Honda CB Hornet (2017)

The 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R is a stylish, aggressive 160cc motorcycle built on the proven CB Unicorn 160 platform but with significantly enhanced sportiness and character. The bike features a 162.71cc air-cooled engine producing 15.04 BHP and 14.76 Nm of torque, equipped with a counter-balancer to minimize vibrations and a 10:1 compression ratio for optimal performance. What distinguishes it is the exceptional refinement, with the engine remaining incredibly smooth even at 8,000 RPM, making it smoother than even the Unicorn it's based upon. The motorcycle comes with a strong mid-range that aids in-gear acceleration, making city commuting a breeze, while the sporty exhaust note matches its aggressive styling. The suspension competently handles minor bumps, though it's tuned firmer for cornering prowess, and the braking system with its large disc and Nissin caliper delivers the strongest bite in the class. Available in Athletic Blue and Sports Red for 2017, featuring BSIV compliance and automatic headlight functionality, this bike offers an evenly distributed weight that makes it a joy to handle, targeting riders seeking style without compromising on practical, everyday usability.

The 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R is powered by a 162.71cc air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine producing 15.04 bhp and 14.76 Nm of torque. This engine is refined with minimal vibrations up to 8,000 rpm, aided by a counter balancer and enhanced cooling fins for stable performance. The bike features a sporty exhaust note, a muscular design with carbon-fiber-pattern decals, and an upright riding posture suited to Indian roads and traffic conditions. Its chassis offers balanced handling with a weight of around 138 kg, equipped with telescopic front forks and a mono-shock rear suspension providing reasonable comfort on pothole-prone urban roads. Braking is handled by a front disc with a strong Nissin caliper and a rear drum brake, both managing well for typical daily use. The CB Hornet’s well-spaced six-speed gearbox ensures smooth shifts, though the tall gear ratios mean the mid-range is prioritized over low-end punch. Overall, the 2017 Hornet blends the reliability of Honda’s Unicorn platform with sportier styling and tuned performance, appealing to first-time buyers and young riders looking for a stylish yet practical everyday motorcycle in India.

The 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R represents a compelling choice in the 160cc segment, and I find it to be a well-rounded motorcycle that successfully balances style with practicality. The engine delivers exceptional refinement with minimal vibrations even at higher RPMs, a hallmark of Honda's engineering prowess that truly sets it apart from competitors. What impresses me most is the strong mid-range performance, which makes city commuting effortless and enjoyable. The gearshifts are smooth and precise, contributing to an overall sense of quality that justifies its premium positioning. However, I must acknowledge that the tall gearing means you won't get that punchy low-end torque that some riders crave, and the suspension, while capable on twisties, can feel rather stiffly sprung on poorly maintained Indian roads. The braking system is genuinely impressive with the strongest bite in class, though the CBS system can feel intrusive to some riders. For daily commuting and weekend rides, I find the Hornet to be an excellent investment that offers durability, comfort, and that distinctive sporty character that appeals to riders seeking something more than a basic commuter.

The Honda CB Hornet 160R (2017) impresses with its refined and smooth engine delivery, offering a stable and comfortable ride that suits both city commutes and occasional highway cruising up to about 110 kmph. Its handling is balanced with evenly distributed weight, though it can feel slightly unsettled during aggressive cornering. The bike features precise gear shifts and capable brakes that provide confident stopping power, despite the somewhat intrusive CBS system. The suspension is stiff, which might lead to a harsher ride on rough Indian roads but adds to sharp handling on twisty stretches. Its styling is aggressive with sporty decals and a muscular stance that gives it a more premium feel than typical 160cc motorcycles. Overall, it is a mature, reliable option with good ergonomics and a strong mid-range character. While it lacks outright punch in the lower gears compared to some rivals, it compensates with refined build quality and smooth engine operation. The Hornet 160 is ideal for riders looking for a combination of style, efficiency, and everyday usability in the competitive 160cc segment in India.

I've been riding the 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R around Delhi for a while now, and this BSIV-compliant update really sharpened its edge for Indian roads. Priced at Rs 82,095 ex-showroom for the standard variant and Rs 86,595 for the CBS version, it packs a 162.71cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine pumping out 15.6bhp at 8500rpm and 14.76Nm at 6500rpm through a five-speed gearbox, hitting a claimed top speed of 110kmph and around 50-59kmpl mileage with Honda Eco Technology. The new Athletic Blue Metallic and Sports Red colors give it a fresh, aggressive streetfighter vibe, complemented by the mandatory AHO function and a muscular fuel tank on a lightweight 140-142kg frame with 164mm ground clearance that handles potholes effortlessly. It's nimble in traffic with decent disc brakes, though downshifting can feel clunky in peak hours, and the short first gear demands frequent shifts from speed breakers. On highways, it cruises stably at 90-100kmph without stress, offering refined Honda reliability that's perfect for my 50km daily city-highway mix, even if mid-range pull isn't its strongest suit. Deliveries kicked off back then with Rs 5000 bookings, making it a solid pick over rivals like the Gixxer for everyday grunt.

