Latest news with #HondaMotorcycle&ScooterIndia
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Shine 100 DX and CB125 Hornet fuel Honda's renewed focus on mass motorcycle market
In a year that marks its 25th anniversary in India, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is steering decisively into the two segments that define the country's mass motorcycling landscape — 100cc and 125cc. With the introduction of the Shine 100 DX and the CB125 Hornet , Honda isn't just bringing new products; it is sharpening its strategy to win the volume game through a blend of regional relevance, customer segmentation, and product distinction. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has introduced the Shine 100 DX and CB125 Hornet to strengthen its presence in the high-volume 100cc and 125cc motorcycle segments. With these launches, the company aims to tap deeper into commuter and youth segments, reinforcing its ICE portfolio in India. This isn't new territory for HMSI, but the approach is more calibrated than ever before — drawing from deep consumer insight, changing aspirations, and a growing understanding that brand loyalty in India's commuter space is built on dependability first, and design later. Two segments, two different customers The 100cc segment in India is vast, accounting for nearly 29 per cent of the total two-wheeler market. Honda's Shine 100, launched two years ago, helped the brand capture nearly 15 per cent of the lower-end commuter market. But Honda knew this wasn't the whole opportunity. 'The 100cc segment is bifurcated," said Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, HMSI. 'One is extremely price-sensitive and utility-focused. For this, we already have Shine 100. But 70 per cent of the segment is made up of riders looking beyond basic mobility — they want reliability, durability and a sense of pride." This is where the Shine 100 Deluxe fits in. With a digital meter, wider fuel tank, five-step adjustable suspension, tubeless tyres, and premium graphics, the Deluxe brings a new level of aspiration to the entry-level commuter. It's built for daily grind but crafted to look like it belongs to a higher bracket. 'In a segment that contributes to 20 per cent of the overall industry, we see huge potential," added Mathur. 'And the timing aligns perfectly with festive season demand." Also watch: Honda CB 125 Hornet Walkaround In HD + Exhaust Note 🎧🎧 Honda CB125 Hornet: A style play for Gen Z At the other end of the commuter spectrum is the 125cc category, where Honda already commands a 51 per cent market share as of Q1 FY25. The SP125 and Shine 125 have long been staples in this space, but consumer expectations have evolved. 'Young buyers no longer want just a motorcycle — they want an expression of identity," Mathur said. 'That's where the CB125 Hornet comes in. It is not only sporty but packed with tech and style features Gen Z cares about." Golden USD forks, a 4.2-inch TFT digital cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and distance-to-empty readouts, split seats, LED lighting — all rolled into a package that hits the sweet spot between performance and practicality. With a 0–60 kmph time of 5.4 seconds, it also brings real performance cred to the segment. Mathur dismissed any fears of cannibalisation within Honda's portfolio, saying, 'These products will bring new customers. There's enough headroom in both 100cc and 125cc to grow without eating into existing volumes." No rush, just relevance Interestingly, HMSI's recent launches come at a time when India's two-wheeler industry is slowly but steadily recovering to its pre-COVID levels. Yet Honda has maintained a measured tone in its pursuit of leadership. Tsutsumu Otani, President, CEO and Managing Director, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), stated during the launch event that Honda contributed nearly 50 per cent of the industry's growth last fiscal year and that the brand's focus is on 'delivering value, not chasing numbers." Even so, with HMSI's current market share at 27 per cent, the ambition to close the gap with its former partner Hero MotoCorp is evident. For Tsutsumu Otani, its more about delivering value than chasing numbers (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) 'Leadership will be a byproduct of relevance," Mathur emphasised. 'If we stay in sync with what the Indian customer needs — be it in design, utility or aspiration — the numbers will follow." Electrification and a multi-fuel future Even as it reinforces its ICE playbook, Honda is in no tearing hurry on the electrification front. When senior members of its global two-wheeler leadership team visited India recently, the message was refreshingly candid. Minoru Kato, the head of the Motorcycle business at Honda Motor Company, did not mince words in describing the local EV two-wheeler market as 'stagnant" — a space propped up more by subsidies and fuel price anxiety than genuine consumer conviction. Also Read : Honda to relook at its electric two-wheeler strategy as it finds Indian market stagnant Honda debuted its electric two-wheelers — the Activa e with a swappable battery and the Honda QC1 with a fixed battery — earlier this year. The rollout has been phased, starting with Bengaluru and expanding to Delhi and Mumbai. 