A full faired Honda CB Hornet 160R could be launched in 2017 to take on the Suzuki Gixxer SF.
Honda has announced that it will be launching four new motorcycles by this year end. One will be the performance adventure motorcycle, the Africa Twin. Honda has already begun trial production of the same. Of the rest three, Honda has confirmed that two shall be all new scooters, and we’re left with one. Honda says it will be a commuter segment motorcycle.
Reports suggest that the commuter segment focused motorcycle could be the full faired version of the CB Hornet 160R. Honda’s decision to bring out the full faired version of the CB Hornet 160R makes sense too. Suzuki has already tasted success with the Gixxer SF, which is the full faired version of the Gixxer. It also happens to be the cheapest full faired motorcycle on sale in India.
The full faired Honda CB Hornet 160R will have a relaxed riding position and will be a fun motorcycle. The engine will be the same 162.7cc air-cooled unit that belts out 15.04 HP of power and 14.8 Nm of torque. The motor comes mated to a 5-speed transmission. Expect the full faired model to get some sharp, sporty styling and to carry forward the same frame and cycle parts from its naked sibling.
Honda sold just 1446 units of the Hornet 160R last month and the full faired version might just be the need of the hour to increase the falling sales of the premium commuter. Meanwhile Suzuki sold 6146 untis of the Gixxer while Yamaha sold 15,470 units of the FZ in March 2017, easily outselling the CBR maker’s 150cc offering.
Full Faired Honda CB Hornet 160R
– Honda is likely to bring a full faired CB Hornet 160R by this year end
– Honda has discontinued the CBR150R in India, so there are no faired 150cc offerings from Honda
– Prices are expected to hover around Rs. 90,000/- to Rs. 95,000/- (ex-showroom)
Source – ZigWheels.com
