Honda RoadSync Trademark Filed: Honda Bikes And Scooters To Get Bluetooth Connectivity?

The recently trademarked name is Honda-speak for a smartphone connectivity system with voice-control

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The name ‘Honda RoadSync’ has been filed for trademark by the Japanese brand in India. Its status says ‘Accepted’, meaning it has been accepted for publication in the trademarks journal and will be registered thereafter. Interestingly, Honda already offers smartphone connectivity (with voice control) linked to the RoadSync app on its premium two-wheelers. The feature comes as standard on the 2021 Honda X-ADV, Honda CB1000R, and Honda Forza 750. On the other hand, it is an accessory in the Forza 350 scooter.

The Honda H’Ness CB350 also has a voice-controlled smartphone connectivity system, but one would need a headset to use this feature. We believe the recently trademarked Honda RoadSync could be a stripped-down version (without voice control) that will likely feature in the bikemaker’s range of small-capacity two-wheelers.

Instrument clusters with smartphone connectivity are usually found in 125cc scooters and premium motorcycles displacing 160cc and above. Honda could offer this feature with the Honda Activa 125, Grazia 125, X-Blade, and the Hornet 2.0. Apart from turn-by-turn navigation, expect the RoadSync module to also include other features like last-parked location, ride history, and geo-fencing, among others. 

For a 160cc naked, the Honda X-Blade is a little too expensive (Rs 1.09 lakh) for what it offers, so Honda might just try to justify the premium by introducing the RoadSync feature on the motorcycle. At Rs 1,29,608, the Hornet 2.0 is also quite expensive for a 200cc bike. In fact, TVS offers the Apache RTR 200 4V with smartphone connectivity at around the same price as the Hornet 2.0. So, adding the new RoadSync feature should up the bike’s desirability and justify the premium asking price. 

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The TVS NTorq 125 was the first scooter to get smartphone connectivity, followed by other 125cc scooters like Suzuki Burgman Street and Suzuki Access 125. With the RoadSync technology, the Activa 125 and the Grazia 125 should compete better with their respective rivals. 

The Honda RoadSync is unlikely to make it to the Honda Activa 6G, considering it only has an all-analogue instrument cluster. Interestingly, the previous-generation Activa 5G DLX had a semi-digital unit. For trivia, TVS was an early-mover, providing the SmartXonnect feature (TVS’s jargon for its Bluetooth connectivity feature) in the Jupiter Grande back in 2019 itself. However, it is no longer available in the Jupiter range, probably to keep the costs in check. 

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We’re yet to see whether the technology will be offered in individual variants (like Suzuki did with its scooters) or only be provided as an accessory fitment. Either way, with the new feature, expect the models to command a premium of around Rs 5,000 over their standard counterparts. Honda will likely introduce RoadSync in the coming months, so watch this space for more updates.