The current two-wheeler market in India is witnessing a shift in motorcycle preference. From premium motorcycles to humble commuters, everyone seems to be wanting to add a slice of adventure to their saddle time. With such favourable conditions, Honda has recently launched an entry-level ADV in the market, the CB200X, to cater to the aspiring buyers and also make the best of the opportunity at hand. We recently got a chance to check out the new motorcycle up close, here are our initial impressions about it.
Is it a looker?
If you are expecting a proper adventure touring kind of motorcycle, you are probably looking at the wrong machine here. The CB200X is an adventure motorcycle, but the one that is meant chiefly for the urban jungle. Based on the Hornet 2.0 street bike, it shares its headlamp, tail lamp, instrumentation and few more bits. However, Honda has managed to pull off a nice one with the CB200X’s looks. The taller body line with the sculpted look gives the motorcycle a sharp and edgy appeal. The distinctive tank extensions draw their inspiration from Honda Africa Twin, giving the bike a muscular look. To complement that, the CB200X features a tall windscreen, beak-like front end, a wide handlebar, knuckle guards incorporated with turn indicators, redesigned split-seat design and an engine belly guard.
Completing the look are the block-pattern MRF Zapper Kurve-F tyres, that besides their rugged look, should take on the pot-hole ridden roads better with more traction.
Is it also a go with the show?
Like we said earlier, the CB200X is based on the Hornet 2.0, the similarity in that aspect can be noticed the most here. In simplest terms, the underpinnings of the CB200X are the same as its street bike sibling. The motor is the same single-cylinder 184cc air-cooled unit that produces 17 bhp and 1.64 kgm of torque. As far as on-paper performance is concerned, it isn’t at par with other motorcycles in the 180cc to 200cc segment. Also, in comparison to the Hornet 2.0, the CB200X is heavier by 5-kg, so expect a slight drop in acceleration and top speed figures. One would expect a change in the gearbox ratios or tweaks to the engine’s tune to match the bike’s character, however, Honda has opted to keep all these parameters unchanged. For that matter, even the fuel tank capacity and the ground clearance which appears to be more is also the same. The suspension travel from the USDs at the front and monoshock at the rear along with the braking hardware has been directly lifted from the Hornet 2.0 without any alterations. The only change present here seems to be in the seat height which now stands at 810-mm which is 15-mm more than the 795-mm on the Hornet 2.0.
Whom is it for?
For those who want to enjoy the feel of an adventure motorcycle on their daily in city riding routine. In that aspect, the change in riding stance, and larger seat should contribute to a more comfortable ride but we would be able to confirm that only after spending enough time riding it. The taller seat height should also benefit taller riders with more recess to place their knees more comfortably on the footpegs.
Will it be fun?
If your riding involves a lot of highway travel, the CB200X should be a good option to consider. It has a refined motor that feels all calm and composed till the mid-range and beyond that packs a decent amount of punch to keep things exciting. With the use of a wider handlebar, manoeuvring through traffic or long swapping corners should be fun as it would require lesser rider effort to steer the motorcycle.
At Rs 1.44 lakh (ex-showroom), the CB200X demands a premium of Rs 13,000 over the Hornet 2.0’s sticker price. For that amount, what you get is the same underpinnings but a taller stance, slightly more ergonomic riding triangle, wider seats, ADV styling and block-pattern tyres. While the extra premium of the ADV-ish experience does feel slightly on the higher side, we will only be able to justify that based on how the motorcycle is to ride. Stay tuned for a detailed review of the CB200X soon.
MOTODATA
Honda CB200X
POWERTRAIN
Displacement: 184.4cc, single
Max power: 16.8 bhp@8500 rpm
Max torque: 1.64 kgm@6000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed
CHASSIS
Type: Diamond frame
SUSPENSION
(F/R): USD / monoshock
BRAKES
(F/R): 276-mm single disc / 220-mm single disc
TYRES
(F/R): 110/70 R17 / 140/70 R17
DIMENSIONS
L/W/H (mm): 2035/843/1248
Wheelbase: 1355 mm
Ground clearance: 167 mm
Seat height: 810 mm
Kerb weight: 147 kg
Fuel capacity: 12 litres
PRICE: Rs 1.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
