Hero Ignitor

Hero finally launches its latest 125 cc model the Ignitor. The Ignitor was first shown at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. Never before I felt so lethargic to document the launch of a particlar motorcycle model (and that's why documenting its launch a good couple of months after its offical appearance). Since it's the mission of my blog to chronicle the motorcycle scene of India, so here goes.. 

I guess the reason for my lethargy was due to the fact that the Ignitor is basically the Honda CBF Stunner albeit with a slightly different looking fairing. 

Majority of Indians won't know that the "Impulse" that Hero has so heavily promoted as a "Transroader" (Hero speak for On/Off road motorcycle) is actually a Honda product (CRF 150 Bros). That is because they have never seen the original. But I don't think any Indian won't be able to make out that the Ignitor is basically a rebadged Honda CBF Stunner with very minor cosmetic tweaks.

Twins: Hero Ignitor & Honda CBF Stunner

The CBF Stunnner was launched in 2008 and back then I was really of the opinion that this was a very promising product from Honda. For the very first time Honda had got the styling spot on with the CBF Stunner. With big bike looks, a 125 cc engine (and hence the fuel efficiency as well) the CBF Stunner seemed to have got the receipe just right to become a sales success. But to my surprise the CBF Stunner seems to have been doing quite poorly (as the sales statistics posted below suggests).

My lethargy or disinterest should not matter even a small bit to Hero if they manage to "Ignite" the market with the Ignitor much better than what Honda has done with the CBF Stunner. So will the Ignitor bring in good sales numbers for Hero? Well honestly, I am actually clueless to make a guess. Maybe Hero's wider dealership network can do the wonders.


Hero Ignitor Details:

It's basically the Honda CBF Stunner. The engine seems to be slightly retuned by the way it makes its peak torque. The Ignitor makes its peak torque at 5000 rpm whereas the CBF Stunner makes exactly the same peak torque at a slightly higher 6500 rpm. The peak power of both bikes is 11 bhp and comes at the same 8000 rpm. The Ignitor also gets a analog+digital tacho+speedo combination (the CBF Stunner has an all analog console) which has been borrowed from the "Hunk".

Which One Is Better? Honda's Stunner Or The Hero's Ignitor:
It was a big question since Hero Motocorp launched Ignitor. I have a Hero Ignitor and I also ride in the new Honda CBF Stunner. Both engines are same but the technology is different, the Hero Ignitor has Atft tech but the Honda Stunner has CBF and CBF Fi technology. In riding terms Hero done a great work by lowering the rider seat, which gives a very comfortable riding also Stunner vibrates when gone to high speed of about 80 Kph, but Ignitor Runs Smoothly. In a drag Race Ignitor can beat Stunner by a little bit with its acceleration and low weight. In looking terms both the bikes are King at their own place but we can say that Hero's Ignitor is a new and refined variant of Honda Stunner. In my terms Hero's Ignitor wins this race.
 
Hero Iginitor Price: 

Ignitor [Front Drum + Self Start]: Rs. 55,900 (Ex-showroom Delhi); Rs. 61,719 (On road Delhi) 
Ignitor [Front Disc + Self Start]: Rs. 57,900 (Ex-showroom Delhi); Rs. 63,871 (On road Delhi) 

CBF Stunner [Front Disc + Self Start]: Rs. 56,054 (Ex-showroom Delhi); Rs. 60,918 (On road Delhi) 


Hero Ignitor Technical Specifications:

ENGINE
Engine Type : 4 - stroke single cylinder OHC
Cooling System: Air Cooling
Displacement : 124.7 cc
Maximum Power :11 Bhp at 8000 rpm
Maximum Torque :11 Nm at 5000 rpm
Carburettor Type: CV
Starting :Self Start and Kick Start
Ignition System: Digital CDI
Clutch Type: Multiplate wet
Gear box : 5 Speed constant mesh

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Chassis Type :Tubular , Diamond Type
Front suspension: Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
Rear Suspension: Swing Arm with adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers
Front Brake: Dia 240 mm Disc (Optional) / Dia 130 mm Drum
Rear Brake : Dia 130 mm Drum
Front Tyre Size: 80/100 x 17 (Tubeless)
Rear Tyre Size:100/90 x 17 (Tubeless)

ELECTRICALS
Battery Type: Maintenance Free Battery, 12 V - 3 Ah
Head Light: 35 W / 35 W - Halogen Bulb
Tail Stop Lamp: 5 W / 21 W
Turn Signal Lamp 10 W x 4 nos

DIMENSIONS
Height 1095 mm
Width 710 mm
Length 2010 mm
Total Weight 129 kg
Wheelbase 1270 mm
Ground Clearance 175 mm

Hero Ignitor Colors: 

It is available in four colours.

