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    2022 Honda Monkey 125cc Debuts With New Engine, Gearbox

    2022 Honda MonkeyWhile Honda Monkey 125 is very unlikely to arrive on Indian shores, its mini-moto sibling Grom 125 has been patented here earlier this year
    Honda has revealed an updated iteration of its cult mini-moto called Monkey 125 which gets mechanical as well as cosmetic updates. Originally, launched as a 49cc miniature bike in 1961 to be used as a kid’s toy in amusement parks, the modern Honda Monkey made its debut in Europe as a 125cc mini-moto which is a fun-to-ride machine for teenagers.
    While design of the new Monkey is very similar to their older model, it gets new colour schemes to spruce up its lively character. It also gets a host of accessories for riders to personalise according to their preference. While the overall styling remains retro which appeals to classic motorcyclists, the add-ons give it a hint of funkiness in order to attract a younger section of riders.
    Same design with minute tweaks
    The 2022 Monkey is based on the same steel backbone frame paired to a swingarm with an oval cross-section echoing the circular design theme prominent across the mini-bike. Some of its styling highlights pay homage to the original mini-moto of the 1960s such as chromed mudguards, mini-ape handlebars, a single-piece padded seat, a peanut-shaped fuel tank, chunky tyres and an upswept exhaust with stamped heat shield.
    A glossy fuel tank measuring 5.6-litres wears the same colour as the frame, swingarm and rear shock absorbers. It also dons the 3-D Classic Wing design Honda logo. For 2022, Honda is offering Monkey 125 with three colour options namely Banana Yellow, Pearl Nebula Red and a new Pearl Glittering Blue.
    2022 Honda Monkey
    Another attractive highlight is a fittingly stylish tubular steel rear carrier which is only offered as an official accessory. This carries is useful to carry loads of up to three kilos.
    Mechanical Specs
    The bike weighs a very nimble 104 kilos and offers a wheelbase of just 1,145mm with a very accessible seat height of 775mm. The plush seat is made of high-density urethane for maximum comfort.
    For a bike of this size, Honda offers the new Monkey with USD forks at front with a travel of 100mm while wearing a premium Alumite finish. Further, suspension in the rear is carried out by dual shock absorbers with two-stage springs and revised damper rubbers, for improved ride quality on bumper roads and reduced bottoming.
    2022 Honda Monkey
    The mini-moto rides on 12-inch wheels shod by fat, block pattern tyres. Braking is handled by a 220mm disc at front and 190mm disc at rear which are managed by the IMU-based ABS. However, the most interesting highlight is a new heart which is now Euro-5 compliant and is borrowed from the new Grom. The new Monkey is powered by a 124cc SOHC two-valve, air-cooled engine which returns a slightly higher output of 9.4 bhp at 6,750rpm and a peak torque of 11 Nm at 5,500rpm.
    Moreover, this motor is now paired with a new 5-speed gearbox replacing the older 4-speed unit. Top speed is claimed to be 91kmph although few riders have claimed to breach the 100kmph mark in the older model. It is also claimed to return a fuel efficiency figure of around 67kmpl. Prices for the new Monkey 125 will be revealed upon its launch in the coming few months. More

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    2021 Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle With Airbag – India Launch Price Rs 39 L

