Honda launches new, powerful Activa 125

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd (HMSI) launched a 125 cc version of its hot selling Activa scooter and also showcased a new sportsbike CBR 650F Wednesday, a day before the biennial Auto Expo 2014 opens here.

The Activa 125, apart from a more powerful engine, offers optional disc brakes, tubeless tyres, digital meters and alloy wheels and has a prominent chrome bar and blackened headlight crown which gives it a distinct appearance from the lower-powered version of the scooter.

In addition, the CBR 650 F is a middle sports model bike featuring sleek and sporty style. The 650 cc motorbike will come with a six-speed gearbox and will be assembled in India.

Speaking to IANS, Takanobu Ito, president and CEO, Honda Motor Company, Japan said the CBR 650 F would have a price tag of "below Rs.7 lakh" but refused to speculate the price of the Activa 125.

Ito said Honda's new plant in Gujarat will manufacture additional 1.2 million units every year taking the total capacity to 5.8 million by 2016.

The company already has three plants in Haryana, Rajasthan and Karnataka.

The 12th edition of the Auto Expo is hosting 55 exhibitors. As many as 70 new vehicles will be unveiled, including 26 global unveilings of which 15 will be cars.

The expo comprises two separate events - an auto show that will be open to the public Feb 7-11 at Greater Noida and a components show Feb 6-9 at Pragati Maidan.