New Delhi
Honda Shine 100 Road Test Review: Smooth & Likeable
Reviews by Team Drivio | 18 May 2023
The Honda Shine 100 is designed after the Shine 125.
- Its 100cc engine makes 7.61PS and 8.05Nm.
- The bike’s on sale in one variant.
- Rivals include the Bajaj Platina 100 and the Hero HF100.
Honda is entering a market with the Shine 100 that it has avoided since starting its own journey in India more than ten years ago: the 100cc sector. Honda already produces a large number of reasonably priced 110cc bikes, but because the price points for existing entry-level motorbikes are so constrained, Honda claims it had to create a new engine and chassis in order to price this new bike as competitively as possible.
Honda invited us to test the bike as customer deliveries were about to begin. We were only allowed to ride these unregistered prototype motorcycles within the city limits of Aamby Valley. It was sufficient to understand what this bike is all about, even though there is still more to learn.
Honda Shine 100: Design & Features
When you park the Shine 100 next to its larger sibling, the Shine 125, you will notice that the 100 appears smaller and tinier. It should prevent cannibalization, which Honda will be eager to prevent since the Shine 125 is by far their most popular motorcycle.
The side panels' stickers and little chrome garnish, as well as the fuel tank's stickers, are attractive. As would be expected, there are very few features, and while alloy wheels are included, tubed tyres and a front drum brake are also required. The side stand down engine cutoff is a wonderful addition, though.
However, a deeper examination reveals that the quality might be higher. A few metal surfaces might use a better finish, and the plastic right side quarter panel flexes surprisingly much. But at this price, what can you really expect?
Honda Shine 100: Engine & Specs
| Specifications | Honda Shine 100 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 98.98 cc air-cooled engine |
| Maximum power | 7.38PS @ 7500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 8.05Nm @ 5000rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed |
This 98.98cc engine has the same 47mm bore as Honda's current 110 engine from the CD 110 Dream, but the manufacturer claims that many internal components have changed. It has 7.38 horsepower, which is around 0.6 horsepower less than the Hero Splendor and HF Deluxe, but it produces the same 8.05 Nm at 5,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), which is 1,000 rpm less than the Heros.
A 4-speed gearbox with an all-up shift pattern is used on the bike.
Honda Shine 100: Chassis
| Specifications | Honda Shine 100 |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear suspension | Dual Shock Absorbers |
| Front tyre | 2.75-17 |
| Rear tyre | 3.00-17 |
| Front brake | 130mm Drum |
| Rear brake | 110mm Drum |
| ABS | No |
We found the Shine 100’s handling to be very neutral and fairly predictable. Its 99kg Kerb weight 6means it’s extremely nimble, especially when flicking the bike from one side to the other. Even moving the bike around at low speeds, around parking lots and in the city is extremely manageable. The brakes are pretty decent as well. While they lack the initial bike, it’s expected from 100cc commuters that have drum brakes. That said, the brakes have plenty of feel and feedback.
Honda Shine 100: Dimensions
| Dimensions | Honda Shine 100 |
|---|---|
| Length | 1955mm |
| Height | 1050mm |
| Width | 754mm |
| Wheelbase | 1245mm |
| Seat height | 786mm |
| Ground clearance | 168mm |
| Kerb weight | 99kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 9-litres |
The Honda Shine 100 has all the necessary components to be an excellent handling, including 17-inch wheels, a reachable seat height of 786mm, and a kerb weight of 99 kg. Whether moving around the parking lot or negotiating traffic, the Shine 100 does everything with ease.
Honda Shine 100: Variants & Price
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Honda Shine 100 | Rs 64,500 onwards |
The starting price for the Honda Shine 100, which is only offered in one variant, is Rs 64,900 (ex-showroom Mumbai). With black as the foundation and geometric stripes in blue, green, gold, red, and grey, it is offered in five different colour schemes. The Hero Splendor Plus, Bajaj Platina 100, Hero HF 100, and HF Deluxe are some other 100cc commuters with which the Honda Shine 100 competes in India. In terms of price, the TVS Scooty Pep Plus, Hero Electric NYX, Honda Dio, and Okinawa Ridge are competitors of the Shine 100.
The Honda Shine, which costs Rs 64,500 (ex-showroom Mumbai), is one of the most affordable motorcycles on the market. Fuel efficiency, however, is a factor influencing purchase decisions in addition to pricing. Unfortunately, Honda has merely stated that this bike is the most efficient in its segment without providing the claimed fuel efficiency figure.
Verdict
With an initial price of Rs 64,900, the Shine 100 is nearly Rs 9,000 cheaper than the cheapest Splendor and Rs 1,500 cheaper than the comparably equipped HF Deluxe with electric start. Although Honda has never before used such price aggression, would it be sufficient to significantly reduce Hero's enormous numbers? That will mostly depend on how aggressive Honda is with its local marketing and sales efforts, and only time will tell.
