Honda Bikes

It seems the adjustable front suspension was too soft to handle a bunch of stairs without grounding the engine protector
No doubt, riding your brand new adventure bike off the showroom is a wonderful feeling. The excitement is usually overflowing at that moment and it sometimes lead to not-so-good consequences. Just a few days ago a video had gone viral on social media, where a Kia Carnival had crashed into a wall while it was being taken out of the showroom by the owner.

Something similar has happened again, but the extent of damage is nowhere close. Lucky that this 2020 Honda Africa Twin rider did not end up crashing his motorcycle seconds from taking delivery although he came awfully close to it.
The video shows the motorcycle riding down the showroom steps, a mild exercise for the immensely capable Honda, but it appears the adjustable front forks are configured too soft for the task. As a result, the front suspension compressed too much, thus lowering the ground clearance. Consequently, the bash plate made a solid impact on one of the last steps, breaking it in the process. Luckily, neither the rider nor the motorcycle got hurt (save for the scratched bash plate).

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2020 Honda Africa Twin – what’s new?
Honda Africa Twin, having noted much success since launch in 2016 with over 87,000 units sold, has received a mid-life refresh recently. The 2020 Honda Africa Twin promises to be improved in terms of technology and with a more powerful engine as compared to its earlier counterpart.
The new Honda Africa Twin is more off-road based, commands better performance and is loaded with technologies. It is available with manual and Dual Clutch Transmission variants.
The flagship adventure tourer sports LED lighting, a revised 6.5” TFT touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, an instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and access to functions like navigation, music and incoming calls. It 2020 Africa Twin also receives a larger capacity fuel tank of 24.8 liters and the windscreen is height adjustable. While the earlier model got seat height at a fixed 34.3 inches, the 2020 Africa Twin gets seat height adjustable to as low as 33.4 inches and as high as 35.2 inches.

2020 Honda Africa Twin
The 2020 Honda Africa Twin offers 6 riding modes of Tour, Urban, Gravel, Off-road and two user modes. Electronic features include cruise control, cornering ABS, rear lift control, wheelie control and emergency stop signals. There is also a 6 Axis IMU with ride-by-wire and Honda’s selectable torque control.
2020 Honda Africa Twin specifications
The 1,084 cc, twin cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which will be Euro 5 compliant. The motor produces 101 PS power and 105 Nm torque, 7% higher in power and 6% higher in torque as compared to the engine which powered the previous counterpart.
Suspension remains unchanged with Showa 45 mm inverted fork in the front and ProLink Swingarm at the rear. The Africa Twin rides on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels with off-road tyres.
The bike gets a new aluminum sub frame which ensures 4 kg lighter weight while there is a 10 percent increase in power-to-weight ratio thus enhancing performance. The 2020 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport available in India can be specified in Pearl Glare White Tricolour and Darkness Black Metallic color options.
The 2020 Honda Africa Twin is priced at INR 15.35 lakh for manual variant and INR 16.10 lakh for the DCT variant (ex-showroom). More

Customers can avail of the new Honda Activa 6G and Shine by paying 50 percent EMIs for 3 months
As sales of two and four wheelers are at a record low in view of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, automakers are introducing exciting payment options so as to woo customers back into showrooms

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India have come up with special schemes on purchase of its new scooters. For this the company has entered into an agreement with IDFC First and HDFC Bank applicable on SBI credit card.
Who can Apply?
The bank will offer the loan to all those who want to buy via outright purchase as well as those seeking loans. For buyers opting for finance from IDFC First and HDFC Bank, the customer will have to pay only half the amount of EMI for the first three months for loan tenure of 36 months. Apart from this, the Bank will offer eligible customers upto 95 percent of the loan amount. Those buyers opting to purchase the bike with a credit card will also gain some benefits.
Cashback
Payment via an SBI credit card, the buyer of any Honda two wheeler, stands to receive 5 percent cash back. This scheme is valid at only some of the company dealers in the country and on offer on all locally made models that include the Honda Activa 6G, Shine, SP125, Livo, CD110 Dream, Activa 125, Dio and Grazia.
Honda Restarts Production
Following the lockdown announced by the Government of India in March 2020, HMSI dealerships resumed operations from May 4th. The company also commenced production at its facilities in Manesar (Haryana), Narsapura (Karnataka), Tapukara (Rajasthan) and Vithalapur (Gujarat). Following reopening, the automaker accelerated launch of four new BS6 models that included the CD 110 Dream, Grazia 125, 2020 Africa Twin and Livo, taking total portfolio to nine models.
With unlock being announced and social distancing as the new norm, the company has also noted increased demand for personal mobility, with two wheelers being the first choice of buyers. Sales in June 2020 stood at 2,10,879 units with 2,02,837 units sold in domestic markets while 8,042 units were exported. This was a fourfold increase in sales as compared to 54,820 units sold in May. Sales in July are expected to be higher than June 2020 sales.
The 6G – What’s New
Honda’s best selling product in India, the Activa 6G is priced at Rs.64,464 for the standard variant and at Rs.65,964 for the Deluxe trim which is around Rs.8,500 over the price of the earlier Activa 5G. It gets feature updates with an LED headlamp and gets powered via a new 109.51cc, single cylinder, fuel injected engine offering 7.79 hp power and 8.79 Nm torque down from 7.97 hp power and 9 Nm offered on its BS4 counterpart.

