STYLE ON TWO WHEELS

Styling
The CBF Stunner comes with an integrated front body cowl, which the company says is inspired by the wolf, that gives it an aggressive, muscular look. Though it doesn’t come anywhere close to the Münch Mammut, the original wolf-inspired German powerhouse, the Stunner doesn’t disappoint with its meaty front. The rear cowl is also sleek and comprises two panels welded together to end in a wedge-like formation above the tail lamp. The muffler tail lamps have been designed to give an illusion of projecting out from the rear cowl, a feature found only in racing bikes. The asymmetrical crystal shaped headlight and leaf-shaped indicators break from the box-like features on regular commuter bikes in the 125 cc segment. The console includes a manual speedometer equipped with a tachometer and a fuel gauge. The wing-shaped foot step holders reflect Honda’s racing genes and have been positioned to enhance a sporty riding posture.

Engine and Transmission
The bike is powered by a 125 cc 4-stroke air cooled OHC single cylinder engine. A high-lift cam shaft increases the mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber by allowing the valve to open to a larger length and for a longer duration. This increases the power and torque of the engine over a broader speed range and makes the CBF Stunner more racy than the 125 cc Honda Shine. A multi-mapping CDI with throttle sensor and a large diameter CV carburettor ensure decent mileage of 55-60 km per litre under normal riding conditions. The engine also boasts a two-way air jacket, offset crank, pulse exhaust system and a long intake manifold and connecting tube which contributes to the enhanced pick-up.
The bike has a 5-speed gearbox in the traditional Honda styling, first down and the rest up. The toe-shift is very smooth and pick up good even in 3rd and 4th gears. The bike can easily notch up 60 kmph within a few seconds. But with a pillion rider, the bike loses its racy sprint and pick-up takes longer. That’s when it betrays it is just a 125 cc bike.

Chassis/Suspension
The Stunner has a diamond frame and a rectangular box-type swing arm. The latter ensures that the bike remains grounded and stable and doesn’t bump unevenly. The three step spring loaded hydraulic shock absorber allows the bike to glide over undulating terrain and negotiate potholes with ease.

Manoeuvrability/handling
The bike is stable even at speeds of over 90 km per hour, a big bonus for a motorcycle in its class. On straight stretches the Stunner is an absolute marvel. The bike can also negotiate tight corners with relative ease, but at high speeds, it tends to get a bit awkward.
The 240 mm hydraulic front disc brake provides efficient braking. The bike also comes with tubeless front and rear tyres, which prevent sudden loss of air pressure. The wider 100/90 rear tyre ensures good traction, besides adding to the overall appeal of the bike. The sitting posture on the bike is extremely rider-friendly. The knee position on the tanks perfectly fit the riding position. The pillion rider position is also very comfortable and ride extremely smooth.
At present the bike is available in three variants, drum brakes with kick start, self-start with drum brakes and self-start with disk brakes. At Rs 51,655 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the self-disk version, it’s a decent package.