Honda CB Shine SP review, test ride

Honda teased the CB Shine SP at the mega launch event held during Revfest earlier this year, alongside the CBR 650F, CB Hornet, as well as CBR 150R and CBR 250R.

With 'SP' standing for 'Special', in reality the CB Shine SP is not very different from the previous one, except for the addition of a fifth gear and new styling on the motorcycle. The wheelbase and ground clearance are also increased on the SP.

When you look at the CB Shine SP, you see that the motorcycle has followed Honda’s new design language. The headlamp looks sharp, exactly like the one on the Livo. The cowl, however, is meatier and bigger. The fuel tank retains the styling of the older Shine, albeit it has been resculpted, with new stickers making it look better.

The motorcycle comes with an elongated seat to make it more comfortable for riders as well as the pillion. While riding, we did find a noticeable change, allowing us more room to move around in on the CB Shine SP.

Below the seat, the side panels are reworked giving the motorcycle a sportier feel. The pillion grab handle is new, and is now covered in a soft PVC material to make it comfortable to hold.

The engine on the new Honda CB Shine SP is identical to the one on the older CB Shine. It is the 124.7cc air-cooled four-stroke unit, with 10.3bhp of maximum power delivered at 8,400rpm. Torque output is decent at 1.1kgm available at 7,000rpm. The engine remained Honda-smooth throughout our ride, with barely a hint of strain felt when pushing it hard and only right at the top end of a wide powerband.

The major change, however, is the extra fifth gear. Honda has developed the new transmission from the ground up. Going through the gears rewards you with nice, smooth and affirmative clicks. The reason Honda added an extra gear was to improve overall smoothness while cruising, and it has definitely made a difference.