Honda XBlade 160

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

Honda 2 Wheelers, India's second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, offers three motorcycles in the 160cc category: the Unicorn, the Hornet, and the new X-Blade. Honda has expanded its premium motorcycle offerings to its customers. Honda X-Blade is priced between the CB Unicorn 160 and the CB Hornet 160R. The X-Blade motorcycle was first introduced in India at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo, alongside the Honda Activa 5G. Honda introduced the XBlade in India later that month. The sporty motorcycle is built on the same chassis as the CB Hornet 160R. Honda X Blade is nicely parked, between CB Unicorn 160 and Hornet 2.0, as the child of these two with many characteristics from both. Honda has created this model to appeal to every type of 150cc customer.

Honda Xblade Design and Style

2023 Honda X-Blade graphics on the bike are quite appealing, and the overall design of the bike is easily distinguishable. You'll notice the protruding nose of the Honda XBlade headlamp in the front, which resembles the face of "Iron Man." Unlike the Hornet, this motorcycle has a sleeker and thinner appearance, and it is more fit than any other 160cc motorcycle on the market.

The X-protruding Blade's nose/Iron Man face steals the show; credit goes to the design team for carving out a shape that is distinct and so different from other motorcycles. The colour combination is used in a very large proportion; no part of the motorcycle appears overdone, but rather very consistent, enhancing the on-road presence. Honda describes its fuel tank as "aggressively sculpted," which is, of course, correct. Every motorcycle, whether it's a TVS Apache RTR 160, a Yamaha FZ, a Bajaj Pulsar, or a large Royal Enfield, has a distinct design personality. When making a purchasing decision, people frequently connect with how it appears to them.

The headlamps are LED-powered, and they shine brightly through the darkened streets. All other features and components remain the same as on the Hornet, with the exception of a parking indicator switch and a rear Mudguard. The addition of a rear Mudguard is a good thing, as Honda has attempted to address the problem with the Unicorn (Mud splattering on pillion riders when driving on wet and rainy roads).

Honda Xblade Engine and Gearbox

2023 Honda X-Blade is powered by a 162.71cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. This motor produces 13.7 HP at 8000 RPM and 14.7 Nm of torque at 5500 RPM. The counterbalancer should improve the engine's performance. The X-Blade also receives Programmed Fuel Injection and Honda's Eco Technology (HET). The new X-Blade, however, lacks an ACG starter motor, unlike all other BS6-compliant Honda offerings.

The new Xblade has enough power to get around in city traffic. Because of its lightweight construction, the motorcycle can easily be thrown around while taking sharp turns. This makes it even easier to navigate city streets. The motorcycle also has a soft suspension setup that easily absorbs street undulations and provides a smooth, relaxed ride.

Honda Xblade Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

A Diamond Frame supports the Honda X-Blade along with hydraulic mono-shock absorbers in the back and front telescopic forks. The front brakes are handled by a 276mm disc, while the rear brakes are handled by a 220mm disc or a 130mm drum. These are also petal discs, with a single-channel ABS as an added safety feature. Tubeless 17-inch tyres are fitted to the motorcycle, the rear tyre measures 130/70-17, while the front tyre measures 80/100-17.

Instrument Console of Honda Xblade

When it comes to the front dashboard or instrument cluster, it is completely digital and says "SEE YOU" whenever you turn off the motorcycle. It shows the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, and trip metre and looks quite appealing and modern for a modern rider. There is a gear position indicator as well as a service-due indicator.

Key Features of Honda Xblade

In terms of features, the new Honda X-Blade BS6 hasn't changed much. It still has an LED headlight, hazard lights, an all-digital instrument cluster with a gear shift indicator, and a service reminder. Nonetheless, Honda has fitted the motorcycle with an engine kill switch. It also has the option of a rear 220mm petal disc for improved braking performance. Honda continues to provide a single-channel ABS as standard equipment.

Top Speed and Mileage of Honda Xblade

The top speed of the new Honda Xblade is 110 to 115 km/h, and the real-world mileage figures are around 40 to 45 km/l. The Honda Xblade accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in about 4 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in about 16 seconds.

Honda Xblade Colour Options

Honda offers new XBlade in 4 different colour options: Matte Steel Black Metallic, Strontium Silver Metallic, Matte Marvel Blue Metallic, and Sports Red.

Honda Xblade Competitors

Bajaj Pulsar NS160, Bajaj Pulsar 150 Twin Disc, Hero Xtreme 160R, Hero Xtreme 200S, Suzuki Gixxer 150, Suzuki Gixxer SF, Honda Unicorn 160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, and TVS Apache RTR 180 are the top competitors for the new Honda XBlade.

Conclusion

2023 Honda XBlade is among the best commuter motorcycles on the market. The motorcycle has a slew of features and a respectable performance. The Honda XBlade is ideal for everyday city driving. The motorcycle provides a relaxed commute thanks to its agile handling and upright seating position. If you are a Honda fan and want a bike with an appealing design, this is a great option. You will undoubtedly appreciate the design and performance of this motorcycle, as well as the fact that it is less expensive than the Honda Hornet. The colour options available in the market are excellent, and it includes the ABS safety feature.