Honda Dream Neo

Expert Review by Maxabout

A new segment of 110cc commuter bikes is developing in our Indian bike market which is currently being ruled by Honda with their successful bikes like Honda CB Twister and Dream Yuga. Honda aims to grab all the buyers of this segment and to make sure they do so; they have launched another 110cc bike known as Dream Neo. It will compete with the likes of Hero Splendor and it is based on the recently launched ‘Dream Yuga’ commuter bike but has been positioned below it to grab the market share of other entry-level bikes. Honda Dream Neo is available in three variants with prices starting from INR 43,150 (ex-showroom New Delhi). As per the company, Dream Neo has been developed specifically for India.

Design and Style

Simplicity is what Honda believes in; this might be your first opinion after looking at this bike. It looks quite simple and resembles a lot to its elder siblings, Dream Yuga and Shine. There are only few minor changes in this bike which differentiates it from Dream Yuga. The bike gets an attractive fairing with an integrated visor. There are noticeable lines on this firing which looks nice with the clear lens headlight of this bike. It features orange colored side indicators and black colored rear view mirrors. The top variant of the bike comes with six-spoke, black colored alloy wheels and extended front fender with an integrated mud flap which gives premium touch to this bike. The silencer, engine and rear grab rail of Dream Neo follows the all black color theme and goes well with the styling of this bike. The bike has a long seat which gels well with its fuel tank. The bike comes with sporty graphics on its fuel tank and side panels which make it look attractive. Few bits like hinge less fuel cap and slim grab rail at the back indicates towards the cost cutting and looks cheap on this bike. A full size tail light houses in its rear cowl while its short rear fender carries its number plate and side indicators.

Instrument Cluster

The bike features twin circular dials in its instrument console. The left dial houses its analogue speedometer and odometer while its right dial features an analogue fuel gauge and high beam indicators. Other indicators can also be seen in this instrument console.

Engine and Gearbox

Honda has specially retuned its 109cc engine for this bike which is also powering other bikes like CB Twister and Dream Yuga. This engine is now equipped with latest Honda Eco Technology which reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency. It’s a single cylinder, air-cooled 109cc engine which generates a maximum power output of 8.25 bhp at 7500 rpm. This 4-stroke engine produces a maximum torque output of 8.63 Nm which arrives at 5500rpm. This bike is served with a four-speed manual gearbox with all gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

This retuned engine certainly impresses you with its powerful performance. The bike is lighter than its sibling and thus enjoys a better power to weight ratio. The initial gear ratios are on the shorter side which confirms you instant throttle response and better pick up in city traffic. The linear power delivery is quite enjoyable on highways and the bike feels like any other 125cc bike. The new technology (HET) has made this engine more refined than before and the bike makes less noise when rev hard. It can reach 0-60km/hr in less than 7.5 seconds and if pushed hard, it can easily cross the speed of 95km/hr. The gearbox also functions well and gives you smooth gear transitions in city traffic.

Mileage

Honda Dream Neo is a very fuel-efficient bike with claimed fuel efficiency of 74 kmpl on highways (as per the ARAI tests). Expect the mileage to drop by 15-20 kmpl in local driving conditions. This makes Dream Neo one of the most frugal bikes in India.

Comfort while Driving

The long and wide seat of this bike can easily be occupied by two adults. It’s quite spacious and gives you optimum under thigh support. With its front set foot-pegs and raised handle bar, the bike feels best for daily commuters as the bike offers you a comfortable riding posture. The handle bar also gives you firm palm grip and its fuel tank helps you to hold this bike strongly. The optional self start is also very convenient and gives you hassle free city rides where you have to start/stop bike frequently.

Shades

Honda Dream Neo is available in six eye catching shades: Black and Red Stripe, Black with Violet Stripes, Force Silver Metallic, Monsoon Grey Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic and Alpha Red Metallic.

Storage Space and Safety Features

The bike offers good amount of under seat storage space. It’s available with vital safety features like rear saree guard, front leg guard, pass button and powerful headlight.

Price

Honda has priced Dream Neo very aggressively to dent the sales of Hero Splendor. The base variant is priced at INR 42,150, mid-variant is available for INR 44.150 and the top-variant is priced at INR 47,740.

Ride and Handling

The bike handles quite brilliantly in city traffic. The light handling and weight of this bike makes it extremely easy for you to frequently move through city traffic. You can park it anywhere without much trouble thanks to its minimum turning radius. Dream Neo has an amazing high ground clearance of 179mm which improves its turning abilities at slow speeds. The bike can easily cross most of the obstructions on our Indian roads. The bike isn’t much confident around corners though as its poor suspension system, short wheelbase (1258mm) and skinny tyres fail to hold this bike properly. The braking system works effectively and stops this light machine accurately whenever required.

Variants

Honda has launched Dream Neo in three variants. The base variant is ‘Kick Spoke’ which comes equipped with Spoke Wheels and Kick Start. The mid-variant is ‘Kick Alloy’ which features Kick Start and black matte finish alloy wheels. The top-variant is ‘Self Alloy’ which comes equipped with electric start and black alloy wheels.

Brakes and Suspension

The bike shares its suspension and braking system with Dream Yuga which means, there is still room left for improvement. It features telescopic forks at its front and five-step adjustable shock absorbers at the back. As far as braking is concerned, there is no option of disc brake in this bike and it comes with drum brakes of 130mm on its both wheels.

Verdict

The pricing of this bike will prove to be a big advantage for this bike. Honda has placed this bike below Dream Yuga and it ranges from INR 43K- 49K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary). At this price, the bike is even cheaper than some of the 100cc bikes from other competitors. Yes, it’s not much stylish but its performance and superior ride comfort makes it much better than other stylish bikes. Moreover, it’s a full size bike which also gives you good mileage and comes with modern features like self start. We definitely feel it’s a complete value for money bike which will help Honda to maintain its dominance in this segment of bikes.

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