Why Honda Shine 2026 Launch Failed

I lined up at a Honda dealer in Jalna expecting the 2026 Shine to redefine 125cc commuting with 90kmpl claims. Rode it yesterday through Maharashtra’s crowded markets to open highways, and early letdowns made me doubt Honda’s budget king status.

The Disappointment

Snagged the Drum OBD-2B variant at ₹90,797 ex-showroom, specs touting 123.94cc engine with 10.63 bhp and 55kmpl real-world mileage. City traffic in Jalna exposed the weak pickup—throttle response lagged behind Yamaha Fascino, struggling to hold 40kmph loaded with a pillion on inclines. Vibrations crept in above 70kmph from the air-cooled mill, buzzing mirrors during my 30km loop, unlike the refined Activa buzz-free ride. Drum brakes upfront felt wooden in wet conditions, needing heavy lever pulls to match the optional disc’s bite—no standard CBS across all trims irked me mid-test.

Digital-analog meter showed basic fuel gauge and odometer, but no Bluetooth or gear indicator like rivals’ upgrades—felt dated for 2026 at this price. 114kg kerb weight helped flickability, yet skinny 80/100-18 tyres wallowed over potholes near farms, suspension bottoming harshly with luggage. Seat foam compressed after 40km, numbing my back on upright ergonomics suited for short hops only. On-road price jumped to ₹97,000 in Jalna after taxes and insurance—not the ₹65k steal hyped, clashing with BikeDekho’s Delhi base at ₹85k. User forums on Zigwheels griped about oil leaks in early units, echoing a faint weep I spotted post-ride. 10.5L tank promised 550km range, but my fill-up averaged 520km at 49kmpl—decent yet no 90kmpl miracle. Seemed Honda iterated safely without bold efficiency leaps for fuel-crisis India.

The Surprising Truth

Swapped to highway NH752H, slotted into top gear, and the Shine settled into commuter bliss. 10.63 bhp hummed quietly at 80kmph steady-state, sipping fuel at 58kmpl observed—crushed petrol bills versus 40kmpl 125cc rivals in mixed runs. Light clutch and slick 5-speed shifts glided through gears effortlessly, idle start-stop (new OBD-2B feature) cut city fuel by 5% during signals. Telescopic forks and twin shocks ironed out undulations better than stiff Hero Glamour, turning 100km slogs fatigue-free.

Disc variant’s braking inspired confidence, hauling from 80 to zero in 28m with progressive feel. Long 791mm seat accommodated my 5’10” frame plus pillion without cramps, upright bars perfect for all-day comfort. Side-stand cut-off and engine kill-switch prevented rookie errors, while LED headlight pierced dusk rides near Aurangabad. Compared to rivals:​

Shine edged in refinement and service ease. Low NVH sealed it—whisper-quiet at cruise, ideal for family duties. By test end, Honda’s engineering proved bulletproof for daily grind.

India-Specific Impact

In Maharashtra, Shine dominates Tier-2 sales: on-road ₹97k Jalna (add ₹6k taxes), ₹1.02 lakh Mumbai metro, ₹94k Pune with rebates. BikeWale reports 55kmpl user average, dropping ₹100/ltr fuel to ₹1.8/km—₹18k yearly save at 12k km/year over 100cc bikes. 2000+ Honda outlets blanket rural Maharashtra; Jalna service waits under 3 days versus Hero’s 7.

CarDekho benchmarks it over Platina for smoother power delivery in Mumbai chaos. Delhi’s even-odd? BS6 OBD-2B compliant. Monsoon puddles? 180mm clearance suffices urban floods. Zigwheels forecasts 25% commuter share from idle-stop tech amid ₹105/ltr petrol. Colors like Imperial Red shine on Instagram family rides. EMI at ₹3k/month fits daily wagers; 6yr warranty tops segment. Rural NH runs to villages? 500km legs easy. Urban warriors save hours dodging Activa queues at pumps.

Rushi’s Verdict

Tested skeptical of another Shine refresh, rode convinced it’s Maharashtra’s unbeatable budget hauler. Forget flash—its mileage, smoothness, and reliability crush at low cost. Top pick for sensible commuters in 2026.

FAQ
What is Honda Shine 2026 real mileage?
55-58kmpl mixed, up to 60kmpl highway.​

Price and variants?
₹80,852-95,692 ex-showroom, Drum/Disc OBD-2B.​

Top speed and weight?
95kmph, 114kg kerb.​

Key comfort features?
Long seat, low NVH, idle start-stop.​

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