New Honda ADV Bike India Launch Tomorrow

Likely to be called the Honda NX200, the new Honda adventure tourer will be based on the Hornet 2.0 

[UPDATE: Honda has launched its most affordable ADV in India, called the CB200X. You can read all about it in our launch report here.]

• The Honda NX200 will feature a more butch styling compared to the Hornet 2.0.
• It features a short windscreen, knuckle guards with integrated LED indicators, and upright ergonomics.
• Will be powered by the same engine as the Hornet 2.0.

Honda India is all set to launch its first small-capacity ADV based on the Honda Hornet 2.0. It is likely to be called the Honda NX200, going by the company’s trademark filings earlier. The manufacturer has teased the upcoming adventure tourer several times, and it appears to be more of a softroader than an out-and-out ADV like the Royal Enfield Himalayan. While the Hero XPulse 200 will be a more off-road-centric alternative, one could also look at the Hero XPulse 200T for a road-biased substitute.

• Honda NX200 India Launch: What To Expect From The Hornet 2.0-based ADV
• EXCLUSIVE: Honda CRF300L Patented In India, Will Honda Bring This Off-roader?
• Honda Hornet 2.0 Road Test Review

Going by the teaser videos, the bike features more butch fuel tank extensions, complete with a fairing-mounted LED headlamp. The indicators are integrated into the knuckle guards, and the handlebars appear to be tall. This complements the short windscreen and split seats, offering an upright riding stance. The instrument cluster is likely to be a fully digital unit, with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation (if we’re lucky).

The bike will be powered by the same 184.4cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine as the Hornet 2.0. It is also likely to retain the same tune and output figures (17.26PS and 16.1Nm). That said, we’d be delighted if Honda altered the gearing for an even better low-end grunt to suit the ADV’s demeanour. 

The gold-finished inverted front fork looks similar to the one on the naked, but we’re yet to see if it will have a longer travel. The rear features a monoshock, and the bike comes with petal discs at both ends, likely with dual-channel ABS as standard. 

While the motorcycle looks like it rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends like the naked, they’re wrapped in dual-purpose tyres for a better grip on light trails. There’s a plastic engine cowl for added protection too, although it may not be as effective as a proper metal bash plate.

Honda has a penchant for pricing its products slightly steep. For reference, the Hornet 2.0 retails at Rs 1,31,182 (ex-showroom Delhi). So, keeping this in mind, we think the ADV bike could carry a premium of around Rs 15,000 over the naked. The launch event on August 19 will start from 11:55am, so stay tuned for updates!