Honda Bikes

Honda CB350 BABT teasedUpcoming CB350 cafe racer has a truly unique profile, even though it borrows much of the hardware from Honda H’ness CB350Honda CB350 had ambitious plans against popular 350cc bikes from Royal Enfield. However, with REs with their cult following and immense fan base, CB350 hasn’t been able to make any major impact despite the recent variations of CB350. CB350 RS was also introduced later, but sales numbers are nowhere close to RE bikes like Bullet 350 and Classic 350.Honda CB350 is taking a more Classic route?Further complicating the situation for CB350 is Hunter 350 which has emerged as one of the bestselling bikes in 350cc segment. When we analyse 300cc to 500cc bike sales, CB350 YoY and MoM sales have dipped in recent months, which seems a worrying trend. To boost its prospects in 350cc segment, Honda is readying a new classic motorcycle based on CB350.As of now, Honda CB350 is a neo-retro motorcycle. This neo-retro appeal is further amplified in CB350 RS. But customer reception and buying trends seem to be favouring more “Classic” appeal, something which Royal Enfield excels at. Now, Honda is bringing more “Classic-ness” to CB350 lineup as teased on social media handles.This is by far Honda’s most significant dig at Royal Enfield Classic 350. This time around, Honda seems to be business, as it is tackling rivals with their ethos. In this case, “Classic-ness”. There is one word that Honda has thrown frequently in this teaser is BABT, which should abbreviate to something.As seen in the company’s teaser, Honda CB350 BABT is taking the Classic route. We can see the same Nissin callipers, alloy wheel designs and other components as CB350. But there are changes. The front telescopic forks now get a silver finish. Along with that, Honda is offering a fork cover like Royal Enfield does. The new split seat design and tan seat covers are new too. What does BABT stand for?The front mudguard now gets two connecting spokes that emerge from the bottom of the front fork. This is a signature classic bike design trait that was missing in CB350. From what little Honda has teased, Honda CB350 BABT version has a lot more classic appeal than regular CB350 and CB350 RS.If striking a Classic appeal was the agenda, chrome spoked wheels would have helped a lot in that regard. But that is not the case. Honda’s teaser mentions “Coming Soon”. Caption for this post read, “Brace yourself for the rise of a legend with fearless voice. Get ready to take on the open roads.”CB350 BABT Classic style front mudguardHonda CB350 BABT performancePowering CB350 cafe racer will be the 348.36cc, 4 Stroke engine churning out 21 PS of max power and 30 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Most of the hi-tech features will be borrowed from CB350. It will include Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS), all-LED lights, assist and slipper clutch, side stand with engine inhibitor and gear position indicator.Primary rival is likely to be the slew of 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles along with offerings from Jawa and Yezdi. Launch is likely to be in the coming days, as this is just a variation of an already existing motorcycle.CB350 BABT Classic front fork cover More

2024 Honda ADV 160 DebutedNow that Hero is launching a 160cc ADV-styled scooter to rival Yamaha Aerox 155, 2024 Honda ADV 160 makes perfect sense for IndiaIn international markets, Honda has been upgrading its 150cc scooters to 160cc versions. Same holds true with ADV 160 as well, upgraded from ADV 150 earlier this year. The scooter now entered MY2024 with a brand new colour, taking the total number of colourways to four.Should Honda bring in ADV 160 to rival Hero Xoom 160?Now that Hero has showcased Xoom 160 ADV style maxi scooter, we hope Honda launches 2024 ADV 160 in India too. ADV 160 gets an aggressive front fascia with sleek headlamps and vertically mounted LED DRLs. There’s a large transparent windscreen mounted on the front apron, which is functionally relevant and also enhances the bike’s sporty profile.Other key features include fancy rear view mirrors, a stepped single-piece seat, an upswept exhaust and a long tail section. With 2024 Honda ADV 160, there aren’t any design changes. Features like the sporty X-shaped taillamp, rectangular digital instrument console and other elements have been kept the same.This LCD instrument screen displays a range of information such as time and date, speedometer, real-time fuel consumption and air temperature. A separate panel for indicators has been provided below the digital console for easy viewability. The overall profile of scooter radiates immenseness that commands a lot of road presence.2024 Honda ADV 160 ColoursThis is a non-step-through scooter, hindering practicality. However, it houses scooter’s large 8.1L fuel tank, liberating large 27L under-seat storage. Other features carried forward include Honda Smart Key system, front inner