Honda may introduce a small adventure bike based on the Hornet 2.0 in India in the near future.
Having spent significant time, effort and capital on the Hornet 2.0 platform, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is said to be exploring possibilities of introducing new models based on it.
President, CEO and MD of HMSI, Atsushi Ogata has recently stated that the adventure bike would basically have a small capacity engine like 160cc or 200cc.
He added that since Hornet 2.0 platform is new, discussions are underway about expanding the variety of models offered using the platform and one of the options is an adventure motorcycle.
Launched back in August, the Hornet 2.0 was the replacement for the 160cc Hornet and is powered by an air-cooled 184.4cc HET PGM-Fi engine that puts out 17 HP at 8500 RPM and 16.1 Nm at 6000 RPM. It is mated to a 5-speed transmission.
The motorcycle comes with equipment and features such as USD forks upfront, all-LED lighting, digital cluster, single-channel ABS and it weighs 142 kg.
If Honda does make an adventure bike based on the Hornet 2.0’s platform, then it most likely will borrow the naked bike’s engine as well and will not be powered by a 160cc or 200cc motor that Ogata San spoke about.
Styling of the Honda Hornet 2.0 adventure bike might draw inspiration from the manufacturer’s CRF 250L range that is sold overseas.
When it gets launched in India, the small adventure bike will be pitted squarely against the Hero Xpulse 200, but, it will be priced higher since the Hornet 2.0 itself is priced at Rs. 1.26 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Honda Hornet 2.0 Adventure Bike
- Honda is considering launching a Hornet 2.0-based ADV
- The manufacturer wants to make the most of the platform
- Discussions are currently underway about the project
Source – CarandBike.com