Examining the Attractiveness of the Honda NS125LA, Yamaha Fazzio's Candidate Rival in Indonesia

 Honda Motor in synergy with their joint venture company in China officially launched the classic Honda NS125LA scooter. The visuals are like an Italian scooter which is said to be suitable if it competes with the Yamaha Fazzio Hybrid in Indonesia.

quoting Greatbiker, Honda NS125LA was created as an urban scooter that has a retro look. It can be seen from the shape of the rounded headlights, the use of round mirrors, and the use of small wheels. The design is similar to scooters in the mid 80's or 90's.

Despite having an old-school appearance, the Honda NS125LA is equipped with many modern features. Not surprisingly, in this era, many motorcycle manufacturers are creating classic vehicles, but in terms of functionality and comfort, they are prioritized.

For example, the lighting system has LED technology, both in the headlights, taillights, and turn signal lights. Especially for the rear view, it is interesting that he appears rounded with a stop lamp forming the letter 'U' and flanked by 2 vertical turn signals. At first glance similar to the Vespa Sprint.

Not enough there, the Honda NS125LA meter panel also looks attractive thanks to the LCD screen that displays various important information from the motorcycle. The interface is the favorite of the millennial generation, has a variety of color backgrounds with elegant numbers and letters.

Now, in order to support the practicality of the keyless key device, the owner simply has to pocket the remote, turn the knob, press the starter button, and the engine can start immediately. Interestingly, this motorbike is also equipped with a remote lock system similar to that of a car.

Next is the embedding of the CBS (Combi Brake System) brake system. Functionally the same as Honda motorcycles in Indonesia, this technology is there to make it easier for the rider. Yes, because when the rear brake lever is pressed, the front brake will automatically brake.

The rest is the USB charging feature, you will no longer bother carrying an adapter because you just need to plug the smartphone's default data cable into the charging dock. And for security features on the Honda NS125 LA, a side stand switch device has been installed.

In terms of accommodation, this scooter has a main trunk of up to 20 liters which is capable of storing 1 open face helmet. In front there is 1 hook with a lock that can be used to carry goods, if not there is still a closed storage compartment on the left deck.

With a flat footrest configuration, the owner can also put other luggage there. So for practicality and transportation of goods, this motorbike has a pretty good selling value.

Talking about the pacemaker, he is equipped with an exact 124.9 cc engine, air conditioning, and has injection foggy. With this engine layout, this motor is capable of producing maximum power of up to 8.97 horsepower and peak torque of 9.87 Nm. Indeed, when compared with Fazzio, the output produced is slightly different, where the master of the tuning fork has a maximum power of 8.3 horsepower and 10.6 Nm of torque.

But Fazzio is superior in terms of engine technology, this scooter is equipped with power assist or what the manufacturer calls a hybrid. Its function is to provide additional power at the initial acceleration moment.

Regarding the selling price of the Honda NS125LA, according to a Greatbiker report, this motorbike is sold at a price of 62 thousand Baht or which, when converted to rupiah, has a selling price of Rp. 26.4 million. Looking at the appearance, features, and specifications that are carried, it feels like this motorbike is suitable if it is marketed in Indonesia.

Considering the trend of classic-looking scooters on the rise lately. Its presence can be a solution or an alternative to the high price tag of the Vespa. For your information, the cheapest type of Vespa LX in Indonesia is offered at IDR 40 million OTR.

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Honda Will Add RS Line, For City Sedan?

 Honda gave a surprise again this month. After recently launching the latest HR-V, Honda stepped on the gas by bringing back a new product.

Previously, Honda already had several models that had an RS variant. Usually, the RS nomenclature is pinned on models with a sporty aura and become the top variant. Some of the models that received the RS code include the Civic RS sedan, City Hatchback RS, Brio RS, and HR-V Turbo RS. The Mobilio had received the RS variant but is currently only available in the S variant with a manual transmission.

If you look at the leaks that were present, it could be that the one that gets the latest RS touch is the City sedan. This can be seen from the form of images that appear on Honda's social media which shows the shape of the front of a vehicle that is similar to the sedan.

Currently the City is offered in one variant with several features such as the use of a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine with 121 ps power. There is still the use of 16-inch rims, headlamps with LED and LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, modern meter clusters. Inside, there is an 8-inch head unit, 8 speakers, six airbags, paddle shifters, remote engine start and a large cargo area.

