Honda CB Hornet 160 R
Sayonara nakama! I bid my friend goodbye
MMY TRYST WITH motorcycles began with the Bajaj Pulsar 150 almost 15 years ago. I upgraded to a Yamaha Fazer after moving to Mumbai as I had planned to make trips to Pune, every weekend. I never used the local train ever in my life as it does not allow you to explore the city, like a bike does. I was 100 per cent sure that no other 150cc would ever be able to challenge the Yamaha’s ride quality and refinement, but then I was handed the keys to the Hornet sometime last year after moving to evo india.
If there is one 150cc bike that is great at commuting or touring or even sporty riding, it is the Hornet. It excels at everything it does and that it does in style. I have always said that it’s the best looking motorcycle HMSI has ever produced in India. With the Hornet, Honda finally moved from the functional and utilitarian design to something flashy and desirable. It is one of the primary reasons that you see so many Hornets on the road today. Apart from being stylish, it hasn’t given up on any of its Honda-ness. It comes with a refined, free-revving engine that has enough grunt to keep you entertained. The gearbox is silky smooth and brings a great sense of tractability with it as I have noticed on my long highway rides to Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar.
The weekends have always been fun. The long wheelbase makes it extremely stable at three digit speeds. The Hornet has an unusual riding position, but once you get accustomed to it, it can be easy to throw around corners. Agreed, it’s not a Gixxer, but then the Suzuki loses out on straight line stability.
The Hornet is a jack of all trades, barring a few issues such as the lack of an engine kill switch and that weird switch gear, which comes with a left hand operated headlight button. Also, it does not feel as responsive as the lower powered Unicorn 160, although the bikes share the same powertrain.
Apart from few such shortcomings, my journey with the Hornet has been fun and also, light on my wallet. I remember getting up to 47kmpl on highway runs and that too with spirited riding.
I have gotten back to riding my own 200 Duke now. I am not complaining as such, but I really do miss the ride quality and comfort of the Hornet. I miss my handsome Honda.L