Hero launches the 125 cc Ignitor..
The front drum brake variant of the Ignitor is costlier than the front disc one of the CBF Stunner..!!
Hero finally launches its latest 125 cc model the Ignitor. The Ignitor was first shown at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. Never before I felt so lethargic to document the launch of a particlar motorcycle model (and that's why documenting its launch a good couple of months after its offical appearance). Since it's the mission of my blog to chronicle the motorcycle scene of India, so here goes..
I guess the reason for my lethargy was due to the fact that the Ignitor is basically the Honda CBF Stunner albeit with a slightly different looking fairing.
Majority of Indians won't know that the "Impulse" that Hero has so heavily promoted as a "Transroader" (Hero speak for On/Off road motorcycle) is actually a Honda product (CRF 150 Bros). That is because they have never seen the original. But I don't think any Indian won't be able to make out that the Ignitor is basically a rebadged Honda CBF Stunner with very minor cosmetic tweaks.
Twins: Hero Ignitor & Honda CBF Stunner
The CBF Stunnner was launched in 2008 and back then I was really of the opinion that this was a very promising product from Honda. For the very first time Honda had got the styling spot on with the CBF Stunner. With big bike looks, a 125 cc engine (and hence the fuel efficiency as well) the CBF Stunner seemed to have got the receipe just right to become a sales success. But to my surprise the CBF Stunner seems to have been doing quite poorly (as the sales statistics posted below suggests).
My lethargy or disinterest should not matter even a small bit to Hero if they manage to "Ignite" the market with the Ignitor much better than what Honda has done with the CBF Stunner. So will the Ignitor bring in good sales numbers for Hero? Well honestly, I am actually clueless to make a guess. Maybe Hero's wider dealership network can do the wonders.
Even more surprising is the pricing. The on road price for the front drum brake variant of the Ignitor seems to be priced slightly higher the front disc variant (actually the only variant on sale currently) of the CBF Stunner..!!
Hero Ignitor Details:
It's basically the Honda CBF Stunner. The engine seems to be slightly retuned by the way it makes its peak torque. The Ignitor makes its peak torque at 5000 rpm whereas the CBF Stunner makes exactly the same peak torque at a slightly higher 6500 rpm. The peak power of both bikes is 11 bhp and comes at the same 8000 rpm. The Ignitor also gets a analog+digital tacho+speedo combination (the CBF Stunner has an all analog console) which has been borrowed from the "Hunk".
Hero Iginitor Price (as on 22'nd Aug 2012):
Ignitor [Front Drum + Self Start]: Rs. 55,900 (Ex-showroom Delhi); Rs. 61,719 (On road Delhi)
Ignitor [Front Disc + Self Start]: Rs. 57,900 (Ex-showroom Delhi); Rs. 63,871 (On road Delhi)
CBF Stunner [Front Disc + Self Start]: Rs. 56,054 (Ex-showroom Delhi); Rs. 60,918 (On road Delhi)
Hero Ignitor Technical Specifications:
ENGINE
Engine Type : 4 - stroke single cylinder OHC
Cooling System: Air Cooling
Displacement : 124.7 cc
Maximum Power :11 Bhp at 8000 rpm
Maximum Torque :11 Nm at 5000 rpm
Carburettor Type: CV
Starting :Self Start and Kick Start
Ignition System: Digital CDI
Clutch Type: Multiplate wet
Gear box : 5 Speed constant mesh
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Chassis Type :Tubular , Diamond Type
Front suspension: Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
Rear Suspension: Swing Arm with adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers
Front Brake: Dia 240 mm Disc (Optional) / Dia 130 mm Drum
Rear Brake : Dia 130 mm Drum
Front Tyre Size: 80/100 x 17 (Tubeless)
Rear Tyre Size:100/90 x 17 (Tubeless)
ELECTRICALS
Battery Type: Maintenance Free Battery, 12 V - 3 Ah
Head Light: 35 W / 35 W - Halogen Bulb
Tail Stop Lamp: 5 W / 21 W
Turn Signal Lamp 10 W x 4 nos
DIMENSIONS
Height 1095 mm
Width 710 mm
Length 2010 mm
Total Weight 129 kg
Wheelbase 1270 mm
Ground Clearance 175 mm
Hero Ignitor Colors:
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Related Posts
- Ride Review: Honda CBF Stunner/PGMFi [Jan 2011]
- Hero Unveils Passion X Pro and Ignitor at Auto Expo 2012 [Jan 2012]
Disclaimer:
This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.
6 Comments:
P135LS has knocked off CBF stunner, that much is clear from sales numbers, if i'm right earlier Stunner was doing about 15 to 20k units every month. With the launch of P135LS, Bajaj taught a very important lesson to Honda and i'm guessing that they are going to repeat that again with Discover 125ST to Shine. Ignitor might do good numbers with Hero badge, but in all probability it will take off some sales from Glamour/Super splendor. It may not be able to knock off any sales from Shine/Discover.
lets see if the copy-cat can ignite the sales chart
hero have an advantage of wider dealer network.. might take some sales of stunner / shine but not bajaj..
I think Stunner failed because big bike looks looked out of place on a punny 125cc engine. Style matters but so does the performance.
150cc bikes are priced almost at par with this 125cc bike. People either sticked to basic 125cc bikes or moved to performance oriented 150s.
Ignitor might perform better in the market due to Hero's penetration i the market.
I am happy to own a stunner, and I really doubt the way Hero is heading.. Why would hero copy the same bike. I pity those guys using ignitor post 2014... Remember guys it's the Honda tech they are using. The Honda stunner guys can cheer up because now the spares will be easily available.
Hi,
I have already been using Hero Honda (now Hero Motocorp) Karizma since past 2 years. & now i intend to buy a new bike in the 125 cc segment with decent average & good styling. I shortlisted Bajaj Discover 125 ST & HeroMotoCorp Ignitor. After having the test drive, i found that the response of the Ignitor was better & it has a crispyness in its features & stlying. The discover wasn't so bad but i found the riding position not very favourable for me as i am used to karizma.
As i recently read that the Ignitor is being phased out, My Question is that SHOULD I BUY THE HERO IGNITOR AT THIS POINT OF TIME? WILL MY SERVICE & SPARES WOULD BE COMPROMISED IN THE NEAR FUTURE ? WHATZ UR TAKE ? PLZ HELP AS I AM PLANNING TO BUY A BIKE THIS WEEK. ALSO WHAT OTHER OPTIONS COULD U SUGGEST IF THE ANSWERS TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS ARE MOSTLY YES.
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