Honda Thailand to introduce 10 new motorcycles over 24 months

Honda plans to introduce 10 new motorcycles in the domestic market over the next two years through its official motorcycle distributor in Thailand – AP Honda Co.

While five of the 10 model will be brand-new, the others will be variants of existing models. The Japanese bike manufacturer currently enjoys dominant leader status in Thailand with sales of 1.35 million units out of 1.68 million units sold in the overall market. The first new motorcycle to roll out will be the Honda MSX125SF, a mini sports bike.

“The domestic motorcycle market remained rather static last year, with total sales of 1.68 million units, or a 1% drop from the previous year. Honda sold 1.35 million units, maintaining our market leadership for 27 consecutive years. A factor that has made the domestic market static is Thailand already has a large number of motorcycle users while the economy didn’t see positive influence to boost the purchase. However, the big bike category is still growing, thanks to the high-end consumers in the city. Sales last year reached 19,000 units, a 20% increase. Honda sold about 6,900 units, or a 26% increase,” said Nobuhide Nagata, president of AP Honda Co.

“The big bike wasn’t the only category that is growing, but also other high-end motorcycles and hobby bikes that offer emotional values. It’s clear that contemporary Thai users do not only buy motorcycles as a vehicle for commuting, but also to have fun experiences and reflect their social status. A motorcycle has become a part of their lifestyle.”

The Thai motorcycle market is likely to see slow growth this year, mainly as a result of a rural slowdown and a water shortage crisis that may affect the agricultural sector. In 2016, about 1.7 million motorcycles are likely to be sold with Honda’s share being 1.35 million units. In the big bike category, Honda expects to sell 10,000 units out of 25,000 units in the overall market.

The new Honda MSX125SF is targeted at young riders looking for a flexible bike to ride in the city. The MSX125SF comes with a 4-stroke, 125cc engine, PGM-FI technology and air-cooled system. It is also equipped with engine stop switch for safety, front and rear disc brake, and red caliper which is matched with black cast wheels and wide tyres. Other product highlights include new LED headlight and light blue positioning LED line, new full digital meter, new down-type muffler, new airplane tank cap, new flip key, and upside-down shock absorber.

Sales of the MSX125SF start from February 26 at a price of around Bt70,500 (Rs 135,360).