Yep, took the Honda CB Twister 110 cc bike for a test ride. So here is what I think of it..
Usually I start my review with the Looks of the bike, but this time I’ll make an exception and address it at the end of the review (I do have a reason for it).
Ergonomics / Seating Position: The seat height on the bike is low and is narrow enough at the front for even short guys to feel confident and at home. The foot peg–seat–handlebar relation is in the perfect, comfortable commuter mould.
The tank design provides ample space for my knees to grip the tank. The bike also feels extremely light and very easy to handle. A short guy like me is perfectly at home on the CB Twister, I can’t say for sure how a tall guy fits on the bike though.
Clutch & Gearbox: The clutch is delightfully light. I am sure that it will definitely make riding in heavy traffic an easy affair. The toe shift only gearbox has a one down – three up shift pattern. Gearshifts are positive, accurate and slick.
Smooth engine, decent performance for city traffic, comfortable ergonomics, light weight clutch and an accurate gearbox, nimble handling..
The CB Twister provides it all
Engine Performance: Let the clutch go with the left hand and twist the accelerator with the right hand, the bike seems to almost leap forward making you smile, but twist the accelerator further and you soon realize that the engine is basically tuned like a typical commuter bike. Even in top gear the bike has ample torque to move at slow speeds of 25 Kmph. The bike does speeds of 60-70 Kmph with ease, but as the revs rise, the torque and power begins to thin out. The engine remains smooth with slight tingling vibrations only coming in at high revs.
Although not as exciting as the Pulsar 135LS at high revs, the engine of the CB Twister performs perfectly as a commuter bike. Good low end torque, smooth engine and decent poke in city traffic. Thumbs up from me..!!
Ride and Handling: The ride of the CB Twister is a bit on the firmer side which definitely adds to the nimble handling but might lose out in providing a really plush ride. I tried to find out if the rear suspension had scope of being adjusted for a softer pre load setting, but to my surprise, the CB Twister has not provided for multiple stage settings and comes with just one setting.
The CB Twister also is the first Indian 100-110 cc motorcycle to be fitted with a tubeless tyre..!! Great stuff, a tubeless tyre definitely comes very handy in case of punctures as it can be ridden for quite sometime by just filling in air.
But surprisingly the pattern on the rear tyre of the CB Twister doesn’t have a "center groove". The grip of the tyre on dry roads was ok, but absence of the center groove makes me a bit apprehensive about grip on wet roads. The disc brakes (available as an option) do a good job of stopping and have a good progressive feel.
Summary: I found the CB Twister to be a delightful performer as a commuter motorcycle. Smooth engine, decent performance for city traffic, comfortable ergonomics, light weight clutch and an accurate gearbox, nimble handling.. The CB Twister provides it all. I mean what else do you need in a commuter bike?
Likes:+ Smooth engine
+ Good clutch and gearbox
+ Comfortable ergonomics
+ Nimble handling
Dislikes:
- Ride quality is a bit firm
- Lack of rear suspension adjustment, engine pass switch
- A bit too much plastic in parts
- Empty space in engine area
I can’t call the styling of the CB Twister as muscular, aggressive or even as sporty. Probably the CB Twister can be best described as FUNKY..
Looks: I have come across a few bikes which look awesome in photos but in the flesh it finally appears disappointing. But the CB Twister looks as good even in the flesh. The paint quality on the tank and front fairing area is especially excellent.
The best angle to view the CB Twister is from the front three quarters, from which the bike gives the impression of a muscular bike. But when viewed from the sides and the rear, the CB Twister actually appears quite lean and light. One sore sight though is the empty space in the engine area.
Although the paint quality on the tank and fairing is top notch, the side panels has a little bit too much of plastic, moreover the plastic panels on the side covers are a bit thin.
The rear grab rail on the CB Twister has been fabricated in black plastic instead of the usual alloy metal or chrome metal.
Although it looks good on a new bike, I hope that the back plastic doesn’t turn brittle and gets discolored in the sweltering Indian summer.
But why am I mentioning about the looks/styling at the end of my review?
Here is the reason for it. Without doubt the 110 cc CB Twister is great bike as a commuter bike. As I had earlier mentioned, the CB Twister has a smooth engine, decent performance for city traffic, comfortable ergonomics, light weight clutch and an accurate gearbox, nimble handling.. but then our commuter best sellers like the Hero Honda Splendor/Passion, Bajaj Discover, TVS Star City etc aren’t too bad in these aspects either.
