADV engine
Powering Honda’s new ADV will be the same 184.40 cc, 4-stroke, SI engine that powers Hornet 2.0. It is capable of generating 17 hp of max power at 8500 rpm and 16.1 Nm of peak torque at 6000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed multiplate wet clutch transmission.
Honda NX200 name registered in India
Other hardware could also be the same as Hornet 2.0. The bike utilizes a diamond type frame with USD forks at the front and monoshock rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by 276 mm disc at the front and 220 mm disc at the rear. Single-channel ABS is offered as standard.
Honda’s new motorcycle will appeal to folks who are not necessarily into off-roading, but still want the ADV look and feel. For example, enthusiasts who prefer city streets and highways could choose this motorcycle.
For off-roading purposes, the most affordable option currently available is Hero Xpulse 200. Honda is unlikely to equip its new ADV with dedicated off-roading features. So, there’s no reason to worry for Xpulse 200.
Talking about pricing, Honda’s new small capacity ADV could be priced around Rs 15k more than Hornet 2.0. The latter is available at Rs 1.31 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). In comparison, Xpulse 200 works out cheaper at a starting price of Rs 1.21 lakh. It remains to be seen if people will be willing to pay more just for an ADV look.
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Honda CB200 Modified Into An Electric Motorcycle
The electric powertrain of the modified Honda CB200 has fitted onto a stylish aluminum enclosure
Manufacturing EVs from scratch is an uphill task in itself but it is a whole new level of challenge when one has to convert a vehicle already fitted with an IC engine. We have earlier witnessed such projects being undertaken in four-wheelers such as Land Rovers and VW Beetles but this time an electric powertrain has been fitted into a motorcycle.
An aftermarket workshop named Omega Motors, based out of San Francisco in USA, has converted a 1975 Honda CB200 into an electric motorcycle. The donor model back in 1970s and 80s was a hot-selling retro-style motorcycle with a cafe racer design. The makers of this modified prototype haven’t tried to alter the design of the motorcycle in any way.
Updated Styling
Rechristened as Omega EV200, it still retains a part-scrambler and part-cafe racer design with round headlamps, single-piece ripped seat and wire-spoke wheels lending it a retro appeal. The electric CB200 gets refurbished front forks, wheels and brakes while retaining the cable-actuated front brake and rear drum brake.
Subtle modifications have been made to the chassis in order to incorporate a battery and electric motor setup. The frame has been shortened and the welded-in rear fender has been chopped off.
Honda CB200 Modified Into An Electric Motorcycle
The pillion footpegs have also been removed while a small part of its spine has also been cut in order to weld a mounting plate for the controller. Interestingly, the motor mounts from the original bike have been left intact while the new battery pack and electric motor are attached via a set of custom mounting plates.
Specs & Features
Speaking of specifications, the motorcycle has been fitted with an electric motor sourced from Golden Motor and raed to produce 5kW (6.7 bhp) of continuous supply and peak power of 10kW (13.4 bhp). This motor feeds energy of a 1.6 kWh battery pack specifically designed and built for Omega EV200. Omega has also added a Kelly Controls controller which has been packaged neatly under the modified fuel tank and seat.
Coming to its performance, numbers are fairly modest with a top speed of 60mph (96.5 kmph). However, the electric bike weighs only 111 kilos which is 22 percent lighter than the stock CB200. The motorcycle offers a riding range of only 48 km on a single charge while charging the battery takes five to eight hours.
There isn’t much to offer in terms of features but Omega has got the stock analogue speedometer and switches working. Most importantly the clutch lever has been repurposed to work as an analogue regenerative braking control. The most attractive addition is a small digital display to reveal battery-related information which has been covered with the same piece of leather as the custom seat.
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Image – Power RacerRise in input cost has forced manufacturers to increase prices multiple times this year
India’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Honda has increased prices of its scooters and motorcycles in the range of Rs 740 to Rs 3,745 during the last six months. The price hike situation is largely the same for the entire auto industry. Rise in prices of steel and precious metals (palladium, rhodium, etc.) used in catalytic converters has increased overall cost of production.
