Honda Shine
Honda Shine brings together the best of all that is sought in a motorcycle into one awe inspiring piece of automotive technology. Equipped with a host of advanced technologies like Multi Mapping CDI, Tumble Flow Combustion Chamber, Long Intake Pipe and Connecting Tube, CV Carburetor, 2 Way Air Jacket and Pulse Exhaust System, the newly developed 125 cc ‘Optimax’ engine delivers class leading 10.3 BHP which enables Honda Shine to deliver the best balance of pickup and mileage. Honda obviously feels this is what a majority of the Indian buyers want. The new Honda comes in twin-color codes with a tidy front fairing that harks of bigger bro Unicorn’s beak.
Compared to the Unicorn, the Shine has instruments that are boring, though the bike does well for itself with neat switches. A hefty and cleverly chiseled fuel tank comes with well-designed knee recesses and a familiar filler-cap in chrome. Accommodating 11litres of juice, this tank blends into boomerang-shaped side panels that lead backwards into a smooth brake-warning lamp. The Shine’s grab rail is straightforward and non-alloy. Lending relief lower down is a shiny chrome silencer heat shield. While the Shine will not immediately offer an electric start option, HMSI has announced this will form part of its package in July.
The bike’s four-stroke, air-cooled and single-cylinder engine has been termed ‘Optimax’ by the marketing brains, and is broadly a scaled down version of the Unicorn power plant. Power output is 10.3bhp at 7500rpm, a full bhp lower than its direct competitor—Bajaj’s Discover. One can expect the near vertically mounted 124.6cc Shine engine to offer refinement typical of Honda, although we must reserve any further comment till we actually test it. A CV type carburetor performs mixing duties on this bike, and breathes into the cylinder via a purposely long and thin induction manifold—that’s for faster air-fuel intake velocity and subsequently better volumetric efficiency.
The Shine’s rubber-damped alloy-cylinder is built to permit beneficial tumble-flow character, which allows burning of a leaner mix. As on the Unicorn, there’s an offset crankshaft to minimize piston and cylinder friction, while the cylinder head is cast with twin-air channels that aid prompt cooling. The Honda Shine comes equipped with a 125 cc Opimax engine, delivering an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in 5.3 seconds. The engine is four-stroke, single-cylinder air-cooled. Honda Shine will not, initially, have a disc brake or a self-start. These models of Shine are expected to roll out by July.
Honda Shine offers 10.3 bhp of power @ 7500 rpm. The company claims that the Shine will run for 56 kilometers on a liter of petrol on Indian riding conditions, and that looks decent for a mid-size bike.
According to Honda, the Shine is equipped with puncture-resistant Tuff-up tube and a ‘Primary Kick’ for easy city riding. Honda Shine will be available in Wild Purple Metallic, Champion Blue Metallic, Black, Alpha Red Metallic and Geny Grey Metallic. After Honda Unicorn, this is the second bike offering by HMSI. Other two-wheelers manufactured by Honda in India include the Honda Activa, Honda Dio and Honda Eterno. The Shine has ample seating space for the rider and the pillion, making the ride a breeze. The seating position is engineered to minimize fatigue over long stretches. Honda says that the Shine is equipped with a host of advanced technologies like Multi-Mapping CDI, Long Intake Pipe, Tumble Flow Combustion Chamber, and Connecting Tube, CV Carburetor, 2 Way Air Jacket and Pulse Exhaust System.
Features
The bike features multi mapping CDI, tumble flow combustion chamber, long intake pipe and connecting tube, CV carburetor, two-way Air Jacket and pulse exhaust system, the 125 cc engine is termed as an `Optimax’ engine and will deliver 10.3 bhp. According to Honda the bike will deliver a mileage figure of 65kpl in city conditions. The `Optimax’ engine is essentially a scaled down version of the Unicorn’s 150cc motor. Our experience with Honda engines says that this engine should be as smooth and refined as the others are.
The heel and toe shift operated gearbox is four-speed and shifts all up. Honda claims that the bike should deliver more than adequate power in the lower end of the power band. Honda engineers have been smart and given the bike slightly taller gearing ensuring that the bike manages to get higher speeds at lower engine revolutions. This should also assist the bike to manage the claimed fuel efficiency figure.
At the front the Shine gets telescopic forks, while the rear has conventional twin shocks. We were however disappointed to see the rear suspension as Honda could have offered the technologically advanced mono-shock that the Unicorn has. The bike also comes equipped with host of innovative features like puncture resistant Tuff-up tyre front and back. The self-start versions (drum brake as well as disc brake options) will be launched by July. It will be available in five distinct colors - purple, blue, black, red and grey.
