Honda has quite a few ups and downs in the premium commuter segment. The Trigger and the Dazzler can be written off as flops, but the Unicorn and the Hornet sure are success stories. Now with the X-Blade, the Japanese manufacturer is targeting a younger audience. Here is a detailed photo gallery of the Honda X-Blade –
The X-Blade is based on the same underpinnings as the CB Hornet 160R, although the styling is completely different.
The edgy LED headlamp, muscular tank, sharp tank extensions, raised tail and beefy exhaust give it a sporty appeal.
The fuel tank gets edgy shrouds and racy decals, and can hold 12 litres of fuel. The X-Blade tips the scales at 140 kilograms.
The transparent windscreen, tail rack, graphics and the tank pad seen here are a part of an optional accessories package.
Powering the X-Blade is the same 162cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, delivering 13.9bhp and 13.9Nm of torque.
It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with MRF tyres. The front gets telescopic suspension and a preload adjustable rear monoshock.
The front gets a 276mm disc brake while the rear gets 130mm drum unit. Unlike the Hornet, the X-Blade doesn’t get combi brakes.
We expect the X-Blade to be launched in the next few months, with a price tag of around Rs 90,000. It will be positioned below the CB Hornet 160R.