Motorcyclist At Large: Search results for honda

Jun 30, 2008

Honda launches CBF Stunner

A new Sporty Bike by Honda

Introduces first-of-its-kind features in the mass market segment -
Integrated front body cowl, Sporty split seats, Wider Tubeless tyres &
Sporty foot step holder

High performance Honda engine with 5 speed transmission

Bike to hit the market in third week of July

New Delhi, June 30, 2008: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.
(HMSI), the 100% owned 2-wheeler subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company,
Japan – the world's largest manufacturer of 2-wheelers, today unveiled
its latest offering "CBF Stunner" in the Indian motorcycle segment.
Targeted at youth, CBF Stunner's sharp and sporty look will
revolutionize the motorcycle market in the country.

HMSI, after the success of its 2 Motorcycles - Unicorn and Shine is all
set to charm the Indian youth with its high performance, sporty, stylish
motorcycle at an affordable price.

With increased choices, today's Indian youth is actively on a look out
for brands that have a high 'style & attitude' quotient. 'CBF Stunner'
inspired by CBR 1000 from Europe aptly fits into the category with its
design, high performance and style. The bike with its 'high-on-style'
features promises to provide its customers an ultimate experience of a
true Honda bike.

HMSI has since inception developed products that have set new benchmarks
in technology, performance, and styling to address the diversified needs
of its customers. Honda's all round quality has been a source of
enjoyment for its customers and the new offering CBF Stunner with its
style and performance is aimed at providing desired pleasure to young
Indian customer.

CBF Stunner will be available in three variants viz. Self Disc Alloy,
Self Drum Alloy & Kick Drum Alloy. Self Drum Alloy & Self Disc Alloy
will be available in four colours Sports Red, Pearl Sports Yellow, Space
Silver Metallic and Black while Kick Drum Alloy will be available in two
colours Sports Red & Black.

CBF Stunner would be available in the Indian market from third week of
July. The ex-showroom price of CBF Stunner in INR is as follows:

Cities || Kick Drum Alloy || Self Drum Alloy || Self Disc Alloy
Delhi || 47,070 || 49,820 || 51,655
Pune || 48,720 || 51,525 || 53,390
Bangalore || 48,395 || 51,545 || 52,980
Kolkata || 48,410 || 51,160 || 52,990

Salient features of CBF Stunner

Styling
Integrated Front Body Cowl:
An integrated front body cowl & voluminous fuel tank makes stunner look
muscular & sporty. It also enhances aero dynamism, thus providing an
unhindered moving stance to the rider.

Sporty Split Seat & Two Panel Sporty Rear Cowl
First of its kind in this category, sporty split seat not only adds to
the riding comfort but also enhances the overall appeal. Two panel sharp
rear cowl makes it look sporty.

Sporty Foot Step Holders
Sporty foot step holders reflecting Honda's racing bike DNA are
positioned in a way to give rider a sporty riding posture.

Performance

High Performance Honda Engine with 5 Speed Transmission
A new advanced and high performance 11 bhp Honda engine with 5 speed
transmission ensures an absolutely sensational ride. It gives an
excellent power at all speed ranges and provides superior initial
acceleration & overtaking pick up.

Wider Tubeless Tyres with Black Alloy Wheels.
First Time in its category, Tubeless tyres in front as well rear. This
enhances performance, better cornering & chances of sudden deflation of
tyres on punctures are reduced. 100/90 Wider tubeless tyre in rear adds
to the appeal. The 17" Black alloy wheels adds on to the sports
character of the bike.

Diamond Frame with Rectangular Box type Swing Arm
It adapts light weight diamond frame proven with high reliability on
Indian roads. The tough and flexible frame provides good stability in
harsh and daily use conditions. It is also equipped with harder and
stronger rectangular box type swing arm which helps in achieving high
stability, sporty performance and constant ground touch feeling.

240mm Front Disc Brake
Efficient Hydraulic 240mm front disc brake provides efficient braking
performance in all weather conditions and ensures stability at high speeds.

Sporty
The riding posture of the bike is sporty yet comfortable. The shoulders
and elbows are more inclined than the competition to give the rider a
perfect sporty posture. The folding step placed slightly backwards
provides sporty posture. Pillion's leg position is nearer to rider's
bottom which is more comfortable.

Convenience
The bike has small storage space under the seat which can be used for
storing small items such as gloves. The stylish console with trip meter
also provides convenience of keeping a track on the distance traveled
and mileage.

Present at launch were Mr. Kenji Kawaguchi, Operating Officer General
Manager, Planning Division Honda Motorcycle R&D Centre Japan, Mr. Shinji
Aoyama, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd, Mr.
Nobuhiko Takizawa, President, Honda R&D (India), Mr. Atsuhiko Takahashi,
Large Project Leader (CBF Stunner) Honda Motorcycle R&D Centre Japan,
Mr. Yuji Mizumoto, Assistant LPL, Honda Motorcycle R&D Centre, Japan
alongwith Mr. N K Rattan Head Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle &
Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.

Excepts from Company officials-

Mr. S Aoyama, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt
Ltd., "Honda believes and practices the philosophy of 3 joys that is
being demonstrated through our "I enjoy" campaign to deliver utmost
customer satisfaction. HMSI is committed to provide unique experience
through its innovative products and quality in every aspect of business.
The new bike being unveiled today is one of the steps to provide
exciting products at an affordable price. The bike is a reflection of
Honda's worldwide sports bikes and we hope that Indian youngster can now
enjoy Honda's sports DNA. In India we will continue to bring exciting
products and be a full line company by 2010 starting with 100cc
motorcycles and fun bikes."

Mr. Kenji Kawaguchi, Operating Officer General Manager, Planning
Division Honda Motorcycle R&D centre, Japan, "Honda is today the world's
largest motorcycle manufacturer and one of the leading automakers. India
is an important market for Honda Motor Co. Honda is committed to the
Indian market and will go all out in providing exciting products to the
Indian market. Honda has always been in forefront in strengthening
technologies for environment conservation, safety riding and enhancing
product attributes. The newer technologies like Honda's Programmed Fuel
injection – PGM-F1 and ABS (Antilock Brake System) will soon be
installed on all Honda Motorcycles worldwide soon."

