In the year 1999, a homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer Hero Honda gave the market first India made 150CC motorcycle. The Hero Honda CBZ was leaps and bound ahead of its competition and took the riding experience to a totally different level. Little did anyone knew that the CBZ will become a child’s dream from the 1990s. With that said, let’s have a sneak peek why Hero Honda CBZ became an iconic motorcycle in the Indian automotive market.
What made Hero Honda CBZ stand out?
The primary reason for a successful motorcycle was the aesthetic appeal. CBZ came with the typical CB design scheme from the Japanese manufacturer Honda. Hero Honda CBZ also featured a twin-pod instrument cluster with a dedicated speedo and a tachometer. This was something new to everyone in this segment. A fuel gauge was also something to note which the rivals of CBZ missed.
How was CBZ in terms of performance?
Well, along with head-turning aesthetics, CBZ also got a powerful gem of an engine. The motor was a 156.8cc with a SOHC setup. The engine was capable of producing 12.5hp@8000rpm and a peak torque of 12.4Nm@6,500rpm. Both of the figures were class-leading back in the 90s. The engine was combined to a yet again first in class 5-speed gearbox. This engine was the first engine to be Euro 1 emission norms compliant and the first to be a 4-stroke gasoline engine.
Is that all to the powertrain of CBZ? you may ask. No! the motorcycle came with a unique Keihin slide-type carburettor that delivered a more precise air-fuel mixture to the engine than its rivals. This entire package gave CBZ agility. More so that it was capable of achieving 60kmph in just 5 seconds and topped the charts with a top speed of 125 kmph which was indeed fast back then.
CBZ was indeed fuel-efficient
The heart of the Hero Honda CBZ was indeed refined and fuel-efficient too, and could easily travel a minimum of 600 kms from a single tank of fuel. Talking about the fuel tank, it was capable of holding 12.5-litre of fuel.
No hesitation while braking
When it comes to braking, yet again CBZ was the first motorcycle in the segment to feature a 240mm front disc brake with Nissin brake callipers and a 130mm rear drum. A combination of both gave the motorcycle a sense of confidence when braking.
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What ended the Hero Honda CBZ (A Legend)?
The motorcycle from Hero Honda was indeed a complete package. This was possible due to the gem powertrain and a slick gearbox. Both of which lend the motorcycle ultimate performance with class-leading fuel economy. Keeping that aside, little did Hero Honda knew that the crown was about to be snatched. In 2001, Bajaj launched its take over the young generation. Bajaj Pulsar was the motorcycle that took over the market of 150 CC motorcycles. Later the CBZ made another debut with a new name ‘Xtreme’ which didn’t have the oomph to take over the likes of Pulsar.
Do you remember? Hero Splendor History | The National Motorcycle of India
What do you think about the Hero Honda CBZ? If launched again will it last? Let us know in the comment section below.
I was one of those lucky enough to ride this and she was phenomenal. You forgot to mention a class leading rear tyre with a tyre hugger. Then the unique kick proposition, where one has to lift the foot peg and then Kick. She had her own charm and charisma, but when the revised horrendous Xtreme version came out Hero as usual lost the plot. History repeated itself with the Karizma. Trust Hero to screw up a good product with Horrendous styling and always messing up the engine. You can’t trust these guys with motorcycle icons
Hi Anoop,
Indeed it was a charming and elegant motorcycle for its time. Only a person who has ridden the original CBZ knows its appeal. Well, now better late than never Hero is getting back on the market with fairly good motorcycles. Stay Pinned.
Hero CBZ 125cc విభాగం లో ప్రారంభించండి
Yes definately, the Hero Honda CBZ was way ahead in terms of quality, had ridden a friends CBZ from Mumbai to Goa and the bike ran beautifully, the older gen bikes had something special in them
Hi,
Yes! not an icon but a legend in our hearts. Stay pinned.
I have also CBZ .but company need to relounch again in old look like 1999 . They are number of lover of cbz
Hi Lakhvir,
Sure the motorcycle was a fair deal back then. Yes! Hero has surely moved forward with time as they have launched some really great motorcycles. Stay Pined to get updates on the new launches.
