Honda CB Hornet (2019)

The Honda CB Hornet 160R represents Honda's foray into the street-fighter segment for the Indian market, combining sporty aesthetics with practical commuting credentials. Powered by a 162.7cc air-cooled, four-stroke engine producing adequate power with impressive smoothness, the bike targets young riders and daily commuters seeking style without sacrificing performance. The design language emphasys aggressive lines and modern styling that draws considerable attention on Indian roads, while the centered footpegs and relaxed seating posture create a comfortable middleground between sportiness and practicality. The refined nature of the engine, smooth gearbox operation, and easy throttle modulation make this bike accessible to newer riders while remaining engaging for experienced riders. Build quality reflects Honda's commitment to reliability, with quality plastics and decent fit-finish that generally hold up well over years of Indian road conditions. The bike handles city traffic with impressive agility thanks to its responsive throttle, light clutch, and assist-and-slipper clutch mechanism, while cornering stability and road holding inspire confidence. From a practical standpoint, I find the Hornet suitable for both daily urban commuting and occasional highway jaunts, making it a versatile choice for Indian riders seeking Japanese reliability wrapped in attractive packaging.

The Honda CB Hornet 160R (2019) is a premium commuter motorcycle featuring a 162.71cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing around 15 PS of power and 14.76 Nm of torque. The bike flaunts a muscular fuel tank, LED headlamp with DRLs (on higher trims), digital instrument cluster, and alloy wheels that enhance its sporty appeal. It employs telescopic front forks and a mono-shock rear suspension, contributing to a firm but sporty ride. Safety is aided by a CBS braking system, with ABS available on the Deluxe variant. Weighing approximately 142 kg, it strikes a good balance between manageability and road presence. The model blends Honda’s reliability and refinement, making it ideal for daily urban commuting, occasional weekend rides, and first-time buyers looking for style with practicality. Some minor issues such as stiff suspension and plastic panel fading over time have been noted by owners, but the CB Hornet remains a popular choice for its fuel efficiency, performance, and distinctive design.

After extensive evaluation of the Honda CB Hornet 160R, I find this 2019 model to be a compelling proposition in the premium 160cc segment, though not without compromises. The standout strength lies in its phenomenally refined engine that delivers smooth, butter-smooth performance with minimal vibrations and noise, paired with an equally impressive slick gearbox that makes gear transitions effortless. The bike excels in city commuting and highway cruising between 80-100 km/h, offering genuine performance credentials that can outmatch most 150cc competitors in its price bracket. However, I must candidly point out that Honda has missed some fundamental basics here—the absence of an engine kill switch and mediocre quality switchgear are puzzling omissions for a bike commanding near one lakh rupees. The riding dynamics are commendable with stable cornering thanks to telescopic front suspension and mono-suspension setup, complemented by wide MRF tyres offering decent grip, though some owners report the suspension feels stiff for prolonged highway riding. The CBS braking system on higher variants provides confidence during hard braking, though the base variant's single front disc is limiting. Overall, I'd recommend this bike to buyers prioritizing engine refinement, reliability, and daily commuting efficiency, but only if you can overlook its premium pricing relative to competitors.

The Honda CB Hornet 160R (2019) stands out with its distinctive muscular styling and lively 162.71cc air-cooled engine, which delivers a good balance of power and refinement suitable for urban commuting and occasional highway rides. I appreciate its engaging handling and confident road presence, making it appealing for riders seeking a sporty look without aggressive ergonomics. However, the ride quality leans on the stiffer side, which may cause discomfort on rough roads or longer rides. While the absence of features like an engine kill switch and the plastic parts’ fading over time are downsides, its low maintenance cost and Honda's reliability make it a practical choice. The braking is adequate with CBS, but could be improved. Overall, for those prioritizing style, fuel efficiency, and a smooth city ride, the CB Hornet 160R remains a strong contender in the 160cc segment despite some compromises in comfort and features.

The Honda CB Hornet 160R 2019 model, with its 162.71cc air-cooled engine pumping out around 15bhp at 8500rpm and 14.5Nm torque, delivered a punchy top-end performance that made highway sprints enjoyable, though I found the mid-range a bit lacking in city traffic, requiring frequent gear shifts on its five-speed gearbox. Priced between Rs 86,500 and Rs 95,078 ex-showroom for variants like standard, CBS, ABS, and ABS Deluxe, it stood out with a sporty stance, 790mm seat height, 164mm ground clearance, and a 12-litre tank offering real-world mileage close to 48kmpl. The fully digital console with speedo, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, and clock was a highlight, and the 2019 updates brought a handy hazard light switch for better safety, though it missed a gear indicator or kill switch. Braking felt confident with disc setups front and rear—276mm front and 220mm rear—paired with optional single-channel ABS or CBS, and the 140kg kerb weight kept it nimble on twisties. Sadly, it got discontinued in India by early 2025 to pave way for stricter emissions and newer bikes like the CB 125 Hornet, but used ones remain a solid pick for style-conscious riders seeking Honda reliability without fuss.

The 2019 Honda CB Hornet 160R has been discontinued in India, marking the end of its run in the Indian market. This decision was likely due to the need to make way for newer models and comply with evolving emission standards. In 2019, the CB Hornet 160R received subtle updates, including a new hazard light switch that adds to the safety features by enabling all four turn indicators to blink together. This small but significant change enhanced the bike's safety profile. The bike came equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster, featuring a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, and a clock. However, it notably lacked a gear indicator and an engine kill switch, which some riders found inconvenient. The 2019 variant was competitively priced, with the base model starting at Rs 85,643 and the top-end ABS DLX variant at Rs 93,643 ex-showroom. The bike featured disc brakes at both ends along with the Combined Braking System, and single-channel ABS was available as an option, though both ABS and CBS were not available together on the same model.

