Continuing to support its customers and business partners during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, Honda Two-Wheelers India today shared that post Government relaxation of rules, its dealerships are now step-wise moving towards a new way of doing business. At the same time, Honda is taking added measures to provide liquidity support to its dealer family in these challenging times.

Honda Two-Wheelers has also issued a comprehensive Dealership Operations Resumption Manual which is being diligently followed by all Honda dealer showrooms and workshops as they are adhering to strict safety & health protocols while ensuring social distancing between staff and customers to effectively Break the Chain. 

Meanwhile, following the various state Governments guidelines and respecting Red, Orange & Green zoning in letter & spirit, Honda dealer showrooms and workshops have started reopening their shutters with effect from 4th May 2020. Honda dealers are ensuring 100% adherence to all the mandated safety, sanitization and social distancing protocols, before the restart of their respective operations.

Also Read: Droom Launches Tech-Enabled Doorstep Vehicle Service

Elaborating on how Honda as a responsible corporate is prioritizing customer safety and business continuity at its dealer partners in these uncertain times, Mr Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “In these challenging times, Honda 2Wheelers India proactively extended a comprehensive financial support package for its dealers. We have also decided to bear an additional 19 days’ interest making it a total of 40 days of interest cost by Honda on the BSVI inventory at our dealers. We are confident that the overall support extended will largely ease business continuity concerns of our dealers.”

He further added, “Also, with a significant easing of economic activities restrictions by the government, we are moving forward cautiously in a stepwise manner. Safeguarding all stakeholders’ health & well-being, our dealers who are in green and orange zones are starting their operations to serve our customers. Honda family reassures its customers that your Safety comes First at every Honda outlet across India.”

Parallelly, Honda and many of its dealer partners, as One Honda family continue to proactively fight for the cause and contribute to the society during this COVID-19 crisis. Earlier, Honda India foundation – the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Honda group companies in India pledged 11 crore aid towards COVID-19 relief and preventive measures. On the business front, Honda had already upgraded almost all its two-wheelers to BS6 emission norms much before the deadline except a few like the Honda Cliq which has been discontinued in India altogether.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda Dealerships Restart Operations with “Safety Comes First” Approach - Auto News From India.

Manufacturer-backed customization contests are the best. Customization houses are given complete freedom to build a motorcycle and the donor bikes are provided by the manufacturer itself. In one such contest named Honda Garage Dreams, Honda dealerships in Portugal and Spain were asked to customize CB650R models. For 2020, the design brief for contest entrants was simple: Take a shiny new CB650R and make of it what you will. Though there were many drool-worthy entries, one clearly managed to stand apart from the rest of the crowd.

There were as many as 36 entrants for this year’s contest and guess what? Each entrant had a different thing going for it. This particular build is inspired by the Team HRC’s rally bike which they deploy in the Dakar rally. This build is christened as Honda CB650R Rally and is built by Portugal-based Honda Wingmotor.

A tribute to Paulo Gonçalves

It pays a fitting tribute to Paulo Gonçalves, veteran Portuguese rally rider and Dakar competitor who died in January 2020. There’s a decal on the tank, just below the gas cap, where the rider can look down, see it, and draw inspiration from Gonçalves’ legacy and competitive spirit. It also commemorates Honda’s win at the 2020 Dakar Rally, where Ricky Brabec won the race behind the handlebars of his CRF450 Rally. It was the first time an American rider won the competition and the result was Honda’s first victory since 1989 in the Dakar Rally.

The custom build itself is worth appreciating. While the other custom builds were also worth all the praises but they revolved around the characteristics of the CB650R. The stock motorcycle being a naked streetfighter with neo-café begs for customization. The folks over at Honda Wingmotor obliged and turned it into an adventure motorcycle.

The new rugged look is accomplished by stripping off the stock body panels of the CB650R and including a new front fender, windscreen and headlight.  A solo seat, handguards, fork guards and header pipes complete the package. The stock CB650R comes with road-biased tyres and they would have looked out of place on this custom build. To enhance its rugged appeal, the motorcycle was fitted with Continental TKC 80 tires mounted on the 17-inch spoked wheels. To make is a rally raid motorcycle, Wingmotor equipped the bike with a full rally tower for navigation, including a roadbook.

Going by the looks of it, it seems like this CB650R was about to be cast in a movie based on Rally bikes and it took method acting very seriously. The standard Honda CB650R features a 649cc inline-four making 94 hp (70kW) and 64 Nm of torque. There are no details if Wingmotor made any engine tweaks to enhance the power delivery. We don’t know for sure that the custom saddle is suede, but it’s clearly a suede-looking material that looks pretty grippy if you’re wearing the right pants.

Also read: Jawa Motorcycles Reveals Kommuniti Kustoms’ Finalists

We don’t know if it will win the contest but it has certainly managed to win our hearts. It also gives us a brief idea that a middleweight adventure motorcycle from Honda’s stable won’t be a bad idea at all. Reportedly, Honda is currently working on a smaller iteration of the Africa Twin and if it comes anywhere remotely close to this, we are in for a treat!

This article was first published on Motoroids - Custom Honda CB650R Rally Pays A Touching Tribute to Paulo Gonçalves - Auto News From India.

The affordable, performance motorcycling space might be too crowded now but we can’t forget the veteran which ignited it all – The Honda CBR250R. Some might argue that it was Kawasaki’s Ninja 250 which started this segment in our country but let’s admit it, it was not an affordable machine. What India needed was a reasonably priced and capable quarter-litre motorcycle. Honda gave us just that. But then, it was gone because it couldn’t withstand the onslaught of other motorcycles that stepped in to dethrone the CBR250R.

A short trip down the memory lane

It still held its own because those motorcycles offered more features and more performance but when it came to overall touring capabilities and reliability, one had to take a good look at the CBR250R. It not only used to eat miles for breakfast, but it was also quite a capable handler too. The CBR250R could be perfectly described as a motorcycle which could cruise all day long without breaking a sweat and carve the canyons too. More importantly, its bulletproof reliability ensured it always had your back.

Could the CRF250L Rally fill the void?

The Honda CBR250R’s exit from our market left a space in Honda’s India portfolio. Honda still hasn’t come up with its replacement but there sits one motorcycle, completely different in approach as compared to the CBR250R but still similar in some ways. The CRF250L Rally is a rather interesting motorcycle. It sits at the small end of dual-sport motorcycles and makes for an excellent choice for newer riders. Given the growing affinity towards such motorcycles, the CRF250L could make a strong case for itself.

