Overview

Honda eSAF Frame Rusty refers to motorbike frame that was used to several motorcycles by Astra Honda Motor in Indonesia. It became controversy after many motorbikes split into two pieces due to rusty frame.

Background

On 2019, Astra Honda Motor^[1] released automatic transmission motorbike product named Genio. It's the first motorbike that using the eSAF (Enhanced Smart Architecture Frame) frame that claimed the motorbike became lighter and agile. On August 23rd, 2023, CNBC Indonesia^[2] published article explaining list of Honda motorbikes that using the eSAF frame starting in 2020s, which include BeAT 2020, BeAT Street 2020, Scoopy late 2020, and Vario 160 2022.

On August 21st, 2023, Facebook^[3] user David HaLevi uploaded video of himself tried to checking his motorbike frame after the news about eSAF frame that easily rust and makes the motorbike split into two pieces. Later he surprised after he found that his motorbike frame which is BeAT Street that he just bought three weeks ago was already rusted and it concerned him. The video received more than 3,800 reactions and 4,200 shares in one week (shown below).

Online Reactions

Starting August 2023, the eSAF frame became discussion topics and memes, which mocking how fragile the Honda motorbikes. For example on August 23rd, 2023, Facebook^[4] user Asep Pujangga uploaded edit claming that his head is stronger than Honda's motorbike frame and GorillaGlass screen protector. The photo received more than 30,000 reactions and 1,200 shares in one week (shown below, left). On August 24th, 2023, Facebook^[5] user Bill SiPaling KrocoSangat uploaded art of Honda motorbike that split into two. The post received more than 1,300 reactions and 662 shares. On the next day, Facebook^[6] page "Shitpost Kerad" reposted the image and received more than 24,000 reactions and 1,200 shares (shown below, right).

On August 28th, 2023, Facebook^[7] user Tomi Sho uploaded photo that he received a delivery box with photos of Honda motorbikes splitted into two pieces written "Jangan Banting. Rawan Patah" (Eng. Don't slam it. It's fragile). The post received 649 reactions and 552 shares in three days (shown below).

The competitors also mocking Honda's motorbike frame to promoting their products. For example on August 25th, 2023, Instagram^[8] user @suzuki.sumbagut uploaded a brochure which claiming Suzuki's motorbike frame is stronger. The post received more than 279 likes in one week. On the next day, Facebook^[9] user Aurora reposted it to "Hujat Otomotif Indonesia Official" group. The post received more than 1,500 reactions in one week (shown below, left). Still on August 25th, 2023, Facebook^[10] page "Downloadtanku" uploaded photo one of Honda's competitor, Yamaha's banner claiming that their motorbike frame is stronger and asking the customer to proofing themselves by knocking it. The post received more than 1,800 reactions and 711 shares (shown below, right).

Developments

Astra Honda Motor Responses

On August 23rd, 2023, Honda Indonesia official Instagram^[11] account @welovehonda_id uploaded clarification video that claiming the "rust" on the frame is not rust, instead it's silicate leftover that looks like rust, then he cleaning it using wet wipes. The video received more than 62,000 likes in one week (shown below).

Search Interest

External References