Honda XBlade is the latest motorcycle form HMSI. It comes in the 160cc segment and is another entry from Honda in this segment. It comes with sharp styling and we lay our hands on this bike. How is the Honda XBlade and how different is it form the CB Hornet 160R? We ride it to find out. Read further for our review of the Honda XBlade.

Honda XBlade Design

As the name suggests, the XBlade gets razor sharp styling. The first thing you notice is the Robo-faced LED headlamp, that looks straight out of a Transformers movie. This is a first in segment full LED headlamp. The XBlade is based on the Diamond chassis which also underpins the CB Hornet 160R.

Honda Xblade front

However, the overall styling of the XBlade is sharper. The tank has got a nice sculpted look that adds to the aggression in design. The seat is long, hence rider and pillion can be comfortable, even on long runs. The taillamp is also uniquely designed and can easily be recognized from a distance. There is a two-piece grab handle at the rear. There is a tyre hugging fender on the rear wheel, which is helpful, specially in wet conditions.

Honda Xblade side

The instrument cluster is a fully digital one and is quite loaded with things such as speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, digital clock and a gear position indicator. Additionally it also gets a service reminder. There is also a hazard warning switch, which illuminates all four turn indicators. This is especially helpful when you have stopped on the roadside or during a hazard on the road.

Honda Xblade taillamp

Honda XBlade Performance

The XBlade gets a 160cc air-cooled engine. This is the same engine that does duty in the CB Hornet as well. However, the power figures differ slightly. The XBlade engine develops 13.93 bhp of power, at 8500rpm, which is around 1.5bhp less than the CB Hornet.

Honda Xblade instrument

The torque also is 13.9 Nm @ 6000rpm, 1 Nm short of the CB Hornet.  But the torque sets in at a lower rpm than the CB Hornet and that is where the characteristic for power delivery differs. The highlight of this bike is its refinement. The engine feels super smooth and the power build up is linear. It is very well-suited for city riding. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Though good enough, It is not the slickest unit. In fact, I prefer the one of the Pulsar NS 160. There is no heel shifter available and this ones gets on only a toe-shifter.

Honda XBlade Ride and Handling

If you have ridden the CB Hornet 160R, then you will find a lot of similarities in the way this bike rides. The handling is quite nimble and at the same time it remains firmly planted as well. It gets a 130/70 rear tyre which gives it good grip while cornering. There are telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The suspension is not so stiff and it has quite a pliant ride. The brakes are good and have quite a bite. The front wheel has a 276mm The bikes stops where you aim it to. There is no ABS on offer, but still, braking performance is confidence inspiring. The front gets 276mm disc brake and the rear has a drum brake.

Honda Xblade motion side

The seating posture on the XBlade is not too upright. You lean in slightly, but not too much, so it is a balance between commuter style seating and a sporty one. The bike weighs about 140kgs and has a ground clearance of 160mm.

Honda XBlade Mileage

We haven’t yet done a detailed mileage run on the bike, however, we expect it to return around 45km/l in regular riding conditions.

Honda XBlade Colours

The bike is available in 5 colour options

Matte Marvel Blue Metallic

Pearl Igneous Black

Matte Frozen Silver

Pearl Spartan Red

Matte Marshall Green Metallic

Verdict

The Honda XBlade is priced at Rs.78,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and comes only in one variant. At this price it is around Rs.5000 cheaper than the CB Hornet 160R (base version). Now, this is a decent price for a bike that looks so good. This is a head turner and will attract attention wherever it goes, for sure. The other factor you will like, is the refinement. So, a well-packaged product and one which brings in some freshness. Definitely a recommended buy.

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