When the CBR250R was introduced, it particularly appealed to people who wanted more as compared to their 150-160cc motorcycles but didn’t have an affordable option. The CRF250L Rally could pull off the same. The competition is there but you just can’t compete with Honda’s bulletproof reliability.

One of the main reasons why the CBR250R became such a hit in our markets is because of its bulletproof reliability because when you are going the distance, you have to completely trust your motorcycle. The CRF250L Rally shines in that department. Though it won’t be able to cruise at the speeds which the CBR250R was capable of, but it more than compensates for it when you take the trails. Built on top of the successful CRF250L platform, the Rally edition elevates small-capacity dual-sport riding to a whole new level.

Powered by a compact and reliable 249.6cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, the CRF250L Rally offers 24.4 HP on tap and an available 22.2 nm of torque. It might not sound much, but that motor is built to take on the rough and should offer butter-smooth delivery of power in a precise manner, something that is so important when there’s no black top. The styling is inspired from the Honda’s Rally bikes which feature in the Dakar Rally.

While the CBR250R was developed as a sport-tourer, the CRF250L Rally falls in the dual-sport category. The CBR250R was a capable handler and at that time, it was a delight to ride the canyons astride the CBR. The same fun is guaranteed with the Rally, albeit, off the road. Its off-road prowess is supported by the suspension setup. It features long-travel Showa suspension with 43mm inverted fork up front and pro-link single shock at the rear. The front suspension travel is rated at almost 280 mm while the rear has a travel of 261 mm. 21-inch front/18-inch rear wheels further accentuate its off-road capabilities. The rally version also comes with a windscreen, skid plate, handguards, and larger front brake.

Also read: In Fond Memory Of – Honda CBR250R

If you need something reliable that can handle medium to long distances, can tear it up in the rough, and comfortably get you to work on time, then the CRF250L Rally is more than up to the task. All this while we have been waiting for the CBR250RR to arrive as a successor but we never thought that the CRF250L Rally could serve as an ideal replacement of the CBR250R.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda CRF250L Rally: The Ideal CBR 250R Replacement? - Auto News From India.

The Bobber segment is still a very niche and high-end segment in India. While riders have always fancied owning a premium bobber in our country, the cost of owning one is pretty high which isn’t suitable for mass-market buyers.

Honda is trying to bring a fresh change in this segment by introducing a bobber which is affordable yet has every element of this segment and comes with the ride and handling of a traditional cruiser bike.  The Rebel 500, Honda’s take on a mid-sized neo-retro cruiser, might step foot into India pretty soon. In this article, we look at what we can expect from the upcoming motorcycle when it lands in India.

2020 HONDA REBEL

Styling & Features

The Rebel is a blank canvas for one’s self-expression. But unlike the canvas one buys at the art store, this one’s not boring white. As is, its blacked-out engine pieces, frame, and bodywork elements look great during the day and even better at night. It’s fairly simple to look at with bobbed fenders and fat chunky tyres. It features LED lights all around, a circular negative LCD display backlit in white and a comfortable riding posture. 

2020 HONDA REBEL

The Rebel’s blacked-out exhaust system blends perfectly with the bike’s overall look. Another critical item in motorcycle design is the headlight. The lamp is bright and precise, while the round nacelle shape, aluminium cast headlight mount and glass lens give the Rebel a character that exudes class. Another iconic element combining traditional and new, the Rebel’s instruments take a classic shape and fill it with totally up-to-date digital LCD information. New for 2020, the instruments now include a gear-position indicator and a fuel-consumption display.

Mechanical Updates

The new Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine that’s seen on the CBR500R. The motor makes 46.2PS at 8500rpm and 43.3Nm at 6000rpm, mated to a six-speed transmission and a slipper clutch. Fuel tank capacity is rated at 11.2 litres.  The Honda Rebel 500 comes with a claimed mileage of 26kmpl.  A seat height of 690mm should be ideal for short riders. 

In terms of hardware, the bike comes equipped with a low-slung tubular frame, a 41mm telescopic fork and twin rear shocks from Showa. Its braking setup comprises a single 296mm disc up front and a single disc at the rear. Its 16-inch tyres come wrapped in a 130/90-section front and 150/80-section rear tyre. The entire package weighs in at 191kg kerb.

2020 HONDA REBEL

Honda has also launched a Bobber Special Edition variant of the Rebel 500 in Thailand which will be produced in a limited run of 100 units and it is around Rs 29,000 more expensive than the standard version in Thailand. 

Also READ: Honda CB500F and CB500X For India: All You Need to Know

Expected India Launch

Although there is no confirmation from Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India about launching the Rebel 500 in India, industry experts believe that it will arrive in India more or less along the same time as CBR500R, i.e., towards the end of this year or early next year. As far as prices go, it is expected to be priced around Rs 4.50 lakh(ex-showroom, India). Due to its competitive price point, its direct rival in this segment will be the Jawa Perak which is the most affordable bobber currently in this segment in India.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda Rebel 500: All You Need To Know About The Upcoming Bobber! - Auto News From India.

Honda recently launched the updated CBR500R in global markets and has received a positive response from experts worldwide. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India has been planning the launch of the sports bike in India for some time now and in all likelihood, the bike will be locally assembled here to put it in a competitive price bracket.

The ‘CBR’ prefix has always had a special place for enthusiastic motorists even in a budget centric market like India. With the CBR250R being discontinued altogether, bikers here would be expecting something similar or even something more from the larger, more powerful CBR650R. So what can we expect from the CBR500R?

Styling & Features

The new CBR500R’s aggressive styling comes with two great color options that keep it right at the front of the pack in terms of eye-appeal. The aerodynamic bodywork also provides significant advantages in air management for added rider comfort, along with a low drag coefficient and effective cooling. The faired sports bike borrows styling cues from its elder brothers like the Fireblade and CBR 650F. The CBR250R was styled more in line with the VFR but the CBR500R justifies the ‘CBR’ tag, at least when it comes to the overall styling.

It features an all-new aggressive LED headlight which is complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster that reads out information like two trip meters, an odometer, time, gear position and shift-up indicator. It also features an LED taillight and turn indicators. Overall, the design is similar to the previous generation although the addition of body graphics adds to the sporty nature of this speedy beast. The new aluminium Y-spoke cast wheels adds feather to the overall styling.

Engine

Powering the CBR500R is a Euro 5-compliant(equivalent to BS6 in India) 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that belts out 47.5PS at 8600rpm and 43Nm at 6500rpm. Its 6-speed transmission comes paired with a slip-and-assist clutch. Fuel tank capacity is rated at 17.1 litres. Honda has tweaked the engine to produce 4 percent more power and torque between 3000rpm and 7000rpm thanks to revised inlets, exhaust, and valve timing. 