Mr. N.K Rattan, Head Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India
Pvt Ltd., "CBF Stunner is Honda's answer to Youngsters desire to own a
affordable sports bike. This new bike carries Honda's Sports DNA with
Sharp, Muscular style & high performance 11 bhp Honda engine that Indian
youth expect from Honda. This bike will be available at all dealers by
third week of July for sales. Along with this new bike, HMSI's all model
sales shall touch 10 lac units in 2008-09."

Jan 14, 2008

Auto Expo 2008: Honda

The Japanese company showed off three significant products and bunch of promising CBUs. First, the Aviator. The Aviator is Honda's latest scooter, unfortunately, based squarely on the Activa platform, so no new powertrain to compete with all the 125s. Er... oops. Yes, the 102cc engine powers the neat looking Aviator, which claims, falsely, to have the first 12-inch wheels in the country. I think the Blaze already did that. Finally, Honda relent and add telescopic forks and offer an optional disc too. The Aviator still does not offer a front-fuelling option. I, for one, am neither amused, nor enthused.

Moving right along, the CBF race and sports concepts looked very nice. Based on the Unicorn, they were styling exercised aimed to see what you guys think of such styling and bits. I loved the braced swingarm, carbon body panels and stuff, but couldn't swallow the twin shocks. Technically, good suspension tuning is far more important that how the suspension is articulated. But Honda (re-)introduced the monoshock to our country, and seeing the next generation of sporty Unicorns with gas-charged twin shocks will not help Honda's cause. Of course, all of the Japanese companies have both mono- and twin-shock bikes in their worldwide ranges, but that isn't the point. You can't sell a bike for four years harping about the monoshock only to revert to twin shocks a few years later. Someone at Honda needs to realise that Unicorn sales are not a reflection of people liking/not liking the monoshock, its a failure on the value front. So the solution lies in a perceived value correction, not the spring.

The CBUs included the CB600F Hornet, the CBR600RR and the Fireblade. The last one is simpler to deal with, so I'll take that on first. The Fireblade displaces more than 800cc so it could be a direct import. On the other hand, the other two will have to be assembled here, and CKDs look like a great idea on that front. Of the two, the CBR600RR has received some excellent, excellent reviews and I for one, can't wait to ride one. I asked one Honda official about the saree guard and the front number plate requirement. He said that the new rule – European homologation is accepted means that the big bikes won't need saree guards anymore. The front numberplate is an RTO requirement, but shouldn't be too hard to handle, since the Singapore market also requires a front plate and so solutions already exist, ready for transplant.

Related links:

Mar 20, 2007

Honda Unicorn: Serious (cosmetic) upgrades!

I know I have backdated this so it fits, but it completes the chronology. Here's the Unicorn release in full.

Honda Revs Up For the Indian Two – Wheeler Market

Targets 27% growth in 2007-08
Launches New Sporty Unicorn
Launches “Unicorn Grand Prix” to celebrate 2006 Moto GP
win by Honda
Eyes over a million sales to be a top group company
Aggressive sales strategy with introduction of new models in 100 cc
& higher cc Bikes
Undertakes rapid Network expansion
New Delhi, March 19, 2007: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), a 100% subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company, Japan - the largest manufacturer of two wheelers in the world – today announced the launch of a new look sporty 150 cc Honda UNICORN.

In 2006-07, HMSI sold 7.2 Lac units. In 2007-08, aggressively plans for 9 Lac units with a growth of 27% and eyes over a million sales to be a top group company. “We have emerged as the 4th largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India by growing faster than the industry year after year. We are now targeting rapid expansion of our business in future to be one of the top group two wheeler companies in India by 2010”, said Mr. Yukihiro Aoshima, President & CEO, HMSI. New Sporty UNICORN Dressed with looks that surpass benchmarks of admiration and envy alike, the new Honda Unicorn exhibits international Sporty styling at its best. Apart from a classy double tail lamp and a masculine fuel tank, this racing wonder also flaunts a stylish front cowl, body gelling graphics, robust black plated engine and sporty alloy wheels.

According to Mr. Yoichi Mizutani, Director – Sales & Marketing, HMSI, “The New Sporty Unicorn is borne out of Honda’s belief to constantly innovate to fulfill aspirations and needs of the target customers. The consumer expectations have evolved since we launched Unicorn. Consumers today seek not only performance but also expect their products express their individuality. Existing Unicorn is already a benchmark for exhilarating performance in its category.

With its international Sporty look, the new Unicorn is now further strengthened to meet expectations of young customers in India.” Powered by a Honda 4-stroke, 150cc engine and incorporating cutting-edge technologies developed by Honda’s global R&D team, Unicorn is an engineering masterpiece. With a powerful 13.3 bhp engine, Unicorn clocks 0-60 kmph in an amazing 5 seconds delivering the best pick-up in its class. It is engineered to ensure a perfect balance of pick up and mileage and delivers an incredible 60 kms to a litre with its aerodynamic body and a very refined engine from Honda that develops high torque at practical operating speeds.

Fitted with the state-of-the-art Mono-suspension and a strong and flexible Diamond frame, the Unicorn is crafted to render only the smoothest drive. The Unicorn is the first motorcycle in India to have puncture resistant Tuff-up tube. The new Sporty Unicorn is priced competitively at Rs 58,150/- (ex-showroom Delhi), Rs 55950/- (ex-showroom Pune), Rs 57550/- (ex-showroom Bangalore), and Rs 58575/- (ex-showroom Kolkata).

The New Sporty Unicorn will be launched nationally on April 9th, 2007. To celebrate Honda’s Moto GP sweeping win of all the titles of Team, Rider & Constructor championship, HMSI today also announced the launch of its “Unicorn Grand Prix” for the bike enthusiasts in India.

