Photography: Saidatta Naik
It has been a while since I swung my leg over a 100cc commuter motorcycle, but as it had to be, I was handed over the keys to the Honda’s smallest Shine, the Shine 100 DX, to experience how it feels to ride and live with a small-capacity commuter motorcycle. Commuter motorcycles hold a significant market share and offer a range of options with varying capacities. But the 100cc segment is what most buyers would look at, mainly because of the ease of use and lower running costs. Honda’s Shine 100 DX is the smallest Shine of the family, and well, it shows. The motorcycle carries a small footprint. The Shine 100 DX looks good for a commuter, with a neat and clean head lamp wrapped around a black cowl, metal fuel tank, plastic side panels and a plastic tail section. It screams commuter, every time you look at it.
The Honda Shine 100 DX does not come with any bells and whistles as you would expect, and Honda has kept things simple. You get an LCD instrument console that displays the required information in an easy-to-read layout. Honda has opted for halogen lighting for the head lamp, tail lamp and turn indicators. The left and the right switchcube are also basic, with the starter on the right, and the horn, head lamp beam and indicator switch on the left. The seat is wide and long enough to accommodate two adults with ease. If practicality was Honda’s aim while designing the Shine 100 DX, the Japanese manufacturer has absolutely nailed it.
Coming to the engine, the Shine 100 DX is powered by a 99cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, which makes 7.3PS and 8.05Nm. The power is sent to the rear wheel via a 4-speed gearbox. The motorcycle is suspended on telescopic forks and twin shocks at the rear and rides on 17-inch wheels. It silently comes to life just at the touch of a button, thanks to the ACG (Alternating Current Generator). As you would expect from a Honda, it is a quiet engine, especially when idling. Since the Shine 100 DX is presented as a commuter, riding it in the city is where it truly shines.
On my daily commute to work and back home, the Shine 100 DX proved itself to be worthy. Starting with the smooth engine, which might not have serious numbers on paper, but does not fail to hold up against the swarm. The small footprint that I mentioned above is exactly what makes it very easy to filter through traffic. The 1,245mm wheelbase and the 103kg kerb weight also contributes to its docile road manners, and the modest 786mm seat height ensures an average Indian sits easily with his foot placed flat on the ground. The rider’s triangle makes sure you are seated comfortably throughout your journey. The first gear is short, which means you will be off the line quickly, and the second and third gears help you build speed. In the city, I found myself juggling between the second and third gears mostly. You can comfortably cruise at 60kmph with the engine showing no signs of stress. However, the motorcycle does reach speeds of 80kmph if you encounter a straight patch of road.
The ride quality of the Shine 100 DX is excellent. The suspension, which has been tuned with comfort in mind, does a great job of soaking up the bumps and small potholes on the streets. I also took the motorcycle on some twisted roads where it did not fail to impress. But judging it by its ability to lean into corners is like judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree. The only gripe I have is the drum brakes, which lack the braking power you would need for a daily commuter. A front disc brake, even as an option, would not have been a bad idea afterall.
While the Honda Shine 100 DX is a well packaged product and offers a comfortable riding experience, the brakes are a let down. However, if you are looking for a smooth and fuel-efficient 100cc commuter which is also reliable in the long run, the Shine 100 DX makes a good case for itself, considering its ex-showroom price of ₹71,746. All you have to do is mentally prepare yourself into planning your stops on the road, well in advance.
