Honda has launched the CB Trigger in India today, a 150cc motorcycle which will compete with the likes of the Hero Hunk, Yamaha FZ-series and Bajaj Pulsar 180 in the country. The company mentions in its press releases that Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is the only Honda company in India today. We all know what they what to convey with that statement (hint Hero MotoCorp). The company believes that the 150-180cc segment accounts for 10% sales in the country and is targeting the youth with the Honda CB Trigger. The target age is between 18-24 years.
The Honda CB Trigger gets Combi Brake System (CBS), which is the first in the 150cc segment. The CBS braking reduces stopping distance by 32 percent. Powering the CB Trigger is a 150cc, air-cooled, spark-ignition, 4-stroke, carbureted engine which produces 13.81 HP of power at 8500 RPM and 12.5 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Honda claims a mileage of 60 km/l on the CB Trigger. The company believes the acceleration is one of the best in the segment. The Honda CB Trigger weighs 137 kgs and has a fuel tank capacity of 12-litres. The front tyres are 80/100/17, while the rear tyres are 110/80/17. The CB Trigger has a ground clearance of 175 mm.
The Honda CB Trigger boasts of an upright sitting position, fully digital instrument cluster, wide seat, black alloy wheels, kick start, full gear lever, full chain case, diamond frame, monoshock rear suspension, 240 mm front disc brake, 220 mm rear disc brake, tubeless tyres, LED tail light, viscous air filter and maintenance free battery. The Honda CB Trigger is available in three colours namely Pearl Siena Red, Meteor Green Metallic and Black.
The Honda CB Trigger will be available from May 2013 and bookings will open next month when the bikes will be dispatched to dealers. Honda will announce the prices of the CB Trigger at the same time but we expect it to be priced around Rs. 80,000/- (on-road, Mumbai). The motorcycle is offered in three variants – CB Trigger Standard features front disc brake, CB Trigger Deluxe features front and rear disc brake, CB Trigger CBS features front and rear disc brake with Combi Brake System. Honda has used the tagline ‘Untame Yourself’. The CB Trigger will sit between the Unicorn and CBR150R in Honda’s 150cc portfolio. Honda targets to sell 39.30 lakh units in India in the fiscal year 2013-14.
Contrary to reports earlier, this is not the Honda CB150R Streetfire. When Honda sent out invites for the launch event, we looked at the teaser picture (slight portion of the front tyre) and were sure this can’t be the CB150R, even though some popular magazines were hell bent on making everyone believe that Honda is bringing in the Streetfire. Instead this bike can be called the Dazzler in a new avatar. Everything seems very similar to the Dazzler and since the Dazzler didn’t do well in the Indian market, Honda is changing the name of the updated model. We believe Honda will discontinue the Dazzler and position the CB Trigger as its replacement.