Present for this Launch function was Mr. Tadayuki Okada- the Chief Tester of Honda RC212V for Repsol Honda, Konica Minolta Honda, Camel Honda & Telefonica Movistar Honda racing teams, who actually tested the bike Honda RC211V that Nicky Hayden rode to win the 2006 Moto GP Championship. The Bookings for the “Unicorn Grand Prix” bike will start from second week of May 2007. A total of 2,500 units will be available till June 2007.

The “Unicorn Grand Prix” bike is priced at Rs59425 /- (ex-showroom Delhi) “To achieve the growth target, we plan an aggressive Sales Strategy. Along with the introduction of new models in the market, we are undertaking rapid network expansion,” said Mr. Yoichi Mizutani. In 2006-07, HMSI has developed 100 Dealers & Branches, thus registering a total of 391 operational outlets.

In 2007-08, HMSI plans to rapidly expand network to 693 outlets which is 170% up than 2006-07. This will enable HMSI to reach closer to customers and to achieve the set aggressive targets.

Jun 29, 2006

Hero Honda Glamour FI Launch release

As usual, below I've pasted the full release. First opinions? Hideous. But then, the Glamour always was. I think the seriously messy area above the engine can't really add or take away from that (er... thank god?). The bike certainly looks silly. The rest when I swing a leg over...

Hero Honda reinforces technology leadership with India’s first
Fuel Injection motorcycle technology

Hero Honda Glamour FI will feature Honda’s first 125 cc
PGM-FI Engine (Programmed Fuel Injection)

Programmed Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM – FI) for the best drivability & lesser gear changes in traffic
Real time Mileage indicator (RTMI) for achieving optimum mileage
Bank Angle Sensor – Cuts off fuel supply in case of a tip over - an industry first safety feature
Lowest Emissions – will meet even the most stringent emission norms of the future
No carburetor – less maintenance
Starts easily in all weather conditions – even in very low temperatures

Mumbai, June 26th, 2006: Hero Honda Motors Ltd., the ‘World No.1’ two-wheeler company, today announced the launch of India’s first Fuel Injection technology for two-wheelers, with the 125 cc Glamour FI. The new technology eliminates the need for a carburetor, offers the most comfortable drive and the lowest emissions, in addition to a host of other features, which will be available for the first time to Indian two-wheeler riders. The Glamour FI will be launched in 2 variants – Drum Kick at Rs. 49,990/- and the fully loaded Disc Self at Rs. 53,990, ex-showroom Delhi. [roughly Rs 5500 more than the non-FI versions] and will be available in 60 towns at over 180 Hero Honda dealerships throughout the country. Hero Honda plans on extending the Fuel Injection technology to other models gradually.

Glamour FI, based on stylish 125cc motorcycle Glamour, has better fuel efficiency and ease of engine start, due to the effect of PGM-FI. Riders can view the digital real-time fuel economy indicator situated at meter face, to know the bike’s fuel efficiency at any given point of time. Its design is more refined, with its engine integrated with black color and its unique FI logo.

Speaking on this momentous occasion, Mr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors said, “The Hero Honda family is elated to have set yet another precedent in the Indian two-wheeler industry. Fuel Injection Technology has till now been used in cars and is being introduced in two wheelers for the very first time in India by Hero Honda, with the help of Honda Motor Company. This is the technology of the future for all two-wheelers and we feel privileged to be the first company to offer this technology in India, with the launch of the Glamour FI.”

According to Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director, Hero Honda Motors, “Today’s launch reiterates Hero Honda’s superior technological edge and pedigree of bringing world class technology to India. Through the years, we have successfully endeavored to deliver the best value proposition to our customers and we will continue to provide them with products that incorporate the most advanced technology, design and fuel-efficiency”.

The Glamour FI has a distinctive PGM - FI feature (Programmed Fuel Injection), a first in two-wheelers. This is an intelligent computer controlled electronic fuel injection system which scans critical engine operating conditions through sensors and provides input to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to inject the accurate amount of fuel as per the requirement. The sensors include - throttle position, engine operating temperature, intake air temperature, manifold absolute air pressure and crank angle.

The RTMI takes input on distance traveled and fuel consumed from the speed sensor and ECU and displays the average mileage for the preceding 10 seconds.

The Glamour FI has a Bank Angle Sensor, an industry first feature, is an important safety feature which cuts off the fuel supply & ignition if the bike tips over (falls). Apart from these the motorcycle has a FI Malfunction Indicator Lamp which diagnoses any malfunction of sensors and indicates the same to the rider and a LCD Fuel Gauge displays fuel level in the fuel tank which is easy to read and contemporary. Apart from the new FI technology, Hero Honda’s Glamour also showcases new body coloured grab rail and rear view mirrors.

The overall two-wheeler market in India has been growing rapidly, reaching approximately 7,300,000 units in 2005, a 15% increase from 2004. The market is expected to grow further in 2006, up to approximately 8,500,000 units, a 17% increase from 2005

[CLAIMED BENEFITS FOR PGM-FI]

Offers improved fuel efficiency & better emission performance
Excellent drivability owing to quick throttle response
Excellent cold starting ability (no choke operation)
Consistent engine performance at varying altitudes and ambience temperature
Ability to run the bike at lower speeds on top gear without engine knocking that translates into less gear changes in congested traffic conditions.
No starting problems after long storage periods.