'We're still in the process of evaluating which battery approach works best for the Indian market," Otani said. However, HMSI's road to carbon neutrality, which it plans to achieve by 2050, is not limited to EVs alone. The company is actively pursuing a multi-pathway strategy toward carbon neutrality. This highlights a focus on Flex-fuel technologies, which Honda has already positively executed in Brazil, with more than 7 million flex-fuel two-wheeled vehicles sold so far. Yogesh Mathur stated that the company's vision is to give customers sustainable options without compromising performance or affordability (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) The company has launched its first ethanol-compatible motorcycle in India - the Honda CB300F Flex Fuel - and is now working with governments to clarify policies and incentives around bioethanol-based mobility solutions. Mathur echoed this broader outlook, stating, 'We are not betting on a single technology. Whether it's EVs, ICE or flex-fuel, our vision is to give customers sustainable options without compromising performance or affordability." The long game In many ways, Honda's 2025 playbook reflects the balancing act many legacy automakers are attempting: doubling down on ICE where it still thrives, while preparing the ground — cautiously but firmly — for an electric and sustainable future. As Otani succinctly put it during the event, 'This is not just about new products. It is about reinforcing Honda's role in India's mobility story — across segments, technologies, and generations." For now, the Shine 100 Deluxe and CB125 Hornet may seem like modest moves. But in the vast chessboard of India's two-wheeler market, they are strategic placements, meant to consolidate territory and shape perception — one commuter, one aspirational rider at a time. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date:
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Honda steps up commuter game with new bikes to take on Hero
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is expanding its footprint in the high-volume commuter motorcycle segment, aiming to challenge Hero MotoCorp, the dominant market leader. To strengthen its position in the world's largest two-wheeler market, the Japanese two-wheeler major launched two new motorcycles -- the Shine 100 Deluxe and the CB125 Hornet -- on Wednesday. These strategic introductions are designed to drive sales volume and compete more aggressively in this key segment. 'With these two new models, our volume is surely going to go up. Last year was very significant for us because in the total industry growth of 1.6 million, we contributed 50% of the growth. We expect to have this kind of growth in this fiscal year as well with the launch of these two motorcycles,' said Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing at HMSI. Despite a decline in demand for entry-level motorcycles (100-110cc) in recent years, the segment still accounted for more than 46% of motorcycle volume and 29% of the total two-wheeler sales in the financial year 2025. Hero MotoCorp, on the back of its most successful product Splendor dominates this space with about 78% share.
India.com
a day ago
- Automotive
- India.com
Honda Celebrates 25 Years in India, Launches CB125 Hornet and Shine 100 DX
To celebrate its 25 th anniversary in India, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has unveiled two brand-new motorcycles, the CB125 Hornet and Shine 100 DX, indicating a serious level of innovation and desire to deliver client-centric products. The Honda CB125 Hornet targets Gen-Z customers with a sensible street style motorcycle that features class-first, including a 4.2-inch TFT screen, golden USD fork, as well as Bluetooth connectivity with the Honda RoadSync app. It has 8.2 kW of power with a performance of 0-60 km/h in 5.4 seconds. It also has usb c port, split seats, petal disc brakes and single channel ABS to enhance its safety. On the one hand, the model Shine 100 DX develops the trendy Shine series and is refreshed with modern styling, perfect ergonomics, and smart technology. It has a novel digital LCD information cluster with mileage, range and service reminder. It has a 98.98cc engine that has a power of 5.43 kW as well as an eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) technology of Honda to help in its efficiency and smooth operation. It has CBS, long seat and high ground clearance that makes it designed to commute everyday on Indian roads. Both motorcycles represent continuity of the attention that Honda is paying to provide state-of-the-art and accessible mobility solutions. The CB125 hornet and the Shine 100 DX bookings begin on August 1, 2025. Riding on 25 years of its presence in India, Honda is India silver jubilee company and still continues with its eyes on innovation and market leader.
