Honda Shine 100 First Ride Review: 4 Likes And 2 Dislikes

Honda is eyeing the Splendor’s market with its new 100cc commuter. We find out if it has the potential

29,44,067 – That’s the number of Hero Splendors sold between April 2022 and March 2023. Now, Honda has decided to grab a share of the Splendor’s market by bringing its own 100cc commuter – the Shine 100. We were invited by Honda to experience its Hero Splendor rival and here’s what we liked and disliked about the motorcycle:

LIKES

Pricing

This is one of the most critical aspects of a motorcycle of this segment and Honda has managed to nail it. At Rs 64,500 it is Rs 8,000 cheaper than the base variant of the Hero Splendor Plus. 

Design

Despite pricing it so competitively, Honda has managed to retain the premiumness that is associated with the brand. With the Shine 100, Honda hasn’t fiddled with the Shine 125’s successful formula, and has replicated it cleverly. The paint quality, livery and even the blacked-out bits make it more visually appealing.

Refinement

The 98.98cc single-cylinder engine is an all-new unit and built specifically for the Indian market. So, even though it produces just 7.61PS and 8.05Nm, it does its job well. Now, how it fares against the Splendor is a story for another day, but the refinement levels are what we expect from any Honda. There’s absolutely no vibrations at everyday speeds, and even when you go above 60kmph, the engine doesn’t feel strained overly vibey. Yes, there is a tingle on the seat and footpegs, but it is quite mild and manageable.

Handling 

A kerb weight of 99kg, 17-inch wheels, and an accessible seat height of 786mm… the Honda Shine 100 has all the right ingredients to make it a great handler. Be it moving around the parking lot, or making your way through the traffic, the Shine 100 does everything with ease. 

Dislikes

Brakes

While the engine and the handling are very promising, the Honda Shine 100 lacks good brakes. Yes, it has drum brakes, and sharp brakes is something we don’t expect from a bike of this segment, but the Shine’s brakes lack feedback at the lever and feel very dull. So, in case of emergency braking, relying on them to slow you down consistently is very hard.

Fit And Finish

Honda products are associated with solid built quality, but unfortunately that doesn’t seem to the case with the Shine 100. The side panels and even the panels at the rear, including the tail light are very flimsy, and move around a lot. We expect Honda to fix these in the subsequent production batches. 

Verdict

At Rs 64,500 (ex-showroom Mumbai), the Honda Shine is one of the most affordable motorcycle in this segment. However, along with affordability, one of the aspects that affect the purchase decision is the fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, Honda has not given even the claimed fuel efficiency number, but has stated that this is the most efficient bike in the segment. 

But the important question is whether it can dethrone the Hero Splendor Plus? Right now it is too early to say considering we don’t know the mileage number. But it definitely has the potential to pose a threat. However, to make it successful, it will need customer acceptance, something that is really quite difficult in a market that has been ruled by the Splendor for three decades. And if you too are confused about which one to choose, stay tuned for our road test review.