HONDA cb hornet 160R Review

Source: Honda India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) is the world’s top two-wheeler company. After splitting with Hero Motocorp, now, it is the second largest two-wheeler company in India.

Honda started its operations in India from 2001 and, in 17 years since then, Honda has now become India’s 2nd largest two-wheeler company with over 36 million delighted customers. By statistics, every 5 seconds a new Honda two wheeler is sold out.

The CB Series is a large-scale line of Honda two-wheelers. Most of the CB models are road-going motorcycles for commuting and cruising. All CB series motorcycles have inline engines.

Let’s talk about the CB Hornet 160R. It was launched in 2015 to replace the CB Trigger, again which was launched after the inefficiency of Dazzler to perform in the market.

It was designed and powered to compete the rivals Yamaha FZ and Suzuki Gixxer.

Specification

Engine

Type	Air Cooled, 4 Stroke, SI BS-IV Engine
Displacement	162.71cc
Max Net Power	11.1 kW (14.9 bhp) @ 8500 rpm
Max Net Torque	14.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Bore	57.30 mm
Stroke	63.09 mm
Compression Ratio	10:01

Source: Honda India

Looks

Hornet is for the street racers and daily commuters who love good design and muscular shapes in their bikes. The ‘R’ in 160R suggests it as a racer bike; but folks, it is a good commuter bike too. It comes in 5 different colors; mars orange, sports red, striking green (my fav), dazzling yellow metallic and athletic blue metallic.

The highlight in the designs is the tail light, with the ‘X’ symbol on the tail; anyone would want to look again at this epic styling. With muscular tanks reminding you of Hero Hunk, chunky rear tires, tall pillion seat, new automatic LED lights, and stylish exhaust; it’s a dazzling sight to see.

Source: Honda India

Performance

The new Honda CB Hornet 160R comes with the same powertrain as the Honda Unicorn 160cc bike- Type Air cooled, 4-stroke and SI engine.

Well, today we are excited about the new CB Hornet 160R launched in 2018. It is not suitable to say Hornet has started to give a tough competition to FZ and Gixxer now, in fact, the attack on mid-range sports bikes started off in 2015 itself. It is now even more powerful, elegant and muscular than any of its rivals.

Fuel efficiency is good and, it exceptionally depends on the rider. The company claims the fuel efficiency around 55-59 kmpl, but, in the actual scenario you can get up 45-50 kmpl. Being a city commuter bike, the traffic also affects these statistics.

Gear changing is smooth as in every Honda bikes, sitting position of the rider is very comfy, but the pillion rider is a bit sporty; of not suitable for your old mother to sit. Well, your father, brother, and friends can sit there comfortably, and your girlfriend too; if any ;)

For those who don’t have enough experience with two-wheelers, may feel a bit hard in corners while going slow. The massive fuel tank looks good but a bit scary to new bees. The 145kg bike may be tough for them. For those are familiar with Hero Hunk, Pulsar 200NS etc. will have none of these problems.

Power from the engine can be felt a bit later after revving up, but, the power is massive and strong. The engine is fine-tuned and powerful version of CB Unicorn. All the Unicorn lovers, this will be the new favourite for you guy if you try it once.

You can go up to the top speed of 130-150 km/h but, I suggest don’t go beyond 80; not that it is not capable of maintaining the balance and composure, but, are you in control of the bike in 80 km/h plus speed (except on straight highways).

Price:95,503 - 1,04,000 (INR on road price)

Source: Honda India

Final verdict:

Looks and design: 8/10

Specs & features: 7/10

Dynamics & performance: 7/10

Safety & quality: 9/10

A great bike for those who are looking for the style with a bit power some comfort and great mileage in a bike should go for it. Best suited for city driving, but it will do even if you want to take her for long distance travelling.

Even though it has an ‘R’ it doesn’t mean it is a serious racing bike its just 160 cc bike, though it has enough power but not enough to be called a sports bike.

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