Honda Vario 125cc scooter imported to India for R&D

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) have imported the Vario 125cc from Indonesia for R&D testing and evaluation, according to recent import data.

Sources in Honda have told ZigWheels that the Vario 125cc will not be launched in India and the import of two units is for routine research and development purposes only.

So, what is the Vario?

The Vario is a step-through motorcycle powered by an air-cooled 125cc single-cylinder fuel injected motor that produces an impressive 11.3PS at 8500rpm and 10.5Nm of maximum torque, paired to a CVT gearbox. It’s quite popular in Southeast Asian markets like Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Step-throughs however, have never seen any success in India. Bajaj launched the M80 in the mid-1980s. The M80 was a copy of the Honda Cub and went on to become a popular machine but failed to really set the sales charts on fire. Nevertheless, it made a mark as a dependable and reliable two wheeler. Hero launched the Street in 1997 under the erstwhile partnership between Hero MotoCorp and Honda – Hero Honda. Despite a reliable engine and unique features such as the auto clutch, the Street failed miserably and was eventually taken out of production.

So, is Honda thinking of launching a step-through again?

We don’t think so.

The Vario may be one of Honda’s largest selling step-throughs in Southeast Asia, but it may not make sense for a market like India where consumers have traditionally not warmed up to the concept of step-throughs. The company has denied any plans of launching the Vario as well. So that brings us to the next important technological marvel on the Vario - the idling stop function, similar to the start-stop function on the Hero Splendor iSmart.

Hero MotoCorp has already beaten Honda in introducing the start-stop function, a boon in our traffic conditions, which will help conserve fuel in bumper to bumper, stop-go traffic. So, it’s only natural that Honda, not to be left behind in the race for top spot in the Indian two wheeler industry, also introduces similar tech which is already available in some of its products in the international market – in this case, the Vario.

So, maybe we won’t get to see the Vario here in India. But looks like Honda is quietly working on the start-stop technology, and we won’t be surprised if Honda starts equipping some of its commuter class bikes with the start-stop technology.