Honda Wave Alpha: Reasons to buy

Launched in 2015, the Honda Wave Alpha continues to be one of the best underbones on sale in the country. The fact that it also costs less than RM 5000 makes it one of the cheapest Honda that riders can buy. But the price factor does not stand strong for a lot when there are so many players like Modenas which often sell for even cheaper. And being so cheap, the Alpha is not exactly loaded with bells and whistles. Yet, it is the undisputed leader in two-wheeler sales in the Philippines. So, what makes this otherwise unremarkable underbone such a great buy? Here are just a few of them.

Stylish and practical package

The Wave Alpha was launched less than three years ago. And yet Honda has given it a cosmetic upgrade. Named MMC or Minor Model Change, these changes have made the Wave a much more appealing and modern bike than it was at the time of launch. Cosmetic changes like a blackened engine and other components along with new racy color options make the Honda Wave stand out like nothing else. Honda has made the bike available in three editions – sports, alloy wheeled, and spoke-wheeled.

The race edition comes with sporty Honda racing livery and black alloy wheels. The alloy and spoke-wheeled variant are in a much more sober garb but still come with two-tone metallic finishes. With red, blue, and black colors for each edition, there is something for everyone. Buying a bike with alloy wheels at this price range was unheard of just a few years ago. And yet here we are with the Wave Alpha that comes with swanky blackened alloys that make the bike look even more compact. Honda has also given the bike a sporty chrome covered exhaust that gives it even more flair.

The very practical scooter inspired front apron comes with a pilot light while the headlight takes its place with the handlebars. The indicators are mounted on stalks next to the headlights. There is now a new and sportier rear grab rail. The underseat storage area has remained the same as on the previous version. The alloy wheeled variants come with a single disc brake on the front. The biggest surprise lies on the otherwise basic instrument panel that comes with a gear position indicator. Certainly unexpected in a bike that costs less than RM 5000.

Efficient power and low emission

Honda is known for making some of the most refined and efficient engines and the 110 cc air-cooled and carbureted SOHC unit in the Wave Alpha is no different. It is smooth to run with its 4-speed automatic gearbox. Producing peak figures of 6.14 kW and 8.59 Nm of torque, it is not the most powerful as expected but it is in the neighbourhood of its competition. It can even do 105 kmph. With just 98 kg to lug about, it does very good o the mileage front too. Easily delivering 55 kmpl it is obviously rated as an EEV or an Energy-Efficient vehicle by the government. The most recent upgrade also made the Honda Wave Alpha Euro III compliant thanks to the new exhaust. This also allowed Honda to use carburettors instead of fuel injection which would have raised the price.

Exceptional affordability

Looking at the competition, it is hard to believe that a premium Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has an offering at the same range. And indeed that was the very origin of the Wave Alpha. Honda wanted to replicate and carry on the legacy of the Super Cub with the Wave. And by most accounts, they are very much on that path. Honda has even upped the ante by offering an alloy wheeled and disc brake equipped variant for just over RM 4500. Even the sport edition with its sporty livery costs just RM 500 more than the standard version. Honda’s enduring legacy in Malaysia means that the Wave should also be easy to live with. First, it should not break down as often (if ever). Secondly, if it does, servicing and parts availability should not be worrying.

Honda is soon to release a new and improved version of the Wave Alpha that should make it to Malaysian showrooms very soon. This means that the bike that was already so good is now going to become even better. Till then the currently available Honda Wave Alpha is more than enough for all your commuting needs.