Yes. Indeed . Of course. Actually I am always looking for such a byke. I need one of them
Hi,
Thanks to the new Hero development one can buy good motorcycles now. Though CBZ being history is a legend. Stay Pinned for more.
This CBZ xtreme is good in quality, best looks,power and fuel efficiency. But present CBZ xtreme is opposite to old bike.
Hi Shyam,
Yes! the CBZ was surely on a different level. Stay Pinned.
It was a legend in Motor bikes
It had dual Acceleration
I bought this bike in 1999.
Still i don’t see much comfortable bikes than CBZ.
Hi Sunil,
Yes! it was sure an amazing motorcycle we all love. Stay pinned.
the new xtreme 160r will takes the lead this time
Hi Aditya,
Yes! for sure the new Hero Xtreme looks promising. Stay Pinned!
Yes indeed, It should be launched again i likr it very much…
Hi Navneet,
We wish the same. Stay Pinned!
Yeah it’s a great bike and I am a proud owner too. I am using the CBZ for my daily commute.
Hi Mohan,
I’m sure your CBZ runs like a dream, ride safe. cheers! Stay Pinned.
I am using 2003 model CBZ its unique design give attraction than any other bikes i love so much really 90s kids favrt bike still lots of fans for these bike and friends too like these bike simply powerfull and fuel effitient but i dont like to use in urban areas and traffic jams leave from there and in highways and straight roads and other long riding condition it gives the mood to travel more ❤️
Hi,
Indeed it was an amazing motorcycle. Stay Pinned!
Why stopped Zmr, it is too good in city traffic, it is fantastic bike ride so smooth
Hi Girish,
Hero moto corp might be up to something big. Let’s see what they have to offer in the future. Stay Pinned.
My friend had one in our college days.cbz was a class apart.i enjoyed riding it.New variants like Xtreme are no where near it.I own a karizma and still I’m looking for an old cbz.Decent looks and great riding comfort.way better than current 150 cc bikes
Is there any chance to relaunch cbz or cbz star bcoz I am still waiting for buy that king , it’s my dream bike
Is there any chance to relaunch cbz or cbz star bcoz I am still waiting for that king , not only me may of cbz lover are waiting
Hi Ravi,
Hero has moved on with the CBZ and might not re-release it. Instead, they are dialing the game up a notch with the Xtreme motorcycles.
I have 2003 blue colour cbz and i love to ride always … ❤️
And also have 2011 karizma that to in yellow colour
Both are unique 🙂
I don’t think this will come again …
Anyways happy to maintain both beauty’s 👼
Hi Zaid,
Yes, correct! Stay Pinned and Happy Motoring.
I’m still riding one of the beast with same beauty.
Well hero have to modify something like ,more power in engine ,sleek design bcoz today youngsters like more powerful bikes nd new technology in which hero is faraway
I will be the first to Book if re-launched. …this old CBZ I super duper bike I ever drove.
Again production cbz thaught is very impressive to cbz lovers and very profitable for company..
Indeed CBZ was ahead for its time in 1999. I have a 1999 model in excellent condition. Last week I got the FC done from 20yrs to 25yrs. HH has not even given a multi reflector head light when CBZ star was launched such was the ignorance given to this bike. Eventually sales dwindled due to high cost compared to fiero and pulsar. A unique feature TPFC for transient power fuel control activated by second cable in carburettor gives inrush of acceleration at 4.5k rpm when opening throttle from 4k rpm to 5k rpm. I am very much attached to CBZ and hence keeping it further.
My parents gifted me one in 2000, when I was 20, I still maintain it and use for occasional long drives. Sure was a blockbuster then and offered much better quality than Pulsar, which was launched later. Bajaj had a lower price, better fuel economy and a youth friendly marketing campaign which made them market leaders in the segment later. I am still in love with my CBZ…
My father owned this and so it’s still sitting in our home. I had an interest in this bike but never knew it was so iconic in India until reading this article. I guess it’s not wrong to call it the Toyota Supra of Indian motorcycle market. I will try to restore the one at our home now.
I’m also CBZ lover the same bike relaunch available CBZ xtreme 2nd version waiting to buy it
Iam long waiting around 23 year pls pls come CBZ 99model
We hope Honda is listening!
Got my 2001 CBZ restored recently!!