Honda Shine: In the bustling bylanes of Indian cities and the meandering stretches of its hinterland, a familiar form of shadow has metamorphosed into an image of the transformative.
NEW DELHI: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has introduced the new avatar of its established commuter motorcycle – the Shine, breathing fresh life into a moniker that has ruled the 125cc space for almost two decades.
Honda Shine: Evolution in Motion
But the new Honda Shine isn’t a revolutionary product, but merely evolutionary in design. Honda’s designers have walked the tightrope of familiarity and freshness, delivering a machine that will be familiar to owners of the outgoing model, while at the same time looking sharp, modern and fresh.
The former is highlighted by angular headlamp housing and sleek LED daytime running lights that form a unique light signature.
The re-contoured tank extensions now integrate more gracefully with the side panels, and the headlight shroud gets chromed accents for a more upscale look.
At the back it looks more integrated and sleeker with a refreshed taillight cluster that looks better and more visible.
The new upgraded Shine can be accessorised with five tastefully designed graphic options, which includes the striking Pearl Igneous Black and the charming Matte Axis Grey Metallic, much to the delight of customers who want to show off their shimmering style and class that has always been the hallmark of the Shine ever since its launch.
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Engineering Excellence
Under the newly swoopy panels a reworked version of Honda’s venerable 125cc single-cylinder lives. Now with better burning combustion chambers and valve timing the dragons son gets a little boost in power and efficiency.
It pushes around 10.7 horsepower of peak power and 11 Nm of peak torque but, paper figures don’t really do justice to the potential that this engine offers on the road. Powerband has been set to rip, with plenty of low-down grunt for overhauling fully laden with a pillion and their gear (as we’ve done on a couple of legs)—a realistic scenario for its target buyer.
Just as remarkable, however, is Honda’s success at striking a balance between performance and thrift. Claimed fuel efficiency for the new Shine is also impressive, coming in at 65 km/l which is still very good even for city based riding in traffic.
This offers an attractive economic proposition for a society that is becoming more and more affected by fluctuating fuel prices.
Refined Riding Experience
Honda Shine- Any discussion of Honda’s refinement comes full circle with the bike’s ride attributes. The buzz through the bars is very minor, especially by the standards of a single-cylinder engine, and only at upper revs intruding into comfort levels.
The five speed gearbox has smooth shifting and light clutch feel, so your left hand can take it easy during rush hour gridlock traffic.
The suspension—up front telescopic forks and twin shocks at the rear—has been retuned to manage the diverse nature of the surfaces that we encounter within the subcontinent.
The result is a nicely pliant ride that eats up imperfections without feeling too soft when cornering or braking.
On the subject of slowing down, the new Shine can be had with either a front disc/rear drum combination or drums at each end, both with Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS) which allocates force to both brakes when applying the rear brake to reduce swerving during an emergency stop.
Thoughtful Ergonomics
The rider triangle on the Shine the bike is designed around has been subtly changed to suit a broader range of rider shapes.
Crucially, the 791mm seat height is serviceable and its handlebar has been made closer to the rider by reducing the reach, resulting in a more stress-free, upright riding position for longer stints in the saddle.
The seat itself is worth mentioning too: its ergonomic shape works together with the just-right density foam to support you comfortably without adding bulk, and it never feels hot or uncomfortable no matter how far you ride.
And the pillion seat has been lengthened and widened, in response to a common gripe with previous generations.
Smart Options for the Contemporary Rider
Honda Shine- Keeping the old simple look and feel, the modern Shine features some new specs that make it more practical for everyday use.
The same, instrument console is now a 100% digital unit, and is visible even in the harshest sun rays and croed at ease with all the necessary info.
Along with the usual speed/fuel level indicator, it also features a real-time fuel efficiency indicator to help riders in achieving maximum fuel economy.
And the silent start ACG system is primitive by modern standards but as with the gearbox, there’s a refreshingly simple quality about knowing that the engine’s internals are being petoled into action silently, rather than being thrashed into life by a traditional chain-driven starter motor.
Hazard light and engine kill switch – premium features not too long ago found on more premium segments – are part of this motorcycle, adding yet another value addition to the Shine and reiterating Honda’s commitment to bringing in convenience and safety features which are at par or better in this segment.
Built for the Long Haul
Beneath its refreshing new avatar, Honda shines with trusted durability — the key unspoken benefit in this Shine.
Being field tested across 100,000s kilometers of real-world driving in torturous conditions ranging from searing deserts to monsoon-soaked coastlines, the engine design is a proven performer.
Wear-and-tear parts have been engineered for long service intervals, to cut maintenance and downtime.
The stout electrical system features multiple circuit breakers to protect against wiring shorts, and the paint finish is tested for everything from weather to wear to gasoline spills.
Honda Shine: Verdict- Raising the Bar Again
With the new Shine, Honda has gone from refreshing a winning formula to redefining what commuters can — and should — offer.
By carefully improving every facet of performance without upsetting the fundamental balance of efficiency, reliability and affordability, Honda has crafted a machine that spruces up your day, every day and on weekends, making the compromise of nakedness all the more laughable.
At a time when urban transportation behaviors are changing, and consumer demands are increasing, the new Shine demonstrates that practical transport can come in a sophisticated and stylish package.
Whether for the regular commuter in need of a reliable workhorse, the weekend rider craving to escape from the daily humdrum or a family that is looking for a versatile two-wheeler, the new Shine makes for a proposition that is hard to resist in this day and age of congestion.
