Targeted at the young at heart who likes to go fast, the 109cc Wave Dash comes in three variants, with the top of the range model sporting Repsol livery and disc brakes at front and rear.
According to Honda, the new variant gives 5% more horsepower and 12% better fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor when tested according to the ECE R40 cycle.
Translated into the real world, it means the Wave Dash F1 can cover 200m in 13.5 seconds, as opposed to 13.7 seconds previously. Combined with a slightly larger fuel tank of four litres (versus 3.7 litres), the better efficiency of the fuel injected bike (58.7km per litre versus 52.5) allows it to cover 235km before it needs refuelling.
The arrival of a disc brake for the rear wheel is very much welcome, though the entry level Type S still sports a drum brake at the rear.
Safety is also improved, with the blinkers now positioned in a more visible location, while reflectors are installed on both sides of the bike, as per UNECE rules.
Three variants are available, with the Type S sporting a drum brake at the rear, while the Type R and Repsol Edition comes with discs at the front and the rear.
At the launch in Kuala Lumpur last week, Boon Siew Honda’s CEO Koji Onishi said the Malaysian motorcycle market had seen a contraction of 19% since GST was implemented.
“Motorcycle registration data from April to December 2015 showed 261,851 units, compared to 324,180 units in the same period for 2014. The market also recorded slower retail sales in October, November and December 2015, averaging 6,600 units per month.
In a nutshell, the motorcycle market is shrinking due to the economic downturn,” said Onishi, who revealed that Boon Siew Honda will be launching more affordable models this year to counter the downturn.
On the Wave Dash FI, he said the product is the result of development that took into account market sentiments.
“It is a product which I can recommend with full confidence as the specifications are based on customers’ valuable feedback.
It is an ideal fit for everyone who is young in mind who expect a motorcycle with more powerful, safer, and fuel efficient performance. Our strong elements are striking and sportier appearance. With the tagline ‘Racing Absolute’, we are confident that the new Wave Dash will continue to dominate the Malaysian market with Honda Racing Spirit,” said Onishi.
The Wave Dash Type S and R are available in three exciting colours: Vivacity Red, Vital Blue Metallic, and Pearl Magellanic Black, while the Repsol-inspired variant comes in Luminous Orange. Prices (with GST) for the S, R, and Repsol editions are RM5,616.94, RM5,881.94 and RM6,040.94 respectively.