Panther Black Metallic 

Pearl White

Sports Red

Vibrant Blue 

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Honda CB Trigger

What is it?

The Honda CB Trigger is a commuter motorcycle that looks a lot like the Indonesian CB150R Streetfire based on the Unicorn platform. It replaces the Dazzler which failed to find traction in India. Honda say it sees two kinds of customers come to their showroom looking for 150s. The slightly more mature and older customers want ‘decent’ styling and proven technology and opt for the Unicorn. The Dazzler was meant for the other customer, a younger chap looking for a stylish commuter 150, and that is the role the CB Trigger will take in in India.

What happened to the Dazzler, then?

The Honda Dazzler is now out of production. Honda told us today that customers didn’t take to certain features like the toe-only gear changer or the open chain and these are two of the features that the Trigger has addressed. Other sources say that the Dazzler’s styling itself was one of the triggers. We like wide and substantial tanks in India and the Dazzler didn’t have one. This is one of the issues with South-East Asian designs versus the Indian design ethos – they have always preferred these skinny tanks and skinny-grippy tyres, while India is size-obsessed.

2013 Honda CB Trigger headlamp and tank

Is the engine new or updated?

No and no. Honda say the proven 150cc engine is invaluable in the segment and so it continues. It still makes 14PS just like the Unicorn and the CB Trigger is supposed to be able to hit 103kmph. On the other hand, it claims 67kmpl (ARAI) which means it should be a economic motorcycle to ride to work everyday. I rode it hard for a short 15km run that brought home the fact that it is exactly that same motor. Power delivery is smooth and torquey and the engine note is nicely gruff. There is a hint of vibration that intensifies at 3500-4000rpm but it isn’t something you’d complain about. The motorcycle accelerates quickly and offers a typically Honda neutral feel overall.

2013 Honda CB Trigger engine and Commuter Like Back Step Gear

Is it comfortable?

Honda say comfort is one of the big pros of the Trigger. The seat is noticeably wide between the legs and should be good for short rides. Long rides are harder to call so we will comment on that later. Ride quality is good and again, in typical Honda fashion is well damped, almost plush without being wallowy or overtly soft. You will like it. Honda adds further that even with a pillion the CB Trigger is designed to be gentle on the bum and easy to ride. And the noticable and very good thing is that it's gear is not toe only gear,, it is premium like a commuter gear with back steps.

It has ABS, right?

Nope. It isn’t ABS; it is CBS and that is only on the top model. The Combined Braking System (CBS) uses a delay valve to activate the centre piston of the front three-piston Nissin caliper when you press the rear brake. This is a good thing for novice riders in India, many of whom still believe that if they hit the front brake they will flip themselves over the handlebar. The front brake lever is not combined with anything. The system is a mechanical one and has no electronics. What that means is that the motorcycle’s delay setting has been tuned with software and road verification testing, but is not software-controlled. Consequently, it’s ability to react to road surfaces and offer ‘custom’ brake force distribution is zero. However, that does not mean it is ineffective or a gimmick. Honda is a cautious, thorough organisation when it comes to engineering, and you can be sure that the Honda R&D engineers tuned the CBS for positive results in almost all situations. That said, at Rs 9,000-odd more than the intermediate (twin disc) model, CBS is expensive and will form the smallest chunk of Trigger sales in our estimation.

Middle brake piston is connected to the rear brake pedal; other two are operated by the front brake lever

What is the price?

The CB Trigger prices in Mumbai are as follows:

CB Trigger STD

Ex-showroom: Rs 72432

On-road: Rs 79335

CB Trigger DLX

Ex-Showroom: Rs 75575

On-road: Rs 82733

CB Trigger CBS

Ex-Showroom: Rs 82386

On-road: Rs 90095

The base model is priced almost exactly square against the Pulsar 150, which is still the leading 150 on sale in India. At Rs 90,095 on-road Mumbai, despite the CBS, we believe the Trigger CBS is an expensive motorcycle.

Availability?

Honda has opened sales for the CB Trigger and you should be able to buy one from your dealer right now. Just remember to bring extra cash for the number plates. Strangely enough, they are not standard equipment.

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