Honda CB Hornet 160R BS6 India Launch Likely In July

It is expected to get a tweaked version of the Unicorn BS6’s engine 

[UPDATE: Honda India has launched the Hornet 2.0, a 184cc motorcycle that replaces the CB Hornet 160R. Head here for more details regarding the bike.]

• Expected to come with slight design revisions. 
• A premium of around Rs 13,000 likely over the BS4-compliant version.
• Underpinnings could remain unchanged.

Now that Honda has already launched the Grazia 125 BS6 and teased the Livo BS6 (likely to be launched by the end of this month), expect the Japanese brand to follow it up with another launch, presumably in July. There are two possibilities: the Honda X-Blade BS6 or the CB Hornet 160R BS6. Considering the Hornet is a more popular bike than the X-Blade, it makes sense for the Japanese brand to launch this motorcycle first. 

Also Read: Honda Grazia 125 BS6 vs BS4: Differences Explained

The Honda CB Hornet 160R BS6 is likely to cost around Rs 13,000 over the BS4-compliant model. This would take the price to around Rs 1.06 lakh (ex-showroom). One of the major changes will obviously be the engine. Expect Honda to plonk in a tuned version of the BS6-compliant Unicorn’s 162.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine. 

In the Unicorn, this motor makes  12.9PS at 7500rpm and 14Nm at 5500rpm. Expect the Hornet’s motor to be tuned for better power output to suit the sporty character of the motorcycle. It will be paired with the same 5-speed transmission as the Unicorn. To give you a perspective, the most powerful bike in the segment, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 produces 17.2PS at 9000rpm and 14.6Nm at 7250rpm from its 160.3cc air-cooled engine with oil cooler. Will Honda be able to trump these numbers? Only time will tell. And like the Unicorn, the engine in the Hornet is also expected to be counterbalanced for optimum refinement. It might also feature a silent starter for added convenience. 

Expect the underpinnings to remain unchanged as they were pretty much up to the mark anyway. The bike is likely to retain the same telescopic front fork, rear monoshock, 276mm front, and 220mm rear petal disc/130mm drum with single-channel ABS. Seeing how Honda has been optimising the chassis for weight reduction, we wouldn’t be surprised if the BS6-compliant model is lighter than the BS4 version. This is in stark contrast to the usual trend of weight increase owing to emission-restricting equipment. 

It will go up against the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ-S Fi Version 3.0 and soon-to-be-launched Hero Xtreme 160R.

BS4-compliant Honda CB Hornet 160R used for representation.