Honda’s Hornet 2.0-based Entry-level ADV Drops Tomorrow

(The Honda CB200X has been launched in India at Rs 1.45 lakh. To know the full specification, availability and other details, read this story)

Honda is all set to take on the prospering affordable ADV segment with its new bike based on the Hornet 2.0 platform, likely to be called the NX200. 

The Japanese bikemaker has frequently teased the bike in the last few weeks, revealing key bits about it. The first teaser gave away the bike’s premium handguard-mounted LED indicators and LED headlamp, the latter being identical to the Hornet 2.0 but mounted on the fairing. Also part of the fascia was a short tinted visor.

In more recent teasers, Honda also revealed the NX200’s split seats and tall handlebar, for an upright riding stance. Moreover, the bike will come with dual-purpose tyres and an engine cowl, adding to its off-road capabilities.

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Speaking of off-road capabilities, a silhouette of the motorcycle seen in the teaser also shows the tall USD fork up front. It looks similar to the Hornet 2.0’s unit but whether it'll have a longer travel remains to be seen. 

On the mechanical front, the NX200 shall use the same 184.4cc single-cylinder motor from the Hornet 2.0, which puts out 17.3PS and 16.1Nm. We wish Honda tweaks the gear ratios, though, to give the engine a more suitable character for an off-roader. 

All this sounds very promising, but so did the Honda CB500X, right before its obnoxious price was revealed. We hope this isn’t the case with the NX200, but considering Honda products have a habit of commanding a premium over their rivals, expect it to be priced at Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom). In the market, the NX200 would face fierce competition from the Hero XPulse 200.