Celebrating Honda’s 50 Years in Nepal

Saurabh Jyoti is Director of Jyoti Group of Companies and Chairman of Syakar Trading Company. One of the companies under Jyoti Group, Syakar Trading is the sole authorised distributor of Honda motorcycles and scooters in Nepal. Honda entered Nepal with the initiation of Jyoti Group in 1968, and this year is celebrating 50 years in Nepal.

Who do you dedicate the success of Honda’s 50 years in Nepal to?

Firstly, I would like to dedicate the success of 50 years of Honda in Nepal to our customers. Without their trust and loyalty to Honda brand and Syakar Company this would not have been possible.

Secondly, I would like to thank my Honda family of dealers and staff who have worked tirelessly to provide the best products and services to the customers.

And last but not the least to my entire management team and family members for their support, guidance and vision to grow the Honda business to make it the number one brand of motorcycles in Nepal.

Which Honda models have enjoyed substantial sales in Nepal?

The Dio has enjoyed success as the highest selling scooter in Nepal. Its ease of use for all members of the family as well as convenience for any trip, be it to the office, shopping or a leisurely ride with loved ones backed by its reliability, durability, fuel economy makes it the best choice for our customers.

The Shine Motorcycle is the largest Selling 125 cc in Nepal and is the workhorse on which the working class moves. With the right balance of power and economy, it is the perfect choice for our customers.

Another high seller for Honda is the Unicorn 160cc, for those who want a little more power yet backed by the same Honda reliability and durability.

You are a motorbike enthusiast yourself. Tell us about your first experience behind the two-wheeler. Which was your first motorbike? Do you still have it?

I started riding at the age of 14. I used to ride during my holidays in our factory compound in Parwanipuron a CD110. Once I learned riding, I used to even take my cousins on rides. Those were my early memories of riding a motorcycle.

Later in 1992 my late grandfather Maniharsha Jyoti gifted me a NX250 Motorcycle. Unfortunately, after I left for college, the bike was sold and is not with me anymore. Once I got back from college, I got a CBR600F3 and I still own that motorcycle till date.

Which among the Honda models have found their place in your personal collection?

I have many favourites and I love to restore old motorcycles. As of now I have the following and all of them hold a special place in the history of motorcycles in Nepal and globally for Honda.

CBR1000RR: 180 hp, 0-100 in 2.9 secs, Top Speed 290 kmph, 2012 model. Made in Japan. Honda’s flagship supersports model.CB1000R: 125hp, Top Speed 230 kmph. Made in Honda Italy. PC 50- 1969. Moped Dax 70- BS 2027, 1969. This was my father’s motorcycle which he used to ride. He then sold it off. I located the buyer and bought it back from him and restored it. CD 175- 1971. Twin cylinder. CT 90- BS 2036, 1978. This is one of the first models to be imported by Syakar company. Benly S110- 1977Cub 70 C70. This is Honda highest selling model globally. CG 125. One of the most popular models of the yesteryears and you can still see some of them running on the roads till date. ATV. NC50 Roadpal. S90

As Chairman of Honda Nepal and Director of Jyoti Group, what plans have you set for Honda in Nepal?

We at Syakar and Honda don’t sell a product. We want to provide our customers a five star experience. We want our customers to have a great experience by which we can improve their lifestyle by providing them a suitable product and good aftersales support.

For this we are committed to further invest in manpower, systems and infrastructure so as to provide better network and good customer experience for our customers all over Nepal.