Other Mechanical Updates

Suspension components include a 41mm telescopic front fork with spring preload adjustability. The rear gets a preload-adjustable Pro-link mono-shock. It comes to a halt using a 320mm front and a 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. As far as handling is concerned, Honda claims the new CBR500R is stronger and lighter than its predecessor. The CBR500R’s diamond-shaped 35mm steel-tube mainframe ties to the engine with four mounts, offering a rock-solid foundation for a superior ride and handling.

Also READ: Upcoming 400-500cc Made In India Bikes

Expected India Launch

Although there has been no official word from Honda, there are good chances of the CBR500R making its way to India. The Honda CBR500R is likely to be priced at around Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom) and is expected to enter the country via the CKD route initially. Gauging the audience’s response from the bike, the Japanese manufacturer might later decide to fully localise the motorcycle in the future. But that’s still some time away. We can expect it to hit showrooms in India towards the end of this year or early next year.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda CBR500R: What To Expect From The Upcoming Faired Sports Bike? - Auto News From India.

After releasing a teaser video, Honda has launched the all-new BS6 Grazia 125 in India at INR Rs. 73,336 (for Standard version, ex-showroom Gurugram, Haryana). The Grazia 125 is Honda’s 125cc premium gearless scooter and has received some substantial upgrades in both the departments, visual as well as mechanical. At the heart of Grazia 125 ticks Bharat Stage VI compliant Honda’s trusted 125cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine, boosted by Enhanced Smart Power (eSP).

Updated design

Let’s get down to how the new Grazia looks. The NEW split LED position lamp gives the all-new Grazia 125 a more aggressive look. New chiselled tail lamp, jet-inspired rear winkers and split grab rail portray a modern edgy image. The 3D logo emblem on side panel & the Honda badging on the floor panel gives it a premium appeal.

The powertrain

The Honda Grazia is powered by the same 124cc fuel-injected engine as the Activa 125. It makes 8.29PS of power at 6000rpm and 10.3Nm of peak torque at 5000rpm. That said, with the inclusion of start-stop tech and fuel-injection, it is claimed to offer 13 per cent better fuel efficiency compared to the outgoing model. It gets the same CVT transmission as before. The engine comes equipped with a side-stand engine immobiliser and an ACG starter motor which requires less battery power and makes starting the scooter a silent affair.

Other updates

One of the main highlights of the new Grazia is its instrument cluster. It features a bar-type tachometer on both sides of the speedometer, a clock, and a range indicator. Aside from this, the display features two tripmeters, an odometer, and reads out information like real-time fuel efficiency and distance to empty. Its new black alloy wheels are available only on the higher ‘Premium’ variant.

Also read: Homemade Electric Honda Activa Can Attain A Top Speed of 65 kmph

Some of the newly added features on the 2020 Honda Grazia scooter include LED DC headlamp, engine Start/Stop switch, new integrated headlamp beam and passing switch which is essentially a single switch to control both, a new multi-function switch to unlock seat/external fuel lid and telescopic suspension setup. Telescopic Suspension with increased ground clearance (+16mm) makes every ride on all new Grazia BSVI more comfortable. The 3-step adjustable rear suspension allows rider to choose his riding preferences in three stages as per his comfort and road condition.

Introducing all-new Grazia 125, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “With a significant change in form, styling & technology, the new Grazia125 BSVI is here to dazzle the young riders. The new Grazia, will bring a totally new mobility experience for the trendsetting customers in a stylish way. Honda’s globally acclaimed superior eSP technology, innovative new features and edgy styling truly make it a ‘Stunning Genius’.”

Colours available

Honda will also be offering a special 6-year warranty package NEW (3 years standard + 3 years optional extended warranty) on Grazia 125 BSVI. There will be two variants – Standard & Deluxe in four bold colours – Mat Cyber Yellow, Pearl Spartan Red, Pearl Siren Blue and Mat Axis Grey.  Grazia 125 BSVI will be available at a starting price of Rs. 73,336 (for Standard version, ex-showroom Gurugram, Haryana).

This article was first published on Motoroids - BS6 Honda Grazia 125 Launched at INR 73,336 – Receives Updated Styling and Features - Auto News From India.

Shortly after the launch of BS6 Grazia 125 gearless scooter, Honda India has teased the launch of BS6 Livo. Honda is not only upgrading the engines to meet the SB6 emission norms but cashing on the opportunity, it is also throwing some additional features in the mix. The same is going to happen to the Livo as well. The Livo is Honda’s take on the 110cc premium commuter segment. Very recently, the new Honda Grazia saw a price hike of Rs 12,000 with the BS6 transition and a similar increment can be expected for the new Livo as well.

The teaser video reveals some additional features while the overall design characteristics of the Livo will be retained. The headlight design is largely unchanged but will receive some minor updates including a redesigned cowl. The tail lamp is slightly tweaked too and will be given a more oval shape.

Watch teaser video

We can also expect Honda to introduce some new colours in order to make the Livo feel modern. The previous iteration of the Livo came with a dual clock panel but the teaser video showcases a completely new semi-digital meter console. The screen will display information such as fuel lever bars, time, service reminder, total trip and more. The new Livo will also come with an engine kill switch which was given a miss in the previous iteration.

It is inevitable for the Livo to get a BS6 compliant engine. In the previous model, it was powered by a 109.2 cc single-cylinder engine which used to make 8.31 PS of power at 7,500 rpm and 9.09 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. The output will likely remain the same. it’s expected that the bike will be introduced with Honda’s PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) as well as Enhanced Smart Power (eSP).

Other cycle parts will most likely remain the same. The suspension system comprises of conventional telescopic forks upfront along with twin spring shock absorbers at the rear. Braking comes from an optional front disc brake along with a drum unit at the rear. Like we mentioned earlier, the Livo will most likely receive a bump in price. The BS4 model used to retail in India at a starting of Rs 58,775 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also read: BS6 Honda Grazia 125 Launched at INR 73,336 – Receives Updated Styling and Features

Honda recently launched the Grazia 125 scooter in India at INR 73,336. The Grazia 125 is Honda’s 125cc premium gearless scooter and has received some substantial upgrades in both the departments, visual as well as mechanical. At the heart of Grazia 125 ticks Bharat Stage VI compliant Honda’s trusted 125cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine, boosted by Enhanced Smart Power (eSP).

