This is a review by me the second owner for Honda Shine. I purchased this Honda Shine May 2008 bike at 11456 kms. for Rs. 31000/- and done 14265 till date ie. 3169 kms in almost two months.
Firstly I am admirer of Honda Shine and was looking to purchase a new one and got hand on this second hand bike through my mechanic and the bike condition I was offered was MINT. I have not paid a penny on this vehicle as repairs and after riding 3000 odd kms in two months time. I do not feel there is need to do so. Truly I have not faced any problems. The condition of the bike the first owner has kept the bike is phenomenal .
About my review I found the Bike to really good. It offers unconditional mileage of 55-58 kms at around 55-60 kmph driving condition with daily driving of minimum 35 kms and maximum of 120 kms. As for the skidding as complained by many its due to the tyres offered by Honda. I think a change of tyres with some more groovy design will solve the problem for many. I personally have experienced skid.... twice... but am very good at controlling it, given my 13 years of driving experience. I personally feel I am immune to skidding, so the problem does not seem grave to me.
Next riding above 60 kmph. This bike does not go above 60 kmph untill specials effortsare put into. The gear ratio are the culprits but the same helps the bike to move from 10 kmph in third gear in city traffics.
So if you ride at 50 kmph in city traffic it’s almost enough and you get a smooth drive without much trouble of gear shifting.
The suspension is really smooth and it truely glides over uneven roads.
Overall I can say this is a perfect bike for dailly travellers and specially for one who are transforming from thier Bajaj Chetaks and Kinetic Honda and other yester year two wheelers to new age motorcycles. Its provides the similar power and mileage and maintenance reliability. For me it is a no nonsense bike. A perfect vehicle for one who are in look out for a second bike.
Buy it if you ride at 50-60 kmph in city and highways, Daily drivingof 50 odd kms, business oroffice work related driving, want to convert from scootersto bike and if you are a family man. The average of 55 kms. ismore than adequate. It is araw deal.
If you are novice with engine workings this bike would be for you as you need not bother with day to day maintenance and SERVICE CENTERS though costly (consider the infrastructure they have) would not cheat you with the spares and other things; you just need to pay a bit higher for not fussing with the engine. A regular servicing and timely replacements of spares with a good service center, will keep you and your bike happy. Roadside mechanics will easily fool you if you do not know much about the engine AND AS A MATTTER OF FACT THESE DAYS MODERN ENGINES ARE NOT THIER CUP OF TEA .