    2021 Honda Gold Wing India Launch2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour will get features such as Smart Key, Bluetooth Connectivity and Airbag
    Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has announced launch of the new 2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour in India. It will come in via the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route from Japan and has been priced from Rs 37,20,342 for the base Manual Transmission variant going up to Rs 39,16,055 for the DCT + Airbag trim. (Prices are ex-showroom).
    The earlier Honda Gold Wing Tour, was sold in India in a BS4 format and was priced at Rs 29 lakhs. Its 2021 update sees a BS6 compliant engine and feature updates and the company’s flagship touring bike is already on sale in multiple global markets of North America, Australia, Western Europe as well as in its home market Japan.
    It is presented globally in 5 trims of base standard model, Gold Wing automatic DCT, Gold Wing Tour, Gold Wing Tour automatic DCT and Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT. India will receive two variants of Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with airbag & Manual Transmission.
    Styling Updates
    The 2021 Gold Wing Tour is added to the company’s premium motorcycle product portfolio in India and comes in with improved finish and material. 2021 Gold Wing get new colour options of Deep Pearl Gray, Metallic Black and Candy Ardent Red.
    2021 Honda Gold Wing India Launch
    Styling updates include a more comfortable twin seating for rider and pillion in suede/synthetic leather, pillion backrest that can be adjusted from 16-23 degrees, a larger trunk with 11 liter storage while the sound system is updated with a 55 watt capacity unit. Improved channels for airflow around the rider and pillion are also a part of its features while the extended electric screen for better wind protection can also be adjusted according to angle and height
    The new Gold Wing Tour gets LED fog lamps while lower portion of headlamps use optical lenses on either sides for a jewel eye low beam light signature. The upper section uses high beam for a stereoscopic effect while front auto cancel indicators are housed in the mirrors.
    A 7 inch full TFT liquid cooled display offers the rider vital information both for audio and navigation along with selection of riding modes and suspension adjustment Brightness of the screen can be adjusted according to 8 levels while the screen is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via the users smartphone with access to phone numbers and music playlist. Bluetooth connectivity is also on offer and features also include 2 USB Type-C ports to plug in. Smart Key is used to activate all systems with ignition and handlebar lock being turned on or off while just carrying it.
    Engine Specs
    The 2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour is powered by a 1,833cc, liquid cooled, 6 cylinder engine offering 125 hp at 5,500 rpm and 170 Nm torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine gets mated to a 6 speed manual transmission or a 7 speed automatic DCT. It comes in with four riding modes of Tour, Sport, Rain and Econ.
    Throttle By Wire (TBW) and Dual Combined Brake System is also a part of its on board features. When compared to its earlier counterpart, the 2021 Gold Wing Tour is capable of 22 percent higher fuel efficiency thanks to a lighter overall weight and engine updates.
    Bookings open at HMSI’s BigWing dealerships across India, located in Gurugram (Haryana), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Kochi (Kerala) and Hyderabad (Telangana). Buyers can also book online via Honda website. Deliveries will commence from July 2021. More

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    Honda Scooter Modified Into A MotoGP Inspired Race Machine

    2021 GTB Honda RCV ReplicaGTB, Malaysia has done a commendable job in creating a near replica of Honda’s MotoGP machine on a rather subtle RS150R scooter underbone
    Before one starts reading this, we should first get accustomed to Honda’s flagship racing prototype RC213V which has been racing for the Japanese bikemaker in MotoGP since 2012. The litre-class superbike has been specifically developed for race tracks and breathes out a massive 240 horses.
    The Repsol livery slapped onto its body panels is a further testament to its racing credentials. Inspired by this, a custom workshop based in Malaysia has replicated the fully-faired track machine at least on its styling front. In Malaysia, GTB stands for “Geng Tayar Besar” which translates to Big Wheel Gang and is famed for some of the most iconic aftermarket modifications in the recent past.
    Honda Repsol Inspired Graphics
    Honda RS150R is a sporty commuter scooter / moped with an underbone design that has been developed specifically to manoeuver through the bustling traffic of cities. Taking the RS150R as a donor model, the crew from GTB has slapped a replica bodywork and graphics in line with the styling of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) which features the Repsol branding prominently across the panels and fenders of the underbone.
    Apart from the beautiful wraps of the iconic orange/white/red livery and addition of Red Bull branding, styling of the Honda moped gets an edge with new aftermarket winglets inspired by MotoGP machines. Orange wheels bring the replica even closer to the real McCoy. Overall, the custom RS150R looks very sharp and made for tracks.
    Honda MotoGP Scooter Modidied
    Updated Dynamics
    However, the custom job isn’t just restricted to the fancy decals from Repsol and Red Bull. Apparently, GTB crew lead by Rudy Norman, has done a fair share of modifications underneath the moped’s skin as well.
    The most prominent of them being a pair of custom 17-inch alloy wheels shod by superbike-sized tyres. In order to make the sportbike hoops compatible, GTB had to fit the RS150R with a single-sided swingarm sourced from a VFR800.
    There are a plethora of other hardware changes incorporated on the RS150R including a custom build with fully adjustable Ohlins suspension from the Malaysian Cub Prix race machines. It also gets superbike-standard Brembo brakes and race-specific rubber on wheels for better performance on tracks. That being said, no tinkering has been done to the frame underneath the body in order to stay clear of all legal contradictions.
    Honda MotoGP Scooter Modidied
    Price Range of Modification
    Also, no changes have been reported in the engine department as well. It is still powered by a 149cc single-cylinder motor which kicks out a modest 15 horses. It still isn’t too bad for an occasional spin on tracks.
    Norman claims that such aftermarket products will be built on demand depending on what the customer wants and his pocket allows. He further adds that a custom RS150R could set back someone by RM10,000 to RM50,000 (approx. INR 1.8-9.0 lakh).

