Honda Shine 100 vs TVS Sport: Who is the commuter-segment Badshah among the two?

The Honda Shine is Honda’s re-entry in the 100cc segment. 

• Its 100cc engine makes 7.61PS and 8.05Nm. 
• The TVS Sport’s larger 110cc engine is tuned for 8.3PS and 8.7Nm. 
• Both bikes go up against the Hero Splendor Plus. 

We were mightily impressed by the Honda Shine 100's refinement, powerful engine, and engaging handling. Can it compete with the TVS Sport, a bike that was first introduced in 2007 and has since gained popularity among the general public due to its low cost and high mileage? Together, we ride both bikes to determine precisely that:

Honda Shine 100 vs TVS Sport: Design & Features

Honda has maintained the premium image associated with the brand despite its affordable price. Honda's Shine 100 perfectly replicates the Shine 125's highly effective design. Its visual appeal is enhanced by the paint job, livery, and even the blacked-out parts.

The Honda Shine 100 is a straightforward commuter with halogen headlights and an analogue dual-pod instrument dashboard with standard readouts including speed, fuel level, and warning lights. Additionally, for simpler maintenance, it incorporates an automatic choke system, an outside fuel pump, and a side stand engine cut-off.

Honda vehicles are renowned for their excellent build quality, however the Shine 100 doesn't seem to live up to that reputation. The back and side panels, as well as the tail light, are quite flimsy and move around a lot. Honda is likely to fix these problems in subsequent production batches. 

Halogen headlight with a sporty-looking bonnet is a feature of TVS Sport. The bike also has chrome exhaust shields and black treatments for the engine and alloy wheels. In the electric start version, it also receives a 3D emblem and sporty livery.

The TVS Sport has five-spoke alloy wheels, an electronic starter (included in the top-tier edition), and an analogue instrument dashboard with a speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and an Econometer that changes the telltale indicator's light from green to red depending on the rider's preference.

The Honda Shine 100, Honda CD100 Dream, Bajaj CT110X, and Hero HF Deluxe are competitors of the TVS Sport. You might also purchase the Bajaj Platina 100 ES and TVS Scooty Pep in a comparable price range. 

Honda Shine 100 vs TVS Sport: Engine & Gearbox

A brand-new, single-cylinder engine that is BS6.2 (OBD2) approved powers the Honda Shine 100. The motor is connected to a four-speed gearbox and generates 7.4PS and 8.05Nm.

The 98.98cc single-cylinder engine was created especially for the Indian market and is totally original in design. Therefore, even if it only generates 7.61PS and 8.05Nm, it does an excellent job. The refinement levels are what we've come to expect from Honda, but how it compares to the Splendour is a different story. 

At slow speeds, there are no vibrations, and the engine doesn't feel strained or too vibratory even when you exceed 60 kmph. On the seat and footpegs, there is a slight tickle, but it is tolerable. A single-cylinder, 109.7cc, air-cooled engine and four-speed gearbox power the TVS Sport. It has an output of 8.29 PS and 8.7 Nm. The motorcycle, according to the manufacturer, has a top speed of 90kmph.

The motorcycle's biggest improvement is its 109.7-cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, which is coupled to a four-speed transmission. The engine is remarkably smooth across the rpm range, providing a lively exhaust note and a brisk ride in the city. Shifts are straightforward thanks to the gearbox and a mild clutch. With the electric start technology, the bike may now be started while it is in any gear. The bike slowly accelerates from a complete stop in second gear without the engine misbehaving.

Honda Shine 100 vs TVS Sport: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Shine 100 sports a classic telescopic fork with twin shock absorbers and a diamond-shaped frame. Drum units are used on both ends of CBS to provide braking. It has 17-inch alloy wheels with MRF rubber tyres.

The Honda Shine 100 has a very promising engine and handling, but poor brakes. Although a bike in this price category shouldn't have drum brakes, the Shine's brakes lack sensation at the lever and feel rather dull. It is so challenging to rely on them to consistently slow you down in an emergency.

The Shine 100, meanwhile, has twin rear shocks that may be pre-loaded in five steps and a telescopic front fork. A 130mm front drum and a 110mm rear drum make up the braking system. There isn't even the option of a front disc. 

Honda Shine 100 vs TVS Sport: Dimensions

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. 

With a curb weight of 110kg, the Sport is a decently manoeuvrable vehicle as well and it can easily handle speed bumps and troublesome stretches of roads and is suitable for city driving. Its upright and comfortable riding stance is made possible by the handlebar, footpegs, and seat. However, the bike tends to seem light at the front when there is a pillion at the back. A rider must be aware of this because it can be felt at extremely low speeds especially during turns.

Honda Shine 100 vs TVS Sport: Price

The Honda Shine 100 is only offered in one configuration, and the out-of-showroom pricing in Mumbai is Rs 64,900. With black as the basis and graphic stripes in blue, green, gold, red, and grey, it is available in five various colour schemes. Here are further details about the colour schemes.

Both the Kick Start and Electric Start versions of the TVS Sport are priced at Rs 64,050 and Rs 70,223, respectively (both prices ex-showroom Delhi). The kick start type is only available in two colours: all black and all grey. The electric start variant is available in five colours: black blue, black red, metallic grey, white purple, and metallic blue.

Verdict

The fundamental question is whether Hero Splendour Plus can be ousted. Both the TVS Sport and the Shine 100 take on the Splendor Plus in this segment, India’s best-selling bikes for years. So in a market where the Splendour has reigned for three decades, it will need customer acceptance to succeed, which will be very challenging. 

As for the TVS Sport, we believe that spoke wheels might have still been an option for the bike to further reduce the cost. As we can see, those days of being able to purchase a commuter for a few thousand rupees are long gone. Having said that, with the extra money we would be spending, we do receive more features, premium appearance, higher fuel efficiency, and an engine that allows for a more exciting ride