Honda Bikes

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

Image – TECHNICAL DOCKSThe BS6 updated Honda CB300R is expected to be second-most affordable in the BigWing India lineup
Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India (HMSI) entered the 350cc segment recently with the launch CB350 and CB350 RS. Despite being available in limited numbers through Honda’s premium channel of BigWing dealerships, the bike has garnered good sales.
It should be noted that before the CB350 twins, CB300R was actually the highest selling two-wheeler retailed by the Japanese brand through its BigWing dealerships. The bike was launched in 2019 and had to be discontinued last year thanks to the stringent BS6 emission norms adopted since April 1, 2020.
However, the naked roadster is now expected to make a comeback in its latest iteration with a BS6 updated engine. For April 2021, a total of 8 units of the CB300R have been dispatched by Honda Two Wheelers in India.
Honda is currently looking to expand its footprint in the premium motorcycle segment by launching new BigWing dealerships in coming future. While CB350 has given them a good start, the introduction of CB300R might further help the increasing BigWing dealerships to establish themselves in the premium motorcycle space.
2021 Honda CB300R
Mechanical Details
The new CB300R will be powered by an BS6 updated 286cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder engine. In its BS4 iteration it put out 31.4 bhp and 27.5 Nm of peak torque. This unit will be mated to a six-speed gearbox. It also gets a counterbalance shaft which makes the rumble of the engine smooth.
When it comes to dynamics, suspension duties are handled by 41mm telescopic fork at front and Pro-Link single shock at rear. Braking is taken care of by discs of 296mm at front and 220mm at rear wheel assisted by dual-channel ABS.
Styling
Speaking of its design, it sports a Neo-Sports Café styling with most of its inspirations taken from its older sibling- CB1000R. This is evident in the blacked-out hardware which complements a modern bike with traditional Neo-Sports Cafe styling. It gets a tapered aluminium handlebar although the riding position remains upright. It features a retro style round LED headlamp. The LED taillights mounted are the thinnest ever used in a Honda motorcycle.
Expected Price
In all likelihood, the CB300R will be positioned above CB350 since the naked streetfighter will likely be brought via the CKD route. The BS4 version of CB300R was retailed at a price of Rs 2.42 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Thanks to recent increase in prices of vehicles, one can expect the CB300R to be priced above Rs 2.5 lakh, ex-sh. Once launched, it will rival the likes of KTM Duke 250 / 390, BMW G310R, etc in the price range of 2.5-3 lakh.
It will be interesting to see the increase in price since apart from the upgradation of the engine, there are other changes expected on the new CB300R (new colour schemes). There has been no word from Honda yet regarding its launch timeline, but considering that dispatches have started, launch could take place in the coming weeks. More

Image – Takuli’s TalkBluetooth connectivity is in demand and can influence customer purchase decisions
If we look at Honda’s rivals such as Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp and TVS, they all have introduced Bluetooth for several of their two wheelers. Honda also offers Bluetooth connectivity, but it’s available only with bigger capacity two wheelers such as H’ness CB350, Forza 350, Forza 750, X-ADV and CB1000R. To match rival offerings, Honda may introduce Bluetooth connectivity for most of its 125cc and above models.
Honda RoadSync trademark approved
Honda’s trademark application for RoadSync has been approved in India. This indicates that Honda may soon introduce it in select two wheelers. It is expected that most Honda two wheelers with semi-digital and digital instrument console could get Bluetooth connectivity in future. Products that match the criteria include Activa 125, Grazia, X-Blade and Hornet 2.0.
For introducing RoadSync Bluetooth connectivity suite, Honda can launch newer variants that have this feature. Or the company can provide this as an optional feature to customers. Both ways, the choice will be with the customer whether or not they want to have Bluetooth connectivity.
The young brigade and the working class would surely want to have Bluetooth connectivity. Fiddling with the phone while riding a two wheeler is not only dangerous, but can also attract fine. With Bluetooth connectivity, a number of tasks can be made handsfree. It also ensures that one doesn’t have to stop every time something flashes on the screen.
Honda RoadSync Trademark Filed In India
However, there could be customers who may have little use of Bluetooth connectivity. The latter group would probably want to avoid paying additional money for Bluetooth connectivity. Talking about how much Bluetooth variants will cost, the estimate is up to Rs 5,000 more than non-Bluetooth variants.
Honda RoadSync features
Internationally, Honda RoadSync works with Honda two wheelers that have Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. It works in conjunction with the RoadSync app, which is currently available only for Android.
When connected to the user’s smartphone, a range of features can be accessed via a Bluetooth headset. For example, one can make and receive calls, access text messages, reply to text messages via voice commands, get directions via Google Maps and listen to music. The idea is to provide a handsfree experience as far as possible.
For the Indian market, RoadSync may not have the voice commands feature. Rest other features such as calling, music and turn-by-turn navigation may be available. Exact details will be revealed soon when Honda makes an official statement. More

