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Rise and shine!
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The Bajaj Discover leads the way in the 125cc bike segment. Honda wants a part of the growing action and jumps in. How does their new 125cc Shine rate, asks ASHISH MASIH
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QUOTE:
SAFETY IN NUMBERS Honda is taking no risks with styling and people's tastes - the Shine looks good without being flamboyant
Honda wants to play a bigger role in the two-wheeler market. The newly-launched Shine is proof of that. While the company already has the Unicorn in the upper 150cc segment, the 125cc segment has become the place of all the action. Sales in this segment have been showing promising growth and Honda wants to be a part of it.
The bike faces stiff competition though from the Bajaj Discover and the Hero Honda Splendor Plus, two products, that have in a short time managed to build a strong reputation for themselves.
Honda has played safe with the styling. There are no forced cuts, no sharp edges, just clean lines. The bike's front fairing is similar to the Unicorn. The bike's overall styling is also similar to big brother Unicorn, but while it may look modern and fresh, its looks aren't distinctive and you could easily mistake it for some other bike on the road.
The fit and finish of the bike is good, something that we've now come to expect from a Honda product. The switchgear imparts a positive feel to it. The dials are simple, there's only a fuel gauge and speedometer. These however look very similar to the Hero Honda Passion's and are a bit boring.
The bike features multi mapping CDI, tumble flow combustion chamber, long intake pipe and connecting tube, CV carburettor, two-way Air Jacket and pulse exhaust system, the 125 cc engine is termed as an `Optimax' engine and will deliver 10.3 bhp. According to Honda the bike will deliver a mileage figure of 65kpl in city conditions. The `Optimax' engine is essentially a scaled down version of the Unicorn's 150cc motor. Our experience with Honda engines says that this engine should be as smooth and refined as the others are.
The heel and toe shift operated gearbox is four-speed and shifts all up. Honda claims that the bike should deliver more than adequate power in the lower end of the power band. Honda engineers have been smart and given the bike slightly taller gearing ensuring that the bike manages to get higher speeds at lower engine revolutions. This should also assist the bike to manage the claimed fuel efficiency figure.
At the front the Shine gets telescopic forks, while the rear has conventional twin shocks. We were however disappointed to see the rear suspension as Honda could have offered the technologically advanced mono-shock that the Unicorn has.
The bike also comes equipped with host of innovative features like puncture resistantTuff-up tyre front and back. The self-start versions (drum brake as well as disc brake options) will be launched by July. It will be available in five distinct colours - purple, blue, black, red and grey.
Honda has its work cut out, as the Shine would be competing with other popular models in this segment such as Hero Honda Super Splendor, Hero Honda Glamour, Bajaj Discover, and TVS Victor. Honda has priced Honda Shine at Rs. 46,885 (ex-showroom Pune) and Rs 49,030 (disc brake version).
For years the Honda name in India has gained immense respect in the two-wheeler segment. Its bikes sold with partner, Hero earned great repute as high quality, efficient and easy to maintain products and the Shine should be no different. But will the late entry into an already crowded segment benefit the bike? Well, only time will tell. Watch this space!
TECHNICAL DATA
Honda Shine
HOW MUCH?
46,885/49030 (ex-showroom Pune)
HOW BIG?
Length: 2,015 mm
Width: 730 mm
Height: 1,070 mm
Wheelbase: 1,265 mm
Fuel-tank capacity: 11 litres
ENGINE
124.6cc, single cylinder Max power: 10.3@7500 rpm Max torque: 1.1kgm @5500 rpm
Top speed: NA
TRANSMISSION
4-speed, all up
TYRE SIZE Front and rear: 2.75X18
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