Honda CB200X Review - Likes & Dislikes

For all the extra money you pay over the Hornet 2.0, what does the CB200X bring to the table?

Over the last couple of years, the small ADV bike market in India has grown noticeably. You have Hero, KTM, BMW, and Royal Enfield eying for a piece of the cake and now Honda too wants in on the action, probably. So, it launched the CB200X and we spent a whole day riding the bike in and around the city. There are a few bits that we liked about it and a handful that we didn’t. Here’s a detailed explanation for all. 

Likes

Styling

While looks are subjective, Honda has got the styling for the CB200X on point. The half fairing accentuates the bike’s stance and makes it look big enough without hammering the proportions. Despite the LED headlight and the overall styling being borrowed from the Hornet 2.0, the CB200X does a good job resembling the CB500X.

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Handling

The CB200X weighs 5kg more than its streetfighter sibling, but the handling is just as nimble. You can filter through the traffic without any hesitation. Even the U-turns are noticeably easy to make and the weight doesn’t interfere at all. 

The front 270mm and the rear 220mm disc brake setup offers commendable stopping power. The lever feel is also quite predictable and the single-channel ABS intrusion is minimal.

Ergonomics

The Honda CB200X not only looks roomy but feels the same. You sit upright and relaxed, thanks to the tall and forward-set handlebar and the mid-positioned footpegs. Both the rider and pillion seat get a decently soft and thick foam. While you’ll be wanting better seats over long rides, occasional weekend jaunts and city commutes are a breeze. 

Dislikes

Inadequate Suspension Travel

The Honda CB200X gets no additional suspension travel and even the monoshock is a bit firm. While smooth roads feel home to the Honda, undulated surfaces are foreign territory. Over sharp bumps, the rear shock sends jolts to the rider’s back and should’ve been tuned to be softer. 

Performance

Being based on Hornet 2.0 means you get the same 184.4cc air-cooled motor dishing out 17.26PS and 16.1Nm. It’s quite rev-happy and the gearbox doesn’t need to be worked often when slicing through traffic. But the touring capabilities are limited and around the 85-90kmph mark, the vibes are felt from the handlebar and fuel tank. 

Low On Features

You pay a substantial premium (we’ll get to the price tag in the verdict) over the Hornet 2.0 and get the exact same negative LCD console. It packs a tachometer, odometer, speedometer, gear position indicator, clock, battery voltmeter, trip meter and a service due indicator as well. Honda could’ve at least offered a side-stand engine cut-off sensor and a USB charger. 

Verdict

At Rs 1,44,500 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Honda CB200X is quite expensive as a standalone offering and also when compared with the Hornet 2.0 which costs Rs 1,32,238. It’s a good city slicker but not a true blue ADV in any aspect. So, if you are fascinated by the way it looks and don’t mind the high asking price, the CB200X could be your option. But for anyone who’d want to take the roads less travelled, we’d recommend you wait for the upcoming Hero XPulse 200 4V. Head here to know more about it.