Why should someone then buy the CB Twister? What is it’s USP over the already established best sellers?
Apart from the Honda brand, the USP of the CB Twister is its styling. The CB Twister looks quite different from other Indian motorcycles. I can’t call the styling of the CB Twister as muscular, aggressive or even sporty. Probably the CB Twister can be best described as FUNKY.
Now whether the funky styling works for you is left for you to decide.
Honda CB Twister Price:
- KICK START, DRUM, ALLOY: Rs. 41,850(Ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 43,953(On-road Delhi)
SELF START, DRUM, ALLOY: Rs. 44,850(Ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 47,045(On-road Delhi)
SELF START, DISK, ALLOY: Rs. 47,850(Ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 50,137(On-road Delhi)
Honda CB Twister Tech Specs:
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
- Engine Type - 4 stroke, Air cooled, Single cylinder
Displacement - 109cc
Net Power - 9bhp@8000rpm
Torque - 9 N-m@6000rpm
Filter - Paper Filter - Viscous
Transmission - 4-speed Constant Mesh
Gear Shift Pattern - 1 Down-3 Up
Starting - Self/ Kick
WEIGHT/MEASUREMENTS
- Kerb Weight - 108
Length (mm) - 1972
Width (mm) - 742
Height (mm) - 1075
Wheelbase(mm) - 1262
Ground Clearance(mm) - 180
Fuel Tank Capacity(Litre) - 8
CHASSIS
- Chassis - Diamond type
Front Suspension - Telescopic Hydraulic Fork
Rear Suspension - Spring loaded Hydraulic shock absorber with rectangular box type swing arm
Tyre Type - Tubeless, : Front & Rear
Front Tyre - 70/100-17 40p
Rear Tyre - 80/100-17 53p
Front Brake - Disc 240mm
Rear Brake - Drum 110mm
ELECTRICALS
- Ignition - Digital CDI
Battery - 12V,3.0 AH Maintenance Free
Headlamp - Halogen 12V 35/35 W
Related Posts
- Pulsar 135LS Review [Part II] What's so special about the Pulsar 135LS?
- Bajaj Pulsar 135LS Review [Part I] Over a week of ownership experience
- Bajaj Pulsar 135LS Vs Honda CBF Stunner Vs Honda Unicorn Vs Yamaha FZ-16. Bike India & Overdrive agrees with me..!!
- Will 110 cc CB Twister make a big mark?
- 2010 Honda CBF Stunner (125cc). Details, Price, Colors revealed (from Official Website)
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.
63 Comments:
hi payeng
nice to see you back.
pls review bajaj discover 100cc
waiting for your coloumn of discover 100
hi payeng
this review is not seems to be of your style.
here is no details of silencer,disc break,shock absorbers and head light.
@Santosa, thanks bro.. will try to get a ride on the Discover DTS-Si 100.
@Manav, may be I was getting a bit too predictable.. :-). But as I have mentioned above the styling can be summed up as "Funky"
This bike reminds me of the Puffer fish.... which blows itself like a balloon when faced with sudden presence of a killer pray so that it looks bigger than it actually is!!
The same good old puny 100-110cc engine, producing the same good old figures, but looks like a full blown hotty!! With the riding mentality of the common NCR janta who like to ride a CD100 like a Hayabusa... just imagine the cultural shock such a rider would get in the first couple of days of his ownership when at a red light he's standing with a 150cc bike, making all the smiles and wriggles because his bike looks cooler than his neighbor's, BANG, the green light, and all the smiles gone plummeting because the puny engine left him wagging like a tail at the end of the traffic ;)
Personal Thoughts - If you are providing the looks, then you should provide some juice to support the looks!!
only thing i like....no sari guard in default design!! :)
yeah!! Wonder how Honda managed it without the sari guard, because the Think Tank didn't even allow the R15 and the Ninja without the compulsary Sari Guard :D
whoaaaaa :o
I'm trying to imagine a riders granny sitting one side in a saree on the rider's R1!! What a sight!! The rider is riding very sanely and trying to keep the bike below 100!! What a sight!! And then the rider's grandpa jumps in the middle of the road and the rider hits the brake!! and rest and they all say is HISTORY!! WHAT A SIGHT!! :D
Jokes apart.. but in India there seems to always be a loop hole in every rule ;) a loop hole in the Saree Guard rule too!! I'm loving it :)
Actually even the Yamaha R1 comes fitted with the "mandatory" saree guard.. it isa a Govt. of India requirement.
