Honda Rides Its Most Affordable ADV In India

A few months back, we broke the news  of Honda working on a Hornet 2.0-based ADV. After releasing a bunch of teasers, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has finally launched the new CB200X in India.

What's Its Price? Who Are Its Rivals?

The Honda CB200X has been priced at Rs 1,44,500 (ex-showroom Gurugram), making it Rs 13,318 dearer than the Hornet 2.0. In our market, it primarily takes on the XPulse 200. The Hero ADV is cheaper than the new Honda ADV by up to Rs 24,000.

What's New? 

The most obvious change is the styling of the Honda CB200X. It takes styling cues from its bigger sibling, the Honda CB500X. Honda has also added a few interesting bits such as knuckle guard-mounted LED indicators, a new bash plate, and a taller windshield. For added off-road cred, Honda has equipped the bike with dual-purpose tyres.

Since Honda aims to introduce the idea of touring with this motorcycle, the bikemaker has slightly revised the ergonomics of the CB200X. This has been achieved by using a slightly taller and wider handlebar, which should not just be comfortable for long hours in the saddle but also give better control.

What's Unchanged?

The 184.4cc, single-cylinder from the Honda Hornet 2.0 has been retained and it continues to produce 17.26PS at 8,500rpm and 16.Nm at 6,000rpm. Even the 5-speed transmission has been carried over. However, now, the engine has 5kg extra to lug around thanks to the additional bodywork.

The suspension and braking hardware too remain unchanged. Instead of long-travel suspension, we get the same golden USD fork and monoshock setup. Though Honda has changed the tyres, the CB200X gets a 110/70-17 tyre at the front and a 140/70-17 unit at the back. The Y-spoke alloy wheels and the 276mm/220mm disc setup is shared with the Hornet 2.0 as well.

What Should Have Been Changed?

We would have loved to see Honda equip the CB200X with long-travel suspension and a 19-inch front-wheel to do justice to the ‘X’ suffix. Also, while the competition comes with Bluetooth-enabled consoles, the Honda CB200X continues to feature the same LCD console, which felt a bit dated even on the Hornet 2.0.

ZigSays

At Rs 1.44 lakh, the Honda CB200X is a pricey proposition, especially considering what it has to offer. The Hero XPulse 200 is more affordable by over Rs 20,000 and offers far better kit than the Honda. Let us know if you’d pick the Honda CB200X over the Hero XPulse in the comments below.