Honda CB Hornet 160R vs Yamaha FZ X

The Honda Hornet 160R is the Japanese two wheeler maker's third attempt at luring in the young. It tried with the Dazzler and then with the Trigger, but both bikes were half-baked attempts. The Dazzler completely lacked appeal and the Trigger was just a Unicorn in fancier clothing. With the Hornet 160R, however, Honda has set out not just to play catch up with success like the Yamaha FZ-S and the Suzuki Gixxer but to blow past them. And what better place to start than one that truly defines this class of 150cc motorcycles: Style. The Hornet 160R might be the Unicorn 160 underneath with the engine and chassis borrowed from the latter, but Honda has done enough to create the much needed differentiation. 

Now, the Yamaha FZ-X has received a model year update and we spent some time with it to tell you what’s different and if those changes have added any value to the motorcycle.

We have ridden the Yamaha FZ-X extensively, even having it as our long-termer for three months and you can read all about it by clicking here. However, here’s a summary of our review telling you the hits and misses of the FZ-X.

Yes, the FZ-X’s affinity to the city was quite pronounced. But even with its supposedly adventure-ish persona, one will most definitely use it to commute the most. So, allow me to spell out the things I liked about the FZ-X and the things I wished were better during my time with the motorcycle.