Thread: Modern Honda Stunner CBF

A globe-trotter friend from Europe, after a year's sojourn in India, conessed he was all at sea as far as India was concerned. Indian traits, what and how Indians think, all things Indian remain as alien to him as when he arrived. Sure, he loved it here but couldn't quite get finger on its pulse so to say. I put him out of his misery by confessing myself that despite being born and brought up in India, I had yet to truly figure out my country. Yes, India and Indians are very different from inhabitants of Europe and America.

The difference carries over into other spheres too, motorcycles for one. India is the second largest motorcycle market in the world where the 100cc bikes rule the roost. Hero Honda has dominated the 100cc segment, forcing rival manufacturers to find alternative means to beat HH at its game. The 125cc segment for a while has been the logical way to go, with almost 100cc like frugality while dishing out a smidgeon more zip for those who care but not enough to hanker for a 150cc. No manufacturer though has quite cracked it in this segment, though the Bajaj Discover 125cc did boost its manufacturer's stock on Dalal Street.

The 125cc buyer will not compromise on fuel efficiency even while wanting something more from his bike, something the Splendor cannot deliver. Manufacturers now know that the definitive 125 bike must sport engine with some grunt and head-turner styling. The TVS Flame, Bajaj XCD (especially the one seen at the expo) and the Yamaha Gladiator are cases in point.

The Honda Shine has been in the market for almost three years. Endowed with trusty Honda engine and gearbox, the Shine however really did not live up to its name. The CBF Sport (in Repsol colobrs) with its great ergonomics and sporty styling did turn heads at the Auto Expo. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) now hopes to crack the 12Scc segment code with launch of the Stunner CBF. Featuring all-new styling, it is not just a revamped Shine. In fact, HMSI regards it as an all-new bike.



The Stunner sure looks stun¬ning in the flesh with new front faring, split seats which are a first in the class, trapezoidal head lamp from the Shine. There are no stick¬ers apart from that on the faring. The upswept exhaust is new, as is the hugger on the rear tyre and rear mudguard. The aluminium inserts near the footpegs and rear brake lever look upmarket, while the side panels beef up the twin¬spar frame. These styling cues are a first in this class and will turn heads, without doubt. A blackened section flows towards the rear, giving the impres¬sion of an exposed rear subframe. Another black area around the tail lamp makes for a sporty, short-tailed look. The grab rail is regular and nor has Honda gone in forthe kill in styl¬ing stakes with LED tail lamps.

The Stunner CBF has a low stance with 17-inch rims both front and rear. Tubeless tyres are another first for a 12Scc motorcycle, as is the 100/90 section rear. The matte finish handlebar is smaller than that on the Shine. The instrument cluster with analog clocks is well laid out but lacks tachometer which would have suited the overall look. The bike hits the right spots ergonomically speaking. Footpegs are every so slightly rear set for sporty air but riding position is upright and easy on the back, true to its commuter bike origins. Based on the Shine platform, the Stunner retains the 12Scc unit which has been tweaked to deliver 11.11PS compared to the 1O.2PS of the Shine. Torque rating has also been bumped up zip at around 70kmph. Honda has addressed this by retuning the engine and more importantly with a five-speed gearbox.

The new gearbox is well mated to the smooth engine. With adequate torque on tap in low gear, the Stunner is ideal for city traffic carving. True to Honda lineage, gears shift silkily with no false neutrals to speak of. The chassis has been carried over from the Shine but unlike the Sports concept at the Expo, rear shocks are not gas-filled. Ride and handling though are exemplary though as on the Shine. The Stunner CBF is easily the best looker in 125cc arena and could even make some 150cc bikes look ordinary. With tweaked engine and five-speed gearbox it could also hold real performance edge over rivals, though only a road test will as certain that.