We take a brief ride on the just launched Honda CB Hornet 160R on the narrow and winding roads of Goa to find out if the Yamaha FZ FI V2.0 and Suzuki Gixxer have anything to worry about.
Looks
One look at the motorcycle and you know that it is at par with the competition, which is quite a good thing to say considering I love the way the Gixxer looks and everyone knows how purposeful the look of the Yamaha FZ is. The headlamp of the Hornet 160R gives it an impressive look and resembles the one found on the Honda CB 1000R.
The slightly-upward side exhaust gives the bike a sporty look which is complimented by the monoshock at the rear and the fuel tank has sharp curves making it look quite aggressive. The carbon-fibre-like touch on the fuel tank makes it look premium and adds more bang for your buck. The X-shaped LED tail lamp looks nice and adds to the overall sporty look and feel of the motorcycle.
Yes, it doesn’t look as aggressive as the Yamaha FZ-S but can be compared to the Suzuki Gixxer. The switchgear feels a little ill-equipped as it lacks an engine kill switch and the high-beam low-beam shifter might take some time to get used to. Another refreshing bit was to see the thoughtfully-made kick lever of the Hornet. It can be engaged to start the bike and then put back in its place in one very seamless manner.
Performance and Handling
Push the start button and you are welcomed by this sweet sound which immediately tells you that this bike is a typical Honda machine in terms of refinement. The riding stance isn’t as aggressive as the Yamaha FZ’s, which is a good thing, if you ask me. Doing long distances on the Yamaha FZ can be tiresome for the same reason.