Honda Bikes

Latest Updates on Honda

• Honda unveiled the 2025 Honda Transalp 750 which now gets a new design inspired from the Africa twin

• Honda also unveiled the Honda CRF300L and CRF300 Rally, both of which could be coming to India soon

• Honda is reportedly working on an entry-level adventure tourer based on the CB350, touted as a rival to the Royal Enfield Himalayan, which is expected to launch later in 2025. 

• Along with an adventure tourer, the CB350 will also spawn a 350cc scrambler with rugged-looking bits, again expected some time in late 2025. 

• Honda recently launched the CB300F Flex Fuel - one of the first bikes in India to be compatible with E85 fuel (85 percent ethanol blend). We expect more flex-fuel variants of other Honda bikes to be launched at Auto Expo 2025

When did Honda motorcycles first come to India?

Honda first came to India in 1984 as a joint venture with Hero Cycle, which we know as Hero Honda. The joint venture first started selling 4-stroke motorcycles like the CD100 and Street. The partnership with Hero ended in 2010, with the Munjal family (owners of the Hero Group) buying out Honda’s stake from the joint Hero Honda venture. Today, Honda sells their models under Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Limited (HMSI). HMSI’s first product for India was the Activa scooter in 2001 which became a massive hit and remains the country’s best selling scooter over two decades later. Honda’s first motorcycle to be launched in India was the Unicorn 150, which came in 2004, and was the first commuter motorcycle in India to come with monoshock rear suspension.

Where are Honda motorcycles and scooters made?

Honda currently has 4 production facilities in India located at Manesar (Haryana), Tapukara (Rajasthan), Narsapura (Karnataka) and Vitthalapur (Gujarat). These 4 plants have a combined production capacity of 7.05 million units per annum. Today Honda is present all over India, with a strong presence across 786 cities. 

Which Honda bike is best?

Honda today offers a wide range of bikes in the market, from simple commuter to retro roadsters and even performance oriented motorcycles. Here’s our breakdown of which one will suit your needs.

• Honda Shine 100: The Shine is an iconic commuter offering from the brand, it offers reliable performance and good mileage. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense commuter bike then the Shine is the right choice.

• Honda Shine 125: The Shine 125 is the best selling 125cc motorcycle in India. Just like its smaller sibling, it’s a no-nonsense commuter motorcycle that offers great mileage and decent performance for city use. If buyers want a more youthful looking 125cc bike, Honda also has the SP125, which is basically a Shine 125 with sportier bodywork and some more features.

• Honda Unicorn: The Unicorn is quite a famous bike in India, thanks to the amazing reliability and comfort level it offered. Now it has a slightly larger 160cc engine, and is a good choice if you’re looking for something a bit more powerful. Honda also has the SP160, which again is basically a Unicorn with a sportier design.

• Honda H’ness CB350: The H’ness CB350 is a good retro bike and a rival to the Royal Enfield Classic 350. If you’re someone looking for a retro roadster, then the H’ness will be the one for you.

Honda also offers a bunch of high capacity motorcycles like the Honda NX500 and the Honda Transalp, both of which are potent ADVs that can satisfy your thirst for adventure. Honda also offers the Gold Wing - their massive luxury touring motorcycle in India as well, which costs nearly Rs 40 lakh ex-showroom.

Are Honda and Hyundai the same?

Honda and Hyundai are two completely different automotive manufacturers with different origins. Honda is a Japanese manufacturer that deals with both two-wheelers and cars. It was founded after World War 2 by Soichiro Honda. 

The company first started by manufacturing motorized bicycles, utilizing surplus engines. Within a few years they started making their own motorcycles, with the first one Dream D-Type produced in 1949. Honda Motor Company Limited was later formed in 1950.

Hyundai, on the other hand, traces its origins back to South Korea. The company was founded by Chung Ju-yung in 1967 and started off as a construction business and later became a car manufacturer. Currently, Hyundai doesn't manufacture any motorcycles or scooters, and is strictly focused on making cars.