Honda Hornet 2.0, Speed Part II

FEATURES

To begin with, the Honda Hornet 2.0 has a lot of things that are different compared to the outgoing Hornet that had a 162cc engine. If you look at the dimensions, the length is 2047mm as compared to 2041mm, the width remains same at 783mm, the height has decreased to 1064mm from 1091m and the wheelbase has marginally increased to 1355mm as compared to 1346mm in the CB Hornet 160R. What else has changed?

The Honda Hornet 2.0 gets new LED headlamp with position lamp, new LED winkers and X-shaped LED tail lamp. It gets a Golden Upside Down (USD) front fork, which incidentally is a first in sub 200cc segment. It gets a monoshock rear suspension. The motorcycle gets a new fully digital negative liquid crystal meter.  It displays information like Gear Position Indicator, Service Due Indicator, Battery Voltmeter and comes with customisable brightness (can be adjusted manually up to 5 levels).

Then there is the new engine stop switch for convenience during brief stops. It gets a new aerodynamic design that ensures better handling of the motorcycle. The bike has an aggressive forward leaning design with a chunky tank. It gives you a race bike kind of feel when you are seated on it. The sporty character is further accentuated with the short muffler, sporty new alloy wheel design and alloy foot pegs.

The Hornet 2.0 comes with a new key on tank feature. There is also a new sporty split seat. Other features include dual, petal disc brakes with single channel ABS, wider tubeless tyres with the front at 110mm and rear at 140mm. The motorcycle also comes with a hazard switch. And to top it all, the motorcycle gets a new 184cc HET BSVI PGM-FI engine.      

PERFORMANCE

Despite a more powerful 184cc PGM-FI HET (Honda Eco Technology) engine, compared to the 160R, the kerb weight of this motorcycle has marginally gone up by a mere 1 kilo at 142 kilograms. Thus it continues to be light and easy to handle. The PGM-Fi system uses 8 onboard sensors to constantly inject optimum fuel and air mixture to provide greater performance and superior efficiency.

The moment you start your journey on this motorcycle, you realise that it exudes a very muscular and sporty stance. It is so easy to ride and gives you immense confidence on the move, thanks to the broad tubeless tyres.

The engine has been perfectly tuned for city riding where you need bursts of initial power and massive mid range torque. Do remember, that with the government getting very strict about city speed limits all over the country, this bike does not tempt you easily with very great speeds. It’s got adequate speeds for our highways and streets. In fact, the gear throws are so short that you actually feel that you have run out of gears after the fifth. Reaching speeds of around 70 and 80kmph is a cakewalk for this machine. But it does kind of take a bit of time to cross the 100kmph mark. I would say, Honda has made a very practical motorcycle.

Smooth power delivery is ensured with a roller rocker arm which helps in reduction of friction losses. The new engine also comes equipped with a piston cooling jet that acts as heat absorbent hence improving engine thermal efficiency and giving good fuel efficiency.

Ride and handling is so endearing on this bike. And the bike is very planted on the road at high speeds which instills a lot of confidence in the rider. Braking too comes easy with disc brakes and ABS. Since the bike comes with a seal chain, it needs less frequent adjustments and has a low maintenance cost.

Honda is offering a special new 6-year warranty package (3 years standard + 3 years optional extended warranty) on the Hornet 2.0. This motorcycle will be available in four colours -Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Sangria Red Metallic, Matte Axis Grey Metallic and Matte Marvel Blue Metallic.

VERDICT

The Honda Hornet 2.0 is a perfect city bike. The 184cc engine produces perfect mid range torque that is ideal for speeds on our streets. With it dynamic design and sporty stance, it is bound to attract youngsters who are keen to experience a bit of race like feel. It offers great stability at high speeds and has several safety features that will go a long way in boosting the confidence of both the rider and the pillion.