Honda Working On TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Rival

This mysterious bike may be a larger Honda CB Hornet, which could be launched midway through 2020 itself

[UPDATE: Honda India has launched the Hornet 2.0, a 184cc motorcycle that replaces the CB Hornet 160R. Head here for more details regarding the bike.]

• Honda currently competes in the 150-160cc, 250cc and 300cc entry-level performance segment.
• The CB Hornet 200 could be its next play card.
• Expect a bigger 200cc engine and premium underpinnings along with Honda goodies. 
• Possible launch this festive season. 

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Sources close to Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer seem to suggest that there’s something big planned for the Honda CB Hornet. Could this possibly be a 200cc model? A closer look at Honda’s Indian portfolio sure points in that direction. Honda currently competes in the 150-160cc, 250cc and 300cc entry-level performance segment, leaving space for a 200cc model. And what better way to fill this void than with the muscular yet sporty CB Hornet!

Performance Expectations

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Granted, it won’t be easy, but the move may help the brand reap benefits in the future. So, what can we expect from this mysterious bike? From the performance side of things, we can expect the bike to pack a BS6-compliant 200cc, single-cylinder fuel-injected air-cooled motor, which may possibly be supported by an oil-cooler. Think TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6 and Bajaj Pulsar NS200 in terms of power figures, so somewhere between the 20 and 24PS-mark. Torque, on the other hand, may hover around 16-18Nm. Also, being Honda, the bike may come equipped with a 6-speed transmission rather than the 5-speed unit. 

Also Read: BS6 Honda SP 125 Launched In India

Extra Goodies

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We can also expect more goodies like Honda’s eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) technology and ACG starter motor to be incorporated into the motor. What about its underpinnings though? While it’ll employ a similar setup as its younger sibling -- a telescopic fork and a monoshock -- expect them to be beefier to improve rideability. The Honda CB Hornet 200 could also feature slightly larger petal disc brakes at both ends aided by dual-channel ABS for better stopping power. Expect the same tyre dimensions as the CB Hornet 160R, however, with a rear radial tyre for better handling dynamics.  

Also Read: Honda Activa 6G Launched In India

Complete Design Revision?

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Don't expect the Honda CB Hornet 200 to look drastically different from the CB Hornet 160R. Instead, the company may play around with the proportions of the bike to make it look bigger and sharper than its younger sibling. Essentially, the same formula Yamaha used for the FZ25. So, a slightly more aggressive design language paired with LED lights and a full-digital instrument console with the potential to connect to your smartphone.

Also Read: 2019 Honda Activa 125 With BS6 Engine Launched

What About Price?

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The entire package may set you back by around 1.3 lakh (ex-showroom), according to us. This puts it squarely against the recently launched TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS6, which retails at Rs 1.24 lakh and the soon-to-be updated Pulsar NS200. We’d like to clarify there's no official word about the specs or the pricing of the bike, however, we expect the Honda CB Hornet 200 to be launched around this festive season. Oh, and before we forget, Honda will sell the larger Hornet alongside the CB Hornet 160R.