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    Honda Activa, Hornet, CB Shine, X Blade Recall Over Faulty Reflector

    Image – Takuli’s Talk
    Honda has announced a nationwide recall concerning the replacement of potentially faulty reflex reflector
    The recall covers multiple Honda motorcycles and scooters including CB300R and H’ness CB350 that are sold through the company’s BigWing dealerships. Other impacted models include Hornet 2.0, X-Blade, CB Shine, Activa 5G and 6G and Activa 125.
    Only units manufactured during the period from November 2019 to January 2021 are part of this recall program. Customers who had got their reflector replaced during this period are also eligible for the recall.
    A minor issue
    Honda has stated that the faulty part is unlikely to create any major problem. It’s primarily an incorrect positioning of the reflex reflectors, which may be causing inadequate light reflection. The overall loss of light reflection may not be significant enough to cause any major challenges when driving in night conditions.
    The recall is being carried out as a precautionary measure. The inventory at dealerships is also being scanned to identify any faulty reflectors. These too will be recalled. Such measures are in line with the company’s commitment towards quality and to consistently improve its products and services.
    Honda Hornet
    How to check eligibility
    Customers can check eligibility for this recall via Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) and Honda BigWing website. The faulty part number is 33741KPL902. Customers just need to enter the 17-digit unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) / Frame No. to know if their vehicle is covered under the recall program. The VIN can be found on multiple documents such as vehicle registration card, insurance certificate and sales / service invoices.
    If eligible, customers need to contact their respective HMSI or BigWing dealer to book a service appointment. Provided that there are no Covid related restrictions in the area, a service date will be provided as per the convenience of the customer.
    On their part, Honda dealerships have also started contacting owners of affected vehicles via SMS, call and e-mail. This recall is being provided free of cost. Even for vehicles whose warranty period is over will be covered in this recall program.
    Honda CB350 recall
    In addition to reflex reflector recall, Honda already has an on-going voluntary recall program for CB350 units manufactured during 25th November 2020 to 12th December 2020. It was found that the material used in counter shaft of 4th gear of the transmission is of a different grade. This may lead to issues over prolonged use of the motorcycle.
    However, no cases of failure have been reported till now. This recall too is being carried out as a precautionary measure. It is free and applies to all affected vehicles irrespective of warranty status. More

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    2021 Honda Gold Wing BS6 Launch Soon – Packs In A Range Of Updates

    2021 Honda GoldwingIn its BS4 format, Honda Gold Wing retailed at a price of Rs 29 lakh
    Already available in international markets, 2021 Honda Gold Wing will soon be launched in India. It is one of the popular touring motorcycles in North America, Australia, Western Europe and its home market Japan. The motorcycle has a long history, having debuted as GL1000 way back in 1975. Over the years, continuous improvements have made Gold Wing one of the most hi-tech motorcycles currently in production.
    2021 Honda Gold Wing – What’s new
    One of the key updates in 2021 Honda Gold Wing is support for Android Auto. Earlier it was offered only with Apple CarPlay. Just for records, Honda Gold Wing was the first commercially produced motorcycle to start using a tech platform designed for cars. It goes on to show the level of advancement the motorcycle has been equipped with.
    2021 Gold Wings along with the ones produced from 2018 onwards have support for Android Auto. When connected to the user’s smartphone, tools like Google Maps, Waze, and Google Assistant can be accessed. Users have access to weather updates, music streaming services, playlists and telephone numbers. When used with a compatible Bluetooth headset, users can take calls on the go.
    Visually, 2021 Gold Wings get some new colour options and styling updates. For example, the motorcycle now comes with solid red tail lights. Graphics are also part of the update on some models.
    2021 Honda Goldwing
    2021 Gold Wing is available in five trims, the base standard model, Gold Wing automatic DCT, Gold Wing Tour, Gold Wing Tour automatic DCT and Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT. Colour options vary based on the trim and include Deep Pearl Gray, Metallic Black, and Candy Ardent Red.
    2021 Honda Goldwing
    Other updates include more comfortable seats on the Tour models. The trunk is now bigger and offers 11 litres of additional storage. The sound system has been updated with a 55-watt capacity unit.
    2021 Honda Gold Wing powertrain
    Gold Wing comes with an 1833cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The motor is capable of generating max power of 125 hp at 5,500 rpm and max torque of 170 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Depending on the variant, the transmission is 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic DCT. The overdrive seventh gear in automatic version is especially designed for highway cruising. DCT variants come with reverse and walking mode.
    Honda Gold Wings offer four ride modes of Tour, Sport, Rain, and Econ. As compared to earlier generations, 2021 Gold Wing has 22% higher fuel efficiency. This has been made possible with the motorcycle’s lighter weight and improvements in engine and intake system. As per EPA standards, 2021 Honda Gold Wing has fuel efficiency of 42 miles per gallon. More

