KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Honda Hornet 2.0 is available in a single variant and is priced at Rs 1.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- The Hornet 2.0's single-cylinder 184.4cc engine claims 17 bhp and 15.9 Nm
- One of the most affordable motorcycles with all-LED lights and an USD front fork
Following the decent success garnered by the 160cc CB Hornet 160R, Honda decided to upscale its mettle by upgrading the motorcycle and positioning it in the niche 180cc category. With this move, the Honda Hornet 2.0 was born, redefining its presence with a sharper design, more features, and a bigger and more powerful engine.
With the Bajaj Pulsar 180 already gone, the Honda Hornet 2.0 is the lone rival of the TVS Apache RTR 180 while also a slightly more powerful motorcycle at a marginal premium over 160cc commuters. Is the Honda Hornet 2.0 worth jumping over other 160cc motorcycles and good enough to make the 180cc category still desirable? We take a look at all of its pros and cons. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
Also Read: KTM 125 Duke Vs Yamaha MT 15 V2: Detailed Comparison To Find The Best
2024 Honda Hornet 2.0 Pros
Sharp looks
The Honda CB Hornet 160R was already one of the sharpest-looking motorcycles in its category, and with the Hornet 2.0, Honda made the motorcycle even sportier in appearance. With even edgier body panels and grown-up dimensions, the Honda Hornet 2.0 looks like a more premium motorcycle over 160cc sports commuters.
Competition Check: The Honda Hornet 2.0 looks sharper and fresher in its appearance compared to the TVS Apache RTR 180.
Punchy and refined engine
The Honda Hornet 2.0 packs a punch over other 150-160cc sports commuters with its relatively larger single-cylinder, air-cooled, 184.4cc engine. This engine has a better mid-range and initial pep over 160cc engines, and being a Honda engine, it offers unquestionable refinement and reliability in the long run.
Competition Check: With 17 bhp and 15.9 Nm, the Honda Hornet 2.0 is more powerful than the TVS Apache RTR 180 and all the other 150-160cc sports commuters (except Yamaha MT-15).
Sporty suspension
The Honda Hornet 2.0 is one of the most affordable motorcycles. It features an upside-down telescopic front fork. Along with a mono-shock at the rear, this front suspension has been tuned to deliver sporty handling, making it more engaging around corners.
Competition Check: The Honda Hornet 2.0's suspension setupupside-down telescopic front fork and rear mono-shockis superior to the TVS Apache RTR 180's combination of conventional telescopic front fork and dual coil springs.
Premium lights and fit and finish levels
The Honda Hornet 2.0 was one of the first motorcycles in its price range to get an LED headlamp and turn indicators. These lights, along with the LED tail lamp and good-quality panels and paintwork, make the Honda Hornet 2.0 more premium in its overall feel and appearance.
Competition Check: The Honda Hornet 2.0's overall fit and finish levels are marginally better than the TVS Apache RTR 180.
2024 Honda Hornet 2.0 Cons
Stiff ride quality
The Honda Hornet 2.0's overall sporty suspension setup takes a marginal toll on its ride quality. Minor bumps and potholes are more felt at lower speeds. Though the ride quality of the Hornet 2.0 is not extremely uncomfortable, it is not plush either.
Competition Check: The Honda Hornet 2.0's overall ride quality is as stiff as the TVS Apache RT 180's.
No Bluetooth connectivity
Like all the other 150-160cc motorcycles, the Honda Hornet 2.0 also has a decently informative full-LCD instrument console. However, it is the only motorcycle in its price range now without Bluetooth connectivity.
Competition Check: While the TVS Apache RTR 180 gets SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity suite, the Honda Hornet 2.0 misses this feature.
No dual-channel ABS
The Honda Hornet 2.0 also lacks a dual-channel ABS setup, which is gradually becoming more common even among less powerful 150-160cc commuters. While the Hornet 2.0's braking feel isn't poor, the lack of dual-channel ABS makes it feel a bit dated compared to its peers.
Competition Check: Like the Honda Hornet 2.0, the TVS Apache RTR 180 also has a standard single-channel ABS.
Also Read: 2024 Harley-Davidson X440 Pros And Cons: Will It Uplift The Fortunes Of Harley In India?
Verdict
Despite being almost unchanged for quite some time now, the Honda Hornet 2.0 still looks fresh and premium with its fancy all-LED lighting and sporty bodywork. Its better performance numbers and sporty suspension setup make it a worthier alternative to the 150-160cc commuters, especially since it is priced almost in their vicinity.
