If we look at Honda's offerings for India, especially the 150cc street bikes, there is something we feel it misses out in every single motorcycle. All the Honda motorcycles lacked attractiveness, which is one of the most important things needed for a buyer, especially the college-going students. Guess Honda finally woke up and took this seriously and finally after came up with a motorcycle that not only has got their super-smooth engine, slick gearbox and Honda's reliability but also something that is hotter. Yes! Honda finally came up with the Hornet CB 160 R, which for us looks like the perfect street fighter from Honda. Without wasting anymore time, let us find out what the Honda Hornet 160 has got.
Rider's Note: I loved the design on this motorcycle, especially the tank and the taillight, which just makes it look like a proper muscular street fighter, accompanied with the Honda's butter smooth engine and super smooth gearbox and also CBS for safety, this seriously is a good overall package.
Styling:
The bike looks close to the concept Honda showcased in the 2014 Delhi Auto-Expo, the CX-01. Muscular, that is exactly how this looks. The headlights reminds us a little of the Hunk and it goes with the overall design of the motorcycle. Coming to the tank, it is muscular, something which we always wanted to see, which makes it even better and beefier. The nice finishing on the motorcycle gives it a premium look. The rear end is sharp and finished off with an X-shaped taillight which again gives us another reason to love this motorcycle's design. Overall the motorcycle looks really great, muscular and sharp, thereby giving it a sturdy and premium motorcycle feel.Instrument Cluster and Switchgear:
The instrument cluster is the same as that of the Honda Unicorn 160, a LED display that displays odometer, trip meters, tachometer, fuel gauge and time. The instrument cluster goes well with the overall design of the motorcycle and is placed neatly. The switchgear on the other hand are the same old commuter derived switchgear, which sticks out like a sore thumb. Honda seriously, we mean seriously needs to consider updating the switchgear for their motorcycles, at least for the premium ones.Ergonomics:
Since the bike is a sport commuter, you may expect a slightly aggressive seating posture, but no you sit upright. The centre-set footpegs, the straight handlebar all adds up to the upright stance. The knees does fit in perfectly to the curve of the tank shrouds which helps in cornering. The seat is very comfortable as both the rider and the pillion sit comfortably on the motorcycle.Engine and Performance:
The engine on the Hornet is the same as that of the Unicorn 160 but makes slightly more power than the Unicorn 160. The engine is a 160cc single cylinder one that churns out a maximum power of 15.6 bhp at 8500 rpm and a good torque of 14.7 Nm at 6500 rpm. The engine feel is just like any other Honda engine, butter-smooth and so is the gearbox which makes it a joy to ride. The NVH levels on this motorcycle is low too.The Hornet loves to be revved hard and it is close to the redline that the bike really comes to life. We feel it is best to ride the bike between 80 km/h to 100 km/h which it does effortlessly. With such less NVH levels, top-end performance and a butter smooth engine and gearbox, the Hornet performs really well.
Riding Dynamics:
Considering the centered set footpegs and also a relaxed seating posture, one might expect the Hornet to not fair well in the corner, but that is where you are wrong. Telescopic suspension at the front and mono-suspension at the rear aids in good handling. The Hornet CB 160R is super stable in the corners and riding around the corner is a joy with it, also thanks to the wide MRF tyres which offer good grip. Regarding braking, Honda has again made options for braking to this model as well, with the base variant having just front disc brake while the top end model has got disc brakes at both front and rear along with CBS which makes stopping very quick.
Pros:
1. Super smooth engine and gearbox.
2. Honda reliability.
3. Styling.
Cons:
1. Poor quality switchgear.
2. No engine kill switch.
1. Super smooth engine and gearbox.
2. Honda reliability.
3. Styling.
Cons:
1. Poor quality switchgear.
2. No engine kill switch.
Verdict:Honda might have taken a really long time to come up with what we can call a perfect street fighter for our markets but it finally came with one. At almost close to 1 lac rupees (on-road), the Hornet 160 might be slightly overpriced than it's close competitors but considering everything it has to offer (smooth engine, slick gearbox, Honda's new technology and CBS) it does make for a good overall package. Sure Honda misses out few basic things like engine kill switch and better quality switchgear, everything else on this bike is just perfect.
Review By: Rakesh Gowda
