Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India have launched their new entry level commuter motorcycle, the Dream Neo at the price ranging from Rs 43150 to 47740, ex-Delhi. The price of the base variant makes the dream Neo the cheapest Honda product in India. Meant to take away a major share from Hero Motocorp’s Spendor in the biggest 100cc motorcycle segment, the Dream Neo is Honda’s weapon for mass dominance. Earlier we reported live from the launch event, and brought to you the official release along with official images before anyone else. Now we have with us a whole bunch of images clicked at the event, along with a more detailed understanding of what the product looks and feels like. So here we have a quick design and feature review of the newly launched Dream Neo.
Design
Design wise, the Dream Neo closely resembles its elder sibling, the Dream Yuga. Honda have done a smart thing by using the panels and parts from the Dream Yuga bin and creating a new product in the segment where presenting more options will increase their market share.
It takes more than just a glance to differentiate the Yuga and the Neo. The tank, the alloy wheels, the overall proportions, the engine, the chassis, foot-pegs, suspension – everything seems identical. Honda have differentiated the two bikes by altering the bikini fairing and the headlight for the Dream Neo, which is slightly shorter than that of the Yuga. The side and rear panels on the Neo are also less sharply styled and curvier in shape. Finally, the tail-lamp, grab rail, blinkers and the rear mud flap are also differently designed to justify the lower pricing for the Dream Neo.
With its please-all conservative styling and balanced graphics, the Dream Neo should instantly find favor with the customers in tier II and Tier III towns.
Engine and gearbox
The 110cc engine on the Dream Neo is the same as the one of the Dream Yuga, but with minor tweaks to make it more fuel efficient. Both power and torque figures are very marginally lower than those of the Dream Yuga. Power is rated at Net Power 8.25 bhp @ 7500rpm (0.25 bhp less than Yuga) and peak torque is specified as 8.63 Nm @ 5500 rpm (0.31 bhp less). Fuel economy of 74 kmpl is a ‘real world; figure if Honda is to be believed.
The engine is mated with a 4 speed transmission. The shift pattern is all-up, making sure that the Splendor riders feel at home right from the word go.
Honda’s reliability, refinement and efficiency is world famous and expect this engine to deliver all the traits associated with a Honda bike – smooth, refined, efficient and built to last for decades.
The Dream Neo also features Honda Eco Technology (HET) which combines improved piston and combustion chamber design with the help of squish band to increase compression ratio and fuel efficiency. With intelligent ignition control as per the load conditions, ideal combustion is attained leading to improved power output and efficiency.
Variants and prices
Honda has introduced three variants for the Dream Neo. Interestingly, they have introduced a spoke wheel version too to offer the least possible price. This segment is more about functionality than frills, and Honda have hit the bulls’ eye with the pricing – keeping the ostentatious bits away and delivering what matters. The three variants offered are:
• Kick start, drum brakes and spoked wheels with tuff up tubes : Rs 43,150
• Kick start, drum brakes and alloys: Rs 44,150
• Self start, drum brakes and alloys with tubeless tires: Rs 47,740
Colors
Features
There isn’t much to talk about features in this segment. Robust engineering, reliable build quality, good efficiency and low cost of ownership are the factors that matter here. Still, some of the mentionable features of the Neo are:
• Advanced HET 110cc engine which boasts great reliability, efficiency and good power
• Good fuel efficiency of 74kmpl, making it the most fuel efficient Honda vehicle in India
• Flat torque spread across the rev range
• Dual tone graphics
• New design front cowl and headlight
• Six spoke alloy wheels
• New design bits including silence, tail light, grab rail etc
Images from the launch
Here we have a bunch of images from the launch event held in Delhi
Quotes
Mr. Keita Muramatsu- President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle& Scooter India Pvt. Ltd
“DREAM NEO is Honda’s next big leap towards creating deep inroads into the Indian commuter segment. Our newly opened Technical centre comprising of R&D Engineering, Purchase & Quality team, overcame the challenge of improving Mileage and meeting the competitive price point. Backed by our new product launches & network expansion, Honda aims to grow over 150% in 100-110cc motorcycle segment YoY overall, we are confident of customer demand for Honda two wheelers and eye 43% growth with 39.3 lac unit sales in FY”14.
Mr. Y. S. Guleria, Vice-President- Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.
“A new paradigm in mass mobility, DREAM NEO is Honda’s Most Affordable and Most Fuel Efficient Two Wheeler ever in India. While DREAM NEOis loaded with attractive and best in class features like Top Mileage of 74 kmpl*, it is being delivered at a truly aggressive pricing to delight Indian customers. Finally DREAM NEO is a package which is hard to resist by 100-110cc mass segment motorcycle customers”.
Technical Specifications
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Type Air Cooled, 4 stroke , SI Engine
Displacement 109cc
Bore x Stroke 50.0mm X 55.6mm
Compression Ratio 9.9 : 1
Net Power 6.15 KW (8.25 bhp) @ 7500rpm
Torque 8.63 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Fuel System Carburettor
Starting System Self/Kick
Air Filter Viscous air filter^
Transmission 4 Speed constant mesh
Gear Shift Pattern All back (N-1-2-3-4)
Clutch Type Multiplate, Wet Clutch
DIMENSION
Kerb Weight 105kgs
Length 2009mm
Width 737mm
Height 1074mm
Wheel Base 1258mm
Ground Clearance 179mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 8.0 L
CHASSIS
Frame Type Diamond type
Suspension, Front Telescopic Suspension
Rear 5 step spring loaded suspension
Tyre Front 80/100 – 18 tubeless
Rear 80/100 – 18 tubeless
Front Brake Drum Brake – 130 mm Dia
Rear Brake Drum Brake – 130 mm Dia
ELECTRICAL & OTHER
Ignition Fully Transisterised
Battery# 12V 3 Ah (MF)
Head Lamp 12V 35/35W
Nice