Honda CB Hornet 160R Review

The 150-160cc segment in motorcycles has never been so popular. Most manufacturers are now present in this segment. Honda has introduced the CB Hornet 160R in this segment to make it even more exciting. The competition too is on its toes, churning out upgraded or new products, periodically. The Honda CB Hornet 160R is targeted towards the youth. A fun bike that is affordable and looks good too. Is the Honda CB Hornet 160R worth it? We find out in our review.

Honda CB Hornet 160R Price

Honda CB Hornet 160R Design

The bike exudes sportiness from wherever to see it. While Honda has been making commuter bikes, also in the 150cc segment, this time it takes a departure of sorts. Honda wanted a youthful product that will appeal to young buyers. It was targeted at say a TVS Apache or a Bajaj Pulsar.

The Honda CB Hornet 160R looks good from all around. Its design and styling is one of the key reasons for people opting for it. 

Honda CB Hornet 160R has been launched with two special edition variants as well. One is Standard and other is CBS (Combined Braking System). Both these bikes are made available in this new edition edition that gets green or orange decals options on a black body. Beside this, these edition bikes even get some new graphics as well.

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Honda Hornet 160cc Instrumentation

A fully digital instrument cluster is found here. It has a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter and a clock. There is no gear indicator. The switch gear on the Honda CB Hornet 160R is kind of basic and is placed on the left side only. It does not get an engine kill switch, which is very much desired.  It also has a kick starter that fits in very well and has a unique shape. In terms of fit and finish, the bike is right up there, leaving hardly any room for complain.

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Honda CB Hornet 160R Ride and Handling

The riding stance of the Honda CB Hornet 160R is more an upright one than sporty. This is a good thing, specially when one spends a long time riding or covering long distances. The handlebar is short and offers a sporty feel at the same time. The foot pegs positioning os also comfortable. The bike feels confident on turns and sudden direction changes. The front end feels light and could have done with some more feel. The 140/70 17 MRF Zapper S1 tyre at the rear have good grip. At the front, there is a 100/80 17 MRF Zapper tyre and along with the 276mm disc brake , it helps in positive braking. The Honda CB Hornet 160R has a 220mm disc at the rear and is also equipped with CBS (Combined Braking system), which automatically engages the rear brake if the front brake lever is engaged. This is a good feature and avoids skidding of the bike on surfaces with loose soil or gravel.

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Honda CB Hornet 160R Engine

The engine of the Honda CB Hornet 160R is very refined. This is one of USPs too. The 162.71 cc, air-cooled, single cylinder engine produces 15.6bhp of power at 8,500 rpm and 14.76 Nm of maximum torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine comes mated to a five-speed gearbox.

The engine has decent power for city riding. It also cruises comfortably. It is only when you want to derive more power on the highway that it feels lacking a bit.

 The acceleration is linear and the exhaust note too sounds good.

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Honda Hornet 160cc Mileage

The Honda CB Hornet 160R returns 59 km/l as per the ARAI certification. However, in the real world, the bike returns about 35 km/l in the city and close to 44 km/l on the highway with ease. The Honda CB Hornet 160R is highly efficient despite having good performance.

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Honda CB Hornet 160R Colours

The Honda CB Hornet 160R comes in five colour options. These are Neo Orange Metallic, Pearl Amazing White, Pearl Siren Blue, Pearl Nightstar Black and Sports Red. The limited edition like comes with Striking Green or Mars Orange Stripes on Nightstar Black body. There are additional graphics too on this edition.

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Honda CB Hornet 160R Top Speed

The Honda CB Hornet 160R has a top speed of about 110 km/h. It has quite strong acceleration and is powerful too. However, it feel best while cruising at around 80km/h.

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Honda Hornet 160cc Competition

The Honda CB Hornet 160R competes with the Suzuki Gixxer and the Yamaha FZ. These are the two major competitors for this bike. There is the Pulsar 150 also, which has come with an updated styling.

Also Read: 2017 Bajaj Pulsar 150 First Ride – Exclusive 

Honda CB Hornet 160R Dimensions