Is Honda Working On A 160cc Retro Motorcycle?

Honda has filed a patent for a new small capacity motorcycle at the European patent office. The patent images show a compact neo-retro motorcycle with a single-cylinder air-cooled motor and a single downtube frame. The powertrain and frame look similar to that of the Honda Hornet 160R sold in India. 

 The upcoming motorcycle has a neo-retro bodywork with a round headlamp and a flat seat. Its styling follows Honda’s naked neo-retro design language and looks similar to the larger Honda CB650R. 

Also read: Honda X-Blade: Road Test Review

What is more interesting is what’s beneath the bodywork. The powertrain is an air-cooled single cylinder motor. Externally, it looks similar to the one seen on the Honda Hornet 160R except for the revised exhaust. Even the frame appears to be a similar single downtube setup. However, the rear subframe could be different to accommodate the flat rear seat.  The bike also gets more premium suspension in the form of upside down forks and petal disc brakes. 

Also read: Honda CB300R: Road Test Review  

Europe has a significant market for premium small capacity motorcycles. They are useful to commute in crowded city centres and given the smaller engine capacity, they are lighter on the pocket in terms of retail price and insurance. We see a potential for a neo-retro motorcycle based on the Honda Hornet 160 here in India. The closest we have to an affordable neo-retro motorcycle is the Jawa Forty-Two. A retro motorcycle based on the Hornet 160R could offer Honda an edge in the fiercely competitive 160cc segment. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. 

Source: TMC Blog