Engine and Gearbox
The Shine has the better engine overall. The Shine’s engine feels more refined, no, more engineered, more fresh and due to its early torque peak, gutsier than the Yamaha. The Shine vibrates more than Yamaha, and it’s a noticeable difference. Purely because, the Yamaha does not vibrate AT ALL. Yes, no matter what the revs, the Yamaha is more or less silent and vibe free. It is an achievement, but as you will see, not without its pitfalls.
But, the Yamaha has the classier gearbox. The Shine’s four-speed box shifts all up, which is a bloody irritant. If Honda were to pay me a dollar (why bother with a Rupee in conjecture, eh?) for every time I’ve found myself in neutral when I should have been in first, I’d be buying Bill Gates hi-tech house… about now. The shift quality is good, but the pattern sucks. The lever was scuffing my boots as well, so I had it hacked right off. Also, my bike seems to make a ‘zero’ shift now and then. The lever moves, but gets no work done. No false neutral… you’re just still in the same gear. The one-down, four-up Yamaha box is just butter smooth, always sure, ever positive. Perfect.
Handling
The Shine’s handling, expectedly, is as you would expect it to be. It goes around corner. That means no drama, no excitement, total compliance, you cannot complain. But that isn’t how it should be, right? On the other hand, the Gladiator is quite possibly the best handler in the country. With most of the Frazer’s chassis carried over intact, its eye-opening good. It’s friendly enough for novices but you can seriously play with it. As a colleague put it, ‘this is the bike to get your knee down on. I’m sure of it. No matter how much tomfoolery I do with it in a corner, it won’t bite.’ And that’s exactly how it is. I’d wager that falling off a Gladiator would require some serious stupidity.
Technical Specifications
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke, OHC Single Cylinder, Air Cooled |
| Displacement | 124.6 cc |
| Net Power | 10.3 bhp @ 7500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.9 Nm @ 5500 rpm |
| Rear Suspension | 3 Step spring loaded hydraulic |
| Transmission | Constant Mesh, 4 Speed Gear |
| Ignition | Digital CDI (Multi-Mapping) |
| Starting | Kick |
| Front Brake Type | 130 mm Drum, 240 mm Disc |
| Acceleration (0-60 kmph) | 5.3 seconds |
| Rear Tyre | 2.75 – 18 48P (6PR) |
hi this byke is very very good and look like smart ,milage is good
Comment by TRK — May 22, 2007 @ 5:35 am
..Honda obviously feels this is what a majority of the Indian buyers want. Shine will not immediately offer an electric start option thats the major drawback….
I am sure that this bike will break all the records of hona sales after overcoming drawbacks
Comment by kalidas — May 29, 2007 @ 1:12 am
dear sir, ihad purchased this bike in may-07 i had faced promble of (1)crossed stearing ,which is solved changing stearing (2) back light is not glow with front&rear brake,in which only rear brake with back light is solved after threevisit to dealer (3)gear transmmition promble from forth gear to lower one when bike running in forth gear and by any reason if we stop the bike then gear change is difficult.this promble is still pending even thogh bike has been shown to dealer(ganga automible,surat).In first business ihad got this type of minor problems,so please look in this matter to concrete my trust in honda.so reply me what to do.i had purchased this bike in name of shilpa k chodvadia.so do needful you.
Comment by kanaiyalal — June 1, 2007 @ 7:28 am
i am going to purchase a bike in 125cc sagement. i select honda shine, HH glamour, yamaha gladiator, victor glx. i m confused. which bike is better. plz tell me.
Comment by sharafat ali — July 3, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
Better go for honda shine, no doubt at all this is a exallent bike now a days.
gudluck
regards.
Comment by sanjay — July 6, 2007 @ 9:26 am
please compare shine with glamour fuel injection
Comment by aditya — August 13, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
Dear All,
l have rided more than 500 kms in honda shine 1255cc. It is comfort. good mileage, pick-up. l have enjoyed the riding in this bike. l think this is best bike in 125cc segment at present.
Thanks.
subash
Comment by Subash.A — August 19, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
I have already booked the vehicle, actually I took a test ride last week. It seems to be good bike as the pickup and handling is good, what I noticed was the missing international gear pattern which 1 down-neutral-4 up, wheras shine’s gearing system is not much to the satisfaction. Regarding accessories Honda really has not done much they are too much in other words to say in Hindi (Canjoos) they have to give the number plate as a standard equipment of the bike, common Honda is such a big company and big automobile giant give some accessories also when our Indian company TVS can give, I think Honda can also give (So please Honda make a note of this point). Rs. 52,110 on road Alloy-self-drum brake version, hope they reduce the price to compete with others. Apart from these things the bike is very good, pickup is too good, suzuki cannot match Honda Shine. I have test rided suzuki and they have not delivered their best bike after starting their own unit. My suggestion is if anyone who wants to go for Honda Shine, I will tell them just go ahead and buy Shine.