NDTV
a day ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Honda Shine 100 DX Unveiled In India- Rivals Hero Splendor
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has expanded its range of entry-level motorcycles in the Indian market with the unveil of the new Honda Shine 100 DX. The prices of the bike has been revealed around August 1 and competes in a highly demanded category among daily commuters. It is placed below the Livo in the brand's lineup and will compete against models like Hero Splendor, Bajaj Platina 100, and others in India. Here we take a look at the details of the new bike. Starting with the design, it offers a familiar look but with fresh elements. Just like other commuter bikes, the Honda Shine 100 DX gets a prominent headlamp with chrome embellishments surrounded by a plastic body. There is also a slim fuel tank offering a capacity of 10 litres that merges well with the single-piece seat to give the bike. All of it is complemented by four paint scheme options offered by the brand: Pearl Igneous Black, Imperial Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic, and Geny Gray Metallic. To go with the design, the brand is offering a fully-digital LCD instrument cluster on the machine. It provides access to all the necessary information like real-time mileage, distance to empty, and more. It also has a turning radius of 1.9 meters. The bike comes with telescopic front suspension and twin-shock absorbers at the rear end. Meanwhile, braking duties are taken care of by drum brakes at both ends. Along with this, the bike gets tubeless tires at both ends. Based on a diamond-type frame, the Honda Shine 100 DX gets a 98.98 cc single-cylinder producing 7 hp of power at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 8.04 Nm while revving at 5,000 rpm. It works in conjunction with a four-speed transmission with a multiplate wet clutch. It offers the option of both self and kick-start.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda CB 125 Hornet unveiled, bookings begin from August 1
Honda CB 125 Hornet will be offered in four colours. Check Offers Honda CB 125 Hornet has been unveiled alongside the Shine 100 DX. The new motorcycle joins the Honda SP125 in the company's 125cc motorcycle segment. The CB 12 Hornet is aimed at young buyers and combines the legacy of the CB and the Hornet brand. Bookings will begin from August 1. Honda claims that the new CB 125 Hornet will add a new customer base for the bike maker in the 125cc segment where it enjoys 45 per cent market share. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, stated that the CB125 Hornet is set to redefine the 125cc premium commuter space with its advanced styling, segment-first features. Honda CB125 Hornet: Design The Honda CB125 Hornet features a bold front fascia that is complemented by an all-LED lighting setup, including a signature twin-LED headlamp with LED DRLs and high-mounted LED turn indicators. Moving to the side profile, the CB125 Hornet gets a muscular fuel tank with sharp tank shrouds and a stylish muffler. Also Read : Honda Shine 100 DX unveiled, bookings open from August 1 Aimed at young Indian buyers, the new CB125 Hornet is offered in four colour options with contrasting colours. These include - Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red. Honda CB125 Hornet: Features and hardware In terms of features, it gets a 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and Honda RoadSync app compatibility. With this, the riders can access navigation, calls & SMS alerts, and music playback with a headset through the TFT display. The screen can be toggled by the switches placed on the left handlebar. The CB125 Hornet further gets a universal USB Type-C charging port, enabling riders to charge their devices while on the go. Moreover, it comes equipped with an engine stop switch & a side-stand indicator with engine inhibitor for added safety. On the hardware front, the CB125 Hornet USD front forks along with a 5-step adjustable mono-shock. Furthermore, the new CB125 Hornet features multi-spoke alloy wheels and a split seat set-up for better comfort of both rider and pillion. Braking duties are handled by a 240mm petal disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear. Also Read : Honda to relook at its electric two-wheeler strategy as it finds Indian market stagnant The company noted that the inclusion of petal disc enhances heat dissipation & improves cooling, thus improving braking efficiency. Moreover, as an added safety measure, the CB125 Hornet is equipped with a single-channel ABS. Honda CB125 Hornet: Specs Powering the all-new CB125 Hornet is the same 123.94cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, OBD2B compliant engine as the Honda SP125. However, the engine in the CB125 Hornet churns out 11 bhp of power at 7500 RPM and 11.2 Nm of peak torque at 6000 RPM. The engine comes paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The new motorcycle is claimed to go from 0-100 in 5.4 seconds, making it the fastest motorcycle in its class. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 23 Jul 2025, 11:52 am IST
