Honda is planning on a new adventure motorcycle for India based on the Hornet 2.0 platform and here we have a digital rendering of what the motorcycle could look like. The Hero Xpulse 200 may finally have a rival with this.
We had earlier reported to you that Honda is planning more motorcycles on the Honda 2.0 platform in India and one of them perhaps could be a new adventure motorcycle. Given the recent craze for adventure motorcycles in India, this is indeed the best opportunity for Honda to capitalize on the situation. The Honda Hornet itself is a very popular motorcycle and an adventure bike based on the Hornet – if done right – could be equally hit as well. We have seen with the Hero Xpulse that there is potential in this segment, only waiting to be exploited.
Here we have a digital rendering of what an adventure motorcycle based on the Honda Hornet 2.0 could look like and first impressions are pretty good. Typical to adventure motorcycles, the front-end has been completely redesigned with a new half-fairing design, a tall windscreen and even a beak. The gold USD forks that debuted with the Hornet 2.0 have been carried over but the handlebar have been slightly raised for a more upright riding position. The positioning of the foot pegs however remain unchanged which gives it a sporty-commuter riding ergonomics.
The fuel tank has not been tampered with and the central panel remains identical as well. The rear section has however been redesigned with a longer grab rail with the seat now being a single-piece unit. Being an adventure motorcycle, there’s obviously a new engine and sump guard with the stock alloy wheels now shod with knobby tires. Earlier in an interview with carandbike, Atsushi Ogata (President, CEO and MD, HMSI), said that they have heavily invested in both the Hornet 2.0 and H’ness CB350 platforms and are exploring possibilities of further expanding these platforms by offering more motorcycles in different body styles in the near future.
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Atsushi Ogata said,”Adventure means real or full bike but basically like small cc, 200 cc or 160 cc. Also, we have such kind of crossover. It means on-off model. We have those in China, in ASEAN markets, the CRF and so on. So, why not! Because we have Hornet 2.0, so we have new platform, new engine, the same as the H’Ness. Also, the Hornet 2.0, we have big investment for this model. So now, under discussion to expand the variety and to utilise this kind of new platform and offer more different categories and one of the options is adventure. So, you will be able to see sooner or later.”
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The new Honda Hornet 2.0 is powered by a 184 cc engine which is fuel-injected and makes 17 bhp at 8,500 rpm along with 16.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. Honda could tweak the engine slightly to increase the displacement and produce a little more power and torque. The engine on the adventure motorcycle could be up to 200cc at least or else it will be the smallest in the segment. Currently, the Hero XPulse 200 does not have any direct rival but should Honda actually bring this 180-200cc ADV motorcycle, it will also boost the small capacity adventure motorcycle segment in India.
