Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has launched the new Hornet 2.0 at Rs 126,345 (ex-showroom, Delhi), which marks the company’s foray into the 180cc-200cc segment.

The new Honda Hornet 2.0 is based on the Honda CB190R that's sold in international markets, albeit with most body panels changed, including the headlamp and taillight. It looks like a proper street fighter with its sharp LED headlamp, beefy tank and sleek tail section. The tank extensions look seamlessly integrated and add to the visual mass. One design aspect that will remind you of the Honda Hornet 160R is the X-shaped tail lamp.

Atsushi Ogata, MD, president and CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “Inspired by the dreams of the new age customers and their passion for riding, we are pleased to introduce all new Honda Hornet 2.0. With its advanced technology and thrilling performance, new Hornet 2.0 is set to create a new benchmark among the young motorcycle enthusiasts. It is the beginning of Honda’s new era of portfolio expansion catering to a wide range of customers in India.”

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “The new Hornet 2.0 is a transformation of Honda’s racing DNA into sheer thrill of street riding. Fully satisfying the needs of riders seeking performance and style in one machine, the powerful higher capacity HET BS-VI Engine, best in class features like golden USD front forks, fully digital negative liquid crystal meter, dual, petal disc brakes and aggressive design enhances the overall riding experience.”

In terms of equipment, the Hornet 2.0 is the only motorcycle in its segment to feature an USD fork, finished in a contrasting shape of gold. The motorcycle also has a reverse LCD instrument cluster (a Honda staple these days) that also features a gear position indicator, service due indicator, battery voltmeter. Users can also customise the brightness level that can be adjusted manually up to 5 levels. Other features include LED indicators, hazard lamps and a sealed chain that Honda claims requires less frequent maintenance.

The Honda Hornet 2.0 is a powered by a new 184.4cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single cylinder engine that develops 17.2hp at 8,500rpm and 16.1Nm at 6,000rpm. These figures are slightly higher than 160cc motorcycles and just below that of some 200cc ones.

What should work in favour of the Hornet 2.0, when it comes to performance is its 142kg kerb weight. For those curious, the Hornet's power to weight ratio is 121.12hp per tonne.

The new motorcycle is based on a new Diamond frame, and Honda promises light and agile handling. Along with the USD fork, there's an adjustable monoshock at the rear. The bike rides on new alloy wheels, shod with a fat 110mm tyre at the front and a 140mm tyre at the rear. Braking duties are carried out by a 276mm front petal disc and 220mm petal disc at the rear. The bike is equipped with single-channel ABS only.