Honda CB Trigger Review
Bike Tested: 2013 Honda CB Trigger CBS
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 79,335/- (Std), 82,733/- (Rear Disc), Rs. 90,095/- (CBS)
The Honda CB Trigger is a more practical motorcycle with higher appeal than the CB Dazzler.
Honda’s aggressive market take-over strategy continues. As promised, Honda is launching new products every quarter. The second product this year from the Honda stable is the Honda CB Trigger. A 150 cc motorcycle positioned at the premium end but priced significantly better than before. The bike is based on the CB Unicorn Dazzler but has been slightly tweaked mechanically and has been given all the bells and whistles to compete with the competition. With refreshed styling and a better price tag, Honda aims to capture the 150cc category with the CB Trigger. Has Honda loaded the right bullet in its gun and pulled the Trigger in the right direction? We find out!
Styling – Getting the right styling for the CB Trigger is a commendable task for Honda. The reason why the CB Dazzler could not catch up in the market was its styling. The styling was not bland or uninspiring but it simply looked like a beefed up CB Twister that was launched first and then the CB Unicorn Dazzler followed. Now, with the Honda CB Trigger, the styling is very Honda. It is contemporary yet soothing to the eyes. The fatter exhaust, the tail light receiving chunky LED treatment (first bike in the Honda stable to get this feature in India), the sleek styling executed for the tailpiece and mudguard with reflectors on both sides at the rear is a neat touch.
The silver plastic piece above the headlight looks like a windshield and is a new addition. The bike has a new hallow footrest with criss-cross design which looks very sporty and reminds one of the first generation CBZ. The fuel tank has been given a much more muscular look with scoops and detailing at the top of the tank. The bikini fairing looks artificial and front mudguard has styling cues from the CBR range of motorcycles. Overall, the styling is very appealing and gets the long stare it deserves at a set of lights.
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Instrument Cluster and Switch Gear – The full digital speedo-meter is the highlight of the CB Trigger. The screen looks like it has been borrowed from super bikes. The meter shows two trip-meters, a clock, fuel-gauge and a tachometer. Above the meter, the dedicated slot shows the basic high beam, turn indicator and the shift light. The switchgear is the same found on the various motorcycles in the Honda stable. The left switch does all the duties of lights, indicators, horn and pass switch. While the right switch only serves the electric thumb start. Omission of the engine kill switch is not surprising as it’s missing on all Honda bikes (except the CBR250R).
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9004578228/[/flickr]
Ergonomics – The seating position is upright and the wide handle gives it a very commuter feel. The front set foot pegs are positioned for a comfortable riding position but forces the rider to stay glued to the tank for maximum feedback. The rear view mirrors are good and provide a good view of what’s behind. The seat has excellent cushioning and for the pillion, a huge grab handle to hold on to. The tank is well scooped, so you can grip to the tank while riding enthusiastically. Overall, long journeys are comfortable on the CB Trigger.
Performance and Gearbox – The Honda CB Trigger is powered by the same engine from the Dazzler, which produces 14 PS of power and 12.5 Nm of torque. It runs a slightly higher tune than the old Unicorn. The engine is smooth and refined. The motorcycle has excellent low-end torque and one can potter around in the city using higher gears as well. Since the motor has a tweaked camshaft, the mid-range and top end is excellent and bike pulls strongly from 60 km/hr to 115 km/hr, after which it struggles to it’s top speed.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R08uRwSW86o 540 375]
Like any other Honda engine, it clearly redlines and induction noise is throaty too. Throttle responds to rider input in an instantaneous and linear manner. The CB Trigger has Honda’s traditional super slick gearbox, which is smooth and fun to go down and up the gears. The ratios are on the taller side. Of the line acceleration is quick and it has a top speed of 120 km/hr. High-speed cruising is stress free.
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Riding Dynamics – The CB Trigger is armed with a diamond chassis, slightly shorter wheelbase and length which makes it a fun to ride package. The engine is a stress member of the chassis. Turn-ins are crisp and quick. The Trigger is an absolute delight to throw into corners. The motorcycle is poised in the corners, holds the line well and takes fast sweepers with great authority too. The CB Trigger is agile and nimble, thanks to the lower kerb weight and mass centralization. Ride quality is excellent, thanks to the taller tyres and mature suspension setup. Our test bike came with combined braking system, a segment first which does the job seamlessly. It works in a fashion that will aid newbie riders to brake a lot safer.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9004566396/[/flickr]
If you depress the rear brake pedal, one piston in the front caliper comes in action (through a secondary master cylinder) to apply the front brake. The rest two pistons act only when using the front brake alone. The bike uses 3-pot Nissin caliper with 240 mm rotors at the front and 220 mm rotors at the rear. The braking is superb and the motorcycle is poised even when you brake hard. Tyres are of good compound, they provide satisfactory grip and feel in the corners. High speed stability is excellent and there is very little windblast.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9004570746/[/flickr]
Miscellaneous – As every other Honda bike, fit and finish is excellent, no uneven panel gaps. Overall built quality is good. The CB Trigger comes with a full chain cover and kick lever as standard. Clutch is light and progressive. U-turn radius is short. Ground clearance is ample. Honda has finally ditched the odd-looking rear brake pedal that was even found in the Yuga. The lever still is uncannily long, but now is sleeker and painted black. The Trigger comes with a heel and toe shifter. Enthusiasts can use the toe shifter while the commuter will be happy with the heel shifter. The digital speedometer looks great and is amber back lit. However, it is nowhere as substantial as the one seen on the Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache, which Honda competes with. The fuel tank resembles the FZ in a way, however it’s a tad smaller in size when compared to the Yamaha. Base variant gets only front disc brake, mid variant gets rear disc brake as well (costs an additional Rs. 3500/-), while the top-end variant gets CBS.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9003387671/[/flickr]
Verdict – The CB Trigger is by no doubt a Dazzler in disguise and not to forget the fact that it is a replacement for the Dazzler. The replacement has been well packaged. Honda has added whatever was required to add flare to the package and attract 150cc customers back to their showrooms. The CB Trigger’s lowest variant is priced exactly around the Pulsar 150 (Rs. 79,335 on-road, Mumbai). This makes the Trigger sheer value for money when you consider it comes with a Honda badge which promises everything you always wanted from a 150cc motorcycle. The CB Trigger is a good looking, reliable motorcycle with added performance and practicality. So like we said in the beginning, has Honda pulled the Trigger in the right direction? Yes, it has and it is going to injure its competition for sure.
The Honda CB Trigger is a well rounded package which will appeal to a large section of 150cc motorcycle buyers.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9004576102/[/flickr]
What’s Cool
* Aesthetics
* Dynamics
* CBS
What’s Not So Cool
* Absence of DC lightning
* Switch gear
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9004578490/[/flickr]
2013 Honda CB Trigger Specifications
* Engine: 149.1cc, 2-valve, air-cooled, 4-stroke
* Power: 14 PS @ 8500 RPM
* Torque: 12.5 Nm @ 6000 RPM
* Transmission: 5-speed (1-down, 4-up)
* 0 – 60 km/hr: 5.5 seconds
* 0 – 100 km/hr: 17.5 seconds
* Top Speed: 120 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 50-55 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Suspension: Telescopic forks (Front), Monoshock (Rear)
* Tyres: 80/100/17 (Front), 110/80/17 (Rear)
* Brakes: 240 mm disc (Front), 220 mm disc (Rear), CBS
2013 Honda CB Trigger Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2045 mm x 757 mm x 1060 mm
* Wheelbase: 1325 mm
* Ground Clearance: 175 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 12-litres
* Kerb weight: 137 kgs
