Pros
- It has good pick up and maneuverability for navigating through dense and unruly Indian traffic. Also you never feel the load of a pillion rider. - It is designed for a very comfortable posture. Combined with robust shock ups, it ensures you have NO back ache or fatigue for about 100 km ride. - Refined engine with a pleasant sound. - High reliability and durability - I have run it for over 30000 K Ms now and it still gives a brand new feel. - Low maintenance – Servicing at every 3000 km and oil change at every 2000 km will make sure you make no extra expenses on maintenance. - A consistent mileage of about 58 kmpl which is decent for this kind of power and pick up.
Cons
- Missing fifth gear – For its power and pick up, the bike should have had a fifth gear to ensure smoothness on highway. It produces high vibration and sound on high speeds. - Chain dislocation – The chain surprisingly gets off frequently due to dryness and loosening. Make sure you keep oiling and tightening the chain every 2 weeks. - Common spare parts like chain cover, handle covers, front hood, indicators etc. are not available at service centers especially when your model is over 2 years old. Honda keeps making minor changes in accessories every year and it ignores the old customers. Its like they expect us to buy a new bike every year. - Honda has the most unresponsive customer support system. They never respond to e mails. - The service centers are understaffed and under equipped. It takes a long waiting to get your bike serviced.
So if you are OK with a callous service and support from the manufacture, if you can deal with minor technology/design issues and are not high on mileage, Honda Shine is your best treat on road. It will give you a riding pleasure that no other bike can give.