India’s second-largest two-wheeler maker Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Ltd (HMSI), announced its entry into the premium 180cc-200cc motorcycle segment with the launch of its latest Hornet 2.0 model.
With its Activa range of scooters, the Japanese manufacturer has been overwhelmingly dominant in the automatic scooter market, but considering the motorcycles market, it has struggled to register much success. Manufacturers consider the premium segment motorcycles as more profitable due to their higher margins.
All new Hornet 2.0 will be available in four colors- Pearl Igneous Black, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, Matte Sangria Red Metallic, and Matte Marvel Blue Metallic. The motorcycle will compete with Bajaj‘s Pulsar 200NS and TVS Motor’s Apache 200, available at an ex-showroom price of ₹1.26 lakh.
The Hornet 2.0 gets unique features including a full digital negative liquid crystal meter, a modern engine stop switch, and LED lights have been used throughout. The business began taking pre-bookings for the same and planned delivery from September 1st week. Honda will also provide a 6-year warranty kit (3years standard warranty and an optional 3years extended warranty) on Hornet 2.0. Over the past year, Honda’s former joint venture partner, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, has also seen a pie in the premium segment, with a series of releases in the same segment.
Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India said, the latest Hornet 2.0 is a transformation of Honda’s racing DNA into a pure street riding thrill. The strong higher capacity HET BSVI engine, best-in-class features such as Golden USD front forks, completely digital negative liquid crystal meter, dual, petal disk braking and aggressive architecture improves the overall riding experience.
The Hornet 2.0 provides a new 184cc PGM-FI HET engine that complies with the BS-VI standards. Honda says the Hornet 2.0 provides leading mid-range torque in the segment. Even the latest engine comes with a piston cooling system that serves as heat absorbent and improves fuel efficiency in the process.
The PGM-Fi system continuously injects fuel and air mixture using 8 onboard sensors. It comes with features such as Dual Petal Disk Braking with single-channel ABS and rear suspension with mono-shock. The modern Engine Stop switch allows the ease of shutting off the engine with a flick of a switch. Even the bike gets a hazard turn option to turn on the caution light. The Hornet 2.0 is provided with wider tubeless rear and front tires.
