2020 Honda X-Blade vs rivals: Entry-level sport bikes compared on paper

Honda recently launched the BS6-compliant X-Blade, with prices starting at Rs 1.06 lakh. The new motorcycle finds itself in a very competitive segment, which includes the new Hero Xtreme 160R, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ V3.0 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. We’ve compared their specifications on paper to see which one comes out on top.

What are the standout design elements on the entry-level sport-nakeds?

Honda hasn’t made any extravagant cosmetic changes to the BS6 X-Blade. The overall design remains largely unchanged, but the tank shrouds are now finished in the same colour as the rest of the bike and the tank and tail section feature new graphics. Meanwhile, the mid-section of the motorcycle and the panels below the tank have received a textured finish. The bike also sports a sleeker belly pan.

The Xtreme 160R is based on the bold and aggressive-looking Xtreme 1R concept from EICMA 2019, and is easily one of the sharpest-looking motorcycles in Hero’s current line-up. Unlike the Xtreme 200R that features a more conventional design, this motorcycle appears to be a lot more sporty, and design elements like the stubby exhaust accentuate this. It’s also the freshest design in this 150-160cc lot of bikes.

The Apache RTR 160 4V has always had a well-proportioned design. In the transition to its BS6 avatar, the RTR 160 dons a new face that makes the bike look a lot more aggressive. Meanwhile, the Gixxer received its last significant visual update a year ago with a standout design element being its flat LED headlamp. The rest of the bike remains largely unchanged from its previous iteration, except for elements like the new tank shrouds that were added to freshen things up. Overall, it is a clean-looking bike and has a sporty stance that fits right into this segment. 

The Yamaha FZ didn’t undergo any changes in design with its transition to BS6, but it did when the V3.0 was launched back in 2019. Its updated bodywork retains the sharp, muscular profile of the FZ series and has a wider front-end stance as a result of wider panels and side shrouds around the tank. Lastly, the Pulsar NS160 retains its sharp design and despite being the oldest here, doesn’t show any signs of age.

How do the entry-level sport-nakeds compare on features?

How do the entry-level sport-nakeds compare on powertrains?

Underpinnings

Summing it up

The new X-Blade, with its base price of Rs 1.06 lakh, slots itself right into the middle of this category. On paper, in terms of what they have to offer, all five bikes seem neck and neck. However, the X-Blade does have what it takes to match the performance, practicality and comfort of its most direct rivals. Only a head-to-head road test will give us the answer, as to which motorcycle is the king of the 150-160cc sport-naked segment.

All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi.