Honda launches CBF Stunner in India
Posted by automobz on June 30, 2008
We possibly would, and surely could, have done some international car launch for our first story as it would have been a piquant material, but we waited for this. And may I just say that the wait was quite worth it. It has been a well guarded secret thus far and Honda has to be given credit for this. We were present at the launch event of a bike that promises to hot things up in its segment, so here goes…
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) today unveiled its latest offering for the Indian biking community – the CBF Stunner. It surely is what the name suggests, a stunner. If not for the engine size, this bike could easily be mistaken for one belonging to 150+cc segment. Yes, you read it right. The CBF Stunner does not sport an engine that would ideally set an average Indian guy’s mind thinking towards performance aspect. But you’re for a surprise here! The CBF Stunner has a 124.7cc air cooled engine that is capable of giving birth to 11 manic horses.
Allow me to give you the first ride impression in just a while because this bike primarily is about looks. And god damn, it looks sizzling. Especially for a 125cc machine, it does. According to HMSI, the styling is inspired by a “Rushing Wolf” which makes it look sporty and aggressive. HMSI did extensive market study and the response from consumers has led them to offer CBF Stunner. This bike is predominantly aimed at young individuals who want loads of style married to a well-performing mechanical product. I have to confess; at first look, this Honda product brought back the pictures of Kinetic Laser (GF 170) to me.
The CBF Stunner has an integrated front body cowl which gives it a muscular look and allows her to share the space alongside Karizmas and Pulsar 220s on the modelling ramp. The split seat also contributes in making the CBF Stunner look attractive as do the neatly laid out graphics. But it is not “all show no go” situation here.
I took the bike for a spin on the test track (if an arrow-straight road can qualify as a test track!) and the first impressions were rather good. The seating position was spot on, but the comfort factor will be elaborated when we road-test the CBF Stunner comprehensively. I disliked the electric-starter button which seemed like Hero Honda Glamour came along and gifted the same to Stunner. The harsh twist-of-the-wrist treatment was translated into urgent and seamless power delivery. Gearbox is typical Honda; cogs were swapped without any hiccup. The exhaust note sounded not like noise but symphony to ears. The brakes on the bike that I was riding were fantastic, and in conjunction with the grippy 17-inch tubeless tyres (both front and rear; a first in the segment) the bike inspired confidence to push it further. I was doing a 70 odd on the speedo when my heart took on a sinister attitude and egged me to try a late-braking manoeuvre (the only exciting thing on the boringly-straight ‘track’ that happened to me). Braking and downshifting simultaneously, the CBF Stunner’s rear exhibited an ever-so-faint a slide, nothing that you cannot control. Nice… I like!
I cannot tell you, and you better not ask about the ride quality, because frankly, the road surface was far too smooth to give you any hint of what the suspension is capable of. The spec sheet of CBF Stunner speaks about telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and 3-step spring loaded hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, which is essentially the same as that of the Honda Shine. Having ridden the Shine, and having liked the ride quality, I have high hopes from the CBF Stunner in this department. The bike felt irritatingly smooth. I know, being smooth is a good thing, but I like to feel the machinery working and a few vibrations are always welcome. But (and that’s a ‘but’ with a lot of emphasis on it), it is this vibe-free virtue of the CBF Stunner which will ‘shine’ (pun unintended) above the competition. While in the saddle, the bike felt completely devoid of any harshness or vibrations.
It is a Honda, so one would expect high levels of refinement as a default with the product, and the CBF Stunner delivers the goods by a good measure. So, here it is – a 125cc looker on two-wheels which will go well too. Await a comprehensive road-test review soon.
Ex-showroom price in Delhi is Rs 47,070 for the kick/drum version while the top end self/disc version will retail at Rs 51,655.
July 1, 2008 at 3:43 am
bike is simply super
can u send me some other pics of this so that i can buy this
it of low cost and more stylish
July 1, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Hi Abhiram,
We shall surely try to put a couple of more pictures of the CBF Stunner soon. Also, we can only but nod in agreement with you that the bike looks stylish
We will be road-testing it comprehensively soon, so that should bring out all the pros and cons for you.
Cheers!
July 4, 2008 at 12:48 pm
sir,
i am an engineering student studying final year in a named college.
i am willing to know what would be the price of honda cbf stunner and when it will be released in andhra pradesh.
July 5, 2008 at 9:20 am
bike looks exciting how much wud it cost on road and any idea aout on road average
July 12, 2008 at 9:41 am
Mohan & Vikas,
The bike is going to be launched later this month and the price range is mentioned in the article. During the press conference, Honda officials stated that they are expecting a realistic mileage figure of around 60kmpl, but having ridden the bike and experienced, though for very little time, we expect that with the kind of performance it offers, CBF Stunner should return about 52-55kmpl, which is not bad for a well-performing machine.
July 12, 2008 at 12:18 pm
looks superb but mileage is too less as compare to FLAME,XCD SPRINT & GLADIATOR, kindly let me know the exact mileage of it.
July 12, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Dear Sush,
As said, we’ve ridden the CBF Stunner for a short period of time but even that short ride left quite an impression in our minds. The claimed mileage is quite realistic and trust Honda to deliver on that! Also, though Gladiator is a bike that surely can give Honda CBF something to get worried about, the styling itself is one factor that can take the Honda offering to sales success. Nevertheless, like we’ve mentioned, the mileage should be about 55kmpl. We will validate that with an elaborate road-test.
