BREAKING: Honda Livo BS6 Launched

The new bike gets a host of new features and design updates to make it an even better all-round commuter

• The Honda Livo is available in two variants: disc and drum.
• It gets a silent starter, engine kill switch and subtle design tweaks. 
• The BS6 Livo is essentially for those who want a more affordable version of the Honda SP 125.

The Honda Livo BS6 has finally been launched in India. It is available in two variants: disc and drum, with prices starting from Rs 70,056. In comparison, the base variant of the BS4-compliant Livo was priced at Rs 59,239 (both ex-showroom Delhi). This pricing puts it right between the barebones Honda CD 110 Dream BS6 and the disc variant of the Honda Shine BS6. It is also the perfect smaller-engined, cost-effective, yet feature-packed and equally sporty-looking alternative to the more premium Honda SP 125. 

The bike is powered by an all-new 109.51cc single-cylinder motor with a number of friction reduction technologies such as offset cylinder, piston cooling jet, and roller rocker arm with needle bearing. All these measures help in offering better mileage. It is the same engine that does duty in the Honda CD 110 Dream and it makes the same output figures too: 8.79PS at 7500rpm and 9.30Nm at 5500rpm. To give you a perspective, the BS4-compliant 109.19cc single-cylinder carburetted engine made 8.42PS at 7500rpm and 9.09Nm at 5000rpm. As expected, it is mated to the same 4-speed transmission as before. The Japanese brand has also offered a silent starter to ensure quick and silent start-ups.

Honda has redesigned the twin-pod hexagonal semi-digital instrument cluster into a more coherent-looking semi-digital unit. The console shows all the necessary run-of-the-mill information. We’d have liked it if it also showed the real-time and average mileage along with a distance-to-empty readout. 

In a first for the Livo, Honda has equipped it with an engine kill switch for added convenience. It also gets an integrated headlamp and pass-beam switch. Other features like the halogen headlamp, bulb-type indicators and tail lamp have been retained. The bike gets a slightly redesigned bikini fairing for a more refreshed look. For better comfort, the bike also gets a 17mm longer seat. At 115kg, the kerb weight is up by 1kg compared to its predecessor. Interestingly, the ground clearance has been reduced from 180mm to just 163mm.

Underpinnings have been carried over from the BS4-compliant version. It continues to use a telescopic front fork, twin rear shock absorbers, 240mm front disc or 130mm drum (depends on the variant), and a 130mm drum brake at the rear. For superior mileage at the cost of outright grip, the rear end rolls on a tubeless low-rolling-resistance rubber whereas the front end employs a conventional tubeless tyre.

Honda offers a three-year standard warranty and the option to extend it for three more years. Dispatches will commence this week. As far as competition is concerned, it will go up against the TVS Star City Plus, Bajaj Platina 110 H-Gear and Hero Passion Pro 110.