[CLAIMED BENEFITS FOR RTMI (Real Time Mileage Indicator)]

Enables the rider to know the "Real Time Mileage"
Provides an opportunity to adjust riding style to get the optimum mileage

Full Glamour FI specs from Hero Honda:

Engine
Type
Single Cylinder Air Cooled, 4 Stroke Sohc
Valve Train
2 Valve
Displacement
124.8cc
Bore & Stroke
52.4 X 57.9 mm
Comp. Ratio
9.2:1
Starting
Kick Start / Electric Start

Performance
Max. Power
6.72 KW/9 bhp @ 7,000 RPM (no change)
Max. Torque
10.35 NM @ 4,000 RPM (no change)

Transmission
Gear Box
4 Speed Constant Mesh
Clutch
Multiplate Wet Type

Electricals
Battery
12V- 2.5AH(Kick) / 5AH(Self)
Head Light
35/35 W Halogen Bulb

Chassis
Type
Double cradle

Suspension
Front
Telescopic Hydraulic Type
Rear
Rectangular Swing Arm With Hydraulic Shock Absorber

Brakes
Front
240mm Drum Type/ 130mm Disc Type
Rear
130mm Drum Type

Tyres
Front
2.75 X 18" 42 P
Rear
3.00 X 18" 6pr, 52 P

Dimensions
Kerb Weight
Kerb Wt - 125kg (Standard)/ 129kg (Deluxe)
Wheel Base
1,265mm
Length
2,005mm
Width
735mm
Overall Height
1,070mm
Ground Clearance
150mm
Tank Capacity
12 Lts./1.5 reserve

Other posts about
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Yamaha Gladiator: Images Launch Expo photos Expo text Compared to the Shine
Suzuki Heat: Expo text Expo photos Zeus Ride Report
Honda Shine: Mumbai launch TVC criticism Launch Compared to the Gladiator
TVS Victor Edge/GLX: Launch

Oct 17, 2007

Hero Honda Hunk: The full details

Just returned from the unveiling of the newest motorcycle on the block, the Hero Honda Hunk. Hero Honda claims that the engine has been tweaked - 'piston pin is now inclined,' friction has been decimated further etc. However, the peak power and torque figures appear to be identical to the Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme. That's 14.2bhp at 8500 rpm and 12.8 nm at 6500 rpm. The information released at the event says that the engine now has tumble flow (like swirl, but vertical). If I understand correctly, that should have boosted torque. Maybe the torque curve sits higher everywhere, but has the same peak. Then again, if that were the case, I'd say as much... and they didn't. So, is the powertrain different from the CBZ X-Treme, no official word, but I think not. It is painted a nice grey, though.

But engine aside, there's a lot of pretty good stuff on the bike. The new gas charged rear shocks look good, for instance, although their dynamic benefit will become clear only after one swings a leg over. Similarly, the deeply dished saddle looks great and feels good to sit in. I do wish they'd gone the whole hog and split the seats, though. Staying with the seat, the seat lock is now separated from the helmet lock. The former is integrated (key operated) into the tailpiece, while the helmet lock is not part of the saree guard (like the CD-Deluxe? Not sure).

The styling is pretty interesting. The massive tank extensions look good, but once you are seated, it makes the tank look pretty big. On the other hand, if you like hanging off, the seat extensions offer a pretty secure place to lock in your thighs. The fairing looks neat too, although I think they could have been more adventurous with the headlamp shape and size. The rest of the bike is a striking interplay between matte black and painted panels, and I was faintly reminded of similar themes on the recent Hornet, and either a recent 600RR or a 1000RR... not sure. Upshot? Build quality is great and fit-finish is also great. Altogether, the bike does look pretty striking. Although, I will admit that it still is a far cry from what we were expecting - full fairing, monoshock, twin headlamps etc. None of which make an appearance.

Hero Honda also chose two rather curious points to talk about. The Hunk (that name, oh that name) does not have a digital dash element, favouring a bright red speedo (chrome bezel) flanked by a revcounter and a fuel gauge. The other thing is that the Hunk reverts to a bulb type tail lamp, which again mystifies me. Hero Honda showed a fancy chart where the Karizma held down the Biker end, while the Achiever managed the commuter end of the scale. And while the CBZ X-Treme is positioned as appealing to the style conscious crowd, the Hunk is supposed to be a more raw kind of performance bike, and therefore labelled macho. The digi-dash and the LED omissions, evidently, are due to that thought, and no 'delicate' elements were incorporated in the Hunk.

Hero Honda will offer a 3 year warranty, and there will be two variants. The kick start model (features a kick back prevention device...) will set you back Rs 55,000 ex-showroom (not specified but usually Delhi), while the electric start model costs Rs 57,000.

Okay, the chap in the pic. Just thought you guys should see this. The unveiling space was flanked by rigged up gyms with these hunks working out... to set the tone, so to speak. And the images are either mine (meters and hunk) or courtesyHero Honda

Oct 9, 2006

Hero Honda CBZXtreme: Launch Release

Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme

Like I promised, here is the launch release and images
====

HERO HONDA UNVEILS ALL-NEW ‘CBZ X-TREME’

Strengthens Presence and Focus on the Premium Segment

150cc, 14.2 BHP powerful engine
Highest acceleration in the segment: 0 – 60 kmph in 5 seconds
New model comes with a 3-year / 40,000 kms warranty
CBZ X-treme to enhance Hero Honda’s image as a
youthful and technology-driven company

CBZ X-treme is an X-treme style machine with several first of its kind features:

LED Tail Light – first time ever on any two-wheeler in the country
Split Rear Grip, again a first-time feature in motorcycles in India
Black Alloy Wheels
Front Disc brakes
Aircraft type Fuel Tank Lid
Wide 100/90 low aspect ratio rear tyre for additional road grip and safety
Dark grey colour engine

And several additional features for a very youthful and sporty look:

Integrated tail light and winkers
Front winkers integrated with the visor
Pilot lamps positioned above the head light
Sculpted & Sharp Rear Cowl
Brushed steel console panel finish
Contoured seat

New Delhi, October 9th, 2006: Indian roads are never going to be same again as Hero Honda, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles, today further strengthened its presence in the premium segment, by unveiling the all-new ‘CBZ X-treme’.

CBZ X-treme, with a 150 cc engine, stunning design and best-in-class features, carries forward the lineage of Hero Honda CBZ, the immediate synonym of stylish bikes for many.

