Honda Shine Self Disc
Maxabout Review
Superb 125cc Contender
Thursday, March 27, 2008Honda Shine is powered by an astonishing 125cc 'Optimax' engine which yields a classic 10.3 BHP. The engine helps to maintain optimum input for maximum output. This way it delivers the best of both mileage and pickup making it actually a "dream bike". Compared to the Unicorn, the Shine has instruments that are boring, though the bike does well for itself with neat switches.
A hefty and cleverly chiselled fuel tank comes with well-designed knee recesses and a familiar filler-cap in chrome. Accommodating 11 litres of fuel, this tank blends into boomerang-shaped side panels that lead backwards into a smooth brake-warning lamp. The Shine’s grab rail is straightforward and non-alloy.
The bike’s four-stroke, air-cooled and single-cylinder engine has been termed ‘Optimax’ and is broadly a scaled down version of the Unicorn power plant. Power output is 10.3bhp at 7500rpm, a full bhp lower than its direct competitor - Bajaj’s Discover. It's rubber-damped alloy-cylinder is built to permit beneficial tumble-flow character, which allows burning of a leaner mix.
As on the Unicorn, there’s an offset crankshaft to minimise piston and cylinder friction, while the cylinder head is cast with twin-air channels that aid prompt cooling. The heel and toe shift operated gearbox is four-speed and shifts all up. Honda claims that the bike should deliver more than adequate power in the lower end of the power band. Honda engineers have been smart and given the bike slightly taller gearing ensuring that the bike manages to get higher speeds at lower engine revolutions.
This should also assist the bike to manage the claimed fuel efficiency figure. It is equipped with puncture-resistant Tuff-up tube and a ‘Primary Kick’ for easy city riding. It is available in Wild Purple Metallic, Champion Blue Metallic, Black, Alpha Red Metallic and Geny Grey Metallic.