2018 Honda X-Blade has been confirmed for India launch in March 2018.
With over 34 million units sold, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India looks forward to achieve its target of 6 million unit sales this financial year. In India, the Japanese company has expanded its product range by showcasing the 2018 Honda X-Blade at the Auto Expo. Currently, Honda’s 160cc lineup comprises of the CB Unicorn 160 and CB Hornet 160R.
With sharp in-your-face styling, it is evident that the X-Blade is targeted towards youngsters. The company plans to replicate the same acceptability in the market which the relatively-new Grazia 125 has garnered. Like some of the updated Honda products including the CBR250R and CB Hornet 160R, the X-Blade also come with all-LED headlamp contained in an aggressively-styled ‘Robo-face’ housing.
Other notable design elements on the motorcycle are dual port exhaust, tall front visor, alloy wheels, split grab rails, link-type gear shifter and a tyre hugger at the rear. The bike comes with a wheelbase of 1347 mm and a fat 130-section rear tyre. With availability scheduled from March 2018, the youthful street fighter will be offered in 5 body colours – Matte Marvel Blue, Matte Frozen Silver, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Spartan Red and Matte Marshal Green.
Powering the 2018 Honda X-Blade is a 163cc, air-cooled engine borrowed from the CB Hornet 160R and CB Unicorn 160. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, the motor puts out 13.9 HP of power and 13.9 Nm of peak torque, both of which are lower than the Hornet’s output. The bike also comes with a white-backlit digital instrument cluster with service due and gear position indicator.
Sadly, the X-Blade misses out on ABS and a rear disc brake. Braking is performed by disc brake up front and a drum brake at the rear, while the suspension setup comprises of telescopic forks and mono shock unit at the front & rear respectively.
2018 Honda X-Blade
– Honda displays all-new X-Blade at 2018 Auto Expo
– Powered by 163cc engine borrowed from CB Hornet 160R
– Market availability to commence from March 2018
