Honda Targets Hero’s Turf with Shine 100 Deluxe and CB125 Hornet

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched two new commuter motorcycles—the Shine 100 Deluxe and CB125 Hornet—challenging Hero MotoCorp’s dominance in India’s largest-volume two-wheeler segments. 

Targeting the expansive 100cc and fast-growing 125cc categories, Honda is looking to expand its reach in both rural and urban markets. Bookings for both models will commence from August 1, with prices to be announced subsequently.

HMSI is stepping up its efforts in the entry-level motorcycle space, aiming to directly rival Hero MotoCorp’s Splendor—the long-standing leader in the segment. In the April–June quarter, Honda trailed Hero by just 73,664 units in domestic sales, underscoring its growing momentum.

Even though the 100–110cc segment has been witnessing a downward trend, it still contributed over 46% to overall motorcycle volumes and nearly 29% to total two-wheeler sales in FY25. Hero maintains a firm grip on this category with a dominant 78% share, but HMSI is betting on a stronger product lineup to chip away at that lead. The company is also preparing to launch several new models across its scooter and mid-size motorcycle range to bolster its market presence.

At present, Honda holds approximately 6% share in the entry-level bike segment. Meanwhile, Hero’s hold on the overall two-wheeler market has been steadily weakening—dropping from 37.04% in FY21 to 28.61% in 2024-25. In contrast, Honda has gradually gained ground, increasing its share from 25.58% to 27.17% during the same period, significantly narrowing the gap between the two rivals.

The Shine 100 Deluxe is Honda’s latest move to consolidate its presence in the “majority-low 100cc segment”, which represents nearly 70% of the overall 100cc market and about 20% of total two-wheeler industry volumes.

This segment includes buyers who demand more than just basic utility—comfort, durability, and style now factor heavily into purchase decisions. Building on the Shine 100 platform, the Deluxe variant features a digital meter console with mileage and trip indicators, chrome styling elements, a wider fuel tank, tubeless tyres, 5-step adjustable rear suspension, and a proven 100cc ESP engine equipped with Honda’s fuel injection technology and friction reduction mechanisms.

“This segment is not just about price anymore—riders today want comfort, pride, and durability,” said Yogesh Mathur, Director – Sales & Marketing, HMSI. “The Shine 100 Deluxe is not just a motorcycle, it is a statement of progress, pride and purpose. It is engineered for the daily grind with comfort that lasts.”

Mathur highlighted the company’s rural market expansion strategy through its “Tap the Untapped” initiative. “The Shine 100 quickly gained traction and now contributes 15% of the lower-end 100cc market,” he noted. “But the journey does not stop there. The majority-low segment remains significantly untapped for us.”

In contrast to the Shine 100 Deluxe’s value-based appeal, the CB125 Hornet is Honda’s answer to the growing demand for stylish, performance-oriented 125cc motorcycles. Aimed at Gen Z riders, the new model brings together the brand equity of Honda’s CB series and the sporty aggression of the Hornet nameplate.

It features a 4.2-inch full-colour TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation, distance-to-empty, real-time mileage readout, and a USB-C charging port. Segment-first golden upside-down front forks, LED lighting, monoshock rear suspension, split seats, and an aggressive streetfighter riding posture position the CB125 Hornet as a premium alternative in the urban commuter space.

The motorcycle is powered by a refined 125cc ESP engine, tuned for responsive low-end torque. “It reaches 0–60 km/h in just 5.4 seconds,” Honda officials said, noting the engine and chassis have been specifically tweaked for enhanced acceleration and control.

“As the segment evolves, so does the rider,” Mathur said. “Today’s young riders are not just looking for a mode of transport—they are looking for a statement. The CB125 Hornet reflects their ambitions and gives them the freedom to stand apart, not just blend in.”

Honda's existing 125cc portfolio, which includes the Shine 125 and SP125, already commands 45–51% segment share, but the CB125 Hornet is designed to expand its appeal into the lifestyle commuter space currently being contested by rivals like the Hero Xtreme 125R.

Both launches are part of Honda’s broader “Generation Honda – Towards Golden Dominance” initiative, aimed at delivering differentiated offerings across customer cohorts—from value-conscious rural buyers to tech-seeking urban youth. HMSI expects the new launches to drive incremental volumes and help lift its overall market share closer to the 30% mark, up from 26.3% in Q1 FY26.

“With these two new launches, definitely our volumes are going to go up,” Mathur affirmed. “Last year, we contributed over half of the industry’s growth of 1.6 million units, and we expect to continue that kind of success.”

With a pan-India network of over 6,000 Red Wing outlets and more than 150 Big Wing showrooms, HMSI is positioning itself to meet the rising expectations of Indian riders—be it through affordability, performance, technology, or style.

(With inputs from Ketan Thakkar).