7 Honda Plans 2 models for 2010. New Unicorn on cards..??

Honda (HMSI) plans to launch two new models in 2010.. could the Unicorn gets its first major upgrade?

Update: Details of the 2010 CBF Stunner has appeared on HMSI's website on Jan 2010 itself.. therefore the new model to appear on 2009-10 fiscal might be a different model.

Honda (HMSI) has made public its plans of launching two new models in the next fiscal year (i.e Apr:2010- Mar:2011). According to Economic Times

"Two-wheeler maker Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today said it may introduce two new bikes in the country during the next fiscal"

Now which two new models could it be? Since the 110 cc CB Twister has already been offcially launched by HMSI, according to me the two new models for 2010 could be..

[1] The 2010 125 cc CBF Stunner
[2] A new 2010 Honda Unicorn

Now both these models were shown at the 2010 Auto Expo. The new CBF Stunner is basically a face lifted version of the current CBF Stunner.

2010 Honda CBF Stunner

Along with new graphics/decals, the new CBF Stunner gets a tachometer, black painted engine, black silencer heat shield and foot protectors. The CBF Stunner also gets a plastic belly pan.

Although shown at the Auto Expo, the facelifted CBF Stunner hasn't been officially launched by HMSI yet..

The facelifted CBF Stunner also does away with the Kick Lever and the full chain cover and opts for an exposed chain with half chain cover. Although shown at the Auto Expo, the facelifted CBF Stunner hasn't been officially launched by HMSI yet.. therefore according to me, it should be one of the two launches planned by HMSI.


The other model could very well be the Unicorn Sports Concept shown at the Auto Expo.

Honda Unicorn Sports Concept

The current Unicorn is virtually the same model which was launched in 2005 (albeit with periodic minor cosmetic upgrades). With the "Sports Concept" shown at the Auto Expo, HMSI could provide the ageing Unicorn with a proper upgrade. The concept shown at the Auto Expo featured 17 inch tubeless tyres, exposed chain with half chain cover, a digital speedometer display and even a rear disc brake. One just hopes that the engine get's an upgrade too.

Even if the Unicorn never managed to set the 150 cc sales charts on fire, over the years it has somehow managed to carve a niche for itself as a commuter friendly 150 cc bike. Now if this "Sporty" Unicorn does replace the old Unicorn, HMSI could well vacate the "Commuter 150 cc" space.


Answers should come post March 2010.

Related Posts

• Auto Expo 2010 Coverage: Honda (HMSI)



• Why hasn't Honda made a mark with its "Unicorn" in India..?? [June 2007]



• Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi Vs Hero Honda Hunk Vs Honda Unicorn Vs TVS Apache RTR 160: Which is the Best 150 cc..?? [Dec 2007]

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.