Honda Air Blade

Overview:

Honda a household name in the Asian market, has been in the line of motorcycle manufacturing for more than 5 decades. From power equipment, to cars, to two-wheelers, Honda Motors has been the pioneer in automobile industries for eons. To keep up with the growing demand of scooters in Vietnam market, Honda recently introduced the 4 generation of Air Blade which sports a unique design, plethora of novelties and a retuned engine to pack more power. The new Air Blade is the first scooter in Vietnamese market to sports twin projector headlights, which accentuates its predatory look. The scooter also features dynamic design stripes that complement its aggressive and sporty appeal. Honda has retained the 125cc Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke engine, but re-tuned it to provide maximum power output and better fuel-efficiency. The engine is integrated with Engine Enhanced Smart Power (ESP) and electronic fuel injection which increases fuel economy and reduces carbon emissions. Furthermore, the scooter also sports combined brake system and a side stand switch, which ensures maximum safety of the scooter.

Pros:

• Retuned engine, integrated with Engine Enhanced Smart Power (ESP) and electronic fuel injection to deliver maximum optimization of power and superb fuel economy.
• The first scooter to adopt twin projection headlights, which significantly increase illumination and give the scooter a predatory look.
• Combined braking system offers effortless braking and side stand switch prevents hazards.
• Enormous u-box with partition and automatic light to fit all your knick knacks.

Cons:

• Lack of convenient features like mobile charging point and external fuel inlet
• Use of mediocre suspension, which fails on rough terrains and pot holes.

Design

Honda is world-renowned to craft vehicles, that features a stylish look and gorgeous design aesthetics. The new Air Blade is one exemplary example of Honda's skilled craftsmanship. The latest Air Blade is the first scooter in Vietnam to feature twin projector headlights, which significantly increases its lightning efficiency and also bestow a predatory look to the bike. The new design stripes and bold 3D emblem accentuates Air Blade's sporty and masculine appearance. A brand new LED tail lamp with transparent outer lens and blue inner outer, look stylish and red brake lights go well with the color scheme. This scooter also gets a newly designed muffler protector which enhances its sporty appeal. The Air Blade is equipped with a wide LCD screen instrument console which displays information in an easy to read manner, furthermore, backlights increase visibility in night. Overall, the design of Air Blade is quite distinctive and is sure to turn heads on the road. 

Measurements

Engine, Economy & Performance

The new Honda Air Blade, sports a perfect amalgamation of stunning design, with power packed performance. Honda has left no stone unturned to ensure its newest pedigree, outshines every other scooter in its segment. Air Blade draws it power from a potent 124.9cc Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke Pgm-Fi, Liquid Cooled, that generates a maximum power of 11 hp at 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 11.26 NM at 5000 rpm. The engine is retuned with Engine Enhanced Smart Power (ESP) to deliver maximum optimization of power. Integrated with intelligent electronic fuel injection system, which helps controlling ignition timing optimization and supply an adequate amount of fuel, required for engine's operation, inturn resulting in superb fuel economy and reducing carbon emissions. The advance PFM-FI system contributes to the significant mileage of 30Kmpl. Also, the scooter features ACG system which starts the scooter smoothly and prevents friction. Furthermore, Air Blade is also equipped with automatic idling stop systems, which automatically shuts down the engine when the scooter is at a standstill, which further contribute to fuel economy.

Engine Comparison

Handling

Comfort has always been a priority for Honda, and like every other scooter from this Japanese factory, the Air Blade also delivers superb handling and utmost comfort to the rider. The bike is equipped with an upright dual-straight seat which offers a desirable riding position and comfort while riding. Also, Honda has bestowed the new Air Blade with a low saddle height of 777mm, which is very suitable for short height riders. The well-placed footrests and a flat floor and wide leg space provide a more comfortable position to the rider. Furthermore, Honda has ensured to keep the Air Blade lightweight at 110Kg which allows the rider swift movements in the city. The scooter also gets wide 14-inch alloy wheels, which offers superb road stability on all kinds of terrains. These overall adjustments to the engine and design offer a more lightweight, aerodynamic vehicle, with upright seating position which offers a comfortable riding pleasure, while zipping around the city. Also, the new Air Blade features a large u-box, with partition, that helps you store your belongings easily. Honda has also provided the scooter with luggage box light and ignition light, which provide the rider with proper illumination in the night.

Safety, Braking, and Miscellaneous

Known for the continuous up gradation of technology to caters every buyer's need, Honda has not neglected a crucial concern i.e. safety. To ensure absolute safety, Honda has integrated the Air Blade with disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear, which delivers a fierce stopping power. The brakes provide sufficient initial bite, stopping the scooter in an instance. Furthermore, the Lead is equipped with combined brake system which distributes braking force between the front wheel and rare wheel, which makes braking easy for both new and experienced riders. Along with this braking, the scooter also gets telescopic, hydraulic shock absorber in the front and cylindrical springs, hydraulic dampers suspension in the rear, which contribute to greater stability, absorbs bumps and low friction. Also, the scooter gets a side stand switch, which automatically shuts down the engine when the side stand is lowered. This prevents the chances of any hazards.

Verdict:

Aimed for young riders, the Honda Air Blade is a very practical scooter, which comes with a potent engine and a stylish look. Apart from basic features like, decent power, good fuel economy and relaxed handling, Air Blade also offers other novelties that offer the rider a great ride.