As a true market leader, Hero Honda was the first two-wheeler manufacturer in India to introduce a bike on the style platform, with the launch of the Sleek, way back in 1989. The company further consolidated this position with the launch of the CBZ in 1999. The CBZ motorcycle immediately won the hearts of customers, many of whom till this date continue to swear by its performance and style. CBZ X-treme, keeping up Hero Honda’s tradition of innovation, is a result of extensive market research and customer feedback and has been specially developed for the true connoisseurs of style and performance.

Unveiling the CBZ X-treme here today, Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said, “The launch of CBZ X-treme is a landmark event in the Indian two-wheeler industry, which is going to completely revolutionize the biking experience of the GenNext bike enthusiasts in the country. The CBZ X-treme will offer an exhilarating biking experience to riders.

“We also have a slew of new products across categories lined up to hit the roads in the next few months. So rev up and stay tuned for further news from Hero Honda,” he added.

CBZ X-treme has been jointly developed by Honda R&D in Japan, India and Hero Honda R&D. The new motorcycle addresses the aspirations of customers preferring a higher cc motorbike. Its 150 cc engine with 5-gear transmission promises to deliver the best overall performance in the segment. Performance features like best-in-class acceleration, power delivery and top-speed are the best ever experienced in the 150 cc segment.

Hero Honda CBZ X-treme will be immediately available for test drives and bookings through the company’s wide network of dealers. It would be available commercially by the end of this month

CBZ X-treme will be offered in a range of five attractive colours including the all-new vibrant blue metallic and sports red; candy blazing red, black and boon silver. The CBZ X-treme comes in two variants - disc/kick and disc/self.

The motorcycle is attractively priced at Rs 54,500/- (Disc Kick version) and Rs 56,500/- (Disc Self version) ex-showroom Delhi.

May 21, 2007

Unicorn vs CBZ X-Treme: Sibling rivalry

I rode the new Unicorn today after having ridden the CBZ-Xtreme, so I thought I would post up a sort of quick comparison.

I was immediately amazed at how different the two siblings feel. Think about it, they're basically the same motorcycle wearing a different set of body panels, but they couldn't be further apart in feel terms.

Engine:
The CBZX rocks. It feels like it is in a hurry, loves the open throttle, braps forwards at the slightest provocation and is generally a bit of a hooligan with extra hormones. The Unicorn, is the diametric opposite. It feels calm, unhurried, frowns at full throttle work, surges forward when needed and is generally the sorted, laid-back chap who usually gets his work done without drama. In more tangible terms, the Unicorn (which does not have bar-end dampers and all) feels way, way, way more refined, has noticeably less vibration, a bit more torque at really low revs and a gruff, low voice. The CBZX vibrates a bit despite the dampers (fifteen minutes at full throttle will have you pinkie tingling), is not refined, has a proper, audible voice when on it and has much more thrust than the Unicorn once the revs cross about 4500 rpm. At the upper end of the revs, the Unicorn will totally lose the game to the almost savage CBZX.

Gearbox:
Again, Honda has the refinement edge. I think the reason why the CBZX gearshift feels a bit notchier is because the Unicorn's shift lever is mounted direct, while the CBZX uses a linkage because the pegs are rearset.

Performance:
The CBZX all the way. The Unicorn feels too soft engine wise to actually even participate in this comparison. Before I bring in the stopwatch, the Unicorn feels 'wrong' on this front. You don't want to rev the needle to the horsepower peak and all of that. The CBZX, on the other hand, feels quite happy to rev as hard for as long as you like.

Handling:
The CBZX feels more agile and planted, but the Honda feels lighter. Despite the addition of the alloy wheels and all, I consistently felt that the Unicorn requires less physical effort to change direction, lean all the way over. However, if it came to a situation where I had to pick one and take it to a race track or closed off mountain road, I'd pick the CBZX in an instant.

Ride Quality:
I still think the Unicorn's monoshock is way too stiff for most situations. It becomes sublime with a pillion or a heavy rider alone, but in most other situations, I think it makes my back work hard. Which is not to say that the CBZX is the epitome, but I know which one I would rather take on a potholed road with.

Braking:
There isn't much difference, but on the two bikes I rode, the CBZX's brakes were better bled (both bikes fresh from their first services...)

Build Quality:
Compared to the Unicorn, the CBZX is crap. The Unicorn still sports exemplary build quality, great finish levels and all. But the CBZX is like a wart on Hero Honda's otherwise superhigh build and finish reputation. I don't know why, and I don't know how, but the CBZX deserves no compliments on this front.

Styling:
I think they're even. I don't like either. The CBZX has goitre in front and too many lines on the rest of it. The Unicorn doesn't have any distinguishing features whatsoever. I think the Unicorn looks quite handsome in black though, and the CBZX, similarly in silver. Black alloys are a terrible idea, though. They never stay black, always dirty brown...

Ergos:
I don't really like the width of the Unicorn tank, and that remains a sort point. It makes the motorcycle feel bulky, spread my legs out too much and in general, makes me fidgety. On the other hand, the wide tank mounts tank bags more securely. Pegs are normally set on the Unicorn, and that too, in my opinion takes away from the experience. In comparison, the CBZX is far, far better. The riding position is sportier, the tank feels good to grip with the thighs and the seat, which looks decidedly odd, feels good as well.

Pillions:
They all invariably prefer the Unicorn. Although truth be told, the CBZX isn't half bad (buzzy pegs and hard seat ruin it a bit for the second rider).

Price:
Anyone who thinks a couple thousand (that's about 3 percent) should sway a buying decision at this level is a freaking miser. Pick the one you like, mister.

Overall:
The Unicorn is just right for the older rider, I think. By older rider, I don't necessarily mean 65-year old dodder-abouts. I mean anyone who is happy to thrum along at steady, medium-fast speeds. People who like low-effort, mid-rev riding. It can be a very fast way of getting about town, mind you, just not frenetic. The CBZX is a hooligan. It's for the chap who will slip through traffic with a vengeance, like revs, likes speed and thinks the odd, big-ass wheelie is a celebration. Therefore, I pick the CBZX for myself.