box with 2L capacity, smartphone charging socket and emergency stop signal.With 2024 Honda AD 160, the company has introduced the new Pearl Bosphorus Blue. Other colours on offer with MY2024 are Matte Dahlia Red Metallic, Pearl Smoky Gray and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic. This new 2024 model will go on sale in Japan on 14th December 2023 for an asking price of JPY 473,000 (including tax) which translates to Rs. 2.6 lakh.2024 Honda ADV 160 specsPowering Honda ADV 160 will be a liquid-cooled 4V 156cc motor. Output numbers are around 16 PS and 15 Nm. Honda ADV 160 will have eSP (enhanced smart power) tech ensuring optimal performance across varied environments. eSP system comprises various components such as ACG Starter and programmed fuel injection.Idling stop system will be available with 2024 Honda ADV 160, which boosts fuel efficiency. The scooter will have double cradle frame with telescopic front forks and gas-charged twin rear suspension. True to its ADV profile, the scooter will have block pattern tyres. Both wheels will have disc brakes with single-channel ABS.Now that Hero is launching India’s second sporty maxi-scooter in the form of Xoom 160, the time is ripe for Honda to bring in ADV 160 in India. Both will rival Yamaha’s Aerox 155 which currently enjoys quite a niche. Considering Hero’s pricing exercises, it will have a much better VFM proposition, though. More

New Sahara alongside OG SaharaWith a similar powertrain setup as CB300F in India, Honda XRE 300 Sahara could be a game changer for the company’s Big Wing lineupHonda, a 2W juggernaut of the world, is currently one of the largest 2W manufacturers in India. The company has not seen good reception to its premium motorcycles range sold through Big Wing dealerships. Can a new ADV fix that? Is that ADV, Honda XRE 300 Sahara? With engine from CB300F? Sounds like a fitting proposition, though.Honda XRE 300 Sahara UnveiledThe Japanese 2W manufacturer has seen little success with its Big Wing products in India. Two motorcycles underwent significant price revisions for that very reason. We’re talking about Honda CB300F and CB300R that shed Rs. 59K and Rs. 37K respectively. The prospect of an ADV under Rs. 2 lakh sold via Big Wing dealerships might prove to be a good strategy.In Brazil, Honda has confirmed it is reviving Sahara nameplate with its XRE 300. There are not a lot of details revealed about this bike. But, 2024 Honda XRE 300 Sahara will be showcased physically this month, with a launch slated in Brazil sometime in 2024. As of now, Honda has released two images of upcoming XRE 300 Sahara.As seen in the images, XRE 300 Sahara pays tribute to the classic NX 350 Sahara of the 90s. The OG Honda Sahara derived its mechanicals from XLX 350R. Instead of naked off-roader appeal with a beak, OG Sahara packed a handsome fairing with a square headlight. A somewhat similar concept is implied in the new Sahara.Honda XRE 300 Sahara designBased on Honda’s XRE 300, it misses out on the front beak, knobby off-road tyres, and the whole off-roady vibe. Instead, Sahara brings along a more handsome fairing, integrated frame sliders (fairing protectors), a much taller windscreen, Metzeler Karoo Street block-pattern tyres, a black-painted box-section swingarm and more.All of these combined, lend it a touring bike appeal with good off-road hardware in the form of long travel suspension, wire-spoke wheels, up-swept exhaust, comfy seating, relaxed ergonomics, and more. Not a lot is revealed by Honda, in terms of features and creature comforts.Powertrains, specs and launchLooks are on the handsome side. The overall bikini fairing is appealing and has integrated turn indicators like OG Sahara. Only, this time they’re LEDs. With design, the new Sahara draws inspiration from its flagship ADV, Africa Twin. Where specs are concerned, Honda XRE 300 Sahara might have comparable dimensions and wheelbase to regular XRE 300.As per powertrain, it looks similar to Honda Twister on sale in Brazil. In India, a similar engine is seen on CB300F which recently got a massive price cut. In the CB300F, this oil-cooled single-cylinder engine makes around 24 bhp and 25 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.Honda has not revealed launch intentions in India. But we would reckon Honda XRE 300 Sahara would be a good bet for India. Considering the uproar in ADV segment around Rs. 2 lakh where TVS is likely to launch RR 310 based Apache RTX line. More

