Updated Honda CB190SS Retro Bike Launched In China

The latest iteration gets a few nips and tucks, and a power bump

• The updated Honda CB190SS is priced at an equivalent of Rs 1.98 lakh.
• It comes with a redesigned instrument cluster, tweaked side panels, and new tyres.
• Also gets a tuned engine offering slightly more power than before.

Honda’s Chinese arm, Wuyang-Honda has launched the new updated Honda CB190SS in its home market. The motorcycle is priced the same as before, at CNY 16,980 (approximately Rs 1.98 lakh, excluding taxes). A fleeting glance might make you think the latest iteration looks similar to the older one but the changes are quite comprehensive. 

To begin with, Honda has changed the twin-pod instrument cluster with a twin-pod asymmetric unit, mounted in an offset fashion. While the shape of the console doesn’t look as retro as its predecessor, the dials look pretty well made, though. It gets an analogue tachometer and a digital pod housing the speedometer, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, and gear position indicator. While the circular LED headlight and tail lamp have remained unchanged, the LED indicators are now bullet shaped instead of the rectangular unit in its predecessor. This enhances the motorcycle’s retro appeal.

The fuel tank shape and the tank extensions have been ever-so-slightly tweaked, and the ribbed single-piece seat has been revised to help keep both legs planted to the ground while parking. The single-piece handlebar is slightly lower than the one in the earlier model, thus offering a slightly more aggressive riding stance. That said, the footpeg position still remains the same as before. The more obvious change lies in the side panels. It’s now flatter than before but comes with premium-looking brushed metal (stainless steel) coverings on both sides.

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Honda claims it has adjusted the ignition for a gruntier low- and mid-range performance. Consequently, the 184cc air-cooled single-cylinder motor churns out 16.8PS at 8000rpm and 16Nm at 7000rpm. In comparison, the previous-gen model made 15.9PS and 15.3Nm. Honda claims it offers a mileage of 35.71kmpl, good enough for a bike of its class. This coupled with the 15.3-litre fuel tank should ensure a theoretical range of over 500km. The claimed top speed stands at 110kmph. 

Honda has retained the same inverted front fork, rear monoshock, and spoke wheels as before. But now the wheels are shod with new Zhengxin block-pattern tyres. The bike tips the scales at 145kg, which is fairly light for a 200cc motorcycle. 

Honda is unlikely to launch this motorcycle in India as it has been designed specifically for the Chinese market. That said, we already have a potent 200cc platform, with the Hornet 2.0 serving in the streetfighter segment and the CB200X catering to the ADV space. We couldn’t help but wonder, what if Honda takes inspiration from the CB190SS and comes with its own neo-retro offering in this space? That would be a game changer, don’t you think? Let us know in the comments below.