Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Shine V/s CBZ

After long interval I got opportunity to leg over these nice bikes. When I went home last month I got opportunity to use them extensively. Honda Shine was one year old and 15000 + on odo and used as daily commentator of my elder brother. CBZ was 5 years old 65000 + on odo and it kept stationary from last 8 months.

Honda shine based on the GF 125 platform look wise its quite simple, good and decent no gizmos like air scoops, tank shrouds etc. When you put leg over the saddle you can feel its commentator riding position, it’s quite comfortable to ride. What attracts is its smoothness, it always started in single attempt as soon as hit the starter button it settles into smooth idling. Transmission is 4 speed all up pattern and engages positively and free from false neutrals. Put low gear and leave the clutch it pulls cleanly without any jerk or judder, to shift higher gear there is no need to raise the engine rpm excessively as soon as it moves press clutch and just shift to second, third and so on, engine torque engine pulls very neatly without any knocking. I have attained max speed of 85km/h on this machine, at this speed engine shows little rough edges also but there is vibration. Comfortable cursing speed is between 40 to 60. Minimum shifting is enough to keep it on study pace. Braking is handled by Front Disc and Rear Drum and it's good but it does not match 5 year old CBZ's EXCELLENT Braking.

Ergonomics : It’s long seat is comfortable for rider and pillion, in both town and highways and handlebar, foot peg relation is like typical commentator machine. Instruments consists analog speedo, Fuel gauge, tell tale lights for neutral, high beam and turn signal indicators. Switch gear quality is ok but personally I don't feel comfort with them, because it's push type high and low beam switch is positioned little higher compared to other brands (except Hero Honda Glamour) to use this one must raise his thumb. Pass beam switch also provided on left side of the switch cluster and it's directly connected to the battery via ignition switch, and it's very useful. Head lamp is clear lens type powered by 35/35 Phillips Halogen lamp run by strong alternator, and illuminates excellently.
For everyday use in commentator manner it's excellent bike, it gives an average of 50kmpl under normal cycle (unpaved + paved + SH + NH). The main thing is it never gives any trouble between service intervals. If you service it properly it always ready for you.
Hero Honda CBZ was tried and trusted machine. Its 150cc engine produces 12.6 bhp. If you compared the CBZ to Shine the seating position is quite opposite, its sportier position gives an excellent mile munching ability. Foot rest also rear set one, to kick start the machine you have to fold riders right side foot rest first, after that give a powerful (My brother always says think your enemy before kick start the CBZ) full swing to the kicker it will settle into the idle, never twist the throttle when you attempt to kick start, because it's carburattor consist TPFC (Transient Power Fuel Control) system, it pumps extra fuel when ever you twist the throttle suddenly. Clutch is light and transmission is via linkage type, 1 down 4 up system shifts smoothly. Till 4000 rpm it pulls like normal machine, if you really want to explore the power under your feet just shift one gear and twist the throttle, power explodes under your feet within a second rpm raise to 7ooo rpm and machine surges ahead in this manner it is an excellent machine. If you are taking about engine vibration yes it is there. Because you cannot expect smoothness of Pulsar DTSi,CBZ Extreme or Unicorns, at the same time it never reaches the rider or pillion via foot pegs or handle bar. And braking also EXCELLENT. Because after five years and 65000+ k.m on odo it still stops like a dream. Average fuel consumption is 40kmpl on everyday use.

Ergonomics: Riding position is excellent and like a typical sports tourer type, long stepped set, heavy handle bar, rear set pegs, excellent knee races and excellent road manner. Put it on straight highways or twisty roads it behaves like a wild bull. Switch gear quality is good. Head Lamp is 12V 35/35 Watt A.C, beam quality is O.K but never come near to the Shines excellent one. Instrument panel consist's Analog Speed, Electronic Techo, Trip meter, Fuel Gauge, Tell tale lights for High beam, Neutral and Turn signal.

Summing it up: Both the machines are different type and made for different use, CBZ's production was also discontinued now.

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