New Honda ActivaHonda 2W October 2023 Sales Report – Diving into the NumbersIn October 2023, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) displayed robust performance in the two-wheeler market. And as expected, reported steady sales for their 2W range.In terms of domestic sales, Honda 2W reported 4,62,747 units sold in October 2023. Comparing this to the previous year, there was a notable increase of 36,778 units. Representing an impressive 8.63 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth. This surge further solidified domestic dominance, which captured a substantial 93.89. percent share of total sales.Honda 2W sales Oct 2023Honda 2W’s Global Reach in October 2023On the international front, Honda 2W’s export numbers improved. They exported 30,137 units in October 2023, marking a substantial increase of 6,715 units compared to October 2022, reflecting 28.67 percent YoY growth. An expanding global reach, which contributed to 6.11 percent share of total HMSI sales.Summing up the domestic and international figures, total sales for Honda 2W in October 2023 stood at 4,92,884 units, a significant year-on-year growth of 9.68 percent. These larger than life numbers underscore their position as an industry leader in scooter sales.Honda 2W vs. September 2023: Sales ShowdownWhen it comes to month-on-month performance, it’s essential to note that Honda 2W reported a slight dip in domestic sales from September 2023. This stood at a difference of -29,055 units, equivalent to a -5.91 percent month-on-month (MoM) decline. Sales fell from 4,91,802 units. On the export front, they encountered a -14.37% MoM decrease, exporting 5,059 units fewer than the previous month, totalling 30,137 units.Honda 2W reported a total sales figure of 4,92,884 units in October 2023, with a -6.47 percent MoM decline. Mainly due to the domestic market’s performance. Total MoM sales fell from 5,26,998 units. Nonetheless, they continue to exhibit a strong market share, maintaining their position as a robust and reliable player in the two-wheeler industry. More

Honda XL750 Transalp AdventureHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the XL750 Transalp adventure tourer in India – Priced at an introductory rate of Rs. 10,99,990 (ex-showroom)Honda XL750 Transalp arrives in India through the CBU (completely built-up) route from Japan and will be exclusively available at Honda’s premium BigWing Top Line dealerships. This strategic move underscores Honda’s commitment to delivering top-notch adventure motorcycles to the Indian market. This versatile motorcycle promises to cater to adventure enthusiasts across the nation. The XL750 Transalp, hailing from Honda’s illustrious lineage, is set to redefine adventure touring experiences.Honda XL750 Transalp AdventureMr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are pleased to launch the All-New XL750 Transalp in India. As the adventure motorcycle category continues to flourish, customers are more eager than ever to get out and explore on wheels. The Honda XL750 Transalp is loved by adventure enthusiasts across the globe, and we are confident that it will surely excite the ADV buyers in India too.”Honda XL750 Transalp AdventureCommenting on the launch, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, highlighted the XL750 Transalp’s spirit, stating, “Inheriting the go-anywhere spirit, the XL750 Transalp is an all-round legend of adventure touring reborn in a fresh avatar. HMSI is proud to introduce this true adventure bike in India. The bookings for the Honda XL750 Transalp are now open at our exclusive BigWing Top Line dealerships, and its deliveries will begin from next month onwards.”Styling and Equipment: A Perfect All-RounderThe XL750 Transalp embodies the spirit of adventure with its distinctive styling. It carries forward the legacy of the iconic original Transalp from the 1980s, making it instantly recognizable and accepted by ADV enthusiasts worldwide. The motorcycle boasts a compact headlight, an integrated windscreen, and large tank shrouds that enhance its fearless expression and aerodynamic performance. The rear design features an aluminum rear carrier and an LED lighting system, completing the adventure-inspired look.Honda XL750 Transalp AdventureEquipped with a 5.0-inch TFT panel, the XL750 Transalp provides riders with essential information, including a speedometer, tachometer, gear-position indicator, fuel gauge, consumption data, riding modes, engine parameters, and more. The display is customizable to suit the rider’s preferences and can be managed either via the screen or the left handlebar switchgear. Additionally, the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCs) integrates seamlessly with the motorcycle, enabling voice management of calls, messages, music, and navigation while on the move. Safety features include an emergency stop signal function and automatic turn signal cancelling.Engine and Performance: A True PowerhousePowering the XL750 Transalp is a new 755cc liquid-cooled 270º crank in-line two-cylinder engine. This engineering marvel delivers 67.5 kW of power and a peak torque of 75 Nm, coupled with a responsive 6-speed gearbox. Vortex flow ducts ensure razor-sharp pick-up and throttle response, while Ni-SiC coating on the cylinders enhances engine efficiency.The motorcycle offers five riding modes, accessible through a Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) system. Riders can