Maybe the customers have not fitted them on the bikes (CB Twister's) coming out of the showrooms..
Whatever might be the reason, every motorcycle sold in India has to come with a Saree guard.
overpriced and overdone styling (yuck) done on a beer can sized engine. after very staid looking unicorn and shine honda is going too much overboard with plastic styling.
Honda aimed this bike at college-going, style conscious, mileage-consicous youth. Uncles who wants to tavel with wife and mother, please stay away from this bike.
why Honda not assembly this twister's engine with larger air fin? . . . so there is no empty space there at the engine section area
Honda CB Twister is one of the best entry level bike, fuel efficient engine with some special feature included.
Idotic Automobile marketing in India, When 20 years ago when vehicle came with Full chain cover they Welcomed Ind-Suzuki , Herohonda too Told Saftey for Indian Pillion Commuters Female with Saree suit and Male with Doti Suit. No Greasing of Cloths etc.
Note: In India Most of them Drive 2Wheelers with [ Sandak , Havai Cheppals so called ] Heal Shift gear is required there in Shoes are not damaged due to gear shift arm.
Now When 100 cc and 150 CC vehicles comes with Racing style bike for those who uses shoe and Loose clothing there by Vehicle without Full Chain cover has more risks of Road Accidents.
Companies like Honda / Suzuki / Yamaha etc they fools up Indian Commuders of 2wheelers.
Removing the Chain cover is just matter of 5 minutes work but To Pick up Suitable chain cover one have to run post to pillar [ Here I point out for Twister which Honda sells is one example ]
Honda wants to loot money but they give more Scraps. [ Atleast Herohonda / TVS / Bajaj they give the vehicle with Standard Stuff which is required to register the vehicle ] Like Handle bar mirrors , Sarre Guard , Crash Guard , Number plates , To reduce the weight of the vehicle Honda Twister has removed the chain cover , and Changed to Toe Shift lever, And 110 Rear Disc breakes.
But If HeroHonda breaks up partnership with Honda and comes with Verticial Engine for 100CC segment then Auto journels will say polished news to public.
they should have some way to keep chain cover optional...in india..lots of dust...i m considering changing bike..but had to sadly cancel twister due to lack of chain cover...i dont want more maintenance issues....
hey friend i should buy a new bike but i m confused between 2 bikes
1. pulsar135 LS or
2. honda cb twister..
pls suguest me to buy which bike for me.??
I am 18yr old and my height is 5'4". and weight is 54kg
Hi i bought a new hero honda twister. i ride a bike long back. so, please tel me how to ride a bike.
thank u very very much for ur kind support.....pls. if u can clear my few doubts thn i will b
more than happy....they are-
actually i jst wanna ask tht...wat r all d problems related to this
bike...sum says it is not having full chaIN cover so it will b a problem
wen ladies with sarees will sit on it. Can i make seat comfortable in any other way..??...and any other problems if u can
tell me....and now there are 90% chances tht i will go for twister but
will b obliged if u tell me how to maintain gud mileage and how one can b
precautious TO make the most of it while driving it .......can i attach a saree guard myself..???
thank u...pls reply...
hi friends i bought a cb twister and its working fine in my native ooty and its giving milage upto 50kmpl i also have some problem in my bike like gear shift and the rear tyre is so small and its road grip in wet surface is bad i,m planning to change the rear tyre with a stunner tyre will it reduce the milage???????
hey i got this bike before 2 months..awesome look, performance, good millage..girl friend will love sitting behind with you in this bike ..in many case it beats pulsar 135cc,IF it had a digital speedometer that will b great.. in rainy season this bike skid sometimes,it has a saree guard and the chain guard is only half but it makes the look of the bike cool...if i wana rate this bike i can rate 8.5/10..i enjoy riding this bike.go for it..