Honda scooters price hike – Jan-July 2021
Starting with India’s top selling scooter Activa 6G, prices have increased by Rs 2,281. This hike is applicable for Activa 6G STD, Activa 6G DLX, Activa 6G 20th AE STD, and Activa 6G 20th AE DLX. In percentage terms, the price hike for these Activa variants is in the range of 3.26% to 3.41%.
For Activa 125, price hike is in the range of Rs 1,738 to Rs 2,008. The variants are Activa 125 Drum, Activa 125 Alloy and Activa 125 Disc. In percentage terms, price hike since January is in the range of 2.46% to 2.71%.
Grazia 125 Drum, Disc and Sport variants have undergone a price hike of Rs 2,008 since January. Percentage change in prices is in the range of 2.42% to 2.68%. In case of Dio STD, DLX and Repsol variants, price has increased by Rs 2,281 since January. Percentage increase ranges from 3.35% to 3.67%.
Honda Scooters Price Hike – July 2021
Honda motorcycles price hike – Jan-July 2021
Prices of Honda 110cc bikes (CD110 Dream and Livo) have increased by Rs 740 since January. The variants are CD110 Dream STD and DLX and Livo Drum and Disc. In percentage terms, prices have increased in the range of 1% to 1.15%.
Honda Motorcycles Price Hike – July 2021
For CB Shine Drum and CB Shine Disc, prices have increased by Rs 2,309 and Rs 2,308, respectively. In percentage terms, the numbers are 3.28% and 3.07%, respectively. In case of SP125 Drum and SP 125 Disc, prices have increased by Rs 2,307 and Rs 2,308, respectively. Percentage increase is 3.03% and 2.87%, respectively.
Honda Unicorn price has increased by Rs 3,193 since January. Percentage increase is 3.34%. Moving up, X-Blade Disc and X-Blade Rear Disc prices have increased by Rs 2,988. Percentage increase is at 2.77% and 2.66%, respectively. Next is Hornet and Hornet Repsol that have become costlier by Rs 2,987 in the last six months. Percentage increase is 2.33% and 2.29%, respectively.
Challenger to Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Honda H’ness CB350 DLX and DLX PRO prices have increased by Rs 3,745 and Rs 3,744, respectively. Percentage increase is 2.01% and 1.94%, respectively. At the time of its launch in October last year, CB350 DLX and DLX PRO were priced at Rs 1.85 lakh and Rs 1.90 lakh, respectively. Since then, prices have been hiked three times – in January, May and July. More
Image – imboby222Honda sold 2,12,446 units in domestic markets and exported 21,583 units in the past month
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has released their sales report for June 2021. While domestic sales increased significantly, it was export figures that saw a considerable jump. The company posted 11 percent YoY growth to 2,34,029 units sold in the past month, up from 2,10,879 units sold in June 20.
Post the 2nd wave period of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 95 percent of HMSI dealerships have opened across various states where in lockdown was announced by the respective State Governments. Rural sales took a leap on account of the prediction of a favourable monsoon while there has been a general surge in customer walk-ins and inquiries. The company is also scaling up operations across its four plants to meet demands.
Domestic Sales and Export Growth
Honda two wheeler sales in domestic markets stood at 2,12,446 units in June 21 as against 2,02,837 units sold in June 20. Exports on the other hand increased to 21,583 units in the past month, up from just 8,042 units exported in June 20. The two-wheeler manufacturer had sold a total of 58,168 units in May 21, of which 38,763 units were sold in the domestic market and 19,405 units globally.
HMSI’s current vehicle lineup consists of the Activa, Dio, Grazia, Hornet 2.0, xBlade, Livo, Unicorn, Shine, SP 125, and CD 110. The recently launched GoldWing, CB500 X, CB650 R, CBR650 R, CB1000 R, CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, H’ness CB350 and CB350 RS are retailed via the company’s exclusive BigWing outlets.
Honda Two Wheeler Sales June 2021
Honda has announced a price hike across its motorcycle and scooter lineup set to come into effect on July 3, 2021. The price hike will be upto Rs 2,000 and the company cites rising raw material costs and escalating fuel prices as reasons for this increase in prices, a percentage of which is being passed on to the customer.
