India's Best Premium 100cc Motorcycle

Honda CB Twister 110

The potential of the entry level market in India is immense and no company wants to let go of the opportunity to make hay while the sun shines. So much so, that even the Japanese giant, Honda decided to venture into the 100cc market that is largely dominated by its Indian JV, Hero Honda. Although Honda instead on muscling it out in the bare basic entry level 100cc market, pulled a fast one with the CB Twister 110 by offering a more stylish product at a slightly higher price-point. The CB Twister redefined the way Indians have been looking at commuter bikes and brought in an all-new concept of a stylish commuter that offers very high feel-good factor without having to empty one's bank account.

Along with Honda's heritage of reliable and well-engineered motorcycles the CB Twister also had the design and style to justify its premium pricing. Gorgeous looking bikini fairing with a fine mix of curves and edges and a very muscular tank complimenting the bike's sporty appeal. And considering the aspirations of the new-age Indian bikers who want more than just a stripped down commuter, the CB Twister has all the right ingredients to be a winner in its class.

The 110cc engine of the CB Twister is grunty with a lot of torque available from lower revs for superb in-town rideability and the bike comes with a disc brake as well for added safety. A feature missing on many of its immediate rivals. Ergonomics too are well-suited for daily commutes while the lightweight nature of the bike is extremely welcoming for newbie riders, which has a lot to do with how the masses percieve the product. While its competition has been around for a while, the Honda CB Twister has fresh design and the Honda brand name by its side. Hence, although its a bit pricey for its segment, the cost is justified.

Quick Facts

Engine: 109cc Air-cooled single

Power: 9PS@ 8,000rpm

Torque: 9NmNm @ 6,000rpm

Transmission: 4-speed manual

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 1,262 mm

LxWxH: 1972 x 742 x 1075 mm

Weight: 108kg

Performance

0-60 km/h: 6.7seconds

Top speed: 98km/h

Fuel efficiency (overall): 71.3kmpl

Variants

CB TWISTER KICK DRUM ALLOY (Ex-showroom, Delhi): 43,040

CB TWISTER SELF DRUM ALLOY (Ex-showroom, Delhi): 46,096

CB TWISTER SELF Disc ALLOY (Ex-showroom, Delhi):  49,152

Cheers:

1. Twister's styling emphasizes that commuters needn't be boring and dull

2. Slotted in fourth gear, the Twister pulls from 20km/h even when riding two-up

Sneers:

1. Saddle space for the pillion could have been better

2. It needs a better headlight as the current one is not very helpful in low-light conditions

1st Runner Up

Hero Honda Passion Pro

Introduced as a stylish sibling to the rather under-stated Hero Honda Splendor, the Passion has amassed huge numbers owing to its subtle yet attractive design, which is in line with the taste of the Indian customers. The Passion Pro is the fully loaded variant with digital console and optional disc brakes. Although it is feature-rich, it fails to match the Twister's appeal, especially since there is little difference in the pricing of the two bikes.

Other Rivals

Hero Honda Passion Plus

Trusty work-horse of countless Indians, the Passion Plus is one of the best selling bikes in Hero Honda's line-up. Stylish than the Splendor, the Passion Plus reflects upon what the Indian commuter really looks for in a good commuter bike. But with increasing expectations, the Passion Plus is losing its luster against its new rivals.

Hero Honda Splendor NXG

A very futile attempt by Hero Honda to capitalise on the growing expectations of the buyers by bringing in a fancier Splendor re-badged as Splendor NXG. Although the bike looked appealing, it failed to lure buyers into the showrooms.

TVS Star Sport

Like its rivals, TVS Motors too has introduced the Star Sport as an upmarket 100cc motorcycle that reflects upon the need of the new-age buyers. The TVS Star Sport offers funky body panels, clear lens headlight and cast alloys as standard equipment. The potent motor of the Sport has a good mix of economy and grunt for its price.

TVS Jive 110 – Clutchless

The new TVS Jive tries to charm the Indian audience with clutchless transmission as its USP and it is a system that indeed works very well. However, only time can tell how many commuters would want to let go off the clutch.

Yamaha YBR 110

One of Yamaha's latest offering in the premium 100cc motorcycle segment, the YBR 110 offers a good value package at a competitive pricetag. Equipped with goodies and Yamaha parts quality, the YBR is a good product from its maker but it will be a lot of hardwork to shed the company’s performance image and convince buyers for its commuter offerings.