Honda took the wraps off its latest motorcycle, the Honda X-Blade at the 2018 Auto Expo this month. Let’s see how different the bike is, when compared to its sibling- the Honda CB Hornet 160R.
The Honda CB Hornet 160R follows a naked bike design with muscular bodywork. The bike has remained more or less the same since its launch. Though the X-Blade is based on the Hornet, its design language is completely new; and has lots of angular elements to appeal to those looking for a more aggressive design. At the same time, the bike is cheaper than the Hornet at an expected price of below INR 79,000 ex-showroom, Delhi. Here’s how they perform on paper.
| Specifications | Honda X-Blade | Honda CB Hornet 160R |
| Engine | 162.71 cc HET engine with air cooling | 162.71 cc HET air-cooled mill |
| Peak Power | 14.12 PS at 8,500 rpm | 15.25 PS at 8,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 13.9 Nm at 6,000 rpm | 14.76 Nm at 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Front Wheel | 80/100-17 | 100/80-17 |
| Rear Wheel | 130/70-17 | 140/70-17 |
| Front Brake | 276 mm disc | 276 mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm drum | 130 mm drum / 220 mm disc |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 litres | 12 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 140 kg | 138 kg / 140 kg (CBS) |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm | 164 mm |
| Price, ex-showroom, Delhi | Under INR 79,000 (Indicative price) | INR 82,359 (STD) / INR 86,823 (CBS) |
The Honda X-Blade has a slightly detuned engine, and comparatively thinner tyres as well. However, it has refreshing styling, complete with ‘transformer-inspired’ LED headlamps. The Hornet gets a halogen headlamp only. The Japanese brand showcased the 2018 Honda CB Hornet 160R at the expo. The bike comes with LED headlamp, and ABS as well. Honda is yet to reveal the bike’s availability. Honda has opened the bookings for the X-Blade; and the deliveries will start from the middle of March on first-come-first-serve basis.
Overall, the X-Blade is an ideal alternative for budget-conscious buyers who are in the market for a sporty looking commuter. Other rivals in the 150 cc space include Bajaj Pulsar 150, Suzuki Gixxer, TVS Apache RTR 160 and Yamaha FZ-S FI.
