I own a shine(Drum, kick) which is 7 months old and done 4200kms.I purchased it after a month of it`s launch .I had no clue about the quality/future performance of the product. All my friends suggested me splendor as it was tried and tested.Even till 5 minutes prior to booking the bike, my friend who had accompanied me, suggested to go to the HeroHonda showroom next door.(As Silicon Honda and Majestic Motors are very closely located in Bangalore).I purchased it blindly relying on the name HONDA. And also the previous offering fron Honda i.e. Unicorn, was very impressive. The only thing that prevented me from going for Unicorn was money.
*Performance
1)** I would say, the performance of the bike so far is not very good. The USP of the bike is it`s silken smooth engine.I like that buzzy sound.
2) They claim it gives 60+ kmpl in actual riding condition. But so far the best mileage I got was 45kmpl though my riding habit is economical.
3) There is lots of oxidation happening in the bike, the rims, the nut/boltsand other iron parts.Though I had a 5 year old victor where I found no such things.
4) The vehicle vibrates a lot once you touch 45 on the speedo. And the vehicle could hardly cross70km without a pillion.And the answer of the service manager tothis was the vehicle is designed that way not to cross 70km.The riding is very smooth only till 40kmph on a straight plain road.
5) There is problem in gear shifting, specifically 2nd ant 3rd gear. While down shifting fron 3rd to 2n and 2nd to 1st they get stuck.(false neutral)
6) Honda has tried to cut cost on every inch of the vehicle. when the 100cc bikes are having 3 inch rear tyres it has a 2.75 inch one. Also the grab rail. A tube in place of chrome plates, which is standard now.
7) The braking is also not very effective.
8) Positioning of rear view mirrors are also not great. If you wear a jacket you can hardly see any thing in the mirror. For braking and mirror bajaj bikes are very good.
9) Finally the quality of after sales service of Honda: At best I can say, it`s pathetic. The service managers are very glibe. They would make u feel as if they r going to give u a brand new bike each time u go for servicing. But their glibeness never reflect in their service. Each time i complain of low mileage they would srew up the tuning by making it lean without checking problem in other systems for low mileage.Then you have make one or two more trips to their service center to fix it. Even I doubt if they really change engine oil for which they claim to do religiously. I tell this thing becoz they charged for engine oil during the second service and third service was done after 1200 kms. but to my surprise the oil was charcoal black!
Overall, the bike is an average performer. I don`t feel the power nor the economy. I don`t know if i`m only facing these problems or all other Shine riders.These are my personal observations. Now I think I should have gone for splendor+.
Thanks for reading the review. your Comments will be appreciated.