carandbike Awards 2021: Premium Commuter Motorcycle Of The Year

Premium commuter motorcycles offer the best of both worlds; very good fuel economy, style, as well as decent performance and dynamics. Over the years, this segment has transformed from 125-150 cc motorcycles and are now knocking on the 200 cc segment. This year's contenders are from the popular 160 cc segment, the new Hero Xtreme 160R, and Honda's updated Hornet, which now gets a bigger 184 cc engine, and is called the Hornet 2.0. Both bikes offer good performance, great dynamics, and decent fuel economy as well. But there can be only one winner, and this one's going to go down to the wire.

Also Read: Entry-Level Modern Classic Motorcycle Nominees For 2021 carandbike Awards

The Honda Hornet 2.0 gets a new 184.4 cc engine and new chassis, and will also take on 200 cc rivals

Honda Hornet 2.0

The Honda Hornet 2.0 replaces the erstwhile Honda CB Hornet 160R, but it's an all-new motorcycle, from the ground up. The Hornet 2.0 gets a new chassis, a bigger engine, and the promise of a sportier personality. The single-cylinder, two-valve, SOHC unit displaces 184.4 cc, and makes 17 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 16.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. With a higher top speed of over 120 kmph, the Hornet 2.0 does boast of decent performance for a commuter motorcycle. The only drawback is the price, which is a little too optimistic.

Also Read: Honda Hornet 2.0 Review

The Honda Hornet 2.0 is slightly pricey, but is a good-looking motorcycle which looks and feels well-built and of high quality

Priced at Rs. 1.28 lakh (Ex-showroom), the Honda Hornet 2.0 is a slightly pricey proposition, and for all practical purposes it knocks on the doors of the 200 cc segment. But the 200s can boast of more power, and better features, and eventually, the Hornet 2.0 will still be on the radar of those looking for a 160 cc motorcycle, but willing to shell out a little extra for that extra power and displacement.

Also Read: Honda Hornet 2.0 Prices Increased by Rs. 1,268

The Hero Xtreme 160R is one of the best-looking motorcycles from Hero MotoCorp right now

Hero Xtreme 160R

The Xtreme 160R is Hero MotoCorp's new premium commuter motorcycle, and Hero's first product in the 160 cc segment. The Xtreme 160R is definitely one of the best-looking motorcycles in Hero MotoCorp's product line-up right now, and it also boasts of a smooth engine, light weight, and easy handling. The 163 cc, single-cylinder, two-valve engine makes 15 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 14 Nm at 6,500 rpm, with maximum speed at just over 115 kmph.

Also Read: Hero Xtreme 160R Review

The Hero Xtreme 160R covers all aspects to make for a very good 160 cc motorcycle

Also Read: Hero Xtreme 160R Gets A Price Hike Of Rs. 1,900

With a kerb weight of 139.5 kg, the Xtreme 160R is light, and is an excellent handler, being nimble and agile. With prices beginning at Rs. 1.03 lakh (Ex-showroom) for the drum brake version, and Rs. 1.07 lakh (Ex-showroom) for the disc brake version, the Xtreme 160R offers a great lightweight package which is quite fuel efficient as well.