In the 150-180cc motorcycle segment, apart from the CB Unicorn, sales figures from HMSI remain not so significant. Where the CB Unicorn was launched almost a decade ago, newer products like the CB Unicorn Dazzler and the CB Trigger failed to attract customers.
With the CB Unicorn Dazzler now discontinued, and the CB Unicorn outdoing the fresher CB Trigger, HMSI plans to regain the lost traction in the premium commuter motorcycle segment with the upcoming bike, which we assume, is the CX-01 concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2014.
A report from Autocarpro now suggests that Honda plans to launch this motorcycle during the 2014 festive season powered by a slightly powerful 160cc single-cylinder engine. HMSI wants to pitch this motorcycle against the Bajaj Pulsar and Yamaha’s recently updated FZ series.
The CX-01 showcased at the Auto Expo was put forward as a cross concept between city commuting along with decent outdoor / off-road performance. The bike we saw at the Auto Expo was significantly more stylish than the CB Unicorn and the CB Trigger and does have potential to appeal to a larger audience. The bike seemed to have good ground clearance with a under-belly to provide protection when going off road. Other noteworthy features include an upside down front suspension, petal disc brakes at the front and rear, midship exhaust muffler, long seat (not split), sharp floating tank cowls, front turn indicators mounted on the hand guards, a radiator, etc. Will all this trickle down to the final product to be launched? Only time will tell.
By the end of this fiscal year, HMSI is expected to have 3,800 touch-points across India.
Honda CX-01 concept at the 2014 Auto Expo