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  • New Honda 200cc Motorcycle Launch Teaser Video – Pulsar, Apache rival

    Once launched, Honda Motorcycle India’s very first 200cc model will replace the CB Hornet 160R
    Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) plans to launch an all-new product in the highly active 150-200cc segment. At the moment, the Japanese automaker offers nothing to the Indian market’s widening single-cylinder sports or sports commuter motorcycle category, except for the Honda CB300R. The neo-retro naked sports motorcycle has not been updated to BS6 emission norms yet.

    The 2020MY Honda CB300R BS6 might be launched by the end of this year. Sold exclusively via Honda Wing World outlets, the streetfighter was removed from the official HMSI website a few months ago. In BS4 format, prices started at Rs 2.41 lakh ex-showroom.
    At the moment, the 150-200cc motorcycle category in India is dominated by the likes of Bajaj Auto, KTM India, Yamaha Motor India and TVS Motor Company. Hero MotoCorp has also strengthened its presence by launching the Xtreme 160R. Meanwhile, Honda Motorcycle India is stronger in the mass-production budget commuter segment.

    After discontinuing the sought-after Honda CBR250R faired sportsbike ahead of BS6 emission norms, the company has not introduced anything that is as desirable as popular names in the category mentioned above. However, an upcoming 200cc Honda motorcycle (a first for India) would put an end to this. It would most likely be a sports commuter, replacing the Honda CB Hornet 160R (yet to receive BS6 update).
    Honda’s new 200cc motorcycle – What to expect
    Rumours claim that it will be based on the Honda CBF190R sports commuter available in markets such as China and Latin America. In fact, HMSI had patented this motorcycle for Indian roads last year. Compared to its foreign counterpart, the Indian-spec CBF190R BS6 (or whatever it will be called) would sport some minor changes to bring prices down.
    For instance, one can be sure that it will employ traditional telescopic forks at the front rather than USD units. A flatter and more pillion friendly seating configuration can be expected as well. Take a look at the teaser video below.

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    Once launched, it will lock horns with the latest TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and KTM 200 Duke. Other desirable alternatives include the Yamaha FZ 25, Suzuki Gixxer 250, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and even the Yamaha MT-15.
    Engine & specs
    The Chinese-spec Honda CBF190R is powered by a 184.4cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder engine good for 16.63bhp @ 8,000rpm and 16.3Nm @ 7,000rpm. This is mated to a 5-speed transmission. Specs are clearly below the current benchmark and hence, Honda Motorcycle India might develop an improved power plant for our market. Will it become an all-new Honda CB Hornet 200R? More

  • Honda CB125R Based Electric Motorcycle Launch Planned – Patent Images Leak

    Electric is the future of mobility solutions – This has been established very firmly over the last couple of years with more and more electric vehicles (EVs) being seen in the market
    Electric revolution has been kick-started primarily by business houses specialised in electrical technology and new start-ups. Over the last few years, mainstream automotive manufacturers have also started showing increasing interest in this field.

    Automakers have started investing in building new platforms to support an electric powertrain setup. Stricter emission norms and rise in fuel prices have also made automakers think of adopting electric tech. Many conventional automakers have joined this bandwagon and are planning to launch their electric powered vehicle in the near future.
    The latest example is from Honda which is planning to develop a new electric bike, based on the Honda CB125R. A new set of leaked patent images, confirm that Honda is working on an all electric entry level motorcycle. The leaked images reveal a lot of similarities with the CB125R especially the cycle and chassis parts.

    Honda CB 125R based Electric Motorcycle Patent Sketch
    The patent images showcase an almost complete motorcycle which suggests that Honda might have started working on this electric bike or at least Honda’s R&D must have finalised on a design. The detailing shown in the patents hints that it is definitely more than a concept model. 
    As with patents, there are no official details attached with them. Neither does it have a name nor its existence confirmed by the company officially. However, it can be clearly seen from the images that the body and frame resemble that of CB125 with housing for an electric drivetrain. From the looks of it, the motor makes out to be a pancake-style design with a slim profile and a large diameter. 
    Expected Performance
    The platform is already tested to deliver / handle certain level of performance. Considering that the new Honda electric motorcycle is based on the CB125R, expect the overall performance to be of similar standards. The gasoline powered 125cc unit in CB125R can attain a top speed of 130 kmph and generate 13 bhp of maximum power. The electric bike is also expected to deliver similar performance, although initial acceleration is expected to be a lot quicker since the maximum torque is instantaneously available in an electric powertrain.
    According to Visordown, almost 75 percent of the electric motorcycle’s parts will be directly taken from CB125R. This should make it easier for Honda to develop a production model of the same. If Honda does bring out a production-spec of this electric bike, it will surely garner a lot of attention from all corners. More

