2023 Honda Hornet 2.0 – What makes it better than the usual 150-160cc commuters?

Positioned above the current crop of 150-160cc sporty commuters with its niche 184.4cc engine, the Honda Hornet 2.0 offers much more over the Hornet 160R it replaces.

• The Honda Hornet 2.0 is equipped with features like all-LED illumination, a full-LCD instrument console and a single-channel ABS.
• A four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 184.4cc engine powers the Hornet 2.0, making it a niche motorcycle above the usual 150-160cc category.
• Honda is offering the Hornet 2.0 in a single variant with four color options, all priced at Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

After affirming its decent presence in the 150-160cc category with the Honda Unicorn and Honda X-Blade, the Japanese two-wheeler is trying to find its ground in the 180-200cc category with the Hornet 2.0. If you are confusing it as a facelifted Hornet 160R, you are in for a big mistake, as the Hornet 2.0 is much more than just a cosmetic makeover. 

With a comprehensively revamped engine, upgraded chassis components and additional features over the now-defunct Hornet 160R, the Hornet 2.0 sits in a niche space. Wonder how unique of a proposition is the Hornet 2.0 in Honda’s line-up for India? Read more to find out. 

2023 Honda Hornet 2.0: Design & Features

When Honda introduced the CB Hornet 160R a few years ago, it was referred to as the most aggressive take by the Japanese brand on the 150-160cc category. The sharp design language introduced by the Hornet 160R evolved in a more aggressive and premium form with the Hornet 2.0. This motorcycle looks and feels bigger than all the 150-160cc motorcycles with its sharp and large-sized body panels. 

The Honda Hornet 2.0 has an edgy-looking face, comprising a full-LED headlamp sitting within a sleek and slanted cowl, which is flanked by slim LED turn indicators. The golden finish for the upside-down telescopic forks adds a premium and upmarket touch to the frontal stance of the Hornet 2.0, and so does the dual-tone front fender.

The aggressiveness of the Honda Hornet 2.0 is in a full swing when you move towards the side profile of the motorcycle. The bulky and aggressive-looking fuel tank, which is adorned with sharply-designed, boomerang-shaped extensions ahead of its frontal edges, makes the Hornet 2.0 look muscular. Even the side body panels with a busy design and engine cowl add to the sporty and brawny look of the Hornet 2.0.

Towards the rear, the Honda Hornet 2.0 comes with a split seat arrangement, along with a stubby exhaust end can and a compact tail section featuring an X-shaped LED tail lamp. The Hornet 2.0 is also adorned with multi-spoke black alloy wheels and a compact trapezoidal instrument console.

Featuring a negative display, this full-LCD unit for the instrument console comprises a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, clock, gear indicator and battery voltage indicator. The Hornet 2.0 also has a tank-mounted ignition keyhole, side-stand engine cut-off feature and engine kill switch.

2023 Honda Hornet 2.0: Engine & Specs

Powering the Honda Hornet 2.0 is a four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected, 184.4cc engine. With a maximum power output of 17 bhp and a peak torque output of 16.1 Nm, the Hornet 2.0 sits right in the middle of the bunch of 150-160cc commuters and 200cc entry-level roadsters. This engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission, which feels slick to use with smooth shifts on offer. 

2023 Honda Hornet 2.0: Chassis

The Honda Hornet 2.0 is currently the most affordable motorcycle in India with upside-down hydraulic telescopic forks at the front. For the rear, the motorcycle is armed with a 5-step adjustable mono-shock. 

The slightly sport-tuned suspension of the Honda Hornet 2.0 is complemented by the grippy 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tyres, which are tubeless but not radial units. With a 276mm disc at the front and 220mm disc at the rear, the Hornet 2.0 is offered with a single-channel ABS as standard.

2023 Honda Hornet 2.0: Dimensions

Measuring 2047mm long, 783mm wide and 1064mm tall, the Honda Hornet 2.0 competes with the more-powerful 200-250cc motorcycles in terms of road presence. 

2023 Honda Hornet 2.0: Variants & Price

Honda offers the Hornet 2.0 in a single fully-loaded variant. It is made available in four color options – Matte Axis Grey Metallic, Matte Marvel Blue Metallic, Matte Sangria Red Metallic and Pearl Igneous Black. All the color and graphic options of the Honda Hornet 2.0 are priced at Rs 1,36,583 (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

Conclusion

The Honda Hornet 2.0 might be significantly pricier than the 150-160cc category for the slightly bigger engine over all the motorcycles in that category. However, it tries to lure you with its edgy, big-bike-like design and road presence, premium fit and finish levels and Honda’s trademark quality and reliability.