Honda states the new CB Hornet 160R won’t replace the CB Trigger. It is likely to use the same powertrain from the new CB Unicorn 160.
Making its grand entry at the RevFest, Honda India has officially showcased its newest contender in the domestic market called the ‘CB Hornet 160R’ at its grandiose RevFest being conducted simultaneously in eight cities tonight. The new CB Hornet 160R is here to take on the premium 150cc motorcycle space as a sportier, faster and better-looking offering positioned above the CB Unicorn 160 in the segment. Honda says the Hornet won’t be replacing the low selling Trigger and the latter is set to get a minor facelift later this year. The 160R is the first small capacity motorcycle globally to get the Hornet moniker in Honda’s stable. The name till date has been used for bikes ranging between 250 to 900cc.
The 2015 Honda CB Hornet 160R boasts of an agile and muscular styling, taking cues from the CX-01 concept showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo. The upright design comprises of the sharp fuel tank that is flanked by air shrouds on either side and carries Honda’s wing logo. The headlight cluster is a chiseled unit and comes with a small black windscreen. Adding some flair are the brushed silver and black elements on the tank, side panels and exhaust muffler. Further, you get a step-up seat, silver finished grab rails, clear lens indicators and an X shaped LED tail light unit. The matte black-finished engine adds to the sporty appeal of the bike. The CB Hornet 160R uses an all-digital LCD instrument cluster and is easily one of the most stylish bikes to come from the Japanese automaker in the commuter space.
With the CB Hornet 160R being just a showcase for now, powertrain details are very much under wraps but Honda says that the new motorcycle will be using a 160cc engine that we reckon will be shared with the CB Unicorn 160. The latter uses a 163cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, but could be tuned to improved power output on the Hornet. Coming to other mechanicals, the bike comes with fatter telescopic front forks and a monoshock suspension setup at the rear, while braking performance comes from the single front and rear wave disc brakes along with Honda’s Combi-Braking System (CBS). You also get a midship exhaust unit and the bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with a wider rear tyre.
Honda is promising quick acceleration with high performance from the CB Hornet 160R and the bike will go on sale later this year. The motorcycle has good looks to its credit that will certainly grab attention on the streets. In terms of competition, the CB Hornet 160R will rival in the premium 150cc segment against the Yamaha FZ V2.0, Suzuki Gixxer, Bajaj Pulsar AS 150 and the likes. Expect the Honda CB Hornet 160R to be priced upwards of Rs. 90,000/- (on-road).
