Honda MSX

Overview:

The Japanese motorcycle brand – Honda has always believed in the philosophy of continuously innovating its products, to reach a new pinnacle of mobility. From its premium sportbikes to everyday use city bikes, Honda's products have always been game changers in the market. Honda has adopted the same philosophy for its mini motorcycle – MSX. This aggressive and stylish street bike was launched in Vietnam in 2014. This mini bike is powered by a potent 124.9cc Single Cylinder, 2-valve, air-cooled, with electronic fuel injection that delivers a perfect combination of maximum power output and best in class fuel-economy. Based on a rigid steel mono-backbone frame with 12 inch cast aluminum wheels with Y-shaped spoke which enhance riding performance. The MSX sports an edgy and powerful styling, that adds on to its on-road appeal. Packed it with more thrust, a new slimmer chassis for nimble handling, a sharp design, that will make heads turn on the road, MSX is an ideal introductory bike. Whether a new rider getting acquainted with the joy of motorcycling for the first time, or an experienced rider looking for a fun, stress-free way to get around, the package offered by the MSX has never been more tempting.

Pros:

• Compact dimensions and lightweight offers nimble and agile handling, apt for the urban environment
• First 125cc bike by Honda to use of 31mm USD fork suspension, which further enhance handling, rider feel and maintains its lightweight
• Engine is integrated with electronic fuel injection to deliver maximum optimization of power and superb fuel-economy
• Sharp and edgy styling, with 12 inch cast aluminium wheels and mono-backbone frame that accentuates its overall macho appeal

Cons:

• Exhaust placed below the seat can be very uncomfortable for riders during long drives
• Unconventional styling, lacking mass appeal

Design

The Japanese motorcycle giant, Honda is known to craft bikes that not only look stunning in the picture but also on the road. Every model from this Japanese factory sports a dynamic design language that distinguish it from any other bikes on the road. The MSX unmistakeably looks a Honda. From its predatory front look to sharp and clean lines, MSX denotes a monstrous character. The MSX is based on a rigid steel mono-backbone frame, with specifically tuned vertical/horizontal rigidity and flex in the swingarm pivot, along with engine hanger plates provides the perfect balance of comfort and style. The new bold headlamps, with projector headlights, deliver superior illumination with modern looks. The split structure of the fuel tank accentuates its macho appeal. The bike is equipped with 12 inch cast aluminum wheels with the Y-shaped spoke, further complementing its sharp and powerful look. In the rear, the Honda MSX is equipped with compact LED tail lights, that attracts attention. The bike also features an electronic clock face, with clean and simple design and intelligent information display section. Overall, the MSX looks distinctive than any other bike on the road, with its compact dimensions and macho, beefy look.

Measurements

Engine, Economy & Performance

The Honda MSX, 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 bike in its segment. MSX draws it power from a potent 124.9cc Single Cylinder, 2-valve, air-cooled, that generates a maximum power of 9.7 hp at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 10.9 NM at 5500 rpm. The engine is retuned with Engine Enhanced Smart Power (ESP) to deliver maximum optimization of power. The engine is adorned with electronic fuel injection system, which helps in controlling the ignition timing optimization. This helps in superb fuel-economy, reduced carbon emission, and supply of adequate amount of fuel, required for engine's operation. The advance PFM-FI system provides a significant mileage of 65Kmpl to the bike. Mated with a 4-speed gearbox and wet multi-plate clutch, the unit delivers good torque from low, but with a smooth, responsive roll-on acceleration when you need it. The exhaust pipe features a larger, 28.6mm diameter bore with increased 3L multi-section muffler volume, allowing a strong power output in the mid and upper rpm ranges.

Engine Comparison

Handling

Comfort has always been a priority for Honda, and like every other scooter from this Japanese factory, the MSX also delivers superb handling and utmost comfort to the rider. The bike is based on a rigid steel mono-backbone frame, specifically tuned vertical/horizontal rigidity and flex in the swingarm pivot and engine hanger plates provides the perfect balance of comfort and confidence. Furthermore, Honda has bestowed the MSX with a low 765mm seat height making it very manageable. The bike also gets wide 12-inch cast aluminium wheels, along with a wheel base of 1200mm 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 uptight seating position which offers a comfortable riding pleasure, while zipping around the city. The machine's overall size also ensures that it is nimble and agile in the urban environment.

Safety, Braking, and Miscellaneous

Honda ensures all its models come with proper safety gear to handle its colossal performance. Similar to other stables from this Japanese factory, the MSX also comes equipped with the high-end braking mechanism. Thanks to the leading single 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston brake caliper in the front and a single 190mm disc with hydraulic single-piston brake caliper in the rear, the bike comes to a standstill at once, even on top speeds. Furthermore, the suspension duties are excellently handled by 31 mm USD front forks, in the front and mono shock, steel square pipe swingarm in the rear, which ensures sturdy handling and absorb bumps. Honda MSX is the first bike to use 31mm USD forks, which reduces overall weight. The top and bottom yokes are full-sized, further enhancing handling and rider feel while a lightweight and robust single rear shock operates a simple and tough H-shape swingarm.

Verdict:

The Honda MSX offers an optimum mixture of looks, handling capabilities, and rideability, in a relatively smaller package. But the reason behind its huge success in Vietnam can be attributed to the value it offers at an extremely competitive pricing.