Honda Hornet 2.0

The Honda Hornet 2.0 is a premium 180cc commuter from the Japanese manufacturer. The bike has a sharp design, along with premium looking bits. Compared to the rivals, the bike feels like a middle-ground between the 160cc streetfighters and the more powerful 200s. 

• The Hornet 2.0 combines a sharp and sporty look, with some premium bits which makes it seem like a step above.

• The sharp looking headlight section, with the LED headlamp and DRL looks quite stylish.

• The large tank extensions, gives the bike that muscular look you’d expect in a streetfighter. 

• What really seals the deal is the gold-finished inverted fork that makes the bike feel like a premium model.

• The fit and finish levels are decent, but some bits like the black plastics used on the tank extensions look quite cheap.

• The Hornet 2.0 gets LED headlight, tail light and indicators along with a 4.2-inch TFT console which supports smartphone connectivity.

• This console also supports Honda’s RoadSync application which allows for turn-by-turn navigation, SMS/call alerts and music controls.

• The bike also gets dual channel ABS along with switchable traction control which makes the bike a lot more safer than before. 

• The Honda Hornet 2.0 offers an upright riding posture, which is quite relaxed and perfect for daily commutes.

• The rider seat is quite roomy and also well-padded, which makes it easy to stay on the saddle for longer durations

• Shorter riders won’t have trouble with the bike either, as the shape of the seat makes it easy to get your feet down very easily.

• The pillion seat is also quite roomy, but the pillion comfort overall is not exceptional as sharper bumps on road will be felt by the pillion more than the rider.

• The Honda Hornet 2.0 is powered by a 184.4cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which is a middle-ground between a 160cc and a 200cc.

• The 184.40cc motor offers a linear and predictable power delivery, which is quite easy to manage even for newer riders.

• The bike feels reasonably quick while riding in city traffic, and has enough juice to execute quick overtakes.

• The slip and assist clutch has helped in making the bike’s clutch action light, and this helps when stuck in stop and go traffic where constant gearshifts are necessary.

• The motor is very vibey above 6,500rpm, which is a big letdown as the bike cruises at speeds of 100kmph in 5th gear at 7,200rpm

• On the highway, riders can cruise at speeds of 85kmph without feeling any vibrations, and this is the motor’s sweet spot. So highway performance is decent overall.

• During our tests, the bike returned an impressive mileage of 57.35kmpl in the city and 55.11kmpl on the highway.

• The inverted fork and monoshock are both tuned towards the softer side, which makes it easy for the bike to absorb most bumps and potholes.

• The suspension setup is also quite balanced at higher speeds, and keeps the bike stable while riding on the highway.

• The agile nature of the bike is something most riders will appreciate, as it makes the Hornet quite fun both in the city and also the twisties.

• Braking performance is decent, with the front disc having enough stopping power to bring the bike to a halt quickly.

• The brakes can feel a bit squishy, and stopping power increases as you pull the lever more.

• The bike only features single-channel ABS, which is a big letdown and takes away from the bike’s safety quotient.

• The Honda Hornet 2.0 is a unique motorcycle which manages to stand out quite a bit in the market thanks to its 180cc engine.

• The agile and nimble handling is also a major plus point, which makes this bike quite a fun machine.

• It is rather basic in terms of features, but has all the essential bits needed on a 180cc bike.

• The bike is for those who want something which can be a middle-ground in terms of performance and fuel efficiency in the 160 to 200cc segment.

• If you are someone who is looking for a bike that can offer more performance, then it is better to go with something in the 200cc segment like the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.