Patent images of a distinctly styled Honda motorcycle are doing the rounds on the internet. This street-naked motorcycle clearly showcases the 160cc engine unit from the recently launched CB Hornet 160R but will mostly compete against the Yamaha M-Slaz 150. The Honda will be significantly cheaper though given it doesn’t run he same technology as the M-Slaz.
While designing a smaller capacity motorcycle, Honda usually scales down their larger bikes. However, the design language on this motorcycle is brand new. The low-positioned headlight, the bulky tank and the large tank extensions give its look the sort of hard-edged feel we haven’t seen in small Hondas yet. The bike also comes with clip-ons instead of a single-piece handlebar. The aggressive tail section is almost in line with the tank. The overall styling clearly is that of a modern street-naked.
Technically, the motorcycle comes with new upside-down forks and the engine coming off the recently-launched, Hornet 160R. It’s a 163cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that produces 15.7bhp at 8500rpm and peak torque of 14.76Nm at 6500rpm. This engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox with one-down four-up shift pattern. The chassis is borrowed from the Hornet as well.
This motorcycle is expected to be sold in Asian markets as the engine does not meet the Euro-4 emissions. It could be launched in India, and will come at a slight premium over the Hornet 160R.
