Honda has always been a pioneering company in the Indian mainstream motorcycle segment and the diverse product launches over the years has served to ground this fact into the realms of an established truth. Honda motorcycles have established a loyal fan following and have provided superior benefits to users and customers. Customers have always had a wide range of motorcycles to take their pick from at Honda Motorcycles. The company has always striven to add newer models and bikes into its lineup for India. It has tweaked and updated its old models with the passage of time. In line with this philosophy of the company, the two new models, namely the Honda CB1100 and the Honda Interceptor which were unveiled recently. Both these models promise to create a flutter in the Indian market and were highly awaited by motorcycle lovers and enthusiasts.
Honda Interceptor
The Honda Interceptor comes with both deluxe and standard variants. This powerful tourer runs on a V4 engine with liquid cooling attributes. The 782cc engine is paired with a six speed gearbox with close shifting properties. The fork type suspension plays a big role in the overall riding experience with the front portion of the bike containing a spring preload along with a single side swingarm. There is also a single shock from Pro-Link incorporated at the rear of the bike. Riding position is upright and this promises to be a big plus for riders. This provides better comfort for long trips. Alongside, the adjustable nature of the seats is another winning point and the seat height can be varied between 31.0 inches and 31.8 inches. 10 spoke alloy wheels are provided for the bike along with an exhaust system via a single muffler. This improves the overall style and appearance of the bike. This also serves to make the bike lightweight in nature.
The standard version of the bike weighs about 240 kilograms while the deluxe version comes in at around 243 kilograms. This model also has features like ABS, grip heaters, traction control, a riding center stand and turn signals that have self-canceling properties. The Honda CB1100 also comes with both deluxe and standard variants. Alongside, the bike works the retro look effortlessly and the vintage design aspects stand out with regard to overall appearance. The 1140cc DOHC engine is mated to a six speed gearbox. The instrument panel comes with an indicator for gear position, trip computer and readings for fuel efficiency. This classic design is further enhanced by a classic seat design, side covers that have recently been restyled and a twin exhaust mechanism. The deluxe model also comes with a bigger fuel tank and ABS features. The fuel tank is bigger by almost 1.8 liters which is another USP of the same.
The legendary V4 power plants from Honda have an appealing character along with an innovative torque combination. Alongside, the power rush for the bike is quite bold and aggressive and the engine feels just as refined and powerful as a V4 should. The all new Interceptor comes with all these features and also comes with a solid chassis. The chassis feels pretty comfortable and agile and is perfect for whole day rides even on twisting roads. The single side swingarm is stout enough and the radial mounted front brakes provide a sportier riding experience. Alongside, the bike feels quite slim with the radiator mounted in front and other comfort features like adjustable seats, upright riding position and top notch ergonomics. This is an out and out sports bike with a powerful riding experience and maximum versatility. Alongside, this bike functions as an ideal tourer and the deluxe model comes with additional features like traction control, a center stand for riders, ABS, grip heaters and turn signals with self canceling properties.
The exclusive Honda engine makes use of both four and two valve designs for the cylinder head. Horsepower and torque is most impressive indeed and the suspension system at the rear of the bike is decent enough. The radial mounted front brakes deliver fabulous results and the adjustable seats are a handy feature indeed. There is also a 43mm fork which comes with a spring preload as a versatile measure of sorts. The single muffler exhaust system is a handy feature as well and lends a totally new look to the bike. This consolidates Honda’s position in the design and aesthetics department. The upright riding position is another big plus and the ten spoke wheels add just the right mixture of style and riding pleasure.
The bikes also feel lightweight enough and the entire instrument cluster comprises of a tachometer, indicator of the gear position, speedometer, clock, air temperature gauge and MPG readout. There are common instrument cluster features for both bikes and other touches like the headlights and the LED taillights provide fabulous visibility and look excellent to say the least. It is in these departments that Honda particularly excels. The Interceptor Deluxe, as mentioned, comes with an array of top notch features including ABS which is a handy addition for inclement weather and road conditions.
Honda CB1100
Alongside, the presence of traction control ensures limited slippage of the rear wheel in case of hard and fast acceleration on poor roads. As a result, the Interceptor stands out as one of its kind, a bike which should definitely be taking Indian markets by storm. Let us also not forget to mention the CB1100 which has its own arsenal of top class features too. The original CB1100 won many hearts owing to its drop dead gorgeous looks and its sheer style alone. The Deluxe version of the same comes fully loaded with ABS, extra fuel tank capacity and a special four into two exhaust system as mentioned earlier.
These two bikes seem set to have a long and fulfilling journey on Indian roads with their high end features, specifications and the overall riding experience on offer. Honda seems to have got it spot on with these bikes and we expect to create quite a flutter in the Indian motorcycle market in times to come.
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