Image – Technical BhopalHMSI posted a 60.67 percent increase in domestic sales while exports dipped 5.49 percent
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) revealed their sales figures for March 2021. The company has posted double digit growth of 60.67 percent in the past month, to 3,95,029 units, up 1,4,171 units as against 2,45,858 units sold in domestic markets in March 2020. However, it must be considered that March 2020 saw the announcement of a nationwide lockdown while it was also the month of the transition to BS6 emission standards.
As always, it was the Honda Activa scooter that was the best-selling model in the company’s domestic lineup. Activa sales stood at 1,99,208 units in March 21, up 73.59 percent as against 1,14,757 units sold in March 20.
The Honda Activa commands as much as a 50.43 percent share and apart from being the best seller in the company lineup for March 21, was also the best-seller among the scooters in India in the same month closely followed by the TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access 125, Hero Pleasure+ and TVS Ntorq 125.
Honda CB Shine was the best-selling motorcycle in March 21 with sales of 1,17,943 units up from 86,633 units sold in the same month of the previous year. This related to a 36.14 percent growth with the CB Shine holding a 29.86 percent share. Honda Unicorn sales increased 60.62 percent to 23,235 units.
Honda Sales March 2021
Honda Dio Scooter Sales Dip
Sales of the Honda Dio scooter suffered a de-growth of 23.20 percent with 22,677 units sold in domestic markets in March 21, down from 29,528 units sold in March 20. Honda Dream and Livo both noted a significant increase in sales in March 21 to 8,921 units and 8,305 units up from just 5 units and 15 units sold in March 20 respectively.
Lower down the order in domestic sales were the newer entrants Grazia, H’ness CB350, Hornet 2.0 and XBlade along with the CB500 and CBR 650F. The Aviator, Unicorn 150 and Hornet 160R have been discontinued from Honda’s lineup altogether.
Honda Exports March 21
Honda exports for March 21 suffered a de-growth of 5.49 percent with 18,479 units exported as against 19,553 units exported in March 20. It was the Honda Dio scooter which was a best seller in terms of exports though numbers dipped 34.22 percent to 4,827 units, down from 7,338 units exported in March 20.
Honda Exports March 2021
The CB Shine was at No.2 with growth of 60.35 percent to 3,425 units exported in March 20 while the Navi scooter continued to draw the attention of buyers in global markets with 3,353 units exported in March 21 up 39.24 percent over 2,408 units exported in March 20. It may be recalled that the Navi scooter is produced in India exclusively for global markets
While Honda Grazia and Dream exports dipped 13.75 percent and 32.74 percent respectively, the Honda XBlade noted a two fold increase in exports, up 90.37 percent to 1,028 units in March 21, a steep increase over 540 units exported in March 20. Honda XBlade was updated to BS6 norms in July 2020 along with which it received new styling that makes it more appealing to a younger segment of buyers.
Exports of Hornet 160R, Unicorn 150 and Activa suffered a de-growth in March 21. Honda conducts export operations of its two wheelers to 35 global markets among which are Europe, Central and Latin America, Middle East, South East Asia, Japan and SAARC nations. The export lineup consists of 19 models, all of which comply with country-specific homologation and other norms. More

Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.Honda PCX electric scooter has already been showcased to select dealers in India
Honda, just like other mainstream automakers, is looking to develop a dedicated electric lineup of its own, particularly in the two-wheeler division in India. With future mobility heavily dependent on battery-powered technologies, Honda has also started developing its electric two-wheelers for its international markets.
However, none of them, as of now, have been confirmed for India. Though the Japanese auto giant did recently filed patents for the fully electrified version of PCX scooter. These patents were filed last month but it will be too premature to assume that the scooter will be launched in India anytime soon.
More Details
Earlier in January this year, the company revealed that it has no plans to launch an electric version of PCX in India even though a prototype of the same was showcased to dealers in 2020. Back then, Honda said it was trying to gauge consumer response.
Honda is known to have filed numerous patents in India previously that did not make it to production. However, it does reveal that the bikemaker is looking to bring electric two-wheeler mobility in India.
Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.
Honda electric scooter was initially expected to be launched somewhere by the end of 2021 but with the second wave of Covid-19 wreaking havoc across the country, it will most probably be delayed a few months. It is likely to borrow certain design cues and technologies from the PCX electric scooter.
Expected Design & Features
In international market, Honda offers PCX branded scooters in three powertrain options- IC-engine, petrol/hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The fully electric version has been patented in India.
It carries a muscular and aggressive maxi-style design with clean body lines, a front-heavy fairing and a prominent apron. At front it gets twin-pod headlamps and a tall windscreen to protect one from excessive wind blast. Other design highlights include a stepped-up single-piece seat, a split type footboard, black alloy wheels and a stylish grab rail to name a few.
In terms of features, the e-scooter gets an all-digital LCD instrument cluster, remote start key, USB C-port and a controller unit located on the floorboard. Hardware consists of a suspension setup comprising telescopic forks at front and twin-sided shocks at rear. Braking duties are carried out by 220 mm front and rear disc brakes while safety is provided by a single-channel ABS.
Powertrain Specs
As far as powertrain specs are concerned, the e-scooter is powered by a swingarm-mounted AC motor that can generate 4.2kW and 18 Nm. This electric motor is fed energy from a Li-ion twin battery pack which offers a paltry range of only 41 km on a single charge. In all likelihood, to address this issue, Honda could induct bakery swapping technology as well. More

Image – ManojHonda H’ness CB350 with revised pricing now costs more than Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Honda H’ness CB350, launched in India in October 2020, is positioned in the mid-size motorcycle segment wherein it competes against the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Benelli Imperiale 400. Honda H’ness CB350 boasts of a retro cruiser design, inspired by the brands CB range.
It marked Honda’s entry in to mid-size 350-500cc segment. Offered in two variants of DLX and DLX Pro, the H’ness CB350 came in priced between Rs 1.85 lakh and Rs 1.90 lakh. These were introductory prices and was soon followed by a price hike in January 2021, by Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 2,500 respectively for the DLX and DLX Pro variants. Now, following six months launch, the Honda H’ness CB 350 prices have been hiked once again.
Honda CB350 May 2021 Price
Following the recent price hike, Honda H’ness CB350 is priced higher by Rs.3,405. The DLX costs Rs 1,89,905 from an earlier Rs 1,86,500, while the earlier pricing of Rs 1,92,500 for the DLX Pro has now been increased to Rs 1,95,905.
No changes in design have been introduced and the price hike is purely to offset rising commodity costs and other taxes. The price hike also puts the H’ness CB350 in the same category as the CB350RS priced at Rs 1.96 lakh for the monotone variants and at Rs 1.98 lakh for its dual tone counterpart.
Honda CB350 Price – May 2021
This new pricing puts the H’ness CB350, at Rs.5,500 over that of its closest competitor, RE Meteor 350 which is priced from Rs.1.84 lakh for its Fireball variant. The Benelli Imperiale, also a strong competitor in the same segment, recently received a price reduction by Rs.10,000 and now starts at Rs 1.89 lakh. All prices are ex-sh.

Month
CB350 Sales
Exports

Oct
1,290
30

Nov
4,067
92

Dec
1,564
510

Jan
3,543
270

Feb
3,268
300

Mar
4,302
150

Total
18,034
1,352

Avg
3,006
225

CB350 Sales Till Date
Since launch, Honda has managed to sell over 18k units of the CB350 in the domestic market. Exports in the same period have stood at a little over 1,300 units. Together, 19,386 units have been dispatched till March 2021. Sales figures above are inclusive of the RS trim, which was launched in mid Feb this year. In the same period, Meteor 350 sales have crossed 38k units.
The H’ness CB350 DLX Pro variant receives Honda Smartphone Voice Control System. This allows the rider to use a dedicated Honda RoadSync App to manage features such as calls, music, audio instruction for navigation, etc.
All vital information such as average fuel efficiency, gear position indicator, real-time mileage, etc. are displayed on the screen. It also receives Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) while both variants get dual-channel ABS as standard. Other key features include USB charging port, LED head and tail lamps, turn signals and low battery indicator.
The H’ness CB350 is powered by a 349cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offering 20.8 hp power at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm torque at 3,000 rpm. Transmission duties are managed by a 6-speed sequential gearbox with slip and assist clutch offered as standard. More