Honda Bikes

Subterms

    More stories

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      Honda Activa Electric Launch Plans Dismissed – Official Confirmation

      by

      Honda believes that abruptly converting a successful ICE product (such as the Activa) to electric will backfire
      The Indian automotive industry is gradually shifting focus to all-electric and ‘cleaner’ vehicles in the affordable segment. At the moment, there are only three desirable EVs in the four-wheeler category: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona.

      On the other hand, Mahindra Electric is readily the eXUV300 as a direct rival to Tata Motors’ Nexon EV. Maruti Suzuki will join the party as well with the WagonR Electric (final name could be different).
      However, it appears that two-wheelers (especially scooters) showcase the best potential for electric powertrains. Bangalore-based Ather Energy has set a high benchmark for a modern electric two-wheeler and many brands are trying to implement a similar formula in their new emission-free offerings. Among mainstream brands, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company have got the Chetak and iQube, respectively.

      Honda Activa is India’s best selling scooter
      Yet many are waiting for Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) to launch an all-electric version of the country’s bestselling scooter, Activa. In fact, many have retrofitted capable (and arguably better) electric power plants in the Honda Activa over the years. It was only recently that we shared such an interesting example from Pune-based Northway Motorsport.
      No official plans for a Honda Activa Electric
      In an interview with ET Auto, Atsushi Ogata (MD, President & CEO of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India) confirmed that buyers cannot expect an all-electric Honda Activa avatar in the foreseeable future. The Japanese automaker believes that it is very risky to convert a successful petrol-CVT scooter to all-electric in short notice.
      Furthermore, it will lay an immense burden on HMSI’s supply network and production facilities. This is applicable for any brand which has a strong ICE proposition in its portfolio.
      There are no plans to introduce an electric Activa variant alongside the current BS6 model either since present-day technologies make it difficult to price equivalent ICE and EV products in close proximity. The company looks forward to mass-volume sales for EVs and in today’s scenario, this is quite a task to achieve. HMSI aims to wait it out until battery systems fall in pricing and charging infrastructure becomes more efficient.
      However, the company might experiment with electric two-wheeler technologies higher up on the price ladder. Multiple rumours suggest that HMSI would bring down the PCX Electric to our market to compete against the likes of Ather models. In Japan, the EV is available only via a leasing scheme. In the budget or ‘low speed’ class, brands such as Hero Electric, Ampere Vehicles, Okinawa Scooters, etc., are finding a good number of takers. More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      2021 Honda CBR600RR Debuts – Goes On Sale From September

      by

      After much teasing, Honda has finally taken wraps off the new CBR600RR – And revealed all the details
      The middleweight superbike segment had fizzled over the past few years for many reasons. Especially the 600cc segment which has been gasping for breath for a very long time now.

      What once used to be a highly competitive segment has now trickled down to only two notable global products in the form of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Yamaha R6. While majority riders feel that it is easier to coast around in a 600cc bike due to lightweight and sharper handling, there can be no denying the fact that litre-class bikes provide the extra boost and are much easier to handle now with the provision of different ride modes.
      Amidst all this, Honda has decided to come out with a new version of its middleweight prodigy. Honda has unveiled new iteration of the CBR600R at a time when the 600cc category is living to prove its worth. Honda is pinning its hope on the CBR600R to revive the 600cc category globally and stand up against its Japanese rivals.

      First launched in 2003, the all-new 2021 model of CBR600R is expected to take things a few notches up. The design will be able to grab one’s eyeballs and appeal to each and every motorcycling enthusiast. One cannot mistake it for any brand other than Honda due to the presence of the signature under-seat exhaust. However, rather than focussing on the looks, Honda has invested in focussing on the performance and handling of the sports bike.
      Powertrain
      It continues to draw its power from a 599cc in-line four-cylinder unit which continues to produce 120 hp and 64 Nm of peak torque. However, the maximum output is now attained at a much higher revolution of 14000rpm and 11,500rpm. Even though the specs haven’t been altered, internal parts of the engine have been cast from lighter and stiffer materials. In addition, to improve on the emission norms the valve timing has been refigured to improve its breathing ability.
      Features
      One of the highlights is the new fly-by-wire technology which now comes with a new Bosch made six-axis IMU. This system allows the ABS to work on more sophisticated actuation. Then there are various other functionalities on offer which include- wheelie control mode, traction control mode, lean angle-sensitive ABS and engine braking modes.

      Braking duties are carried out by radial discs of 320mm from Tokico on front and a 220mm disc with a single-piston calliper. Thanks to the addition of IMU, it also gets cornering ABS with rear lift mitigation as standard. As far as kerb weight is concerned, it tips the scale at 194 kg which is 7 kg lighter than its elder sibling- the CBR1000R.
      Price
      Honda has priced the new generation CBR650R at 1,460,000 Yen which roughly translated to INR 11.40 lakh. However, not to raise any hope, this bike is highly unlikely to find its way to India. Honda will most likely focus this bike on its home market, USA and other countries where emission norms are not very strict. The bike goes on sale in Japan from September 25 onwards this year. More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

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

      by

      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.

      [embedded content]

      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

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      Honda CB125R Based Electric Motorcycle Launch Planned – Patent Images Leak

      by

      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

    • 175 Shares169 Views

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

      by

      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

    • 163 Shares169 Views

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

      by

      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

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      2021 Honda CBR600RR launch on August 21 – Teased in video

      by

      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

      [embedded content]

      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

    • 163 Shares129 Views

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

      by

      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