The Honda Grazia is powered by the same 124cc fuel-injected engine as the Activa 125. It makes 8.29PS of power at 6000rpm and 10.3Nm of peak torque at 5000rpm. That said, with the inclusion of start-stop tech and fuel-injection, it is claimed to offer 13 per cent better fuel efficiency compared to the outgoing model. It gets the same CVT transmission as before. The engine comes equipped with a side-stand engine immobiliser and an ACG starter motor which requires less battery power and makes starting the scooter a silent affair.

This article was first published on Motoroids - BS6 Honda Livo Teased Ahead of Launch - Auto News From India.

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India recently launched the updated, BS6 compliant Grazia and by the looks of it, there are quite a number of updates given to the scooter other than the mandatory emission norms. 

Based on the same platform as the Activa 125, the Grazia is said to be more stylish and premium looking than the former. Let us take a look at what all changes the sporty-looking commuter scooter has undergone in the latest iteration.

A New Heart

It continues to be a 125cc scooter, but the Grazia has received an all-new motor courtesy of the Activa 125. In the new Grazia, it uses a Honda Eco Technology motor. Apart from this, it also incorporates a programmed fuel injection which improves the fuel efficiency of the scooter. This engine cranks out 8.25PS of power and 10.3Nm of peak torque in this avatar as compared to 8.29PS in the Activa. This is slightly lower than 8.6PS and 10.54Nm available on the BS4 Grazia, but that is the price we pay for cleaner tailpipe emissions. Apart from this, it has also been given an enhanced smart power (eSP) system.

Updated Looks

Honda has tweaked the overall design of the scooter, which lends it a sharper stance. The headlight unit is a sleeker LED unit and higher up on the front apron, the new Grazia gets LED DRLs. It matches the Honda Dio to a large extent. The handlebar cowl has also been redesigned slightly, with sharper lines and edges. To give an enhanced look to the rear, the scooter also has a redesigned tail light and brake light assembly.

Features Galore

The updated Grazia offers a lot of new features as well. The new motor has also brought with it some new tech. It’s now silently brought to life by an ACG starter and gets an idle start-stop system and a side-stand cut-off too. Honda has even thrown in an external fuel-filler cap. Another notable update is the addition of a new twin-pod digital instrument cluster. Apart from information like speed and rpm, the unit will also display range, real-time efficiency and average efficiency. With the latest update, the company claims that the scooter gets even more storage space under the seat and also the ground clearance is said to have increased by 16 mm.

New Warranty Package

With the updated Grazia, Honda is giving a new 6-year warranty which includes a 3-year standard and 3-year extended warranty. An extended warranty requires customers to pay an additional amount.

Bigger Pinch To The Pocket

Nothing in life comes free, and the updates to the Grazia are no exception to this rule. This BS6 version is priced from Rs 73,912, which makes it around Rs 13,000 more expensive than its BS4 predecessor. The scooter is available in two variants: Standard, with steel wheels and drum brakes at both ends, and Deluxe, with alloy wheels and a front disc brake, which is a massive Rs 16,000 more expensive than before.

Also READ: BS6 Honda Grazia 125 Launched at INR 73,336 – Receives Updated Styling and Features

The Grazia 125 directly competes with the likes of Suzuki Burgman 125 and TVS Ntorq 125 and Yamaha Ray ZR 125. The bikes in their BS6 avatars are offered at a starting price of Rs 79,700, Rs 66,685 and Rs 67,530 respectively. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom.

This article was first published on Motoroids - BS6 Honda Grazia: What’s New? - Auto News From India.

After teasing the bike a few days ago on its official website, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters have now officially launched the BS6 compatible Livo. With this launch, Honda has further updated its product portfolio in the Indian market.

The Japanese automaker has launched the BS6 Livo at a starting price of Rs 69,422(ex-showroom). The commuter motorcycle packs several mechanical, styling and feature upgrades in its latest form.

The Livo represents a more stylish and feature-rich 110cc offering compared to the rather utilitarian CD 110 Dream BS6 launched last month. Variant-for-variant, the Livo BS6 is over Rs 10,000 more expensive than its BS4 predecessor. The motorcycle is available in two variants – Drum and Disc. Both variants are available in four colour options – Athletic Blue Metallic, Matte Axis Gray Metallic, Imperial Red Metallic and Black.

What’s new on the updated Livo?

New revisions on the bike include chiselled tank shrouds, refreshed digital-analogue meter, modern front visor and tank design which highlights the sporty character of the new Livo. A major update is seen in the form of a completely new semi-digital meter console which has replaced the previous dual clock unit. The latest console gets an analogue speedometer over the left side which is complemented by a digital screen over the right. The screen displays information such as fuel lever bars, time, service reminders, total trip and more. The feature list also comprises a DC headlamp, integrated engine start/stop switch, integrated headlamp beam and passing switch, service due indicator and longer(+17 mm) comfortable seat.

Mechanical Update

Hardware setup includes telescopic forks and a five-step adjustable rear suspension. Anchoring power comes drum brakes on both wheels while a front disc will be available at a premium price tag. The bike is held together by the same single-downtube cradle frame suspended on a telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers. The Standard variant is stopped by 130mm drum brakes at both ends while the Deluxe version sports a 190mm front disc. The safety net includes Combi-Brake System (CBS) with equalizer.

Powertrain

The Livo is powered by the same 109.51cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine as the CD 110, which is boosted by Enhanced Smart Power (eSP), where it produces 8.8PS of power and 9.3Nm of torque. While output figures might be slightly lower than before, it’s quite likely that fuel efficiency has gone up, which is what buyers in this segment will really care about.

This boost in efficiency is because the motor is now fuel-injected. Another piece of modern tech on the engine is the silent ACG starter. Honda has also thrown in new features like an engine kill-switch and side-stand cut-off.

Further elaborating about Livo BSVI, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “In our BSVI line up, we continue to create new value that enhances the quality of daily life and reinforce customer trust and confidence in our brand. Since its launch in 2015, Livo has been a favourite among aspirational buyers in its category. Equipped with Honda’s latest technology & its urban design, Honda Livo BSVI will raise the bar of style, performance and value in its segment”.

Also READ: Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde Spotted Astride A Harley Davidson CVO

The motorcycle is backed by a very attractive six-year warranty package (three years standard + three years optional extended). The Livo competes with the likes of TVS Star City Plus BS6 and Hero Passion Pro BS6.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda Introduces BS6 Livo At INR 69,422 - Auto News From India.

