Honda likely to launch fully-faired CB Hornet 160 R in India by 2017-end

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) recently revealed its plan to launch four new products in the Indian two-wheeler market this year. Among the four, one has been confirmed the Africa Twin while there is no about other models in the pipeline from the company.

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Honda officials refused to divulge any details on the second motorcycle but just mentioned that it will be a 'fun motorcycle.' A report in Zigwheels claimed the second motorcycle in question will be a fully-faired version of the CB Hornet 160 R. Honda currently sells CBR150R in the fully-faired 150cc bike segment. However, the model is significantly pricier than the Suzuki Gixxer SF.

With a competitive price, Suzuki has achieved great success with the Gixxer SF, which is the faired version of the Gixxer 155cc motorcycle. Honda will try to replicate this formula with the fully faired CB Hornet 160 R model. The Hornet already enjoys solid sales with its sharp and sporty styling. Hence, extracting a faired sibling will be easier for Honda on both developing and cost front.

The faired sibling is expected to borrow the same engine of the CB Hornet 160 R. It is powered by a 162.71cc single-cylinder engine that can churn out 14.5bhp of maximum power at 8,000 rpm and 14.61Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox and also gets Honda Eco Technology (HET).

On Africa Twin, Honda has already commenced trail production of the adventure tour. The launch of the motorcycle is expected by July and it will be powered by a 998cc, parallel twin liquid-cooled engine with 270-degree crank and uni-cam. The mill in Africa Twin can generate 94bhp of power at 7,500rpm and 98Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Expected to be priced at around Rs 14 lakh, when launched, the dual-purpose motorcycle will compete against the likes of Suzuki V-Strom, Triumph Tiger series and Kawasaki Versys 1000.