Let’s rewind to 2022. Me: a 30-something stuck in Mumbai traffic on a rusty Yamaha that guzzled petrol like a thirsty camel. Enter the Honda CB Shine SP—a bike I initially dismissed as “dad wheels.” Fast-forward to today? It’s my daily ride, my therapist, and occasionally, my nemesis.
Table of Contents
Honda CB Shine SP 2025
The “Why the Heck Did I Buy This?” Phase
The Honda CB Shine SP’s 125cc engine sounds like a blender on low setting. My first thought: “Did I accidentally rent a scooter?” But here’s the plot twist: that underwhelming purr is gold in traffic. No overheating, no clutch cramps—just smooth sailing between taxis and cows.
Mileage Magic: Honda claims 65 km/l. My reality? 57 km/l. But let’s be real—Mumbai’s traffic is less “road” and more “parking lot.” AutoCar India clocked 55 km/l in their 2023 test. Close enough.
Pro Tip: Use the choke on cold mornings. My mechanic, Rajesh (who’s been fixing bikes since dial-up internet), says, “Skip it, and you’ll flood the carburetor.” Learned that the hard way.
The Good, The Bad, and The “Did Honda Forget This?”
Why I Stopped Judging
- Traffic Ninja: Weighs less than my college backpack (123 kg). Filtering through Kurla’s chaos? Easier than unsubscribing from spam emails.
- Wallet-Friendly: ₹1,500 for three free services. Rajesh jokes, “This bike’s cheaper to maintain than a goldfish.”
- Resale Royalty: Sold my 2-year-old Shine SP for ₹61k. My cousin’s Bajaj Platina? ₹45k. Ouch.
Why I Yelled at Honda (Twice)
- Monsoon Mayhem: Rear drum brakes + Mumbai rains = slip-and-slide Olympics. Almost kissed a BMW’s bumper once. Now I brake like I’m defusing a bomb.
- Suspension Sadness: Stock shocks handle potholes like a toddler handles a Rubik’s cube. Fixed it with MRF Zappers (₹4,200)—game changer.
- Tech from the Stone Age: The dashboard’s so basic, I half-expect it to play Snake. No gear indicator? Really, Honda?
Expert Backup: MotorBeam’s long-term review called the suspension “barely adequate.” Rajesh’s fix? “Add 5W40 oil. Or pray.”
The Hill Incident: Goats, Grit, and Glory
Last year, my office “retreat” dumped us in Matheran’s hills. Colleagues on fancier bikes? Stalling on steep climbs. My Shine SP? Chugged up like a determined tortoise. Sure, goats overtook me. Sure, I maxed out at 40 km/h. But guess who didn’t call a tow truck?
Pro Hack: Lower tire pressure by 3 PSI on slopes. Stole this trick from a biker named Rohan at a Lonavala dhaba. Dude had a beard Gandalf would envy.
Buy or Bye? Read This First
- Buy If: You want a ₹84k (ex-showroom) workhorse for bumper-to-bumper hellscapes.
- Skip If: You’re a speed junkie. The TVS Raider 125’s your huckleberry.
Plot Twist: The “SP” trim costs ₹6k extra for… slightly stickier tires. Unless you’re a tire geek, save the cash.
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
- Ignored the Chain: Didn’t lube for 6,000 km. Chain snapped at Marine Drive. Walked home like a peasant.
- Trusted Stock Tires: Swapped them Day 1 after a rainy skid. Best ₹4k I ever spent.
- Forgot the Toolkit: The SP’s toolkit is smaller than my ambition on a Monday. Pack a puncture kit.
Final Verdict: The Unsexy Hero We Need
The CB Shine SP won’t make your Instagram famous. But it’s like that reliable friend who shows up with pizza at midnight. My Yamaha? Sold. My ego? Bruised. My wallet? Happy.
Your Move: Test-ride it during rush hour. If you survive without swearing, buy it. If not? Stick to Uber.