Looking at some of the features in Thailand, the City may get additional RS accessories as in other RS models, namely a black grille, body-colored door handles, side mirrors with black ornaments. There is no change in the size of the rim which is still 16 inches. The interior comes in black and uses red stitching to add a sporty impression. There is no change in the size of the head unit.

Another possibility is the presence of Honda Sensing on the City sedan. These safety features consist of Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow, Auto-High Beam, and Lead Car Departure Notification System. (LCDN). However, if you see that this feature is not present in City Hatcback in Indonesia, this feature may not be offered.

Currently City is only offered in one variant with a price tag of IDR 365.4 million. The presence of this RS variant is likely to increase the small sedan market which is now no longer subject to different taxes thanks to emission tax regulations.

We'll see what Honda will offer in the next few hours. At least this is a breath of fresh air for Honda consumers who have continuously received new product offers in the last few months.

Honda also still has one product that will be presented this year on the basis of the RS CONCEPT SUV. Had circulated the possibility of this model is the figure of the ZR-V which was developed for the South Asian market. But seeing this possibility, it seems that consumers will have to endure the wait to be able to see the production version of the RS Concept SUV.

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Ducati Cooperates with Alex de Angelis to Test Motorcycle Prototypes at the Vallelunga Circuit

 Ducati released a video showing their MotoE bike in action for the first time. This time the manufacturer Borgo Panigale took a new test racer, Alex de Angelis. The test is known to be at the Vallelunga circuit, Italy. This is quite a surprising phase regarding the development of electric motorcycles from Ducati. The V21L prototype development project continues to show continuous progress.

As we know, this year is the last season in which Energica Ego Corsa becomes the exclusive supplier of the MotoE World Cup. From next season Ducati takes the place of his compatriot since the beginning of 2019. It has signed a contract with Dorna to supply the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup from 2023 to 2026.

In fact, the steps taken by Ducati at that time were a little unreasonable, because they had not yet built an electric motorcycle. But the project continues and develops. In this sense, the Borgo Panigale brand has been working on a prototype 'V21L', which aims in the long term to increase the competitiveness of the category, as well as the autonomy of racing motorcycles. Still, Ducati wants to point out that this is only the beginning of the electric era for the brand, and it will be interesting to see which direction they take electrification in the future.

And now Ducati has released a video showing the motorcycle being ridden on the track in Vallelunga, Italy. The bike, called the V21L, is known to have been tested by former MotoE racer and former MotoGP star Alex de Angelis. He is one of the test drivers for the project, having previously been Michele Pirro who was the first to debut at the Misano test last December.

De Angelis is certainly no stranger to the tools or components owned by the Ducati V21L. He has also participated in electric motorcycle racing in 2019. His input and data will also be important in technical development efforts. Unfortunately, there is no information about the lap times, or what improvements Ducati has made to prepare for MotoE 2023.

to be sure, the test in Vallelunga continued the inaugural test which was held at Misano late last year. Ducati continues to collect as much data as possible, so that the V21L can perform optimally when used starting next season.

The V21L prototype emerged from the close collaboration and constant knowledge exchange between Ducati Corse and Research and Development (R&D). High performance, and built with a light weight for electric motor power. There is no doubt that the MotoE project is an important step in the history of the Italian manufacturer, because it is also the beginning of the electric era that Ducati has entered.

Over the next few months, Ducati will also share more information about the technical evolution of its projected bike. Then the manufacturer, which is commanded by Claudio Domenicali, will describe the next steps regarding the MotoE project, and the latest developments in the V21L.

Director of eMobility Ducati, Roberto Canè, said, "Since bringing the MotoE Ducati prototype to the track for the first time, the development of the project has never stopped, not even for a moment. “The hard work of the whole team pays off for the efforts made through continuous progress, which gives us great satisfaction. In just four months, our prototype has overcome corners at several of Italy's main circuits, giving a positive response. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the direction is definitely in the right direction.”

Following involvement in the MotoGP and World Superbike projects, a new adventure in MotoE will prove the perfect laboratory for Ducati to bring technology and innovation from the track to the showroom.

The V21L electric motor for MotoE will be built specifically from Ducati's racing DNA. Focused on creating lightweight motorcycles that unite tradition, passion and innovation in the electric world championship.

