Suzuki Gixxer ABS vs Honda CB Hornet 160R ABS – Competition Check

Suzuki was the first brand to offer ABS in a premium commuter bike back in August 2017. Although this safety feature was limited to the fully-faired Gixxer SF, it has now been introduced in the Gixxer too. The Honda CB Hornet 160R ABS is the only other streetfighter in the premium commuter segment to be available with ABS. We take a look at how these bikes stack up against each other on-paper –

Design and Features

Despite belonging to the same genre, the Gixxer and Hornet take different approaches towards styling. The Gixxer is lithe and athletic while the Hornet is muscular and brawny. The Gixxer gets a sleek tank which gives it a lightweight look while the one on the Hornet looks hefty and edgy. Both get raked and sharp headlamps, although the Hornet looks trendier thanks to the LED lamps. Both motorcycles get slightly rear-set footrests and a single-piece seat.

They also get fully-digital instrumentation, although the Gixxer benefits from a shift-light.  One of the biggest grouses with the Hornet is the absence of a kill-switch, although it tries to fill the void in the switchgear with a hazard lamp switch.

Engine

Both get air-cooled single-cylinder engines, although the capacities are different. The Gixxer engine displaces 154cc and churns out 14.6bhp and 14Nm of torque. The Hornet engine is bigger, displacing 162cc, and has a higher output of 14.9bhp and 14.5Nm of torque. Nevertheless, the Gixxer is five kilograms lighter, tipping the scales at 135 kilograms. Both the engines are mated to five-speed gearboxes. At 12 litres, the fuel tank capacity is also similar. 

Cycle parts

Both the Gixxer and Hornet ride on telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock with 17-inch wheels. Both get discs at the front and rear although the Hornet benefits from a bigger 276mm disc at the front as opposed to the 266mm unit in the Gixxer. Both get 220mm disc at the rear. 

The ABS offered in both the bikes is a single-channel unit, which works only for the front wheel. Both ride on a similar 100/80 profile front tyre, although the Hornet gets a beefier 140/70 profile radial at the rear. The Gixxer has to make do with a 140/60 profile radial.

Price

The Gixxer ABS has been launched at Rs 87,250. The Honda CB Hornet 160R ABS on the other hand, commands a premium of Rs 90,734. And in case you want to opt for the DLX variant, which gets LED headlamps, that would cost an additional Rs 2,500. All prices are ex-showroom.