Comment by Krishna — August 22, 2007 @ 11:36 pm
give me full feature of honda shine with including present rate & milage
Comment by what about milage — September 16, 2007 @ 12:02 am
Hi,
This bike is very good.I have used many bikes.This is very good.
Comment by P.B.VENKATASUBRAMANIAM — September 18, 2007 @ 12:03 am
I am planning to buy HONDA SHINE.
Shall i go ahead and purchase this bike?
Please guide me ….
Comment by Sandeep Munde — October 2, 2007 @ 4:46 am
I dont know what is 125cc related to bikes so can u help me?but otherwise i like this bike,……..
Comment by Vaibhav — October 3, 2007 @ 10:46 pm
I have not driven the bike yet. heard alot about. Why the hell Honda cannot deliver a bike instantly. It’s too long waiting for a bike in these days. One month waiting has elapsed.
Comment by dilip — December 4, 2007 @ 11:41 am
best bike ever in 125 segment, apart from seating position which i feel honda still needs to work on , there is nothing much this bike needs … keep up the good work honda.
Comment by naveed — December 12, 2007 @ 10:14 am
I have decided to buy Honda Shine but very concerned about the rear tyre which is slim (2.75×18).. does it skin often while braking or while driving on wet roads?..How is the stability? ..Please let me know this.. And why can’t they give a broader tyre?.. Even Platina has better rear tyre than Shine..
Comment by Manikandan — December 13, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
Sir
kindly have a close look at my issues. I have made many complaints to HMSI . i am attaching my complaint. kindly do something.
======================SECOND LAST COMPLAINT SEND VIA WEBMAIL==========
Sir,
This is regarding the complaint on Honda Shine, purchased on 29th October 2007. The Bike was delivered to me with lot of problems within it. Though the engine was smooth, it lacked the usual riding comfort. I made complaints and the dealer tried twice to resolve the issue. They worked on it a lot including replacement of shock absorbers. I appreciate their efforts to resolve the issue but I am sorry to say that all their efforts to solve vibration are in vain.
The persisting problem is a kind of vibration on handle on low speeds and annoying vibration on foot rests which disturbs the ease in driving that the hands and legs become numb after a long drive.
Dealer promised to me that the problems will be solved after completing 3000 kms and the lack of a 5th gear created all such issues. (Let me ask one thing why should we, the ones, purchasing your bikes suffer for the burden you have created). I can’t take such burden of driving all 3000 kms along in an incomfortable machine, which you people call bike, waiting for attaining the ease and comfort while driving.
I very much suspect that the Bike delivered to me was used for test drives and repaired after a major accident. The Bike may have some other major issues also. Actually I was shocked after my first drive with the Bike purchased, because of unusual sounds and damaged suspensions along with a annoying vibration. Why do Honda deliver two wheelers with out having been properly examined and tested upon?.
I have been using bikes for the last 13 years and successfully completed 95000 kms with my old bike. I am already fed up using such a vibrator machine in which i have completed a suffering journey of only 1300 kms.
The dealers are telling that the Bike needs to be get inspected by company technicians. The shameful fact is that the dealers had worked on it twice, but no use at all, only to waste my precious time and now again asking for a third chance to work upon. From his words, I suspect it’s some sort of issue related to the design. He also told that Shine is a High Torque Bike and it is common to have vibrations till 3000 kms as the Bike doesn’t have a 5th gear. All these points made me clear that my argument of Honda Shine being is defective Bike is not just a guess, but a fact, a real fact. I suggest the defective product needs to be withdrawn with immediate effect and compensation granted to me. Kindly repay the money.
Usually we customers expect a quality standard on the products of Honda. It is a demerit on your part that, a Bike which has undergone necessary test drives and inspection before delivery still lacks to satisfy its customer.
Sincerely,
====================================================================
I send this mail via your feedback system. ur person called me on monday and promised to solve the issue. nothing happened till date. Today also i sent a mail via feedback system
attaching its copy here.
===========================
Hi
This is Pramod again . (An unlucky Honda Shine customer kl2ab278, vahini motors). Hope u remember my previous complaints and your promises. Your person informed me that somebody will call me and fix a date for the meeting with company technician. Unfortunately nobody contacted me and fixed an appointment 2 resolve the issue. I contacted dealer he also not able fix an exact date. It seems Honda is lacking co-ordination. Kindly do arrangements to provide me an alternate bike till the complaint is resolved. Delay in justice means deny in justice. Deny in justice will worsen the situation. Kindly have a look at my problem asap.
