Honda CB Hornet 160R naked compact sports bike has been showcased in India ahead of its launch which is expected this festive season(September to November). The motorcycle is aimed at taking on brisk selling Yamaha FZ series and Suzuki Gixxer. Positioned as a sportier alternative to CB Unicorn 160, Hornet is essentially a watered down version of CX-01 concept which world premiered at New Delhi Auto Show in February last year. The styling is characterized by an edgy headlamp with minimal fairing(which incorporates aerodynamic fins at the lower side), dual-tone front mud-guard and a high-mounted handlebar. Honda CB Hornet 160R is claimed to be powered by a 160 cc engine but no further details have been released as of now. We suspect the motor to be the same 162.71 cc single-cylinder air-cooled carbureted unit which also does duty in CB Unicorn 160. The motor pumps out 14.5 bhp at 8, 000 rpm and 14.67 Nm of torque at 6, 000 rpm which are at par with rivals. A 5-speed transmission with 1-down-4-up shift pattern transfers the drive via chain. Just like its bikini-faired sibling, CB Hornet 160R is underpinned by a tubular diamond frame which is suspended by conventional telescopic front fork and semi-loaded rear mono suspension. The 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels appear to have 17-inch diameter. While the front tyre is expected to be of same size as its sibling(80/100-17), the rear tyre is fatter(probably 130 mm wide section). Both front and rear wheels are retarded by a disc brake each. They are governed by Honda’s CBS(Combi Braking System) which automatically deploys front brake even if only the rear pedal is pressed by the rider. It’s very comfortable.