  • BS6 Honda Activa 125, Dio and Unicorn 160 Prices Increased – New Price List

    Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has increased prices of Dio, Unicorn and Activa 125 today
    BS6 Honda Unicorn price now stands revised by 955 bucks. BS6 Honda Unicorn is a single variant offering available at at a price of Rs. 94,548 (ex-sh, Delhi). The price hike is a systemic one and doesn’t entail any tech or cosmetic revision. BS6 Honda Unicorn was launched in February 2020 for a price of Rs 93,593. This was a price hike of about 13k over the BS4 model, and the biggest development was its engine update. Within 6 months, an engine update and necessary tweaks has warranted a price hike of almost 15k.

    While price revisions are a regular activity, carried out 1-2 times a year, the current price revision has been a more or less silent one. Price revision can be attributed to input cost revisions, economic reasons, and ever-changing market conditions. Since all vehicles were required to be BS6 complaint by March 31, 2020, all revised launches already attracted a price increase in the last few months.
    BS6 Honda Unicorn 160 features a 162.7 cc single-cal, FI engine with Honda Eco Technology (HET). It returns power of 12.73 bhp at 7,500 rpm, and peak torque of 14 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The two-wheeler is optimised for efficiency. Available with single channel ABS, Unicorn is available in Imperial Red Metallic, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black.

    Honda Activa 125 BS6
    Honda Activa range is the brand’s biggest success story. Activa 125 BS6 was the first scooter to be made compliant well within time. Following a price hike in April 2020, the brand has introduced a second price update in quick succession. This time by 955 bucks. Revised price is now listed as 955 Rs 68,997 for Activa 125 dry variant, Rs 72,497 for drum-alloy variant, and Rs 75,997 for front disc variants.
    Honda Activa 125 features a single-cyl, FI engine that returns 8.29 hp of power and 10.3Nm torque. features include start-stop tech, side-stand inhibitor, engine kill-switch, and Honda Eco tech.
    Honda Dio BS6

    Honda Dio BS6
    Launched back in Feb 2020, Honda Dio BS6 is powered by the same engine as the new Activa 6G. At the time of launch, BS6 Dio was priced Rs 59,990 for the base variant and Rs 63,340 for the DLX variant. Compared to BS4 prices, this was a hike of up to Rs 7,100. Now, after two price hikes, latest price of Dio BS6 is Rs 61,497 for the base variant and Rs 64,847 for the DLX variant.
    Alongwith Unicorn, Dio and Activa 125, HMSI has revised its price list for Activa 6G. Last month, new buyers could avail of 50 percent EMI for first three months, and 95 percent of loan amount through specially crafted finance offers for Activa 6G and Shine. Over and above the convenience of easy to access finance, buyers can complete an order online without having to go to a store.
    HMSI Sales July 2020
    For July 2020, the company has reported decline in both retail, and wholesale numbers. FADA reports retails numbers at 2,01,432 units, down 25.51 percent from 3,56,823 units in July 2019. Current market share is reported at 23.03 percent. Wholesales are reported at 3,21,583 units, down 29.33 percent from 4,55,036 units in July 2019. Volume loss stood at a whopping 1,33,453 units. While volume loss is significant, no other manufacturer is in a position to gain on Honda’s loss, and HMSI remains comfortably seated as the second biggest two-wheeler manufacturer by sales volume. More

  • Honda Activa 6G price increased – Gets even more expensive than TVS Jupiter

    This is the second price hike since the Honda Activa 6G BS6 model was launch in January 2020
    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has once again hiked prices of the their best-selling scooter, the Activa 6G. This is the second time since launch in January 2020 that prices have been increased. The first price hike in April 2020 was by Rs.552 while this time round the prices has been increased by Rs.955. The price of the Honda Activa 6G now stands at Rs.65,419.
    Best selling Honda in India