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    Honda Benly e Electric Scooter Spied Testing In India – Launch In 2021?

    Honda Benly e Electric scooter
    Honda has plans to launch electric scooter in India to take on the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450x, etc
    The shift to electric motorcycles and scooters grows with each passing day. Rising fuel prices and the need for a cleaner and safer environment are also leading reasons for this new trend which every two wheeler maker in India is venturing into.
    Benly e is an electric scooter from Japanese brand Honda that is being tested at Automotive Research Association Of India (ARAI) ahead of launch in the country. As in 2019, Honda revealed the Benly e Series that consisted of 4 electric models – Benly e I, Benly e I Pro, Benly e II and Benly e II Pro.
    Of these, the Benly e 1 is classified as Class 1 Category 2. The Benly e II is classified as Class 2 Category 3. Benly e I Pro and Benly e II Pro are based on their respective models and come in with added features which include large storage basket in the front, a large rear carrier, knuckle guards and foot brake system as standard.
    ARAI Testing
    Directed for business use for everyday pickup and delivery services, the Honda Benly e is seen with an LED headlamp, digital instrument cluster and accessory power socket. Being directed for pickup and delivery use, it gets fitted with a flat rear deck and large basket in the front. It can carry upto 60 kgs load.
    The Honda Benly e Series is being developed as business-use electric scooter for corporate customers
    Honda Benly e is presented in a single colour scheme of Ross White. It comes with a reverse assist function so as to assist the rider to turn the scooter around in a narrow area and even on an inclined surface. The scooter rides on 12 inch front with 90/90 section tyre and 10 inch rear wheels with 110/90 section tyre. Kerb weight is at 125-130 kgs with combined braking system (CBS) offered as standard.
    Engine Specs and Range
    Honda offers the Benly e Series with two motor options. The Benly e I and I Pro get their power via a 2.8 kW (3.8 PS) electric motor making 13 Nm peak torque. The scooters are capable of a range of 87 km per charge at 30 km per hour on flat road.
    Honda Benly e II and II Pro sports a 4.2 kW (5.7 HP) electric motor offering 15 Nm peak torque and offers a range of 43 km at 60 km per hour on flat road. The two 48V lithium-ion batteries, called Mobile Power Pack (MPP) power each of the motors and are detachable and swappable.
    The batteries can be detached and power via dedicated chargers. The company claims hill climb is possible upto 12 degrees incline with cargo of 30 kgs for Benly e I and I Pro and upto 60 kgs for Benly e II and II Pro along with the reverse assist feature.

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    Honda Two Wheeler Sales May 2021 – Activa, Dio, CB Shine, Hornet, CB350

