Nov 28, 2006 05:20 PM
5162 Views
(Updated Nov 28, 2006 05:22 PM)
Well... What can I say... The Honda Shine is a rather severe let down from a bike maker of eminence such as Honda...
First off come the looks... One would have expected a better finish from Honda in this department... but it failed miserable... the front fairing give the bike an overall grumpy and sour look.... The grab rail on teh seats looks really pathetic... Its a tube of metal lifted straight off an 80's bike and placed there, that too in an era where die cast grab rails or at least stainless steel ones are standards...
In order to cut costs, Honda have used cheap quality materials... The electricals are not up to the mark... And imagine a bike in which the number plate comes as an accessory!!! How can a company like Honda stoop so low as to refuse to supply number plates factory fitted when its competition proveds saree guards, 2 side mirrors,crash guards all as standard fitment???
The engine is a 125cc optimax engine which is smooth and refined as the usual honda engines are... What the bike lacks is an electric start... The disc brakes are an unnecessary addition as a bike of such a displacement, made in a non sports mode is not suited too much for high speed driving....
The length of the seat seems a little reduced with two people sitting because of the slightly bulging fuel tank... For a large sized person, sitting on the Shine with a pillion can be a bit uncomfortable...
Dealer claims of 65 mileage is all false as the bike rarely gives above 55 kmpl... The power(10.3bhp) does not seem to justify the lack of mileage at all... And many users have been complaining about averages of about 45 kmpl even after 3rd service....
Overall there are few complaints about the engine though the gearbox is very stiff and the problem of false neutrals is common place... The lack of a 5th gear shows once one crosses a speed of 50 as the bike loses speed rapidly when the throttle is not applied...
To sum it all up, the Honda Shine is a disappointment in the 125cc class with so many issues including dealer service quality that I would not recommend buying it to people... Honda really need to get their act together and give the Indian market bikes worth the quality they are known for... Until then, they will only enjoy average sales and mostly in the bigger cities....
