Honda Shine 2024 : In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian two-wheelers, the 125cc segment has long been a battleground for manufacturers vying for supremacy.
As we enter 2024, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has thrown down the gauntlet with the launch of the updated Honda Shine, aiming to solidify its position and directly challenge competitors like the Hero Glamour.
This strategic move by Honda not only showcases their commitment to the Indian market but also highlights the ongoing evolution of commuter motorcycles in the country.
The Legacy of Honda Shine
Before delving into the specifics of the 2024 model, it’s crucial to understand the legacy of the Honda Shine.
Since its introduction, the Shine has been a cornerstone of Honda’s lineup in India, consistently ranking among the top-selling motorcycles in the country.
Its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs has made it a favorite among commuters, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
2024 Honda Shine: What’s New?
The 2024 iteration of the Honda Shine comes with a host of updates designed to enhance its appeal and competitiveness in the market. Let’s break down the key improvements:
1. Refined Powerplant
At the heart of the 2024 Shine is a refined version of Honda’s tried-and-tested 123.94cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
This updated powerplant now produces 10.74 PS at 7500 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm.
While these figures might seem modest, they represent a perfect balance for urban commuting, offering enough pep for quick overtakes while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency.
The engine continues to be paired with a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox, a feature that sets it apart from some competitors that still use 4-speed transmissions in this segment.
2. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
One of the most significant selling points of the 2024 Shine is its improved fuel efficiency.
Honda claims a mileage of 55 kmpl under standard testing conditions, a figure that puts it at the top of its class.
In real-world conditions, riders can expect to achieve between 50-55 kmpl, depending on riding style and conditions.
This improvement in fuel efficiency is particularly noteworthy given the rising fuel prices and increasing environmental consciousness among consumers.
3. Styling Updates
While the Shine has always been known for its understated elegance, the 2024 model receives subtle yet effective styling updates. The new model features:
A redesigned headlamp with LED DRLs
Sharper body panels that give it a more modern look
New color options, including a striking Matte Axis Grey Metallic
Redesigned alloy wheels that add to the premium feel
These updates, while not radical, help keep the Shine fresh and appealing to a younger demographic without alienating its core customer base.
4. Improved Comfort and Ergonomics
Recognizing that many Shine owners spend long hours on their bikes, Honda has made several improvements to enhance comfort:
A redesigned seat with better cushioning and support
Slightly raised handlebars for a more upright riding position
Improved suspension tuning for better ride quality on varied road conditions
5. Advanced Features
To stay competitive in an increasingly feature-rich segment, the 2024 Shine comes equipped with:
A fully digital instrument cluster that includes a real-time mileage indicator
Honda’s Advanced Tumble Flow (ATF) induction system for better combustion efficiency
Enhanced CBS (Combi Brake System) for improved braking performance
Engine start/stop switch, a feature increasingly demanded by urban commuters
6. Safety Enhancements
Safety remains a top priority, and the 2024 Shine doesn’t disappoint:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is now standard on the disc brake variant
Improved headlight throw for better visibility
Tubeless tires on both variants for enhanced safety in case of punctures
Honda Shine 2024 Pricing and Variants
Honda has managed to price the 2024 Shine competitively, with the drum brake variant starting at Rs. 79,800 and the disc brake variant priced at Rs. 83,800 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
This pricing strategy positions the Shine as an attractive option in the 125cc segment, offering a compelling mix of features, performance, and brand value.
The Shine vs. The Glamour: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The launch of the 2024 Honda Shine is clearly aimed at challenging the dominance of competitors like the Hero Glamour. Let’s see how these two stalwarts of the 125cc segment stack up:
Engine and Performance
Honda Shine: 123.94cc, 10.74 PS, 11 Nm
Hero Glamour: 124.7cc, 10.7 PS, 10.6 Nm
The Shine holds a slight edge in torque, which could translate to better low-end performance in city riding conditions.
Fuel Efficiency (Claimed)
Honda Shine: 55 kmpl
Hero Glamour: 60 kmpl
While the Glamour boasts a higher claimed mileage, real-world tests often show the Shine to be equally, if not more, efficient.
Honda Shine 2024 Features
Both bikes offer similar feature sets, including digital instrument clusters, start/stop switches, and CBS.
However, the Shine’s ABS option on the disc variant gives it a slight edge in the safety department.
Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
Honda Shine: Rs. 79,800 – Rs. 83,800
Hero Glamour: Rs. 77,000 – Rs. 81,100
The Shine is priced slightly higher, but the price difference is minimal considering the Honda brand value and slightly superior specifications.
Honda Shine 2024 Market Impact and Consumer Response
The launch of the 2024 Honda Shine has been met with enthusiasm from both industry experts and consumers.
Early reviews praise the bike’s refined engine, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced comfort features.
The competitive pricing has also been well-received, with many viewing it as offering excellent value for money.
Dealers report strong initial interest, with some showrooms experiencing increased footfall in the days following the launch.
The new color options, particularly the Matte Axis Grey Metallic, have been especially popular among younger buyers.
Honda Shine 2024 The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the 2024 Shine presents a strong package, Honda faces several challenges in its quest to dominate the 125cc segment:
Intense Competition: Besides the Hero Glamour, the Shine faces stiff competition from other players like the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and the TVS Raider.
Evolving Consumer Preferences: With the rising popularity of 150cc and 160cc motorcycles, Honda needs to ensure the Shine remains relevant to commuters.
Electric Transition: As India pushes towards electrification, Honda will need to balance its investment in ICE models like the Shine with the development of electric alternatives.
However, the 2024 Shine also presents several opportunities:
Brand Loyalty: Honda’s strong brand image and the Shine’s reputation for reliability can be leveraged to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
Rural Expansion: The improved fuel efficiency and robust build quality make the Shine an attractive option for rural markets, where Honda can potentially increase its market share.
Premium Commuter Segment: As urban commuters look for more feature-rich options, the Shine can be positioned as a premium yet accessible choice.
Honda Shine 2024 Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Commuter Saga
The launch of the 2024 Honda Shine represents more than just an update to an existing model; it’s a statement of intent from Honda.
In a market where every kilometer per liter counts and features are increasingly becoming differentiators, the new Shine strikes a compelling balance between efficiency, performance, and value.
While it’s too early to declare a clear winner in the Shine vs. Glamour battle, one thing is certain: the ultimate beneficiary of this intense competition is the Indian consumer.
As manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the 125cc segment, riders can look forward to increasingly sophisticated, efficient, and feature-rich motorcycles.
The 2024 Honda Shine, with its thoughtful updates and competitive pricing, has certainly raised the bar. It not only challenges the Hero Glamour but also sets a new standard for what consumers can expect from a 125cc commuter motorcycle.
As the year progresses, it will be fascinating to see how this renewed rivalry shapes the landscape of one of India’s most crucial two-wheeler segments.
In the end, whether the 2024 Shine can dethrone the Glamour or not, its launch ensures that the spirit of innovation and competition in the Indian two-wheeler market remains as vibrant as ever.
And in this ongoing saga of two-wheeled excellence, it’s the Indian commuter who emerges as the true winner.