    Image – Takuli’s TalkHonda Two Wheelers reports slowdown in wholesales in May 2021 following surge in Covid-19 infections
    The Indian auto market has yet again taken a hard hit In May 2021. With Covid-19 pandemic related pandemic infections and complications at an all time high in April and May 2021, manufacturers have had to rework procedures to reduce production. On the sales front, individual state levied lockdowns meant that dealerships were not open for sales, nor service.
    Domestic sales for Honda Two Wheelers was even lower than in May 2020. This is when the country was beginning to open up for business in a phased manner having announced a complete and absolute lockdown in March 2020.
    Honda domestic sales in May 2021
    Domestic sales was reported at 38,763 units, down from 54k units. Sales volume declined by 15,237 units at 28.22 percent decline. This accounted for 67 percent of total business. The figures reported are nowhere close to the volume of business Honda usually does. Best sellers in the scooter segment were the likes of Activa and Dio. In the motorcycle segment, it was the CB Shine while in performance segment, Hornet as well as CB350 posted decent numbers.
    Exports stood at 19,405 units having improved from the 820 units exported a year earlier. Exports accounted for 33 percent of total wholesale business last month. Total business stood at 58,168 units at 6.11 percent gain. Volume gain stood at 3,348 units, up from 54,820 units YoY.
    Honda Sales May 2021
    Current uncertainties for business
    Keeping in mind the situation of May 2021, a meaningful MoM comparison isn’t possible. In April 2021, total sales was reported at 2,83,045 units. Of this, domestic sales were reported at 2.4 lakhs, and exports at 43k. The previous April, business stood at naught.
    Given the difficult circumstances, one can expect sales to be subdued in June too. As states relax lockdown guidelines, chances are dealerships across more locations will open up for business. Even then, a lot would change in terms of actual business hours as shops are no longer open for the entire duration of a regular work day.
    Current circumstances have compelled manufacturers to make business decisions based on ever-changing limitations and lockdowns. Given the myriad of uncertainties, coping and keeping up is difficult. Hence businesses are gauging risk factors and responding as appropriate.
    Considering the totalitarian nature of a sudden lockdown last March, it took auto manufacturers months to report sales that appeared to be worth writing about. But a complete failure to gauge a potential second wave by the centre meant manufacturers were yet again pushed into a corner having had to resort to stopping or reducing production to a bear minimum. Given the lack of preparedness to deal with Covid-19, the arrival of any subsequent wave is likely to yet again push manufacturers to a corner. More

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    2022 Honda CBR250R Digitally Rendered As Adventure Sports-Tourer

    2022 Honda CBR250R ADV Sports Tourer – RenderThis rendered version could be a challenger to the upcoming Yamaha Tracer 250
    Launched way back in 2011, Honda CBR250R was once a popular bike in its segment. However, it received limited updates over the years. With time, newer products with better features started gaining customer attention. Some names include the likes of KTM RC 200, TVS Apache RR310 and Suzuki Gixxer SF250.
    Honda CBR250R was discontinued last year, as it was not updated to comply with BS6 emission norms. However, the motorcycle still enjoys a niche fan following. And it’s fairly possible that there would be a number of customers who want CBR250R to be re-launched.
    Automotive artist ‘Abin Designs’ certainly seems to meet the criteria. Abin Designs has come up with a digital rendering of CBR250R in adventure sports-tourer format. Based on its features, the bike could also qualify as an Adv.
    Honda CBR250R sports-tourer key features
    This sports-tourer version of CBR250R looks a lot more aggressive. The various components that have been updated include the headlight and LED DRLs. Below the headlights, we can see a couple of winglets. The bike has been equipped with a large windshield, which should provide adequate protection. Other changes include a tube-type handlebar and knuckle guards.
    2022 Honda CBR250R ADV Sports Tourer – Render
    Talking about ergonomics, the bike offers a relaxed, upright riding stance. The foot pegs are almost perpendicular to the seat. Even CBR250R offered comfortable rides, but this sports-tourer version appears to be more relaxed. In terms of functional improvements, the bike gets USD forks at the front in golden shade, radially mounted brake calliper and a new rotor. Ground clearance also appears to have been increased.
    2022 Honda CBR250R ADV Sports Tourer – Render
    Honda CBR250R engine
    Honda CBR250R was powered by a 249.6cc liquid-cooled motor that was capable of generating 26 bhp of max power and 22.9 Nm of max torque. It was mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The digitally rendered sports-tourer version could be using the same engine in its updated BS6 format.
    It could get new features such as LCD display and assist and slipper clutch. The latter comes handy during various situations such as quick down-shifting, rapid up-shifting and when negotiating tough corners. Dual-channel ABS would be offered as standard.
    2022 Honda CBR250R ADV Sports Tourer – Render
    When launching an updated product, OEMs have to consider various factors such as market dynamics, customer preferences, rival products, pricing, etc. Something that looks good on paper may not necessarily be viable from a business perspective.
    But when evaluated purely from a design perspective, this sports-tourer version of Honda CBR250R certainly deserves attention. The sports tourer / adventure segment has been witnessing strong growth and this motorcycle seems a perfect fit in this space.
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