autoX Awards 2023: Honda Shine Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2023: While the influx of big and premium motorcycles in the Indian market in the last few years has made things more exciting for us, there’s no denying that it’s the commuter or 100 – 110cc segment that still moves a vast majority of motorists in our country. In fact, that’s where all the volumes are, making it a heavily contested segment. For aeons, the Hero Splendor has reigned at the top in this segment as the crowd favourite. But, earlier this year, Honda decided to give its erstwhile partner’s best-seller a run for its money by launching its – believe it or not – very first 100cc commuter in India.

Dubbed the Honda Shine 100, this Splendor challenger is a bare-basic motorcycle that prioritises the requirements of an average motorcycle commuter – reliability, low running costs, high fuel economy, comfort, and great value for money. I must say that Honda has pretty much nailed it with the Shine 100, for it ticks all these boxes in bold. It gets a puny 99cc single-cylinder engine, which is good for around 7.6bhp and 8Nm of torque, and it does the job just fine. The motor is refined and offers decent grunt throughout the rev range. And thanks to its light weight – it weighs only 99kgs! – it’s a peppy little city runabout. Plus, its petite dimensions make it a light and easy motorcycle to squeeze through daily traffic. The ride quality is acceptable, too, and the large saddle definitely helps improve the comfort factor when you are out on the daily grind.

Of course, it was not going to set any lap records at the track, but if you talk about fitness-of-purpose, there’s nothing really wrong with it. It has all the bases well and truly covered. Not to mention, it is also priced competitively and undercuts its main rival by a significant margin, which means it scores high in the value-for-money department.

Also Read: Honda Shine 100 Review: Getting the Basics Right

All said, though, it feels more like a daily appliance or a tool for the job. You can say that is its primary job, but, then, when a motorcycle enters a segment 10 years too late, you definitely expect a bit more zing from it, even if it is at the bottom of the food chain.

autoX Awards << BACKNEXT >> Hero Xoom Performance