Stuff I hate about the CBZX (apart from above)

Heatshield on exhaust feels cheap
Allen bolts on exhaust end cap keep falling off
Sidepanels rattle
Goitre
Pilot light is too large!
Cheap looking instrument cluster
The TVS Apache RTR 160 is probably going to kill it...

Stuff I hate about the new Unicorn (apart from above)

No pilot light!
New fairing details (chrome strip, coloured stip at the top...)
13.3 bhp only... why not 14?
The TVS Apache RTR 160 is probably going to kill it...

Photos: Honda and Hero Honda

Mar 3, 2008

Honda Aviator: Ridden

To be honest, I didn't quite know what to make of the Honda Aviator. It was supposed to protect Honda's massive lead in the scooter segment, but with the Activa now looking its age (although still going quite nicely, thank you) and the Dio never really having taken off, you would think Honda would need something spectacularly good right?

Actually no, they would just something that would put the upstart Flyte and the dowdy-perky Access into their places. Is the Aviator that machine?

What is the Aviator, let us start from there. The Aviator is Honda's fourth scooter offering, and their third twist-go format product. Like the two that went before it, it is very much an Activa platform product, which means engine and chassis have come from the venerable, wildly successful scooter. There are minor changes. The engine was tweaked in the sense that the air cleaner and associated plumbing is slightly different. It evidently does not change peak power or torque, but gently boosts the low-end torque just the slightest little bit. Since the Aviator now sports a telescopic front fork and in the top model, a 12-inch alloy front wheel with a disc brake, there are minor changes in the headstock area, aimed at accommodating the stanchions.

Add in the body panels, and well, Bob's your uncle. The big change, styling, actually does have a purpose. Honda says the Activa is perfect compromise. It sits bang in the middle between male tastes and female and bisects traditional values and youthful looks as well. The Dio, is more male, more youthful. The Aviator, in that perspective is an all-male product, aimed at mature (30-ish) males who would like an upmarket looking scooter in their garage. In addition, we were told at the Auto Expo, to a Honda Civic. What, you think I'm making this up?

The telescopic forks and the brakes are actually a subject matter of mucho laughter on my part. You see, years ago, I had the privilege of attending the local launch (Mumbai) of the Activa where a certain Japanese gentleman dismissively told me that Honda knew better. That tele-forks and disc brakes on a 7 bhp scooter were overkill. On the same scale as using a Sidewinder or HellFire instead of the horn. That Honda would NEVER add either to anything this puny, by policy anything under 100 kph top speed did not merit either. On an Activa? Pah-san.

Well, it come full circle, innit? Mr Unnamed San? Yes, this 7 bhp Honda scooter, sports both. For a premium price tag, but it does have them.

Anyway, rant over and let us return to the Aviator. I'm not put off or impressed by the looks. I think the rear-end looks a bit hotch-potch, especially the flat part that sits right next to the curvy lights and panels. And I think the front looks, um, okay.

On the move, though, this is an impressive scooter. The tele-forks, praise the lord, make a huge, big, massive difference. Here, then, is a scooter that easily has the best ride quality on offer on any two-wheeler sporting sub-13-inch wheels. It does not thud through bumps like the Activa and is better than even the Flyte and Access, both of which also sport tele-forks. Braking, of course, is superb with the discs, although, as usual, I would have liked more bite. Then again, I always want more bite. In feel, the disc brake feels like an immensly powerful drum brake, which I suspect, is exactly what it's supposed to feel like.

The engine, of course, is butter smooth, almost transparent in use. The Aviator, despite giving away 1 bhp or more to the newly introduced competition, does not feel slow. I rode the Access right before I got on the Aviator and while the Suzuki is definitely the faster scoot of the two, the Aviator does not feel sluggish. In traffic, there would not be much in it.

As a male scooter, the Aviator does seat you taller and I quite like the new ergonomics.

Um, what else? Oh yeah, Honda said bigger underseat storage, but I forgot to look. They claim a full face helmet will now sit under the seat in comfort. Well, I haven't still tried that, but I'm not buying.

Finally, the base version of the Aviator (12-inch steel wheels with a drum brake) is Rs 47,200, which is Rs 5,900 more than the Activa in Mumbai. The full-options gets alloys and disc and costs a hefty Rs 4,000 more. As you can tell, that is a heck of a lot of money. The top-model, the one that does actually have useful extras, is almost as expensive as a top-line 125cc commuter.

And yet, like the 150cc-rivalling Blaze, I think the Aviator should do rather well in the market. I think the scooter market now has people who are, in fact, looking for a slightly larger, newer product with more features, and consequently (justifiably, even) have a larger price tag. Which, if you come to think of it, almost describes the Aviator. Almost? Yes, if it did actually sport a 9 bhp 125cc four-stroke engine, instead of 7 bhp 102cc job, I think it would have been perfect.

May 28, 2007

Hero Honda Splendor NXG: What you've been dying to know

Yes, like many of you predicted, it is indeed a new Splendor. Not the Super Duper Splendor, not the Super Splendor+, or the Super Splendor Deluxe ++, but the Splendor NXG. Like I had thought, it is essentially the Splendor with the new motor from the CD-Deluxe, but there's more. The panels, tank etc are all new, the motor sounds quite authoritative, and hell I'll ride it and tell you if 7.7 bhp is the new creme de la creme. But for the moment, here are some moments from the launch (please note that vids and images are unedited and untouched, so more horrible than usual even, excuse kindly).

Officially Hero Honda says

Hero Honda unveils the next generation 'Splendor NXG'

Spendor NXG with engine & irrestible features,
takes Splendor lineage to the next level

Highlights of engine performance characterisitcs of Splendor NXG
New engine which delivers power of 7.7 PS

Better power & torque at lower engine RPM for comfortable city riding

Optimum gear ratios for better pickup
Product features of Splendor NXG
Powerful & stylish trapezoidal mutlireflector headlight that provides better visibility even at lower speeds

Large & stylish tail light

160mm ground clearance for smooth ride on all types of roads
Unique & stylish visor

New design fuel tank with knee grip

Sleek instrument panel with trip meter

Attractive aluminium die cast rear grip
Splendor NXG will be available for test driver and bookings immediately. The Delhi ex-showroom price is Rs 40,990 for the spoke version and Rs 41,990 for the
alloy wheel version.