Affordable performance motorcycles have justified their existence to a great extent. They are the ideal machines for beginners who want to upgrade to the motorcycles which belong to the higher end of the spectrum and are rewarding in some scenarios for the veterans as well. Most of the motorcycles which belong to this segment are multi-purpose tools and can be utilized in different scenarios, leaving out some focused motorcycles such as the KTM RC 390. Honda too is present in this segment with the CB300R holding the flag but in some other markets, Honda has a diverse portfolio.

More details

Honda recently unveiled the 2020 iteration of the CBR400R in its home country. It sits slightly below the CBR500R and will stay limited to the Japanese market only. But the fact that it’s another motorcycle which we will most likely see here anytime soon, shouldn’t sway your attention from the CBR400R because it’s an interesting motorcycle.

The changes or ‘the change?’

The Japanese giant hasn’t really fiddled around with the proven recipe and for the 2020 iteration, the CBR400R just gets a redesigned ‘CBR’ logo. The same logo can be seen on its flagship motorcycle, the CBR1000RR-R. This might not be a substantial change but Honda believes that it will improve the CBR400R’s appeal in the market.

Visually speaking, the CBR400R is one sharp-looking motorcycles and borrows design cues from its elder sibling. The aggressive design is further highlighted by elements like dual-headlamp, chiselled bodywork and muscular fuel tank. The rear end is highlighted by a high-rise tail section and dual-barrel side-mounted exhaust. Overall, it looks exactly the way a baby CBR should look.

It gets a  399cc twin-cylinder engine which is capable of producing 46 PS at 9,000 rpm and 38 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The liquid-cooled mill is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. The CBR400R is slightly aggressive in its approach and the clip-on handlebars accompanied with rear-set footpegs compliment the same. However, don’t mistake it as a track-focused motorcycle because it is not. It might turn out to be a great companion on your work commutes and weekend highway riding. The bike will be available in three colours options namely Champion Red, Matte Gray and Pearl Glare White.

Talking about Honda’s future plans regarding India, they are planning to launch multiple 500cc bikes in India within a year and these may include the CBR500R. Now that it is pretty much sure that we won’t be getting the CBR400R, the wait for CBR500R has grown more intense. All the motorcycles belonging to the 500cc category sport the same 471cc, liquid-cooled, 4V, DOHC, parallel-twin motor.

Also read: Honda CBR500R: What To Expect From The Upcoming Faired Sports Bike?

For the CBR500R, it makes 47 hp @ 8600 rpm and 43 nm of torque @ 6500 rpm. It might not sound like a lot on paper considering the engine configuration and the fact that KTM’s 373.2 cc single makes around 43 hp but the CBR500R is known to deliver power in a linear and smooth manner. Utilizing the same platform, they have also developed some other motorcycles which include the CB500F, the CB500X and the Rebel 500.

This article was first published on Motoroids - 2020 Honda CBR400R Unveiled in Japan, Will it Make Sense Here? - Auto News From India.

Visiting a showroom to buy a vehicle is soon going to be a thing of the past as multiple manufacturers in the recent past have launched their personal online platforms for booking vehicles and availing other services for the convenience of customers. The latest to join the bandwagon is Honda.

In order to strengthen contactless customer engagement in times of social distancing, Honda 2Wheelers India has introduced its digital ‘Online Booking’ platform on its official website. The company says it is a secure and convenient way to offer a seamless and transparent booking experience for customers.

Honda’s new online booking platform provides a quick, seamless and transparent booking experience for customers. Now customers can choose their favourite Honda two-wheeler, select the variant, colour and Honda authorised dealer of their choice and complete their booking in 6 easy steps.

Steps for booking a bike/scooter on the online platform

Firstly, customers can now visit Honda’s official website and swiftly start their journey with their favourite wings by clicking simply on the ‘Book Now’ tab. Next, the customer fills his personal information allowing the system to share booking receipts later on their respective email id and mobile. 

Thereon, the customer has to select a category (motorcycle or scooter), model details (model name, colour and variant) and location (state, city). The intuitive system immediately shows the effective price of the model. Customers can select the dealership of their choice amongst the list of Honda authorized dealerships.

The system then gives customers an option to review and make changes, if any, in their booking. Post verification, customers can choose their preferred secured payment option between PayTm, credit cards, debit cards, net banking, UPI Bhim to pay an online booking amount of Rs. 1,999. The booking amount is directly transferred to the respective dealer selected by the customer. 

Once the payment is approved, the customer receives a Unique Booking Number via mail & SMS. This reference number has to be shared for all future communication with the dealership. The company further goes on to add that the customers need not worry in the event of cancellation of the booking. The full booking amount will be refunded to customers without deducting any transaction charges.

Also READ: New Honda X-Blade BS6 Launched At INR 1.05 Lakh

Emphasizing on enhancing digital engagement of customers with the brand, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Digitization is the key to connect with the contactless customer in this era of new normal. The online booking platform on our official website maximizes customer convenience of booking their favourite Honda 2wheeler without stepping out. The entire vehicle selection and booking journey is secured and has been compressed into a few simple clicks thus allowing customers to relax with peace of mind.” 

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda Launches Online Booking Platform For Its Two-Wheelers - Auto News From India.

Honda has launched the all-new Forza 350 in Thailand. The all-new maxi-scooter gets a larger, more powerful motor and a host of other cosmetic and feature upgrades. This is the first time the Forza 350 has stepped into Southeast Asian markets. 

It is now available in Thailand in two variants. The standard variant costs THB 1,73,500 (Rs 4.15 lakh) while the Touring edition that gets a top box as standard is priced at THB 1,82,900 (Rs 4.38 lakh). 

Design

From the first look, the new Honda Forza 350 looks similar to the outgoing model, save for the new colours. The new Forza 350 is designed similar to its younger sibling- the Forza 300. It still looks quite striking, especially when viewed from the front. The premium automatic scooter continues to subscribe to the maxi-scooter design language with a prominent front fascia, generously proportioned stepped seats, large wheels and meaty tyres.

Features

It offers features such as all-LED lighting, mirror-mounted LED turn indicators and an emergency stop system that has the tail lamp rapidly blink if you brake hard for an emergency. It also gets an electrically adjustable windscreen that can be raised up to 150mm. Other features include a USB charging port in the front cubby hole and keyless ignition. 

The semi-digital instrument console gets two large analogue pods with a large digital screen in the middle. It shows the fuel level, odometer, trip meter, distance to empty and average fuel consumption. The cubby hole has a dedicated space to store a phone, as well as a water bottle. Being a touring friendly scooter, the Honda Forza 350 has enough under-seat storage space to store two full-face helmets in addition to compartments on the front apron.

