Will Honda India (HMSI) crack the commuter code with the 110 cc CB Twister?
Despite a plethora of models available in the above 100 cc segments, the bulk of the 2 wheeler buying consumer still refuses to budge from their 100 cc fixation. It’s the 100 cc Splendor and Passion duo which makes Hero Honda the world’s (and India’s) largest two wheeler maker. Even Bajaj has come back again strongly (after a rather bad 2009) with its 100 cc Discover DTS-Si.
I would say, the CB Twister has a better chance of scoring with the Hero Honda "Passion" crowd..
For a bike enthusiast, the realization that this 100 cc fixation is here to stay for a long time, is a bitter pill to swallow. But the writing definitely is on the wall that having a 100 cc model which the “desi” consumer fancies, can do wonders to the sales numbers. Related Posts 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.
The latest manufacturer to jump into the 100 cc bandwagon is Honda (HMSI) with its 110 cc CB Twister. The bike was officially launched in December 2009 and was scheduled to go sale in February 2010. That means that the CB Twister would be in a HMSI showroom near you very soon.
What does it take for the CB Twister to entice 100 cc customers?
Forget the extra 10 cc’s, the U.S.P of the CB Twister is actually its styling. HMSI used to be criticized heavily for its ultra conservative approach at styling (result: the Unicorn and the Shine). A few might say that the styling on the CB Twister a bit overdone for a 110 cc motorcycle, but the styling of the CB Twister does take Honda to a new level in India.
The CB Twister looks eye catching in the photos. But would it catch the fancy of someone who would have otherwise gone for the Hero Honda "Splendor" or the Bajaj "Discover"? Well.. I would say, the CB Twister has a better chance of scoring with the Hero Honda Passion crowd instead. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hero Honda Passion (Pro) gets an upgrade pretty soon.
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 & TRANSMISSIONEngine 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/MEASUREMENTSKerb Weight - 108
Length (mm) - 1972
Width (mm) - 742
Height (mm) - 1075
Wheelbase(mm) - 1262
Ground Clearance(mm) - 180
Fuel Tank Capacity(Litre) - 8
CHASSISChassis - 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
ELECTRICALSIgnition - Digital CDI
Battery - 12V,3.0 AH Maintenance Free
Headlamp - Halogen 12V 35/35 W
Honda CB Twister: Color Options [Click for a larger image]
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