Honda Shine 100: Zabardast Mileage King Under 65,000
The Honda Shine 100 has made quite a splash in the Indian two-wheeler market since its launch. As Honda’s latest entrant in the highly competitive 100cc segment, this commuter motorcycle aims to challenge established players with its blend of efficiency, affordability, and reliability. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Shine 100 stand out and whether it has what it takes to become your next daily ride.
Design and Styling
The Honda Shine 100 sports a no-frills design that prioritizes function over form. While it may not turn heads with flashy graphics or bold colors, its simple yet elegant styling gives it a timeless appeal. Some key design elements include:
- Sleek halogen headlamp
- Sculpted fuel tank with knee recesses
- Long single-piece seat
- Upswept exhaust with a heat shield
- 17-inch alloy wheels
Honda offers the Shine 100 in five color options: Black with Red, Black with Blue, Black with Green, Black with Gold, and Black with Grey. This variety allows you to choose a shade that best suits your style without being overly flashy.
The bike’s overall dimensions strike a good balance between compactness and comfort. With a seat height of 786mm, it’s accessible to riders of various heights. The 168mm ground clearance ensures you can tackle most urban road conditions with ease.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Honda Shine 100 lies a new 98.98cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This powerplant is tuned for efficiency and reliability, key factors for its target audience. Let’s look at the engine specifications:
- Displacement: 98.98cc
- Max Power: 7.38 PS @ 7500 rpm
- Max Torque: 8.05 Nm @ 5000 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
While these numbers might not seem impressive on paper, they translate to smooth and adequate performance in real-world conditions. The engine’s character is well-suited for city riding, with enough pep to keep up with traffic and overtake when needed.
One of the standout features of this engine is its fuel efficiency. Honda claims a mileage of 55 kmpl under test conditions. However, real-world efficiency often exceeds this figure, with many users reporting 60-65 kmpl in mixed riding conditions. This exceptional fuel economy is a significant selling point for budget-conscious buyers.
Ride and Handling
The Honda Shine 100 is built on a diamond-type frame, which provides a good balance of rigidity and flexibility. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. This conventional setup is tuned for comfort, soaking up most road imperfections with ease.
Weighing in at just 99kg, the Shine 100 is remarkably light, making it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces. The light weight also contributes to its impressive fuel efficiency. The bike’s compact dimensions and tight turning radius make it ideal for navigating through congested traffic.
Braking duties are handled by 130mm drum brakes on both wheels, supported by a Combined Braking System (CBS). While not as powerful as disc brakes, this setup provides adequate stopping power for the bike’s intended use. The CBS enhances safety by distributing braking force between both wheels, even when only the rear brake is applied.
Features and Technology
As an entry-level commuter, the Honda Shine 100 keeps things simple in terms of features. However, it does offer some noteworthy inclusions:
- Engine start/stop switch
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Analogue instrument cluster with speedometer, odometer, and fuel gauge
- Tubeless tires for enhanced safety and convenience
- Maintenance-free battery
One interesting feature is the externally mounted fuel pump, which Honda claims makes maintenance easier and more cost-effective. The engine also features an auto-choke system, ensuring easy starts in various weather conditions.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is a crucial factor for any commuter motorcycle, and the Honda Shine 100 doesn’t disappoint. The long single-piece seat provides ample room for both rider and pillion. The seat’s cushioning strikes a good balance between softness for short trips and firmness for longer journeys.
The riding position is upright and neutral, with a wide handlebar that doesn’t put strain on your wrists. The footpegs are positioned for a comfortable leg angle, reducing fatigue during long rides. These ergonomics make the Shine 100 suitable for riders of various heights and builds.
The 9-liter fuel tank, combined with the bike’s excellent fuel efficiency, ensures you can cover long distances between fill-ups. This is particularly beneficial for those who use their motorcycles for daily commutes or occasional weekend getaways.
Price and Variants
Honda offers the Shine 100 in a single variant, priced competitively at Rs. 64,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This pricing strategy positions it as one of the most affordable 100cc motorcycles with an electric starter in the Indian market.
While there aren’t multiple variants to choose from, the five color options allow for some personalization. The competitive pricing, combined with Honda’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs, makes the Shine 100 an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
Competitors
The 100cc segment is fiercely competitive, with several established players. The Honda Shine 100’s main rivals include:
- Hero Splendor Plus
- Hero HF Deluxe
- Bajaj Platina 100
- TVS Sport
Each of these competitors has its strengths, but the Shine 100 holds its own with its combination of fuel efficiency, Honda’s reliability, and competitive pricing. Its fresh design and new engine also give it an edge in terms of modernity.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. What is the real-world mileage of the Honda Shine 100?
While Honda claims a mileage of 55 kmpl under test conditions, many users report achieving 60-65 kmpl in mixed riding conditions. Your actual mileage may vary based on riding style, road conditions, and maintenance.
Q2. How does the Honda Shine 100 compare to the Hero Splendor Plus?
The Shine 100 is priced lower than the Splendor Plus and offers slightly better claimed fuel efficiency. However, the Splendor Plus has a larger dealer network and stronger brand recognition. Both bikes offer reliable performance and low maintenance costs.
Q3. Does the Honda Shine 100 have tubeless tires?
Yes, the Honda Shine 100 comes equipped with tubeless tires on both wheels. This enhances safety and convenience in case of punctures.
Q4. What is the ground clearance of the Honda Shine 100?
The Honda Shine 100 has a ground clearance of 168mm, which is adequate for navigating most Indian road conditions and speed bumps.
Q5. Is the Honda Shine 100 suitable for tall riders?
With a seat height of 786mm and a comfortable riding position, the Shine 100 can accommodate riders of various heights. However, very tall riders (over 6 feet) might find it a bit compact for long journeys.
Wrapping Up
The Honda Shine 100 enters the competitive 100cc segment with a strong focus on efficiency, affordability, and reliability. Its exceptional fuel economy, comfortable ergonomics, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for budget-conscious commuters. While it may not offer fancy features or thrilling performance, it excels at its intended purpose: providing dependable, economical transportation for daily use. If you’re in the market for a no-frills, fuel-efficient commuter motorcycle, the Honda Shine 100 definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist.
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