    Honda Activa 6G BS6 is offered in two variants, Standard and Deluxe. Prior to the recent price hike, the Activa 6G stood at Rs.64,464 for the standard variant and at Rs.65,964 for the Deluxe trim which was around Rs.8,500 over price of the earlier Activa 5G. Now with the new price hike of Rs.955, the Standard variant is priced at Rs.65,419 while the Deluxe variant carries a price tag of Rs.66,919.
    Honda Activa’s biggest rival is TVS Jupiter, which is the second best selling scooter in the country. With this price hike, Honda Activa 6G has gotten even more expensive than the Jupiter. Below are the prices of both Activa 6G and Jupiter BS6 for the Aug 2020 period.

    Honda Activa 6G vs TVS Jupiter BS6 Prices
    Speaking about the difference between the Activa 6G Standard and Deluxe variant is the new LED headlamp offered on the Deluxe trim. The 6th generation Honda Activa BS6 gets a sharper design and is presented in 6 color options of Glitter Blue Metallic, Pearl Spartan Red, Dazzle Yellow Metallic, Black, Pearl Precious White and Matte Axis Grey Metallic. It’s on board features include start stop switch, multi function ignition key, an external fuel filler cap and a revised instrument console.
    Engine specs
    The Honda Activa 6G BS6 gets an ACG starter motor that makes its engine BS6 compliant. The 110cc, single cylinder, fuel injected engine offers 7.68 hp power at 8,000 rpm and 8.79 Nm torque at 5,250 rpm mated to a CVT. Suspension also sees some improvement, with telescopic fork in the front as against an earlier link type suspension. It gets drum brakes at the front and rear with CBS. Honda Activa 6G now sits on 12 inch wheels as against the earlier 10 inch wheels.
    Heralded as India’s best selling scooter, the BS6 compliant Honda Activa 125, launched in September 2019 along with the Honda Activa 6G BS6 has helped the company achieve sales of 11 lakh BS6 two wheeler in India. These outstanding sales came from 11 BS6 models of 4 scooters and 7 motorcycles. Four BS VI scooters are Activa 6G, Dio, Activa 125 and Grazia 125. The seven motorcycles include 110cc CD Dream and Livo, 125cc Shine and SP 125, 160cc Unicorn and X-Blade and 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports.
    The company currently commands a 19.86 percent share in the two wheeler market in India with 50.15 percent in the scooter segment and 9.65 percent in the motorcycle market. Among the company’s 11 BS6 model portfolio, it is the Activa 6G and 125cc Shine that are in the lead. More

  • 2021 Honda CBR600RR launch on August 21 – Teased in video

    Honda Motorcycle’s all-new CBR600RR supersports middleweight promises greater performance and handling
    Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer Honda has teased its upcoming 2021MY CBR600RR. The ‘supersports middleweight’ motorcycle will be launched on August 21. Ahead of its official debut, which would most likely be an online event considering the present state of affairs, Honda Motorcycle Japan has released a teaser video of the motorcycle doing a track outing.

    The 2021MY Honda CBR600RR is powered by a 599cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four engine. Full specifications and JDM pricing are yet to be revealed. Honda Motorcycle states that the all-new CBR600RR packs “enhanced overall performance” and “latest electronic control technology”. It is much more aerodynamic as well.
    Compared to its predecessor, the motorcycle has a greater focus on track-performance without compromising on ease of handling in public riding conditions. The Honda CBR600RR primarily rivals Kawasaki’s ZX-6R and Yamaha’s YZF-R6. Both motorcycles have raised the benchmark for 600cc inline-fours in their latest iteration.
    ‘Awaken the Race’ – Video teaser

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    The early video teaser shows the all-new CBR600RR being set up for a fast lap. An interesting detail is that the track is empty and engineers wear a face mask. The cinematic shots give a good idea of the motorcycle’s styling and exhaust note.
    Notable highlights include full-LED twin headlamps, white backlit digital instrument console, multiple riding modes, 15,000rpm redline, 225km/h+ top speed, underseat exhaust system, 6-spoke alloy wheels, HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) decals, etc. Over the past couple of months, the internet has come across several unofficial renders of the new ‘RR’.