Powertrain

As far as performance is concerned, the new Forza 350 is powered by a new 329.6cc, single-cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled motor. It replaces the Forza 300’s engine that displaced 279cc and produced 25.1hp at 7,000rpm and 27.2Nm of torque at 5,750rpm. Honda has not revealed the power and torque figures of the new scooter yet but says that it is more than what the outgoing model’s engine produced.

For reference, the Forza 300 makes about 25 PS and 27 Nm of torque. Like the Forza  300, the new Forza 350 also gets the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system, or traction control in Honda speak. The 350 also gets a CVT transmission with an automatic centrifugal clutch.

Mechanical Details

The Honda Forza 350 gets the same underpinnings as the Forza 300. Suspension setup includes telescopic forks and dual shock absorbers. It sits on 15-inch front and 14-inch rear alloy wheels with 120/70-15 and 140/70-14 tubeless tyres. Braking is via disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS. The seat height is 780mm. The Forza 350’s 185kg kerb weight is 2kg higher but it also gets a slightly larger 11.7-litre fuel tank. Even the 147mm ground clearance is 3mm taller.

Its Chances Of Arriving in India

While it has been launched in Thailand, there is still no word from Honda of the Forza making it to the Indian market. However, Honda did reveal the Forza 300 in India earlier in February this year and sold four units through its Big Wing dealerships to gauge customer response. Although Honda did commit that the BS6 version of the Forza 300 will be launched in India by FY2021, it remains to be seen if it will instead launch the Forza 350.

Also READ: Gemopai Announces 3-Year Service Warranty On All Models

The Maxi Scooters still form a very niche and premium segment of the market. Going by the norms, a smaller displacement Forza, say 150cc, would command a better position and demand in the Indian market. In its current form, the Forza 300 or Forza 350, is too premium for the Indian audiences in the scooter segment.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda Forza 350 Maxi Scooter Introduced In Thailand; India Launch Soon? - Auto News From India.

Ask any motorcyclist if he remembers the day he got his motorcycle delivered. Then step back, and you will notice his eyes light up as he tells you the whole story of that auspicious day. Delivery day is full of excitement and anticipation of owning a new vehicle and if you are getting yourself a Honda Africa Twin, it becomes all the more special. These days though, people are breaking everything else but the coconut.

A few days ago, we reported a brand new Kia Carnival hitting a wall in a head-on collision and now, this Africa Twin is a part of the similar drama but the damage is nowhere as close.

Watch video

https://www.facebook.com/boseashutosh/videos/3302581219800695

The video showcases the rider taking the Honda Africa Twin out of Honda’s BigWing showroom which retails the Japanese bikemaker’s premium offerings. In a normal situation, a bike is taken out of the showroom while taking it down through a ramp but since this is the Africa Twin we are talking about, the rider decided to ride the stairs. Now, this might not seem like a daunting task for the Africa Twin because the Honda is capable of pulling off stuff more insane than this. But things soon go wrong as the motorcycle’s sturdy bash plate makes a solid impact on one of the steps, breaking it in the process.

What went wrong?

We don’t have any word regarding the damage but there’s one thing which everyone will agree on: Bash plate saved the day! Although we don’t support such antics, the reason behind this mishap is the rider’s wrong approach. It is clearly visible that he keeps grabbing the front brake, which results in a wheel lock and for the front forks to completely compress, reducing the bike’s GC. Things could’ve taken a wrong turn had the front anchored in position, causing the rear to lift, making the bike topple or flip sideways.

If you ever have to ride the stairs to save your life though, never touch the front brake, use your body as ballast to allow the forks to compress and rebound naturally, leave the bike in a low gear and use the throttle gently to gain speed which you can manage. But if you can save your life any other way, don’t do it.

The whole scenario shouldn’t distract you from the fact that the Africa Twin is a very capable motorcycle and if ridden in an appropriate manner, can do a lot more than just climb down the stairs. The 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports (Honda’s first BSVI compliant big bike in India) was launched in both Manual (for the first time) and DCT transmission variants by Ricky Brabec (Reigning 2020 Dakar Rally World Champion from Monster Energy Honda Team) at an event in March 2020. Prices start from Rs. 15.35 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India) for the manual gearbox version. The Automatic DCT variant retails at Rs. 16.10 lakh.

Also read: Brand New Volkswagen Polo Gets Crash Tested By Driver, Seconds After Delivery [Video]

20YM Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Smaller, slimmer and 5 kg lighter, Honda’s off-roader legend got a new bigger engine, new lightweight chassis, new electronics, new suspension, and is power-packed with loads of new features for total control on all terrain! Adding more to this is a full range of genuine Honda accessories including a top box, visor, quick shifter, main stand, rally step, engine guard, front fog light, windscreen (smoke) and more available for both versions of the Africa Twin.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Brand New Honda Africa Twin Is The Latest Addition To Delivery Day Drama - Auto News From India.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd. (HMSI) on Friday has announced that it has sold more than 11 lakh BS-VI two-wheelers in the domestic market, thus becoming the first two-wheeler manufacturer in the country to clock the 1 million sales mark for the BS6 compliant models.

Honda 2Wheelers India was also the first two-wheelers manufacturer in the country to start selling BS-VI models six months ahead of the deadline in September 2019 with Activa125 launch. Noteworthy, that Honda ended fiscal 2019-20 with the Industry Highest BS-VI sales of over 6.5 lac units.

As the company claims, high demand for the Honda Activa 6G and 125 cc motorcycle Shine have helped the company to register over 11 lakh units of BS-VI two-wheeler sales. BS6 compliance had become mandatory for sales of all new vehicles in the country from April 1 onwards although many manufacturers had already started the shift from months earlier. Honda had started selling BS6 two-wheelers from September of 2019 with the launch of Activa 125 and credited a major part of the current sales figures to an early launchpad. 

Thanking the customers of Honda for their amazing response, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “It’s a matter of great pride for us at Honda, that our 11 advanced BS-6 models have won the vote of confidence & created a new Joy of riding amongst Customers across India. Truly, it’s #AQuietRevolution from Honda in the BSVI era as our product portfolio stands out as the Industry’s most diverse starting from 110cc scooters and motorcycles going up to 1100cc premium adventure bikes.”

He further said, “As many customers are now preferring personal mobility for safety and hygiene in the challenging times of New Normal, Honda is unlocking new value with its many initiatives like online bookings, attractive retail finance schemes, industry-first up to 6 year’s warranty option, etc. Moving forward, we are confident that millions of Indians will continue to realize their dreams of mobility with Wings of Honda.”

