Reliability, agility, high mileage, low-maintenance and affordability are USPs that Honda’s new 100cc Shine will need to take on Hero Splendor
As things stand now, Hero MotoCorp doesn’t have an answer to Activa. Honda faces a similar predicament with 100cc Splendor. While Hero’s plans in this context have not been revealed, Honda has decided to challenge Splendor with an entirely new 100cc bike. Called Honda Shine 100, this new motorcycle has now been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 64,900, ex-sh. Bookings open from today. Production will start from next month, while deliveries will start from May 2023.
Honda Shine 100 – Features, Price, Mileage & Specs
100cc motorcycle segment commands 33% market share of the total motorcycle sales in India. A major chunk of this 33% is eaten by Hero MotoCorp, thanks to their Splendor range of motorcycles. Monthly sales of Splendor are about 2.5 lakh units. Honda has not been present in this segment, thereby not competing in 1/3rd of the motorcycle market. With the launch of Shine 100, Honda aims at taking on the Splendor.
Splendor 100cc is Hero’s top selling product and the primary volume generator. If Honda’s new 100cc Shine can grab even 15-20% market share in entry-level commuter segment, the company should be able to emerge as the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the country in quantitative terms. Honda is relying on the Shine branding for their new 100cc motorcycle. CB Shine 125 is Honda’s top selling motorcycle currently, and also the market leader in 125cc segment.
Some of the key focus areas for Honda’s new Shine 100cc commuter bike will be mileage and affordability. Among the key reasons why Splendor is preferred is its reliability, easy manoeuvrability, peppy performance and high mileage. Most Splendor users report around 65+ km mileage for the bike. Honda’s reliability is sort of unquestionable, so that aspect is already sorted out. Honda is claiming to offer best in class mileage with new Shine 1000cc.
Honda’s Shine 100cc bike is among the cheapest in its class. Splendor was quite affordable once, but prices have increased in recent years. This has prompted buyers to explore other options. Splendor prices start from Rs 72,000 (ex-sh, Delhi). Honda has launched Shine 100 at a more affordable price point of Rs 64,900, ex-sh. – all while matching Splendor’s key USPs, it could trigger a major churn in entry-level commuter segment.
Honda Shine 100: The Best Commuter Bike in India?
Honda Shine 100 gets 5 colour options (Black with Red Stripes, Black with Blue Stripes, Black with Green Stripes, Black with Gold Stripes and Black with Grey Stripes). The appealing front cowl, all black alloy wheels, practical aluminum grab rail, bold tail lamp and sleek distinguished muffler compliment smooth style of the motorcycle. HMSI is also offering a special 6-year warranty package (3 years standard + 3 years optional extended warranty) on Shine 100.
Built on an all new light-weight durable diamond frame, the new Honda Shine 100 gets long seat measuring 677 mm and a seat ht of 786 mm. Turning radius is just 1.9 meter. Ground clearance is 168mm while wheelbase is 1245mm. With its new 100cc Shine, Honda is expected to focus more on rural markets. While offering best-in-segment mileage, the bike could also have larger proportions as compared to Splendor. These are factors that have significant influence on customer purchase decisions in rural markets.
Honda has claimed that the new Shine 100cc motorcycle delivers best in segment performance as well as mileage. The new 100cc engine comes with Fuel Injection as well as Solenoid, which makes starting the bike very smooth in any weather condition. It prevents engine start while the side stand is engaged enabling a convenient and carefree ride. Making every ride on the Shine 100 comfortable and convenient, is the Combi-Brake System (CBS) with Equalizer.
Performance numbers of Honda’s Shine 100cc are close to that of its primary rival Splendor Plus. Honda Shine 100 is powered by a 99.7cc, air cooled, single cylinder motor that churns out 7.6 hp and 8.05 Nm torque while rival Splendor delivers 8 bhp of max power and 8.05 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 4-speed constant mesh gearbox. Apart from Splendor, Honda’s new 100cc bike will also take on HF Deluxe, HF 100 and Bajaj Platina 100.
