Honda CB 200X Pros And Cons: Good Performance But Low On Tech

The Honda CB 200X is an adventure-tourer motorcycle that is aimed at a more urban-centric usage with practicalities for expeditions as well. While it attracts buyers owing to its stand-out style and the engine refinement that it offers, why is it still not getting the kind of traction that it commands? Let us take you through the top Pros and Cons to find out exactly how this bike from Honda hangs in the balance. But before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads with extensive coverage of the latest news and insights from the automotive space.

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PROS

1. Stylish Urban-Explorer Design

The Honda CB 200X emerges as a compelling choice for adventure touring in our market. Its redesigned front end now features a robust fairing with faux radiator guards and retains the distinctive LED headlamp from its predecessor. The large windscreen not only complements its adventure-ready look but also provides practical wind protection, making it well-suited for long-distance travel and enhancing the overall ride experience that you expect from it.

2. Slick Performance

The new Honda CB 200X is powered by a BS6-compliant 184.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine delivers 17.2 PS at 8500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the engine provides a responsive and lively performance. The CB 200X excels in city riding, effortlessly maneuvering through traffic with swift gear changes and a spirited feel. While this is nimble within the city, keep your expectations grounded when hitting the highways as the vibrations start to kick in once you zoom past the 85 km/hr mark and there's not a lot of performance left to dig out that inspires confidence.

3. Riding Stance

The CB 200X's elevated handlebars and strategically positioned foot pegs create an upright riding posture that enhances comfort. While the bike exudes a premium feel, this is more attributed to its design rather than its functionality. The CB 200X is built on a Diamond-type frame and features a Showa upside-down front fork with ample travel, contributing to a smooth ride. This setup ensures a comfortable experience, especially on longer journeys.

CONS

1. Low On Features

For the 2024 model year, the Honda CB 200X introduces a new Assist & Slipper Clutch but otherwise remains largely unchanged. The bike features a digital instrument cluster with a negative LCD display, though it lacks advanced amenities like Bluetooth connectivity or turn-by-turn navigation. It retains its key components, including a USD front fork, rear mono-shock absorber, 17-inch alloy wheels, and disc brakes with front ABS. The lighting setup includes an LED headlamp, tail lamp, and turn indicators, maintaining its functionality without any exciting additional features.

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2. Expensive For All It Offers

For a bike that offers just a basic set of features in times when Bluetooth and USB charging ports are getting common even at lower price points, the asking price of Rs. 1.48 lakhs feels a bit outrageous. While it costs almost as much as an entry-level Royal Enfield Hunter, which isn't completely its competition, offers a far better proposition in terms of features on offer. I take the reference of an RE model simply due to the nature of Indian consumers' love for cross-segment shopping, where the Enfields are a big treat to any segment hovering around its price range. This is something Honda needs to cover up soon with the next updates.