HMSI bullish on festive demand, launches CB200X at Rs 144,500

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today launched its new 200cc adventure motorcycle – Honda CB200X. The bike is targeted at the urban-adventure motorcyclist to carry out city duties during the week and transition into quick outstation trips over the weekend.

The new Honda CB200X has launched at Rs 144,500 ex-showroom, Gurgaon. While HMSI has commenced bookings of this motorcycle, which could be done online or at Honda’s Red Wing outlets across India, despatches to dealers will begin in the first week of September, well in time for the festive season.

The company says that market demand is gradually picking up after the second wave of the pandemic, and it has started two-shift operations across all its four factories in order to meet the anticipated festive demand. The new motorcycle will be produced at its Manesar factory.

“Almost 98 percent of our network across the country is now open and we are seeing around 30 percent uptick in retail sales compared to the same period last year, which is aligned with the increase in inquiries,” said YS Guleria, director, Marketing and Sales, HMSI on the side lines of the virtual launch event.

HMSI is also trying to duck the exacerbating semiconductor shortage issue by looking at alternative sourcing and also readying for expected demand during the festive season by having enough inventory at its dealerships.

Eyeing a new segment
The CB200X, which goes up against the likes of the Hero Xpulse 200, gets sharp and muscular styling, reminiscent of Honda’s premium Africa Twin with the tall visor, raised and swaged handlebars as well as knuckle covers with LED indicators.

There’s a long, split seat and upright riding position to minimise fatigue over long distance riding. The motorcycle also features a mono-shock rear suspension, upside-down front forks and stylish alloy wheels with ABS-equipped petal disc brakes both front and back.

The Honda CB200X gets all-LED lighting with a fully-digital LCD for the instrument cluster that also shows service-due indicator, gear-position indicator and battery voltmeter as well.

The motorcycle comes powered by a 17hp, 184cc, single-cylinder PGM-FI motor with a roller rocker arm to minimise engine friction. The CB200X will be available in Pearl Nightstar Black, Matte Selena Silver Metallic and Sports Red paint shades.

In the April-July 2021 period, HMSI has sold a total of 376,545 motorcycles, which gives it a market share of 14.61 percent, up from the 12.85 percent a year ago.