The Indian two-wheeler market has always favored affordable, fuel-efficient commuter bikes. Honda, known for its dominance in this segment with the Shine 125, made a strong move by launching the Honda Shine 100. With this launch, Honda aims to capture a larger share in the entry-level commuter segment dominated by models like the Hero Splendor Plus and HF Deluxe.
Designed specifically for daily commuters, rural users, and budget-conscious buyers, the Honda Shine 100 is a well-thought-out product that balances performance, reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Let’s explore this new-age 100cc motorcycle in detail.
🏍️ Design & Styling: Simple Yet Functional
The Honda Shine 100 carries a minimalistic design focused on functionality and mass appeal. While it doesn’t have flashy graphics or aggressive design elements, it does enough to look modern and purposeful.
Key design features:
- Halogen headlamp with chrome casing
- Sleek and compact fuel tank with Honda badging
- Comfortable single-piece seat
- Blacked-out engine and alloy wheels
- Body-colored side panels and stylish grab rail
The bike is available in five dual-tone color options, such as black with blue, green, red, gold, and grey stripes, giving it a fresh and vibrant look even at a low price point.
⚙️ Engine and Performance: Built for Daily Riding
At the heart of the Honda Shine 100 is a newly developed 98.98cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It is BS6 Phase 2 and OBD-2 compliant, making it future-ready and eco-friendly.
Engine Specifications:
- Engine: 98.98cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled
- Power: 7.38 PS @ 7500 rpm
- Torque: 8.05 Nm @ 5000 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed gearbox
- Top speed: Around 85 km/h
- Starting system: Kick and self-start
The engine is tuned to deliver excellent low-end torque, ensuring smooth pickup even in crowded urban or rural traffic. It’s built for effortless daily rides with minimal gear shifts and smooth clutch operation.
⛽ Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: A True Money Saver
One of the biggest highlights of the Shine 100 is its impressive mileage. Honda claims that this bike can deliver over 65–70 kmpl, depending on riding conditions and maintenance.
With a fuel tank capacity of 9 liters, the Shine 100 offers a range of over 600 km on a full tank, making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in the country. This makes it ideal for rural areas and users who cover long distances daily.
🛠️ Features and Technology: Basic Yet Smart
Though the Shine 100 is a budget commuter, Honda hasn’t compromised on essential features and smart design elements.
Feature highlights:
- Analog speedometer and fuel gauge
- Engine cut-off with side stand
- Combi-brake system (CBS) for added safety
- Long and comfortable seat
- Tubeless tyres
- High ground clearance (168mm)
- Narrow turning radius – great for city traffic
These features might seem basic but are highly functional for daily use, especially in semi-urban and rural conditions.
🧩 Chassis, Suspension, and Ride Comfort
The Shine 100 is underpinned by a lightweight diamond-type frame, ensuring strength without adding too much weight.
Hardware details:
- Front suspension: Telescopic forks
- Rear suspension: Dual spring-loaded hydraulic shocks
- Brakes: Drum brakes (130mm front & rear)
- Tyres: 17-inch tubeless
- Wheelbase: 1245 mm
- Seat height: 786 mm
- Kerb weight: 99 kg
The light weight, coupled with a well-tuned suspension, makes it extremely easy to maneuver, even on rough village roads. The seat is long and well-padded for both rider and pillion comfort.
💰 Pricing and Variants
Honda has launched the Shine 100 as its most affordable motorcycle, targeting first-time buyers and rural markets.
Ex-showroom price (India): ₹64,900 (introductory price)
On-road price (approx.): ₹74,000 – ₹77,000 depending on the state
The Shine 100 is offered in a single variant to keep things simple and cost-effective.
🆚 Comparison: Shine 100 vs Hero Splendor Plus
| Feature | Honda Shine 100 | Hero Splendor Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 98.98cc | 97.2cc |
| Power | 7.38 PS | 8.02 PS |
| Mileage | 65–70 kmpl | 60–65 kmpl |
| Weight | 99 kg | 112 kg |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹64,900 | ₹75,141 |
| Safety | CBS | IBS |
| Fuel Tank | 9L | 9.8L |
While the Hero Splendor is slightly more powerful, the Shine 100 wins on pricing, weight, and mileage, making it a solid entry-level commuter.
🛡️ Safety and Warranty
Honda ensures that the Shine 100 comes with the mandatory safety features like Combi Brake System (CBS) with equalizer, which distributes braking force evenly between the front and rear wheels.
It also comes with a 3-year standard warranty, extendable up to 6 years — a first in its segment, giving buyers additional peace of mind.
🎯 Target Audience: Who Should Buy the Shine 100?
The Honda Shine 100 is an ideal choice for:
- First-time motorcycle buyers
- Rural and semi-urban users
- Daily commuters needing high mileage
- Budget-conscious families
- College students looking for affordability and reliability
Its lightweight, smooth engine, low maintenance, and affordable pricing make it a perfect companion for day-to-day mobility.
🏁 Conclusion: A Smart Move by Honda
With the Shine 100, Honda has addressed a major gap in its lineup and taken direct aim at the mass commuter segment ruled by Hero. It combines everything Indian buyers love — great mileage, comfort, affordability, and reliability.
If you’re in the market for a no-nonsense, low-cost, high-efficiency bike with Honda’s trusted brand backing, the Shine 100 is one of the best options in 2025.