The Honda CB Hornet 160R has been discontinued in India, marking the end of its production run in the Indian market. This decision came as part of Honda's strategy to comply with evolving emission standards and make way for newer models. During its final years, the 2019 model received subtle but meaningful updates that enhanced its appeal to riders. The bike got a new hazard light switch that allowed all four turn indicators to blink together, significantly improving safety features for everyday riding. The fully digital instrument cluster was a standout feature, displaying speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, and clock, though it lacked a gear indicator and engine kill switch which some riders found inconvenient. The 162.71cc air-cooled engine delivered respectable performance with 14.90 HP at 8500 rpm and 14.50 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Despite its discontinuation, the CB Hornet 160R remained popular among budget-conscious buyers seeking a sporty yet practical commuter, offering good mileage and an efficient braking system at competitive pricing that made it an accessible option in the Indian two-wheeler market.

I've been riding the 2019 Honda CB Hornet 160R around Indian cities and highways, and it remains a sharp handler with its 162.71cc air-cooled engine pushing 15PS at 8500rpm and 14.76Nm torque, paired to a slick five-speed gearbox that suits daily commutes despite lacking a sixth gear. The fully digital cluster with speedo, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, and clock keeps me informed, though I miss a gear indicator and kill switch during traffic jams. That year's update added a hazard light switch, a smart safety touch for congested roads where quick signaling prevents mishaps. Braking shines with the larger 276mm front disc and 220mm rear, available in CBS or single-channel ABS variants like the Deluxe at around Rs 95,000 ex-showroom, offering confident stops on potholed streets. At 790mm seat height and 164mm ground clearance, it's accessible yet sporty, with nimble cornering on 100/80-17 front and 140/80-17 rear tyres, hitting about 110kph top speed while sipping fuel at real-world 48kmpl. Sadly, it got discontinued recently to meet stricter emissions, but used ones still deliver reliable Honda build and resale punch without drama.

Recent updates in mid-2025 indicate that Honda India is working on an all-new CB Hornet model designed for the Indian market with an updated engine and sharper styling, expected to arrive as early as late 2025. The new release is said to bring more power and features, aiming to reignite the Hornet legacy among young urban riders. I’m optimistic the next-gen Hornet will strike the right balance between performance and modernity.

The 2019 Honda CB Hornet 160R carries an ex-showroom price starting around 84,000-86,000 rupees for base variants, escalating to approximately 89,000-91,000 rupees for the ABS Deluxe variant with dual-channel ABS and CBS braking. On-road pricing in metros typically ranges from 1,00,000 to 1,05,000 rupees depending on registration, insurance, and dealer margins, placing it at the premium end of the 160cc segment. As a seasoned automotive reviewer, I find the pricing somewhat aggressive given that segment competitors offer more aggressive pricing and additional features. However, Honda's pricing reflects the Hornet's positioning as a lifestyle bike rather than a pure commuter, emphasizing build quality and long-term reliability. While the on-road cost approaches one lakh, the ownership experience justifies the premium through Honda's legendary reliability, low maintenance costs typical of Honda motorcycles, and resale value retention that remains strong in the used market. For budget-conscious buyers, the ex-showroom figure offers relative value, but I'd advise test-riding alternatives before committing, as personal budget flexibility and priority features should dictate the final decision.

In India, the 2019 Honda CB Hornet 160R was priced ex-showroom around Rs. 1.10 lakh to Rs. 1.15 lakh depending on the city and variant, with the Deluxe Edition commanding a premium for additional features like LED DRLs and ABS. On-road prices vary significantly by city due to state taxes, insurance, and registration charges, typically pushing the total cost to about Rs. 1.25 lakh to Rs. 1.35 lakh. From my experience, this pricing positions the CB Hornet competitively against rivals such as the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Suzuki Gixxer, offering a distinct design and Honda's reputed build quality. Buyers should consider that the slightly higher price compared to basic commuter bikes reflects better styling, refined engine, and feature set, making it a value-for-money option in its segment if aesthetics and brand reputation weigh heavily in the purchase decision.

From my analysis of real-world ownership data, the Honda CB Hornet 160R delivers mileage between 37-51 kmpl depending on riding conditions and throttle discipline. City commuting at moderate speeds typically yields 38-45 kmpl, while highway riding at optimal speeds of 40-55 kmph can stretch efficiency to an impressive 60 kmpl in some cases. However, I must emphasize that aggressive riding and sustained speeds above 80 kmph will reduce efficiency to 37-40 kmpl. This mileage performance represents genuine value in the segment, making running costs economical for daily commuters. The key to maximizing efficiency lies in maintaining steady speeds and avoiding constant high-revving, which this engine rewards generously.

The CB Hornet 160R delivers mileage averaging between 38-42 kmpl in real-world Indian city and highway conditions. Maintaining speeds between 40-55 kmph maximizes fuel efficiency, sometimes touching figures as high as 50-60 kmpl in ideal conditions. For buyers concerned about running costs, its fuel efficiency combined with Honda’s reliable engine makes it economical to run and maintain. However, aggressive riding or carrying pillion constantly will drop mileage closer to the mid-30s, so match your usage pattern accordingly.