Honda CB Hornet 160R vs Yamaha FZ-S FI vs Suzuki Gixxer

One of the hottest battles in the Indian two-wheeler market is between the 150cc naked sport motorcycle, which was going on among the Yamaha FZ series and Suzuki Gixxer. Now, Honda has further fierce the competition with the launch of new CB Hornet 160R. All these offerings come under the premium 150cc segment and are cost above Rs. 80,000. So, here we are with a brief comparison of Honda CB Hornet 160R, Yamaha FZ-S FI and Suzuki Gixxer.

Design and Styling: All the three rivals in the category are built on a diamond type frame and gets a naked sport styling.

Honda CB Hornet is the latest in the game and looks much different from the competition. It has a fresh appearance which is inspired by the concept CX-01 that was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo. It looks much aggressive with the features like masculine fuel tank cover and sharp headlamp. The most highlighted style element of the bike is its ‘X’ shaped tail lamp, which perfectly complements the characteristics of the Hornet.

Yamaha FZ was the first one to bring the naked sport characteristics to a common man’s machine and it is still doing well along with the new updated models of the series. Top of the line is Yamaha FZ-S FI, which comes with new muscles and style features like the split seat and fully digital console. Most highlighted style elements of the bike are its low-set headlamp, sturdy tank shrouds and the Midship muffler.

Suzuki Gixxer looks much closer to the old masculine Yamaha FZ, while having some more aggressive features like a high-raised tail section, three-split-spoke alloys and a twin-port exhaust. The Gixxer in simply a no-nonsense design that gives you a comfortable ride with style and aggression. 

Also Read: Honda CB Hornet 160R Price, Details and Picture Gallery

Engine and Performance: Honda CB Hornet, Yamaha FZ-S FI and Suzuki Gixxer all are powered by a 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine displacing around 150cc and featuring some latest technologies of their respective manufacturer.

Powering the Hornet 160R is the well tuned 162.7cc motor that has already been tested in the successful CB Unicorn 160. It is based on the HET (Honda Eco Technology), which claims to return a healthy fuel economy without hampering the performance. It comes mates to a 5-speed gearbox and coupled with a carburetor type fuel system. The power output of the mill goes up to 15.66bhp and it delivers torque up to 14.76Nm.

Yamaha FZ-S FI sports a 149cc engine based on the new Blue Core technology by the company, which also includes electronic Fuel Injection (FI) System. It has been resulted in a better fuel economy compared to the old gen FZ while the power output of the bike still remains least in the competition. It gives a maximum power of 12.9bhp and 12.8Nm of peak torque, which goes to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox.

Suzuki Gixxer comes with a 154.9cc engine which uses the Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology that claims to provide the optimum balance between fuel economy and performance. The motor uses a carburetor type fuel supply system and churns out power up to 14.6bhp and torque up to 14Nm. Like the rivals, it also has a 5-speed gearbox and Suzuki claims that this 155cc motor is the lightest in its segment.

Chassis and Equipment: As all the three players fall in the same category, they also have many similar features like fat telescopic forks at the front, rear mono-shock suspension, fully digital console, wide tyres, standard front disc brake, 140mm wide rear tyre and much more.

Talking about the advanced features, Honda CB Hornet 160R comes on the first place among all the other contenders. Along with the above-mentioned features, it also offers dual disc brake and Combi Brake System (CBS) as optional. 

Also Read: Honda CB Hornet 160R: Company’s first BS-IV compliant machine

Price and Verdict: In the Indian auto market, the price of a vehicle is considered as the most important factor in its success. Here we have the Suzuki Gixxer with the lowest price tag of Rs. 77,166 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the most expensive one is Yamaha FZ-S FI, priced at Rs. 82,159 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bridging the price difference between these motorcycles, Honda CB Hornet 160R starts at Rs. 79,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

All the three motorcycles have almost similar features and specs. However, we believe that the new Honda Hornet could be a better selection with a fresh design, more powerful engine and some extra features that make it a complete package for you.