customize their experience by selecting their preferred combination of Engine Power, Engine Braking, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with ABS and assist slipper clutch. The available modes include Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and User, catering to diverse riding conditions and preferences.Suspension, Brakes, and Tyres: Unmatched VersatilityThe XL750 Transalp’s lightweight steel diamond frame strikes a perfect balance between stability and maneuverability. With a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, equipped with spokes, this adventure tourer delivers versatility both on and off the road. Showa 43mm SFF-CA™ upside-down (USD) front forks and a rear shock operating through Pro-Link ensure a comfortable and controlled ride. Braking duties are performed by dual 310mm wave discs with hydraulic 2-piston calipers at the front and a 256 mm single disc with a 1-pot caliper at the rear, featuring dual-channel ABS as standard.Colours, Price, and Availability:The All-New Honda XL750 Transalp is attractively priced at Rs. 10,99,990 (introductory & ex-showroom, Gurugram). It will be available in two striking colour schemes: Ross White and Matte Ballistic Black. Bookings are now open for the first 100 customers at HMSI’s exclusive BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram (Haryana), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Kochi (Kerala), Hyderabad (Telangana), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), and Kolkata (West Bengal). Deliveries will commence from November 2023, ensuring that adventure enthusiasts can embark on their journeys with the XL750 Transalp. More

Honda ActivaHonda Activa and Shine range of scooters and motorcycles accounts for over 80% of the total domestic sales in Sep 2023Despite facing challenges like the global supply chain disruptions and the ongoing pandemic, Honda continues to be a significant player in India’s two-wheeler industry. In September 2023, Honda’s domestic sales reached a total of 4,91,802 units, representing a marginal growth of 0.58% compared to the same period last year when they sold 4,88,950 units.Honda 2W Sales Sep 2023 – Activa TopsWhile the growth may appear modest, it is worth noting that the company has managed to maintain stable sales in a challenging environment. Honda Activa retained its top position as the highest-selling model with 2,35,056 units sold, accounting for 47.79% of the total domestic sales. However, the Activa witnessed a 4.30% decrease in sales compared to September 2022.Honda 2W Sales Sep 2023CB Shine, a favourite among commuter motorcycle enthusiasts, faced a YoY decline of 6.79%. With 1,35,339 units sold in September 2023, it continued to be a significant contributor to Honda’s domestic sales. This dip in sales may be attributed to changing consumer preferences and increased competition in the commuter motorcycle segment.One of the standout performers for Honda in the domestic market was the Dio. This sporty scooter experienced an impressive YoY growth of 29.04%, selling 38,703 units in September 2023. The boost in sales YoY is thanks to the recent addition of the Dio 125cc model to the range.Honda 2W Exports Sep 2023The introduction of the Shine 100 model marked a new addition to Honda’s lineup, and it made a significant impact by selling 26,205 units in its debut month. This demonstrates that Honda’s strategy of diversifying its product range is paying off, as the Shine 100 found a place in the preferences of Indian consumers. On the other hand, the Unicorn faced a steep decline of 29.44% in YoY sales, with 25,514 units sold in September 2023. This suggests that Honda may need to revisit its marketing and product strategies for this particular model to stay competitive in the market.Dream, SP160, Livo, and Hness CB350 have faced varying degrees of decline in sales compared to the previous year. The Dream and Hness CB350, in particular, saw sales decreases of 14.71% and 23.19%, respectively. These results highlight the need for Honda to address evolving consumer demands and preferences in these segments. Hornet 2.0 emerged as the standout performer with a staggering YoY growth of 458.26%, selling 3,852 units. This surge in popularity could be attributed to its sporty design and advanced features, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts.Honda 2W India – Exports PerformanceHonda’s exports performance also demonstrated positive growth in September 2023. The company exported a total of 34,014 units, marking a 14.78% increase compared to September 2022 when they exported 29,635 units. Navi scooter led the way in exports with 10,337 units, reflecting a 46.04% growth from the previous year.Dio also showed significant growth in the export market with a YoY increase of 210.08%. While the Activa and Dream models contributed to export numbers, the CB Shine experienced a decline in export sales, down 60.93% from the previous year. More