HMSI Highlights of June 2021
Over the past month, HMSI has been busy with a host of initiatives. The company unveiled the 2021 Gold Wing Tour in two variants of Dual Clutch Transmission DCT with airbag and Manual Transmission with the first lot being booked in 24 hours of opening bookings. Honda Gold Wing Tour with manual transmission variant is priced at Rs 37,20,342 while the DCT model carries a price tag of Rs 39,16,055 (ex-showroom India).
HMSI also expanded its BigWing dealerships with new setups in cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Dehradun, Patiala and Mumbai. The company also undertook Road Safety initiative in honour of the 2nd anniversary of Children’s Traffic Training Park in Trichy.
The company has educated over 78,000 children in the city and imparted knowledge on Road Safety to 800 students and teachers in Sonipat. Along with this, HMSI’s CSR arm, Honda India Foundation, set up COVID care centers in Naurangpur, Haryana and Tapukara, Rajasthan with 100 beds and 50 beds respectively. More
Image – MRD VlogsLike all other OEMs, Honda Two-wheelers faced a huge dip in domestic sales due to a rise in Covid-19 infections across the country
The second wave of Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on all automotive brands in India especially in May when most states across the country had enforced curbs on movements and businesses. The automotive industry both passenger and commercial vehicle segments had to bear the brunt of enforced lockdowns.
Domestic Sales- Activa Shine Lead Charts
Honda Two Wheelers faced a similar predicament in the month of May when the Japanese auto giant sold 38,764 units of two-wheelers across India. In May last year, Honda was able to sell 54,000 units across the nation, therefore, translating to YoY negative growth of 28.41 percent.
The sales figures were led by Activa with 17,006 units last month as compared to 27,880 units sold in the domestic market last year. This led to a negative YoY growth of 39 percent. Activa was trailed by CB Shine with 14,666 units sales registered in May this year instead of 15,681 units sold in May last year, thereby witnessing a decline in sales by 6.47 percent.
YoY Decline in Sales
CB Shine was followed by Livo at the third spot with 1,747 units whereas the fourth spot was occupied by Dio with 1,697 units. The latter witnessed a YoY decline of 75.96 percent after it registered a sales volume of 7,060 units during the same month last year.
Honda Sales May 2021
The company sold 1,320 units of Unicorn 160 in May 2021 compared to 3,379 units in May last year which resulted in a negative growth of 60.94 percent. Unicorn was followed by Dream with a recorded sales volume of 1,231 units for May 2021.
Grazia took the sixth position with 638 units whereas the company’s latest entrant CB350 manages a monthly figure of 428 units only. Rest of the models, most of them which are retailed through the company’s premium chain of dealerships- Bigwing, were not even able to breach the 100-mark. These models included the likes of CBR650F (13 units), Hornet 2.0 (9 units), Africa Twin (4 units), X Blade (3 units), CB500 (1 unit) and CB300R (1 unit).
Decent Export Figures
Export figures were decent enough from Honda as the company was able to ship as many as 15,833 units to overseas markets. Dio led the charts with the most number of exports- 4519 units. It was followed by X Blade and Navi with registered exports of 2,970 units and 2,040 units respectively.
Honda Exports May 2021
Livo, Hornet 160R and Dream recorded exports of 1,200 units, 1,164 units and 1,000 units respectively. The company shipped 840 units of Aviator, 620 units of CB Shine, 480 units of Unicorn 160 and 468 units of Activa to overseas countries. More
Honda electric scooter with battery swap tech – Benly eHonda recently patented PCX electric scooter in India while the Benly e was spotted on test by ARAI near Pune
With auto companies gradually shifting towards cleaner power sources, it is evident that newer technologies for electric vehicles will show up in the coming future. While major two-wheeler brands have already started showcasing their future electric mobility, Honda is yet to openly share its plans for electric mobility in India.
The Japanese auto giant is developing a new portable and swappable battery system called Mobile Power Pack for its future small-sized electric mobility such as electric two or three-wheelers. This is basically a capacitor that stores electricity for use as a power source. Honda is currently working on a home charger for this platform.
