2012 Honda Dream Neo

 

                2012 Honda Dream Neo

 

After the separation with Hero MotoCorp, Honda have followed some serious as well as aggressive marketing strategies in India like launching new vehicles and upgrading the existing vehicles with their new fuel eficient technology. Hero MotoCorp which happens to be the rival still now enjoys a soaring sales figure mainly due to their most popular product the Splendor obviously this was when the companies existed together. To beat the competition, Honda introduced its Dream series recently which consisted of the two 110cc mass motorcycles which also gained much popularity in the market till date and they are the Dream Yuga and Dream Neo. Both the bikes have been updated with Honda Eco Technology (HET) and thus are fuel efficient.
Honda Dream Neo is the second addition among the Dream series the first being the Dream Yuga. Honda dream Neo has been powered with an air Cooled, 4 stroke, 109cc, SI engine that churns out a maximum power of 8.25 bhp at 7500rpm and a torque of 8.63 Nm at 5500 rpm, since the bike has been added with HET; Honda claims a mileage of 74kmpl. Dream Neo has been given a conservative styling which matches well with the commuting nature of the bike and resembles quite a lot with its sibling Dream Yuga. To know more about Neo, read below.

Styling

Simplicity is the key element of Honda Dream Neo's design

Simplicity is perhaps the apt word to define the Honda 100cc segment of motorcycles, it is even seen that the customers also have stopped prodding over the styling of Honda bikes while buying them. Honda Dream Neo too is no different as this bike looks like any other commuter bikes of its segment but Honda has kept the look premium without any scope for complaint. The front has the angular headlamp within a bikini fairing above which there is an aerodynamic front visor, the turn indicators are placed in twin separate pods, the rear view mirrors too follow a distinct style. The instrument cluster of the bike has round analogue dials which have white rings around them and consists a speedometer, an odometer and a fuel gauge and high beam indicators which are easily readable. The seat is long and comfortable with a nice riding posture; the fuel tank flaunts graphics which makes the bike look attractive. The top end variant of the bike also consists of six spoke black colored alloy wheels that give a smart stance to the bike, an extended fender which prevents the tyres from mud in a much better way.
The rear consists of the jaded looking tubular grab rail for pillion rider, and a tail light which finds its place in the rear cowl. As mentioned earlier, Dream Neo does not boast much of esclusive looks but it cannot be denied that this bike has a standard fit and finish that has the appealing nature.
The overall dimension of the bike has been provided below:

OVERALL LENGTH		-		2009mm
OVERALL WIDTH		-		737mm
OVERALL HEIGHT		-		1074mm
WHEELBASE		-		1258mm
GROUND CLEARANCE		-		mm
KERB WEIGHT		-		105kg

Engine and Performance

The Dream Neo has been equipped with Honda's HET technology

The Dream Neo shares its HET enabled, four-stroke, 109cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with its sibling the Dream Yuga and produces a maximum power of 8.25 bhp at 7500rpm and a peak torque of 8.63 Nm at 5500 rpm. This engine has been mated with a 4-speed gearshift which is operated through a heel and toe shifter and lies in all-up pattern, on the other hand, the clutch of the bike gives your hand a peppy feeling and works very well making it well matched for a commuter bike like this. The engine is capable of pulling well from low power band thus it makes it a nice bike for riding on the city roads and in heavy traffics, also due to the HET technology, the bike returns an impressive mileage of 74kmpl. The engine does not produce much vibration even when it is revved hard. Further the presence of viscous paper filter enhances the engine performance thereby reducing the need for regular maintainance.
The engine specification of the Dream Neo has been provided below:

Engine		-		Air Cooled, 4 stroke , SI Engine
Power		-		6.15 KW (8.25 bhp) @ 7500rpm
Torque		-		8.63 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Bore x Stroke		-		50.0mm X 55.6mm
Compression Ratio		-		9.9 : 1
Fuel System		-		Carburetor
Starting System		-		Self / Kick
Air Filter		-		Viscous Paper Filter
Fuel Tank Capacity		-		8L

