Q.Honda Dio 'Updated'

[QUOTE=Praveen;n9392][USER="20"]NikilSJ[/USER] Indeed. At this rate, Honda won't last long in the market. Look at KTM! They make such amazing droolworthy bikes that bikers like me fantasize about it day and night! It is loaded with so much tech and such a ridiculous price! No wonder Honda's name is slowly eroding these days.[/QUOTE] [USER="18"]MotuSid[/USER] I meant, Honda's strategies are making it lose out in the premium/ performance motorcycle segment. They may not worry about that, but I wish it soon comes up with a product that is worthy of competing with the likes of Duke/RC 390, Yamaha R3, etc. Even in 150 cc segment, Honda CBR needs an update, considering the third generation of R15 is going to hit the markets soon. It does not get combi-brakes when even Hornet and Dio gets one. Personally, I'm a fan of Honda's refinement and I had once owned a CB Unicorn Dazzler. The only reason I'm not going for upgrading to another Honda in the premium segment is because the Duke offers way more value for money than the CBR 250 R. Sure, the CBR is a very competent product, but it really needs an update/ upgrade. Also, had the Hornet been launched at the time of the launch of Yamaha FZ series, it would've given serious competition! it would be nice if a manufacturer instead of just reaping profits in the budget segment, could give something that keeps the performance segment thriving. They did it once with the launch of CBR 250 R (I think it was one of the first advanced 250cc bike to come to India) and I hope they do it again.

[QUOTE=Praveen;n9402] This may work in normal commuter segment, but they aren't doing much in the premium/ sports segment. If I were to put down my hard earned money on a performance 200-300cc bike, I'd rather go for KTM Duke 200 or even the Duke 390 instead of the CBR 150 R or the 250 R. The CBR 150R's switchgear is as old and crude as Stonehenge LOL. And the CBR 250 R is way too long in the tooth and overpriced considering its competitors. [/QUOTE] Why are you questioning Honda's overall strategy based on the Activa/Dio? For India, they may have realised that their best bet at earning big profits is to stick to the scooter segment - and make some changes (or none) as required. I have a feeling they are not really worried about faltering sales in the 200-300cc motorcycle segment for now, their scooters are over-compensating for whatever losses they may be facing. I am sure Honda is working on updating their motorcycle lineup, including the quarter-litre segment offerings, soon. Maybe they are taking their time here because they can afford too. Don't say that "Honda won't last in the market because they are not doing well in the performance biking segment in India" - if that was so important Hero MotoCorp would have out of business a long long time back, and look at where they are now!

[USER="18"]MotuSid[/USER] Exactly. Due to some weird reason, people are liking Honda products the way they are. I read in an interview that many did not like the better performing Unicorn 160 and wanted the older one back. That resulted in the reintroduction of the old Unicorn! This may work in normal commuter segment, but they aren't doing much in the premium/ sports segment. If I were to put down my hard earned money on a performance 200-300cc bike, I'd rather go for KTM Duke 200 or even the Duke 390 instead of the CBR 150 R or the 250 R. The CBR 150R's switchgear is as old and crude as Stonehenge LOL. And the CBR 250 R is way too long in the tooth and overpriced considering its competitors. Regarding products like Activa, all I'm asking is they add practical features like boot light, external fuel filler, USB port etc., and not change the design. Even more people will consider buying one, if the already reliable scooter becomes even better.