Honda has officially patented the Air Blade maxi-scooter in India. This patent follows the earlier WN7 electric bike patent. If launched, the Air Blade could help Honda enter the 150cc+ scooter segment in India. This move indicates the brand’s potential interest in the growing 150cc-plus sporty scooter segment that has recently started gaining traction.
The Air Blade maxi-scooter is available in two engine configurations overseas: 160cc and 125cc. Both models carry the same design.
The lower-displacement iteration is powered by a 124.8cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This setup produces 11.8hp and 11.3Nm of torque.
On the other hand, the higher-displacement model uses a 156.9cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This 160cc iteration of the Air Blade produces 15.2hp and 14.8Nm.
Honda has currently only patented the design, so the decision lies with the brand on whether it chooses to bring the lower-displacement or higher-displacement version to India. Introducing the higher-displacement version would help to better rival the established competition.
The physical footprint and hardware of the Honda Air Blade are designed to offer a balance of agility and stability.
If launched in India, the Air Blade could compete with the Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160. These two are currently the prominent players in the Indian maxi-scooter segment.
When compared to its competition, the Honda Air Blade holds a distinct weight advantage. At 113kg, it is 29kg lighter than the Hero Xoom 160 and 13kg lighter than the Yamaha Aerox 155. However, a potential trade-off is its tyre profile. The Air Blade’s narrower 90/100-section tyres contrast with the wider 110/140-section (Front/Rear) setup found on the two maxi-scooters currently sold in India.
While the patent is an exciting development, it is important to understand what it means for the Indian market. A patent filing from Honda does not directly point to an imminent launch. This could simply be an IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) safeguard, something the brand routinely exercises.
However, unlike the previously patented WN7 electric bike, the Air Blade appears to be a product that could genuinely fill a gap in Honda’s portfolio. It has the potential to help the brand firmly establish a foothold in the premium sporty scooter market in the country.
What engine sizes does the Honda Air Blade come in?
Who are the main competitors for the Honda Air Blade in India?
How much does the Honda Air Blade weigh?
Does the patent confirm the scooter will be launched in India?
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Read the full article: Honda Air Blade Maxi-Scooter Patented in India: To Compete Aerox 155?
