Honda CB190SS Retro-styled Bike Unveiled

Revival of the SS name hints at more retro-themed nakeds from Honda

• The motorcycle is currently only limited to the Chinese market.
• It gets wire spoke rims and a flat seat.
• Powered by a 184cc single-cylinder motor.

In line with its latest trend of going retro with its naked motorcycles, Honda has unveiled yet another one - the CB190SS. The motorcycle is made for China and is unlikely to make it to any other markets, including India. However, this motorcycle does suggest that future nakeds from Honda could also feature retro styling.

In China, Honda already has the sporty CB190R on which this CB190SS is based on. Both motorcycles are powered by a 184cc single-cylinder motor that packs in 16.8PS of power and 16.3Nm of torque. It retains the Neo Sports Cafe elements as found on the CB300R. It does get LED lighting and USD forks which add a premium modern touch.

However, there is something quite interesting about this. Wangyu-Honda, one of the brand’s affiliate companies in China, has decided to give it the SS suffix and not the usual R. One can easily spot differences between the R suffixed motorcycles and this particular bike. First, it has got this flat quilted leather seat which is very much traditional. Then you get wire spoke rims and not the alloys that we have seen on the likes of the CB300R and the CB650R. This accentuates the old school appeal of the motorcycle. Plus, these rims come shod with dual-purpose tyres which indicate that Honda wants to pitch it as a soft-road scrambler. 

Also Read: Honda CB300R Launched In India

These subtle changes could very well make their way onto existing CB models that Honda sells across the globe. After having launched the CB300R earlier this year, the addition of an SS variant does not seem to be on the cards anytime soon. While we do not have the 190 in India, we do have the CB Hornet 160R. Which makes us think - how about a CB160SS for India?