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Honda Called to Prepare ADV 160, Use PCX 160 engine

 Little by little it seems that Honda will replace all 150 cc scooter engines to 160 cc. The initial model that experienced it was the PCX 160, then it is expected to continue to the Vario 160, and the latest is believed to be the ADV 160.

Greatbiker, a Thai-language media that has repeatedly reported on the ADV 160 before it finally launched in January in Thailand, explained that there is a possibility that Honda will launch the ADV 160 next year.

The ADV 150 is the 'adventure' version of the PCX 150 which is now almost two years old since its launch. Although still relatively new, this motorbike is said to be included in the plan to revise the engine to 160 cc like the PCX 160.

PCX 160 uses the eSP+ KF47E 1-cylinder SOHC 157 cc engine with four valves, this is two more valves than the PCX 150 engine. This additional valve improves the combustion process so that it is more efficient.

In addition to the engine, the ADV 160 is also expected to get a key feature on the PCX 160, namely the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). This feature is useful for preventing the rear tire from slipping when the gas pedal is twisted.

However, it is believed that the ADV 150 to ADV 160 will not be updated this year. The new model ADV 160 is expected to arrive in 2022 with a refreshed exterior design.

So far ADV 160 and also Vario 160 is still speculation. There has been no official statement from Honda regarding the design change stages for the two following the PCX 160.

Honda has launched the ADV 150 in July 2019, while the PCX 160 last February. The launch of the Vario 160 is believed to happen this year. if in order it is not impossible ADV 160 will slide after.

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What are the chances of the 2022 Honda ADV 160 appearing this year? Here's the Prediction

 The premium class automatic motorbike with a 150 cc engine is currently one of the most competitive segments. This is because this segment targets upper-middle class consumers who are more sensitive to technology and make motorcycles a part of their lifestyle.

From the Honda manufacturer, they have three gacoans, some of which have received major updates. The first is of course the 2022 Honda PCX 160, which looks elegant by carrying out a total change from the frame, engine to design and technology.

The second is the 2022 Honda Vario 160 which was present in early February, with significant changes. Starting from the design, technology and features, the 160 cc eSP+ engine to the application of the new model frame with eSAF technology.

Only one that has not received a significant update, the motorbike is the 2022 Honda ADV 150. Yup, only this adventurous-style automatic motorbike has not yet been filled with a new pacemaker, even though the price is getting higher, approaching Rp 40 million!

From the official website of PT Astra Honda Motor, the current price tag for the Honda ADV 150 starts from Rp. 35.186 million (CBS) and Rp. 38.251 million (ABS) on the road in Jakarta. The price is even more expensive than the 2022 Honda CB150X or even the 2022 Honda CB150R Streetfire which ranges from IDR 29 million to 33 million.

This means that Honda must immediately release the 2022 Honda ADV 160 immediately because the price is the most expensive for the automatic size of the 150-160 cc engine. So what will appear this year?

Production Age Not Three Years

Usually the cycle of updating or facelift of a motorcycle product spans three years. The Honda ADV 150 itself will only be three years old in July, because this motorbike itself was released at the 2019 GIIAS title.

With the product being relatively young and having embedded a lot of technology, of course, Honda still wants this bike to survive first. Moreover, this motorbike is still fresh in several countries that get units from Indonesia. 

The design that is different from the matic classmate as well as the embedded technology and features still makes this one product have a class of its own. From the Japanese brand, only the Honda ADV 150 is an adventure-style automatic motorcycle model

But usually AHM also releases new color changes for models that are not yet going for a facelift, and this Honda ADV 150 is one of the products that has not yet received a color update. The last color update was carried out in September 2020.

Honda ADV 160 2022 Launching This Year?

Reflecting on the explanation above, it seems difficult that the Honda ADV 160 with an eSP+ engine will be coming soon. But we've rounded up a number of reasons that could have made its arrival faster.

The first is production efficiency, by relying on the only 150 cc ESP engine, of course it will be more efficient if all 150 cc products are replaced with the latest 160 cc eSP+ engine, right? This also only leaves the Honda ADV 150.

Second, this motor has many complaints that its performance is too smooth, although many are satisfied with its fuel efficiency. However, with a dashing appearance like an adventure motorbike, this performance is considered less kicking.

The engine specifications are exactly the same as the previous Honda Vario 150, 4-stroke, SOHC 2 valve liquid cooling and ESP technology. The size of the piston and the piston stroke are identical, namely 57.3 mm and 57.9 mm.