Jan 3, 2007

New Year Wishlist

Here's my expanded (as in non-bullet point-ed) wishlist for 2007. Wish me luck!

January
Bajaj begins greater production of the 220 DTS-Fi. Which proves to be a hit, with the company unable to figure out where the damn demand is coming from. Hero Honda is on a high, with the CBZ X-Treme and the new CD-Deluxe both over reaching their sales projections. Both customers are excited about the products. Which is a good sign. Honda sits on the fence and watches this. Yamaha plays hush hush even as news of a powerful, exciting model begins to filter out. Suzuki plays their strange game, holding its 125cc scooter close and not releasing any information whatsoever. Enfield push back the launch of their unit gearbox (again). Hopefully, March, they say. TVS is suprised at the sudden slump in December sales. Hopes to regain momentum in January. The CD-Deluxe and the CBZ X-Treme hit TVS' star performers - Star and Apache hard.

February
TVS unveils the first glimpse of their updated Apache. It's promising and expected to go on regular sale by early April. Till then, sales and enthusiasts likely to hold their horses. Yamaha plays hush hush as more news filters out regarding a performance oriented premium segment player. Suzuki quietly readies their scooter. Bajaj starts selling the Kristal, which is a mild success. Women seem to like the TVS Scooty Pep more. On the other hand, the new Bajaj 200 does rather well. At the expense of the 180, but still. The new bike is well received.

March
Suzuki unveil their scooter. Yamaha finally takes the wraps off their bike too. It turns out not to be a CBZ X-Treme beater at all. It's much bigger! Yamaha's stock with enthusiasts appears to be on the return. Bajaj unveil the first details of the Blade, expect to begin selling it by March. Kinetic resnares the spotlight by launching their first SYM-line scooter. It turns out similar to Suzuki's baby, the scooter battle is on.

April
The financial year rolls over with Hero Honda and Bajaj inches away from each other in sales terms. Hero Honda still leads. But only just. Bajaj consolidates its market share with unexpectedly strong sales for the bigger sales, and the Blade is another huge hit. The Blaze takes quite a hit from the Bajaj. The fuel injected Karizma comes out and proves to be qualitatively superior to the Bajaj, but expensive. Market outlook is uncertain. Yamaha take the wraps of a powerful new motorcycle, which easily bests both the Karizma and the P220. Enthusiasts, RD350 fans especially, celebrate late into the night. The Yamaha turns out to be expensive, and worth the expense. Suzuki's scooter is a minor hit, and proves to be the most popular of the manufacturer's line in India. Which isn't saying much, of course. Enfield is finally ready to take the wraps off its new line of integrated-box Bullets. Honda unveils an updated more aggressive Unicorn with alloy wheels and all. Sales finally edge upward.

May
Enfield shows off the more powerful, more sorted unit-gearbox Bullets. It works well and is quite powerful, but Bullet fans are unable to digest the slick shifts and clamour for the old gearbox. Sigh. Bajaj goes quiet for a while, notching up sales and keeps itself busy stabilising the supply. Meanwhile, Yamaha is under pressure to supply more and more of their bike. Smiles reappear on Yamaha faces. Suzuki wonders what they need to do and look to the Hayabusa for help. The sudden spurt in premium segment numbers catches Honda and TVS off-guard and both are unable to capitalise for now. TVS finally start selling the upgraded Apache. The Pulsar 150 remains the market leader, while the Unicorn, Apache slot into a scrappy third and fourth behind the CBZ X-Treme which is now doing an easy 22,000 units per month, without taking any sales away from the P150.

June
The slowest month in the calendar brings only one news. But it's big. New norms for 550cc and above multi-cylinder motorcycles are under consideration. On the table are emission and homologation waivers for these bikes, as long as sale price abroad is north of US$4500. Enthusiasts can finally start dreaming real dreams. CD100 buyers wonder what the fuss is. While naysayers smirk snidely.

July
Harley Davidson announces their India plans, naming the most unexpected of Indian partners. Honda also announce India plans, the CBR600RR is announced as the primary candidate. Kinetic launches the Euro, their second Italjet.

August
Yamaha joins the big bike wagon and decides to go the whole hog launching the R1 and becomes the first manufacturer to actually have a big bike on sale. The response, once more, is unexpectedly warm. Honda, HD et al put their CBU programs into high gear. Yamaha announces the launch of the R6 by December also. Rearset runs out to arrange the downpayment needed to get his grubby hands on the bike. The Wife looks on amused. But not disapproving.

September
Bajaj steals the March on all but Yamaha by putting up the Kawasaki ZX-6R and the ER-5 as the twin CBU inning openers. Enthiusiasts cannot believe the turn the year has suddenly taken. Rearset, meanwhile, finally gets his dream R1. Gets a numberplate with the obligatory small line at the bottom that reads 'We two R1.' rearset thinks that's funny. The Wife does not. rearset also feels sad that he can't plug his blog on the numberplate for two reasons 1) no space 2) that wouldn't be anonymous, right?

October
Suzuki, Honda, Harley and KTM launch bikes in India at one go. It's a packed month as the action hits the roof. Hayabusa? CBR600RR? Fat-Boy? SuperDuke? Oh yeah, baby. TVS launches their 200cc Apache with fuel injection. It's a great bike, but is lost in the glitter of the bigger products.

November
Kinetic launches the Jupiter 250 in India. The launch comes when Big bikes have stolen scooter thunder (again). Uh oh. The festive season sees a whole bunch of variants, upgrades and restickered small bikes. But the big news is huge discounts on the 2007 models of the big bikes, even as the motorcycle shows unwraps the latest 2008 goodies. All the manufacturer also announce plans for more models. And cruisers seem to be the flavour of 2008.