It gets front telescopic fork and 12 inch front wheel which are its biggest changes over the Activa 5G while braking is via 130mm drum brakes at both ends. Honda Activa 6G competes with TVS Jupiter and Hero Pleasure Plus, and also with Hero Splendor Plus and Hero Passion Pro 110. More

The Honda Forza 350 features additional features compared to the Forza 300 and a new motor
Following a reasonable number of pre-booking for its premium Forza 300 maxi-scooter, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) delivered the first few (4 units to be precise) examples in February this year although there was no public price announcement. Then, the pandemic hit us and things pretty much came to a stand still for a few months.

One would expect HMSI to make a proper introduction of its premium scooter in the country in its BS6 avatar sometime later this year. Meanwhile, the Japanese automaker has just debuted a slightly bigger-engined Forza 350 in Thailand market (at the 2020 Bangkok Motor Show). The Honda Forza 350 is supposed to be the 300’s successor with more power and improved emission performance. So, the question is will HMSI bring the latest Forza 350 to India or come up with a BS6 version of the Forza 300?
We would put our money on the new Honda Forza 350 coming to India as it complies with latest emission norms in international markets, and hence, should be BS6 ready already. That said, HMSI has not made any official announcements regarding the Forza 350. Anyway, we will which way the company leans in the comings months.

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The 2020 Honda Forza 350 not only gets a bigger motor compared to its predecessor but also features visual changes and additional equipment. The premium automatic scooter continues to subscribe to the maxi-scooter design language with a prominent front fascia, generously proportioned stepped seats, large wheels and meaty tyres.
Salient features include LED headlamps, emergency stop lights (taillight blinks rapidly under panic brake situations to warn the following motorists), LED turn indicators integrated into rear view mirror housings, electrically adjustable windscreen which has a range of 150 mm, digi-analog instrument console, USB charging port, keyless ignition and so on. Being a touring friendly scooter, the Honda Forza 350 has enough underseat storage space to store two full face helmets in addition to compartments on the front apron.
Power comes from a 329.6 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine whose performance figures are not made public yet. For reference, the existing Forza 300’s 279 cc motor produces 24.8 hp. One can expect a bump in power by a few horses. Transmission continues to be a CVT.

The Honda Forza 350 is priced from 173,500 TBT (around INR 4.14 lakh). The scooter emerges as a viable alternative to medium displacement cruisers and tourers. It would be interest to see how well a medium displacement premium automatic scooter will be received in India. More

Hero claims that Xtreme 160R has best in class acceleration from 0-60 kmph in 4.7 seconds
The new Hero Xtreme 160R is a sports commuter motorcycle which was first showcased earlier this year at the Hero World event. Launch was set for April 2020, but due to pandemic, launch was delayed. Now launched in two variants, deliveries have also commenced across major cities of India.

Hero Xtreme 160R single disc brake model is priced at Rs.99,950 while the variant with front and rear disc brakes carries a price tag of Rs.1.03,500. It receives a bold design as was seen on the Hero 1.R concept which was showcased at the 2019 EICMA Show in Milan.
It gets a full LED headlamp, full digital instrument console, engine kill switch, distinctive fuel tank with contrasting colour extensions and of 12 liter capacity, a single seating and smoked LED tail lamps. It also receives a raised tail end, integrated pillion grab rail and compact exhaust. Below is a brief first ride review by Youtube channel MRD vlogs.

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Engine specifications on the Hero Xtreme 160R consists of a BS6 compliant 163cc, air cooled, SOHC engine that offers 15 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 14 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Acceleration from 0 to 60 kmph is possible in 4.7 seconds, claiming a top speed of 115 kmph.
Where suspension is concerned, the 160R gets 37mm telescopic fork in the front and 7 step adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking is via 276mm disc brakes in the front and 130mm drum brakes at the rear on the base variant. The top end variant gets 220mm disc at the rear. Both variants get single channel ABS as standard.
It sits on 17 inch alloy wheels fitted with 100 section tyre in the front and 130mm section at the rear while kerb weight is at 138.5 kgs due to a new light weight diamond frame with the small wheelbase of 1,334 mm offering better manoeuvrability. Length, width and height are at 2029 x 793 x 1052 mm respectively. It also receives three colour options of Sports Red + Grey, Blue + Grey and White + Grey).