Ride and Handling

Honda Dream Neo weighs only 105kgs which means it is 3kg lesser than its sibling Dream Yuga which feels quite nimble to handle, Honda have used the downtube tubular frame using the engine as a stressed member. At its front, Neo has used the telescopic fork suspension system while the rear has been provided with the twin hydraulic shock absorbers which are again combined with a sturdy rectangular section Swingarm, the suspension set up plays a great role in overcoming the potholes and bumpers with ease while moving through the city roads. The seat of Neo offers its rider a good posture and comfort for maneuvering as the ergonomics have been thoughtfully constructed. Other than the base model of Honda Neo, all of them comes with tubeless tyres which are capable of providing traction which is sufficient for both wet and dry conditions. Neo has been fitted with drum brakes for both its front and rear which are responsive but since there is no option for disc brakes, there remains a loophole.
The ride on Honda Dream Neo on congested traffic road is great but absence of power can be felt while riding on open roads or highways.

Pricing

Dream Neo is available in the following trims as well as prices (Ex Showroom Delhi):
Dream NEO (Kick-Drum-Spoke) – Rs. 43, 150
Dream NEO (Kick-Drum-Alloy) – Rs. 44, 150
Dream NEO (Self-Drum-Alloy) – Rs. 47, 240
Dream Neo is available in the following shades of color:
 Alfa Red Metallic
 Black with Violet Stripes
 Midnight Blue Metallic
 Black with Red Stripes
 Force Silver Metallic
 Monsoon Grey Metallic

Competition

Honda Dream Neo competes with Mahindra Pantero in the 110cc segment.
Mahindra Pantero

Mahindra Pantero is a 110cc bike of the company; this bike has been designed seeking inspiration from the wild cat, Panther. This reason makes the bike look stylish than the simpleton Dream Neo. However, the engine of Pantero is not fuel efficient like that of Neo but the ride offered is nevertheless praiseworthy. In overall terms, Honda Dream Neo will turn out a better choice because in the long run, fuel efficiency matters more than looks.

		Honda Dream Neo		Mahindra Pantero
Engine		4-stroke, 109cc		4-stroke, Mci-5, 106.7cc
Power		8.25bhp @ 7500rpm		8.5 PS @ 7500 rpm
Torque		8.63Nm @ 5500rpm		8.5 Nm @ 5500 rpm

Conclusion

Honda Dream Neo may not have gained much popularity like its sibling Dream Yuga but it is a nice bike amongst the 110cc range of bikes. The engine is refined and the ride is impressive, and the added factor is the HET tecnology, the bike does not cease to be fuel efficient. Honda Dream Neo is a complete package with a favorable price range that will suit your daily commuting needs with grace.

Quotes

So, priced about the same as several rivals including Hero Motocorp’s Splendor Pro and Passion X Pro, Suzuki’s Hayate, TVS’s Star City 110 and the recently launched Mahindra Pantero and Centuro, the Neo does show promise as a well-rounded bike with Honda’s proven quality. –Autocar India