I've been riding the 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R in India for years, and it remains a standout in the 160cc segment with its aggressive streetfighter styling and punchy 162.71cc air-cooled engine delivering 15.04 bhp at 8500 rpm and 14.76 Nm at 6500 rpm, mated to a slick 5-speed gearbox. Priced at Rs 82,095 ex-showroom Delhi for the standard variant and Rs 86,595 for CBS back in 2017, it introduced fresh colors like Athletic Blue metallic and Sports Red, plus mandatory AHO and BS-IV compliance without power tweaks. Weighing 138-140 kg with a 164mm ground clearance, it handles city traffic effortlessly on 17-inch alloys shod with a wide 140-section rear tire, offering around 48-59 kmpl real-world mileage and a top speed of 110 kmph. Braking via 276mm front disc and 220mm rear (CBS on select trims) feels confident, though some owners note downshifting clunks in traffic and slippery wet grip demanding front brake reliance. Its upright ergonomics, LED tail lamp, and digital console make daily commutes fun, but after nearly a decade, parts availability stays strong at Honda service centers, proving its enduring reliability for Indian roads.

When I first encountered the 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R in India, I found myself impressed by its aggressive styling and practical engineering that truly resonates with Indian riders seeking a balance between performance and daily usability. Powered by a 162.71cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine delivering 15.6 bhp at 8500 rpm and 14.76 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm, this naked streetfighter proved capable on both city commutes and highway runs, though I noticed the lack of mid-range grunt requires deliberate gear management in traffic situations. The bike's dimensions of 2041mm length and 1067mm height combined with 164mm ground clearance made it reasonably nimble through congested Indian roads, and the 140kg kerb weight enhanced maneuverability significantly. I appreciated the 12-litre fuel tank capacity providing decent riding range, though the claimed 59 kmpl mileage felt optimistic during my real-world testing. The dual disc brake setup with CBS option offered reassuring stopping power, while the 17-inch tubeless tyres gripped well across varying road conditions. Priced at Rs 82,095 for the standard version, this model represented exceptional value for riders wanting a sporty yet manageable middleweight that handles Indian roads with surprising composure and reliability typical of Honda's Indian lineup.

The 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R remains a notable entry in India's 160cc naked streetfighter segment, and reflecting on this model, I find it represents a significant milestone as Honda's first Made in India motorcycle to achieve BS-IV compliance upon its December 2015 launch. The 162.71cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine delivers 15.04 to 15.6 bhp at 8,500 rpm with 14.76 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox that offers a claimed top speed of 110 kmph and mileage ranging from 50 to 59 kmpl depending on riding conditions. The bike's aggressive styling with its distinctive X-shaped LED tail lamp and beefy fuel tank genuinely impresses, while the 140kg standard weight and 164mm ground clearance make it nimble and practical for Indian road conditions. Available in multiple color options including Athletic Blue Metallic and Sports Red, the standard variant was priced at Rs 82,095 with the CBS variant at Rs 86,595 ex-showroom Delhi. However, riders commonly report mid-range power delivery issues and awkward foot lever positioning for taller riders, which somewhat detract from the overall riding experience during daily urban commutes and highway runs.

Honda has revealed that the CB1000 Hornet will come with three switchable ride modes, an assist and slipper clutch, and Honda’s HSTC traction control system. The bike also includes a 5-inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity and radial four-pot brakes gripping 310mm rotors. This tech package should enhance the riding experience significantly.

The 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R was positioned as a premium offering in the 160cc segment, and at launch, the ex-showroom price in India was approximately 84,000 to 86,000 rupees depending on the specific variant and location. On-road pricing, including registration, insurance, and road tax, typically ranged from 98,000 to 1,05,000 rupees across major Indian metros. I believe this pricing was justified considering the build quality and refinement on offer, though it positioned the Hornet at a premium compared to competitors like the Yamaha FZ-S and Suzuki Gixxer. The investment in the Hornet pays dividends through superior engine quality, excellent resale value typical of Honda motorcycles, and lower maintenance costs owing to Honda's legendary reliability. For buyers prioritizing long-term ownership and minimal mechanical issues, the slightly higher upfront cost is worthwhile when you factor in the total cost of ownership over several years of riding.

When the 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R was launched in India, the ex-showroom price typically ranged between INR 90,000 to INR 95,000 depending on the city. The on-road price, which includes insurance, road tax, and registration, would then come to approximately INR 1,05,000 to INR 1,10,000 in metros like Delhi or Mumbai. This pricing positioned the Hornet competitively among rivals like the Suzuki Gixxer and Yamaha FZ-S in the 160cc category. Its pricing reflected Honda’s premium brand perception, with additional focus on build quality and refinement, justifying the slightly higher cost than some base models of competitors. Given India’s high demand for fuel-efficient, reliable commuter motorcycles in urban and semi-urban areas, its price ensured value for money through a balance of performance, style, and reliable after-sales service network, which Honda is known for. For buyers considering the 2017 variant today in the used market, the initial price combined with its longevity and reputation makes it a worthwhile investment in the sub-1 lakh rupees used segment.

I've found from real-world riding data that the 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R consistently delivers impressive fuel efficiency across different riding conditions in India. On highways, riders can expect around 45 kilometers per liter, while city riding typically yields approximately 38 kilometers per liter. This fuel efficiency translates to reasonable running costs, making the Hornet economical for daily commuting despite its sportier character. The refinement of the engine means smooth throttle control, which naturally helps optimize fuel consumption when riding responsibly.

The 2017 CB Hornet 160R delivers an impressive mileage of around 38 kmpl in city traffic and up to 45 kmpl on highways, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long rides. Given fuel is a major running cost concern in India, this mileage helps keep expenses low without compromising on the performance and ride quality expected from a premium 160cc motorcycle.