Rgds
Pramod
=========================
I request you to solve the issue early . your can refer XBHP for more about the complaint http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/showthread.php?t=15125 . follow this link. I mailed to your dealer several times (VAHINI MOTORS, KOLLAM). their email ID is also wrong. Hope they are computer illiterate. they never responded to my mails. i have projected the vibation issues to many forums, created polls also. i shall send u details later.
RGDS
PRAMOD
As per my complaint letter. two honda gyus reached at local dealer i was called for resolving the issue. Their conclusion was the vibation is within permitable limits. they compared vibration with another honda shine. they opinion is its a perfect bike. vibration is normal for honda shine. its designed for city drives (10- 15 kms). They prefer sell this Bike for 38000 ( my price was 51250) and buy a new unicorn. Wonderful solution they have.
I had a made test drive. it feels smooth . i dint felt any abnormal vibrations on Bike used to test drive. today they gave me another shine with same vibration. it is very difficult to check vibration on heavy trafic highways. we have more expectations from honda also. it will mostly disturbs us on long drive. . i gave references of other customers (facing similar problem) also. They r not considering that and telling u r the first customer complaining against honda shine regrading vibration. They may have vibrations beyoned permisable limit and they are able to correct it.
They told ‘Technically there is no complaint with your vehicle’ . They r not ready to compare it with other 125 bikes like discover etc.. They r saying that honda shine is like that. we asked that “U feel to describe vibration as a Feature of Honda shine”.
Dealer asked us to appoint some engineers to prove the vibration.
I waiting for another shine to test drive. I am really confused. how to prove vibration. my all frineds are saying that the vibration is abnormal for my shine
Let me know more about the authority who is assigned to check the design and give permissions on indian market
Comment by Pramod Vijayan — December 21, 2007 @ 11:50 am
hi, i want to buy a honda shine please suggest me on milage and resale.
Comment by vinay — December 23, 2007 @ 5:17 am
Do not buy this bike at all if you think you would ride above 50KMPH.
It vibrates like hell
Comment by Praveen — January 6, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
am planning to go ahead with honda shine… plz give me yr suggetion.. this is the first time am gonna have a new bike
Comment by seemon — January 25, 2008 @ 2:05 am
At first i made many complaints vai mail n in personal.They responded, but never admited my claim.
they said its common with all honda shines’ as the bike is meant only for city drives and they with see to it after the completion of 3000 kms.
but i didnt let them ease off like that.i complainted many times more. but that too didnt find it’s way.So with the help of an advocate i filed a
case against them together with producing a medical certificate proving the ill effects caused to health by such irregular shaky drives. As soon as
they got the court notice,took immediate action, called me up to solve the issue,by settling my amt and taking back the bike.
settlement was made up for Rs 50000. only deducting a sum of Rs 1218 from my purchase price of Rs 51218.)
Attaching here withthe complaints i mailed to Honda shine.
Comment by Pradvi — February 7, 2008 @ 10:31 am
My brother(Ashok Jadhav) has purched hoda shine in 7-8 months before , but after that problems start, button starts not working, battery given for servicing which is not received in months time. Tyres are low qulity used for this bike & any time person can slipdown. Lot of complaints given to the delear Balaji Auto 32-shirala Dist sangli Maharashtra. For any complaint he need to travel 20km to go to balaji auto from my native. they are asking to go to sangli for any servicing 80km from native. He fedup with this bike. No proper service in the rural area or in sangli Maharashtra. Shall we go to consumer court ???????????????????
With in 8 months time he lost his happy life. Take immediate action & rplace this worst bike or give us money back.
Comment by Sambhaji Jadhav — February 8, 2008 @ 2:27 am
Hi all..Am planning to buy a honda shine bike…this is the first time am going to buy a new bike..pls give me ur suggestion….
am waiting for ur reply…
Comment by Shekar — February 12, 2008 @ 3:57 am
I m planning to book honda shine……I m getting mixed response for this bike……. really confused…….is their any problem of vibration with this bike…how is the (drum)breaking system (drum)…….suggest me
Comment by Rupesh — February 19, 2008 @ 1:50 am
HI, I am planning to buy a 125 cc bike. My requirements are easy shifting of gears(it should not stop while changing gears), I am a 6′ guy, having some back-ache problem, so I expect maximum comfortable bike. Pls post your suggestions.
Thank You.
Pramod
Comment by Pramod — February 20, 2008 @ 5:36 am