    In its launch specification, the motorcycle is finished in multi-tone Grand Prix Red shade. This colour is available in different formats across Honda’s faired sportsbike or superbike portfolio. The CBR600RR offers a majorly different riding experience compared to the touring-focused inline-four Honda CBR650R.
    Possible specs
    As mentioned before, there is no news on the 2021MY Honda CBR600RR’s output yet. However, Honda Motorcycle has clearly mentioned that it will showcase a significant rise in performance. The outgoing 2020MY CBR600RR comes with a similar 599cc unit (with DFSI or Dual Stage Fuel Induction) and churns out around 118bhp @ 13,500rpm and 66Nm @ 11,250rpm. Top speed is capped at almost 250km/h.
    To make way for the new model, the current-gen CBR600RR (introduced in 2013) has been discontinued in several important markets. It is still available on the US market (under Honda Powersports) at a starting 2020MY MSRP of $11,799 ex-showroom (roughly Rs 8.83 lakh). It is too early to comment on the motorcycle’s Indian debut. More

  • New Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP Bookings Open in India

    Deliveries are set to commence towards the end of August
    Honda had showcased the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at the 2019 EICMA Show in Milan. Already launched in many countries, Honda has now revealed that launch in India is around the corner. Bookings for the same have commenced at Honda BigWing dealerships in the country. Deliveries are promised by the end of August.

    Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade and CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade SP will be coming to India as Completely Built-up (CBU) units. The two bikes mark the company’s entry into the liter class motorcycle segment and are the most powerful Honda Fireblade bikes as on date.
    Specs
    Honda has ensured improved aerodynamics on board the two Fireblade motorcycles. They will be seen with sleek LED headlamps separated by a central ram air duct offering unobstructed air flow. It also receives new fairing with winglets to create downforce comparable with that seen on the 2018 Honda RC2013V MotoGP.

    Positioned on a new aluminum chassis, presenting greater flexibility, the new Honda Fireblades will offer improved riding dynamics. They will also come in with a new swingarm and longer wheelbase now measuring 1,455mm. The liter class bikes receive electronic rider aids with new Bosch 6-axis IMU and 9 levels of traction control and ABS.
    Tipping the scales at 201 kgs, the Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade and CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade SP will be powered by a 999.9 cc, four cylinder, liquid cooled engine offering 214 hp power at 14,500 rpm and 113 Nm torque at 12,500 rpm. Both the models receive Akrapovic exhaust as standard while the SP model also gets a quickshifter.
    Transmission and braking for the Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade includes BPF fork in the front and Showa BFRC light monoshock at the rear. The Fireblade SP receives Öhlins electronic suspension both at the front and rear. Braking on both models are the same with 330mm disc in the front though the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade gets Nissin calipers and the Fireblade SP sports Brembo Stylema brake calipers.

    Price
    In the UK, the 2021 CBR 1000 RR-R is priced at £20,000 (Rs 19.6 lakhs). The SP costs an additional £3,500 more – £23,500 (Rs 23 lakhs). In India, the 2019 Honda Fireblade was priced at Rs.16.43 lakhs. Considering these valuations, one can expect the base price in India to be in the region of Rs 20 lakhs, ex-sh. Once launched, these liter bikes will take on competition from the 2020 Kawasaki ZX-10R, BMW S1000RR and Ducati Panigale V4. More

  • Honda Activa helps HMSI sales cross 3.21 lakh in July 2020

    Of the 3.21 lakh sales registered by Honda Two Wheelers in July 2020 – More than 2 lakh sales were of Activa
    Though sales have declined in comparison to July 2019, there are positive updates. Physical inventory level at Honda dealerships is less than a month’s sales, and enquiries for BS-VI models is increasing.

    During this period of limited activity, the company did launch the BS6 Honda Grazia. The company has also introduced its BS6 Live and X-Blade in recent weeks. Dispatches to dealerships have been ongoing. Honda is also doing business online, which encourages folks to book a bike online.
    HMSI Sales July 2020
    Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) reported 3,21,583 units in total sales in July 2020. Sales fell 29.32 percent from 4,55,000 units sold in July 2019. Domestic dispatches are reported at 3,09,332 units in July 2020 up 53 percent MoM from sales of 2,02,837 two-wheelers in June 2020. In June, domestic sales stood at 2,02,837.
    Exports in July 2020 stood at 12,251 units. Exports in June 2020 stood at 8,042 units at 52 percent MoM growth. With ops in Q1 restricted, this is the first month in the year that the company has managed to touch the 3 lakh sales mark and exports crossed 10k units.
    Honda Activa BS6 Sales
    While Honda sales is not yet up to scratch, being an early mover in BS6 adaption meant, Honda had introduced the BS6 compliant Activa in July 2019 itself. The strategy worked well because Activa being the brand’s bestseller helped HMSI sell upward of 11 lakh BS6 two-wheelers to date. As lockdown has been lifted across regions, whether in full or partially, the gradual opening up has ensured that two-wheeler manufacturers have been able to report MoM sales growth from May to June, and June to July.