December
Press reports unnecessarily dramatic reports of MotoGP coming to India. Inside sources are quoted as saying that talks are far along. Sales of the big bikes are growing, and all those people who asked 'where are the roads?' are still asking that same question, but seem to grasp that big bike buyers are not looking for the answer. They're looking to upgrade to better, faster machinery already. Hooray!

May 10, 2007

New Stylish Shine by Honda

Here's a bit of an odd official note on the new Honda Shine. It certainly is more forthright than most to-be-made-public company documents (like press releases), and yet, the English is beautiful. I'm still reeling more than a fair bit from the arbitrary hypens, capitalization and the staunch refusal to expand the ampersands into proper 'ands'

In the pics, like the new Unicorn, the Shine does look better. I have no way of knowing so far whether Honda changed the gearing or sprocketing on the Shine to remove the rather heavy initial-mid bias and give the bike some much needed top end. That aside, say hello to the latest cosmetic upgrade...

Oh and lest I forget, when you do click on the photos of the official brochure note the following:

Now with added style
The cheerleaders and the frisky brass band
Pink flowers?

Official note:

New Stylish Shine by Honda

HMSI launched its second motorcycle Shine with Kick start in April-May 2006 and with Self start in October 2006. Its performance is very well appreciated by customers and is evident from the fact that, Shine received "Customers Voice Award" & "Best Bike in 125cc class".

Today, the Indian Motorcycle market is changing very fast. Existing Shine could not meet Customers' expectations on Style and hence HMSI decided to come-up with new variant of its Motorcycle-Shine.

There are 4 variants viz. 1) Self Disc Alloy 2) Self Drum Alloy 3) Kick Drum Alloy & 4) Kick Drum Spoke. Along-with the advanced Honda engine with Optimax technology, Primary Kick, puncture resistant Tuff-up Tube & Ergotec design, the New Stylish Shine has following features.
Alloy Wheels
Single Tone colours
New Graphics
It is targeted towards younger customers who want more style; but do not compromise on performance. It fulfills need of the customers to do more in life & gives them recognition in their groups/families instead of just show-off.

The New Stylish Shine, undoubtedly delivers the best performance in terms of Pick-up & Mileage besides offering a very smooth & comfortable ride.

Currently, Shine sells at 13000 Nos. average per month. With the New Stylish Shine, HMSI plans to increase this volume to 15500 Nos.

Ex-Showroom prices of the New Stylish Shine are as below.
Town
Ex-showroom
Price (Rs)

Self Disc Alloy
Self Drum Alloy
Kick Drum Alloy
Kick Drum Spoke
Mumbai
50523.59
48531.00
46025.71
43638.72
Pune
48253.27
46337.38
43927.10
41631.78
Bangalore
48538.53
46641.60
43633.24
40988.19
Chennai
48295.00
46385.00
43412.00
40598.40
Hyderabad
48017.43
46120.18
43116.51
40500.42
Culcutta
48949.00
47052.00
44047.00
41226.73
Delhi
48313.73
46417.65
43408.82
40268.63

More Shine images from the Honda India Shine Home page

May 14, 2007

Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme: Long Term Outlook

Engine seems a bit raspy. Which is nice for a while. And then something you notice continuously afterwards, but not always with a thrilled smile
Rides which have a generous full throttle application will properly tingle the fingers, and numb them over longer rides. As much as 80 per cent throttle is fine, though
Brakes are always reliable and smooth
Stuff falls off the bike now and then. The other day, the exhaust flange worked loose, followed very shortly by the gear lever (not the linkage, the lever itself)
The exhaust heat shield's come a little loose as well... adds a bit of a rattle to the sound
Headlamp focus' gone out a bit as well. Low beam is now high beam and high beam is now a homing beacon for lost spaceships
Engine feels robust and unlikely to break otherwise. Regular wheelies fail to fade/faze the clutch action
Handling is still delightful, can't wait to figure out a weekend at the track with this bike
Appears to love being ridden hard
People love to scratch the CBZX. My poor bike has been collecting parking lot scrapes by the dozen
I do wish it had some sort of bungee points built in so I wouldn't have to improvise (problem is common to most Indian bikes)

Did hear a rumour that many CBZXs are reporting relatively serious issues in the engine, mostly caused by hurried assembly by an overworked factory. These are strictly rumour and I have not way of confirming or annulling these rumours...

Related posts:

Apr 7, 2007

Hero Honda to enter motorsport?

A circular from FMSCI says that the Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme, the Glamour (normal one) and the Glamour (fuel injected) have all been cleared to participate in Indian motorsport. Okay, who said, 'what's that?' No, seriously. As of April 20, 2007, the Hero Hondas may legally line up on the grids and set apexes and straights afire. According to the ulta-brief news bit I received, and I quote

Worldwide, only those vehicles whose technical details are made available to the National motorsport federation and verified by them are only allowed to participate in motorsporting events, so as to ensure safe and fair competition.

Unquote. The Glamour (124.8cc) and the CBZX (149.2cc) will be in action at the six round 2007 Ucal Rolon NRRC. The first round is between April 27 and 29 at Coimbatore. TVS has long complained that there isn't any manufacturer interest in racing, and it seems they're getting what they want.

On the other hand, manufacturer's routinely use the racetrack to test new ideas which eventually filter down to street bikes. So it is interesting that Hero Honda (the sole motorcycle brand without its own R&D setup; it relies on Honda R&D, which works with/for both Honda and Hero Honda) is entering racing. I would have thought that Honda entering would have made a lot more sense.

But hey, this could be the reason why the CBZX gets a 14.2 bhp engine, while the other bikes from the same bloodline all make do with 13.3 bhp engine. In effect, if all of that conjecture were true, the CBZX becomes nearly a homologation special. Funneeee....

In other news, Shashi Kapoor, who used to head motorsport at Maruti, recently moved to Hero Honda.

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