Honda has launched the updated model of its sporty commuter, the X-Blade BS6, in India. Besides the mandatory revisions to its engine, the company has introduced a few other tweaks to justify the price hike. If you’re planning to buy the motorcycle anytime soon, here are five things you should know about the X-Blade BS6.
Refreshed graphics
Honda hasn’t altered the design of the motorcycle as it was already pretty modern. The front end is dominated by a radical-looking ‘Robo-faced’ LED headlamp with a short tinted visor. This blends with the muscular fuel tank accompanied by sharp extensions, while the rear section is also stylish with a geometric tail lamp and contorted split grab rails. Keeping the overall styling unchanged, Honda has adorned the bike with fresh set of edgy graphics which enhance its visual appeal.
Fuel-injected engine
Powering the X-Blade BS6 is the same 162.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine but the previous carburetor has been replaced by fuel-injector for cleaner emissions. It churns out 13.5bhp and 14.7 which is a marginal drop in power but a hike in torque figure. Transmission duties continue to be handled by a five-speed gearbox.
Nifty features
The only new feature in the X-Blade BS6 is an engine start/stop switch. Other equipments which have been retained include a hazard switch and a fully-digital instrument cluster which consists of a gear position indicator, digital clock and service due indicator, besides the basic information.
Optional rear disc
The Honda X-Blade was previously available only with a front disc brake along with a drum brake at the rear. However, the updated bike can also be had with discs at both ends at an additional cost. Rest of the hardware remains unchanged. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloy wheels which are suspended by telescopic forks and a monoshock. The kerb weight of the bike stands at 143kg while the fuel tank capacity is 12 litres.
Price hike
The Honda X-Blade BS6 has become unjustifiably expensive over its BS4 counterpart, considering the number of updates it has received. The front disc model of the bike is pegged at Rs 1,06,687 which is a steep premium of around Rs 17,000 over the outgoing version. Meanwhile, the dual disc model is further expensive at Rs 1,10,968 (both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).
