The CB Trigger is a motorcycle with which
Honda aims to gain some market share in
the competitive 150cc segment while also
fortifying their presence where they lacked,
motorcycle volumes. Has Honda
succeeded? Yes, we see a lot of CB
Triggers here on the roads of Maharashtra,
all in different colours too. Reason?
Extremely well priced from base variant to
the middle variant. Top end variant is so
expensive that you can stretch your budget
a bit and get the Pulsar 200 NS if you
wanted to. The base variant that comes
with rear drum brakes is bang on against
the highly popular Pulsar 150. How close?
Well it’s just Rs 300-400/- cheaper than the
Pulsar. Dual disc variant is bang on against
the superlative FZ.
The engine on the CB Trigger is borrowed
from the Unicorn and there are subtle
changes made to the ignition and the
exhaust timing. Major change, which Honda
always keeps playing, is the camshaft.
Slightly high lift camshaft has improved fuel
economy by a good margin and increased
mid-range and top-end response. When I
mean response, it’s only response. There is
no increase in top speed or numbers. The
old Dazzler, Unicorn and Trigger have
different 60-100 km/hr roll-on timings. Low-
end is just about adequate while mid-range
offers excellent punch and on the highway
you just need to twist the wrist to keep up
with bigger segment bikes with absolute
comfort, with no stress on the engine.
Taller gearing lends it the big bike feel but
it obviously lacks power. Honda should have
taken this opportunity to increase power
and torque as every other 150cc has
already done so. Next update is far far
away.