Though the Hero Xtreme 160R sets itself in a niche segment, it does take on the Honda X-Blade, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS160, Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ-FI. Here is a detailed comparison between Hero Xtreme 160R and its rivals. More

Honda CD 110 Dream BS6 has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 64,505 for the base variant
New BS6 CD 110 Dream from Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is offered in two variants of Standard and Deluxe. It receives a price tag of Rs 64,505 for base STD variant, which is about Rs 12,700 costlier than the BS4 model. The top Deluxe variant is priced at Rs 65,505. All prices are ex-sh, Delhi.

It comes with an inaugural period offer with 6 year warranty package that includes a 3 year standard warranty and 3 year free extended warranty. New colour options are also a part of these updates with the Standard variant receiving four colours of Black with Red graphics, Black with Grey graphics, Black with Blue graphics and Black with Cabin Gold graphics. The Deluxe variant also gets an equal number of colour options of Black, Geny Grey metallic, Imperial Red metallic and Athletic Blue metallic.
Where on board features are concerned, the new 110 Dream gets a stylish tank design with graphics, a chrome muffler cover, body color mirrors, 5 spoke silver alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres and a new DC headlamp with an integrated headlamp beam and passing switch. 2020 Honda CD110 Dream receives a host of new updates, some of which are first in its class. The details are seen in the new TVC video.

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It gets a longer seat of 735mm, that is 15mm longer than that seen on its predecessor, for added rider and passenger comfort. Friction is considerable reduced with the HET engine that includes an offset cylinder and uses a roller rocker arm with needle bearing. This also relates to better power output and reduced fuel consumption.
The ACG starter uses an AC generator to start the bike, generate current and charge the batter while on the go. The 110 Dream also gets an efficient decompression system with open exhaust valves and SwingBack feature that rotates the engine to let the piston get a running start. This feature extends engine life.
The new Honda CD 110 Dream gets a BS6 compliant 110cc engine that sports Honda Eco Technology and PGM-FI – Programmed Fuel Injection. The engine makes 8.79 hp at 7,500 rpm which is 0.37 hp more than that offered on the BS4 model. Torque has reduced marginally from 9.9 Nm to 9.30 Nm at 5,500 rpm.

It is also fitted with eSP – Enhanced Smart Power technology that claims to offer better fuel efficiency. Suspension and braking is via telescopic shocks in the front and adjustable shocks at the rear while the BS6 Honda CD 110 Dream gets a CBS – Combi Brake System with equalizer. The engine also receives a programmed fuel injection system with the use of sensors so as to ensure optimum fuel delivery, depending on riding conditions. The BS6 Honda 110 CD Dream competes with the Hero HF Deluxe BS6, TVS Sport BS6 and Bajaj CT110. More

Any Honda scooters and motorcycle of your choice can be bought online – company promises a full booking refund to the customer in case of cancellation

Online portals have been initiated by both four and two wheeler makers more so in the past two months than ever before. Hero MotoCorp recently announced its online sales portal, christened eSHOP. Suzuki and Royal Enfield also followed similar format of online bookings along with test rides, payment facilities and doorstep delivery.
This system of making online purchases completely changes the buying process of the past when a visit to a brick and mortar showroom was a standard norm. Following the lockdown, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has opened up around 95 percent of its dealership in India while manufacturing has commenced at Manesar (Haryana), Narsapura (Karnataka), Tapukara (Rajasthan) and Vithalapur (Gujarat).
HMSI have just announced online bookings for its two-wheelers via a digital platform. This initiative is introduced following the new order of social distancing in view of the current coronavirus pandemic. Customers will be able to view all of the two wheelers in the company lineup, select variant, colour and an authorized Honda dealer of their choice. The entire booking process is completed in 6 steps in a quick, seamless and transparent manner right from the comforts of the buyer’s home.
Customers need to visit the official website of the company (https://www.honda2wheelersindia.com/BookNow). Required information needs to be filled, while online booking amounts of Rs.1,999 can be made via credit or debit cards, PayTm, UPI Bhim or net banking. The system allows the customer to review the model selected, make necessary changes and in the event of cancellation, the entire booking amount is refunded without any charges being deducted.
The booking amount is transferred to the respective dealer as selected by the customer. Once payment is approved, the customer receives a Unique Booking Number via SMS or mail. This stands as a reference number for follow up. It needs to be shared with the dealer for all further communication.
From the new Activa 6G to their best selling motorcycle CB Shine, you can now buy any Honda two wheeler from the comfort of your home. HMSI has launched quite a few models in the past month despite the precarious situation in the country. The company launched the new BS6 compliant Grazia, Livo and X-Blade in India along with the CD 110 Dream and 2020 Africa Twin; taking the company’s total portfolio to 9 models.

Sales in June 2020 saw a 4 fold surge to 2,10,879 units when compared to sales of 54,820 units in May 2020 showing strong recovery post the lockdown and increased demand. This is probably in view of the new physical distancing norms wherein commuters will be wary of using any public means of transport to protect themselves against the coronavirus pandemic. More