Honda 2Wheelers India is leading the BS-VI era with as many as 11 models in its product portfolio for India. This includes 4 BS-6 automatic scooters (Activa 6G, Dio, Activa 125, Grazia 125), 6 BS-6 motorcycles (CD Dream & Livo in 110cc, Shine and SP 125 in 125cc, Unicorn and X-Blade in 160cc) and its iconic 1100cc adventure legacy model – the 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

Also READ: Brand New Honda Africa Twin Is The Latest Addition To Delivery Day Drama

On seeing the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, Honda 2Wheelers India had recently introduced its digital ‘Online Booking’ platform on its official website. The company says it is a secure and convenient way to offer a seamless and transparent booking experience for customers.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda 2Wheelers India Becomes The First Manufacturer In Country To Clock 1 Million Sales Of BS6 Models - Auto News From India.

Motorcycles in the 600cc space might be loved and adored by motorcyclists all around the world but it isn’t hidden from anyone that the middleweight sportsbike segment has been suffering from low sales number for a very long time. It is becoming harder for manufacturers to update their 600cc motorcycles to meet the more stringent emission norms. The top-dogs in this segment include the Yamaha YZF-R6, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the Honda CBR600RR. All the motorcycles are iconic in their own might and have a rich history.

More details

For quite some time now, rumours have been floating around that Honda is planning to launch the updated CBR600RR. Honda has now officially confirmed that they are indeed going to launch the updated CBR600RR on 21st August. The latest iteration is being tagged as the ‘final edition’ of the motorcycle and it will mark the retirement of one of the most iconic supersports machine to ever grace our planet.

What can we expect?

Rather than worrying about the retirement of this iconic motorcycle, let us ponder over what we can expect from its final tribute. The CBR600RR is not going to remain in the production line for years to come, the reason why we can’t expect Honda to update the motorcycle thoroughly. The powertrain, frame and some other cycle parts are expected to get retained from the outgoing model. The outgoing 2020MY CBR600RR comes with a 599cc inline-four unit (with DFSI or Dual Stage Fuel Induction) and churns out around 118bhp @ 13,500rpm and 66Nm @ 11,250rpm.

Visually speaking, the updated CBR600RR looks more aerodynamic than before and that will certainly help in making it more efficient on the track. The headlight looks slimmer than before and the fairing sports a new design as well. The bike seen in the teaser video is clad in Honda Racing Corporation’s (HRC) livery. We also get a peek behind the windscreen where we see what looks like a new, full TFT instrument display that replaces the analogue tach.  One of the most distinctive features about the CBR600RR has always been its under-seat exhaust and it would have been a sin if Honda missed out on this in the updated motorcycle so they have decided to carry it forward, along with the wheels.

It is also expected that the new model will also be updated with a host of rider aids. A new electronics package will be borrowed from the litre-class ‘Fireblade’. Expect all-modern bits such as six-axis IMU with lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, anti-wheelie, among others to bless the bike. Along with the new electronic wizardry, it will also benefit from the usual features such as ride-by-wire, power modes, a quickshifter and autoblipper.

Also read: Updated Honda CBR250RR Launched In Home Market, Now Makes 41 PS

It doesn’t matter how much we pay our blessings to the God of Wheels, it is highly unlikely that we will get this iconic supersports machine in India. But we will be surely getting the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP soon. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. recently announced that they are accepting bookings for their flagship offerings. At the heart of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is a 1000cc in-line four-cylinder engine, generating peak power of 160Kw @ 14,500rpm, with peak torque of 113Nm @ 12,500rpm. It uses an all-new Bore and Stroke (81mm x 48.5mm), same as the MotoGP’s RC213V motorcycle.

This article was first published on Motoroids - The Upcoming Honda CBR600RR Will Mark the End of An Era - Auto News From India.

Apart from a continuous streak of road tests and new launches, it is the season of price hikes as well. The automotive industry in India had a pretty rough phase during the lockdown and now manufacturers are trying to make up for the additional input costs by hiking prices across their portfolio.

TVS recently hiked prices across its portfolio and it seems like it is Honda’s turn now to do the same. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has increased the prices of two of its premium commuters: The Unicorn and the X-Blade.

Updated pricing

Both the motorcycles have received their first price hike after their BS6 iterations were launched earlier before. The BS6 Honda Unicorn was launched in February 2020 while the updated X-Blade was launched last month only.

The Honda Unicorn BS6 gets a price hike of INR 955 and the motorcycle is now priced at INR 94,548 (ex-showroom, Delhi. While on the other hand, X-Blade was launched in India last month only at a starting price of INR 1,05,325.  After the latest price revision, the bike can now be yours for INR 1,06,027. That said, the company has raised the prices of the bike by INR 702. On the other hand, the dual disc variant of the Honda X-Blade BS6 can now be yours for a price of INR 1,10,308 (all prices, ex-showroom). Apart from the price revisions, both the motorcycles remain exactly the same as before.

BS6 Honda Unicorn Specs

The BS6 Honda Unicorn is powered by a BS6 compliant 162.7 cc single-cylinder engine with fuel-injection and Honda Eco Technology (HET). The engine makes 12.73 bhp at 7,500 rpm and the peak torque output stands at 14 Nm at 5,000 rpm, up from 12.8 Nm on the older model. Honda says that the new engine has been optimised for better efficiency and offers better low-end torque, while the needle bearing rocker arm helps in reducing friction losses. The new engine also comes with a counter weight-balancer that reduces vibrations and helps in smooth acceleration. Another addition is the inclusion of new tubeless tyres which will definitely going to prove a boon in case you find your motorcycle punctured. The braking department is upgraded too and now comes equipped with the safety net of ABS.

BS6 Honda X-Blade Specs

The X-Blade is the more powerful of the two. It draws power from a 162.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine mated to a five-speed transmission. The engine is good for developing respective power and torque outputs of 13.5 hp and 14.7 Nm. In the process of meeting the stricter emission norms, the engine gets a fuel injection system against a carburettor that used to come on the BS4 model.

Also read: The Upcoming Honda CBR600RR Will Mark the End of An Era

The Honda X-Blade BS6 rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and gets conventional telescopic forks at the front along with a rear monoshock. Braking duties are taken care of with the help of a disc brake up front along with rear drum unit with an optional disc. The Honda X-Blade BS6 rivals against the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer, Bajaj Pulsar NS 160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, and the Yamaha FZ-F in the segment. It also goes up against the recently launched Hero Xtreme 160R.

This article was first published on Motoroids - BS6 Honda Unicorn And X-Blade Get A Price Hike - Auto News From India.