Hi, i read all your doubts abt this byke, The saree gaurd, engine gard all those are not a matter,we can get all accessories at honda showroom or else out side, it is nice byke compare to other bykes, who wants sylish, milage, maintenance free and 50-60k range blindly go for this byke no need to think about others. you can see good resale value also than other bykes. the back tyre is a little bit thin because of mailage purpose you can change it but may see some little bit milage difference. U feel that you are sitting on 125cc byke only while riding. we can modify or fit all parts as you like if you find nice machanic.
ihave no ided of modifing twister.... if there izzz any modified twister plzz post it to thilaksanil09@yahoo.com
hi im andrew from philippines. im happy that this bike is already available here and i got mine last 2 weeks ago. all i can say about this bike is the engine performs like 125cc. i love the bikes power even though it is only 110cc. i like the style, engine power and fuel consumption.
I guess that after the warm success of Honda CB-Twister, Bajaj is feeling jealous and may come up with none other than a Pulsar 110 cc against it.
hey friend i should buy a new bike but i m confused between 2 bikes
1. pulsar135 and
2. honda cb twister..
pls suguest me to buy which bike for me.??
I am 23yr old and my height is 5'8". and weight is 74kg
pls do the needful
Hi, i read all your doubts abt this byke, The saree gaurd, engine gard all those are not a matter,we can get all accessories at honda showroom or else out side, it is nice byke compare to other bykes, who wants sylish, milage, maintenance free and 50-60k range blindly go for this byke no need to think about others. you can see good resale value also than other bykes. the back tyre is a little bit thin because of mailage purpose you can change it but may see some little bit milage difference. U feel that you are sitting on 125cc byke only while riding. we can modify or fit all parts as you like if you find nice machanic.
thank u very very much for ur kind support.....pls. if u can clear my few doubts thn i will b
more than happy....they are-
actually i jst wanna ask tht...wat r all d problems related to this
bike...sum says it is not having full chaIN cover so it will b a problem
wen ladies with sarees will sit on it. Can i make seat comfortable in any other way..??...and any other problems if u can
tell me....and now there are 90% chances tht i will go for twister but
will b obliged if u tell me how to maintain gud mileage and how one can b
precautious TO make the most of it while driving it .......can i attach a saree guard myself..???
thank u...pls reply...
Idotic Automobile marketing in India, When 20 years ago when vehicle came with Full chain cover they Welcomed Ind-Suzuki , Herohonda too Told Saftey for Indian Pillion Commuters Female with Saree suit and Male with Doti Suit. No Greasing of Cloths etc.
Note: In India Most of them Drive 2Wheelers with [ Sandak , Havai Cheppals so called ] Heal Shift gear is required there in Shoes are not damaged due to gear shift arm.
Now When 100 cc and 150 CC vehicles comes with Racing style bike for those who uses shoe and Loose clothing there by Vehicle without Full Chain cover has more risks of Road Accidents.
Companies like Honda / Suzuki / Yamaha etc they fools up Indian Commuders of 2wheelers.
Hi Guys,
i m amit lives in delhi i wnt to own a bike bt i m confuse between BAJAJ PULSAR135 AND HONDA CB TWISTER kindly suggest me which is best one acording to mileage, looks and performance
Hi Guys,
Please dont take honda bikes in East Godavari District Andhra Pradesh,
Honda bikes best bikes but service is worst,every customer face to the problem with Koduri Honda, please please dont take honda bikes in East Godavari - Andhra Pradesh..............
Hey,guys i brought this bike 4 months ago ,and i had done all the necessary experiments for knowing its actual performance .this bike has a good pickup .and i am satisfied ,but the chain makes some sound while moving .i had tithened it once but still it has loosened. I felt it as the only problem. Rest ,the bike is owsome,
i hav booked d bike n also took a test drive n i feel d bike s really awesome
hi i read whole page but i want sujest that tire of the twister is very small comper to my splender plus
can i install big tire to twister?????????
like cbz or plsar
Thsi bike is awsome I bought it 6 months back on my B day! So far I have travelled 9,000/km. AND its perfect except I had problems at my service centre from whre I bought It. i HAVE LOST THEORIGIANL SMOOTH SUSPENSION . BUT IT WAS MY SERVICE PROVIDRS MISTAKE.
rISHI
hi can we attach dickey in honda twister?
hi can i attach dickey in honda twister
@above, there is no company provided rear pannier (dickey) for the twister.. you'll have to look at aftermarket shops if they are available. Most Indian models get after market options after sometime of its launch.
hi i m pankaj, the distance below the rear is too less for a dickey to be attached. i would like to ask that can we attach dickey in honda twister?
hello, plz let me know which brand is best in bikes. thanks in advance.