Although in fact, this engine on the Honda ADV 150 has been upgraded so that it has a larger output, with 14.5 PS of power at 8,500 rpm and 13.8 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, it's still too big. Understandably, the weight of the Honda ADV 150 is 20 kg heavier than the Honda Vario 150!

Then what would it be like if this motorbike carried the same eSP + engine as the Honda PCX 160? Based on the specifications, the Honda PCX 160 engine is capable of producing power reaching 16 PS at 8,500 rpm and torque of 14.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

There is an increase of up to 1.5 PS and 0.9 Nm from the current 150 cc engine, of course it's pretty good and it will feel more responsive if it is paired with the Honda ADV 160. Not only that, fuel consumption is also still economical, it can still penetrate 45 km / liters!

And even though it uses a 160 cc ESP + engine, Honda will usually reset the ECM and CVT parts so that they can provide even better output. This means that there will be a possibility that the engine that is carried is stronger than that of the 2022 Honda PCX 160, even though the basis is the same.

Regarding the completeness of the motorbike, it seems that the Honda ADV 150 is currently the most in its class. For example, adjustable windshield, full LED lights, CBS and ABS brakes, full digital panel meter, power outlet, long travel suspension, Smart Key System, Side Stand Switch and disc brakes on both wheels.

We believe that in the future the latest model will also be embedded with HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) technology. Then there is the possibility of applying the eSAF frame to pursue a lighter motor weight.

So if not in the near future, it seems Honda ADV 160 2022 is likely to be present at the end of the year. Let's wait together.

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Suzuki Ertiga India gets a refresh, check out the changes

Maruti Suzuki in India has just given a refresh on the Ertiga MPV. This time the addition is arguably not too significant but in terms of technology it becomes more complete.

 At first glance, there are no radical changes to the appearance of the latest Ertiga, which Maruti calls the Next Gen Ertiga. Only a few exterior details can be seen that the changes are on the front grille which now uses a wing design with a touch of chrome. LED projector lamps are convenient for lighting during travel. On the back, the shape of the stop lamp is known as 3D origami style with unchanged LEDs. A touch of black garnish is present on the back door. The legs have a duo tone rim and an automatic mirror folding feature.

The dimensions are also no different from the old model. It is still 4,395 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,690 mm high with a wheelbase of 2,740 mm. Ertiga still offers agility with a turning radius of 5.2 meters. This seven-passenger MPV offers a luggage volume of 209 liters when the third row seats are used and 803 liters when the second and third row seats are folded for greater carrying capacity.

Entering the interior, the latest Ertiga gets a change in wooden ornaments on the dashboard. The design is still the same as the previous model with the use of two colors, namely beige and dark. A touch of wood is also found in the trim on the door.

The head unit is relatively new, at least in the features it offers. The size is 7 inches with SmartPlay Pro capabilities that can be connected with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The top variant of the Ertiga also has four speakers and two tweeters with an audio steering switch for comfort while driving. The color TFT screen on the MID is also still present on the latest Ertiga.

Other features that are present include a start stop button, auto AC, double blower with three step settings for the second and third rows, cup holder with cooler, rear defogger and smart key. Power sockets are present in the first to third rows, tilt steering, paddle shift and electric rearview mirror settings.

The Ertiga also gets the new Suzuki Connect feature. This is an internet of vehicle feature that connects the vehicle with the mobile phone of Ertiga users. There are about 40 features in the application, some of which are interesting including stolen vehicle notification and tracking, geo-fence, time fence, AC idling, as well as requests for information about vehicles and trips.

Safety features on the new Ertiga include the Heartect platform, dual front airbags, ABS EBD and BA. There are also ESP and Hill hold, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX as well as seatbelts with pre tensioner.

Regarding the engine, the Ertiga uses a 1,462 cc K15C Smart Hybrid kitchen runway. This is one of the main concerns of the changes in the latest Ertiga. This engine offers 101 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136.8 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine drives the front wheels with a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Thanks to this mild hybrid technology, the Ertiga offers idle start stop, brake energy regeneration and torque assist features as standard.

Especially for the Indian market, there is also a choice of CNG that can be selected for the fuel mode. Using the 1,462 cc K15C engine, this engine offers 87 hp and 121.5 Nm of torque in CNG mode and 100 hp with 136 Nm of torque in gasoline mode. Transmission options are only a five-speed manual.

