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Honda Hornet 2.0 in Nepal: Why the powerful bike might lose its grip on the market

Honda Hornet 2.0. Photo: Honda
Honda Hornet 2.0. Photo: Honda

Honda Hornet 2.0 is a new addition to the fleet of Honda two-wheelers in Nepal.

Honda previously had a 160cc version of the same bike, and now, the 2.0 version comes with better specifications and more power.

Honda Hornet 160R faired quite well in the Nepalese market back when it was launched. It was popular mostly because of its muscular body. Hence, apparently, the new version should have been better. But, the price has almost doubled even though the new features are scarce. Hence, the market performance of the new model remains uncertain for now.

Let’s review Honda Hornet 2.0 today.

Specifications

DimensionLength: 2,047mm
Width: 783mm
Height: 1,064mm
Wheelbase: 1,355mm
Seat Height: 790mm
Ground clearance: 167mm
Engine typeSingle-cylinder, SI, 4-stroke, FI
StartingSelf-start only
Displacement184.4cc
Max power17.26 PS/8500rpm
Max torque16.1 Nm/6000rpm
Cooling systemAir-cooled
Fuel systemFI
Fuel tank capacity12L
Gearbox5-speed
Max speed130kmph (estimated)
BrakesFront: Disc single-channel ABS
Rear: Disc
TyresFront: 110/70-17 tubeless
Rear: 140/70 17 tubeless
Frame typeDiamond type
SuspensionFront: USD fork
Rear: Monoshock
Kerb weight142kg
Colour optionsMatte axis grey metallic, matte marvel blue metallic, matte sangria red metallic, and pearl igneous black

Design

Honda Hornet 2.0. Photo: Honda
Honda Hornet 2.0. Photo: Honda

Honda Hornet 2.0 boasts a new street-fighter stance along with an aggressive muscular design and dual-tone graphics. It gets a redesigned forward-leaning fuel tank. Along with the new fuel tank design, the bike also has got all-around LED lights. There is also a fully digital liquid crystal metre on the bike. The seating also has been made sportier as the bike has a split seat now. Additionally, the bike also packs an engine kill switch, a hazard switch and a key on the tank.  

Honda Hornet 2.0 also comes with two premium additional features: a golden upside down (USD) front forks and a stylish engine cowl. Likewise, it is available in four colour options: matte axis grey metallic, matte marvel blue metallic, matte sangria red metallic, and pearl igneous black.

Performance

Honda Hornet 2.0 features a next-gen BSVI compliant engine. It is powered by a 184.4cc single-cylinder, SI, four-stroke, FI engine. This engine can generate a maximum power up to 17.26 PS/ 8500 rpm whereas a maximum torque can go up to 16.1 Nm/ 6000 rpm, which is a boost in performance from its 160cc sibling.

Furthermore, it is mated with a five-speed gearbox and with a 12-litre fuel tank capacity. It can reach a top speed of up to 130 kmph.

The power figures of this bike fall short in comparison to other 200cc category bikes, yet it is better than the 150cc and 160cc category bikes including the older version of the self.

Safety and other features

Honda Hornet 2.0
Honda Hornet 2.0. Photo: Honda

For safety features, Honda Hornet 2.0 features disc brakes at both ends with single-channel ABS at the front. It also has an improved suspension setting, making the bike more agile in different conditions.

Highlighting other features of the bike, it has:

  • 180cc BS6-compliant FI Engine
  • New aggressive tank design
  • New street-fighter-themed design
  • New LED headlamps with X-shaped LED taillight
  • LED indicators
  • Sporty engine cowl
  • New digital LCD metre with 5-level illumination control
  • Sporty split-seat
  • Refined HET engine
  • Key on tank
  • New engine stop switch
  • New hazard light switch
  • Golden USD front forks and monoshock suspension
  • Dual disc braking
  • Single-channel ABS
  • Stress free riding posture

The price of the Honda Hornet 2.0 is Rs 498,900.

Verdict

Honda is always known for its build and engine quality. It is probably the first two-wheeler company to start its operation in Nepal. Over the years, Honda has brought two-wheelers in almost every category. Yet, the new Honda Hornet 2.0 has nothing so exciting except for golden USD front forks. But, it lags behind in so many aspects from its competitors.

Honda has just introduced the split seat and engine cowl features, which were introduced years ago in other bikes. Though Honda Hornet 2.0 presents an aggressive look, the new graphics are nothing to be excited about. The power figures also are not that great.

But, the price of the bike has almost doubled than its predecessor while there are no significant changes to justify this rise. Honda seems to have ignored the bikes of this category from other brands. The prices have been increased astronomically without any major upgrades.

With a similar price range, Apache RTFI 200 4V BSVI, Yamaha FZ 25, Suzuki Gixxer 250 offer a lot more in terms of specifications as well as in power. While these bikes are adding more and more smart features and sophisticated functions and even riding modes, Honda seems to just settle with the basic necessities.

Anyway, it is exciting to see how the new Honda Hornet 2.0 will fare in the market.

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Subba was a tech and auto writer at Onlinekhabar until December 2022.

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