The Re-born Honda EX5 Dream

It is not easy to keep maintain in the market. Some may have short lifecycle, and some are very lucky to have longer period being maintain in the market. Each of products has their own lifecycle. Raymond Vernon in 1966 developed the theory and it tell us how the business on going. He said, product lifecycle will go thru 4 levels which are introductory, growth, maturity and decline.

However, the chronicle of Honda EX5 is very poles apart. Even Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd bring in EX5 to market since 1987 (more than 25 years) seems like it doesn’t have decline stage. Not just me seems it as unusual, but same goes to Managing Director and CEO Boon Siew Honda, Satoshi Okada. Okada-san happily said that his quite shock regarding Honda had extensive product lifecycle in Asia, especially in Malaysia.

EX5 first model is the most success motorcycle. Everybody love the bike, even until today, it still have demand. Of course it is because of the overall performance, durability, reliability, and ease to maintain. I can bet u guys, EX5 is the easiest bike u can see on the road, it is everywhere. Whether u can see it in the middle of the city, or u can see it in the suburb area – farming official bike.

Recently, Boon Siew Honda had launched their new EX5, 3^rd generation. It was launched with the tag line “Bapa borek, anak rintik” or “like father like son”. The 2^nd generation was introduced in 2001 but it can’t rid of the first model popularity. 

The new generation of the iconic moped had been given new look, but for me; Honda was turning back to the 1^st generation concept. The classic concept combined with little younger design. But, the look from behind is quite weird. I am not sure either the new EX5 is for the youth generation or maybe Honda try to capture the older bike user. The main fault is the backlight. I believe, and for sure other also agreed with me, the previous generation backlight is much better than the new one.   

In the aspect of engine, the bike powered by 110cc compared to the previous model only got 100cc machine. Honda claimed that they made improvements on the aspect of design and technical to increase the performance and durability. The major importance, the power improvements did not superseded the fuel economy function. Each litre of petrol could make 53.6 kilometres. 

Other than that, the leg cover is widening to improve the aerodynamic aspect instead of covering the engine. New EX5 also had been installed with high durability shock system. To ensure the stability of the bike, the tyre size was enlarged. 

Although the design more to oldschool type, it is still a good bike. The performance, handling, durability, economy, practicality and the price tag, it is worth to buy. But, Honda can’t give high expectation from the local market; of course Malaysian will give priority to the design aspect nowadays.

Honda EX5 Dream 110 can be purchased at RM3,908 for the basic unit, while RM4,145 for the electric starter variant. It comes with four colors option; Red Euphoria Metallic, Pearl Green, Blue Vital Metallic and Purple Mariana Metallic. Boon Siew Honda gave two years warranty or mileage 20,000 kilometers.

Specification:

Engine: 4 Stroke OHC Air Cooled

Max Power: 5.64 kW @7500 rpm

Max Torque: 8.32 Nm @ 3300 rpm

Transmission: 4 Speeds

Price: RM3,908 (kick starter), RM4,145 (electric starter)