Honda has recently updated the X-Blade with an ABS option. However, within the brand, there’s the CB Hornet 160R also offered with ABS which poses a threat to the X-Blade. Both motorcycles are closely specced causing cannibalism for the brand in the same segment. Now, we aren’t considering the CB Unicorn 160, even though it has the same motor and chassis, due to two reasons. Firstly, the motorcycle is available only with CBS option and is yet to receive an ABS update. Secondly, it is due for an update as it currently looks dated and misses out on several features. That being said, let’s see how the X-Blade ABS and CB Hornet 160R ABS stack up against each other.
Design and features
Before we get to the differences, let’s talk about the features both motorcycles share amongst each other. Both motorcycles carry an edgy design language which is in line with the current trend present in the market. There is a sizable amount of aggression present in both designs, however, the CB Hornet 160R does manage to render a beefier stance due to the larger tank extensions and wide rear tyre as compared to the X-Blade. Other shared features include hazard lights, full-LED headlamp, body coloured rim stripes and a low maintenance seal chain for final drive. Now, unique to the X-Blade are features like a service due indicator, gear position indicator, under cowl for the engine, dual-outlet exhaust and a hugger fender for the rear wheel. It also has a longer seat making the ride more comfortable along with a pillion.
Engine and transmission
Both motorcycles share the same powertrain, a 163cc air-cooled four-stroke motor paired to a 5-speed gearbox. However, it’s the specs where the difference lies. The X-Blade delivers max power of 13.93bhp at 8500rpm and a peak torque figure of 13.9Nm at 6000rpm. The Hornet, on the other hand, produces 14.9bhp which is slightly more than the X-Blade at the same engine speed. It even registers a little extra torque standing at 14.5Nm than the former but 500rpm higher.
Cycle parts
Built around the same diamond chassis, both bikes employ telescopic forks up front and a monoshock for the rear. Braking is done by 276mm petal disc with a two-piston caliper for the front which is now equipped with ABS. The rear gets a 130mm drum. Notably, the Hornet is available with the option of a rear disc brake (without ABS) which has been skipped for the X-Blade.
Coming to the tyre sizes, the X-Blade comes shod with an 80/100-R17 section tyre for the front and a 130/70-R17 one for the rear. In case of the Hornet, it gets an overall wider profile, a 100/80-R17 up front and a 140/70-R17 for the rear.
On the weighing scale, the X-Blade stands at 142kg which is two kg more than the Hornet’s 140kg. Also, the X-Blade’s wheelbase is 1347mm which is marginally longer by 1mm as compared to the Hornet’s 1346mm.
Purpose and pricing
The CB Hornet 160R targets the 150cc segment and has by far performed well in the market. The X-Blade is Honda’s fresh take on the same segment which is slightly toned down in terms of power and looks. However, it does cover up for its shortcomings with additional features like the gear position indicator, under cowl for engine and dual-outlet exhaust. In terms of price, the X-Blade ABS comes at Rs 87,776 while the CB Hornet 160R ABS rear drum variant retails at Rs 91,443 (all prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi).
