Honda Shine 100 DX Review: India’s New Mileage King

Discover the all-new Honda Shine 100 DX — price, mileage, features, performance, safety features, pros & cons, and how it stacks up against Splendor Plus. The ideal 100cc commuter for India’s daily commuters.

Picture this: it’s Monday, your office chai is cold, the traffic is hot, and petrol prices are hotter. But you? You’re calm because you’re riding a Honda Shine — the bike that has quietly ferried India’s workforce for years without throwing tantrums or gulping down your salary.

Now, Honda Shine 100 DX — a wiser, good iteration that keeps your fuel costs low but makes your daily commute exciting. So, should you upgrade your old bike for this? Let’s dissect it, without the dry jargon.

A Quick Trip Down Honda’s Memory Lane

Honda Shine series is essentially the likeable neighbour who never fails you. Right from the launch of the original Shine 125, through the cost-effective Shine 100, this bike has emerged as the nucleus of urban, rural, and town daily commutes.

But years go by, roads become rougher, petrol becomes expensive, and riders demand more than mere ‘fill it, shut it, forget it’. So Honda offered the Shine 100 a chic big brother — the Shine 100 DX. Just imagine the same reliable Shine, but now with a digital watch and a razor-sharp shirt.

Build Quality and Features: Small Touches, Big Difference

The Shine 100 DX doesn’t scream for attention — but look closer and you’ll spot Honda’s attention to detail. The body panels fit tight, the paint finish is crisp, and those chrome touches on the headlamp cowl and exhaust heat shield give it a premium edge.

What steals the show is the new fully digital meter console — a rare thing in the budget bike segment. It shows:

Real-time mileage

Distance-to-empty

Gear position

Service reminder

Trip meter and clock

It also features a smart side-stand engine cut-off. Forgetting to stand down is no longer that embarrassing or life-threatening moment. Small but lifesaving.

Performance: The Classic Shine Feel

At its heart, the Shine 100 DX keeps the same 98.98cc air-cooled engine, tuned to deliver around 7.28 bhp and 8.04 Nm torque. That might not sound like much, but twist the throttle in city traffic and you’ll see why so many Indians swear by this engine.

Honda’s eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) keeps things smooth. The 4-speed gearbox is light, shifts cleanly, and feels just right for daily city hops. And the fuel efficiency? Riders can expect anywhere between 65–75 km/l, depending on how gently they twist that wrist. Basically, you’ll spend more on your phone recharge than on petrol.

Safety Features: Quiet Confidence

Honda didn’t just stop at bling bits. The Shine 100 DX comes with CBS (Combi-Brake System) as standard fare. Stamp on that rear brake, and the front joins in – uncomplicated, effective, and an absolute boon for new riders.

The side-stand cut-off switch ensures the engine won’t start if you haven’t forgotten to stand down. The 17-inch alloy wheels sport tubeless tyres, offering improved grip and reduced fear of nasty punctures.

Daily Capability and How It Compares

Is the Shine 100 DX beter than the Hero Splendor Plus? Or the HF Deluxe? Well…

Smoothest engine: Honda’s engine smoothness is the legend.

Modern console: Digital meter scores for functionality and looks.

Mileage: Consistently shows 65–75 km/l — very few can keep up.

Comfort: Upright riding position, comfy seat, and a suspension that copes with India’s pothole party quite well.

The Splendor Plus does have a little more power on paper but retains analogue meters and simple features. So if you’re bothered about modern touches and that Honda brand confidence, the Shine 100 DX takes the edge.

Pricing and Availability: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Honda is well aware that India appreciates value for money. The Shine 100 DX, therefore, sits comfortably at 72,000–₹75,000 ex-showroom — slightly 5,000–₹7,000 over the entry-level Shine 100. That will cost you the new digital console, the new design, improved safety, and the assurance that your daily motorcycle won’t cause you issues.

Bookings start August 2025 at Honda’s dealer network in India. If your old bike is creaking louder than your lunchbox, perhaps it’s time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Iconic Honda refinement and toughness

Realistic mileage that earns serious money

Contemporary digital instrument cluster — unheard of at this price

Lightweight — agile to ride, simple to park

CBS and side-stand cut-off for enhanced safety

Cons

Can take a front disc brake option for increased stopping power

Power is city-friendly but not designed for highway racing

Few color options — additional shades would be welcome

Overall Verdict: Should You Buy The Shine 100 DX?

If you’re after a no-nonsense everyday bike that’s fuel-efficient, requires low maintenance, and now has a touch of modern amenities – the Honda Shine 100 DX is the pick. It’s the same timeless Shine dependability, but with just enough increments to make it updated for today’s commuter.

It’s not going to break speed records or turn heads at a motorcyclist meet, but that’s not the idea. The Shine 100 DX simply does what it’s meant to do — get you where you need to go every day, keep your fuel cost infinitesimal, and provide you with Honda’s hassle-free service support.

So, next time you’re stuck in traffic with petrol at 110 a litre, you’ll look down at that new digital console, see your distance-to-empty, and smile.

FAQs

What is the Honda Shine 100 DXmileage?

Expect a real-world mileage of 65–75 km/l — perfect for city commutes.

What’s the price of the Honda Shine 100 DX in India?

It’s priced around 72,000–75,000 ex-showroom, depending on your city.

Is it better than the Splendor Plus?

If you desire Honda’s refinement, a digital console, and contemporary safety touches, the Shine 100 DX is worth the premium. Splendor Plus still takes it on sheer popularity and resale.

When is it out?

Bookings begin August 2025 at Honda dealerships throughout India.