Honda’s most affordable motorcycle in India is also its first 100 cc commuter motorcycle, although Honda has 110 cc motorcycles and is the market leader in the 125 cc segment. Is the new Honda Shine 100 good enough to stake claim in the high volumes 100 cc commuter segment? And can it help Honda take leadership position in the world’s largest two-wheeler market?
There are no simple or easy answers to those questions. Getting the sales volumes to take top spot will likely take time, even if the Shine 100 does go on to become a successful product, and manages to rake in superlative sales numbers. Some saddle time with the new Honda Shine 100 did reveal that it’s par for the course, as far as 100 cc commuter motorcycles go. Here’s the takeaway from our review through some pictures.
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The Honda Shine 100 looks quite similar to its 125 cc sibling, the Shine 125. The decals and graphics are similar and the overall silhouette and shape of the Shine 100 is quite nice looking.
Also Read: Honda Shine 100 Launched At Rs. 64,900
Basic analogue twin-pod instrument console, basic switches, a small bikini fairing and halogen lighting mark the feature list of the Shine 100.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About Honda Shine 100
Basic halogen headlight and turn indicators underscore the bike being built to a cost. to keep the price competitive. A slightly more attractive face could have made the Shine 100 more appealing, even to the cost-conscious buyer in the segment.
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The seat is nice and long, comfortable for both rider and pillion. And the 786 mm seat height makes the Shine 100 easily accessible to riders of all kinds of height.
Also Read: Honda Shine Vs Rivals - Specifications Comparison
The Shine 100 rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with tube-type tyres. Braking is handled by drums at both ends. Brake feel is a little spongy and combi-braking system (CBS) is standard. An optional front disc would perhaps have given customers the option for better stopping power.
The riding position is neutral and ergonomics are comfortable. The rider sits upright with easy reach to the handlebar. The seat is a comfortable place to be in, long enough for the family, but noticeably with the rider sitting ‘on’ the bike, rather than ‘in’ it.
In numbers, the 98.98 cc single-cylinder engine puts out 7.28 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 8.05 Nm at 5,000 rpm. On the move, the Shine 100 immediately comes across as a nicely put together bike. The small engine has smooth performance, and the four-speed gearbox with an all-up shift, is slick and precise.
The Shine 100’s ride quality is pretty good, something which customers will appreciate. Although the twin shocks don’t offer any preload adjustability, we tested the Shine 100 over some broken patches and overall ride quality is quite plush and comfortable.
The new Honda Shine 100 should make a strong impression to prospective customers in the entry-level commuter motorcycle segment with its performance and dynamics.
Honda claims best-in-segment fuel economy, but has not announced any figures. Eventually, real world fuel economy and word of mouth recommendation will play a key role in the Shine 100's fate in the segment. We feel it should be frugal and will offer pretty good performance and fuel economy.
The Honda Shine 100 is priced right and overall, there’s nothing to complain about the bike’s performance, engine refinement and ride quality. It looks good, rides well, is light on its feet, and is a comfortable commuter motorcycle; all good qualities to make it one of the best 100 cc motorcycles on sale right now.
Photography: Pawan Dagia
| Engine Displacement | 98.98 cc |
| Maximum Power | 7.28 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed |
| Frame Type | Diamond Type |
| Overall Length | 1,955 mm |
| Overall Width | 754 mm |
| Height | 1,050 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,245 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 168 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 99 kg |
| Seat Length | 677 mm |
| Seat Height | 786 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9 Litres |
| Tyre Size (Front) | 2.75 - 17 41P (tube type) |
| Tyre Size (Rear) | 3.00 -17 50P (tube type) |
| Brake Type & Size (Front) | Drum Type; 130 mm |
| Brake Type & Size (Rear) | Drum Type; 110 mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shocks |