    India’s top 2 selling scooters. Jupiter vs Activa prices – AUG 2020
    Despite Honda’s sales slowdown, Activa remains a bestseller. In June, it stayed on top of the scooter list despite sales having contracted to 1,21,668 units, down from 2,36,739 units sold in June 2019. This is a feat that the brand has yet again achieved for July 2020 though sales is still a shadow of its former glory.
    HMSI is currently accepting bookings for the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP, which are sold as CBUs here. Deliveries will be scheduled August onward. The automaker has also introduced new EMI schemes to make finance available and accessible to more buyers. To make the financial burden as manageable as can be, EMI repayments are reduced at 50 percent for first 3 months for a 36 month loan tenure. Loan amount is available 95 percent of bike cost. To make booking and delivery hassle free, HMSI is also organising home delivery of two-wheelers.
    Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Honda’s sales momentum continues to accelerate in the 3 months since resuming operations – jumping 400% from 54,000 in May to 2 lac units in June, and now breaching the 3 lac mark. Intermittent regional lockdowns across India slowed down the retail momentum gained in June as the percentage of operational network dropped to 80% in July.” More

  • Honda patents New Scooter Design with lots of curves & folds

    Honda’s new scooter patent is evidently a petrol-CVT concept with ‘futuristic’ styling elements
    Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer Honda is working on an all-new premium petrol-CVT scooter. A set of patent images of the same have leaked online, revealing its ‘futuristic’ styling approach that blends a lot of curves and folds. Being an early leak, not much is known about the scooter. It is interesting to see Honda working on an ICE scooter while popular names are concentrating more on all-electric examples. Still, there are quite a few Honda e-scooters in the pipeline.
    Key Design Highlights

    The patent Honda scooter you see here is undoubtedly a concept. It sports a rather radical design philosophy. The apron base, floorboard and rear compartment form a single piece, which folds into the upper half of the front apron. Being a concept in its patent stage, the scooter does not have any lighting systems or registration plates.
    The windscreen situation is unlike any other premium scooter available on the market right now. Behind it, a pocket is present for placing the instrument cluster (most likely a digital unit with various connectivity options to stay with the trend). Observe closely and one can find a couple of storage boxes on the apron.

    The scooter rides on large ‘turbine-like’ alloy wheels (smaller and wider at back; shod with a broader tyre) with a relatively small radial-calliper disc brake at front. Suspensions duties are carried out by telescopic front forks and a single side-mounted unit at the rear. Again, this is an early developmental prototype in digital format and its final avatar could be substantially different. In fact, it will not be surprising if the concept never hits production.
    Possible Specs
    It is too early to reach any conclusions regarding the unnamed scooter prototype’s engine and specifications. However, the motor size represented here suggests that it could be aimed at the 150-160cc segment. In Honda’s global portfolio, the PCX 150 maxi-scooter is the most premium petrol-CVT offering in this category. It is powered by a 149cc water-cooled OHC FI single-cylinder engine making 14.79bhp @ 8,500rpm and 14Nm @ 6,500rpm. In comparison, the lesser Honda PCX 125 employs a 124cc version of the engine and generates almost 12bhp @ 8,500rpm and 12Nm @ 5,000rpm.

    At the moment, Honda’s scooter range is topped by the Forza maxi-scooter. Powering the latest Honda Forza is a 248cc water-cooled OHC single-cylinder motor. It churns out roughly 23bhp @ 7,500rpm and 24Nm @ 6,250rpm.
    Meanwhile, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) recently launched its most premium BS6-compliant scooter, Grazia 125. Powering the model is a 124cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder good for 8.14bhp @ 6,000rpm and 10.3Nm @ 5,000rpm. Prices start at almost Rs 74,000 ex-showroom. More