Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the updated Honda Shine, India's highest-selling 125 cc motorcycle, with a new 5-speed transmission and fuel-injected engine. The new generation Honda Shine BS6 is priced at Rs, 70,478 (Ex-showroom, Delhi), and shares the same engine with the Honda SP 125. The new, fuel-injected, 125 cc engine makes more power and torque than the outgoing Honda CB Shine, with 10.72 bhp of power coming from the new engine at 7,500 rpm, and 10.9 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm.
The new Bharat Stage VI (BS6) compliant 125 cc engine gets what Honda calls Enhanced Smart Power (eSP), with a silent starter, using the AC generator to charge the battery, eliminating the need for a conventional starter motor. Then there are two mechanical features, with efficient utilisation of decompression, and new 'swing back' feature, which essentially makes it easier to start the engine with a small amount of power. Also new is the programmed fuel injection, and reduction in friction inside the engine, with the use of an offset cylinder with roller rocker arm, as well as a piston cooling jet which is said to improve efficiency and maintain optimum engine temperature.
The result, HMSI says, is a 14 per cent more fuel efficient motorcycle due to the completely new 125 cc engine, and low resistance tubeless tyres fitted on the rear wheel, which are said to reduce energy loss while maintaining optimum grip. On the features list, there's a new two-way engine start-stop switch, an integrated headlamp beam and passing switch, as well as updated graphics, along with a new instrument cluster design.