Ertiga is offered in several variants, starting from LXi as the lowest, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+ as the highest. The price tag starts at 835,000 Indian rupees or around IDR 157 million to 1.1 million Indian rupees or around IDR 212 million.

In Indonesia, it is likely that the Ertiga will also get the same Smart Hybrid technology. At the IIMS exhibition some time ago, PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS) has shown and introduced this mild hybrid technology.

Suzuki Smart Hybrid consists of 3 main components that support the performance of conventional combustion engines, namely ISG (Integrated Starter Generator), Lithium-Ion Battery and Regenerative Breaking. ISG is Suzuki's first technological development in creating fuel efficient vehicles at affordable prices. With the use of ISG components and Lithium-Ion Battery, Suzuki cars have advantages such as the auto-stop feature, a smooth and silent restart after the auto-stop is active, power assistance for lighter acceleration during stop and go, as well as easy regeneration of battery power during vehicle speed reduction

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Turning the AC on and off, don't be careless, these are the rules

 Air Conditioner aka AC aka air conditioning on the vehicle is in charge of helping comfort. Especially during the dry season, car air conditioning is one of the mainstays to make driving comfortable. The problem is, many are not aware of this air conditioning operation. Not all drivers turn on the car's air conditioner the right way. With the aim of cooling the car cabin, but because of the wrong way, it actually makes the temperature in the cabin even hotter.

The hot temperature in the car cabin is definitely uncomfortable and can slow down the driver's reaction while driving. If the cabin in the car heats up to 35 degrees Celsius, the driver's reaction will be reduced by 20 percent compared to driving in a cabin with a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

AC operation should not be done haphazardly. If you do not follow the rules, it is possible that these components can be damaged quickly. For example, when turning off the engine, the AC should also be disabled. Because, in the long term there will be components that quickly break down prematurely.

Common mistakes

The mistake most drivers make when turning on the air conditioner is to set the air conditioner to the coldest temperature immediately after entering the car cabin. Even though this one will actually make hot air circulated in the car cabin. The right and effective way to make the car cabin cool quickly is to open the door and glass first for about 1 minute, to wait for all the car systems to connect. After 1 minute, close all doors and windows, then turn on the air conditioner to the coldest setting.

Then, the AC grille should not be directed at the driver in order to cool down quickly. This method can actually make the temperature inside the car cabin become hotter. We recommend that you point the AC grille to the roof so that cold air is more evenly distributed throughout the cabin. If the car is equipped with automatic AC settings, we can take advantage of this feature. By using the Auto system, the cabin will still feel cool and the air circulation from outside is still ongoing so that the glass will not appear fogged.  

There are other bad habits that are often done by vehicle owners. That is turning on and off the car air conditioner when the engine speed is still high. Even though when the engine speed is high, the compressor rotation automatically also goes high. If the car's air conditioner is suddenly turned off or on in these conditions, the car's compressor will bear a large enough burden. As a result, there will be considerable friction in the AC pulley components and the compressor center piece.

Things not to do

There are some things not to do. Do not drive with the windows open when the air conditioner is on. Make sure you close the windows on the car, this is intended so that no dust and dirt from the outside enters the car and is sucked in by the car air conditioner and sticks to the cabin. That way the air conditioner will stay awake and not emit a bad smell.

The thing that is often seen is smoking in the car. Never smoke when the AC is on. Cigarette smoke can cause excess dirt in the cabin, so the car air conditioner will be damaged quickly and not cold. Avoid smoking in the car if you want the car air conditioner to stay cool and well maintained.

Well, when you are driving and will arrive at your destination, make sure to turn off the AC first before turning off the car engine, as well as when you will turn on the car engine after turning on the AC optimally. Incorrect use causes the voltage of the electrical system in the car to be high and unstable, it can have a slow impact on the damage to the electrical system components in the car.

Do routine maintenance

Finally, don't forget to check regularly the condition of the car's air conditioner so that it can work optimally. Routine maintenance to avoid long-term effects. The reason is that there are many important components in the air conditioner, such as compressors, condensers, to evaporators. If there is a problem with the component, then the performance of the AC will not be optimal.

There are a few things to note:

- Every 6 months / 10 thousand km replace the cabin filter.

- Every 1 year light periodic service such as blower and condenser service.

- Every 2 years a major service includes the evaporator, blower, condenser, changing the dryer and cabin filter and recharging the freon.

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