New Honda CD 110 Dream Test Ride Review [Exclusive]

• Aug 15, 2014
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Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India (HMSI) recently launched the cheapest entry level motorcycle from their arsenal- CD 110 Dream. Honda has revived the "CD" extension from its very first product they had launched in India back in 80's with that time partner "Hero". The new CD 110 Dream is directly pitched against the arch rival Hero MotoCorp's HF Deluxe. While launching the CD 110 Dream Honda has highlighted the world class Honda technology used in this bike with great Mileage and the Reliability of Honda.

BikesIndia proudly presents the Exclusive Test Ride Review of the new Honda CD 110 Dream to you, this review is not only to test the bike but also to test Honda's claim about the bike as well.

Styling:

The bike looks pretty descent in Black color, CD 110 Dream shares the styling from its other commuter siblings. Honda tried to give a premium feel to the bike by adding faux carbon fiber pattern on the side panels and the front mud guard. The bike has silver colored alloy wheels as standard feature which complements to the silver colored Engine of the bike. Instrument Cluster And Switch Gears:

The new CD 110 Dream is a cheapest entry level commuter bike of Honda hence some cost cutting is inevitable. The Meter Console of the bike is all analog and basic in nature but it provides all the vital stats of the bike and does the job well what it is meant for.The bold Fuel gauge is kept opposite to the Speedometer with Neutral light, blinkers and headlight indicators are kept integrated to it. There is no trip meter and Tachometer on board.

The meter console is basic but neat and legible even in low lights

The plastic used in switches are as usual of good quality but as a cost cutting measure Honda did not provide the Light Pass switch and the Engine Kill switch, which resulting the right hand side of Handlebar bearing no switch at all. Ergonomics:

Honda has kept the ergonomics right for the city commute, the Handlebar used in CD 110 Dream is short and stubby giving good control to the rider on the bike while maneuvering in city conditions and tight corners. The seat of the CD 110 Dream is long and comfortable, in fact it has the longest seat in its class, there is ample of space for the pillion on board. The sitting position of the rider is upright, the bike is more comfortable for short rides rather then the long rides which makes it perfect commuter for daily commute. Performance And Gearbox:

The new CD 110 Dream shares the same 109cc 4-stroke air cooled engine of "Honda Dream Neo". The Engine produces 8.4 Ps of Power at 7500 Rpm with 8.6 Nm of Torque at 5500 Rpm. The bike has a good initial pick up and a grunt of a bigger bore engine. There is ample of torque at Low and Mid Rev ranges but the lack of Power is felt at Higher Revs, this might because of the higher Top Speed of the bike.

The Engine is buttery smooth and refined in nature

The Engine is as usual buttery smooth mated to the 4-speed transmission gears. The bike is devoid of self start option and it comes with only kick start as standard. The kick lever is designed ergonomically and it is folded more towards inside however we find the non retractable kick as a minus point. Riding Dynamics:

The CD 110 Dream features with front Telescopic Suspensions and Spring loaded rear shock absorbers, however as a cost cutting measure the rear shock absorbers are Non Adjustable. Honda has offered the first in its class "Rectangular box shaped Swingarm", this feature of CD 110 Dream is not available in many 125cc bikes even Honda's own "CB Shine" does not have this feature. The Rectangular Swingarm adds a new dimension to the riding dynamics of the bike. It is really helpful feature and a must for all bikes as it adds a lot to the stability of the bike but unfortunately due to cost cutting manufacturers generally avoid this feature specially in entry level bikes or commuter segment.

The swingarm is box shaped rectangular and first in its class

The new CD 110 Dream comes with only drum brakes option but Honda has provided bigger 130mm drum brakes at both the ends to take care of the efficient braking. Honda has used TVS Tyres this time, though I didn't find any problem with those tyres but one thing which came to my mind was- is that a cost cutting measure taken by Honda? as Hero MotoCorp has also used tyres made by TVS in its Passion Pro TR. Verdict:

Over all the CD 110 Dream is a value for money proposition and with a few shortcomings the bike is proved true to the claim of Honda.
We are sincerely thankful to Surana Honda, Bhopal for providing the brand new bike for review and we would also like to mention Mr. Rajeev Katoch, General Manager Surana Honda for supporting us and making this possible.