Honda CB Hornet 160R review, test ride

Both motorcycles that I’ve owned to date have been Hondas. Each time the famous Japanese manufacturer launches any new motorcycle, I look forward to riding it, and so was the case with the new CB Hornet 160R.

With the new launch, Honda has lived up to the promise of launching 15 two-wheelers in 2015, either as a cosmetic upgrade, or as a new product, including the extremely capable Honda CBR 650F. We got our hands on the CB Hornet 160R in Goa, and took it out for a short spin.

Honda has aced design on the CB Hornet 160R, which looks quite nice, with sharp, aggressive lines and angles making up the motorcycle. The Hornet reminds me of the Honda CB 600F Hornet, with bits such as a nicely designed headlamp closely resembling the CB 600F. The speedometer is all-digital, and looks quite sharp. The handlebar is relatively flat set on the new bike. Honda has cut corners with the switchgear, which feels basic and more commuter motorcycle like, than premium as we would have expected. The palm grips however are soft, nice to the touch and provide excellent grip when riding.

The fuel-tank shows-off muscular elements, and includes plastic cladding with carbon fibre- finish running from the handlebar to the seat. The saddle itself is a well designed single piece unit, with a small step up to the pillion region. Pillion grab-rails are alloy on the CB Hornet 160R, and smartly chiseled to look youthful. The tail-lamp too, looks young and aggressive with an X theme.