Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is getting ready to launch a small-displacement adventure bike. But this new bike will not be a hard-core dual-sport or off-road bike like Honda's global CRF range of bikes. The new bike, expected to be called the Honda NX 200, will be launched on August 19, 2021, and will be based on the 184 cc Honda Hornet 2.0. It will be a crossover, so will have capability to take on rough terrain, and comfortable for long rides, but it won't be an off-road centric dual-sport bike.
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In fact, HMSI has maintained that this new bike will be a 'crossover' based on the 184 cc Honda Hornet 2.0. In October 2020, HMSI President, CEO and MD Atsushi Ogata, in a candid conversation with carandbike, had talked about this new crossover bike, saying that HMSI has extensively invested in the Honda Hornet 2.0 platform, and a crossover could be the next new model based on the same platform. In fact, it may not be called the Honda NX200 as well, and HMSI could well opt for a completely new and different name, like the CB200X. But all that is conjecture at this stage, and more details will be revealed on August 19, 2021. Here's what we expect from the new Honda crossover bike.
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The upcoming Honda adventure motorcycle will get split seats contoured for better comfort
The Honda NX200 (if it's indeed called that), will feature typical ADV styling, with a face which is quite similar to the Honda CB500X, complete with half-fairing and small windscreen. The bike will feature a stepped seat, with pillion comfort kept in mind, and will also feature block pattern tyres to take on rough terrain. The new bike will also get standard hand-guards, as well as a more upright riding position. Apart from these minor details, the teaser videos don't reveal much more of the bike, but we expect very good fit and finish.
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The engine will be shared with the Honda Hornet 2.0, and it's expected to be the exact same unit, with the 184.4 cc engine putting out 17 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 16.1 Nm at 6,000 rpm
The new Honda crossover will be based on the Honda Hornet 2.0 platform, so it will share the same engine, possibly with the same state of tune. The 184.4 cc, single-cylinder engine of the Hornet 2.0 puts out 17 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 16.1 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm and is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The engine gets Honda's programmed fuel injection with 8 on-board sensors which constantly inject optimum fuel and air mixture for better efficiency and performance. We can expect the same engine on the NX200.
Also Read: Honda Hornet 2.0 Review
(The video grab here shows a fat dual-sport rear tyre and a plastic engine bash plate)
The chassis is expected to be the same unit as the Honda Hornet 2.0's but just could feature suspension with slightly more travel, as well as a standard engine bash plate. But to keep costs competitive, chassis, suspension and cycle parts could be exact same specifications as the Honda Hornet 2.0. Considering the Hornet 2.0 gets 167 mm ground clearance, it should be enough for minor 'soft-roading' duties that the new bike will be designed to take on, together with the block pattern tyres. With a kerb weight that will be below 150 kg, it should offer a decent package.
The upcoming bike from Honda is confirmed to be a small-capacity ADV; although Honda is calling it a crossover, in line with its limited adventure capability.
The new Honda crossover adventure touring bike will be priced competitively. It will be slightly more expensive than the Honda Hornet 2.0, and we expect prices to be in the region of Rs. 1.5 lakh (Ex-showroom). At that price, it will closely rival both the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Hero XPulse 200, as well as the Bajaj Dominar 250. While Honda is being pragmatic with limiting the new bike's off-road capability, it will be positioned as a more versatile offering, which can be used easily for the daily commute, with decent pillion comfort, as well as decent adventure capability. All traits that should make the new bike a practical choice, if not the hard-core off-road capable dual-sport a few enthusiasts will seek.
