Honda xBlade 160

Overview

The new xBlade from Honda is a naked sports motorcycle that was launched in India with a price tag of INR 78,500 (ex-showroom Delhi). It was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo and when it was launched, it went on to rival the Suzuki Gixxer and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160. The bike shares its looks with the Honda CB Hornet 160R and it comes with a sharper design line and an all-LED headlamp.

The xBlade is powered by Honda’s 162.71cc air-cooled 4-stroke HET engine that delivers a maximum power of 13.93 bhp at 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.9 Nm at 6000 rpm. This engine unit is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and it is designed to perform well in the low and mid-range revs. The engine is made for a comfortable ride and there is an additional style on the bike. It is apart from the typical street bike since it has a more aggressive design. The fuel injection is through a carburettor which could have been upgraded. The fuel efficiency of the bike is between 40 kmpl and 50 kmpl and with its 12-litre tank, there is no doubt that it can be taken out for longer commutes.

The safety on the bike is one of its key features. There is a 276mm single disc brake on the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear. ABS is missing from the bike but with the new regulations soon to come in effect, it will soon be featured on the bike. The instrument cluster on the bike is all digital. The bike is available in a variety of colours, namely, Matte Marvel Blue Metallic, Matte Frozen Silver Metallic, Pearl Spartan Red, Pearl Igneous Black, and Mattle Marshal Green Metallic. It is a true Head Turner.