Honda Hornet 2.0 : And that’s exactly what made Honda Hornet a hotcake in India when the manufacturer introduced it the first time; it was sporty, dependable, and no bullshit commuter with ample amount of bling.
Now fast-forward to the Hornet 2.0, what Honda is signaling here is pretty clear – this ain’t just an update – this here’s a brand new attitude.
The Hornet 2.0 is edgier, with superior suspension, and more aggressive styling, and is intended to make its presence felt in the notoriously crowded 180-200cc space.
But is there really anything special about it, or is it mainly trading on nostalgia and brand power? Let’s break it down.
Style: Sleek, Attractive and Distrinctive
For starters, the Honda Hornet 2.0 is something that makes a strong visual statement.
The muscular look of the fuel tank and sharp design of the tank extensions and its LED lights present it as a premium feeling streetfighter model that belies its price. It doesn’t look like it’s trying too hard — it just looks cool.
A split seat layout, gold-finished USD forks and an X-shaped LED tail lamp further lend the motorcycle a sturdy, contemporary look.
And yes, you’ll definitely have people craning necks when you’re idling at a light or whizzing down through city streets.
Performance: Smoother Operator With a Hint of Thrill
Up, above the tank and a bit in between your legs, the Hornet 2.0 comes forward with a 184.4cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor that produces about 17 hp and 15.9 Nm.
On paper those numbers might not shout performance however don’t be fooled – this engine is creamy, responsive and beautifully suited to city and weekend riding.
It’s not going to embarrass rivals on a highway drag, but out in the real world the throttle response is sharp, the gearing is perfect and the ike is as uncannily Honda as we have come to expect.
And it’s fun to ride in traffic, punching through in the mid-range to make passes without even sweating.
Ride and Handling: Agile Yet Comfortable
What really makes the ride on the Hornet 2.0 feel premium is the gold-finished USD front forks for it is a rare sight in this segment.
These, along with the monoshock rear suspension, contribute to a planted-yet-plush ride.
Cornering is very good and the bike doesn’t trouble even when you’re pushing it in a bit hard.
Whether you’re scampering down the twisties or dodging potholes, the Hornet holds it together.
The bike gets petal disc brakes at either ends although single channel ABS is available only in the front.
Braking is strong and coercive and I wouldn’t have minded if that included dual-channel ABS to ice the cake.
Functionality and Style Combined:
Two Big Pockets Trimmed On Both Sides, Casual Style, Ruched Collar, Cycingad Raincoat Will Keep You Cute, Dry And Protected From The Elements Right Fit Without Binding; Lightweight And Plenty Of Pockets; Waterproof Protects You From Rain.
Honda has managed a nice mix of aesthetics and use. And what you see is everything you will ever need—a gear position indicator, a clock, trip meters, battery voltage, etc.
And we could have had better visibility under the sun, but we didn’t find that particularly problematic.
Ergonomics also favor the sporty, but not the aggressive. The footpegs, set a little to the rear and the upright handlebar offer a comfortable, yet involving riding position. Long commutes? No problem.
Mileage and Usability
You can expect a real-world mileage of about 40–45 km/l which is more or less acceptable for a bike of this class.
It features a 12-litre tank, this means you have a range around over 400 km comfortably for city and short rides away from the city.
Pros
Aggressive streetfighter styling
Refined and peppy engine
Excellent suspension, very smooth for USD forks
Feature-rich digital console
Reliable and trusty Honda name and reputation
Cons
Single-channel ABS only
Little top-end for those who love the highway
Cons LCD console dim in sunlight
No slipper clutch
Honda Hornet 2.0: Verdict: Not Just a Pretty Face
The Honda Hornet 2.0 is not competing on being the most powerful bike in its class and that’s perfectly all right.
It capitalizes on its attributes—subtle elegance, smooth ride, a sense of style and a dash of functionality.
It is the sort of motorcycle that feels as comfortable in the daily grind as it does on those spontaneous weekend getaways.
If you need a bike that’s frugal, stylish and fun while not being in-your-face, then the Hornet 2.0 could be the perfect sweet spot for you. It doesn’t shout out for attention — it earns it.