Dear Sir,
I am a big fan of Honda and bought CB Twister from Shiv Honda Baraut in 6 July 2010 . The bike is best in its segment with awesome looks and very good mileage. Unluckily I met with a accident in 26 feburary 2011 and few parts of the bike broke into pieces and dealer said that they need to be placed. But I am shocked to see the service and non-availability of parts in Baraut and nearby cities. I have visited the Baraut dealer more than 30 times but they have always a new excuse for non-availability of parts. Now, I am in dilemma that why I did bought the best bike of the year 2011. I am a student, I bought this bike through my hard earned money by giving the tuitions to the underprivileged students. My dream has been shattered and response is very poor at the dealer end. Can you help me to restore my confidence in Honda for once and forever, please look into the matter as soon as possible.
My Address:
Delhi Roadways Bus Stand first floor,
Baraut,
District Baghpat,
Pin code - 250611
Uttar Pradesh.
Hoping for positive and immediate response.
Yours Faithfully
Archit Sharma
Phone No:- 8755512343, 9457239494
Email:- archit599@yahoo.co.in
i am using this bike for past one year,,, on riding above 50 the engine makes sound as it was riding above 80,,, the tyre grip is not satisfactory on wet position,,,, but we can enjoy the ride in traffic with easy handling,,,its giving decent mileage 50 - 55 Kmpl,, Honda service is very poor,,,,
hi everyone!
i am worried about it back seat....bcoz it doesnt provide the option for helmet lock does the people in the back seat find some grip to hold while sitting especially ladies.........i think they may slide down while sudden braking...........pls tell me about it..i am going to buy it ....send your replies to this id mnirmal12@in.com
Thanks in advance
lovely bike.soooooooo good.
Is this bike suitable for short people around 5'6"
@above,
yes it would be suitable
I just booked a cb twister and going to arrive in 3 weeks.Did a test drive on one of my frnds bike and found the ride comfortable(gear shifting was a bit different though,will get familier with 2-3 days).No sari guard?who cares....!pick a girlfriend who hates sarees!
Fuel efficiency is what i am askin about!Never trust anybody on that!Got to check ourselves!
Out of my 30 minute experience on the bike i felt pretty good!
No idea about thin rear tyres as my friend replaced em with some not so thin tyres!
Can't wait to get it on my hands!
Happy twistering
i love this blog... no other site as good as this... thanx!
meynard, philippines
I am owner cb twister for 6 months. I am very disappointed that how this bike awarded in yr 2011.
1. most of the spare parts not available.
2. all bikes has gear problem mainly 3rd gear.
3. left hand control switch much tough to handle with no pass switch.
4. If you ride 5000 and transmission chain need to be cut and next replace.
only advantage, good millage and head light and also sporty looks.
Peyang,
Great Blog man!!!
keep the good work...
:-)
i am amazed with every minute thing you mension about bikes..:-)
i own one twister too..Thanks for a great review..
@Sangram and Meynard,
thanks guys
what is ur height blogger????
Vishnu,
I am around 5'4"-5'5"
I am taking delivary of the Twister after one day, should i change rear tyre imediately? or after some time. Also which suitable size of tyre i replace?
It is nacessary to change front tyre?
If needs to change front than can I replaced rear tyre in Front and replaced new rear tyre?
Pls recommend as soon as possible.
Regards
tumitingin po ako ng naka set up na cb 110 para po may tutularan po ako thanks,,
@Anon,
I suppose you're a Pinoy brother, right ? Welcome bro, but in english please. :)
i just would like to ask if a guy like me, 5'4 in height can drive that awesome HONDA CB110? like can i still reach my footing in the road/ground with this height?
@Above,
Yes you can
thank you so much.i'm gonna but this awesome bike someday :)
Does the honda cb twister have dc lighting feature?
hi! Bro.just wanna know the top speed of twister. I use it for 10 months already . When ill use its hard to reach 100 k mph. Its only at 80 k mph tnx from philippines
the bike is the worst bike ever.it has manufacturing defects. the rear tyre is so thin like bicycle.full plastic work.it has false neutral problems.no chain cover , so will not suit for dusty indian roads.
Bro. can we fit rear tyre of FZ in to honda twister? and if we want to fit rear disc brake then how much cost around to pay for it.
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