Honda Two-wheelers India recently teased a brand new motorcycle which will show itself in all its glory on 27th August. Though the Japanese manufacturer has been tight-lipped about the specific details about the motorcycle, the think-tanks of our automotive industry are speculating it to be a 200cc variant of the Hornet 160R which still hasn’t received a BS6 upgrade while the other 160cc motorcycles in Honda’s portfolio including the Unicorn and the X-Blade have already been updated to meet the BS6 norms.

Why a 200cc motorcycle makes sense for Honda

The maker released a new teaser video which showcased some of the bike’s details amidst a track-inspired theme. The highlight of the new 200cc motorcycle seems to its sharp and edgy styling which will help Honda to take the fight in the 200cc camp which currently includes the likes of Bajaj Pulsar 200NS and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.

The reason why we are betting on a 200cc motorcycle is because CB Hornet 160R has not yet been launched in BS6 trim and the X-Blade BS6 now being Rs 17,000 more expensive than the BS4 model, a larger 200cc bike seems logical. Honda is currently absent from the 200cc segment so the new motorcycle will mark the maker’s entry in this highly competitive segment. Honda patented the CBF 190R for India last year and the new motorcycle will be largely based on that only but we can expect Honda to implement some changes to it so provide a more upmarket feel.

More details

As it is pretty apparent from the teaser video, Honda is largely banking on the styling and performance of the new motorcycle. And the snippets of the motorcycle that we got to see in the video, it seems pretty sharp and the edgy styling will certainly assist Honda in stomping its feet hard on the 200cc ground. The bike gets large fuel tank extensions with a 3D Honda emblem as well as an engine cowl. The front is highlighted by a sharp-looking LED headlamp unit. Other highlights include a fuel tank-mounted ignition and a flush-fitting aircraft-style fuel filler cap.

The motorcycle showcased in the teaser video was donned in a premium looking dual-tone blue and grey colour scheme which further works in contrast with the gold-finished USD front forks. While the Hornet 160R fell on the more affordable side and its build quality was nothing to write home about, we can expect the new 200cc motorcycle to have a more upmarket feel.

The powertrain

Though there is no word regarding the powertrain, it does look like an air-cooled unit. Honda could borrow the CBF190R’s 184cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor that delivers 16.86PS and 16.3Nm. But if Honda really wants to take the fight up to other 200cc motorcycles, it will have to boast of at least 20 hp of power on paper.

The current crop of 200cc motorcycles make more than 20hp of power and given the track-focused theme the teaser video had, we believe in Honda to deliver the performance matching the motorcycle’s sharp looks.

Premium cycle parts

The gold-finished USD front forks hint at the sporty intent of the motorcycle and we believe that the motorcycle will have improved riding dynamics. For instance, both the Apache RTR 200 4V and the Pulsar 200NS make do with telescopic front forks. The new 200cc motorcycle is also expected to have optimum braking performance, courtesy the petal disc brakes showcased in the video. It also gets a blue-backlit display for instrumentation with an additional gear position indicator.

Also read: New Honda CBR600RR Launched In Japan Starting INR 11.37 Lakh

The upcoming 200cc motorcycle from Honda has already created quite a buzz in our motorcycling industry. All the details will be revealed on 27th August. That day, we will know whether Honda has a winner on its cards or not and going by the looks of it, it looks like a promising proposition. Expect the pricing to hover around the INR 1.4 Lakh mark.

This article was first published on Motoroids - What We Can Expect From The Upcoming 200cc Motorcycle From Honda - Auto News From India.

Honda’s two-wheelers are all the rage nowadays. The Japanese bikemaker recently commenced the bookings of the CBR1000RR-R and the Fireblade SP and it has also teased the launch of the upcoming 200cc motorcycle in India. Honda recently also gave the iconic CBR 600RR a set of new clothes and some updates. If you are thinking that the staff at Honda is probably on a hyper-active drug, wait till you see the CBR250RR SP Quick Shifter Special Edition Garuda x Samurai which was recently unveiled in Indonesia.

More details

If the name of this limited-edition quarter-litre sportsbike doesn’t excite you, the artwork on its fairing definitely will. And the fact that it’s the oh-so-desirable CBR250RR which has received this exotic and mystic treatment, makes the proposition all the more mouth-watering. It is priced at 77.70 million Indonesian Rupiah, which is a heart-ache inducing INR 3.94 Lakh.

There are certain things which make this motorcycle so special.  The new ‘Garuda x Samurai’ livery honours Indonesia’s 75th Independence Day, which falls on 17th August. Only 75 units of this unique livery will be made. The mythical Garuda holds a special place in Indonesian heritage; you can even find it on the country’s national emblem.

It flanks the left side of the bike while the right fairing is graced by a samurai. While you would associate samurais with Japanese culture, the Indonesians look at it as a symbol of strength.

Other specs

Besides the livery, you also get riding aids like a bi-directional quickshifter and slip-and-assist clutch as standard. These aids first arrived on the CBR250RR last month when Honda introduced SP with the fancier dual-tone colours. For MY2021, Honda has made several mechanical changes on the CBR250RR in order to make it more powerful than before. The engine has been tweaked heavily to churn out more power than its previous iteration.

The 249cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine now makes 41PS of maximum power at 13,000rpm and 25Nm of peak torque at 11,000rpm. That is a significant power bump as compared to its previous iteration which used to make 38PS at 12,500rpm and 23Nm at 11,000rpm. This has been achieved by re-designing the pistons, piston rings, and connecting rods for the updated machine. Honda has also updated the intake system and ignition timing.

Some people might argue that goodies like slipper/assist clutch and an optional quickshifter won’t be of that much use in a motorcycle which displaces just 249cc but if you intend to take the CBR250RR on the track, these additional goodies can save precious seconds at the track, meaning the difference between a podium or finishing out of the points. The motorcycle sports a pair of USD Showa forks at the front, and a five-way adjustable monoshock at the rear. The braking duties are handled by a 310mm disc (with a two-piston calliper) at the front and a 240mm disc (with a single-piston calliper) at the rear.

Also read: What We Can Expect From The Upcoming 200cc Motorcycle From Honda

The 2021 Honda CBR250RR is available in four colour options including Matte Gun Power Black Metallic, Pearl Glare White, Grand Prix Red, and Grand Prix Red with stripes. All of them come with gold alloy wheels.

This article was first published on Motoroids - Honda Unveils The Mystical CBR250RR SP QuickShifter Garuda x Samurai Special Edition - Auto News From India.