Thread: Honda Shine

The Honda Shine is among the vanguard of bikes signifying the Bharatiyajanata's move up from the 100cc brigade. Honda lavished it with snazzier graph- ics, alloy grab rail and black alloy wheels, to add more sparkle. The drivetrain with the short and close ratio four-speed gear box though was unchanged. The first two gears are set real close and the third is relatively taller, so dizzy downshifting into second will cause rear wheel lock-up besides offering straight line slide revelry. Where on positive side, the Shine can give the Unicorn a run for its money in context of 0-60kmph times, in the top end aspect, the Shine gets much too laden with vibrations post 60kmph and wheezes out of breath around the 90kmph mark. In fact, on the first few rides, I had to make concentrated effort to keep my throttle wringing wrist in check; heck, I was at a loss to explain away or come to terms with the absence of fifth cog.

But then revelation dawned soon after, when I realised the ingenious, non-geared scooter-like demeanour of the little Shine: hit the road, slot into fourth and top gear before or around 2Skmph, and just wring throttle to speed up or clutch/tap brakes to slow down, just like on Activa/Dio, thereafter. That is what the Shine is made for, to reduce to minimum and even eliminate rider's chores. In the 30kmph to 60kmph zone, in top gear, the Shine is the ticket to carve chaotic city traffic clogs with, with a smile rather than frown. The front disc brake and rear drum do their bit with aplomb. Yes, the upright seating position also makes the going easier by instilling confidence and an in-control feeling in the rider. The headlight beam is adequate even in monsoon-hit environs, picking out life-threatening holes, gravel, slicks et al besides functioning glitch free.



The indicators have given no cause for grouse. I must confess I (mis)use the extra loud horn beep on regular daily basis to give dawdlers, jaywalkers and uncouth rickshaw drivers their startling due. I have learnt to be discreet on bumps and breakers since the Shine is set up rather stiff. The bike sports 2.75 section tyres front and rear. The telescopic dual forks, grippy rubber and handle- bar make for positive feedback from the front end. The rear alas, with tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, is prone to losing touch with terra firma - and I have had two crashes to corroborate the fact. Yes, 3.00-section rear tyre would make big amends. The refined 124cc engine is a downscaled Unico,rn one, the stroke unchanged and bore being reduced. The torque is ensured at low engine speeds with longer intake manifold.

The Shine loses some shine in the fuel efficiency arena, its road tested figures of SSkmpl in"-city and 66kmpl on highway not rocking anyone's boat. Sure, I could ride like Pandu mama and notch up 60kmpl in the city - I said I could but I sure will not, now that I know of the fun side of commuting on the Shine. Curiously, the Shine is one bike that has drawn the least attention even when spanking new, no one quizzing me about its 'average', performance or anything. No, despite electric blue paint and alloys, the Shine does less than shine amidst swankier com¬petition. Is that a grouse? No way; after her long term stint, the Shine makes for a welcome sight that I'm sure to miss. Those with yen for fancier feathers, now, of course have the Stunner to resort to. Meanwhile, shine on, little Honda.