Sunday, July 21, 2013

HONDA TO ROLL OUT TWO NEW MODELS FOR DASHAIN


IF you are a genuine Honda twowheeler fan and looking for something new, waiting for around one and a half months might be something you won’t regret. Syakar Trading Company, the sole authorised distributor of Honda automobiles in Nepal, plans to roll out the Honda CB Trigger motorcycle and the Honda Activa-i scooter during the Dashain festive extravaganza. Though the company hasn’t announced the release date, it has stated that the machines will be here before Dashain. “We are excited about the launch of the new Honda two-wheelers. The arrival of the CB Trigger will strengthen our 150 cc motorcycle segment,” said Rajan Raj Puri, manager - Honda two-wheelers division at Syakar. Honda seems to be struggling in the 150 cc segment with its current line-up not performing as per expectations. Syakar believes that the upcoming model will offer strong competition to other machines in the segment. The CB Trigger from Honda will be competing with market leaders in the 150 cc class like the Bajaj Pulsar, Yamaha FZ-S, TVS Apache and Honda CBZ Extreme. The CB Trigger looks quite identical to the CB Dazzler. Honda has made this twowheeler more aggressive and sportier with a new headlight and visor to make sure that it appeals to youngsters. Another enticing exterior feature is its new two-layered LED tail light. In terms of technical specification too, the motorbike seems quite similar to the CB Dazzler. Honda has powered this new two-wheeler with the same air-cooled, single cylinder 150 cc engine. This Honda engine can deliver a peak power output of 13.81 bhp at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 12.5 nm at 6,500 rpm. It has been mated with a five-speed manual transmission system. Honda has claimed that the two-wheeler can accelerate from 0-60 kph in just 6 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 110 kph. The bike features telescopic fork front and mono shock absorber rear suspension. Both the front and rear tyres have disc brakes. While the front wheel has a 240 nm disc brake, the one at the rear is 220 nm. Known for its impressive fuel efficiency, this new Honda two-wheeler too will give a mileage of around 50 kpl in the city, the company claimed. Likewise, the Activa-i, the scooter model being introduced by the company, is powered by a 109.2 cc engine. The upgraded Honda engine can generate a maximum power output of 8 bhp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 8.74 nm at 5,500 rpm. Honda has mated the engine with a v-matic automatic transmission system. Honda has stated that this scooter engine features Honda Eco technology which helps in reducing friction within the engine and enhances fuel efficiency. “Honda is very strong in the scooter segment with a market share of 60 percent,” said Puri. “We are looking forward to increasing the market share with this new model joining the current lineup of Honda scooters.” Since the suspension system has been designed as per roadway conditions in India, it is also expected to cater to the needs of Nepali riders. The machine features spring loaded hydraulic suspension for both front and rear. Honda has claimed that the scooter delivers a mileage of around 60 kpl. The Activa-i is 1,795 mm long, 705 mm wide and 1,115 mm high. It weighs 103 kg, making it light enough and possesses superior ground clearance of 165 mm. Moreover, the machine has an under-seat storage capacity of 18 l. The scoter will be available in alpha red metallic, purple metallic, pearl sunbeam and beige metallic colour options. As for the pricing of the new twowheelers, the company chose not to comment. “We are working on the price. All I can say now is that both these machines will be priced very competitively,” said Puri.

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