Testing Battery Swapping Platform In India
Reportedly, Honda is testing this swappable battery platform in India on electric tricycle taxis or rickshaws. The company, however, has released no fixed plans to launch battery-powered electric three-wheelers in India as yet and is most likely testing this platform for future electric scooters and motorcycles. The Japanese manufacturer had earlier revealed that it was serious about developing electric mobility solutions for two-wheelers which includes three new models by 2024.
These include a 50cc-equivalent electric moped while the other two include an e-scooter and e-motorcycle both aimed at the 125cc performance region. While the models do seem modest in terms of performance, they should be a good starting point for the company especially for a budget-centric mass market like India. Urban, utilitarian two-wheelers are likely to generate more sales volumes than high-performance models for the company.
Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.
Chargers for swappable batteries
Since output figures won’t be huge in these entry-level models, instead of opting for massive battery packs, Honda could use its swappable Mobile Power Pack system that is already installed on its PCX Electric e-scooter.
The company intends to expand this platform by installing more battery-swapping stations. Recent patents also reveal that Honda is working on a home charger that could juice up one battery pack at a time. While chargers at swapping stations could accommodate two battery packs simultaneously.
It is already known that Honda has also entered into a global association with KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha to co-develop another swappable battery platform. By the time this platform gets fully developed and becomes functional, its own Mobile Power Pack system will develop over time and become more universal. These developments are extremely favourable for markets such as India.
A 125cc equivalent e-scooter and e-motorcycle will give Honda the perfect start to its prospective EV lineup in India. This will lend Honda muscle to compete against local EV manufacturers such as Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450X and Revolt RV400 and RV300. More
Image for reference.The clutch-by-wire tech will provide a very light clutch lever action which might lead to automatic clutching in future
Honda has been at the forefront of developing new technologies, especially in the two-wheeler segment. With the evolution of ride-by-wire technology, automakers have been able to incorporate various rider assist features such as multiple ride modes, traction control and wheelie control to name a few.
The Japanese auto giant has taken another leap forward and is developing a new ride-by-wire clutch. The company has filed patents regarding the same at the US Patent Office which throws some light into this upcoming technology. The purpose of this system is, as usual, to limit physical linkage and replace them with a bunch of electronic chips.
Honda Clutch By Wire System
New Clutch-By-Wire Operation
This system uses hydraulic and electronic principles to remove a direct link between the clutch lever and the clutch plate. Patent drawings show a conventional handlebar-mounted lever whose position is observed by an electronic position sensor.
The heart of the system still features a hydraulic pressure control unit which is operated on the basis of the information it receives from the position sensor. It also receives a bunch of other information such as engine rpm, vehicle speed and throttle opening.
Honda Clutch By Wire System
Based on all this information, the hydraulic pressure control unit decided to actuate the clutch. However, contradictory to a conventional clutch system, in this case, the clutch is always dis-engaged in a resting state. In present clutch setups, transmission and engine are connected to each other in their resting state and only disengages them when the clutch lever is pulled. Therefore, the clutch-by-wire allows the engine and transmission to remain disconnected in the event of a failure.
Advantages
Since there is no mechanical link between lever and clutch, the clutch-by-wire can offer a very light lever action. However, to give it a familiar feel at lever, Honda will be equipping it with a “reactive force generation device” as shown in the patents which act against the lever. The clutch action will still be a lot lighter but would surely not feel alien.
This setup could offer a host of inherent advantages, in addition to a light lever action, which could work together with other computer powered electronic rider aids like a quick-shifter and traction control to offer seamless and smooth gear shifts.
Honda Clutch By Wire System
It could also facilitate an anti-stall system of sorts which could prevent the engine from stalling during bumper to bumper traffic. On the downside, though, critics believe that this would increase complexity of the system and hence would also increase chances of failure and also add up to the final cost of the motorcycle.
This also means that Honda will reserve this technology only for the higher spectrum of its lineup. Given the success it witnessed with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) setup in Africa Twin, there is no reason why the Japanese bikemaker can’t pull this off. Expect the flagship range of CBR motorcycles to get this system first. More
