The street fighter segment is heating up in the Indian two wheeler market and now Honda has added a new product to the mix by launching the Honda Hornet 2.0 in India. This newest model is loaded with aggressive styling, top-shelf hard parts and the latest technology all at an aggressive price point.
Barely latest gen The new Hornet 2.0 is more than a bike, it’s a matter of design, a design towards performance, because to let it be beautiful is easy, but to let it be beautiful & powerful at the same time, is our concern.
With features like killer looks, USD (upside-down) front forks, claimed mileage of 65 KMPL and new feature like Bluetooth connectivity Honda is targeting to rewrite the helmet of what a 200cc class streetfighter must offer. Built for the young college-goer, the city rider and the biker in you, every commuter can “fly” and that’s exciting.
Eye-Catching and Sporty Design
First thing that catches your eye about the new Hornet 2.0 is its aggressive looking streetfighter design. It gets a pointy LED headlamp at the front to complete the aggressive look and the sculpted fuel tank with sharp extensions makes the design look muscular.
The motorbike has a compact appearance but one looks very powerful, and a sports-oriented approach can be clearly made out in the design. The LED taillight and the sexy side panels complement the rear-end profile very well, giving the motorcycle an aerodynamically flavored rear look.
Honda has taken care of the detailing as well right from split seats to sporty grab rails and tank shrouds to make sure that this version of the Hornet doesn’t get missed on the road. And now with new colors and graphics, the appeal is still there.
Premium USD Front Forks
And a major upgrade to this model is the USD (upside down) front forks, that is rarely seen in bikes in this price range. These golden coloured forks don’t only look gorgeous, but they also greatly enhance the stability of the front-end and reduce any harsh feedback, in particular during braking and cornering.
At the back, it is a comfort vs biking performance equaling monoshock suspension, if such were the case. Combined, this type of suspension provides more road grip and control in the city, as well as out on the highway.
Refined Engine and Performance
Between the tank and the trellis frame sits a 184.4cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, which is capable of around 17 bhp and 15.9 Nm of peak torque. Though not the strongest in the pack, it has a very smooth and linear power delivery very conducive to daily riding or the odd burst of sporty excitement.
The engine is coupled with a 5-speed tranny that is smooth and best suited for city rides as well as weekend rides. DT Jan 19 The bike is quick off the line and has also V good mid range, overtaking is a breeze.
Excellent Mileage for Daily Use
Largest feature of the new model is its claimed mileage of 65 KMPL, which is superb for a 180cc bike. The Hornet 2.0 has Indian’s already-loyal users trust in Honda’s fuel efficiency combined with an engine that is both performance-inclined and economic at the same time.
With this kind of fuel efficiency, it is bound to have low running costs, aimed at those students and office-goers who seek a powerful, yet, affordable motorcycle. Despite the increase in fuel prices, the Hornet 2.0 is light on the wallet in terms of daily use fuel cost.
Smart Features and Bluetooth Connectivity
Other features Here, you also get Bluetooth connectivity, which is a first in the segment for Honda. Riders can directly connect their smartphone with the motorcycle’s fully digital instrument console for call alerts, message notifications and battery level tracker, turn-by-turn navigation, all of this being displayed on the console.
The bike’s contrasty and legible negative LCD dash displays, among other things, speed, trip meters, fuel level, gear position, and clock. This extra tech makes the Hornet 2. 0 a contemporary touch and makes it attractive for today’s gadget savvy youth, who are used to smart features even in their two wheelers.
Braking and Safety
The Hornet 2.0 gets disc brakes at both ends while a single-channel ABS provides good stopping power at both high speeds and on slippery surfaces. You get a sense that the braking set-up is tuned for the Indian road.
The feature list also has a hazard light switch to be used during breakdown or bad weather. Wide tyres offer outstanding traction and grip, for better maneuvering and stability while turning or braking.
Comfortable Riding Experience
The Honda Hornet 2.0 may look sporty but it is quite a comfortable motorcycle for the city and highway duties. Rider and passenger seats are wide and comfortable, and the passenger grab strap is leather, not vinyl. You sit slightly upright thanks to the straight-handlebar position past that, with footpegs slightly to the rear. I had little trouble riding the bike like this even out for an hour or so.
It also soaks up potholes and speed breakers with adequate finesse, and is good enough for daily commutes across Indian roads. You get a no-vibration experience no matter how heavy the traffic is or how open the road is when you hit the gas on the Hornet 2.0.
Build Quality and Reliability
Honda has always been appreciated for the quality of build and unmatched reliability, and the new Hornet 2.0 continues to stay in sync with this perception. The bike feels well-built and is constructed with high quality materials and its ‘fit and finish’ is one of the best in the class.
From the refinement of the switches right down to the visceral feel of the tank and body panels, it all shows Honda’s renowned attention to detail. Long term ownership will also be hassle-free thanks to Honda’s massive service network and reliable after-sales support.
Pricing and Variants
Honda Two Wheelers brings you the Hornet 2.0 to India at an attractive starting price of approximately ₹1.40 lakh(ex-showroom). With USD forks, Bluetooth connectivity, LED lights and premium looks on the offer, the pricing does seem to be at a good spot in the 180–200cc space.
The bike comes in colours such as Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Sangria Red Metallic, Matte Marvel Blue Metallic and Matte Axis Grey Metallic. Each iteration is tailored for different types of personalities, from bold and sporty to elegant and minimal.
Conclusion
The new Honda Hornet 2.0 is not just a facelift, it’s a product which combines sporty design, smart features, performance and fuel efficiency very well. The inclusion of USD forks, Bluetooth connection and a top of the class mileage of 65 KMPL has brought an extra charm to the Hornet 2.0 for the modern rider.
It’s ideal for youthful riders who want a good-looking, good-riding bike that isn’t short on practicality. The Hornet 2.0 takes the fight to competitors such as the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, the Bajaj Pulsar N160, and the Hero Xtreme 200S, but its smooth performance and Honda’s strong brand image mean it offers a twist.
So, if you are in the market for a value-packed streetfighter that doesn’t skimp on either power or a brain, the Honda Hornet 2.0 new model is something for you to consider. It’s built for the street and has an engine and chassis you can count on. And there’s nothing like a high-revving inline four when it comes to immediate, exhilarating power delivery. Say hello to the new Honda Hornet 2.0.