July 14, 2008 at 1:43 pm
When it will hit in the goa’s showroom & is it better than FLAME, XCD SPRINT & GLADIATOR SS.
July 14, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Sush,
The launch is happening, as mentioned, later this month. It surely is more refined and better put together than the TVS Flame and Bajaj XCD. The Yamaha Gladiator is the only bike, we think, that can give some worthy competition to Hond CBF Stunner. But then again, Honda has the advantage of looks going for it.
July 19, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Why they din’t give the Black Engine & Half Chain Cover to the bike unlike GLADIATOR, also Digital meter & LED tail lamp are missing. Is it have Storage box like FLAME?
July 19, 2008 at 7:47 pm
The inclusion of chain cover is more to do with the polluted and dusty conditions of India, since grime can affect the chain adversely. Even we were disappointed by the digital meter being missing, especially since the bike is priced perilously close to Pulsar. No, the Honda CBF Stunner does not sport a storage box like TVS Flame.
July 22, 2008 at 8:16 am
This bike looks fantastic..but really why doesn’t it sports digital console and mono suspension …. also black engine’s missing undoubtedly. is any upgrade version coming this year????
July 22, 2008 at 12:55 pm
The bike is going to be launched later this month and the price range is mentioned in the article. During the press conference, Honda officials stated that they are expecting a realistic mileage figure of around 60kmpl, but having ridden the bike and experienced, though for very little time, we expect that with the kind of performance it offers, CBF Stunner should return about 52-55kmpl, which is not bad for a well-performing machine.Sarang
July 22, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Naveen,
There’s no news of an upgrade version coming in anytime soon. Fancy items are missing since it would have added further to the cost, which, we think is already a little high!
July 22, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Does stunner have the suspension adjustment used for different ppl with different weights….& do u know when its going to be available for test ride in pune…..cause i am dying to buy it!!!ma 1st bike..
July 23, 2008 at 11:55 am
Amol,
The bike should be launched by the end of this month. And yes, CBF Stunner has a 3-step hydraulic suspension at the rear.
July 24, 2008 at 2:01 pm
it is a great bike 4 every body most of all middel class. i can say any word about it . i must buy stuner.just i love it. i want more photo . plese sent.(india. gujarat.(di .surat ..ta. olpad..at:po erthan..pin.394540)
July 25, 2008 at 12:53 pm
this is super bike and i like this bike grt look style and show the grt grt look like it
July 26, 2008 at 10:00 am
I cannot tell you, and you better not ask about the ride quality, because frankly, the road surface was far too smooth to give you any hint of what the suspension is capable of. The spec sheet of CBF Stunner speaks about telescopic hydraulic forks at the front and 3-step spring loaded hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, which is essentially the same as that of the Honda Shine. Having ridden the Shine, and having liked the ride quality, I have high hopes from the CBF Stunner in this department. The bike felt irritatingly smooth. I know, being smooth is a good thing, but I like to feel the machinery working and a few vibrations are always welcome. But (and that’s a ‘but’ with a lot of emphasis on it), it is this vibe-free virtue of the CBF Stunner which will ‘shine’ (pun unintended) above the competition. While in the saddle, the bike felt completely devoid of any harshness or vibrations.
July 27, 2008 at 12:18 pm
hey automobz,pls tell me if red or black coloured suspensions are available for black self disc cbf stunner…at our pune showroom,they told me only yellow coloured suspensions are available…Pls tell me asap cause im going to book the bike soon
August 4, 2008 at 3:59 pm
this bike is excellent
has good looks
better comfort
lesser noise
and very light
my friend ows this bike and claims
that the bike’s goona give an average of 60-65 km/ltr
after 1st or maybe second servicing
August 6, 2008 at 2:06 pm
anybody please tell me the actual mileage of shine & stunner .
August 7, 2008 at 10:16 pm
hello evryy 1 im feeling verry proud to tell u tht stunner is juzz of 46,400 without self ….49,700selff start including vat……51,900 sellf start ,disc brakee and is also an highest modell…..actually i knw all thesee things bcz owner of agency at hisarragency is ma frnd and hass franklyy asuured me tht we r telling an average of 65kmpl in city bt it is 55kmpl in city and at highwayy it is 65+kmpl…….if u need any other info then let me knww…i will let it confirmed
September 11, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I have a Unicorn bike.I have taken a test drive of both Shine & Stunner I found Stunner Engine Sound is more than Shine.When u drive in city due to heavy traffic frequent gear change requires which is difficult in Stnner than Shine.If u wear costly formal shoes and drive Stunner its polish will go away.Head light is fixed in Stunner so when keeping in stand and want to move the light to any side is not possible so during driving also may not get the best of the best light to the sides when u take turning.But I found road grip in Stunner is much better than Shine.When I Drive Shine I felt as if I am driving a Hero Hond Splender except the engine power.Shine Bike with Back Wheel size of Stunner,Head Light Movable & Gear type of Unicorn would be better for City Driving and Indian Roads.
October 4, 2008 at 6:45 pm
simply sexyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! i mean how can so beautiful bike be of low cost?i’ll surely buy this bike
October 4, 2008 at 6:50 pm
only the thing missing is red suspension in red & black stunner instead of yellow