New Honda CBF Stunner (2010) Ownership Review by Mahesh

Hello friends, its Mahesh here. I am going to write my first ownership review on my bike. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Mahesh and I am 18 years old. I live in Dharwad, Karnataka. I became a reader of BikeAdvice.in nearly five months ago. Since then I started to read articles related to bikes.

I used to admire the bikes. So when I started following BikeAdvice regularly, I had a crazy feeling that I too wanted a bike to ride. So, I pleaded my father to get me a bike so that I could go to my school which was 5KM away from my home.

But my father refused to get me a bike initially. But I pleaded him to get me a bike, and finally he gave in because I am his only son! My father’s budget was 65000 rupees. My father will not ride a bike. So the bike was for my sole use. It was up to me to decide which bike to purchase.

I Needed a Bike with:

  • Decent mileage
  • Decent performance
  • Good quality product
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Decent looks
  • Decent features

So, I started to search for the bike which matched my requirements. My father would not get a bike which is too much powerful. (150cc banned!). So I had to choose between 100-125cc segment.

I handle my bike gently and ride it smoothly at 40KMPH speed in light traffic. I am 6ft. 2in. tall, average build.

The Hunt Begins:

After some technical research and checking dealers, service availability, I shortlisted these bikes:

  • Honda CB Twister
  • Honda CB Shine
  • Yamaha SS 125
  • Bajaj Pulsar 135LS
  • Honda CBF Stunner
  • Honda CBF Stunner- Fi

I had to Eliminate some:

  • Yamaha SS125 – Dealer Unavailability (But it’s a fine bike)
  • Honda CBF Stunner-Fi – Excessive Pricing
  • Honda CB Shine – For Only 3k more, Stunner is available
  • Honda CB Twister – Low Power

Now only two bikes are remaining:

Honda CBF stunner: A very good looking bike. 0-60KMPH acceleration in 5 seconds. Very smooth gear shifting, High Honda quality bike with high reliability. Decent mileage and some essential technical features. Price in my hometown: 68,000 rupees.

Bajaj Pulsar 135LS: 4 valved engine, good looks, good power – 13BHP, some extra features, value for money @ 64,000 rupees. Why Honda CBF stunner was chosen over Bajaj Pulsar 135LS? As I had said, I opt for quality of engine, transmission, good ergonomics, less maintenance costs and reliable, durable bike even if it costs more and has less features.

Bajaj bikes cannot deliver as good quality of engines and transmission as Honda does. Honda produces engines and transmission which are considered as ‘gems’. In all Bajaj bikes, maintenance cost is more, reliability, durability is less.

So I chose Honda CBF stunner yellow, disc brake model. Purchased my bike on 23-09-2010. Made cash payment of 68,000 rupees and took the bike home next day from Shantesha Honda. Now, about my bike…

Looks and Build Quality

Personally, I think this is a very good looking bike which catches second glances from every passer-by. It is a big bike which looks good on college guys. This bike looks great from every angle I just cannot describe it enough. This bike is a bit delicate because the front cowl part is made up of fibre parts. Fibre parts have been used in many places. Finishing and paint quality is average. It could have been better.

The bike has bar end weights, new undercowl, MF 5AH battery, kick lever is absent, sporty mirrors, a tachometer, viscous air filter, all black engine theme, half chain case ,tubeless tyres, black heat shield on the silencer.

[xrr rating=4/5]

Performance

This bike has good performance till 60KMPH. Accelerates 0-60KMPH in 5 seconds approx. Till 60 KMPH speed, this bike performs very much like a 150cc bike and produces a very sweet sound. This bike is a zooom in city traffic and it is very suitable for city riding.

Gear shifting is very smooth-1down 4up pattern. It just produces ‘click’ sound on shifting the gears. The gears do not get struck even on continuous shifting.

[xrr rating=4/5]

Refinement and Ride Quality

Ride quality and ergonomics is just perfect. Seats are very soft and very comfortable. Sitting position is sporty. People of all age group find it comfortable even on long distance journeys. No backaches, neck aches and hand aches. But pillion part is a bit different.

Pillion seats are very comfortable, but only to young people. Elder people complain about uncomforted sitting position . The pillion seating position is high and sporty. Suspensions are good. They cover the potholes pretty well and they are neither too hard nor too soft. But it could have been better.

Refinement is just perfect till 60KMPH. But after that speed, the bike vibrates and produces harsh sound. This problem cannot be solved completely as it is the trait of the engine. So, this bike is not suitable for touring. Also I must warn that this bike is not for diehard power cravers.

[xrr rating=3.5/5]

Handling, Braking and Tyres:

The handling part is just perfect. It is very easy to turn this bike without much effort. The bike is also not heavy (128 Kg kerb weight). As for the braking, disc brake does a good job. It is not too sensitive. It is just perfect. Drum brake is a bit late in braking. But it can be adjusted.

My bike was installed with TVS tyres. The advantage of TVS tyres over MRF Y zappers tyres is that MRF tyres skid in wet muddy village roads but TVS tyres do not skid because they have a particular tread marks (my opinion). This bike can be turned in narrow streets very easily with superb handling.

[xrr rating=4.5/5]

Maintenance and Mileage:

Now, my bike has completed 670 KMs and two services. Engine oil has been changed in the second service. Honda service, service centre guys were okay in my hometown. Gear shifting is becoming smoother with each service. Now, the bike only produces ‘click’ sound on shifting the gears.

Minor problems are rectified. I never crossed 5000RPM/60KMPH speed till now. Absence of kick lever is not a major drawback. Daily morning I start the bike in the first attempt. It also starts effortlessly in Cold condition.

Regarding the mileage part, initially I was getting 50-52KMPL, but after the second service, I am now getting 56-58KMPL. I drive my bike mostly at 40KMPH, in fifth gear, 4000 RPM, in light traffic.

[xrr rating=4/5]

Conclusion

I would like to say that Honda CBF stunner suits the best for those people:

  • Who want good mileage, performance, quality.
  • Who live and travel in city.
  • Who is young less than 30 years.
  • Who handles the bike smoothly and service it regularly.
  • Who is not a speedster.

IF you satisfy any 4 or more conditions given above, then, this bike is just perfect bike for you. This bike surely lasts long, gives very less maintenance if handled properly.

The Downsides

  • The main drawback in this bike is the vibration problem. (It vibrates above 60KMPH speed).
  • Other minor problems: build quality is not so good; it lacks some extra features such as digital speedometer etc.
  • Kick lever is absent. But overall, it is a good package; but it is a bit pricy though.

I had a very good experience with this bike, and surely do not regret my purchase. And this is my first bike.

Thank you for reading my article with patience. Suggestions are welcome. Please comment.

Regards,
Mahesh