 Fuel Efficient
 Reasonable Price

 Rear thin rear tyre
 No option for disc brakes

Press Release

Eyeing exponential growth of its business in India, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) today unveiled the much awaited second ‘Dream Series mass motorcycle’– the 110cc DREAM NEO. To stamp its presence in motorcycle segment, Honda expanded its product portfolio further in the 100-110cc mass segment which commands a lion’s share of nearly 50% in Indian 2Wheeler market.
To break the clutter of “Me too” motorcycles in this segment, DREAM NEO from Honda caters to the needs of the Indian mass model riders who now aspire for an expression of individual identity believing strongly in themselves as “Apni Film ka Superstar”. They desire their dream bike to deliver best in class mileage having star features in a limited budget.
DREAM NEO is- Most Affordable and Most Fuel Efficient 2Wheeler to be launched by Honda ever in India. With its high fuel efficiency of 74kmpl*1, high power and torque while incorporating best-in-class performance and revolutionary Honda Eco Technology, DREAM NEO guarantees a dream ride every time.
Talking about Honda’s strategic direction, Mr. Keita Muramatsu - President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., said “DREAM NEO is Honda’s next big leap towards creating deep inroads into the Indian commuter segment. Our newly opened Technical centre comprising of R&D, Engineering, Purchase & Quality team, overcame the challenge of improving Mileage and meeting the competitive price point. Backed by our new product launches & network expansion, Honda aims to grow over 150% in 100-110cc motorcycle segment YoY. Overall, we are confident of customer demand for Honda 2Wheelers and eye 43% growth with 39.3 lac unit sales in FY’14.”
Elaborating on Dream Neo, Mr. Y. S. Guleria, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., said “Creating a new paradigm in mass mobility, DREAM NEO is Honda’s Most Affordable and Most Fuel Efficient 2Wheeler ever in India. While DREAM NEO is loaded with attractive & best in class features like Top Mileage of 74 kmpl*, it is being delivered at a truly aggressive pricing to delight Indian customers. Finally DREAM NEO is a package which is hard to resist by 100-110cc mass segment motorcycle customers”.
In the heart of DREAM NEO is the superior refined 110cc air-cooled 4 Stroke SI Honda engine. Delivering an astonishing fuel efficiency of 74kmpl *, DREAM NEO is Honda’s Most Fuel Efficient 2Wheeler in India.
In India, this is the first motorcycle based on revolutionary Honda Eco Technology (HET). HET combines improved piston and combustion chamber design with the help of squish band which increases compression ratio and fuel efficiency of Dream Neo. With Intelligent Ignition Control as per the load conditions, ideal combustion is attained leading to improved power output & efficiency.
On the performance front, DREAM NEO generates highest peak power of 6.15KW (8.25 BHP) @7500 RPM and Best in class torque of 8.63Nm@5500 RPM in low as well as high rpm range. DREAM NEO leaves competition way behind when it comes to initial and overtaking acceleration.
In keeping with the sensibilities of target customers, DREAM NEO has a utility oriented mature design. The vibrant dual tone graphic stickers on fuel tank & side panels coupled with the aerodynamic front cowl, trendy diamond shape front headlight, and realistic meter console with white circular design, elegant all black six spoke alloy wheels, sleek silencer and bright tail light highlight the subtle yet attractive style of DREAM NEO.
DREAM NEO has been specially developed for Indian customers. DREAM NEO’s Long Comfortable Seat, long front & rear suspension stroke and upright sitting posture make it the best choice for fatigue free daily commuting. Its wider handle turning angle results in an incredibly small turning radius of making it a Dream to ride in congested traffic & narrow lanes. The extended wheelbase of 1258mm maximises top speed stability while the unique 5 step adjustable rear suspension provides maximum comfort for rider and pillion. Further, Dream Neo’s high ground clearance of 179mm and lightweight Single tube diamond frame translates to stress free natural riding even in the worst of road conditions.
The tubeless tyres (except Kick Drum spoke variant), maintenance free battery and viscous air filter in DREAM NEO significantly increase the reliability of Honda’s latest mass motorcycle offering.
DREAM NEO will be available in three variants –
Self / Drum / Alloy with tubeless tyre
Kick / Drum / Alloy with tubeless tyre
Kick / Drum / Spoke with tuff-up tube.
Making rider the asli superstar, DREAM NEO will come in 6 stunning dual tone colors- Black and Red stripe, Black with Violet Stripes, Force Silver Metallic, Monsoon Grey Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic and Alpha Red Metallic.
Showcasing the next leap in technology and features, Dream Neo will rewrite the commuter Mass motorcycle equation in India with an extremely attractive price starting Rs. 43150 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi).