Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Limited (HMSI) is already dominating the 125cc motorcycle segment in India with its CB Shine. Recently, the company further added a new member to the family, CB Shine SP, which is a superior version of the reliable 125cc motorcycle. We rode the motorcycle on the launch day and get to know that why Shine SP is better than the standard version and why you should pay that extra amount of Rs. 4,000 over the price of CB Shine to opt its SP version. So, here is our take on the motorcycle.
Styling: Where the regular Honda CB Shine looks ordinary like a 100-110cc commuter, its SP version is much sportier and well styled. The Shine SP features some sharp edges along with smart body panels and dual tone paint scheme, which makes it look better than its sibling. The bike also gets new split spoke alloys and a new exhaust muffler, which further makes it special.
Features and Equipment: Both the Standard CB Shine and its SP version gets almost similar features and equipment like maintenance free battery, viscous air filter, 80/100 section tubeless tyres, disc brake with Nissin caliper at the front (optional) and Combi Brake System (optional). However, the new Shine SP gets a better and easy to read digital analog meter console.
Engine and Performance: Both the motorcycles sport the reliable 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which has been tuned to make 10.57bhp of maximum power and a peak torque of 10.3Nm. However, the standard CB Shine comes with a 4-speed transmission, while the CB Shine SP has a more efficient 5-speed gearbox.
Ride Quality and Handling: Like the standard Honda CB Shine, the new Shine SP also features a superb ride quality. Both of the motorcycles come with spring loaded hydraulic shocks at the rear, telescopic forks up front and 18” wheels, which provides almost similar handling to both of the bikes. Still, there are some advantages with the SP version like a bit longer seat for better room that provides a little extra comfort to both the pillion and the rider and a little better braking performance.
Price of the Honda CB Shine starts from Rs. 55,559 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while that of the SP version starts at Rs. 59,901 (ex-showroom, Delhi). That means the latter one costs around Rs. 4,000 extra, which is due to better styling, digital analog console, 5-speed gearbox and some other perks. So, we believe that the new Honda CB Shine SP perfectly justifies its extra pricing. Further, if you want a safer bike in the same line-up, we would like to recommend its CBS variant, as it has a way better braking system, which is the most important safety feature of a two-wheeler. Honda CB Shine SP CBS which is the top end variant will cost you Rs. 64,400 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
